I did in the beginning, ,but it is how I keep being anonymous is to use my avatar(s). I don't think there is anything wrong with it, but I feel safer not doing it. Not sure why. Part of me is worried someone who knows me will come across my avatar and recognize me. my reason being no one around me really knows what I am going through and I prefer to keep it that way. If it feels right for you, then it would be ok. :)

I have my picture in my photos on my profile. My avatar is actually a cartoon rendering portrait of my daughter. That it is really my daughter, was weird enough for me that I wanted anyone who wanted to, to see what I really looked like. Everybody has a different take on being here. On how anonymous they want to be. Totally up to you.

I was thinking about it as well. For me, I'm simply tired of running. I finally understand what that means now.

I'm on the fence on this topic. I've hidden my pain all my life. So I've been hiding myself. I'm starting to let people know..."this is me....I have PTSD.....I have tried to kill myself 7 times" (I've added 1 attempt that I'd forgotten). Anyway, I'm revealing who I am and part of me feels empowered. I've always been afraid that people would hurt me more if I didn't hide but I'm finding that I feel a little bit like, "How would anyone dare walk on me now, knowing that I am easily hurt, have been hurt." It can be a defense mechanism. But I'm still worried or hesitant how this coming out into the open will affect me. Hope this helps.

You can always try it and then switch it back. I did it once - got a rude comment - changed it back.

I also got nice comments too. I may try it again one day! It did feel good to be totally open and honest. I crave that.

Thanks everyone for your advice, I am going to think about t for awhile longer. I wonder if there is a way to show just friends?

I agree with 51%............There are great people and very safe ones in here but there are also some pretty vicious ones, so i would not do it.