12 step groups for anxiety?

[Zoecat]

Hi A, thanks for your reply. Yes, I don't know if it would be a cure as such, but helpful for some people. I don't think there is any one thing which is a 'cure' for mental health problems - usually takes a variety of help from different places (social, professional, medical, individual), depending on the the individual. I think I was coming from the angle of community/social support, as mental health problems can be so isolating, and can be hard on families of those suffering, which can make things worse. I'm speaking from my own experience really, and what I thought would help me, after chats with people who have used AA groups.

Anyway, good luck with your studies, it's a long haul training to be a psychologist!

[anthrokid]

Yes, now that I know what side you were coming from I do agree. Such a group would be great in terms of supporting people with depression/anxiety. There should be support groups for depression/anxiety in different regions, however they aren't likely to be in a 12-step format. There are several mental health organisations in my region that provide group-based therapy for sufferers - the format of such sessions is more of a group support setting than therapy. There may be some such services in your area that aren't advertised online; however, generally GPs and other mental health services have details of these if you were interested in enquiring.

[MyNameIsTerry]

Hi Zoecat,

There are some in the UK, they are run by charities. In Staffordshire (now extending into the Derbyshire border) there is one called Changes (Google Changes Stoke On Trent to easily find them). They are linked up with other services, I know they are under the same bracket as the charity providing CBT for GP referrals in the same city.

I attended the walk in sessions for over a year and they were very similar to AA as there was a alcoholic their who attended both to cover boths sides of his issues. They were very informal and the whole charity is staffed (and was started) by current or recovered sufferers. It's free or you can pay a small monthly fee to support them.

They also ran socials and a variety of CBT based courses.

They had a 12 step recovery protocol but it was more a road to wellness, not a course to recover. So, just a guide on how to move forwards.

An interesting philosophy that they promoted was that recovery doesn't mean returning to a previous state. This can be taken either way really, weaker or stringer, but it was aimed to removing the pressure of conforming to a previous way of existing.

I have seen another on in the north somewhere but I can't remember what it was called.

Changes were expanding their services into other counties as they had a vision to bridge the gap between GP's and therapy. These don't take a holistic approach anyway so we are often left hanging when it comes to important factors such as nutrition, exercise, socialising, etc.

It does help. It's different to a forum but it's good for your confidence & self esteem to talk this way. Well, thats what I feel about it anyway. At worst, it helps you socialise and there was no pressure to talk.

You could perhaps contact them and ask about services nearer to you, they may know of someone.