Jasmine,
I don't believe there is any place that is truly safe either online or offline. For all we know there are many people tracking and studying our posts. The student who started this thread has likely reported back to her professor and how has changed her username or move on to another forum. Now the instructor will like tell her students in the future to blend in and play the part of a depressed person while completing the assignment. I'm sure some of the professionals that seem to run this site are getting something out of it --material for books, scenarios to discuss in Counseling 101, there has got to be some extrinsic motivation for them. Sorry if I sound cynical DocJohn--I'll blame it on my depression :-)

As for me I've decided to take the risk and communicate with others. Because for me the alternative was to let my brain run out of control at quantum speed without an outlet. I was on cognitive overload and was getting ready to crash hard. Although somewhat addicting, I've been able to learn a lot from the others on this forum. It is giving me an outlet that I desperately need until I can overcome my inhibitions, trust people, and figure out how to communicate openly in face-to-face interactions.

Jaz,
Don't let this student send you back into hiding. Stay...read...and post when you feel like you want to.