WP is making me depressed

Post Reply New Topic

I don't think WP is a bad place. I've met some nice people and I've read a lot of interesting stuff. I've just been getting triggered by certain types threads. Specifically threads that are written by people who are significantly disabled. It just makes me scared that I'll end up like them. I don't want to leave WP, but I need some strategies to help me not get triggered by stuff I read on here.

One strategy, truthfully, is to have confidence in yourself as a viable human being. You're a work in progress. Everybody's a work in process.

Just think of WrongPlanet as a diverse place, with many different levels of "functioning."

You could help people who are not as "functioning" as you. You could share your wisdom. This will make you feel like you're a viable person, and are making a difference.

And you could be helped, in turn, by people who are experienced in life.

Have you ever heard this old joke? It was popular on a TV show called "Hee-Haw".

PATIENT: "Doctor! Doctor! It hurts when I do this!"

<Patient contorts himself into an uncomfortable pose.>

DOCTOR: "Well then, STOP DOING IT!! !"

<Doctor hits patient with rubber chicken. Canned audience laughter is heard.>

Now, I know that you don't want to leave WP, but you might do well to not click on The Haven ever again. While you're at it, stay out of the Politics, Philosophy & Religion forum and the Love & Dating forum, as well.

... or I'll be forced to break out the rubber chicken ...

I've never really had any problems in those sections. Most of the problematic posts are in the general section.

You're bothered by those who are less fortunate then you? I don't think there's much to be done about that - it is a support forum.

It triggers my OCD obsessions about being disabled/delayed. I want help dealing with my feelings. I'm not asking anyone to stop posting about their struggles. I understand that WP is a support forum. I just want to be able to post on here without getting triggered all the time.

So I guess you find it worth it to be here, or you wouldn't be. Sounds like you have obsessive fears regarding your health. Tricky to deal with as everyone's health does eventually fail. I would suggest forcing yourself not to think about the things that are stuck in your head. Force yourself to replace those thoughts with positive ones.

I mostly spend time here because of the interesting posts. I don't really feel like people here are supportive unless they're my friend.

you don't have to worry about losing your mental and/or physical functionality.

If this is still about those who post about childlike tendencies, remember that one of the most important things some people pointed out in your other thread is that the "childlike" thing was only one part of those people's personalities. Some of the same people have also said that even while they collect stuffed toys and wear cartoon pajamas or whatever, they are also.....holding down jobs... doing their own taxes....raising kids....having a relationship with a spouse or partner.

Seriously, many of the people posting the problems that are upsetting you also post about other much more functioning areas of their lives. I'm one of those who feel I've never grown up, yet I've started up two small businesses, done my own taxes, married, filed for divorce, and emigrated twice. I'm a grownup, I'm just a kid in my spare time. That's not so bad is it?

Well if you're functioning well enough now it's unlikely your functioning is going to deteriorate significantly. But I can see why that kind of thing would freak you out some, no one wants their condition to get worse. But just try and keep in mind autism is a somewhat stable condition I mean if you're on the spectrum the degree you are effected right now probably would not increase...but with the OCD its probably hard not to kind of dwell on such things I sort of can understand that but I don't have OCD just trouble with dwelling on things.

I don't think I'm functioning well enough at the moment. I live with my parents, don't have a job, can't go to school, have no social life, can't cook or clean and I can barely get ready in the morning.

I only force myself to shower and wear makeup because I wouldn't want people to think I'm disabled. I'm not even sure if I'm actually autistic. I don't really meet the criteria and a lot of people question whether my diagnosis is even valid.

Even if I am in fact autistic, I don't think it's the reason why I'm so low functioning. I suspect I have some autoimmune disease and those can definitely get way worse. It also seems like my "autistic traits" can be explained by OCD and ADHD. The only aspie-ish thing about me is special interests, but I think NT nerds and people with ADHD have them as well.

Alright well disregard that than, thought you where like higher functioning and where worried about getting worse....

I get emotionally burnt out sometimes. At that point the best thing to do is take a break from whatever it is causing the anxiety/aggravation, etc. Walking away from something for a while helps put things back in perspective when you return.