I'm not certain where to put this, but have chosen this forum because it is a form of self-help in itself to have the opportunity to write and read in the forums of PC.

To be able to meet others in a perhaps similar situation is the most important to me. To be able to relate to these forums when living in a society where the rule is to focus more and more on perfection, gives me some sort of relief because it's a place to feel that it's OK to not be perfect. Mental disorders psychological struggles are real disorders not to feel ashamed of.

That was about me, why is Psychcentral important to you?

[Skeezyks]

I often ask myself this question. I have yet to come up with a good answer. Many years ago, I was at a meeting where an award was being given to a member for his years of service to the organization. In accepting the award, the gentleman said that his wife had commented: "This isn't a record... it's a rut!" Sometimes I imagine that, for me, PsychCentral is my "rut".

[TishaBuv]

It's my window.

[TrailRunner14]

It's a place where I can talk about what I'm experiencing with dissociation and someone understands. It has been such a gift to me! There is no one else I can talk to about it except my counselor. He has book knowledge, but not real life experience knowledge.

It's also been a place to meet some new friends.

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

Sometimes I imagine that, for me, PsychCentral is my "rut".

Well, well

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

It's my window.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by TrailRunner14

It's a place where I can talk about what I'm experiencing with dissociation and someone understands. It has been such a gift to me! There is no one else I can talk to about it except my counselor. He has book knowledge, but not real life experience knowledge.

It's also been a place to meet some new friends.

So it is for me too, a place to be myself the way I am (I do not dissociate, but have other problems).

[neodoering]

What is PsychCentral to me?

Well, I am schizoaffective, which is a disorder virtually no one has heard of. When I try to talk with my friends about it, they just say, "Take your meds." My family says, "See your psychiatrist." On PC there are hundreds of other people with the same disorder, who share stories, symptoms, treatments, and give me a sense of community where people "get it." That is priceless. I enjoy sharing my experiences and starting threads to get people talking. Mental illness has many aspects, and most of these go unremarked in general conversation. Look forward to more threads!

Originally Posted by neodoering

What is PsychCentral to me?

Well, I am schizoaffective, which is a disorder virtually no one has heard of. When I try to talk with my friends about it, they just say, "Take your meds." My family says, "See your psychiatrist." On PC there are hundreds of other people with the same disorder, who share stories, symptoms, treatments, and give me a sense of community where people "get it." That is priceless. I enjoy sharing my experiences and starting threads to get people talking. Mental illness has many aspects, and most of these go unremarked in general conversation. Look forward to more threads!

Thank you for such a meaningful response!

[Travelinglady]

Well, for lots of reasons. I've met and become friends with people who know and understand what I go through. I can get help and support and give help and support. I've been able to have "jobs" here, which has helped me to feel worthwhile and also helped me to have me a way to use a few skills. I had to give up my career, and PC has given me something to somewhat fill that void. I learn from other people here, too. I also enjoy the social groups, and the "fun" activities. I check here most every day.

[here today]

Psych Central has been a place where I can be myself and try out different ways of being as things have been changing inside of me. Therapy has been a mixed blessing for me -- never did find a T who accepted me for me. PC does that for me, more or less.

[Nammu]

What is important to me about PC has changed. When I first came here I needed an outlet to vent my frustrations. That turned into learning that I wasn't alone, and finding connections with others here. The BP forums have educated me in a way that no other place ever has and has lead me to an acceptance of my BP that I had never achieved before.

Now it's important for the friends I've made here and the support I hopefully pass along.

[Lost_in_the_woods]

PC has done so much for us!
It is the only place I feel free to really be all of me, and other people actually understand and accept! Also here don't feel so isolated, actually laugh and smile every once in a while
I feel part of a community. Helps me get through the day and a lot of long nights as well! My favorite thing about PC is the members. So many people from all over the world, all ages, backgrounds and situations..it's amazing to respond to another and find that no matter the distance or differences, we all can really relate on some level or another! The full spectrum of human experience both entirely unique and alike at the same time! Simply amazing.

Thank you all for everything you are-LITW

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Well, for lots of reasons. I've met and become friends with people who know and understand what I go through. I can get help and support and give help and support. I've been able to have "jobs" here, which has helped me to feel worthwhile and also helped me to have me a way to use a few skills. I had to give up my career, and PC has given me something to somewhat fill that void. I learn from other people here, too. I also enjoy the social groups, and the "fun" activities. I check here most every day.

Yes, the mutual (give and receive) is important to me too. Glad that you have found "jobs" here that have made your life meaningful after you had to give up your career.

Originally Posted by here today

Psych Central has been a place where I can be myself and try out different ways of being as things have been changing inside of me. Therapy has been a mixed blessing for me -- never did find a T who accepted me for me. PC does that for me, more or less.

WOW, I like this. It tells that therapy alone cannot help. That is important for those working in the health field to understand. I have met persons inside the system who thought it was my "bad will" who contributed to that it took some time for me to get better. I met a therapist once who gave me the time I needed. Must that person be blessed! Because of that therapy and my cooperation with him I am able to make my own healthy mix now but of course I have my days ...).

Originally Posted by Nammu

What is important to me about PC has changed. When I first came here I needed an outlet to vent my frustrations. That turned into learning that I wasn't alone, and finding connections with others here. The BP forums have educated me in a way that no other place ever has and has lead me to an acceptance of my BP that I had never achieved before.

Now it's important for the friends I've made here and the support I hopefully pass along.

Originally Posted by Lost_in_the_woods

PC has done so much for us!
It is the only place I feel free to really be all of me, and other people actually understand and accept! Also here don't feel so isolated, actually laugh and smile every once in a while
I feel part of a community. Helps me get through the day and a lot of long nights as well! My favorite thing about PC is the members. So many people from all over the world, all ages, backgrounds and situations..it's amazing to respond to another and find that no matter the distance or differences, we all can really relate on some level or another! The full spectrum of human experience both entirely unique and alike at the same time! Simply amazing.

Thank you all for everything you are-LITW

What a good description! You are right: "Simply amazing".

[magical_diamond]

It increases my knowledge of other people's issues they deal with every day. It makes me feel I have good support and help.