The concept of depression forums is a good one on many levels. Depression makes us miserable in a way that people can’t understand unless they have been through it. If I am miserable and I post it on a forum there can be at least a little relief even if no one responds to my post. Posting on depression forums can mean that I have gone on record that I am truly distressed. If someone responds than I may find validation in addition. Furthermore, I might learn a fact or two, be directed to a useful resource, gain comfort that I am not alone, and find my sinking hope kicked up a few rungs on the ladder to relief.
But here are a few tips for the road while traveling in depression forums:
- Pay more attention to the posts where people have discovered answers and solutions. If you are depressed you may be drawn to the more hopeless posts. Resist that urge and keep looking for solutions and practical steps.
- Take responsibility for finding a solution. The causes of your depression may not be your fault, but you are responsible to find what is going to work for you. It may not be fair, but it is a fact.
- If you are reluctant to try therapy, separate your decision about treatment from your decision to be evaluated. Find a competent professional and schedule one evaluation session. If your particular depression is evaluated properly, that one session could save you hours on depression forums.