What Benefits Can We Reasonably Expect from this Forum?

[Scott1951]

Some recent posts have gotten me thinking about why I have been spending so much time on this forum, what I can reasonably expect from my participation and if my time here is well spent.

I agree with someone who pointed out that participation in an online forum can’t cure depression and anxiety, but I do think that being part of an online community provides other benefits that enable us to better cope with our illness (what researchers call “social support”). For example:

Information- Useful information about symptoms, medications, dietary supplements, community resources, etc.

Practical Advice- Feedback on what others would do in our situation, coping strategies that have worked for others, etc..

Emotional Catharsis- Relief from strong feelings by being able to write things out, being able to talk about things you wouldn’t with someone face-to-face, etc.

Emotional Support- Encouragement, empathy, concern, etc.

Companionship- People who are there 24/7, who you can hang out with, who you can check in with, etc.

Reduction of Stigmatization- People who know what you are going through, don’t judge you, etc.

Opportunity to Provide Service- The opportunity to get out of yourself by helping others.

Having said what the advantages are of online forums, I should also say that there can be disadvantages, too, that we need to be on the lookout for. For example, sometimes the information we get from others is incorrect. Something in our story can trigger a judgmental, negative response from another that can be very hurtful. Sometimes we are too reassuring, too easy on one another when what is really needed is a kick in the butt. Our advise can produce comfort, not real change. Sometimes we can exhaust ourselves by feeling that we ought to always be supportive of other people. And if we spend all our time online instead of making necessary changes in the real world, we are doing nothing to improve our lot in life.

What do you think?

[HelpingElbow]

What you have said is 100% true. I burst into laughter when I read this ('Sometimes we are too reassuring, too easy on one another when what is really needed is a kick in the butt.')

Yes, it's true that forums and participation won't cure anxiety or depression. However, people do find some sense of comfort when they see that others are as miserable as they are or maybe even worse. I know most of them are not like this, but some of them are and let's not deny it.

Some individuals, however, have genuine concerns and it's visible from their articulation of points. Assurance and motivation is all that they need. You can propel them with those things and they will do wonderfully well.

Some have serious concerns. That is also noticeable from their choice of words. It's very difficult and tricky to answer those. People should be careful when it comes to answering medication related questions.

But at the end, it's totally worth, if you make an impact in other people's lives with the power of internet today. Nothing wrong can come out of it. Thanks for posting an honest review. I really appreciate it.

[Stilltrying_]

Great post and very honest. Thank you so much for putting all your thoughts into words. I really appreciate it and I'm sure others will too. Gemma XX

[Agora1]

I agree with you Scott1951 in that on line forums (especially ours) can be beneficial but not the total answer. Therapy, medication and other modalities need to be used as well. The forum is that extra boost and caring from other like ourselves who truly understand mental issues. I always say to newcomers that they should always read the forum with an open mind. Pick and choose what may work for them and ignore the rest. After all we don't want to read something that may make us spiral down more.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This is how we learn from each other. Have a good evening