If you struggle with mental health issues like depression or bipolar disorder, you may already be adept at getting psychiatric care and even going to counseling or therapy. However, your individual therapist or psychiatrist may recommend group therapy to you at some point in your care process.

Group therapy may seem daunting if you have never been before, but it does not have to be. Get to know a few of the ways that you can prepare for your first day of group therapy. Then, you can feel ready to handle the new treatment and get the most out of it.

Think of Group Therapy as a Way to Obtain Tools

Many people seem to have a mental block when it comes to group therapy. They feel intimidated by the prospect or think that they are "too good" for group therapy and don't really need it.

While it is true that other members of the group may not be at the same level as you in terms of how well they manage their mental health conditions, that does not mean that you will not benefit from interacting with them. In fact, some group members may have their conditions under stronger control than you do.

The key is to think about group therapy as a means to obtain tools for your recovery and mental health management toolbox. In group therapy, you will go over various strategies and techniques for dealing with mental health symptoms and episodes. Some you may already know, and others may be entirely new to you. You need a group to help you gain access and make use of these tools.

Bring a Pen and Notebook

In addition to getting your thinking about group therapy under control, there are practical steps that you will want to take when preparing for it. One of those steps is to make sure you bring a pen and a blank notebook with you to the group.

Many groups provide binders or other materials and might even provide writing utensils, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Having your own notebook will also allow you to jot down extra notes when there may not be room in the binder.

Bring a Bottle of Water

Group sessions do tend to run a few hours at minimum. Because of this, it is important to come to the first session prepared to stay hydrated.

Bring a bottle of water (or other desired drink with a lid) with you to your group sessions. Then, you do not have to disturb the group by getting up to go get a drink, or worse, allowing yourself to get dehydrated while in the group.

Be Prepared to Share

Group sessions often involve open discussions. There may also be times when therapists go around the room and ask everyone to share something with the group. This may, in the first session, just be your name and what brought you to group (or some other simple fact about yourself).

You will get the most out of the group if you participate and share. It will help you connect better with other group members and with the group leaders.

Now that you know a few of the ways to prepare for your first day at group therapy, you can go into your initial session feeling ready and confident. For more information, contact a group therapy treatment service.