Readytostop,

That is a really good point. When I came to PC, I really didn't know what to expect.
I had never done anything like this before. All I knew is that I was really struggling and I needed support or to talk to others like myself. And in the beginning I had a similar concern as you do now. I had a couple of bad experiences and it was different than anything I knew. But I had made a few friends and as I am a determined individual I just tried some more knowing that I could leave if I wanted.

One of things I did want to know is where my own issues were. So I just started posting and letting myself hang out there and see what happened. I also did a lot of reading in my areas of concern. By reading and then meeting others I learned more about my issue than I had read and I also began to notice more of my own TRIGGERS. What that meant to me is that gave me the opportunity to see what did bother me so that I could work on being more aware of these Triggers and try to overcome them. And when I came here I didn't even know what a trigger was.

But I did know things bothered me from time to time. So in effect it gave me a bigger opportunity to see my own issues in a different light and actually work on those issues. And the other thing that helped me was that as I would post to the concerns of others I also learned my strengths and weaknesses in the way I deal with issues and perceive them. PC has been a really good place for me to learn that.
It was also a place to come and releive stress as I would come and read and reply and read again and reply etc. This process slowed my brain down and it was a way of working out stress and anxiety as well as draw my attention away from my own issues and ongoing circumstances.

Just give it time and come when you need it. There is good supportive people here and whatever forum they are in they are trying very hard. It has helped me get through a very difficult time in my life. I have met some really nice people here that have helped me better than any therapist I have encountered. Will you see issues that are very troubling to you? Yes there are people here that are really struggling in more difficult circumstances than you and me. And as you get to know some of them you too will be compelled to offer your own support. It is like one big world of support here and everyone here is learning and trying and not everyone is going to do it the best, we are all learning and trying. Well, you are unique ReadytoStop and you are going to have your own unique way of using PC. And as your name says you are ready to stop and that means ready to HEAL.

Open Eyes