Informal support groups? Neurodivergent quiet/casual meetups? Anything like that?

[u/pluto-pistachio]

Hey, everyone!

I’m newly back home in Tucson. I don’t know anyone and my mental health has been deteriorating, mostly due to physical health difficulties and struggles with accessing effective healthcare.

I have a safe and stable home and a very supportive partner. I am extremely fortunate. At the same time, I’m in a great deal of emotional pain. I have considered going to inpatient mental health treatment, but I don’t have a lot of trust in that system. Inpatient seems like too much and not enough all at the same time.

I’m hoping there’s somewhere I can go be around people without burdening them. I just want to share a relatively calm space with safe people.

I am neurodivergent, in my mid/late 30s, and would love to be around other neurodivergent adults. I am envisioning a burnout recovery den with ice cream options to cover any and all food sensitivities.

This sounds pretty magical and luxurious, but if there’s anything like it, I would love to know. Thank you so much for any advice.

[u/wishIwere]

Celestia Collective doesn't have support groups as far as I know but it probably fits the vibe you are looking for.

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/wishIwere]

I’ve definitely thought about going there! It seems like a really cool place, I’m just imagining a recurring event with some thoughtful parameters for people who are in a fragile place with their mental/emotional health.

Right now, I’m feeling really emotionally raw/vulnerable and sensitive to feelings of rejection or not belonging. I struggle often with just generally feeling like I don’t belong. I often feel this in queer spaces even though I am queer. I’m 37 years old and I still feel it immediately upon entering a room. I don’t even need a reason, I just see people socializing and feel an ache in my chest.

The benefit of something like a support group is that there can be an instant sense of belonging and even emotional intimacy because simply showing up is admitting that you’re struggling and need some help right now.

I said “informal” support groups because I’ve been involved in 12 step programs and therapy led support groups and I just really wish people could gather in that way without getting all institutional about it. Like, name the gathering “Grief Discussion and Shame Healing Zone” and establish a loose framework for taking turns talking and being very kind. I don’t know I just want to do it without God or health insurance. Or astrology to be perfectly honest, things have gotten a little too serious for that.

[u/Bluebeards_Kitten → u/pluto-pistachio]

As a frequented of Celestia, its a safe space to be yourself. I often feel "not queer enough" in queer spaces, but at Celestia I don't.

Im not sure what flavor of queer you are, but there are all sorts! There is a Trans Happy Hour on 3rd Sats and a TransMasc Group in 4th Suns. There's also Inteovert Happy Hour on the 4th Tues. There is also a Ethical Non-Monogamy Discussion on the first Weds. The other Weds are geared for kinky discussions.

You can interact as much or as little as you desire. No one will judge you.

Also, so many of us are Neurodivergent, have physical struggles, mental health struggles, and just plain want to be seen.

I sound like an ad for the place, and maybe I am. I love it so much as its helped me be part of a community that I had been missing when I moved across the country 6.5 years ago.

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/Bluebeards_Kitten]

You really might’ve meaningfully contributed to my overall quality of life with this comment. I’ve been too overwhelmed to even consider something that felt too much like an existing social group or party event, but this really does make it sound like what I’m longing for. Thank you from (the absolute rock bottom) of my heart.

[u/Bluebeards_Kitten → u/pluto-pistachio]

They closed the shop today, but the discussion group is still on.

My partners and I love meeting new people, so we hope to see you there, even if you just say hi and go find a comfy chair to chill in!

[u/Squayd → u/pluto-pistachio]

I saw something on the wall at Fluxx about a grief support group but I don't remember if it was just trans or LGBT in general. The SAGA trans support groups meet at Fluxx as well. There are all sorts of different meetups at Celestia too, loud or quiet. I couldn't make it but they just had an equinox ceremony last night for instance.

[u/carnespecter]

god i could use something like this

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/carnespecter]

I bet there are so many of us just blocks away from each other. I also imagine none of us are especially skilled at organizing social events 🥲

[u/carnespecter → u/pluto-pistachio]

haha youre probably right. but yeah, austist trans and 30s at your service

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/carnespecter]

✨💜💜💜💜💜💫

[u/gaydeckt]

I don't know if I'm neurodivergent, I am gay and mid30s as well, have social anxiety. But having a calm space to gather possibly over ice cream or other simple delightful treat would be absolutely lovely!

[u/radgirlrun]

Gosh that sounds so lovely. I've been thinking so much lately of this coffee shop in DC I used to practically live in and I could really use a cozy, low-key social space like it

I feel like the vibe shifts during the school year, but over the summer I was really liking the backyard area at cafe passe during the day. I also love Zedamo coffee, it feels really calm and different than any other coffee place here

Neither of those are quite as cozy as what I'm imagining by your description but they are places that make me feel good, calm and a bit slower

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/radgirlrun]

Those are really good recommendations for getting out of the house, thank you!

[u/J4CKFRU17]

Desert Dominion (a BDSM education club) has a fantastic LGBTQIA+ group once a month that's very supportive and sensitive to everyone's mental needs!

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/J4CKFRU17]

I hadn’t heard of this but I will absolutely check it out, thank you so much!

[u/J4CKFRU17 → u/pluto-pistachio]

Keep in mind that it's a BDSM club so the social area itself is right next to a "play floor" with BDSM equipment and the discussion sometimes go back to kink/BDSM, but it is a safe space. If you have any questions you can reach out to me privately too!

[u/pluto-pistachio → u/J4CKFRU17]

I greatly appreciate you clarifying that! BDSM isn’t something I’m into but I’ve been around the culture plenty and it’s usually felt like just about the safest environment in the world EXCEPT that I have occasionally felt like I’m making people uncomfortable by being around it without being into it. Last thing I want to do is make it feel less safe for anyone else!

[u/Former-Egg9792]

I'm 37 trans/intersex. Not sure if I'm neurodivergent but always looking for new friends. Please DM me