I agree with all the above.

I would say *Play nice*, but people come here for help, not to play. Not that there isnt room and need for some humor at times, of course.

I get very stressed out both online and offline when other people are mistreating each other.

Sometimes an offensive commenter will go away faster if ignored.

I agree with the above also, I know that I have stopped commenting very much or offering advice because someone may take it offensive.
We have to remember you can't see a persons facial expressions or hear the tone of voice when reading something and you just may interpret it incorrectly.

I was a bit nervous about posting here for a while. I think i just need to learn to grow up and deal with the world as it is sometimes, but i was really hoping to find this one little kind place.

i am still a little leary of posting here, i don't want to hurt anyones feelings. I know a lot of people don't want to see there loved ones insulted here, or themselves.

sorry bout the cut and paste, i will post links in the future.

name calling isn't going to help anyone, we are here to help each other no?

I think things have calmed down a bit, and are one there way towards a more peaceful board. I hope that this continues.

I have gone off topic on a lot of posts in the past. Sorry about that. I will try and stick to the topic of the original discussion. A new discussion to deal with side issues would prolly be more productive.

Not sure that i wanna throw the issues of the war in iraq into the BP boards though =] typo?

I completely agree - I can check all your boxes. I come to DS to give and receive support, solidarity, information and insight and that is still largely achievable on Friends and Family but the main Bipolar site is completely anarchic, to the point where "Jonette" has even written a post that DS itself is sick.

The [admittedly somewhat convoluted] discussion post I started last week was simply a plea for people to respect that some of us want to get more out of these discussions than simply a random exchange of profanities or insults. I was so comprehensively damned by a plethora of deeply personal attacks, the like of which I haven't felt since getting picked on in the school playground. Worse still, it triggered a bipolar episode so severe that it caused unspeakable problems with my home life that I don't feel ready to talk about here.

I will never start or reply to another post on the Bipolar site again. There are about 10 key protagonists in that toxic soup who appear to spend their entire lives roaming around DS writing nonsense (their prerogrative) and bullying people (definitely NOT their prerogative). Surely they should know better than anyone that this is damaging to our already fragile mental health?

I have come to the conclusion that you can't help people who aren't prepared to help themselves and being on the receiving end of "nasty" Bipolar has only served to make me more driven and determined than ever to not be characterised by or take refuge in my illness. At the risk of being shot down in flames, some people seem to think that their BP diagnosis gives them carte blanche to abuse total strangers - but the truth is they make little or no attempt at impulse control or mindfulness.

It's also reinforced my respect and admiration for you guys on F&F who have to contend with the often intolerable behaviour of your loved ones. I identify more with you than I do with my fellow BPs.

*sigh*

Again, with reference to my previous post as well as this one, here's something that illustrates my suggestion for a happier, more constructive forum:

www.bipolar4all.co.uk

In case you can't access this link without registering first, the board is split into the following threads:

Bipolar Disorder:-
- Introductions
- Bipolar discussion
- Family & Friends
- Meds & Treatments

Lighter side of life:-
- Chit Chat
- Games Room
- Jokes & Funnies

Safe Haven:-
- Creative room
- Unsent letters

Miscellaneous:-
- Non Bipolar Health
- Problems or ideas
- Helpful links

They also have a policy on excessive swearing, abuse, stuff of an obscene nature, etc. Your post can get pulled for bullying.

Where the board gives free rein to complete self expression, it does advise that some content "may be triggering". This handy warning means that if you're going to get upset or angry about BP behaviours, thoughts or issues, you can choose not to read the posts there.

I know these Ts & Cs wouldn't go down well with many on DS, especially BPs who want/need to cuss like they have Tourettes and generate lengthy threads about sexual practices since they appear to be very anti-establishment and don't take kindly to moderators (who they perceive as "thought police" or censors, but I'm going to give this site a go as I think it might offer the clarity and structure that makes my quest for insight a little less bumpy.

What do you guys think?

I admin that forum Hypokitty.

Re above, I came to this community because as admin on the forum you mention i cannot be myself. While I will never be mean or anything, I need to be able to express myself on here.