Posted by Poet on November 1, 2004, at 18:21:29
In reply to Help inform professionals about online groups, posted by Dr. Bob on November 1, 2004, at 15:51:52
Discovered psycho-babble while searching for information on suicide in August 2003. How to commit suicide, not prevent. That I am still here shows that the psycho-babble community helped me get through some rough times.
How often I post depends on if I need help or if I can help someone else. Average about five posts per week. Usually on psychology and social.
Official DX: dysthymia with recurrent major depression
Unofficial DX: bulimia (therapist and psychiatrist are aware of it, it's in remission.)
Meds: 300 mg Effexor XR
Psychotherapist- two years
Psychiatrist- seven months
Previously was on Paxil prescribed through family medicine physician, started seeing psychiatrist during recurrance of major depression with suicidal ideation.A few examples on how this online support group has helped me.
May 2004. I moved into a new house, lost my job, antidepressant stopped working and I was in a major depression. I was terrified to see a psychiatrist for the first time, babble posters told me what to expect and helped me get through it.
October 2004. I quit therapy and decided to back because of the advice I got from posters. They told me their stories of why they left therapy and why they did (mostly) go back. I have major trust issues and feeling safe seems impossible. I am not alone: the people who wrote to me understand how I feel and gave me personal experiences.
These shared experiences are why this online support group complements my therapy and medication. It offers support, understanding and expertise that my therapist and psychiatrist cannot. I am not saying they don't have compassion, they do, but what they don't have is first hand knowledge of what I am feeling, fearing or questioning. I am anonymous here, no one knows my real identity and I don't know anyone else's, but I feel like I have friends.
I have found the chat room helpful, too. Instant responses that help or support me or just let me have some fun get me through another long day or night.
poster:Poet
thread:410198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20041027/msgs/410291.html