Discussion Do you think that interacting with people who go through the same difficulties as you, help something?

[Versailles]

There are many people here who go through economic, family and health problems, if you could relate to people who go through the same thing as you, do you think that will have any positive effect? something like a kind of group therapy.

 

[Atraxa]

I think there are some problems I have which if someone felt the same it would be good to know. However there's nothing either of us could do to prevent them, therefore deeming it pointless.

But overall I see others completely different in a way. Especially when they are in my circles. Once someone told me they had had suicidal thoughts and I felt crushed, it's horrible to hear from someone else.

I just don't think long term it would benefit me, but I do believe it could work for some people. I've know some who have recovered by seeing a shrink or by taking medication. It's the cliff you're on and how far done you've fallen I think, and your willpower to climb back up that really determines whether recovery is possible.

 

[Manaaja]

I wish everyone was happy. Hearing that everyone is not happy just makes me feel worse. Though I must admit that meeting people who understand what I feel and think is nice.

 

[Flying Away]

No

 

[Versailles]

No

Very direct haha

 

[lobster salad]

I think it helps with your short term emotional well-being, doesn't do anything more than that.

Because what is spoken and what is done don't ever line up perfectly, you can always not have enough energy to do what is advised, or rebound after a period of feeling better. It's like alcohol, to 'feel better and forget how terrible everything is' temporarily.

 

[...]

as short term relief, yep. it's the same with this forum. it's soothing almost.

but in the long term, no. it never lasts and my situation is the same as it was before.

 

[Account unknown]

There are many people here who go through economic, family and health problems, if you could relate to people who go through the same thing as you, do you think that will have any positive effect? something like a kind of group therapy.

No. At least for me. Maybe it works to help with other kinds of problems but with depression and suicidal thoughts I think it makes things worse.

Depressed people tend to start romanticising the illness and romanticising suicide when they get together and feeding off each other's bad emotions like an addiction. It becomes the sole object of both people's attention. When everyone you're talking to has a dark impression of the world then that's what your world will be. I notice it a lot on this website even.

 

[eternalmelancholy]

No. At least for me. Maybe it works to help with other kinds of problems but with depression and suicidal thoughts I think it makes things worse.

Depressed people tend to start romanticising the illness and romanticising suicide when they get together and feeding off each other's bad emotions like an addiction. It becomes the sole object of both people's attention. When everyone you're talking to has a dark impression of the world then that's what your world will be. I notice it a lot on this website even.

That's because you are on an suicide forum. Of course people are going to be depressed. There is a recovery and offtopic section that is more neutral or positive even.

This website is the only place that I have ever felt understood. People actually listen and know where I am coming from. It has given me some relief and peace knowing that I am not alone. I am sorry you don't feel the same way.

 

[Account unknown]

That's because you are on an suicide forum. Of course people are going to be depressed. There is a recovery and offtopic section that is more neutral or positive even.

This website is the only place that I have ever felt understood. People actually listen and know where I am coming from. It has given me some relief and peace knowing that I am not alone. I am sorry you don't feel the same way.

I wasn't complaining about people here being depressed… idk why you think that? I'm glad it helps you being here if that's the case and talking to other people.

Maybe I misread the question but they asked "do you think talking to people in similar situations as yourself such as group therapy helps you?" summed up.

I gave my reasons why I think it doesn't for me and why I think in some situations it can actually be harmful such as when depressed people get together they can feed off each other's emotions and romanticise their suicidal tendencies and almost get a high from the feeling (which I said I've noticed here also). It wasn't a condemnation on the people here or the forum. I apologise if that's how it came across.

 

[eternalmelancholy]

I gave my reasons why I think it doesn't for me and why I think in some situations it can actually be harmful such as when depressed people get together they can feed off each other's emotions and romanticise their suicidal tendencies and almost get a high from the feeling (which I said I've noticed here also). It wasn't a condemnation on the people here or the forum. I apologise if that's how it came across.

There is no reason to apologize. I just felt bad that you didn't feel welcomed. You do not have to justify how you feel, we all cope in our own ways. I guess the problem with text based communication is that sometimes it is easy to misunderstand each other.

 

[miserableforever]

Not really. But being understood here is a nice little feeling sometimes.

 

[pento]

Yes it helps, and I have found that this site helps me. But my suicidal ideation isn't based on abject suffering unlike many others, rather more of a slow burn that has slowly degraded how much I value my existence on this planet.

Thus, even though I'm not posting "I want to slash my wrists I'm so sad" at 3 in the morning, I am nonetheless part of a "community" of people who are willing to consider other alternatives for exiting this earth besides waiting until the bitter end, trying to squeeze out every last second of life.

 

[Susannah]

No. At least for me. Maybe it works to help with other kinds of problems but with depression and suicidal thoughts I think it makes things worse.

Depressed people tend to start romanticising the illness and romanticising suicide when they get together and feeding off each other's bad emotions like an addiction. It becomes the sole object of both people's attention. When everyone you're talking to has a dark impression of the world then that's what your world will be. I notice it a lot on this website even.

I believe that being in "groups" with more or less equal diagnosis can be bad in several ways. When chronically ill people within the same diagnostic genre are closely related, it is easy to "cultivate" the disease. Of course, it's good to talk to someone in the same situation, but I think it's best to talk to different types of people. Then you get a broader perspective on life.
When I was forcibly admitted 12 years ago, patients were encouraged not to talk to each other and not to become friends. We did it anyway, but I understand the idea behind it. There are people who are in different vulnerable situations, and we are often easily influenced when we are in pain.

Lots of loveS

 

[eternalmelancholy]

Yes it helps, and I have found that this site helps me. But my suicidal ideation isn't based on abject suffering unlike many others, rather more of a slow burn that has slowly degraded how much I value my existence on this planet.

Thus, even though I'm not posting "I want to slash my wrists I'm so sad" at 3 in the morning, I am nonetheless part of a "community" of people who are willing to consider other alternatives for exiting this earth besides waiting until the bitter end, trying to squeeze out every last second of life.

That's the problem, once you realize suicide is a viable option then that thought will stay with you forever. The intensity of the urge fluctuates but the thought is always in the background. It is especially painful if you come to this realization in your early years. Then your life may never recover from that.

 

[FuneralCry]

No, also I cannot really relate to people much. No amount of talking would ever make me feel better. I think for me, the truth is that I want nothing to do with life and everything is hopeless. The only thing that could ever help me would be to die, as then I will be free from all suffering.