Forum/board to talk about your problems?

[blurayfriend]

Does anyone know any good sites to talk about one's problems, vent and actually get support? A la the 'Express Your Sadness' thread here, but not, you know, on a blu ray message board. I can only think of reddit and it's hard to find the right sub-forum, put yourself out there and feel bad. Anyway, any advice appreciated.

[Erzengel]

I guess it depends on what sort of problems you are having, relationship, work, drug and alcohol, etc.

[Travers400]

I was blowing up a balloon at work today and it burst on my eyeball. The redness has gone down now but I shall see how it looks in the morning. Hopefully I won't have a black eye.

[blurayfriend]

Originally Posted by Erzengel

I guess it depends on what sort of problems you are having, relationship, work, drug and alcohol, etc.

Any suggestions for kind of general ones? (Not specifically you; from anybody) Like a big version of the 'express your sadness' thread I guess, somewhere hopefully a lot of people post so you can talk and get advice.

[Icemouth]

suicidehotline.com

[blurayfriend]

Still open to any suggestions anybody has, really trying

[Thelonious001]

I don't know what kind of problems you have in mind.

Here's a link to a podcast that's nominally about mental illness, but covers psychological problems as well and life problems in general. Its a podcast, but also has a forum:

http://mentalpod.com/

[blurayfriend]

Thanks for all suggestions so far, you're right I was not specific enough about the problems I'm having. I'm just having a head time with EVERYTHING right now (life in general) and it alternates between being impossible to tell anybody or feeling like I have nobody to turn to. I want to try to get things off my chest in a productive way but don't really know how to go about it.

(Sort of like how Leelah Alcorn was a depressed trans teenager, felt alone, and only got support after killing herself; or how school shooters get notoriety after going on a spree and people read their manifestos and learn their pain. I would like the support without the death or killing part )

[PLG1962]

But isn't that what life is all about you take the good with the bad all of us have issues but I think let life lead you along

I remember when I had a very hard time after a relationship break-up that I invested too much in and I was going down a very "dark path" but one day I said to myself in 100 years it isn't going to matter and while I cannot say I am "happy" today I CAN say I am content and for me that's the best there is

Oh and for what its worth I'm a very reclusive person so I don't have any emotional support I just take things as they come

[Johnny Vinyl]

I would start by talking to your doctor and explaining to him/her what you wrote in your prior post. They may be able to guide you towards some free programs in your community that you could get involved with.

[Steedeel]

like Johnny Vinyl suggested, get yourself to a doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist. Sometimes, forums aren't ideal because you can really take things to heart when you are not feeling strong mentally. Someone might give advice that is not appropriate or be nasty for the sake of it.

The only advice I would give you is get plenty of exercise. Maybe the combination of prescribed medication/therapy and fresh air can help. Don't underestimate how important excercise is. A simple 25-30 minute walk daily , in my opinion, will provide a big short term boost. Little things like that are very important.

[The Great Owl]

Most of us, if not all of us, who post on this forum are not professionally qualified to give advice to others who are struggling with depression and other emotional problems. The benefits from any advice that you receive here will be negligible at best, and advice offered here might even be detrimental.

There are a few good-natured threads here (Vent your anger, etc.) that serve as fun pressure releases for most people who are having a rough day at work or who just want to vent ever so often, and these threads serve a useful, albeit superficial, purpose in that regard.

If you are seriously struggling with things in the offline world, though, then it's best for yourself and everyone else for you to consult a professional who is familiar with the proper resources to help you deal with your situation.

[MrHT]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Most of us, if not all of us, who post on this forum are not professionally qualified to give advice to others who are struggling with depression and other emotional problems.

It always irks me when people say that. Some people would rather hear advice from everyday people instead of seeing someone that will do nothing but empty their wallets and prescribe all sorts of crazy meds.

[OI8T12]

Originally Posted by MrHT

It always irks me when people say that. Some people would rather hear advice from everyday people instead of seeing someone that will do nothing but empty their wallets and prescribe all sorts of crazy meds.

That's not how real professionals work in real life. I think you watch too much TV. We all go through rough patches in life, and sometimes it's better to see someone that specializes and is trained in how to handle our problems. Seeking help is not a bad thing. It's probably the right thing for this dude. He's looking for help, so people are suggesting what to do. No need to criticize.

