Group Anxiety

[Syvelocin]

Okay, well, since I didn't get any replies to either of my threads.

It's the night before my string of three group sessions at an eating disorder clinic I've registered with. The IOP package makes me meet with a thousand professionals every week (huge exaggeration. But I did the initial evaluation with this woman, then I get a nutritionist, case manager, and individual therapist) and get to go to these groups on Thursday.

I'm tearing my hair out with anxiety because in one of the groups we eat dinner together.

I know, of all things, that's what I'm worried about?

I... can't stand eating around people. I was going to put a little peanut butter and some banana on bread and call it done but my nutritionist is making me bring all this shit that I know I won't be able to even make a dent on. I can't even eat half of what I normally eat at a meal when I'm around other people. :/ And she's making me prepare even more food than I usually eat at mealtimes!

I just don't know what to expect. More therapists who don't know my story, and who knows how many other patients. And I'm in the dark as to what the hell I'm doing tomorrow.

[Truth]

I would really talk to your therapist and tell her that you aren't comfortable eating around other people, and will only attend if they allow you to bring a few pieces of bread. You shouldn't be forced to do anything by any professional, it's their job to help not make you uncomfortable.

[screamtobeheard]

I'm sorry to hear that you have to go through something like this. I hate eating in front of others as well. Terrifies me. Try not to notice that they're with you. The other patients might be suffering some of the same anxieties, so maybe it won't be so bad. Good luck, and I wish you well.

[Syvelocin]

I would really talk to your therapist and tell her that you aren't comfortable eating around other people, and will only attend if they allow you to bring a few pieces of bread. You shouldn't be forced to do anything by any professional, it's their job to help not make you uncomfortable.

Well, the whole point is to decrease the anxiety. No one in the group is comfortable with it, that's why they're making people with eating disorders eat in a meal processing group. I just want to learn how to make it less painful.

I don't really think I have a choice though. I have a group before dinner and a group after, and I highly doubt they'd be happy with me skipping dinner at an eating disorder clinic. :P

I'm sorry to hear that you have to go through something like this. I hate eating in front of others as well. Terrifies me. Try not to notice that they're with you. The other patients might be suffering some of the same anxieties, so maybe it won't be so bad. Good luck, and I wish you well.

I got through it. I just came from the group for the last group I have tonight. Everyone was very supportive and friendly toward me though. That helped a lot of the anxiety. I'm focusing on that though, that everyone around me is more or less in the same boat. I still don't like it much, but it's been better than I expected.

[screamtobeheard]

I'm glad to hear you got through it. It will get easier. (:

[Smeagol]

Good luck Rith!