How has being a part of PC helped you?

(((((((((((((((( Bethsway )))))))))))))))))))

It's good to talk with you again!

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Pc has been helpful to me because it is my safe place...the one place I can go and be me and not worry what others are thinking!

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I have to say that's huge for me as well. There's always at least one other person, and usually several, who can relate and accept me for me. For instance, I remember that anxiety of thinking I'm posting something "way out there", to have five ppl come back and, not only understand, but give me words for the experience that I didn't have...showing me I'm truly understood.

Thank you so much for responding!

KD

PC has helped me by just being there 24/7...Tuesday night chats are great cuz we get to talk to the "almighty Doc John" but more important we get input from others on a more quickly basis than the boards. I havent been around much but that's due to my own stuff and I'm glad that when I'm ready to come back y'all will be here ready to welcome me back with open arms.

I feel that I have made some life long friends even if we never get to meet IRL. My T asked me yesterday for the URL again...I made him promise to write it down this time LOL. I think that if he does come here and reads my posts it will only help in therapy.

I just am very greatful to everyone here that helps me out and lifts me up when I need it.

Jbug

i know i don't struggle alone

That picture is absolutely adorable - how sweet!!!!

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I havent been around much but that's due to my own stuff and I'm glad that when I'm ready to come back y'all will be here ready to welcome me back with open arms.

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((((((((( jannie ))))))))))

Isn't that a great thing??? It's awesome to know that someone, somewhere cares and shows it.

Thank you so much!

KD

((((((((( jennie ))))))))))

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i know i don't struggle alone

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So few words that say so much. Yes.

Thank you!

KD

PS-A BEAUTIFUL BABY

Where do i start.....First of all on anight when i felt desperate I found PC. The first person I spoke to was Ray and she made me so welcome. I have never looked back. At first I was nervous and didn't really want to say too much as i have a trust issue. Then Cajun managed to drag my story out of me and I have never stopped posting and griping and moaning since. I do try to support others and Ive learned a lot about myself, as in I like to be liked by everyone and it's not always possible, so i've learned to let go in some ways and not let it bother me.
This place is full of all different kinds and ages of people and it amazes me how much support there is i have had nothing but love on the days where i have been so low, someone is always there with kind words of support. In a nutshell I dont think I could have managed this long without PC and for you all I am grateful. the mental health team in the uk are terrible and I have started my therapy here, posting, opening up, and maybe tht has helped make it easier for me when i see the pdoc on june 18th.
I have nothing but praise for Doc John and all the moderators and administrators and of course all my wonderful friends.
I feel this is a safe place and I spend far too much time here (lol)but until i get a pdoc and after, i will be here for support and to support. Love you all.

jinnyann xoxoxoxoxox sorry i can talk the hind legs off a donkey as we say in england.

((((((((((((( jinny )))))))))))))))

I hope you get it worked out soon in regards to getting additional help and support there IRL.

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I do try to support others and Ive learned a lot about myself, as in I like to be liked by everyone and it's not always possible, so i've learned to let go in some ways and not let it bother me.

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That's so cool to read. I can so relate to that. It was also very important to me that I be liked. I think it's because I thought that my worth was measured by being liked. How wrong I was, ya know?

I thought if I wasn't liked, I wasn't accepted, validated as a human almost.

The thing is, I've learned like you have that even when someone doesn't like me, they've still accepted me. They've accepted what I'm about and what I have to offer and don't like it. THAT'S OK. It's OK because I've learned that it's not so much as they don't like me as it is that they don't care for what I put out there whether it's due to disagreement, personality conflict, etc.

Long story short, I think I've realized that they don't necessarily dislike me as a human, but dislike things about me. There's a big difference to me.

Now, I could try to jump through hoops and run around like a hen on a hot rock after a worm to change things about me when they'll be others that don't like those things then. We have to be us and give what we can.

Thank you so much for sharing.

Love,

KD

"I thought my worth was measured by being liked"
wrong thinking, causing lots of grief!

((((((((((((( kimmy ))))))))))))))

If it wasn't for this site I would never have gone to therapy. I would have continued to think I was the only person who pulled their own hair out. I would have continued to hope that my dad was right and that I'd just "grow out" of my fear of making phone calls. I never would have realised that it's actually ok to still be affected by something that happened over 10 years in your past. I would have continued to keep things bottled up, since I find talking about my problems very difficult to do.

((((((((((((((( Fuzzy )))))))))))))))

Yes, I had to learn, like many, that many that my worth isn't measured by how many ppl like me and that they like everything about me.

There are ppl that don't like me...can't stand me in fact...here in real life. I have to lie my head down with myself and my higher power/conscience. If I can do that and be OK with my actions regardless of others thoughts, I'm doing OK.

I had to be OK with myself first, though, to be able to do this.

Love,

KD

PC helps center and focus me. I enjoy sharing my experiences, telling my stories; it helps me be a better thinker and writer. I like reading other people's stories too and seeing what they are doing, what ideas they have and living "vicariously" with them. I'll never forget the first time I was at a store and thought about an online-only friend and what they'd said and how it related to my shopping! I had another friend and we got into a long discussion on "grapes" and to this day, I think of her when buying fruit at the grocery store :-)

It's nice having someone to think about when lonely or just doing chores, feeling "expanded" in some way by the friendships here.

