Sorry no one has responded to this yet. I think many people vanish and return. I know I do. I am not sure what groups you belonged to but many have gone completely quiet for many reasons. The PTSD group has a lot of loyal and active DS members.

Keep posting and interacting. You will meet new friends here.

That business of coming and going is a peer support natural in my own experience, both live and on-line. It is peer support for mental illness far more than a social club and each of us needs the freedom to go where our personal healing needs take us, when they call.

Friendship is a mystery to me, as well. For loyalty and constant companionship, I lean on my support dog. I haven't quite figured out human friendship yet.

Glad to have you back. I've only been here for 5 years at DS. The last year has been the most challenging with a site makeover that interrupted our flow. The last few months have seen a lot of folks make it back, so it looks like you've had good timing. I live alone, so I'm here every day.

Speaking of ups and downs, I'm on the downs sick today, having made it despite too many work commitments to the doctor finally yesterday to find out I'm bordering on walking pneumonia. Riding the couch now with steroids and antibiotics hoping for the ups and a pre-Christmas recovery.

Welcome back lobby.

This group saved me so many years ago. Honestly more so when they have the option of the IM chat if I’m honest. I get that some people get better and move on with life & choose not to be reminded of the past. But it’s difficult you know, I have no family... so it’s like I’m constantly fighting a losing battle. I tend to get on better with men rather than women and I just don’t know what to do. I’ve tried all sorts to make new friends but it hasn’t worked. This group... this website was always my go to for friends...

I have one or two friends outside of DS and one of them is not really even a good friend, we just visit for coffee here and there. I also used to get along better with men because I was bullied so terribly throughout school. They felt safer and more honest but now as an adult its hard to trust anyone. It is easier for me to talk to strangers in non-intimate situations so when I am feeling lonely I will go out and interact in stores or at something short and social . I am also finding that the more I invest in myself my confidence builds. Then I depend less on others having any responsibility for my happiness. Cutting the bad out of my life has brought some pretty special things into it. There is nothing wrong with friends here being your go to. It is mine and I am sure many others.

When this new remake of DS was published they said IM would come back but that was a year and a half ago. Hopefully they will get this site running with the options we hoped for.

I am here as a friend that will listen and converse with you anytime.

Socialising

People are hectic in groups, learning to play the game helps, but generally people sux

old post so I'll close it.....xo