I'm afraid to respond

I check in and read people's post everyday. My thing is that I'm afraid to reply to the post that I read. I can relate to a lot of them, but I don't want to hurt anyone.

Just so much c**p going on between my ears. But I've always wanted to help people, even when I'm in the depth of depression.

Does anyone else feel this way? Or, am I just nervous to talk? Is this normal for a newbie?

I would think it could be for a newbie just a little frustrating. There are so many people here, some of whom are in episodes when the write; there are others who are perfectly clear in thought, some who want to challenge, and many who want to be reassured.

Wherever you feel comfortable, just have at it and see what happens. You'll become more secure the more often you write, I think.

I hope so. I know I've really been shaken lately, but I think I found a place I can fit in. That's here, and I want to be part of the community, and not just take from it.

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As a "newbie" myself.....I was initially reluctant to reply too. You aren't alone I'm sure. I get SO much out of posts from others. I'm like a sponge with all this new info, med's, terms, symptoms, feelings, etc...I started replying to certain posts only because I had questions or some experiences relational to those others were writing about. Don't be afraid, just jump right in. All this is for YOU right?!

Yes it is for me. I've lived with this since I was 10. I'm now 40, and it has gotten much worse. I'm here to learn how to survive, and live with it. I will, I must learn from others who suffer the same way, and find a way to live.

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I recently joined and plunged right in. I was inspired to overcome my jitters about responding by DocJohn's sticky about how active participation increases the benefits of using the forum (you can find it in the new members/introductions section). It's increased my enjoyment too, and gives me even more food for thought than just reading ever did. Try it.

You'll probably have noticed it's a supportive, insightful and sensitive group. I'm sure many people are nervous about responding, but think about how much you've benefitted from what they've had to say. The thought that I have as much of a say - and as much of a right to say it - as other people, or that I have anything to offer, doesn't really come naturally to me. I have to remind myself every time I hit the send button. But I think of it as being like a kind of group therapy. No one, including yourself, will benefit from what you have to say if you don't say it.

Don't worry about posting, I felt odd at first too , It's natural. Just respond when and if you feel like it.

I often respond to everything LOL and other time I just lurk and read and give myself a few extra doses of self care..

This site is a give and take .. Give when/if you can. Take when /if you need.

It's all good

I think I post too much, and always worry what people think. I wish I could just shed that worry - most people won't even remember me, or care. But I enjoy participating. In real life I'm pretty shy (unless manic).

So...I'm there with ya... Keep posting. Nice getting to know you.

This is a really good place. Take your time and try to just respond here or there when you feel up to it. We're really not very scary. I always think of it that, this is a board full of people with bipolar, so every so often we get a volitile conversation going. But, in the end the cycles shift and we go back to normal.

Like Alice, I also feel like I post too much too, and get worried about what people think. I think we all worry too much about things.

Thank you all for your responses. I think I've found a home. I can relate to so much on this board, and I really do want to be a active member. I guess, just the like the rest of my life, I always jump in w/ both feet, I'm a little impulsive, but this last episode, has got me questioning that.

I don't have much to add other than echoing what others have said.

Hi Jeffro! I am newish too...think of it this way (if you like)...if you DON'T post, we are being deprived of the opportunity to get another valuable perspective! I look forward to seeing your posts! ((HUGS))