For New Members - Positives Of The Forum

[Nicolette]

I thought it would be a nice change to have a thread about the positives of being a member on this forum that we can share with newer members.

The first reactions we often see the boldest are the complaints about the rules and the same old same old issues.

Lets work together to create a list of positives of the forums for new members from our points of view.

 

[Nicolette]

• A place where you know you are understood.
• A place of knowledge relative to your situation.
• A place to vent or talk where others can identify and will not judge you.
• A place where you can gain support.
• Formed friendships from those in similar and sometimes opposite situations.
• A place on the internet that offers more 'safety' than others.

 

[SeekingSerenity]

A place where hope and peace can be found.
A place where I am no longer alone...

 

[Srain]

A place with a LOT of information and dialogue regarding that information.
A place to tell your story and examine it with new eyes.


I've been to quite a few support sites but this is by far my favorite. I have gotten a LOT of great feedback when I've been stumped on my reactions to things or what is going on with me, etc. I've learned so much.

The support here is outstanding and immeasurable to me.

 

[amethist]

A place where you can find good factual information when all else fails you, including the so called medical profession.

 

[intothelight]

A really healing place!

 

[TheLost]

A place where Ive found Im not alone and have gained a better understanding of my PTSD.
A place where I can speak to people who REALLY do know how I feel.

 

[Barberian]

A place where I can journal with the knowledge that I have to be honest to myself and anybody who might read it.
A place I can recieve feedback to help me through the tough patches.
A place I can share my failures and successes.
A place I can share my experiences and hopefully provide help and or hope for others.

 

[Nighthawk]

The first place I have known I am not the only one.
A place that is safe to be yourself.

I for one took months to open up and allow the support of this forum to help me.
It has taught me to be me and not get repramanded for it.
It has given me a voice.

 

[jimmy-joe]

A place where you can find a sense of community, for the most part, that you can't find in your daily life.

 

[freakofnurture]

• A place where people are really, genuinely interested in giving and receiving helpful knowledge
• A place where you can seek input about PTSD related problems that would be judged ridiculous almost everywhere else
• A place where people really work towards a common goal and want to learn and grow during this enterprise
• A place where you can dare to assume that everybody is doing their genuine best to be kind and respectful without betraying themselves; so antagonism is always genuine and heartfelt and not just a sloppy 'I don't care if this hurts you' puking of opinions
• A place where people are learning to stand up for themselves
• The first place where I actually made some of those magical 'correcting experiences' that my new T is talking about
• A place where moderators really do their job, impartially enforcing the rules, neither kissing people's asses to up member numbers, nor trying to bully out controversial people or topics
• A place where I feel I will be treated fairly and honestly
• A place where I will be held accountable without being judged
• A place where I don't at all feel the need to antagonise authority, because it's this nice, authentic authority that comes from having integrity, the will to self-reflect and a detached, calm way of judging situations (as opposed to power authority that comes solely from being the one who can ban you)

 

[CraftyCath]

• A place where I have never been judged.
• A place where I have learned what therapy I need.
• A place where I have made some very good friends.
• A place where I was encouraged to try a new therapy.
• A place where crying isn't shameful, weak or bad but healing.
• A place where I can be myself.
• A place with a set of rules that protect people.
• A place where I feel supported and can support others.
• A place where I can have fun!