I was wondering how many of you worry whether online depression forums fuel the depression, or make you genuinely feel better? I've been spending many, many hours reviewing this forum. On the one hand, I feel it's comforting and is something of a lifeline. On the other hand, I wonder if it's a good use of my time -- as I zone out unproductively each day waiting for the medication to kick in. My cognitive therapist didn't say that the forums are a bad idea, but he seemed to suggest that possibility by the way he asked whether it's making my problem worse. Any thoughts? Does there come a point where it can become an obsession?

Oh, hell no! This place is a godsend. It can become an obsession, but for all the right reasons.

Hi MichaelBlue ,

This is an interesting point , Coping with depression without any feedback , apart from therapists , is difficult to say the least , depression making us socially isolated , this forum provides communication with out danger of being misunderstood , the moderating team work hard to make sure that this forum stays safe and supportive , I can understand how it can become a haven and to some extent obsessive during that period of recovery when we are still so fragile and lacking in confidence , the danger comes when a forum , any forum replaces real life comunication , If one has social anxiety , one can become bolder behind the protection of a screen , if one has a low physical self image , then again there is the protection of the screen behind which there is no fear of any critical eye.

I can see the point your therapist is making , but I firmly believe that when we feel strong enough , we will have less and less need for comforting feedback , but for some people who live a life of great solitude this forum is a godsend , even when they have recovered .

Hugs Hedge

Those are excellent points, Hedge -- thank you both for your responses. I went from having a very productive life to a sudden paralyzing depression in a matter of just one month. Unclear what triggered it. I do find the forum a comforting place to "hang out" right now, as my inability to function normally (and work productively) has me locked in a mental prison. There simply are no family members/friends who can spend countless hours with a person in this predicament.

(((MichealBlue )))))

This is why this forum is so very important ,clinical depression is often consternating for family members and friends who see a formerly well functioning person , lose all ability to interreact or even to move .
It can be frightening for others . Being able to express this distress to others who are experiencing it or have come out of the other end is just such a relief , no pretence is neccessary , of trying to live on automatic pilot . I am glad you found us . So that you can be supported and listened to during this time of imprisonment which depression brings about .

Hugs again Hedge

Personally for me forums like this are a godsend. Makes me realise that I'm not the only one...

Thanks again, Hedge. You made me shed one tear. (The Lexapro I started taking two weeks ago quickly halted the crying jags.) Each morning my wife and son go off to work and school, respectively, and I'm left to go through the motions of another day of doing absolutely nothing in this prison. I work from home, or at least I used to -- until I was reduced to this depressed half-life. It's astonishing to me how the illness robs you of all self-esteem, self-confidence and ability to accomplish even the simplest of tasks (i.e. a shower). It's especially hard to keep in touch with friends and colleagues, and come up with excuses all the time for why I can't get together socially or even return a call.
In my imagination (I haven't lost my sense of humor, although it's slipping), I sometimes visualize sending out formal printed announcements: "Mr. Michael ####...wishes to announce the onset of a serious clinical depression. No gifts please. He is unlikely to be communicative until his medicine kicks in, but will surely be in touch afterwards when he returns to his usual stellar self. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

(( Micheal)))


This made me smile , And it is in fact a good idea !!! It made me imagine how my friends would recieve such a message ,
I must admit I become totally phonephobic , and lose friends . This sort of card may avoid relationship fractures.

Wishing you well

Hugs hedge

At first this site was such a refreshing thing. Sometimes some of the posts get to be too much for me, which is why I took a break from here for a while.Overall I would say coming to DF is a good thing.

This post has been edited by dondi2538: Nov 7 2007, 10:53 AM

This is a very interesting topic, MichaelBlue, and something that I've been thinking about lately. There was a time when I needed to be here a lot for the sake of my mental health, but lately I've found myself squandering hours upon hours of my time here, when I should be doing something productive in the "real world". I guess that's the point when it becomes an obsession, or an avoidance of life. Internet addiction is a disorder unto itself. I think we all know when that happens for ourselves. I'm currently trying to modify my behavior for a better balance that reflects the "new and improved" me, by filling in more of my "real life" calendar. I imagine many people go through this kind of process after they find DF and get through the worst of their depression.

Having said that, I must add that DF has been a tremendous help to me overall, and I think most people here would agree.

I have to say something, Suburgatory. I only discovered this forum a few days ago (although it feels like months, given the hours I'm browsing it!). And your posts really do stand out in my mind. I have found them very insightful, intelligent, inspiring and sensible. They've given me much comfort in a very dark, wretched period. And I'm confident that others feel the same way about how much you have gifted people with your knowledge. Thank you for this.

Hi MichaelBlue and everybody,

I love this forum BUT, I have to agree with what Burgy writes here. I have noticed that I am very compelled to spend hours and hours here every day. Personally, I am not in a state of emotional crisis, yet I still spend the vast majority of my time on this website. I have dysthymia, which is a chronic, "low to moderate grade" depression. I also have various other types of emotional disorders and I can relate to so much of what people write here.

Anyhow, I guess my point is that, in my personal experience there IS a very real danger of becoming addicted to forums like this. I don't think this makes my depression worse, but I do believe it is a sign that I am not leading a balanced life. And, my personal use of this forum is definitely a sign of my obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Again, this is just my personal experience. I am someone who becomes addicted to things very easily, so it does nto surprise me that I find myself addicted to DF.

As I say, I love this forum and have got/am getting A LOT out of it. But I definitely recognize that there is also a compulsive/addictive element going on with me.

Wishing you well, MichaelBlue! Oh, and I completely agree with you that Burgy writes many really wonderful responses to people here!

Take care.

Joanna

Thank you so much, MichaelBlue! Posts like that keep me coming back for more! I can't tell you how rewarding it is to hear that I've made that kind of a difference.

I spent about 20 years in the death grip of major depression. In addition to my own suffering, I caused a lot of pain and destruction to the people closest to me. Depression made me very angry and selfish. Now that my disease is under control with medication, I feel like a new man. I want to give back some of my good fortune to those who are still suffering. In a way, I feel like I'm working off my bad karma!

I'm glad you discovered DF. I sort of stumbled on it myself, a few months ago. It's truly a place of healing. But, as with all things, it should be consumed in moderation! Hard to do for people like Joanna and myself, who are admittedly prone to addiction! Ah, well...I can think of many, far worse addictions! Thanks again for this thought provoking topic.

Thank you, Joanna, and thank you, Burgy. I really hope you both continue to grace the forum with your presence and insights.

I'm in this strange, lonely, anxious space right now with my depression -- 'zoning out' hour after hour after hour -- and unsure if it's the depression talking, or the start-up of the meds talking, or a combination of both. (I only began the Lexapro 16 days ago.)

I was highly intelligent and productive until this depression destroyed me two months ago. Now I feel almost retarded and barely able to form a coherent sentence. In just two days, I think I'm becoming addicted to this forum, since I'm unable to do much else. Best regards to you both and everybody.

Interesting comments and I think one's use of DF is an important to keep in mind. If one is spending too much time here, there could be a problem, as Burgy pointed.

I'm not sure I'd say that the forum worsens depression, but it is possible that some people could be trying to use the forum when a talk therapist and medication would be more productive. But the good thing is that we generally support people in their needs. DF is an important lifeline for many who may be isolated in their depression, so it keeps them connected. And I think there are many who find the DF relieves depression.

I know that when I'm more depressed, I rely on DF more for support and post more frequently. So for me, it is an expression of worsening depression--but it doesn't worsen my depression. So, I try to keep a balance.