support group question
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support group question
| Sat, 12-30-2006 - 10:35am |
i have a question about panic/anxiety support groups...there is one where i live but i am concerned about the whole confidentiality thing...the woman who runs the program has assured me that i need not be concerned but i am...how can i be totally sure that what i devulge to these people will not be "taken to the streets" so to speak...any advice would be much appreciated...

I've been to support groups before and I worried about the same thing. It was really helpful and I enjoyed getting my feelings out with people who KNEW what I was talking about and could offer advice, instead of just nodding their head. I would think that everyone in the group kind of feels the same way you do, there's always that "what if" factor, but I believe the bonds that you form in the group keeps anyone from "telling your tales". Give it a try, you don't have to spill all your beans just yet, get to know the people in your group and learn to trust the "system" in which support groups operate. Maybe find one that isn't in your immediate area. Best wishes and you know in the mean time, that this list is here and there is more support here than a pair of Leggs :)
Blessings,
Amy
Hello & welcome to our caring community! It's great that you found us. You are very lucky to have a support group nearby. They are a great way to learn new coping skills & share your experiences with others. I am sooo jealous;) We don't have anything like that in our rural area.
I would say that having been a member of a support group & a psych nurse who is trained to lead support groups, confidentiality isn't an issue. People are told the rules of the group from the get-go. It's a matter of trust, that if someone should divulge what they saw or heard about you, you would have the same option to divulge something about them. It's sort of *self-policing*. I know that most people who go for group support need to & want to. They take it seriously & are focused on getting themselves well & functioning fully again. Going just to see who's in attendance or what they have to say probably is the last thing on their mind.
It's up to you what you decide to divulge.I feel you & your privacy are safe. You have the assurance of the group leader. Please let us know how it goes. Alot of us are curious as to what's out there in the way of treatment. Good luck & GBU! Don't be a stranger. (((hugs))) jan
hi jan..thanks for your input...i'm a very private person so hence why i brought up that q...i think it's really great that i can come to ivillage and find these message boards on topics like anxiety/depression etc...it truly is helpful...thks again
sher
Sheri Ann