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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mikhail99 on December 19, 2002, at 13:51:16
Hi all,
Just wondered if there was such a thing and if anyone had any success with them? I asked my therapist to see if he knew of any and he hasn't returned my reminder call. He's adorable but really, really aggravating.
Thanks!
Posted by mist on December 19, 2002, at 19:33:37
In reply to Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by Mikhail99 on December 19, 2002, at 13:51:16
They do exist but it depends where you are. If you can't find one in your area I suggest starting one. Personally, I wouldn't use the 12-step model. Just a simple format where each person speaks and gets responses from others would work, with some guidelines for supportive vs. unsupportive responses.
I have been to some groups and found them very helpful. I think they're particularly good for people who are socially isolated as a result of depression (or anything else) because they connect you with others who can relate to what you're going through.
Recovery, Inc. is also an interesting organization and has groups all over. They use a unique CBT approach and have a website.
Posted by mikhail99 on December 19, 2002, at 21:44:02
In reply to Re: Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by mist on December 19, 2002, at 19:33:37
> They do exist but it depends where you are. If you can't find one in your area I suggest starting one. Personally, I wouldn't use the 12-step model. Just a simple format where each person speaks and gets responses from others would work, with some guidelines for supportive vs. unsupportive responses.
>
> I have been to some groups and found them very helpful. I think they're particularly good for people who are socially isolated as a result of depression (or anything else) because they connect you with others who can relate to what you're going through.
>
> Recovery, Inc. is also an interesting organization and has groups all over. They use a unique CBT approach and have a website.
Thanks Mist, that's great information. I'll check into Recovery, Inc. I live in Colorado, near Colorado Springs and there doesn't seem to be much. Thanks again!
Posted by Tabitha on December 20, 2002, at 0:23:06
In reply to Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by Mikhail99 on December 19, 2002, at 13:51:16
I tried one that was a branch of national depression and manic depression association (NDMDA), but I don't know if they'd be in a smaller town like Co Springs. It wasn't that good. The group was too large, and people walked in and out throughout the time (it was in a hospital, and many were patients). Because of that it didn't really feel very safe or confidential. There were also manic people who would interrupt and talk out of turn. THen there were people who would come in once to ask basic questions, maybe about a relative who was just diagnosed, and time was spent educating them, then they'd never show up again. It was just too chaotic. The one thing I got from it was seeing people who were obviously manic making arguments about why they didn't need medication, and recognizing some of those arguments. It helped break what was left of my denial.
Posted by fuzzymind on December 20, 2002, at 2:43:56
In reply to Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by Mikhail99 on December 19, 2002, at 13:51:16
> Hi all,
>
> Just wondered if there was such a thing and if anyone had any success with them? I asked my therapist to see if he knew of any and he hasn't returned my reminder call. He's adorable but really, really aggravating.
>
> Thanks!6 years ago, my shrink wanted me to go to a partial day hospital group therapy. I didn't, panicked , my therapist gave me an ultimatum, and I didn't go back. Bitch. I thought I was slowly improvong, but apparently she wanted instant results for her batting average. Only go to group if you really want to. Don't let anyone forsce you . Well I have sever social anxiety and avoidant personality disordr, and my shrink was stronarming me to go to group therapy, not even an anxiety goup, but with a group of people who could have beeen criminally insane, according to her.
Posted by Mikhail99 on December 20, 2002, at 9:04:05
In reply to Re: Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by Tabitha on December 20, 2002, at 0:23:06
> I tried one that was a branch of national depression and manic depression association (NDMDA), but I don't know if they'd be in a smaller town like Co Springs. It wasn't that good. The group was too large, and people walked in and out throughout the time (it was in a hospital, and many were patients). Because of that it didn't really feel very safe or confidential. There were also manic people who would interrupt and talk out of turn. THen there were people who would come in once to ask basic questions, maybe about a relative who was just diagnosed, and time was spent educating them, then they'd never show up again. It was just too chaotic. The one thing I got from it was seeing people who were obviously manic making arguments about why they didn't need medication, and recognizing some of those arguments. It helped break what was left of my denial.
EEK! That does sound chaotic! Thanks for sharing your experience though, I'll keep it in mind.
Posted by Mikhail99 on December 20, 2002, at 9:06:52
In reply to Re: Anxiety or Depression Support Groups?, posted by fuzzymind on December 20, 2002, at 2:43:56
> > Hi all,
> >
> > Just wondered if there was such a thing and if anyone had any success with them? I asked my therapist to see if he knew of any and he hasn't returned my reminder call. He's adorable but really, really aggravating.
> >
> > Thanks!
>
> 6 years ago, my shrink wanted me to go to a partial day hospital group therapy. I didn't, panicked , my therapist gave me an ultimatum, and I didn't go back. Bitch. I thought I was slowly improvong, but apparently she wanted instant results for her batting average. Only go to group if you really want to. Don't let anyone forsce you . Well I have sever social anxiety and avoidant personality disordr, and my shrink was stronarming me to go to group therapy, not even an anxiety goup, but with a group of people who could have beeen criminally insane, according to her.
>
>EEK AGAIN! I've been thinking about going because I used to be in a group years ago (when I was in the military, can you believe it?) and I just found it a good way to keep my perspective. My therapist thinks it's a good idea as long as it's helpful and productive (duh). Thanks for sharing your experience, I'll definitely keep that in mind as well.
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