im so scared!!!

I wasnt really sure where to post this butu I decded to post here seeing as how most people respond more to this forum. I have found this and other forums to be so helpful in that I can relate to so many of the things written here. I have always thought I was so much alone until I started reading them!

Anyway, on to my delimma. I would really appreciate anyone's encouragement, advice, or input because I am really freaking out about this! I live in TN about 30min from Nashville and have begun looking for support groups nearby. About a month ago I found one and corresponded with the ficilitator and had planned on going to a meeting but became too scared and didnt go. Just this week I have found another support group for mental illness that works with CBT therapy which is what I really need. Well, the meeting is tomorrow night. I really want to go and think it will be extremely helpful because I have no support around me or anyone to relate to. Even though I know going is the best chioce, I am so scared. I called a friend to see if she would go with me but she said she would feel too uncomfortable, which I understand. I really needed her to go with me though for the support and now I dont think I can go alone but dont have anyone else to go with. I know I need to step out of my comfort zone and take some steps foreward to help myself rather than be paranoid about it but I just dont know if I can!

Thanks for reading my post! I didnt have anyone to talk to about this so i thought i would post here! i am so unbelieveably scared and worried about going!

My counselor isnt very knowledgable about support groups or resources to help me. I find it quite strange but whatever. Isnt he suppose to be resourceful? Anyway he isnt much help and I need something more, some support from other people!

Anyone participate in a support group? What can I expect? How do I get over this fear?

Thanks again!

Yes, I am involved in a support group in florida. I had the opportunity to start one in the office where I received my bipolar education. The groups main purpose is to offer support and education for the ones newly diagnosed. It's an honor that they allowed me to do it. When I started out in this I had noone to talk to nor did I know anyone else that is bipolar. All I knew was that my life was unmanageable and I had failed doing things over and over again my way. I had no balance so with blind faith I saw the psychiatrist and followed their direction and suggestions and work very closely with them now that I know how serious of a disorder it is. I found alot of support here. It's a great tool to get the things out of my head and get feed back on things. Just like with the drug addiction, the bipolar is similar in the fact that the true problem is between my ears. I try to act from my heart now and let it lead things in my life and continue doing the next right thing. I enjoy this outlet for help recovering from the bipolar swings. I dont have to carry all the shit in me that goes with it.

Dear Biblechick
I'm so sorry that you have this fear of going to a support group. I'm not actually sure just what you are afraid will happen there.
Support groups are not likely to be full of people that will judge you since everyone there has a problem too.
All I can say is putting one foot in front of the other is the only way to get somewhere.
I know you are scared but maybe you are only afraid of the unknown.
The only way I know of to get over a fear of the unknown is to get to know it.
My advice would be to just take a deep breath and go for it. The worse thing that could happen is that you find that this group isn't for you.
I really wish I could help you more but i can't.

Good luck.
Mooky