I’ve been in a bad way for a long time and need to get it sorted. Decided to attend a few days ago and the meeting is tonight.
However, I’m not good at communicating my feelings and hate speaking in front of people as am shy at first. I’m getting nervous to the point where I’m worried I won’t go in. I’ve read that they pass a football about and you have to answer a few questions when you get the ball. Honestly this sounds like hell to me.
Just wondering if someone could comment on what actually happens so I can try and put my mind at ease.
8 comments
In case nobody with first hand experience answers. My cousin helped set one up and I know you have nothing to worry about. There will be others there who felt just like you on their first visit and will welcome without fanfare. Be brave. You are taking a step towards a better future. Good luck.
I’ve never been but I bet if you say to someone there pretty much all you’ve written here, they’ll take it into account and let you basically stay quiet.
I can’t imagine they would force you to speak in front of everyone, especially straight off. It would put too many people off going.
You’re not forced to speak or join in, and there’s no judgement if you just want to listen. Speak when you’re ready, at this meeting or a future one, or not at all. I know a few people who’ve been and found them useful.
This is (or started) very local too me, never heard the football thing but it wouldnt suprise me, personally i find them to be all about the likes etc.
If possible get a therapist privately, i pay £50 a session, and i have to say without him i wouldnt be here now.
Theres also talkworks you can refer yourself to or your doctor can (good luck getting past the receptionist) but im convinced they just read from a list on a screen. AKA a call centre.
Thats just my opinion. And could just be the local one too me.
I’ve heard lots of positive experiences with the local one. The whole point of it is for men who are experiencing similar issues to you to find somewhere to develop positive relationships and build personal resilience.
It’s very much a peer support network, with a lot of lived experience to help guide you. Good luck, and I wish you well on your recovery journey.
As a Mental Health First Aider, the first step is going.
See how you feel, but you going is key, especially knowing that you’re not 100%.
While I appreciate you’ll be nervous, remember that everyone there is there to support you.
I do hope you attended, try and build a support network outside of the group too, this will become key to your healing.
I’ve been.
There are 5 questions, 3 standard ones. You don’t have to answer or speak if you don’t want to. It’s a very supportive environment. People go with all sorts of issues, debt, substance misuse bereavement, depression neurodiversity, plus many more.
I found it a place I could talk about what was going on for me, with no judgement.
I would wholeheartedly recommend. Go and see if helps, and it’s free.
Yes and don’t worry. I actually left feeling worse, guys there have way more issues than what I thought I had.