[Carlanga]

Originally Posted by MrHT

It always irks me when people say that. Some people would rather hear advice from everyday people instead of seeing someone that will do nothing but empty their wallets and prescribe all sorts of crazy meds.

Its all fun and games until someone you 'helped' w.out proper training dies on you.

----------

TS you can either go to the vent your frustration thread and blow off steam there for whatever you feel or if you feel that is not enough then go to your doc, maybe more specifically go to the psychiatrist. IF you are still in college you can go to your college counselor. There are hotlines for depression etc. Other things that work is going out w some family or real friends, having a few beers and talking if things aren't that complicated.

[blurayfriend]

Thanks for the thoughts from everyone, I appreciate every single piece of advice. I actually am seeing someone right now; my problems are just a little more complicated than that. I think I was looking for somewhere online to go *in addition* to my regular life as every little bit helps. If anything I shouldn't have made it so specific and was trying to broaden it up in case someone else might benefit from those resources as well.

[thewerepuppygrr]

When my OCD was at its worst, I found a forum called "Stuck in a Doorway" which helped a lot. I believe there are subforums for general anxiety and other issues as well.

The only thing I'd be wary of is that sometimes reading of others' misfortunes can trick you into thinking they apply to you as well, especially if you're vulnerable. Visiting these forums can sometimes be a hindrance as much as a help.

[Abby is Q]

Originally Posted by blurayfriend

Thanks for the thoughts from everyone, I appreciate every single piece of advice. I actually am seeing someone right now; my problems are just a little more complicated than that. I think I was looking for somewhere online to go *in addition* to my regular life as every little bit helps. If anything I shouldn't have made it so specific and was trying to broaden it up in case someone else might benefit from those resources as well.

Reading through this thread, I have a general idea of what your problem is (though I may not have the specifics right).

As someone who has struggled in the past with anxiety and suicidal depression, I can tell you that it was 100% the right move to seek out professional help. They don't just give you meds to get over your problems. They, in general, guide you through your problems and help you better understand what you're dealing with. Especially if you deal with a very specific problem and see someone who focuses with those kinds of people.

Also, I completely understand that "no one to turn to" mentality. Had me in a bad place too. But you would be absolutely surprised how compassionate and helpful friends (even old friends you haven't spoken to in a while) can be. Sometimes it helps to get support from others, just so you can vent your problems to someone. It can be scary, but it mostly works out for the best. You just have to use your better judgment about who you talk to.

And it might seem like family is what you should turn to in these kinds of issues, but no. They'll have such a great influence on you and what you do, and may not even be able to grasp or comprehend whatever your problem is. It's entirely possible (like in my case) they may sway you away from getting the help you actually need.

Anyway, it's good to hear you're taking steps seeking help. Just never feel like you're alone in this world. There's always someone out there willing to listen and help.

/end emotional babble

[civiclx]

Ohhh nothing

[Eternal Dreamer]

Ultimately, there's no secret to dealing with all the pain that you may feel. There are plenty of avenues like medication and psych therapy, to name a few. Some find great success and some don't. It's different for each person. All I know is that the main thing to do is GET THROUGH TODAY. Try not to focus on the past or worry about the future. Easier said than done, I know. Tomorrow may be great, might be okay, or might plain suck. You won't know until you get there. If today was okay or great, savor and enjoy it.

Enjoy every little joy you find in life, because honestly, the world is filled with a lot of horrible people who will only hurt or use you. There's plenty of good people, but they are harder to find, so treasure them if you're lucky enough to find them. Anyway, enjoy every little thing, whether it's a good song you hear, a good movie or show you watch, a great book you read, a great meal you eat, and so on. And just GET THROUGH TODAY, good or bad. Once tomorrow becomes today, get through that. And just do your best in everything that you do. That's all you can honestly ask of a human being.

And just know that you aren't alone or weird in dealing with any of stuff. I deal with a lot of horrible things, and I've had a life filled with horrible things I wouldn't wish upon anyone (well... maybe against those who committed those atrocities upon me, I'm ashamed to admit). Honestly, I want to give up a lot, but ultimately I just focus on getting through each day as it comes. One day, each of us will die. We might as well live as much life as we can, whether it's good or bad, because we don't get anymore after that.