Why do people come on here for answers to serious questions?

Question

When it comes to things like mood disorders, or suicidal ideaology, or addictions, etc... why ask people on the net? Most of the people are just on here reading these questions waiting to respond with A**hole answers, which aren't gonna make you feel any better about your situation, it'll actually probably make you feel worse. Don't get me wrong, I applaud anyone who finally has the strength to admit that they see something may be a little "off", that takes courage, but this isn't the place that's best for you. For addictions, even gambling and shopping (I've seen both), there is help out there- addiction specialists. They're not just for drugs/alcohol. Gambler's anonymous comes to mind readily. If you are thinking of suicide, please seek out the help of a trusted friend, family member, school counselor, employee program (a lot of jobs have people for employees to speak to now), therapist, or community center, if you don't have insurance. e-mail me if you want as well I have exp. peace

Answer 1

I think people with those serious issues probably like the anonimity. Also they can weed out the answers they don't want to hear in this kind of forum whereas they can't when discussing their issues with someone face to face.
Hopefully they will get the help they need in the "real" life
Great question!

Answer 2

Yes, there are a lot of people who do not take these very serious questions, seriously, but any mature person must make an effort to help each asker. It may be because they can't think of anywhere to go, and the anonymity that is available on the internet may be a comfort in some ways. I've found that venting any problems when I don't have to face anybody is easier than facing somebody, no matter how cowardly that sounds, it's true. That way, I can't read any facial expressions, body language, etc. that may indicate annoyance, anger, or any bad emotion. Each person has their own reason, however.

Answer 3

It could be that some of the people with these problems can't talk about it to a live person, especially someone they know and/or love. When you weed out the crackpots and others who are just plain mean, you get a good portion of the people answering questions who really are concerned and want to help, or at least give some comfort. It could be that kind and comforting words from an anonymous stranger may be the first step for some of these persons on the way to getting real help.

Answer 4

Because this site is not intended to be "the answer" for life's ills.
And on the more serious note:
Anonymity can be a invaluable to many people. It may be the first step to healing for some, regardless of the "funny" answers they may receive.

Answer 5

well maybe it's the fact that it's so impersonal and anonymous. And these are people who probably haven't openly admitted they have a problem. I agree with you that this is not the site to ask those kind of questions, so I play my part by always telling them to seek a person who is more qualified to deal with their situation.

Answer 6

Because, in this culture, adults are ashamed to admit they need that kind of help and the kids are afraid to talk to their parents, primarily because the parents didn't start talking to their children before the teen years... and somewhere in that mix parents decided to have a "hands off" policy on raising teens. Teens need grounding
support and guidance.

Answer 7

Good question; I like to think that most of us want to steer someone in the right direction if they don't know the answer to someone's problem. Yeah, there are some real smart a**** on here, but there are more good people.:)

Answer 8

Because it is easier to confide in people you do not know than face the people that you do know. Fewer expectations

Also they are bored...The people who answer

Answer 9

Ditto to tjrj23.

Answer 10

Because they can