My mask

Is it really such a good idea to put the “everything is fine, thanks” mask on, even on here, or any other online support group? that would not be authentic but maybe it’s expected?

I’ve learnt as if by rote, to say that to almost everyone irl..

An additional question, I’ve asked this before, I’m curious about all experiences... has anyone had experience with support groups in “real” life?

No real life support groups. I don’t put on a mask here. If thinks aren’t “fine” I talk about it here. I don’t talk to people IRL - very, very few anyway. I wear the mask IRL to make things easier... for me and for everybody else.

Goodpost Fuzzy.

I have no experience of support groups IRL either.

IRL, the mask is worn because when someone asks "How are you?" They don't really want to know how someone is feeling. Perhaps they sense we are wearing a mask and that is why the reject us. Being positive doesn't change our emotions in the same way as that of the average person. Emotions are trapped in layers in our recordings.

Society has come to believe that everyone should be positive and being negative is not acceptable. They see us as not trying hard enough and even responsible for our own fate.

At PC we have a space where others understand our profound need to emote.

I have no experience with in-real-life/flesh-and-blood support groups. I believe I could have administrative access to such groups through the medical systems to which I belong, but as a non-driver I lack practical access. As an anxious, withdrawn person, I lack the will to participate.

Thank you all

Much love

I don't have any support groups IRL either. Here I don't wear a mask. No point. I'm not on here enough. Usually, like today, when I feel so bad I just have to come on and say "something" with the hope of feeling a little better afterwards. IRL there's always a mask on unless I'm home alone. My husband asked the other day why myself and my sisters all looked like we never smile. I've tried to explain. Doesn't work. I hate masks and I hate being asked "How are you?", Are you alright?". One day I might just tell them.