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.
Hi Everyone,
There've been a number of discussion posts in the Depression Community recently, particularly about religion, that have generated a fair amount of heat between members. We've received a number of complaints, and are removing comments and in some cases threads that aren't focused on supporting each other.
As we've all experienced, there are some topics that members are really passionate about. Feelings get hurt, and people lash out. We want all members to feel like they can express what's important to them. But at the same time we have to remember that what makes DailyStrength work is that people from all over the world are gathering together in our Communities for support.
Here we have a chance to give and receive some much needed help and perspective on the challenges we're each facing in our lives. There are so many of us here now that we have a tremendous opportunity to find at least a little of what we're looking for. But it also means that from time to time we're going to run into discussions and comments that we simply don't agree with. When that happens, and you don't feel that you can respond in a supportive way, please take a second, take a breath, and move on. Just don't post a comment on that topic. There are many, many other topics to choose from.
And as always, if you feel a topic or comment or other post is abusive, please let us know, and we'll look into it right away.
Thanks,
Doug
There've been a number of discussion posts in the Depression Community recently, particularly about religion, that have generated a fair amount of heat between members. We've received a number of complaints, and are removing comments and in some cases threads that aren't focused on supporting each other.
As we've all experienced, there are some topics that members are really passionate about. Feelings get hurt, and people lash out. We want all members to feel like they can express what's important to them. But at the same time we have to remember that what makes DailyStrength work is that people from all over the world are gathering together in our Communities for support.
Here we have a chance to give and receive some much needed help and perspective on the challenges we're each facing in our lives. There are so many of us here now that we have a tremendous opportunity to find at least a little of what we're looking for. But it also means that from time to time we're going to run into discussions and comments that we simply don't agree with. When that happens, and you don't feel that you can respond in a supportive way, please take a second, take a breath, and move on. Just don't post a comment on that topic. There are many, many other topics to choose from.
And as always, if you feel a topic or comment or other post is abusive, please let us know, and we'll look into it right away.
Thanks,
Doug
If i said a certain christian post was bother some i would be told to not to go to it. To learn tolerence of other beleifs. The second I challenge what they say and go back to the original greek or hebrew and look what actually is written i get told I am being disruptive causing people to be upset. They cant have it both ways.
STONEWALL!!!
Maybe because christians are a majority here, when so many complain, admin caves to the pressure? Not enough of us nonchristians to bring that kind of pressure to bear, I suppose.
So basically, if christians jump into any post and stir things up, then complain to Doug because someone said something THEY don't like, the thread gets shut down and the othher person gets kicked off as well.
Smells funny to me. and I'm disappointed.
God bless, Janeather
You, Doug, have bowed to the Christians, by deleting Trish's and Snork's threads. And their threads were valid! Nobody invited the religious people to come on there and continually 'bash' us. Yet you've allowed this to happen.
I'm ashamed, and appalled!
I am a Christian, and didn't care that Wiccans or anyone else wanted to post here, and if I felt I couldn't add to the conversation, I didn't go....
This is not a Christian Community, and I have seen some of my brothers and sisters in Christ not act very Christlike.
This is not an inquisition, and when people want to discuss their beliefs, they should be allowed to do so.
Stay out of posts you don't like, or you think are "harmful"
People are sensitive, and we need to forgive and move on....not carry righteous hammers and smack everyone with them.....
I'm tired... good night! not a sermon, just a thought lol
We are all healing here, and support is what we are here for. It's distressing to come here and find posts like that have been going on...people are getting hurt.
Take what you like, and leave the rest.
Hi Doug,
I understand your point about the need for the communities to be supporting environments. However, I feel that support is not always given by simply agreeing with someone. It also involves providing healthy advice and protecting one another from harmful advice. Unfortunately, this is not something you could moderate given the number of posts on DS but open discussion is a way this can be achieved and this does involve disagreement on opinions.
However, when it comes to the issue of complaints and any action you take based on them, you are performing this action and need to be careful in how you treat these matters. The recent culling of posts seems to be an effort to please a section of the community that can not tolerate other peoples opposition to their opinions. As you have said yourself, people have the option to avoid posts they do not agree with and that would be the appropriate response to those complaints unless you feel that there is abuse involved. Calling for you to delete posts instead of taking that option is nothing but censorship and by giving into this mentality, you are presenting yourself as a supporter of their cause. In this particular case, I and many others are now under the impression that DS is strictly a Christian site.
While we are on that topic, I will explain my stance and strong feelings in those posts. On many an occasion, I have seen people state that mental illness either doesnt exist or is some part of trial or punishment and even go as far as to claim that people should give up on professional therapy and medication and simply pray or meditate themselves to good health. If you are a mental health professional, I am sure you can see how absurd and dangerous these kinds of opinions can be! I understand you are very busy and I am not going to send you a complaint every time something like that occurs, youd be getting a large number every day! Instead, I and others take it upon ourselves to present opposing arguments for the wellbeing of the people involved. So I hope you can understand me being very disappointed when you choose to act for the same people who are causing these unhealthy opinions to circulate within the community.
Thanks
cagedDreams