I'm thinking of starting a online forum for people suffering from depression and associated illnesses. Could you give me your opinion as to whether it would be useful or not? Feel free to email your answer if you don't want it to appear on here
2006-11-05 02:58:02 · 27 answers · asked by Sir Sidney Snot 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
This is a FORUM where people can discuss not an advisory site
2006-11-05 03:02:04 · update #1
Thanks for all the positive feedback I will get the ball rolling and let you all know when it's ready
2006-11-05 07:51:58 · update #2
OH FRED BEAR yes my love i think you could help a lot of people out there theres one lady who as said be careful with the rules of what is and what isn't able to discuss i.e suicide methods and experiences dosages of medications you know the score i have been in some right emotional messes i have bi-polar and psychotic episodes hallucinations and all that stuff
when i have been mentaly drained it could of helped me with the old adage "that im not the only one" because by god you feel it i understand some peoples concerns about a bunch of deppressed people bringing everyone down but i think if you use it as a positive forum then hey fine by me ................see ya FRED BEAR
2006-11-05 03:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by no nonsence 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There are forums like that. I've belonged to them and it felt good when my depression was in remission to help others.
After a while I did have to walk away (or get off the keyboard) because I had to move on.
It's like talking with a friend who has it. I won't share some thoughts with people have not had depression because they simply do not understand.
It takes a lot of work to start a message board and if you are in the midst of depression I don't think that is a good plan because of the work and the rejection if it takes months or a year to get people to join. I recommend checking for an existing forum. Check about.com and yahoo boards.
Good luck!
2006-11-05 11:10:11 · answer #2 · answered by Lily 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Considering all the questions here on yahoo about depression I think your idea would be a success. People need social support and this forum in a sense would be kinda like group therapy. It's nice to know that "I am not the only one in the world with problems."
It seems that it is most comfortable to talk with someone who has problems also. They understand me better. It is also nice because I can say anything that I want to and I don't have to let anyone on the net know who I am.
Some of us don't like to talk with family about things because family can be very "judgemental and not understanding", atleast in our eyes.
Go for it, I think it would be a good stress relief for many people.
2006-11-05 13:41:26 · answer #3 · answered by Peanut 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hey Fred Bear...of course it helps. Support groups and forums have been on the internet for years. I have belonged to them or ran them myself for over 15 years now (back in the ancient days of internet, lol).
The internet is a good forum because it allows people to write out feelings (the same reasons therapist tell you to journal). It also allows you to reach out and help others, which surpringly we find is one of the biggest helps we have. Even the Surgeon General of the United States has come out in support of social/educational support groups.
If you have seen my answers before, you will note that I often include a website address. This is not where I get my answers, lol, it is a free peer based online support group.
2006-11-05 11:16:24 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An on line forum may act much like a support group which I believe is always helpful as you can share things that work for you and realize you are not alone with your problem.
2006-11-05 11:03:19 · answer #5 · answered by icecookie 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think its a very good idea - not just for those suffering depression but for their friends and family to read also. My husband has suffered depression for years although was the last person to admit it. Over the years there was lots of help for him if only he'd taken it but very little for me even though it affected me just as much. It would be good to have a site to visit at those times when my husband is really down and it can be very lonely. xx
2006-11-05 11:04:55 · answer #6 · answered by starlet108 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes thats a great idea i could have done with a site like that when i was diagnosed first off. I needed somewhere where i could talk to people with the same problems as no one else knew how i felt.
2006-11-05 16:41:18 · answer #7 · answered by Tiamat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That would be helpful, however, will this be something where people are supporting each other or just depressing themselves further by talking about their problems over and over?
I would suggest having someone that is licensed in psychology, behavioral science, etc. to somehow mediate to make sure people are helping themselves not going the opposite way. Discussion on meds (getting advice for doses, etc.) should not be allowed. That is very dangerous.
2006-11-05 11:04:50 · answer #8 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Luckily I don't suffer with depression but know many that do so I think your idea is good. Part of the treatment for depression, I believe, is communicating your feelings with like-minded people.
Good luck to you.
2006-11-05 11:19:32 · answer #9 · answered by Sue S 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
sure - i think a forum for people who think they are depressed is an excellent idea.
it would be a great opportunity for people and sufferers with depression to talk to others about whats going on.
Maybe through the forum people will be able to get help.
and helping people is always a good thing.
2006-11-05 12:21:50 · answer #10 · answered by Maria D 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