Well thank you cowhand. I'll keep that invite in mind.

Personally, I like sharing in open forum. No guarantees, but as you discovered with your other post, sharing in open forum can get a delightful variety in responses. In the peer support network, diversity can be a compassionate strength.

A sincere thanks in return. Our healing community is strengthened by your presence.

I'm very new to this, I've never been apart of any online support groups and I dont know if I even have the courage to go to an in person support group but one thing I do know is I need help. I dont know exactly what to do or where to start to get it but I guess a step is better than no step. I was a victim or rape and sexual assault almost three years ago. I went to counseling for about a year and a half and didnt feel any better leaving that experience. I thought maybe I would just get better by just living my life but i was horribly wrong. I suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD because of it and i dont know how to handle it. I tried medication for the depression and it didnt help and I've tried a handful of sleeping medications for my insomnia and those didnt help either. At this point I don't know where to go from here but I do know I dont want to live in fear for the rest of my life. I thought maybe joining this support group would help so here I am. Sometimes it's just nice to talk to people who may know what your going through or have gone through something in general. Thank you for the kind words from everyone, I've read a lot of posts before I finally decided to post something myself. But that's where I'm at currently and I hope this group helps me a little.

Thank you for this post. I always appreciate people offering support. I also think supporting others is a healthy coping mechanism. I'm here if anyone needs s friend, too!

Thank you all for posting. I don’t know how much good I can do for others but sometimes it’s just good to write things out and know that other people can see them too.

Don't be too hard on yourself, or put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes all we need is some support and some kind words and a little advice.

Also, @Abbykuilman, I've been there and there were times in my life where I really related to what you're saying. If you need to talk, please don't hesitate to pm me or open up about your story on the forums. There is a lot of support for you here and you're never alone.

Just reading all these kind words for people does help. I dont know exactly what's going to help me but at this point I'm willing to try anything. I really appreciate everyone's responses and I appreciate all of you for being such kind, caring, supportive human beings.

Hi, I been here awhile. Journaling has helped me a lot with my anxiety.

Welcome to the group.

Welcome aboard to Cowboy and Abby. DS is all about giving and getting support, plus many share the tools that have helped them in replies. Building that toolbox is so important. I'm with Arfie on the open forums. I spend 95% of my DS time on the sites. BTW, journals can be private, friends only, or open to all. Words give us power, as well as insights. Write away. Hugs to all.

Thanks for your support. Welcome to DS. Thanks for the offer to lend an ear. I do the same thing to so many

I was on this site when I really peaked with my anxiety and ocd at 19 and it helped me get through a lot. I was so scared of how I was feeling..reaching out was a cry for help..and I was overwhelmed with how many people understood and were able to help. I also was happy to be able to lend an ear and advice to people who suffer like I did and still do!