[DocJohn]

As the summer begins to wind down, I'd like to take this opportunity to run a little contest. I hope to run these more regularly , even weekly, as the community grows. These are meant in good community fun, they are not meant as a knock-em down, drag-em out sort of competition, so please take them in the way they are offered (and participate only if you'd like).

Our very first contest is to tell the community, by posting to this thread below, 5 helpful things you learned at Psych Central, either as a member of the community or heck, even elsewhere on the site.

Four random (4) winners will be chosen from the thread's responses, and will receive Down Came the Rain, the touching memoir by Brooke Shields about her battle with postpartum depression + two Exclusive PsychCentral.com Purple Pens! (Your name and address will be required in order to receive your prizes; void where prohibited.)

Enjoy!
DocJohn

[__zh]

<font color="purple">post a pic of the two Exclusive PsychCentral.com Purple Pens and we might just be more intrigued than we already are </font>

seriously....let's see those prizes!! or at least a link to Ms. Shield's book?

good idea for contest.

::edited to reflect exact prize giveaway::

[DocJohn]

The link is to a review of Ms. Shield's book. Sorry, no photos of the pens at present.

[__zh]

they had better be really cool pens!

1. The “Disorders” part of this site has helped me a lot to learn about the disorders I suffer from and have also helped me to learn about other member’s disorders. By learning about disorders I can now understand more where a member is coming from and this way I can give this member more support.

2. The “ Resource Directory” have taught me a lot too on myself and other people illnesses.

3. Personally, since I have Avoidant Personality Disorder, people from PC have taught me to open up a bit, reach out and ask for support if I need it. Something that I never did before coming here.

4. I have learned what it is to be part of a big community. I have learned to give, to share, to receive, to listen, to be patient, to understand, put myself in someone’s shoes, read between the lines, to accept, to concentrate, to grow and so much more. But most of all I have learned and I am still learning that I am accepted as I am among this big community.

5. I have learned in PC that communication is a “key word” and without it I will get nowhere.

[DocJohn]

Thanks Time, that's great to hear!

[Christina86]

1) I have learned that a lot of people can go through all sorts of things - and still end up being compassionate, wonderful human beings.

2) I have learned what a good family is all about - humour, helping others, and just generally being nice

3) I have learned all sorts of interesting things in the resource library that makes me want to learn more about certain things - and the library helps to further my understanding of other disorders etc.

4) I have learned no matter how awful I can possibly feel - that there is someone who understands what I'm going through and that there is probably always someone worse off than myself

5) I have learned all sorts of interesting tidbits of information about the psychology field and stuff like that.

(Sorry its a bit repetitive, but I do enjoy this site an awful lot - just can't put it into words!!)

[bebop]

1 I have learned that people are so very different with many different points of view.
2 that everyone needs love and understanding.
3 that people have different ways of saying the same thing. some just say it a little more harshly. I have learned to soften my approach.
4 that my problems are no worse than anyone else's. just when I think mine are off the charts there are others in more need than myself.
5 that you can make lasting real friends at pc.

there is so much one can learn here! thank goodness we have this place!

[kimmydawn]

1) I've learned that sharing and caring is a gift that can be freely given and not taken for granted or abused.

2) I've learned that the more I share my "story", the more I heal. Each time I share, the relation or hope it gives another pulls away a piece of the stored ugliness bit by bit. When I give relation and understanding, I rid a bit of ugly.

3) I've learned that I'm not by myself, isolated and standing alone in this world, as far as experience goes; unfortunately for those who have been where I have.

4) I've learned that I can be honest about what's happened to me and there are really people who care, aren't afraid to hear me, or won't rebuff me.

5) I've learned that people won't turn me away for being me which includes sometimes whiney, angry, sad, depressed. That someone will always accept every aspect of me, and care to help me through...not just for a moment but continually. That still amazes me.

[Sabrina]

1. I have learned coping strategies.
2. I have learned that many have endured far worse than I, and are still smiling.
3. I have learned to walk away if necessary.
4. I have learned how wonderful I feel when I support others.
5. I have learned what a haiku is

[mrb020377]

What I have learned:

1. to love myself for who i am and not judge myself so much

2. that i am not alone..... i am not the only one in this world with a past

3. that people that have beeb hurt can still care and offer support to others

4. that is is ok to cry or laugh when you need to and no one will judge you

5. that we all have fears. that no one is with out them...

i just want to add, Thanks Psych Central for helping me grow!

