[Forest]

First and foremost, please allow me to apologize for my lack of understanding (ignorance, if you will) concerning the subject of mental/emotional disorders. I merely expressed what I always "thought" about the subject. Boy howdy, was I ever wrong. Thank you for the slap upside my head, it was deserved.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are those in the world who have never been subjected, even remotely, to some of the things I have read in the threads on this website.

There are people in the world who are so unbelievably sheltered, who are told day after day, year after year how good they are....that they are simply blindsided by the fact they they might have a problem.

I was just blindsided.

My posts may have read "excruciatingly rude", But rude was never my intention.

My hope was to start 'part 1' of this thread and get 5-10 replies stating I seemed fine to them. Then, I would go on my merry way. Unfortunately, my plan backfired on me.

In my defense, I never claimed to be perfect. I said my situation was always perfect. I had no drama, no trauma, no anything I could trace this back toward. I couldn't figure out that if there IS something wrong, where it actually WENT wrong.

Thank you for your honesty, thank you for some of your stern words (although some of you reminded me of my high school basketball coach and he was one tough guy). I hope you all find what you are looking for.

[kimmydawn]

I've had to have a few "upside the head" moments as well.

I know it's VERY difficult to see self in a light that you've never seen...and not a pleasant one, even possibly disturbing.

However, Forest, before you get anymore upset by this, I really think you should examine if this interferes with your life to a degree that you're not comfortable with. If so, you really should see a professional so that when they state their opinion about "the problem", they can follow it with, "you're gonna be just fine." It helps immensely.

I wish you more than well.

KD

[PetulantWolf]

Forest, I guess youre not so bad after all : ) Congratulations. I can imagine that post must have been difficult for you.We've all had our own rude awakenings. At least I've had mine. But this is how we grow and learn. I hope you will consider hanging around for awhile. Im sure we can learn from each other. Hugs.

[Rapunzel]

Forest, thanks for stepping back and looking at the situation from the other side. I appreciate your understanding, and hope that it was a learning experience all around.

Let me tell you, I knew that I had problems since childhood. I was a victim of bullying and sexual abuse and a dysfunctional family, and I didn't learn good ways to cope with it. After I went away to college I knew that I needed therapy, but couldn't allow that to myself until someone else told me to go and get therapy. I've been in and out of therapy for years, and still when I think about it, it can be jolting to think to myself "OMG, there is something wrong with the way I act and think and interact with people that is significant enough that I need treatment for it, and I can't control it by myself." It's still a shock. But I'm working on it, and with the right help, I'll get it worked out eventually. BTW, people who know me IRL are invariably surprised to find out that I'm in therapy or have mental health issues. On the outside, I generally function just fine. There are times when I don't, but I'm good at hiding that from anyone who doesn't need to know.

TC, and I'm glad you're still with us.

Rap

whatever your diagnosis, if you need to be here, stay here.

Understand that not everyone can get along, and getting "pissed" or angry about something is ok.(well, I have trouble with getting angry,its hard for me. thats a different story for another day :P)

We can all have the feelings we have we just have to make certain sometimes that we say "this is the way I feel about it based on what I know of it"

Basically, this is my opinion sort of stuff.

Some of us on here have been hurt very badly in the past by people who did not beileve us or who belittled us, and some of us will get defensive when things are said that trigger that. Try and remember that too, and try not to take it TOO personally. Defnetly consider what is being said, but remember, its a bit of a different world for some of us and thats difficult when dealing with someone who comes from an entirely different world.

That being said, I hope you stay. Even if you are perfectly fine, this is still a great place to come even if you are just stressed. All who need support are welcome.

(((((hugs)))))

forest.......thank you........your words mean so much to me.....i know that your post must have been difficult to write but its such a huge step in finding answers......we are a very close knit community here and we tend to defend each other to the death....lol......but stay with us and you'll find the most caring, loving people you ever hope to meet....welcome forest....

[z0ey]

welcome forrest

and perhaps u --if u are stillin the position of course (not implying continued ignorance ...lol)U can come sit with me on the ignorant bench ...lol... i dont know half the stuff others do on here

z

[LMo]

Hi Forest - I've been largely offline for the past few weeks so missed your other posts. So, this being my first impression of you, I have to say that you sound like an open and sincere person. "I was wrong" are hard words to mutter, but those who can do so get several gold stars in my book.

Welcome

[dottie]

((((Forest))))

[desirae]

It takes alot of guts to come up here and admit that you were wrong. It's very courageous of you, and we all respect that.

Maybe it was a god-sent to come here and have this open your eyes.

I hope that things get better for you,

[desirae]

It takes alot of guts to come up here and admit that you were wrong. It's very courageous of you, and we all respect that.

Maybe it was a god-sent to come here and have this open your eyes.

I hope that things get better for you,

[(JD)]

It's ok to be wrong...but better to say you know it. None of us always have the right thing to say. This site is unlike any other, imo. I'm glad you have learned. It's good to keep learning. Stay if you need to. The site is for everyone who needs it. TC

[heartspace]

I didn't see your posts forest but what I can see now, is a person who was wrong and who has the courage, humility, kindness and openness of heart to admit it openly. I so admire that. Kudos.

[heartspace]

I didn't see your posts forest but what I can see now, is a person who was wrong and who has the courage, humility, kindness and openness of heart to admit it openly. I so admire that. Kudos.