Having online support has changed so many lives. Things that we wouldn't dare share with someone in the real world - or at least be reluctant to bare our souls - somehow is easier to discuss with people online.

It's a medium that allows one to open up and share thoughts and feelings with less fear of judgement. For so many of us it's been a lifeline in a very cold and unfriendly world.

I can't help but worry and wonder when being online becomes a need that overshadows realife: when being online replaces interaction with people in the every day world.... when the thought of not being online becomes frightening. It seems to me that there is a danger of the internet (online support or other cyber activities such as Second Life) taking over instead of living in the real world.

This happened to me in the past. I was in an abusive relationship. My husband reguarly tried to strangle/ beat/ drag around by the neck etc. I had lost my job of some 28 years. Being at home and desperately broke gave my husband more opportunity to beat the H_ll out of me. If I hadn't had internet access I might have just given up. As it was more than once I stared at the barrel of my 38 revolver. Part of what kept me going on were the support of friends located all over the globe but connected via the internet.

So I do know how it is to cling to a lifeline that gives hope. However it is important that there comes a time when we begin to pull back from cyber and reengage in life. It's all too easy to let being on the internet become another kind of addiction or obsession.

Judy

**edited to add trigger icon *only*