Anxiety Support Groups
Offer Help and Healing
Before she started attending an anxiety support group,
Janice felt isolated in her suffering, like she was the
only person in the world who was paralyzed by her fears.
“For years, I felt like I was a freak or something,” said Janice. “My family couldn’t understand what was wrong with me. I knew there was nothing rational about my fears but I thought there was nothing I could do to control them until I started attending the anxiety support group in my city.”
Janice started attending the anxiety support group at the recommendation of her doctor, who also prescribed medication for her anxiety disorder. At the anxiety support group meetings, Janice learned that she is not alone.
In her thought-provoking book titled “Calming Words,” Dr. Jeannette Kavanagh points out that learning you are not alone in your suffering can be very therapeutic. “When people learn that there are millions of people who suffer from anxiety, they feel less isolated and that boosts self confidence.”
For Janice, the support group was a major tuning point. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I wish I had started attending the anxiety support group years ago because I could have spared myself a lot of suffering.”
Anxiety support groups help people empower themselves and others on the path to recovery. Participants in anxiety support groups share “war stories” with each other and offer coping tips that have worked for them.
A social anxiety support group can end the isolation of suffering alone with a disorder that is disruptive and debilitating for the affected individual and for those around him or her. An effective anxiety support group will help members on their path to recovery through mutual support as well as provide them with updated information about causes and treatments.
For a list of Anxiety Support Groups in your area, call the Self-Help Group Network of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
The number is 240-485-1001.