[DechanDawa]

It would be nice to be kept informed about the forum instead of it simply vanishing. That's a kind of crazy thought. Since the administration here has our emails it would be nice if we could be updated that way...with our permission, of course.

I don't want to keep logging into Psych Central anxiously wondering if it is still here. I already have too much anxiety in my life and this is rather a surprise and a new source of anxiety I do not relish.

I would prefer to get an updated by email.

[*Beth*]

I feel sure that we will be informed if/when there are changes to the PC forums.

[MoxieDoxie]

and so the changes and cuts start.

It Has Been An Honor to Connect With You Here

[Skeezyks]

Originally Posted by MoxieDoxie

and so the changes and cuts start.

It Has Been An Honor to Connect With You Here

I see a whole bunch of new advertising has now been added at the bottom of the articles in the archives.

[DechanDawa]

I am feeling like this is really screwy.


This isn't like any other site. People have been members for years. It seems there should be more information delivered to members...so there isn't all this conjecturing.

There should be more consideration for members because people who come on here have issues with anxiety.

[seesaw]

Well, quite honestly, in regards to articles/blogs on Psych Central, I think DocJohn was wise to sell. PC as a resource for articles was unwieldy to manage, I'm sure. In previous posts I recall DocJohn saying that there is no editorial review of the content on the Psych Central articles and blogs, and I often found articles written by people claiming to be credible, but were not only inaccurate but completely biased (I'm thinking about an article about how terrible Millenials are and another about how DID is a sham). I'm definitely in favor of a shift on the content on that side of the site having more editorial review so that people are actually getting accurate information and not spreading misperceptions about mental illness. With DocJohn's limited staff and resources that was obviously impossible, hopefully HealthLine can do even better. I view that side of things very positively.

The forums and chat are on separate servers from the "news and information" side of the site, as I understand it. I highly doubt DocJohn will allow the forum to simply shut down without warning. Also, HealthLine's competitors, such as Patients Like Me, also have forums, so I think it's in their best interest to keep this forum active as well. The biggest difference and concern I see is that this forum may become open to research/data collection, where it was previously research free.

I really do think that while a transition is going to occur, in the end the PC news site will be more reliable, and I do not think the forums will shut down. PC would be losing a large market share by shutting this forum down, since their competitors all have forums.

So, I think we all need to take a deep breath and trust DocJohn a bit. He's done right by us all for over 20 years. I don't think he's going to let his community down and just walk away. We are going to see changes, yes, and some of us may not like them, but I think this is just a growth spurt, so to speak, and we may have some growing pains.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by seesaw

Well, quite honestly, in regards to articles/blogs on Psych Central, I think DocJohn was wise to sell. PC as a resource for articles was unwieldy to manage, I'm sure. In previous posts I recall DocJohn saying that there is no editorial review of the content on the Psych Central articles and blogs, and I often found articles written by people claiming to be credible, but were not only inaccurate but completely biased (I'm thinking about an article about how terrible Millenials are and another about how DID is a sham). I'm definitely in favor of a shift on the content on that side of the site having more editorial review so that people are actually getting accurate information and not spreading misperceptions about mental illness. With DocJohn's limited staff and resources that was obviously impossible, hopefully HealthLine can do even better. I view that side of things very positively.

The forums and chat are on separate servers from the "news and information" side of the site, as I understand it. I highly doubt DocJohn will allow the forum to simply shut down without warning. Also, HealthLine's competitors, such as Patients Like Me, also have forums, so I think it's in their best interest to keep this forum active as well. The biggest difference and concern I see is that this forum may become open to research/data collection, where it was previously research free.

I really do think that while a transition is going to occur, in the end the PC news site will be more reliable, and I do not think the forums will shut down. PC would be losing a large market share by shutting this forum down, since their competitors all have forums.

So, I think we all need to take a deep breath and trust DocJohn a bit. He's done right by us all for over 20 years. I don't think he's going to let his community down and just walk away. We are going to see changes, yes, and some of us may not like them, but I think this is just a growth spurt, so to speak, and we may have some growing pains.

Thank you ... this is exactly how I feel..

[*Beth*]

I want to feel the same way, Seesaw and Christina. I'm giving it my best shot.

The PC forum is the only mental health forum online that is active and well-moderated. At least, that's my experience. One would think that there would be any number of successful mental health forums, but there just aren't.

