I feel like I don't really have a place here, like the guy outside the crowd trying to get in. I don't think I really understand how it works here.

[glok]

Hello, amazingblob. Please let us know if you talking about something you may learn about in Forums at Psych Central - FAQ/Help or Tutorials & How-To's - Forums at Psych Central or http://forums.psychcentral.com/commu...ead-first.html or you are uncomfortable at the site? If the latter, what has makes you uncomfortable. Please give examples.

[inanimateobjects]

i kinda know what you mean. i'm not really too good at making friends in real life, i just never know where to start or what to say. it's rough. i came from a military family and moving around it's hard to squeeze yourself into a group when everyone else has known each other since grade school

here it should be easier. no one is judging and most everyone is pretty friendly. i'm sure if you just ask someone they would be more than happy to get to know you. i could use a buddy or two since i am new.

I just don't feel as if I fit in right. It's not that I don't know how to use the sight, it's that everyone else kinda seems to know each other, but I don't know anyone.

Just like off line life it takes time. Keep posting, maybe try the chat once in a while. You'll find someone/s you connect with.

I'm not one to form strong attachments in either life so I know how it feels to be the outsider and how much harder it is to try to speak up.

Even if you don't want to speak about yourself, I'm sure if you keep looking around you'll find someone who might benefit from your wisdom.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Originally Posted by amazingblob

I just don't feel as if I fit in right. It's not that I don't know how to use the sight, it's that everyone else kinda seems to know each other, but I don't know anyone.

Nono, blob, ... you've got it all wrong. As of right now, there are a grand total of 317,578 registered members on Psych Central; I betcha they don't all know each other well! All these members, with such a huge variation of problems. You do fit in, here, ... we're not all best-buddies in some tight-nit group in some dark corner of the Internet; this is a renowned mental health website filled with plenty of people all looking for different things, with the primary focus on support.

You've nothing to worry about. If you need help with getting around PC, or PC etiquette (or something else I've missed out) then please feel free to send a private message or visitor message to a Community Liaison, such as myself, and we'll get back to you, as soon as we can.

Stay safe.

PS
From looking at your profile, my message was only confirmed in seeing you do suffer with mental health issues; schizophrenia is no walk in the walk, right? You definitely belong here and there is nothing wrong in wanting a little support/understanding/comfort. Please do stick around and give this place a chance! There are some wonderful people, here.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by amazingblob

I feel like I don't really have a place here, like the guy outside the crowd trying to get in. I don't think I really understand how it works here.

Well on the S and P forum go to roll call and just post whatever you feel like and reply to what others have said and you'll be part of the group in no time....that's where we normally hang out----the individuals threads often don't get much of a response unless people are feeling chattier than usual...also if you ask questions rather than simply making statements people are more likely to reply...welcome

[punkybrewster6k]

Yep!
Come on over to schizophrenia and psychosis Roll Call forum.

A great group of people. Post often. The more you post, the more you will see you have many new friends here with the same experiences!

punky

nudge your way in...... you "fit" just fine

[sabby]

I remember when I first came to PC, I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere either. It was my first time posting on a forum and I had no clue what to expect or how to do things.

What I found out was that it does take time. Some folks have issues with trust. Some folks have issues with connecting to others or maybe they just don't always understand how we feel.

I also found out that the more I put myself out there in supporting other members, the more I got in return support. So, I supported others as I could, some days were better than others, but before I knew it, I made connections and built relationships. Some of those members I had relationships with have left PC and moved on. Some are still here. It's very similar to real life at times.

So please, give yourself some time, give others time to get to know you better. Maybe you can find a forum that feels the most comfortable to you and you end up hanging out more in that forum than in others. That's okay, and it's all good.

You are a part of the Psych Central family. You matter and you do fit in!

[buzz bee]

I totally agree, however Im just getting my feet wet. Give it time.

[jeando]

I never even see my posts. How can i fit in when no one knows I'm here.

[Quidel]

Originally Posted by jeando

I never even see my posts. How can i fit in when no one knows I'm here.

