Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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rac146
rac146
Mostly everyone I've met on here has been awesome. Yesterday I had someone asking for my personal info. Even without the fact that I'm not dumb enough to do something that unsafe, the whole reason I'm on here is obviously because I can't talk to people I know for really about my issues. I don't want the two getting mixed. When I (politely, mind you) refused, explaining I don't add people on fb I don't know (safety reasons) the user became angry, called me names and generally was trying to make me feel like shit for trying to befriend them. They said they were lonely and I was just trying to help. I'm scared now to even post this because I'm afraid they will continue to say things to me. I did ignore and block them just in case but now its just like really? what did I ever do to you? It doesn't help my shit at all when the place I come to when I feel down and need someone to talk to people act like that. This person was obviously a perv with nothing better to do. get a life, and stop trying to mess up mine.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. I'm glad you were able to protect yourself, and that you realized that one perv doesn't make us all pervs. I can understand being nervous about posting. Just remember to protect yourself and don't give out any information you don't feel comfortable with.

Hugs,

Annie
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am truly sorry that this happened to you.

Some people here are very very private, and others, not so much. It's all about what each person feels comfortable with. DS even suggests that you stay anonymous. I have been here (at this site) for almost 5 years and in that time, I have given out my personal info to a handful of people, however, unless you really feel safe in doing so, don't do it, no matter how well you think you may know someone.

I had one issue with someone who acted in a similar fashion about 4 years ago. She tried to, basically, emotionally guilt me into giving out my personal info.....she obviously didn't know me that well, if she had, she would have known that no one can guilt me into doing a damn thing lol. I gave her a well deserved verbal lashing and that was the last I heard from her.

You did the right thing by using ignore/blocking them.

I hope this one instance doesn't run you off if you need the support. My best to you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hugs, I'm so sorry that happened. It's one of the pitfalls of an unmoderated site. I had someone ask me yesterday if I was single. Fairly innocent question, but I'm not here for that at all. I think you did the absolute right thing by blocking and ignoring the person, especially if they started insulting you. You handled it well. I can understand how the incident would cause you to feel uneasy. It would make me uneasy too. Sending you hugs and I hope something like that never happens to you again.
deleted_user
deleted_user
There are people who will try to take advantage in many ways, even here. Yes the object is support here however it's a public board and we are subject to the same kind of predatory behavior as in all public places. Don't let people run you off just from that though, do not forget your safety precautions. Keep all of your personal info to yourself as well as remember you must be cautious with pouring your heart out to someone who may not have the best of intentions. A few good friends is a better, more realistic approach.

Also a word, there are those who will just sap you emotionally to exhaustion some times with disingenuous intentions,, either way you are trying you heal yourself. Helping others is something to try IF you are up to it but it needs to be well within your stress limits. I wish you sunshine.
Community LeaderWanderingVet
WanderingVet
If you have evidence of this .. hug, private message, journal reply .. whatever ... DON'T delete it.

Submit an abuse form. There is a link to it at the VERY bottom of every DS page.

Describe the 'problem' .. giving reasonable detail .. and let DS know WHERE the 'evidence' can be found (in your PM inbox, hug book, whatever).

DS will not tolerate what you describe .. so please, learn how to report such things and you will be a great help to keeping this place civil.

Thank you in advance.
deleted_user
deleted_user
That really sucks what happened to you but good for you for ignoring and blocking said person. Please do submit an abuse form(as said by WanderingVet). It could help a lot of people on here but no pressure. It is your choice to submit it. I can understand feeling scared to post this. (Hugs)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would encourage you also, to also report the member that you are speaking of... not simply ignore them. If they have acted this way to you, then no doubt that they will do this to others. Certainly up to you, but please consider it.

Please know that there are so many here that are also vulnerable. I hope that what you've experienced is a rare instance. You certainly don't deserve to feel anxious or inhibited to post.

The majority of members here, I believe are honest, compassionate, and very supportive. I hope that you'll have no further issues.
MeggieLizzie
MeggieLizzie
Do what WanderingVet said. There are A LOT of "luv trolls" on here it seems. They will try to get a lot of personal information out of you and try to scam you. "Luv trolls" seem to send weird messages and hugs, and you'll often have not talked/seen them around before, in my experience and from what I've heard. "Luv trolls" will get banned after you report them, though they'll probably just make more accounts and start up again.

"Luv troll" or not, it's never a good idea to give out personal information online. You never know who the person hiding behind the computer may be. You're good to be cautious. Anyway, when people try to friend me that I don't know, I "silently" do not accept and they don't really notice that I didn't; I don't say anything to them about it. You did the right thing and you don't deserve creeps insulting you. HUGS
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes this happens rac146. Don't give it importance. Just protect yourself. Best.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sigh!!!!!!!!!

Sorry you experienced this Rac146...!!!!

I have been on DS for a year now, and haven't personally experienced this type of behaviour.

Unfortunately this is the Net, and there will be predators - no matter where, no matter the site...

I agree with others here. Use the 'Report Abuse' link!

xo
gramybear
gramybear
Unfortunately they are out there. You can always block them and then they can never reach you again, and you don't have to hear anything they have to say either. I'm truly sorry that you went through that, especially being so new. It is rare as far as I have seen with those kind of people, and what isn't rare, is the kindness and support this Forum offers. Hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
You absolutely did the right thing! This is an anonymous website. This anonymity gives us safety and security to express our issues without having to worry about it biting us in the butt. I don't even know why that "Share This" icon is even there (at the bottom of the OP).

Nothing wrong with staying in contact on here. I made a HUGE mistake of giving someone my personal info. and it bit me in the butt. Things are much harder for me here, now. I don't feel safe/secure to post a lot of things.

Don't feel guilty. Those are your boundaries and no one should be making you feel guilty for keeping them. That's what respect is about.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If someone can't respect that fact that you are not going to give out personal info, they are just jerks and it's not your fault. I don't give it out either, and I'm sure a large percentage of people on here don't as well.
JourneymanProject1
JourneymanProject1
It seems every support group I've tried has pervs like that and I wish I could explain why they do it, but it is of course inappropriate. I don't have anything else to add to what others have suggested but I agree that handing out personal info is a bad idea. When I manage to talk to the few friends I have, I give them the option of using my first name or my handle...but as a rule I reveal nothing else, except maybe an alternate e-mail, privately, if I'm sufficiently convinced a person doesn't mean trouble. But in a year here I have done that last part for exactly one person, which should give you an idea of how much my guard is up online.

Sorry this happened to you...hope it doesn't scare you off.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry that happened rac146. :( That's really disappointing that someone wouldn't try to understand why you won't give out your information.
I think you made the right decision to NOT hand out your personal info. You just never know....so It's better to play it safe. ....and why can't they just email or talk to you through here anyway? Please don't let that experience and that ONE person represent the rest of us. I'm new on this site & so far, I've met nothing but nice, caring people.

Good for you for standing up for yourself & making the decision that THAT PERSON was NOT going to mess up your way of looking at things...especially your experience on here.
Thanks for sharing! I wish you nothing but POSITIVE things! :)

-Pinkflower37