Of course, if this forum isn't available, another forum would hopefully see an influx of members who transition over.

I do, however, believe it's important to recognize that many of us here are extremely sensitive to feelings of abandonment. Big changes and growing pains are easier for some people than for others. For some, PC is truly a lifeline, a daily (even sometimes hourly) lifeline.

I'm confused by the comment in the blogger's post that reads, "...I was also told that, starting next month, all new Psych Central content is on pause for awhile."

I'll rest easier when I know what "all new content" means. And how long is "awhile"?

-------------------------
note: I don't know why some of this post is bolding. It's not intentional.

[~Christina]

Ive been wandering the halls here since 2011, I do NOT want to see the forum go away they have been a life line more times than I can count.

I have made life long true deep relationships here with many friends....We also chat outside of PC so I have no worries of losing track of them if PC were to make drastic changes, I know many people do not want to share outside of here and that's perfectly okay.

In many ways I think that having PC in the Healthline company would be a huge place for revenue for them. I mean if they throw ads around , We simple ignore and go where we want to anyway. Most of use have kind of a "home base" mine is the Bipolar forum but I wander all over.

I also have HUGE abandoment issues.. My T is likely going to retire soon and also my Pdoc both which I have been with almost 10 years.

Honestly I don't think DocJohn would sell out to a company that would destroy such a wonderful community. They ( Healthline) could use this platform to start other forums for health problems of any kind.

The unknown is scary for sure tho.

[DechanDawa]

Does all this conjecturing really help? After this posting I will refrain from making any more comments on this thread -- out of consideration for other members -- some who have expressed that all this talk is raising concerns and anxiety.

Loyalty to Psych Central seems a bit misplaced when it has been sold to a large conglomerate. (I am agreeing with what Skeez has already stated.) What these large multi-companies do is not based on the needs of consumers but rather how well the platform does as an anchor for advertising.

If a forum is used for "research" that is again saying it may be an anchor for advertising research i.e. research on what medications people are taking etc.

Whether or not it was a "good move" monetarily or management-wise for Psych Central administration does not concern me, or how it will be better "managed" - as I get my mental health information elsewhere and only engage with Psych Central forum --


If this forum is changed from a "community" of "safe support" then it is no longer what it was.

I have never thought it was a good idea when mental health providers suggest online communities as a way to "connect"...for all the above reasons.

Think it is time for members to perhaps rethink how they connect to friends and community. I think a new model might be more use of sites such as meetup...which would be local and could afford members the opportunity of actually meeting in real life. Or course there will always be a percentage who won't like that idea...but meetup sites could include little mini-forums. A healthier model of support could be created than online communities.

Although I have tremendously appreciated the support I have gotten on this forum...and consider online people as Internet Friends...it is a rather fragile and enigmatic situation...and sometimes the anonymous nature seems a detriment. I have taken forum friendships offsite...but frankly they never last that long. It could be me. I grow tired of having "friends" all over the globe...most of whom I will never meet. It is not that I dislike these friends...but more the opposite...it is frustrating to not be able to bring the friendships into real life, meet for coffee or a hike etc.

I do have trouble with transitions but most of all I have been having trouble with multiple sites I am a member of simply melting away.


A forum has a particular function as a forum and this one has been the best of the best. Thank you everyone for being here all these years.

[Breaking Dawn]

I hope with all my heart that Doc John & the other volunteers can feel our gratitude for all that they have done through all their dedicated years. I'm still sort of new. My one year anniversary is coming up in about two weeks. I've been closed up for a long while. PC has been gradually socializing me. If they fold up completely, I still have what I've learned & my memories. If we end up saying goodbye, I will never forget you. And thank you, many of you who made me feel like we're a family.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

Does all this conjecturing really help? After this posting I will refrain from making any more comments on this thread -- out of consideration for other members -- some who have expressed that all this talk is raising concerns and anxiety.

Your comment is hurtful to me. I'm feeling uneasy myself, and started this thread with the intention of members being aware of possible changes to the forum, and to help process those changes (should they occur) with ourselves and with each other. (Please note that I started this thread on the Bipolar board in order to have some discussion about what ways we'd like the PC forums to change, or not...it was intended to be a "what if it was up to you" thread. When it was moved, it became available to the entire forum.)

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

I certainly wasn't intending to increase anxiety. As for concerns...well, naturally there are concerns. I believe that a degree of conjecture is part of processing a possible change.

