I have my first ever support group meeting tonight and cant believe how nervous I am.  I know its going to be absolutely fine, but this will be the first time I will have met a group of people in a similar situation to me.  Talking to you all on here is one thing but actually meeting people in the flesh and talking face to face is totally different and seems kinda scary in a way.  However, I aint gonna chicken out so just wish me luck !!

Becky
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Becky,

You'll warm up to it pretty quick.  The people there will have similar problems and issues (not even related to TS'ism).  You might even find that you enjoy it.  Best of luck to you!

Chin up!

Cindi

New situations are often scary.  Just leave any preconceived ideas outside, and take with you enthusiasm, and an open mind.  Keep us posted on how it goes.

Steph

Well I am still alive, they didn't kidnap me and lock me in the boot of a car after all !! 

Wow, not quite sure where to start to be honest as I don't know where the evening has gone.  I turned up on time at 7:30pm which has got to be a first as I never get anywhere on time.  I was the first person there and it was starting to look a little as though no one was coming !!  However, people started to turn up and after the usual introductions everyone just started talking about things, ranging from the serious to the hilarious.  At about 9:00pm we left the meeting place and went for a drink, nattered about a few things and made a few plans about possible nights out and things we could do as a group where we live.  So there you have it, all in all I had a really enjoyable evening. 

Becky
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So the ice has been broken.  So it wasn't so bad after all huh.  So do you plan on going again or was this a one time shot?

Steph

Well and truly broken Steph and it was just fab !!  Am deffo going again as dont want to miss out on anything, lol.  Meetings are the 2nd Monday of every month so am going to make sure I plan my shifts in work so I can fit it in no problems !! 

Becky
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That's awesome hun! I've been looking to join a support group for so long...need to talk to some people, cause I get no support in real life, other than the people who know I'm out and are fine with it...but I feel like I can't talk openly about my problems to non-TS people for fear they won't understand, or get overwhelmed. Or most often, get taken back when I'm judged, which only makes me feel worse at that moment. Take every opportunity to get to know the people at your meetings...It might help a great deal in the long run.

Thanks zombiesarepeaceful, I must admit that I am still rather chuffed with myself for going !!

I understand where you are coming from but dont underestimate the value of non-TS people in regards to support.  Yes, there are certain specifics of what we deal with and feel that they wont understand, but you dont always need to have someone who understands how you feel.  I know when I first started dealing with how I felt it was great to just have someone to "talk at" rather than "talk to".  Sometimes you just need to get things off your chest.  But there are times when it feels great to just sit down and  talk about how you feel with people who have been through what you have or are still going through it.

And I will certainlly be taking the time to get to know everyone at the meetings. 

If you have a support group near you then I would simply say too drop them a mail/give them a call and say you would like to come along.  To use your own words - "it might help a great deal in the long run".

Becky
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