Looking for Assurance that this is a Safe Place to Share

[LadenderPurple]

Good morning everyone. I feel a little unsure about the security measures here for sharing personal information. How have others found reassurance that this is a safe place to share personal information regarding one's mental health?

[Hidden]

I was thinking the same thing but I am always a little unsure about everything. I have a difficult time with trust. It takes me awhile

[Sunnidayz1]

I have been on since January and it took me a little while to trust people who wanted to be chat friends with me bc I dont trust anyone especially on the internet.

I never give out my personal info as far as name and address. I never post personal pictures. Stuff like that.

You just have to be cautious and weed out people if u dont trust them.

If u dont give out the above info you can trust the advice from members on the boards.. We share similar experiences and connecting with others here is very beneficial. Everyone is willing to help w kindness. You can heal here most definitely but like I said, just be cautious.

[LadenderPurple in reply to Sunnidayz1]

Thanks for this thoughtful and practical response. It helps me to feel safer in a format that is, in general, not too safe feeling if that makes sense.

[Sunnidayz1 in reply to LadenderPurple]

You're welcome! Yes I understand. With time you'll become more comfortable. This website is so beneficial it's worth your time. You'll see!

[Hidden]

If you read a few comments you will notice that people often do frequently share personal and confidential info about themselves on this platform. Unless your s/n is your real name, I'd say you're probably safe. I think most of us are here for the same reason, to talk to someone who knows just how you feel and what meds may help or meds to stay away from. I'm still a newbie but so far I've found it to be very interesting and helpful. If you state your symptoms and how you feel you'd be surprised at how many others feel the same. I know I was. You are not alone my friend. There are many people, diagnosed or not, who have mental issues or problems that may be a mere annoyance or downright debilitating. Join us, we welcome you and will provide you with whatever insight we as a collective have acquired through many years of trial and error with therapists, drugs, personal issues, etc. At least we're a friendly bunch. Since we're all in this boat - subdivided to prevent overlapping personal space - together, in a sense, we try to help others going through what we are. If a word, a prayer, a pill, can make you feel better then more power to you. Sorry, got no pills to send but I will remember you and think of you in a positive light. Not a prayer person, agnostic. Take care, stay safe.

[fauxartist]

Follow the rules of privacy....don't post names, or addresses, phone numbers, locations, or pictures of yourself and family....don't post anything that would identify you to anyone you know. Use a VPN which blocks your IP address, use filters that would block any data mining, and just know that nothing is for free....anyone could take what you write and use it, but if you’re anonymous....then no one can identify you personally as the author. Just because you use the 'members only' option button when you post doesn't mean anyone is going to be able to read what you right. Choose Anonymity for your privacy.

[Jeff1943]

Yes it's safe in that sense, we are all anonymous here.

But many with mental health issues are tired of hiding our problem and believe that by 'coming out' mental health issues will receive the recognition they need rather than being perceived as a bunch of nut cases which we most certainly are not.

In my private life I've been telling close friends. However, my parents went to their graves not knowing as I didn't want them to worry.

I'm retired but must admit if I was still working would still be reluctant for my employer to know in case they thought I was unreliable. I coped with 3 breakdowns but my employers never knew a thing thanks to the help of fast acting (but much demonised) diazepam and the belief that occupation is therapeutic.

So the answer is, it's as 'safe', or as anonymous, as you want it to be.

[AuraAethyr]

If you're sharing, you might want to take into account or ask yourself if anyone on here knows your true identity, if what you share can be used against you (or whatever you're personally worried about), and if you need to divulge that information to get advice, convey your point, etc.

Hope that helps. That's what I personally would do rather than worrying about the integrity of the community in general because even if you feel assured that this site is safe in whatever way that means to you, I would personally trust my own judgement rather than trust those I don't know.

Simply my own personal approach and opinion.