Can't find a support group in my area.

[Be Braver]

I'm trying to find a support group in my area, but there literally aren't ANY in NJ how is that even possible?!

 

[user27357]

getting onboard here, I am in Oregon and found the same when I went looking. I think in Portland they call them "sports bars".

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I learned as I was calling around to find support that the only support groups made available for ptsd issues were strictly military related, but eventually, the local sexual and domestic violence shelter created a space for folks to meet once a week.

One of the community outreach hospital staff I spoke to in trying to find options was really pissed when she realized how little is made available to help address one of the biggest community issues, and she continued to thank me for making her so painfully aware.

Keep reaching out, keep asking, and call the shelters in your community, if there are any. If they never have requests for it, they need not follow through. They still may not, but you never know.

 

[hymnless]

There’s only one unreligious support group for trauma (non-combat) where I live and it’s run by a good friend’s wife. Granted she’s a therapist but still, that’s not happening. Nope nope nope nope nope nope. Good luck- keep reaching out and it will payoff!

 

[EveHarrington]

I think they are hard to find because we all just want to isolate!

 

[Nessa7]

The United Way is good at keeping track of groups. I've found that in my state they know about a lot more of them than are listed online.

I'm in one for mental health generally that I enjoy. It might be worth considering if you can't find one for PTSD or your specific trauma.

 

[joeylittle]

Try looking up your local chapter of the national alliance for mental illness - www.nami.org

They are good about cataloguing various mental health support groups.

 

[Be Braver]

Thanks everyone! I found one I may be able to go to but who knows...

 

[nowthisisme]

Thanks everyone! I found one I may be able to go to but who knows...

Hey :)
I'm wondering have you ever been able to go? How was your experience? I hope you were able to find something that works for you!

 

[Crow]

I ended up going to a mood disorder support group. Some things are different but overall very helpful. My T believes most mood disorders are undiagnosed PTSD and I'm beginning to understand why.

 

[8888]

I'm in New Jersey too. Here's a good website for finding support groups in NJ. Like others said, maybe if not for PTSD there for something related, such a general mental health.

http://www.njgroups.org/

 

[SeekingAfrica]

I totally know how this feels. I am looking for such where I am. There were some AA/NA, but the only ones about anxiety, depression, or abuse were paid groups through private psych centers...

I really wish there was a group somewhere here. I feel like there are days I just wish there was someone I can call and talk to who can understand.