hi.

i sometimes get asked this... how do people on your forums support someone if they are feeling the same way?

like if someone is feeling depressed and down- and someone else posts that they are, how do people respond to them positively- knowing deep down they feel the same way and want to end it themselves.

i think it's an interesting descussion- so what do people think?

when i'm asked.. i just say that you have to think about what they want to hear, not what you want to tell them.

so... what are your thoughts

[sugahorse1]

Well, I am very good at theory. I know what I'm supposed to do, and I give this advice to others. I am just terrible at following my own advice. But that doesn't mean I haven't possibly helped someone by telling them what they needed to hear.

And with the nature of Bipolar, we all go through phases where we really feel good, and the it makes perfect sense that we can support others.

[OutlawedSpirit]

Sometimes it is enough to know that other people are going through the same thing. Just the fact that knowing you're not alone can be enough.

Plus we aren't all depressed, or manic, or normal all at the same time. If you're depressed and someone else is just coming our of a depression, they see the light at the end of the tunnel and can remind you that the light is there.

I found that I teach best what I need to learn. It's like, by going through it, I can see what I should be doing. What I should be thinking and I know the right steps to take. Unfortuneately, as life would have it, I can not do those things on my own when I am in the middle of an episode, but I do know them.

[Trippin2.0]

Me? I step outside of myself and forget about me for the moment. Coz no matter how hopeless I feel, it wouldnt do my friend any good to sink their boat further,and posting isnt always the easiest thing to do, so acknowledging that is important to me. So I concentrate on my friend, what they've been thru so far, where they are at now,and I find it within myself to be positive for them,If I am utterly incapable of thinking up a good response, I send warm hugs, good vibes, and I offer to keep them in prayer.

Come to think of it, it really helps just knowing that someone relates. it validates me and the way that I feel. So yes! even if it's someone that is able to identify and describe how it is for them, it really really helps.

[~Christina]

Sometimes I find that its easier for me to focus on others .. When my pain level is skyhigh and my bipolar is biting me in the *** helping others takes my mind off me.

[Thoughtbubble]

I guess it's not telling them what they want to hear so much as what they need to hear. It's way simpler on here though, no pokerface ha.

[Victoria'smom]

Well if I'm coherent I try to answer. At times I will skip posts that can be damaging to my current mood. My whole world could be crumbling but at least I'm helping someone and can see that others have got out of it.

[BlueInanna]

interesting question Shattered. sometimes the shizz hits the fan for many at the same time and it's hectic but we still manage to be supportive, it just works. we can find peace in knowing we aren't alone.