There have been times when I have tried to explain why I like this board much better than other mental health support boards, and I think this question throws a little light on the subject for me.

At other boards I've been to it seems to me like there is a lot of just neediness and no support going on. I do think that one of the reasons is the "no suicidal posts" rule we have here. On other boards it seems like there are a lot of threats followed by comforting by other members... There is a word I would use to describe the overall feel but I won't use it because it is a very judgemental word and not at all applicable in all individual posts.

The atmosphere here is so supportive to me. I feel like I have real friends here.

Of course, everyone will get out of the resources here what they give. So it doesn't eliminate the possibility of "enabling" but for me the overall tone here is not one of "Please help me, we're all in the same boat so let's all suffer together" Rather, to me, this place feels like "Please support me. Help me to get help when I need it. Share your experiences so I know I am not alone."

I like that we discuss our meds, offer ideas for coping skills to one another, discuss the types of therapy we undergo... and that of course is all alongside the mutual support and understanding.

Sometimes we do just want or need nothing more than acknowledgement that we are suffering. This place is supportive in that area too. I don't want anyone to think that I think it is bad to just post "I'm having a bad day" or simply "I need a hug". I think those types of posts are very important here, and within the context of this place, posts like that show understanding of one's own needs and the courage to come right out and ask for it. But I guess it is all about context. At PC, that is only one element of the support that is available.

What was the question again?