I was wondering, in the contemplative way I tend to do when depressed, what effect if any other people with depression feel the internet has on their condition
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Actually, when I get into a real downward spiral I hide from the net as well if not more so. I find I can continue to keep up a front with real people, even though I've got that empty hollow feeling inside and am on the verge of tears the whole time. I'm fragile but I'm there
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I find it takes more energy for me to keep up a front in person or on the phone than online -- I don't have to worry about smiling in an email or making my voice sound cheery. I post haphazardly enough as it is that I really don't feel too much pressure to say something intelligent, and the physical disconnect helps me feel less vulnerable when I do post something, so I can 'talk' if I want to and not if I don't.
When I was in undergrad my episodes were much worse, and I literally went two weeks once without ever leaving the apartment. Nowadays I don't usually get that bad, and right now I'm at least functional enough to be in the office, although I'm praying no one stops by to talk today. It'll go away in a day or two -- it always does -- and until then I'll hunch and hide but probably continue to write :)
It's been a long time since I did the antisocial thing, but yeah...the internet didn't trigger the desire to avoid people. I could edit my responses so everything seemed ok and fine, I hate letting people know I'm having a bad swing.
As for recovery...I don't know. My antisocial periods only lasted a few days at most, then my desire for friends won out over my desire to be alone.
2. Helps. Reminds me that I'm not alone, at a level of communication I can handle, and I find when I do muster up the energy/courage to post an "I'm so fucking depressed" post, just the act of doing so helps. Regardless of replies. Internet helps a lot, as I have very little emotional support in real life. Too many "positive thinkers".
I've been totally avoiding my local friends as I've turned into a hermit. So my online friends are my lifeline. However, if I get really really depressed, I avoid even online.
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I find it takes more energy for me to keep up a front in person or on the phone than online -- I don't have to worry about smiling in an email or making my voice sound cheery. I post haphazardly enough as it is that I really don't feel too much pressure to say something intelligent, and the physical disconnect helps me feel less vulnerable when I do post something, so I can 'talk' if I want to and not if I don't.
When I was in undergrad my episodes were much worse, and I literally went two weeks once without ever leaving the apartment. Nowadays I don't usually get that bad, and right now I'm at least functional enough to be in the office, although I'm praying no one stops by to talk today. It'll go away in a day or two -- it always does -- and until then I'll hunch and hide but probably continue to write :)
Thanks for your kind words.
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As for recovery...I don't know. My antisocial periods only lasted a few days at most, then my desire for friends won out over my desire to be alone.
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2. Helps. Reminds me that I'm not alone, at a level of communication I can handle, and I find when I do muster up the energy/courage to post an "I'm so fucking depressed" post, just the act of doing so helps. Regardless of replies. Internet helps a lot, as I have very little emotional support in real life. Too many "positive thinkers".
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