Posted by JenStar on August 4, 2004, at 2:09:55
In reply to amazingly strong!, posted by B2chica on August 1, 2004, at 17:51:33
I agree with you in some ways - the web is a great place to receive mutual support and affection. There ARE a lot of interesting and supportive people here!
But I also think that boards like babble (and others) can encourage a 'group mentality' to arise, a shared 'we suffer so, and we can't really be fixed' mentality that encourages people not to take charge of their lives and make better decisions.
People write about bad decisions and difficult problems, are are met with understanding. Sometimes, too MUCH understanding! It's easy to say soothing words, not so easy to offer constructive criticism, and I think we sometimes offer each other a 'everything is OK, do what you want' attitude instead of offering real-life advice on how to really fix issues.
Sometimes that is all a person wants -- some soothing -- and then fully intends to go fix problems on their own after getting some TLC.
But from what I read here, the problems are often chronic in nature, and the behaviors repeat over and over again. sometimes I think it's not so healthy to read about this too much, because it makes some of the bad decisions seem OK -- and I don't want that.
There is also the chronic undertone of ultra-reliance on therapists that I just think is unhealthy. (Of course, the answer to me would be: If it's unhealthy for you, then stay away!)
I can fully understand how some therapists would read this board and advise certain people to stay away and find other places to get support.Anyway, I know that was a mouthful. I DO like Babble...I just need to set limits for myself on how much I read & participate.
Good luck to all!
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:372818
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040728/msgs/373853.html