Depression and the "snowball effect"

[white knight]

Imagine you are in a room with 9 other strangers. All of you
have mental or emotional struggles of various types. You have all had different
lives with different backgrounds. You sit there wondering what to say. One person
begins to ramble on about nothing in particular…not making much sense hence no
replies are given.

One young woman begins to cry. She becomes visibly distraught
and at that point some of the others begin to comfort her. As she calms she
mentions why she got upset and others begin to reply ….the snowball of interaction has begun
to grow. The conversations extend to nearly all, some prefer to keep quiet but
they are at least- listening.

We’ve often mentioned in this forum the need to get the “mix”
right. The mix being proper diagnosis, the correct medications and the right
doses, a calmer environment, a more suitable career, better working hours, a shield against the cruel and toxic and
professional ongoing treatment. This forum could be said to be in that “mix”.
Why?

Because not only can some ask questions and get a reply
quickly but you are contributing to the gathering of this little community with
the same ambitions, to help each other find ways to cope.

I would suggest however, that your participation to give to
others comfort in few words with a reply is not only helping them….it is a
tonic for YOU. Since being on this forum I’ve found it an important part of my
own therapy. Giving to others in the form of referring to your own life’s
struggles, your childhood or your genes can be such a relief for those
searching for answers. By replying or even pressing that red button to say it
has helped you, adds to that snowball of support and you help it grow. You might not realise how significant a few words could be.

Today I read in a thread I started replies from two
contributors on this site, words of thankyou that my own words helped them in
their journeys. Its all part of that snowball and its tendency to grow when
others chip in. And that snowball helps you the thread starter as much as the person reading it. There is no difference to anyone here, we are all one snowball with our arms reaching out with open arm for others to jump in.

That my friends....is the snowball effect. For some, a vital addition to the "mix" required for a healthy mind.

You are reading this....welcome to the snowball. A world where your contribution however small adds to its ability to keep going.

Tony   WK

[Maureen]

All so true white knight. I started reading and contributing to posts here on BB and have found so much knowledge and caring that I feel more at ease with having depression and anxiety. I have been fighting it for a couple of years and through your and others posts am finally starting to accept it. I'm even starting to look at ways to deal with my life as it now stands rather than constantly banging my head against the wall, stating I refuse to accept this is now my reality. Feeling heaps better, at least for now. 

Maureen

[Neil_1]

Tony,

That’s a good post and well thought out with a message for all of us.  It also links back, I believe to the good people who are behind the scenes at B.B. who are constantly trying to make this site even better.

A lot of the time, when a poster comes here, they are (or can be) in a very bad way and are in need of a friendly message, response, possibly with advice, but overall, support to them.  Someone to listen to them, to hear them and I know when I first posted here, the amazing relief I felt when my message was answered.

Contributions by others … the snowball effect, it’s good.

To Maureen, your post highlights what Tony said and hopefully a little of what I said, how you are feeling more comfortable and at ease with being on this site.  To be feeling heaps better now … that is something we all want to strive for.

For me personally, that’s why I am here so often … as I do get good feelings and vibes from posting here – a supportive, comfortable and dare I say it, a snowball environment.  Probably not the right terminology there, but just wanted to add a bit of Neil humour (*) there.

Cheers

Neil

(*)  =  not everyone will get it, but at least I did.  🙂

[Moonstruck]

Extraordinary isn't it? quite amazing...I never would have imagined the responses I've had from people here....to my most trivial, whining, intense personal stories and feelings - (when life isn't easy for any of us.)....the strange thing I've just realised is......if I am out meeting a friend, or acquaintance. and they say "G'day Moonstruck..how are you? How are things?".....I bet no matter how lovely and caring a person he/she is.....they could not respond as thoughtfully and sincerely and quickly as BB Forum members!

It must be due to the "anonymity"...that must be it surely...that this amazing "snowball" effect occurs...because I'm damn sure these discussions wouldn't happen so spontaneously in real life..more's the pity..........interesting.....

[white knight]

Hi all,

Moonstruck- there is the small band of Community Champions that are dedicated to do just that- to answer unanswered posts as soon as we can even if our knowledge is low on specific topics, we can give comfort. To tell posters they are not alone.

Yes Neil I got you "dad joke" lol.  Never short of them are you my friend. Your words "good vibes" from posting here is apt.

Maureen, yes accepting yourself....you have started that journey which seems well overdue. We will be watching your progress as you go through this process. In fact after a little while I believe you will begin to enjoy it, not looking at it as a deficiency but rather an aspect of your persona that went on holidays. This site can be so positive like a new hair do, a new dress or a successful baking of a cake.

All sorts of things make up a positive snowball. Even your beautiful smile. 🙂

Tony WK

[JessF]

Thank you Tony, another great post.  One thing I do wonder about this community sometimes is what people are wanting to get from it.  Sometimes I worry that people come here just to have their views reinforced, to be told what they want to hear rather than perhaps what they need to.  And of course I realise that being reassured is an important thing, especially when we're suffering and feel we have no-one to turn to. It's a salve for the wound, it hits a spot in the brain in the same way that - and I hope you'll forgive the trivial comparison - eating a chocolate bar does.  But we all know what happens if we sit around eating chocolate for the rest of our lives. 

I think your point about getting the mix right also extends to how we use spaces like this. Is it an extension of our therapy, the improvements we're making in our lives, or is it a crutch to help us reinforce bad habits by seeking out others who are just as stuck in their thinking and ways as we are?

Food for thought.

[white knight]

Hi JessF

Your words- "stuck in their thinking" may well be accurate. If so then it is even more important that we try to encourage or rather value everyones input. I take your point that their mind wont move from its mode of thinking.

Reminds me of how much we can all mentally grow and change direction as children but as mature adults its all too hard sometimes.

Tony WK

[blondguy]

Hey Tony

You subject is so very right and spoken from the heart....but very intelligently done....you have 'clarity'

The snowball is alive and well and especially after you placed our own input as therapy

Maureen...Huge welcome!..and nice work in 'accepting' the disorder.....There is absolutely no point in fighting it...it only 're-lights' the fire.....

Be gentle to your yourselves please...

Paul