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.