Social anxiety in support group
Hey,
I've been going to an online zoom support group. This particular one is very free-form/no structure. I felt really frustrated today, because nobody really talked about any of their issues and just talked about movies/tv. I feel frustrated when the facilitator doesn't ask any questions or anything to help people be more vulnerable. I guess my goal is to next time try to share one thing, maybe a small thing and not all my struggles.
Day
@Daydreamer47 Hi Day! I can understand how you would be frustrated because you are there for support, yet it seems like more of a social hour. Are you able to give feedback to the facilitator or the organization as a whole? I think this is definitely something that you should be able to let them know about because you are there for a certain reason and it doesn't seem that your needs are being met. I hope you are able to give feedback or find another support group that supports you better! 💗 I am thinking of you!
@fruityPond7887 Hi Fruity! Thanks for your response. I think there is a feedback survey they share sometimes but I couldn't find it. If someone shares it the next time, I will write a suggestion. I think it's also sort of inertia of being vulnerable in a group. I think I if I take a step to be vulnerable a bit, or I could even write it in the chat of the zoom, maybe others will start to open up as well. The facilitator may think "I don't want to push people to be vulnerable if they don't want to".
@Daydreamer47 Yeah, I can see that too! It's a very fine line that support groups have to be careful of. Sometimes it may just be chit-chat if people just need a little bit of support and that's the best way for them to connect and feel comfortable before opening up. I hope things improve and you are happier with how the group is run! I am thinking of you!
I filled out the feedback form for the group today. I also raised my hand to share about my breakup a little bit. Still feel like I shared like 1/10 of what I was struggling with. Maybe I can make a goal of raising my hand on zoom two times per group or something.
@Daydreamer47 That's really great! I am glad you decided to fill out the feedback form and that you felt comfortable sharing. I think any step is progress and I really like the goal that you set for yourself! You got this :)
