Support group

[Strongest123]

I’m looking to find an anxiety support group in my area. I’m actually having a hard time. I live in North Jersey. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions? Thank you Samson

[RainneLim]

Hello,

Welcome to the group. I think just coming to this group is already taking a step forward to getting better. Whatever you are thinking and feeling, don't hesitate to post here. You will realize how an amazing group of people are in this forum, how open-minded everyone is and how everyone wants to help you out.

Don't hesitate to tell us how you feel. Cause we most likely feel the same, and won't ever let you feel alone.

[Strongest123 in reply to RainneLim]

Thank you so much. I feel like I’m at my wits end. I had a rough weekend I just hope I never have a nervous breakdown. And I know I need to be strong not just for myself but for my little girl who absolutely adores me. She’s just 7 and she has seen my crying before. I’ve been disabled for a couple of years now due to severe depression, but lately it’s been my anxiety that’s been taking a toll. I have my little girl with me today she’s such a blessing. I felt like crying my eyes out a little while ago but I don’t want her to see me like that. Samson

[RainneLim in reply to Strongest123]

I totally understand how you feel. My depression was the core of me not getting my life together and not socializing. Now, it's my anxiety too.

And I think you are amazing to staying strong for the little one. She will be your strength and inspiration. And if you do get another nervous breakdown, I hope you remember that you embrace that fear first and then you use it. Tell it you are afraid, but you will conquer. I know you will!

[Strongest123 in reply to RainneLim]

Thank you for your help and support I have so many blessings to be grateful for but I just keep thinking about all the negative in my life.

[RainneLim in reply to Strongest123]

And that's okay. It's okay to think negative because that shows how human you are. How people like us who go through depression are people who are empathetic. And though it sucks that we deal and face this challenge in our lives, it makes us even more amazing and beautiful.

The way I am coping with my anxiety (and still learning how to do it) is to rewire my brain into directing these negative thoughts into positive thoughts.

"If I were gone or if I were to disappear, what bad things would come out of it?"

And I tell myself. My family and friends would be sad. I wouldn't have gotten to travel. I wouldn't have gotten married yet. I won't get to seem my siblings grow up. I wouldn't enjoy the small things in life like feeling the sun on my skin and smelling the lake air.

I want to get married. I want to travel. I want to see my siblings grow and have kids. I want to keep moving forward because if I were gone, I can't do any of this so screw these negative thoughts because I want to keep going. No just for me but for also the people I want to live with.

Basically, doing a double negative to tell myself that I want to keep moving forward helps me not completely get our of my depression or anxiety, but at least helps me think more logically. I still feel sad or worried, but my mind kind of separates from the symptoms.

Remember, depression and anxiety are symptoms, but they do not define who we are and what we want in life. So you got this! I believe in you!

[Strongest123 in reply to RainneLim]

Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. Your words mean a lot. I must admit Iam fighting this thing. But wow what a fight. Thanks again and blessings to you and yours. Samson

[Indigojoe in reply to Strongest123]

Samson,

get a hold of the Chamber of Commerce in your town. Ask them what support groups are available in your area.

Also call the local hospital and ask for the social service department and ask them too.

Various venues, like Churches, Emotions Anonymous, Senior Centers, or Senior living facilities might have those answers for you too.

If you have a small local newspaper or a weekly alternative magazine that comes out in the local book stores, or local restaurants, sometimes there are adds in there for support groups.

Hope that helps.