Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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How do I build a "support system"?

Kikio
Kikio

My therapist gives me an assignment every two weeks to work on for our next appointment. 


Most of the time it's things like journaling topics CBT stuff.


This time she wants me to build a "support team". Because I was taking to her about the same things I was saying here....that (other than DS) I don't have any support people.


How the heck am I supposed to do that?


There's ABSOLUTLY NO ONE    in my life I actually talk to and feel safe sharing everything with. Not family not my husband.  I've developed a few surface level friends at church I think but Nothing deep that I can share my feelings and emotions with and certainly no one I can ask for help from. My anxiety just won't let me.


I told her I would try, but I don't think it's possible yet for me. 


I know a support team would help my anxiety.


But


How can I form a support team if my anxiety is too high to allow me to talk to anyone?



Bobby5000
Bobby5000
First your therapist may be delicately trying to wean this off- "no one I can ask for help from. My anxiety just won't let me." The idea is that the anxiety doesn't completely dictate things. Maybe you can improve your relations with your church friends even with some anxiety you feel. And if you feel mostly but not completely safe with your husband, he can still play some type of support role.
Kikio
Kikio
I've been working at it with the people at church for 3 years. At first I said nothing to anyone. Over that 3 years I have gradually worked up to saying hi and short casual conversation, but beyond that I still have a "freeze" or "fawn" response, even and few full blown panic attacks.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
Ha, I wish I knew how to "get a support system"! That seems like a lot to put on you, what your therapist said. It is NOT that easy! Don't feel bad, I think the therapist is asking a lot... and maybe you are not in that place right now in your therapy.

I would ask your therapist - how are you supposed to do that, exactly? What ideas does the therapist have?

You're not alone in this. A lot of us have difficulties getting a good support system around us. And even when we find people, they either are too busy, or move away.... circumstances are always changing.

You are doing your best!
Scaredandafraid
Scaredandafraid
That’s the beauty of something like this. Notice how freely both of you are able to speak? While you might not have the physical connection it is still possible to gain a support system through here. Finding people that push your interest, engage them in conversation and see if the comfort builds to see if you are able to rely and confide
Kikio
Kikio
*hugs* girlincalif.
I will definitely be asking her that. Thank you I was freaking out and overwhelmed by what I see as an impossible task for me right now.

Everyone here is definitely a support for me.
My therapists might see it differently because of the lack of physical and verbal connection.
I don't know I'll ask about that too. I know the goal is for me to be able to engage in, in person conversation.

I'm just not there yet. Trying, failing not there yet .

But I most Definitely consider everyone here as a support team.
Scaredandafraid
Scaredandafraid
That’s a starting point. You get the comfort here and you have a whole squad cheering you on you can share your attempts with and we will assists support you in every thing you encounter Good and bad
Tired
Tired
I understand how hard it is to make connections with people. I have had
anxiety my whole life. Start small is all I know to do. Definitely ask your therapist how she expects you to make support connections. And start with tiny steps.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
I too had much difficulty creating a support system. My friends here. - group on Facebook. I met someone in a Facebook group who lives in a different country and we have virtual coffee once a week and text all the time. I also have my pastor, a couple of people from church. I’m in a ladies prayer group and I feel valued there. Creating a support group takes time but I absolutely believe that online friends can be a part of a support network!
jannytheresa
jannytheresa
I agree it's not an easy task to just create a support system
I think a lot of people find it hard to know how to go about
finding friends. Unless you enjoy going out to bars or have a lot of friends to begin with, it's hard to know where to begin.
People always mention meet up groups but most people I know have a hard time with that. I recently learned of some peer support centers throughout our state which provide. access to a warm line, and some have activities during the day and consumer run respite centers for people who may need a few nights away to regroup. I found These under NAMI. If you're part of a church as Sunshine mentioned, that can offer a lot of groups etc.
Prycejosh1987
Prycejosh1987
God listens to cries of His people. But even someone who doesnt believe can get an answer from God. He talks through the bible, and through circumstances. Your conscience will speak to you and your spirit will guide you to making good choices, which work future. You would save alot of money if you spent more time praying to God.
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