IOP Program

[Daisy425]

I start my IOP program on Thursday. This meets three times a week for three hours each session. I’ll be with 18-25 year olds (I’m 25). I chose this program because I am teaching summer school this summer in the mornings and my routine and work really helps minimize anxiety. My day to day anxiety is very manageable, but when I do something out of the normal routine I get incredibly anxious, like when traveling. My therapist thought this program would help. I’m a little nervous. I have a fear of talking in front of groups of people. I won’t know anyone there. It’s scary.

[Artistfriend]

Youll probably enjoy it with people your own age, at the very least youll learn some new things.

Its totally normal for people with anxiety to get anxious trying new things. You always manage to push through and thats what it takes 👍

[bonkers65]

I think it'll be a good thing. Meet people you can relate to. Yeah you'll probably be nervous at first but it'll get better.

[designguy]

As someone who had social anxiety my suggestion is to be brave and go there purposely with the intent to put yourself out there in order to heal. It is very helpful to do exposure therapy and to also congratulate yourself for any wins no matter how small they are. Purposely do things that would normally embarrass yourself in order to convince yourself that no one really cares, except you and accept that SA causes you to blow things up totally out of perspective and totally distorts how you think people perceive you and how you perceive others.

[ElephantsHear]

Hi Daisy, I often have the opposite reaction; I talk too much when I’m anxious. I think you’ll be surprised how supportive others in the group will be; if you have a good facilitator, you’ll learn better coping strategies, and tips to make life a little easier (that you can share ; )