I Thought This Was A Safe Place

[Kitamu]

I read replies on here and see how judgemental and nasty people are and am so disappointed.

I feel as if something I really loved has been taken from me. There aren't many places in real life or online I feel accepted and am not judged for my PTSD related emotional issues etc.

If I read a post I disagree with, and/or have nothing productive and helpful to add I just move on.

Please people... Do this too. I love this forum.

 

[Sidu]

Hi, Kitamu. I disagree that this forum is a safe place. Safe spaces are typically (broadly) defined as spaces where marginalized groups can come to feel free of language or other communication that may make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. That is not the mission of MyPTSD. MyPTSD is a place where people can come to freely talk about their struggle--or their loved one's struggle--with PTSD. We encourage diversity here, both in opinions and in individuals.

We have a motto around here: "Take what's useful; leave the rest. Nothing more, nothing less."

 

[Ohug]

I just posted this in another thread... But it works better / is on the money, here!

I've read a lot, lately, about this site being a "safe" place... And that just confuses the hell out of me. While we're moderated exceptionally well, and attacks are not tolerated -although diverse opinions are- this is not only the interwebz, but we're talking PTSD here ;) Emotions run high, triggers abound, and other people's nightmares and worst fears are our real lives. Things can get a bit sparky!

My best advice? Take what's useful to you, & ignore the rest. :D While it doesn't work in the anonymous forum, if you're new and don't know about it yet, there is an "ignore" function that allows you to ignore individual members at your own discretion. Even if they're responding directly to your thread, all you'll see is a line that reads something along the lines of "ignored member" or "ignored content"... And none of their comments. You can always change your settings later -or not- but it gets rid of content that you can't/ don't want to/ don't have the energy to ignore on your own.

 

[Jifu]

What is productive and helpful to one person, may not be to someone else. What one person takes on as judgement, another may take on as constructive criticism.

While I get a lot from people being able to identify with what I'm going through, and the acceptance and understanding that comes with that, I also get a lot from having my thoughts and feelings challenged by people.

There are times I've felt misjudged here, and times when I've read responses that I think are uncalled for or out of line, but on the whole, I'd say the support here far outweighs any negativity.

digger

 

[Rave]

It always surprises me when people describe any Internet forum as a "safe space" but especially one where the members are coping with significant levels of mental illness. This space is as safe as you make it for yourself - by managing your triggers, taking responsibility for what you do and don't put out there and by keeping a sense of proportion in your response to others.

There's no imperative on members to agree with each other, or to reply in some form of acceptable way, beyond not personally attacking others. Sometimes discussions get a bit fraught but that for me feels quite real because sometimes I feel quite fraught at what I read here and respond from that place. I'm glad I don't need to wait until I've found an acceptable, appropriate, kindly way to say what I need to and I also accept and value others being direct with me. Sometimes it might sting but that's usually a sign that I have some work to do on myself.

And yes sometimes it is better to scroll on past something that presses your buttons, but that can be a learned skill.

 

[Bamaho]

If people here would keep themselves from any disagreement and critics we would soon have completely unreal environment which would have nothing to do with real world.
I don't think it would be helpful at all or good on our path of healing.

It is actually important for all of us to have the chance to really say our opinions loud as many of us don't have such opportunity anywhere else.

What would be the point in posting threads if only what we could expect would be - yes you are right, life sucks, but nothing is wrong.

I am grateful for this forum and people on it, I can say I am really sensitive person but I really enjoy the kindness here more than anywhere else in my life.

Everyone, thank you so much for being part of my recovery.

@expectingbetter

 

[Isit]

I have closed this. If you have something to discuss about MyPTSD or the administration thereof, raise a support ticket and take it up with staff. End of discussion. This community is about PTSD and trauma, not about how this community is run, or running diatribe for a few who partake in troll like behaviour.

By the way, OP, you are not anonymous to us admins, so take that under advisement when considering further such threads that are no longer tolerated here.