And of course, if anyone feels that this thread creates an excess of anxiety for them, they don't have to read it. It's the old "keep scrolling...."

Loyalty to Psych Central seems a bit misplaced when it has been sold to a large conglomerate. (I am agreeing with what Skeez has already stated.) What these large multi-companies do is not based on the needs of consumers but rather how well the platform does as an anchor for advertising.

Okay. But it's like shopping on Amazon. Does the company truly care about anything except knowing demographics to create more revenue? No. Do I still like to/need to shop there? Sure.

If a forum is used for "research" that is again saying it may be an anchor for advertising research i.e. research on what medications people are taking etc.

Well, yes...that's the nature of capitalism. While I am aware that some people are uncomfortable about the medication research, advertising, and so on- I'm not. I don't mind seeing med ads; I've found some useful information about medications from ads.

Whether or not it was a "good move" monetarily or management-wise for Psych Central administration does not concern me, or how it will be better "managed" - as I get my mental health information elsewhere and only engage with Psych Central forum --

"Good moves" don't concern me, either; I don't have any financial stake in PC. Having use of the forum is my interest.

If this forum is changed from a "community" of "safe support" then it is no longer what it was.

I have never thought it was a good idea when mental health providers suggest online communities as a way to "connect"...for all the above reasons.

Think it is time for members to perhaps rethink how they connect to friends and community. I think a new model might be more use of sites such as meetup...which would be local and could afford members the opportunity of actually meeting in real life. Or course there will always be a percentage who won't like that idea...but meetup sites could include little mini-forums. A healthier model of support could be created than online communities.

There are some problems there, though. For a number of reasons, many people don't have access to IRL support communities. And IRL groups are not available 24/7. If I'm unable to sleep at 3 a.m., I can check in with friends here; that's a tremendous advantage to being part of an online group.

A very real and present problem at this time is covid. I understand that in some places people are able to meet in person with therapists, support groups, etc. In my location, we will not be able to have person contact until at least late spring of 2021 - at the earliest. There's a long autumn and winter between now and then....

I have facilitated a NAMI Connection (support) group for several years. One week in March we held our usual group - the next week we were informed that we could no longer meet in person. And although I have advocated for it, NAMI still has no online support system.

Were it not for PC, I would have had no mental health group connection for almost six months.

Although I have tremendously appreciated the support I have gotten on this forum...and consider online people as Internet Friends...it is a rather fragile and enigmatic situation...and sometimes the anonymous nature seems a detriment. I have taken forum friendships offsite...but frankly they never last that long. It could be me. I grow tired of having "friends" all over the globe...most of whom I will never meet. It is not that I dislike these friends...but more the opposite...it is frustrating to not be able to bring the friendships into real life, meet for coffee or a hike etc.

I love having contact with people all over the globe. I find it fascinating and educational.

I have 4 IRL life-long friends that I'm close to, and a number of other friends. But none of them are involved in mental health support. I'm not at all interested in making new IRL friends at this time. I find online friendships to be very fulfilling.

As for long-term online friendships, there are 5 women that I met online and we have remained friends since 2005. We've watched each others' kids grow up. And a couple of us have met in person. Those meetings hold such special memories for me. So, I agree that how we handle online friendships is a personal thing.

I have a load of wonderful memories that I've made from online connections. Some people whose real names I never knew, but who have had a very real influence upon my life.

I do have trouble with transitions but most of all I have been having trouble with multiple sites I am a member of simply melting away.

I'm truly sorry, DD. That certainly is the downside of internet relationship. That said, real life friendships often change or melt away, too.

A forum has a particular function as a forum and this one has been the best of the best. Thank you everyone for being here all these years.

Thank you, DD

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by BethRags

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Equating Psych Central (forum) with Amazon? How bizarre!

And no, we don't have to shop at Amazon at all.


I meant no disrespect towards you.

Just gave my opinion. Geez Louise.

Anyway...I'm over it. I am going to build a future life without so much involvement on the Internet. The pandemic is certainly not going to last forever so planning for the future is wise for everyone.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by BethRags

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This reply was excessive and feels a bit like bullying. Taking my whole reply apart...my goodness. Weird.

Just another reason why I no longer want to put up with the downside of community forums. I can have a difference of opinion. There is no reason why you should become aggressive about that.


Please chill.

