Could forums be a way of therapy??

[Ulysses31]

Oh yes definately, helped me through some dark times and still is. Whether it's actual advice from people or just a distraction from troubling things in life it does help. Sometimes people can't go out much because of illness or depression etc and posting on these boards gives you a link to the outside world and it is a form of socialising, it's when you cut yourself off in solitary confinement you can begin to go crazy and start having darker thoughts. I also think people sometimes open up more to strangers than 'real' people they know as there's no risk/consequences in what you may say, many people here have taked about periods of deep depression or thoughts of suicide and they may not mention this to their actual friends or family so as not to worry or hurt them. I guess the forum can become like a support group where you can vent, there is nothing wrong about this being online rather than in person and there is little difference in this than phoning someone like the Samaritans where you can discuss your problems anonymously.

 

[PirateKing]

This is a good haven. I among fellow deviants and don't have to restrain my perversity and insane thoughts, which is relieving.

 

[TheOrangeCat]

This is a good haven. I among fellow deviants and don't have to restrain my perversity and insane thoughts, which is relieving.

You're 'relieving' yourself now, aren't you .....:eek:

 

[PirateKing]

You're 'relieving' yourself now, aren't you .....:eek:

See? This is what I'm talking about. You guys know me so well. :clap:

Yes, yes I am relieving myself. Join me.

 

[Facetious]

A couple months ago my dad discovered he had Parkinson's Disease and he's been kind of bummed out (obviously) about it and I recommended trying to find a message board or a forum with other people and he is now actually in a much better mood because he said he realizes he is not alone. He told me he felt trapped and self-pitiful because he was the only one he knew of that had it, but he joined a forum of other sufferers and he says now he feels he understands it better just knowing that there are others who also have it as well.

Going in a different direction here...

Now does anybody question the value of maintaining an amicable and/or loving relationship with our families? Seriously, had DJ not had a positive relationship with his dad like the majority of young people these days it would seem, there might be a man in a very severe state of depression, but no, son assists father in time of need, good goin!

Sorry about this news, DJ, we hope that things go smoothly for your dad as well as yourself over the coming years.


What Rey said about forums, I identify with the most.

 

[John_8581]

Okay. If so, where's my Zoloft?? :rofl2: :rofl2:

 

[Born2Jizz]

I find a lot of solice here an feel like I can vent and get great feedback. :dunno::2 cents:

 

[jinxypie]

...We share births, deaths, divorces, etc. We know and like each other as "real people" and we often try to help each other out... or at least offer an ear or some words of support when something bad happens.

Exactly. You spend enough time with these people, hearing their stories and getting to know them, and you feel a connection.

Quick story, a few years back, one of the ladies on a message board I was a part of was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was a little 'behind the scenes' emails between most of the regular board members, and on a certain day we all changed our board avatars to pictures of us wearing those pink breast cancer awareness bracelets. We started a support thread for her, and I personally sent her cards and letters. When I finally got to meet her face-to-face, we shared tears and she thanked me for all the time I took to let her know I was thinking about her. She told me it really helped her to stay positive. Last I heard, she was in remission.

(I still get really teary-eyed thinking about that.)

...I also think people sometimes open up more to strangers than 'real' people they know as there's no risk/consequences in what you may say, many people here have taked about periods of deep depression or thoughts of suicide and they may not mention this to their actual friends or family so as not to worry or hurt them. I guess the forum can become like a support group where you can vent, there is nothing wrong about this being online rather than in person and there is little difference in this than phoning someone like the Samaritans where you can discuss your problems anonymously.

I use one phone service where people call in and ask questions on cuckolding or if they want to tell me their stories, whatever. Many of them have said it's so much easier talking to a person on the phone and having the ability to be somewhat anonymous than it would be to talk to their family or friends. I can really see the benefit in having someone to talk to when you think no one else will "get it".

 

[fboy]

Forums tend to make me go insane as I try to read all the threads