I totally agree. Not to bash the sight, but I think it has more to do with the condition we have. Let's face it, we're all at different places with this and as much as we're very alike we're very different. I posted about a week ago and quickly remembered why I stopped using this sight a few years ago. It just became apparent (as I have always known) that I'm alone with this condition. If it were not for my Christian beliefs I may not have made it this far in life. As far as people coming and going, this may be part of the reason, but I also know, as for me, when I am balanced and having a great run or as I like to refer to being on the mountain peak, I do my best not to look back at the valley as I fear being drawn back in. Always hang on, your good day might be tomorrow and if you're anything like me, you wouldn't miss it for the world. God bless.

Yes! I have taken a sabbatical from this site a couple of times. I felt like the more I read & talked about my depression, the worse I felt. I feel like I'm whining sometimes, & see it in other's posts. I just visit every couple of days to see updates. I do however, hope that something I say will help another person. It has been very helpful in a lot of ways

I agree very strongly with what Christopher and jaclynn said...and all others are contributing very honest, realistic & helpful viewpoints.

When you feel this space isn't really helping you with your struggles, it is probably best to take a lil vacation from it. We all have days in which we are stronger, or perhaps less so. And when we are more vulnerable, many things can hit us very hard--- and it can compound what you're already dealing with.

Do what you need to regain perspective and feel a bit more in control again.

And try and remember, everyone here is coping with situations we may or may not know from back to front. People come and go---and yet many very fine people stay and try their best to help newcomers as much as they can.

The amount of replies any given post can get can also depend on when you post it, and what time it is, etc. Sites are busier and quieter at different moments in time.

Often, just one great response is all we really need to help.

And, You're not alone!!----please don't think that at all.

Yeah I wish I had that "family" to always rely on, that group that really understands "and likes" me. I don't have time to come here everyday, I think I should commit to that more, it might help prevent my relapses in to the dark place, where I am now,

I was just thinking about a similar but not exactly same question. and yes I often post and don't get replies, or maybe some replies, that always helps when I do get replies.

You are in no way alone in what you are feeling. I don't think those people who you became close to and they ended up disappearing necessarily got better. A lot of times someone's depression can get so bad that they just can't get on DS or any other site for that matter. That has happened many times to me and as soon as I am able to get back on line, I let those who care, know why I was gone. It's not because I don't want to be there for those people, it's that I can't. And you are right about sometimes feeling as though the depression group makes your depression worse. I have heard that from many people. When you feel as if you are not benefiting from the group, it's best for your own health, to put your own well being first. There are other sites that are just fun and there is no talk of problems, just fun and laughter. Maybe that is what you need, is to join some of those groups while you get through the rough patch of your depression. Just remember that you are not alone in how you feel, okay? Hugs GB

no you are not alone ......I do go through times that I can't come on the DS bord ....because there is just to much pain in here ....and that is when I am doing worse ...yet tonight I am at a nother low and I have come on after being away for a while and this it what I Sean to have needed ...so I geuss it is complacent end .............I here you about the friends .....I finaly a few months ago started to rit in my jurnal thinking more of my friends would talk to ne ....a cupple have ...but not the rest .....I don't know why some get there jurnals answered all the time and some don't ...maby it is the content .....who knowes .....if you would like to be friends ....I will be there for you to talk to ....just send me a friend request I am not sure how to do it ... we can get to know each other .....I am not going any ware ....take care ...God bless

I don't really trust being social online very much. Even though we are anonymous, hackers and trolls can still mess with you. If I think I can be somewhat helpful, I might say something. But, as far as support for myself, I don't feel safe here.

On a positive note, when people do reply, it has helped me in times of crisis. Also, it's nice to know that there are people out there who know what I'm going through. So, in that aspect, DS is somewhat helpful. But, I just don't trust the internet.

Been here a week and already know what ya mean. *hugs*

I also agree with the happy and fun websites suggestion. When I get overwhelmed in life and no support is around, and I WANT to be online, I just go to a cartoon or funny photo site. Youtube and khanacademy are also favorite haunts for me.

I just posted about Robot Hugs yesterday to the autism group:
http://www.robot-hugs.com/nest/

And "Hyperbole and a Half" always makes me laugh:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca/

I go to boredpanda.com too.

If I feel like venting off some steam, I sometimes will go follow politicians or others on twitter or FB and tell them how I feel about how they are doing their jobs. *smiles*

I find I am "triggered" at DS often over the comments people have in support that I feel are dehumanizing verbal abuse towards people who are not even around to defend themselves. I get so upset about that stuff I have to go someplace else and cannot even join some groups because I know they will just be full of it. It's gross to me and they justify it, somehow and somehow I am the bad guy asking them to please stop being abusive people. I am somehow trying to take their voices away with this?

Ugh.

Check out those sites if you like toons (and by depressed people, too!) and I hope that you will get some smiles there.

I am also triggered by some DS support comments that are dehumanizing and belittling. Seems some people enjoy being here to just get attention.. of any kind, dictating their way is the only way. Like Hilter.

Sometimes. But I've found more good than bad. This is my 2nd go-around with DS. I think the first time I expected too much out of people. Since mostly everyone here is here for their own support and issues also, they are not always focused on ours.
I tend to forget groups that don't have daily activity. unless if it's a less important(to me) group, like an entertainment or common interest type of thing.
Journaling can help, and you will see who, if anybody is taking the time to support you. Keep reaching out like this. I always feel bad when I see a thread than has 0 responses. especially if it is in the Crisis center! But I think they are just not seen all the time. I've noticed when i'm really feeling bad and finally change my "face" to reflect it, I have gotten kind support and it has helped me. good luck to you.

SOMETIMES ITS NICE 2 SHARE.
SOMETIMES ITS NOT.
GBU
D
;-O, (TONGUE HANGING OUT)

This thread just put many things in perspective for me.
Thank you for posting, and all the great answers.
God bless you,
Kasandra

I feel much like you do. I first joined this site about 10 years ago, but left because I didn't feel like I was receiving much help. I have come back and left several times since then. Just because people leave, doesn't mean they have gotten better and left you, it just means they are trying to find help elsewhere. You can't rely on this as your only source for help as I don't think anyone else does either. It's nothing else against you, it's just the nature of the site.

I find on this site many do need a ds break. It's hard though to lose touch with those you connect too. I find the journal helpful for just me. I have few few who contact me regularly. The groups are ok I comment
More than I post. Often I don't get big responses which can be hard. I also don't comment all the time. Some seem to have close friends on here and I don't. Now we use to have meebo that chat it was Instant messaging. I really miss that cause we could chat with each other.