How to Join
Becoming a member of Social Anxiety West is very easy and it is free. There is no set membership procedure and all you have to do to become a member is turn up to one of our self-help group sessions. No referral, official diagnosis or prior notice is required, but please read the 'What is Social Anxiety?' page to be certain that what you are going through is supported by us and please take note of the following.
Thinking about brining someone with you?
We fully understand that some people may feel unable to attend without the support of a friend, family member or carer, but because our group is only open to people who have experienced significant levels of social anxiety, we ask that you only bring someone if they themselves have also experienced significant levels of social anxiety. We have found that having people in the group who have not experienced social anxiety makes other members uncomfortable and therefore less likely to open up and make progress. Additionally, when people come alone without their support person, they seem to participate more and therefore may benefit more from the session. As a compromise, we allow members to bring someone else into the building with them and stay with them up until the session actually commences.
Worried about coming?
We know that many of our members will have concerns about turning up to a group session for the first time or how they felt they came across to others during their attendance. To help, we have compiled these reasons why you do not have to worry. If you have any concerns that are not covered here and they are making you unsure about attending or re-attending, then please drop us an email and we will do our best to answer your queries.
- Everyone in the group has experienced what it is like to be socially anxious and so they very likely understand how you feel. If you do not say anything during the session, you will not be the first and we really do understand why people are quiet during sessions.
- Everyone is often very focused on their own behaviour and will unlikely be scrutinising yours. It can sometimes help to remember this.
- It is a no pressure environment - you are under no obligation to take part in anything you do not wish to. You can leave at any time, and no one will pressure you to do things.
- You are under no obligation to keep coming. You are very welcome to try a session, or even part of a session and not return. If then days, months or years later you decide to attend again, you are very welcome to come back.
- Facilitators and the group rules are there to provide you with a safe, welcoming and confidential environment.
- We love getting new members, although we will not make a fuss. We will answer the door, recognise you are new and then quietly give you some information, explain where facilities are and explain everything else as the session proceeds.
- Your first visit will probably go a lot better than you think. The thought of coming to the group is often a lot worse than actually coming.
- Nearly all our new members say they feel much less anxious by the end of their first session compared to how they felt when they walked in door.
- People are often concerned about how many people will be at a group session. It is hard to give an answer to this as numbers vary a lot, but most of the time we split off into small groups or pairs so this does not matter so much.
- We welcome all people of all ages, sex, sexual orientation, religion and cultural backgrounds. Members are very accepting of and welcoming to all people.
- Coming to the group is probably one of the best things you can do to help yourself overcome social anxiety (in our opinion).
- Most members will analyse and ruminate over how they acted during a session and think about what they said or did, or whether they said enough or even whether they spoke too much. Remember that this is a part of social anxiety and it is unlikely that you have done anything to cause other members to dislike you.
- If you suffer with social anxiety then you are always welcome at the group. We will let you know if you do anything that is unacceptable, so unless that happens, be reassured that you are very welcome.
If you do live far away then please contact us first as we may know of a social anxiety group nearer you, saving you time and money while giving you the opportunity to meet other people in you area. Even if another group does exist in your area, you are still welcome to attend our sessions if you feel they meet your needs better.
Useful tips
- Allow plenty of time to get there and find our venue so you are not stressed about being late as this will add to your anxiety.
- You may find it helpful to go to our location before you come to a session so that you are familiar with parking and where to go.
- Have something substantial to eat before you come. Being hungry can increase emotional states. Eating just sugary food will help initially, but leave you feeling low and more susceptible to anxiety later, so have something healthy and balanced.
- Anxiety can leave us feeling tired and caffeine can seem like a good way to wake up and maybe appear more lively, but caffeine will only further stimulate your already over-stimulated anxious nervous system, and therefore increase anxiety. We would recommend avoiding it.
- Remember that most people are very anxious about attending their first session so we understand if you are too. Also remember that the group is there to help and support you because you are experiencing social anxiety. If you just want to run away again, are too anxious to speak, and blush, sweat or shake uncontrollably, then you have come to the right place.
- If you get to us and feel too anxious to ring the door bell, then remember why it was you wanted to come and that if you go home you will stay in the same situation as you were before.
- Do not worry too much about getting all our tips perfect. They are not helpful if they are something extra for you to worry about. Even if you are hungry and have only had three cups of coffee and a mars bar, you still have a good chance of having a successful first session.