[*Beth*]

Look, DD. I wasn't trying in any way to be aggressive. I'm tired this morning. I apologize if my post isn't the best. Plus, I'm having formatting problems, which is frustrating me and making it difficult for me to reply to you properly.

I wasn't taking your whole reply apart out of meanness; I was trying to carefully consider each of your points and give them my attention by dialoguing with you.

For me, the PC forums are very helpful. It sounds like that for you (as you've posted) being online too much is stressful for you. Everyone has different needs, of course.

I'm going to request that this thread be closed, since it's gotten way too personal and off the subject I intended.

I'm really sorry that there's been a misunderstanding between you and I.

[DechanDawa]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Look, DD. I wasn't trying in any way to be aggressive. I'm tired this morning. I apologize if my post isn't the best. Plus, I'm having formatting problems, which is frustrating me and making it difficult for me to reply to you properly.

I wasn't taking your whole reply apart out of meanness; I was trying to carefully consider each of your points and give them my attention by dialoguing with you.

For me, the PC forums are very helpful. It sounds like that for you (as you've posted) being online too much is stressful for you. Everyone has different needs, of course.

I'm going to request that this thread be closed, since it's gotten way too personal and off the subject I intended.

I'm really sorry that there's been a misunderstanding between you and I.

I already messaged the moderators to take a look at this thread and consider closing it. I think this is a difficult time for everyone. I mean difficult in the wider sense...but also here. I only found out about this acquisition in the last few days and have been researching it. I consider Psych Central the very best of the best of the best. So I guess I am upset, and so is everyone. Well, not everyone. Perhaps some think the changes will result in a new, better Psych Central.

You seem unaffected by the idea of ads, while I see it as a deal breaker. We are both entitled to our opinions.

I really don't want to argue with you. I have always enjoyed your involvement here on PC, your wisdom, experience, and empathy. That's really true. So please, let's not lock horns. It was brave of you to start this thread. And well, I do get triggered, and know from experience that when I do...it's time to go. But first... Thanks. Let's stay friends, okay? I think it is wise to close this thread. Stay safe, BR.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by DechanDawa

I already messaged the moderators to take a look at this thread and consider closing it. I think this is a difficult time for everyone. I mean difficult in the wider sense...but also here. I only found out about this acquisition in the last few days and have been researching it. I consider Psych Central the very best of the best of the best. So I guess I am upset, and so is everyone. Well, not everyone. Perhaps some think the changes will result in a new, better Psych Central.

You seem unaffected by the idea of ads, while I see it as a deal breaker. We are both entitled to our opinions.

I really don't want to argue with you. I have always enjoyed your involvement here on PC, your wisdom, experience, and empathy. That's really true. So please, let's not lock horns. It was brave of you to start this thread. And well, I do get triggered, and know from experience that when I do...it's time to go. But first... Thanks. Let's stay friends, okay? I think it is wise to close this thread. Stay safe, BR.

Thank you, DD. I have always enjoyed your input PC, too. I totally agree with you on this post. I started this thread in Bipolar on a whim, just to brainstorm and toss some ideas around, when I knew many of us were needing to commiserate. I feel so bad that it has upset some of us. Hopefully a mod will close it.

[DocJohn]

Folks, I don't think it helps anyone's mental health to conjecture about the future of the forums at this point in time. I've shared all the information I have available to me today.

Healthline and the people who own it are NOT, in my opinion, just like any other digital publisher online. I went through several candidates of potential buyers and out of all the people I spoke to, Healthline and the people behind it are the most dedicated to furthering helping people understand their own health and mental health challenges. They were deficit in mental health information, so this was a really good fit.

I've been meeting (virtually of course) with the leaders of all the various teams I'm going to be working with for at least the next year. Through and through, these are people who understand the mission and vision behind Psych Central. I am confident they are the right people to steward Psych Central through the next decade or two of its life.

As for the community, I just don't know yet. Yes, it's true, they don't have other online communities. But I've made a strong rationale for our support groups here, not only for merely keeping them, but improving them, expanding upon them, and more. But as I said in the other Healthline thread in GSC, they are grappling with moving over the 40,000+ articles on the site to their own content platform (content refers only to articles written on psychcentral.com or one of its subdomains, not the forums). That is their first priority, and given the size and complexity of the site, it will take them until November to complete.

I will continue to keep the community informed with additional information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience.