RYL Forums - View Single Post - Atmosphere about mental health problems/treatment.

Snow White. · 19-01-2010, 11:19 AM

I'm really, really tired so I apologise if this does not make sense.

I was thinking of this today and I think there's a competitive atmosphere but also it depends on how you interpret things. Like, even in your post Tiff you say you seem like a fake but you also mention you should get stitches... I did not used to need stitches when I did self harm, but I don't read into that making me a fake or less unwell... it just means we are different. Same when I am on the ED board and people are being put into hospital, I am not, but it doesn't make my illness any less.

That said, it helps to get validation that what you are going through is real, and if that can't come from inside then it should come from family & friends and here and anyone you can talk too.

Everyone here is struggling, that's why we're here.

So while I think the competitive atmosphere is bad, and anything we can do to eliminate it is good, I also think we have to look at our own thoughts too and remember that everyone all have very different pasts, presents, and futures and step back before you take what other people are going through and compare it with yourself. It takes practice, not always easy but it's worth it.

And void. is right, if not with a website, you'll compete with yourself too.

Also as Heidi said, people do speak out (in a polite manner) against these sorts of posts sometimes, maybe it's a wake up call, I don't know, but she's right in that the members make it what it is, I suppose what can we do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heidi

There is definately a competitiveness on this site, however I do also think there is some backlash against that. There are members pointing out when things are unhelpful and competitiveness and I see that as a very positive thing. Ultimately this site is only as helpful as it's members are so I think we all have a responsibility to speak out against the things that they find uncomfortable.

19-01-2010, 11:19 AM	#32
Snow White. I am a fairy. Join Date: May 2004 I am currently:	I'm really, really tired so I apologise if this does not make sense. I was thinking of this today and I think there's a competitive atmosphere but also it depends on how you interpret things. Like, even in your post Tiff you say you seem like a fake but you also mention you should get stitches... I did not used to need stitches when I did self harm, but I don't read into that making me a fake or less unwell... it just means we are different. Same when I am on the ED board and people are being put into hospital, I am not, but it doesn't make my illness any less. That said, it helps to get validation that what you are going through is real, and if that can't come from inside then it should come from family & friends and here and anyone you can talk too. Everyone here is struggling, that's why we're here. So while I think the competitive atmosphere is bad, and anything we can do to eliminate it is good, I also think we have to look at our own thoughts too and remember that everyone all have very different pasts, presents, and futures and step back before you take what other people are going through and compare it with yourself. It takes practice, not always easy but it's worth it. And void. is right, if not with a website, you'll compete with yourself too. Also as Heidi said, people do speak out (in a polite manner) against these sorts of posts sometimes, maybe it's a wake up call, I don't know, but she's right in that the members make it what it is, I suppose what can we do? Quote: Originally Posted by Heidi There is definately a competitiveness on this site, however I do also think there is some backlash against that. There are members pointing out when things are unhelpful and competitiveness and I see that as a very positive thing. Ultimately this site is only as helpful as it's members are so I think we all have a responsibility to speak out against the things that they find uncomfortable.