(((((((((((( Perna ))))))))))))))

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PC helps center and focus me. I enjoy sharing my experiences, telling my stories; it helps me be a better thinker and writer. I like reading other people's stories too and seeing what they are doing, what ideas they have and living "vicariously" with them. I'll never forget the first time I was at a store and thought about an online-only friend and what they'd said and how it related to my shopping! I had another friend and we got into a long discussion on "grapes" and to this day, I think of her when buying fruit at the grocery store :-)

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WOW and so true!

So many times when things have happened here in real life that I question or need relation for, I automatically have past discussions or even readings to fall back on to make my own decisions, determinations, or just to think about with a smile.

How true that is and THANK YOU!

KD

When my T says "I have bad news, I'm leaving and this is our last session. I want you to meet so-and-so..." ...PC is still here.

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Liberada said:
When my T says "I have bad news, I'm leaving and this is our last session. I want you to meet so-and-so..." ...PC is still here.



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(((((((((((((liberada)))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry that's happened. Yes, it's awesome to have the wonderful support, and even advice, in moving forward while dealing with our pain.

There's not much that at least some of our members here can't relate with. The great thing is they care to share that to help others.

Thank you!

KD

Hi KimmyDawn!

Like my T, PC is here and accepts me warts and all... good moods, crabby moods, frightened moods, frustrated moods, too-talkative moods!

I was so glad to find PC and particularly the psychotherapy forum here. I'd never had a chance to read and talk about the therapy process and the therapeutic relationship. I've had lots and lots of support and shared laughs and tears. I've found books through recommendations there from people who are so kind to share.

I feel a connectedness here that I do not feel anywhere else right now, and I hope to take that experience and expand on it.

to PC and all it's members... warts and all !

((((((((((((((( echoes )))))))))))))))))

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I'd never had a chance to read and talk about the therapy process and the therapeutic relationship.

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What a great point and how true!!!! I remember asking questions, and then even when I'd told t about PC and knew he read here I still read anything that I might be able to apply to understand not only my therapeutic responses and reactions, but to understand his when they weren't clear.

That was/is an amazing support for me as well.

It continues to be when we share what we learn...it could make that same impact on another reading. It sure has me!

Wow. Thanks for sharing that!

KD

Thank you all for the supportive words and sharing your positive experiences in this thread. It is really heart-warming to read and just reminds me how important that online groups like this one exist in the world.

-John

PC has helped me in numerous ways. I was a part of another online community and it dragged me down and out.

I may get annoyed here occasionally, but I believe that is a part of anyone's healing process.

I particularly appreciate Zen bringing me here and the very close friends that I've made since I came.

I think PC is close to being the perfect model for online support communities. xoxoxo fayerody

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PC has helped me in numerous ways. I was a part of another online community and it dragged me down and out.

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I think alot of us can share that, Pat.

While the first ever website I'd ever been to wasn't bringing me down, I did feel I needed more...much more. We were just chatting with some rare sharing. I needed information! I was so lost in my experience.

I found PC late that night and it quickly became my "home" online. My life has changed drastically since then in positive ways in regards to my healing. However, when life is changing in ways that I can't control, what a wonderful feeling it is to open up PC and see my friends, this site...unchanged and untouched by the chaos that might be going on in my word.

Thanks so much, Pat.

KD

Oh yes, I didn't mention the wonderful friends I have made here......sorry

(((((( you know who you are )))))))

The only other site I had ever frequented before PC was an MS site a few years ago. I was in the throws of a possible MS diagnosis and I was reaching out to find information. Unfortunately, it was not a good experience with a lot of hostile and angry people there. It was unfortunate and not helpful to anyone at all.

So, when I found PC, I was quite skeptical after my other experience. I was very quiet here for a long time, mostly reading and learning. I was watching the interactions between folks and I was pleasantly impressed with the supportive nature here.

It's only been a little over a year since I started becoming more verbal. I have found a wonderful home here and I love the opportunity to be supportive and helpful (I can't help it, I'm a born nurturist )

Being a member of PC has afforded me knowledge and information that has been presented in a very kind and loving way. No judgements, no demands. It has helped me to understand humankind more, illnesses more, and most of all, to understand myself more. I have made some wonderful friends here.

Thank you all for an experience that I will carry with me always, an experience that I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China!

Love & Hugs,
Jean

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Fuzzybear said:
Oh yes, I didn't mention the wonderful friends I have made here......sorry

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OH YEAH! I've made the most understanding and accepting friends here...without alot of the real-life pressures that are hard to deal with at times.

When I'm not doing well, it's hard to be in the physical presence of ppl for fear that they'll require more than I have, judge my appearance or actions, etc. It's a very cool thing about the online support.

Thank you, fuzziest.

KD

((((((((((((( sabau )))))))))))))))))
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It's only been a little over a year since I started becoming more verbal. I have found a wonderful home here and I love the opportunity to be supportive and helpful (I can't help it, I'm a born nurturist )

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There's just nothing more I can add to that EXCEPT that I'm so glad you've become more vocal. You're a wonderful support that PC, and myself have come to depend on.

KD

(((((((((((((((((((((((KD))))))))))))))))))))))))

Hugs & Love
J