Not a support group, but I had many of the same reservations about group therapy. A doc recommended me for IOP and I had no idea how that was supposed to help me. Then I went and it clicked. It wasn't only having others in a similar boat to talk to, it was being able to relate with someone having a hard time with something you were familiar with and be able to help them. It was a very supportive environment, with people giving what they could and getting what they needed.

There are bad groups out there of course. Mid-program I got switched to PHP at another facility (answered a bit too honestly on an assessment) and it was like night and day compared to the first program. It was glorified babysitting. I went back to the first program as soon as I was able (which coincidentally happened just after my official AuDHD diagnoses).

That said, I never would have known unless I tried. A good facilitator will hold space for everyone, and a great facilitator will watch body language and make space for those that look like they may have something to say but aren't able to find the space on their own. 10 sounds like a decent number. Enough that someone will usually have input at any given point, but not so much that people feel left out.

So far as comparing problems, it's not a contest. Everybody's situation could be worse. That doesn't make it any easier for those going through it. I've heard some gut wrenching stories in group. None of that improved my situation... though the mutual support helped all involved.

When it comes to illness... I'm a big supporter of "stay the hell home, I don't want your cooties" lol. If you're legit concerned, try to catch the next group. If you feel mostly okay but are still worried, wear a mask (the physical kind). If you're just using it as an excuse... be honest with yourself. Say "I do not feel comfortable going this time" and own it. Don't beat yourself up. It's a big step, and a new one. Give yourself a little grace.

Whatever you decide, I hope it works out. Best of luck!

Lower the barrier. Ask if you can join briefly with a video call to get to know the group. Some people will delay reaching out for decades, making their life harder. You can bet that people in the group will even share exactly this feeling and situation with you. If you really believe it might help to reach out, but you're standing in your way, try a smaller step in the direction

Ultimately - what do you have to lose?

Realistically, worst case is that you go to it, don't really "click" and learn that it's not for you. I'd recommend just going with an open mind and seeing if it works for you. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't, but then you'll know.

Also - remember that anxiety brain is very good at coming up with excuses for not trying new things. Take everything it says with healthy skeptiscism.

I'm terms of personal experience, I've not been to a support group but I do see a counsellor and honestly it's nice just to talk about things. Talking is an underrated way of resolving issues, imo.

@melodiousfunk mostly covered it. Just convince yourself to go one time. Be open to the idea that it could help. If it doesn’t, you’ll know that you tried and it didn’t work. If you don’t, you’ll never know if it could have helped.