While the rules create a safe place - they also free up subjects like mental illness that "normal" people find hard to handle. At least most people in the real world that I know, don't usually feel very comfortable about this. I've learned not to talk about depression with most people - I've had to control my own boundries even when I've wanted to talk about my issue with depression, just to be polite. One really sees how uncomfortable some people are with this.

Here at PC I can ask a question about a taboo subject irl and get a few answers by others who deal with that issue every day. Without getting that "we don't discuss things like that here" look.

I can offer support to others when I think I have something to offer. I can ask for support when I don't know an answer.

Feeling understood and listened to, having something in common with someone else. Community.

Thank you PC