FINDING SUPPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY


Recently I began attending a local support group. I was a bit wary about going. What if I had to use the restroom? I kept asking myself. (Classic question for anxiety suffers!) Well, I am so glad I went! Let me tell you about ABIL.

ABIL stands for Agoraphobics Building Independent Lives. Don't let the name fool you! You don't have to be an agoraphobic to benefit from ABIL's support groups! ABIL provides a network of support groups nationwide for people who suffer from ALL anxiety and panic disorders.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Nothing at all. ABIL is supported by annual memberships and donations.

WHO CAN ATTEND?: Anyone with an anxiety disorder or anyone who wants to help someone else with an anxiety disorder.

WHAT ELSE DOES ABIL OFFER?:

* Group meetings * Programs for setting personal goals * Newsletter * "Telephone Connections" * Lectures by professionals * Maintenance of a strong link with the medical/professional community * Pen Pal Service * Public education and advocacy (Above list courtesy of ABIL brochure)

WHO FACILITATES THE MEETINGS?: The support groups are lead by a person just like you! Someone who has struggled or is still struggling with an anxiety disorder. This person goes through training and attends periodic lectures and workshops for facilitators.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SUPPORT GROUP?: In our group we start out by going around the room and each of us tells how things have been going in the past week. We discuss goals that we set for ourselves (baby steps!) and what new goals we will be setting for the following week. We also work out of an amazing book called, Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic: A Step by Step Program for Regaining Control of Your Life by Reneau Z. Peurifoy, MA, MFCC. We also have periodic lecturers and psychologists who stop by for fresh insights.

HOW LONG ARE THE MEETINGS?: Our group meets from 7 - 8:30 pm. Sometimes we go over, especially if someone is having a rough time. The meetings are very loose, you can come and go as you please and noone thinks anything of it. Everyone there is in the same boat!

HOW TO FIND A SUPPORT GROUP NEAR YOU: Call, write or visit ABIL's website. Or open your phonebook (like I did!) and find a therapist who specializes in Panic/Anxiety. Call and ask them if there are any support groups in your area.

ABIL 3805 Cutshaw Ave, Suite 415 Richmond, VA 23230 804-353-3964

The copyright of the article FINDING SUPPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY in Panic Disorder is owned by Karen Hamilton. Permission to republish FINDING SUPPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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