Group Therapy #2

[EricJones]

So i went to my second group therapy. It went well, know seemed to be paying much attention to my body language (like I'm afraid of) no one seemed to see me see them carrying on and being themselves. (hyper focusing on them). But the one thing I cant stop from happening is hearing background sounds such as: someone typing on a keyboard or or the crinkling of a water bottle as someone drinks it, or someone smacking their lips while they're chewing. I also cant stop focusing on people body movements and the actions they choose to make such as: (adjusting their bodies to sit more comfortably). These are still the problems i need to somehow cope with.

[Shnookie]

U should be proud that U went to another session. If U R very sensitive to the movements of other people in the group, perhaps U might consider individual therapy either in person, by phone or something like Zoom. It’s a process that U R going thru and it might take time for you to adjust to this.

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

Hello EricJones

I'm glad that your 2nd group therapy went well. I, too, tend to struggle with zoning out and focusing on little things around me. Like the clock on the wall ticks or noticing someone's socks has little ducks on them and then wondering where they got them from because they are cute 😂

I guess it's my way of keeping myself distracted so I don't become anxious.

I find that many people don't notice things around them unless you are intensely staring at them. Many people are just concerned about themselves. Like how you worry if people are watching you. They might be wondering if people are annoyed with them clearing their throat too much or gulping water too loudly because when they get nervous they get bad cottonmouth.

But proud of you for continuing this journey. It's not easy with social anxiety. But here you are tending group therapy! Proud of you. Wishing you healing and peace 🫂❤️

[EricJones in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

yeah thanks I appreciate it, so you think people are oblivious to what others are doing unless you stare at them or talk to them?

[Mohammad-341]

Therepy will surely help please continue. U may also post ur thought here that will help

[Rowshell]

Hey Eric... I'm proud of you for making it to your 2nd group therapy. The fact that you're still going is amazing because it really is beneficial for you. I remember the first time in group therapy..1st why am I here...2nd too many people looking at me so lemme sit in a corner and try and make myself small and unnoticeable. I didn't share for at least a month because I was so scared and then all of my thoughts..who wants to hear that stuff? However, I've learned that all of my thoughts and feelings are valid. What I have to say is valid and I deserve to take up space..be seen..and heard. None of this happened over night. I know the first times I started to speak I wanted to run and hide. Yet again any feelings.. thoughts...sensations all of them are valid and you will eventually get used to it. Have you tried fidget toys? Try having something in your hands that will help bring you back to the present..and may even ground you so you're more a little more comfortable with these new experiences. You are so brave for continuing something that's difficult and sticking to it. You've got this..small steps... deep breathing..and keep showing up for you.

[EricJones in reply to Rowshell]

but does keep showing up actually work? if i keep showing up but i'm always anxious to do so...will the anxiety continue or will it eventually go down?