I think it does change things a lot at times..... Especially once you've had to close a few posts.... We've all been called a few choice names I'm sure

When I first came to DS it could be like the wild west... It really did need some monitoring... There was a lot of trolling and I think on a support site in particular trolling can be deadly

I try my best to be a kind and supportive member ... I think that's what we all do muji however becoming a CL did change the dynamics somewhat particularly if a board is going through an 'off' period..... Big hug......xo

Oh, yes, I agree with Sun's assessment. It changed so much for me that I had to take a huge step back and remind myself that I'm seen different by the new people.
When I need close support, I use my journal to help me sort through the issue. When I post, I usually get zero response on the board. A lot of the older members have dropped, which is normal with anxiety, when you're doing good, you are busy. It's when you're sad, upset, lonely, lost, alone, suffering, and otherwise wanting help that you're willing to post and answer other posts. I would say you have a better response with your weekly updates, and keep doing it, as it will help everyone to see that CL are people who need support as well.

Thanks, once again, I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this, either. I expected a shift to happen. I'm a college instructor by trade, so my experience in my role in the classroom clued me in. We might be laughing and telling stories in the classroom some days, but no matter what I'm still the teacher and not one of them, the students. Which is as it should be. As you say though, SunCloud, my role as disciplinarian chills things once I close a post.

Thanks, mideye, for pointing out how it's different from my teacher role, though. Here, I'm not a paid staffer, I'm a volunteer, and I'm still a peer supporter who needs support as well, as you say.

I read your post and thought, and thought how best to answer. Could not come up with a single thing.

When I came to DS back before the last ice age, I soon realized there was more of a need for 'supporters' than anything else. Besides, I knew in my mind that very, very few people can help much with clinical depression. It was something I and my Doctor had to do ourselves. We really are limited in how well we can actually help someone, but I decided to give rather than receive. I don't think it was too long before I was asked to be a CL and I took it on.

To be honest, after several years now, I have pulled back a lot, PLUS I am not adjusting to the new DS very well. I don't give as much as I did the first few years. With all the 'world' problems, it seems to me there are a LOT more people asking for help. Lots of 'cutting', suicide ideation, .. stuff I am not really qualified to deal with. I remain an enforcer of the Rules and Terms of service and have never NOT replied to a private message. I give encouragement and 'logical thinking' when I log in but only to a few posts. To catch it all is overwhelming. Plus, the facilities of the new DS are far less than the old DS and I am not able to support as I did before.

I don't think I have answered your question. As I recall, it was majoritively approved within the Depression Group that I become one of its CL's. For me, not a lot changed ... except for the NEW DS.

There's certainly a before/after for me with the old DS/new DS, like there is for everybody, CL's and non-CL's included. However, what I'm talking about here is my before/after experience specifically as a DS member for 5 years and then as a CL now for less than 1 and adapting to that.

For me, there was a huge difference in how fellow members responded to me. People expect the CLs to have all the answers and not need help themselves, which isn't the case. I have had to remind my group more than once that I am a member first, CL second. Sometimes that helps, but often not.

It kind of reminds me of a conversation I had with a work colleague who knew both me and my late husband. I was lamenting all the things I wound up doing instead of my hubby Cliff and said, rhetorically I thought, "Why do I have to do all these things??" And our friend replied simply, "Because you're the one who can." Being a CL is kind of like that - you are a member 'who can.' It's a difficult role, but it's a needed one.

I concur that it's been a lot more difficult since the change over to the new site structure. Harder to give the support I used to, not just monitor things.

Hang in there, muji....

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Wow, Martha, thanks. That was tremendously validating. For me, I've gone through the old DS/new DS transition AND the transition from member/CL at the same time. It's been jarring and strange. I've hung in there and SunCloud has been a real partner to me through it.

Having made it through this far, it seemed now was the time to say something here in the CL group and get some feedback. I really appreciate your response that lets me know I'm not imagining the difference--it's real. I'm grateful to have you remind me that the demands on me are made because "I can," and for the affirmation that our role is "needed." It really helps me step up. Love and hugs back atcha.