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There are typically two types of meetings for the group. The first is when there is a guest presentation, and the second is the regular meeting.
Guest presentations
These typically take place in the elevator hallway instead of the rooms used for the normal meetings. This means you'll be stepping into the presentation area if you arrive late (not a big deal to the group, but if you're anxious already, it might be best to arrive on time). Recently the chairs were set up in rows ahead of time (instead of around the circumference of the hall) which worked out very well. I expect this will be the seating pattern from now on.
The group sits and listens. Sometimes questions are asked by the presenter, and you are free to answer but this is completely optional.
Regular meetings
There are two rooms which are used (best guess puts the dimensions at about 10' x 15'). If everyone can fit into one (each can hold around 15 people), then that will be the plan, but recently there have been too many for that and the group is divided. Note: there are many people in the group who do not RSVP through meetup.com. Attendance numbers over the past 6 months have ranged between 15-30 people (with presentation nights sometimes having some of the biggest turnouts). Each room has a peer facilitator (usually Rama and Bob, but guest facilitators help out occasionally).
Once everyone is settled in seats there is a brief guided mindfulness meditation to begin the meeting. The lights in the room are turned off for this (usually the door is left open a crack though, for some minimal light). You are guided through a relaxation process where you seek out and release the tension in your body, while focusing on your breathing. Very calming.
If you arrive slightly late (which is fine) to find the door mostly closed and the lights off, it is best to wait until the meditation is completed before entering (out of respect for those meditating).
After the meditation the lights are turned back on and any latecomers are welcomed in to find a seat. Then the facilitator will go around the room. Each attendee will be asked to say their first name and SUD (Subjective Unit of Discomfort) which is a number between 0 and 100 describing how anxious you feel in the moment (0 being completely relaxed and 100 being a panic attack).
The main group activities then begin, and the exact nature of them is different from week to week. Sometimes the floor is opened to anyone who has anything they want to say (with discussions leading off from there), and sometimes there is more of a theme. Basically, it's what you might expect from a support group... sharing difficulties, victories, information and experiences with peers. Facilitators make an effort to keep things going in a positive direction (and to give less assertive individuals opportunities to participate) but it is usually a really group driven dynamic.
Often newcomers are given an opportunity to tell their story (whatever you'd care to share) but this is completely optional (you can say "no"), and doesn't always happen (due to timing, or out of respect for a high SUD...). If you don't want to say anything after the name / SUD evaluation, that is perfectly fine (we understand how difficult dealing with anxiety can be).
This all lasts about an hour and a half (4pm to 5:30pm).
Notes
If you'd prefer to wait in the hall and not sit in the dark for the meditation, that is fine. A few people arrive late on purpose just to avoid it. It is highly encouraged that you give it a try though. Meditation has helped some members tremendously.
If you arrive at the support group and are intimidated by seeing others chatting before it starts, that feeling is normal. It's happened to many of us. After you've come to a few meetings don't be surprised if you find yourself similarly chatting with others in the group. :-)
If talking for the first name introduction / SUD intimidates you too much, communicate with a facilitator before hand... (an accommodation can be made).
After the meeting is over many in the group go across the street to "What a Bagel" (East side of Yonge, just North of Eglinton) for some socializing and a snack. It's a good chance to get to know the other people in the group. You're welcome to join us for some light chit-chat.
About once a month there is a Pub night, which includes a (possibly shortened) normal session and, afterwards, socializing at a local pub (which is completely optional).
You can leave any meeting at any time (and you don't need to justify leaving either). If your anxiety is too high, we understand.
- Written by Kevin M.
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