I can see this post and you've only made 6 in all. I can't see my posts yet either because they need to be moderated before they appear. I've made enough post today that by tomorrow I'll be good and all and you should be able to see your own now too

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Yeah, it's just the first 5 posts; you will see them, but, as Quidel said, they must first be approved; this is to ensure that we don't get inundated with trolls and spam. It's for our safety and comfort, at the end of the day. After 5 posts have been approved, the rest of your posts will post as normal.

[GypsyButterfly]

Hi, Amazingblob. I just joined. I have my moments of being an observer & times of being a participant. I'm a little of both on forums. I'm guessing, like anywhere else, there is a variety of people here with diverse interests. You'll probably find others who you're compatible with. Just keep getting involved here.

[lizardlady]

Amazingblob, welcome to PC!

This place is H-U-G-E and has about eleven zillion members. Combine that with the fact that some folks here are firends and it can be kinda scary.

I'd encourage you to pick a few forums with topics that concern you (someone mentioned S&P) or appeal to you. Start posting and folks will reply. PC is like the outside world in that it takes time to meet people and get to know them. And as Sabby mentioned, try reaching out to others as you feel comfortable doing.

Oh yeah, have you posted in the newcomers forum yet? That might be a good way to get to know people.

[PoorPrincess]

Also, I recommend, if you feel at all shy about posting at first --- to 'participate' by clicking a 'Hug' or a 'Thanks' on whichever posts you may resonate with, as many as you like.
You'll begin to perhaps see a pattern with those with whom you have 'clicked' through time.

If you then want to make a further connection, then make a brief post simply stating your support for that person or how you may relate to what they've said.
It can grow or not from there, as you choose. Whatever you are comfortable with, right?

Welcome. You've come to a good and safe place.

I have to disagree that it only takes time. For some people, it takes more than just time to "fit in". I wish I knew what this thing was so I could advise you accordingly, but I don't. Or perhaps I'm the only one that never fits in no matter how much time I spend around the same people or how much we have in common. I think I've been here 1½ or so years.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Originally Posted by I.Am.The.End.

I have to disagree that it only takes time. For some people, it takes more than just time to "fit in". I wish I knew what this thing was so I could advise you accordingly, but I don't. Or perhaps I'm the only one that never fits in no matter how much time I spend around the same people or how much we have in common. I think I've been here 1½ or so years.

I agree that some people seem to mysteriously click with others just fine whereas some people struggle. Social chameleons, perhaps. I personally do some mimicking, socially speaking, and sometimes without realising, to "fit in"; it's not as fake as it sounds, but it can often help. If I don't mimic, I take something from what I see of them, and relate to it; I'll find some common-ground and build on it. I don't know you, for example, but we have some understanding with your post, thus in a social setting, this has helped us just a little bit. xD Weird example, but you know what I mean, hopefully.

I click with people, but I don't connect with them. Back to the OP, are you having trouble clicking with people or connecting with them? Or something else entirely?

Originally Posted by I.Am.The.End.

I click with people, but I don't connect with them. Back to the OP, are you having trouble clicking with people or connecting with them? Or something else entirely?

Well I kinda have friends now so I guess I'm okay... this is an old post, too. Thank you for your concerns! I think one reason was/is that I still don't have a diagnosis yet. My mom is hesitant to go to a pdoc. I came here cuz my friend was very worried.

[SeekerOfLife]

Making friends has always been hard for me. I have found to totally be myself. I do not want someone to like me for who they " think" I am; I want people to like me for who I truly am.

hey, I just joined and I have no idea what im doing or if anyone can even see my posts if it make you feel any better :]

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by kimberlysuewho

hey, I just joined and I have no idea what im doing or if anyone can even see my posts if it make you feel any better :]

Hi kimberlysuewho! Welcome to PC!

Your first few posts, I think it's 5, have to be approved by the staff before they show on the boards. I see you have 4 posts so far, so you are almost there.

Have you tried posting to the newcomers forum yet? It's a good place to introduce yourself and start to get to know people.

[actual-spock]

Hey, when I first came here, I also felt like I didn't "fit the crowd" but I think that once you find a forum where you feel safe and you can relate to the people who post there, it becomes easier to make friends.