If I have nothing to offer, should I even be on this forum?

eta: You're all so lovely....thank you.

Reading my question, it sounds as if I'm a little hungry for validation.....sorry about that (but really, I'm overwhelmed and thank you)

I suppose I meant......Why be here if I have nothing positive to say? Is it bad for us?

Yes. Your comments (that I have seen) have always been nice and thoughtful.

[punkybrewster6k]

Yes. Sometimes when we feel we have nothing to offer is when we are the most encouraging to someone.
Push through the feeling.

[Clara22]

Yes, you should stay, anyway. But, to me, you are supportive and smart, so, you should double stay :-)

I often feel like I don't have much to say either. For one thing, I'm older & can't really relate that well to allot of what gets posted. I don't have a therapist & am basically in what I call a "maintenance of effort" mode at this point. So I just come to PC every couple of days or so, look through the new posts, & reply to anything I find that I know something about. Sometimes there just isn't anything. Once in a while I'll post something of my own. So, is it worthwhile for me to be here? I dunno... but I like to be here & I plan to stay. If you enjoy being here, sophiesmom, I think there's every reason to stay!

[paynful]

You might not think it means much, but even when you hit the "Hugs" or "Thanks" button, it helps. It helps just knowing that you cared enough to read my posts.

I'm still a new member here, but I have found all of your comments, threads and responses very helpful and supportive. Having a down day isn't easy. Don't get too hard on yourself or feel like your fishing for compliments. In my opinion, you deserve them.

[Fuzzybear]

[Altered Moment]

I have often read your posts and think you are very valuable to this forum. I know how you feel though....if I have no big success stories and been battling for years and have tried every thing and am not cured what hope do I have to offer.

I am helped here because I am validated. I see people going through exactly what I go through. I know I am not alone. I know this is a serious disease and I have it. I am not just a lazy dead beat I have a disease. And then there are the small victories we can share. Like the guy who made it to his meeting. Doesn't sound like much to most but we all know what a huge deal it is.