How this forum helps me.....

I use it for research, the articles and links and some of the threads. Getting a better understanding of MI has helped me a lot because knowledge is "power" - it is less of a mystery and I am not at the mercy of what a healthcare professional chooses to tell me. Or not.

I enjoy the Games and Current Affairs forums. They're interesting and a good distraction when I know I'm vulnerable. As someone living in the UK, it's been fun to learn about the US elections.

I socialise in some of the groups and find out new recipes or books to read or movies to see. And I've made some friends who I message often, so there's a social element to it.

Many of the threads I read but don't respond to, I still find incredibly useful. I have always felt outside of things and that I had a lot wrong with me. I can now see I'm quite fortunate, others have had a far harder life, but equally, where there are similarities, I realise I'm not alone.

During difficult times like Christmas, as someone who is quite isolated, PC has given me company and purpose.

And I like responding to threads where I have something positive to contribute. Even if it's just a thank you or a hug. Sometimes it's about helping someone feel heard.

So this site has been fantastic for me.

I plan to learn how to use chat one day!

Hope this gives you some ideas.