Support group

[tinkerbell971]

I’ve just noticed that there is a support group in my local area at the beginning of January. Has anyone ever been to a support group? If so what type of things do you do/talk about? It would be nice to go after being diagnosed in September 😊

[mimibutterfly]

Hi, I too am newly diagnosed (Oct this year) and I have been to 3 support group meetings in my area. It's a new group so the numbers are building up but I have found them really helpful. There is never any pressure to talk. We tend to start with a general chit chat and introduction. It's mainly just endo stuff we chat about, things that are helping, what hospitals people are under etc. As we are a new group we then discuss what we would like from our group, so we're thinking of speakers we would like to come in etc. It is such a lovely group and everyone is welcoming. Try and get to one if you can, and look if you hate it it's only a couple of hours of your life and you never have to go again, but it has the potential to be something really helpful and possibly life changing! And remember, everyone was new and nervous at some point, let me know how you get on if you make it xX

[tinkerbell971 in reply to mimibutterfly]

I think I’m going to go I may aswell go and see what it’s like. Are you allowed to take anyone with you or do you go on your own? Xx

[mimibutterfly in reply to tinkerbell971]

One woman brought her mum for support who stayed for the meeting and another woman came with her partner once but he just dropped her off, he said hi to us then waited somewhere else for her. Then other people come alone, do whatever is best for you. We all understand how hard it is to walk in to a group for the first time. I really think you should give it a go, I find the groups really helpful, just hearing other people's stories makes you feel less alone with this illness. We share tips too which is useful. Let me know if you make it and how it goes xX

[mimibutterfly in reply to tinkerbell971]

See if your local group has a facebook page, they may share information on there about how well attended your group is and if there's a speaker attending etc

[tinkerbell971 in reply to mimibutterfly]

I will have a look. I’m definately going to go. Thank you cxx