How Joining An RRP Group Helped Me Face My Social Isolation

Ellen's Story:

For as long as I can remember, I felt uncomfortable in social situations. I found it impossible to just relax and interact with other people, whether it was at school or at work. I preferred being by myself and avoided most social interactions, if I could. My fellow students and co-workers didn't like it and I got lots of negative feedback but I couldn't do much about it. I just felt worse about myself and like I was a real loser. It wasn't something I was choosing to do. I just always felt uncomfortable when I was with others. It felt like no matter what I said or did, it was always wrong.

I didn't join an RRP group to deal with my social issues. My main goal was to deal with my childhood trauma. I was surprised to find that being in the group created a safe space where I could explore the way I feel in a group setting in a way that didn't feel threatening. The way the group was structured and flexible at the same time, was a good balance for me. I was able to talk and listen to others and, at the same time, I could explore how I was feeling. It was like I had permission to be uncomfortable and try to understand what was going on inside, instead of feeling like I was doing something wrong and getting down on myself.

It's a journey and I still feel very much at the beginning, but I can feel a difference in the way I am feeling around other people at work and in general I feel less anxiety in social situations. Maybe I am learning to accept myself more and be less critical, which feels good.