It probably varies with what ails you. People are here seeking different solutions to the same problem and not everyone will get the answer they want.

A forum like this certainly can make people feel worse as well as better. I haven't read this one long enough but I know from experience that you can indeed become bitter...er reading these things.

In my case, it stems from being jealous of just about every poster. Yeah, they're recounting their terrible problems and I'd still rather be them.

Wow,

You just nailed my situation pretty close, only I know that it is a combination of work, personal and other things that pushed me over the line. I have been here (depressed and at DF) before, almost 2 years ago, got to feeling better and then did begin to feel that reading all the posts was preventing me from complete recovery (no disrepect intended and Lords knows the DF did wonders for me when I needed them).

So it's possible that continuing to interact with severely depressed people might affect you - it really increases my admiration for the names that I recognize that are still here and also for the folks in the medical profession who help us.

Good luck,
AOD

We're all on different paths here although we have similar issues. For me, this is a comfy cozy place where I can find people who really understand what I may be going through. I have gotten reassurances, echoings of my own angst, information and friendship. I love you all! I also feel that the element of being able to reach out to others is an extremely important to anyone's recovery. I feel so good when I can reach out and offer a kind word or suggestions to someone else! My therapist thinks it's wonderful and really helping my treatment.
Moderators, thank you so much for your service to us!!!! We want to have a cruise where only the members here are eligible and spend a week together with you!

Yes, absolutely I think for some people it can. Only they don't realize how it affects them until they leave.

For me personally, I don't have depression as such, more depressive episodes, but I've found that this site is very supportive and welcoming, and it offers what someone feeling alone often needs - just someone to say that they understand and they hope things work out.

I find that pretty much everyone, although clearly not all posts are upbeat, responds in a supportive manner, often focusing on people's positives. For someone who suffers from chronic negativity, this site is a great aid to helping me be more positive overall.

I am still pretty new here, and maybe there is a more negative side to being on this forum, but so far, I haven't found it.

This post has been edited by florryx: Dec 28 2007, 12:37 PM

No I don’t think Depression Forums worsen the depression but... other people will look at it differently and have many different opinions. I'm glad I found this place and it’s great to talk with so many intelligent, thoughtful and caring people. I enjoy spending time on here and know if I need advice or just someone to listen there are so many people on here to do so.