How can I overcome a fear of attending a support group such as Al-Anon?

Answer 1

Just go. You are probably just afraid of what you don’t understand. It may help to know that your fear is normal, just so it is not over riding your need to get help or improve your life. Understand that you can always leave if you are uncomfortable, you do not need to speak or even identify your self, you can just sit and listen.


Just do it,
mike dean
www.ClickAwayCancer.com
www.ClickAwayHunger.com

Answer 2

First time I walked into an Al-anon meeting was scary as can be. I was still in denial and did not figure that telling anyone else about my troubles would do any good.

I found out though, that you dont have to say a word, that you will not be judged, that you can listen learn and get what you can from it.

I think I got to the parking lot of a meeting about a dozen times before I ever got up the nerve to walk in the door :)

Just do it - its the only way. You will be suprised once you go a few times how much you look forward to it.

Hang in there.

Answer 3

The phrase "Just do it" has become a trite cliche, even though
it often requires us to have the courage to do something
we "feel" that we can't. And that feeling can be strong.
Anticipatory anxiety is usually much, much worse than
how a person feels once they force themselves over a hurdle.
If you can go, you might feel like you belong there, and that
will change your whole perception of the idea.
Just remember that community support groups are not
perfect, so don't go with particular expectations or hopes,
but there's a good chance you'll be glad you went, plus the
feeling of accomplishment itself.

Answer 4

As a mental health professional, I would suggest taking a friend or family member whom you trust implicitly with you to the first meeting so that you feel more comfortable. You don't have to say anything your first time unless you want to! Take all the time you need to feel safe in your group before you share things that you are scared to share. Keep in mind that everyone in your group has those feelings of reservation and noone is there to judge you. They are probably just as afraid of you judging them! I think if you attend as an observer, you will see that it is not as scary as you think and that you can benefit greatly from getting to know other people who have similar experiences to you. :)

Answer 5

Just remember that you do not have to do or say anything. It is perfectly acceptable to just go and observe. Call the contact number and ask what a meeting is like and exactly what to expect for that group.

Other than that, just go! See what happens. If you are OK meeting new people, get there a few minutes early and talk to some of the others - you will see they are just regular folks.

Answer 6

Try and find someone close to you that can attend the first few meetings with you. Once you get started you should be able to go on your own since, by then, you should have made some connections there.

Answer 7

The more meetings you attend the less fear you will have. Keep going and soon you will be fine and probably look forward to going. My wife did that for about a year.

Answer 8

Remember every member of the group probably had the same fear at the start. They'll understand your reluctance. Just give it a chance.

Answer 9

you have to want to be sober so so bad .then it wont be a problem.You can have a friend go with you that will make it easier.

I am Happy to say that this Sept,28 I will be 11 yrs sober..
my family now celebrate my real birthday ...Just my sobriety birthday which is great cause I get to here how much better I am do and that helps alot. Much luck to to you take things day by day.

Answer 10

i went through this ith my dad. i was scared too because i didnt know what i expect. but i guess i got over it by just reassuring myself that this was the best thing for my dad and that my presence there would really help him through his rehab. i knew it was important to him that i attend these meetings with him, so that just became the most important thing. i also read alot about al-anon meetings, about what happens, and what to expect, so i didnt have any surprises when i got there - everything was pretty much what i expected so nothing "scary" happened. it is always hard to be there listening to other peoples stories and hardships, but if you just prepare yourself for hearing them, youll be fine.