[LadyDragus]

1. I have learned to help others find what they are looking for and how to help them deal with their own problems.

2. I have also learnd more about my disorder than I ever thought I could.

3. I have learnd compassion, and caring comes from the heart nto just the fingertips

4. I have learned who truly loves me is myself, and how to become a better person by loving myself more

5. I have learned how to cope with Deperssion and how to deal with it on an everyday basis..

Thank you Doc for making a site like this, and I hope ti never goes away

[nothemama8]

We have learned:
1. that we have peers all over the world, with dx like ours
2. better control over my dx
3. respect, compassion, and empathy, that it is not always about me
4. being able to laugh and cry with ppl who truely care
5. to love myself

[DocJohn]

These are great, keep 'em coming!!

I'll close this thread next Wed. and all the names who've contributed 5 reasons will be put into a hat and 4 will be drawn at random for the prizes.

ooo let me think, what have i learnt...

1. ive learnt there are others like me out there, and that i have alot in common with a majority of the community here.

2. ive learnt to accept myself for who i am, no fancy make-up or disguise, just simply simon hehe.

3. ive learnt that life throws everything it can at you, and i know i can withstand it and rise above anything i want to.

4. ive learnt i can face the day more than i thought, and i realise those around me who love me and offer support.

5. ive learnt that i can help others who need support. to be able to help others is the biggest lesson i have learnt here, ive always wanted to be there for others who need it, and i have learnt that i can use my life experiences and challenges to try and help guide others in similar situations.

6. and another for luck hehe, ive learnt that depression can be beaten, and issues that surround it are not bigger than my mind, and i will defeat them, with or without help. with help preferably though.

ooo oooo can i add another hehe...

7. ive learnt to properly discover my musical flare, and use my experiences to write very powerful songs that touch the hearts of those around me, and i know i can get very far with my music, and im never going to let it go.

[Merlin]

1) I have learned that I am not as alone as I always feared, nor as different.

2) I have learned that the differences between as add to the site and do not detract from the site if everyone is respectful and compassionate

3) I have learned that I can communicate my thoughts and feelings to others (even if I find writing them down difficult).

4) I have learned that the people here support you when you are down and celebrate with you when you are up.

5) I have learned that life is really something I want (and even love).

[wisewoman]

I have learned that I don't have to hide and pretend to be super human. Being me with my issues or labels is fine, it makes me feel better to just be me and not worry about being the competent professional.

I have learned that I actually am very naive for a woman who has been around and seen everything. I trust at face value and care for others the ways I wish to be cared for.

I have learned that your friends here catch ya when no one else sees you falling-they just know.

I have learned that as part of my healing myself I can't try to save the world, I may know how but not everyone agrees or can act. I may know how but is it in my best interest to rescue yet another critter or let yet another relative with bad times move in?

I have learned to choose how I spend my limitted energies. I must spend them first on me.

[Nerak]

1) That "running away" is not always the best thing

2) That no matter how much time goes by there are true friends that will never forget you

3) I AM NOT ALONE

4) I have a voice and there are those that have been helped by what I have shared (including me)

5) I do not always need to be the strong one, it is ok to just be me!!!

THANKS EVERYONE!!!!

[bipolar_bear]

1) I have learned how to be compassionate to others and myself.
2)I have learned how to interact in a community that is as diverse as PC
3)I have learned that I am not alone
4)I have learned that there are those who understand and do not judge me but accept me for who I am
5)I have learned that I am not the "bad" person I was always told I was

1. I've learned how to find resources and help for someone who is suicidal.

2. I've learned it's ok to cry when you're feeling sad and your heart feels broken.

3. I've learned that there are many amazing, brave people in the world.

4. I've learned that laughter IS really good medicine.

5. I've learned that you can be strong in spite of going through hard times.

[weather]

This list is from a song, and my visits here tell me its sentiments are universal.The lessons of this forum are obvious to me.

Everybody wants to live.

Everybody wants respect.

Everybody wants to love and be loved.

Everybody needs a chance, and even break..

And everybody needs to touch emotionally with a good friend.

1. i've learned that i can have the closest of friends and i may
never see them.
2. i've experienced generosity from members from their soul.
3. i've learned it's okay when i'm not able to help someone.
4. i've learned that PC is always here for me.
5. i've learned that i'm a work in progress.

i've learned.......to love more........to judge less.....to forgive more easily.......to be more understanding........and that "family" doesn't always entail that persons blood running through my veins but instead means the merging of my heart and soul with theirs.....

[Evangelista]

1. I am not alone
2. How to Respect others differences and uniqueness based on the common platform of support and healing
3. Sharing the hurt does not make it go away but makes it more bareable until it gets better..a.k.a Hope
4. The resources, education, blogs, and chats offered by PC have assisted in helping me understand about real life, real people, real coping stragedies
5. and again..the biggie is..I am not alone...