Sometimes I don't have the words.

[ProfessorPreciseaBug]

I have a history of manic depression. About nine years ago I broke down completely and spent three months in a dressing gown. That expeience taught me a lot about mental health. Back then it was easier to admit to being gay with AIDS than say you are mentaly ill.

Obviously I will never "recover" but I understand myself better now and can manage myself pretty well. And from my experience, I want to help others who may be experienceing similar issues.

When I read some of the posts on these pages, I want to help people who are hurting but I don't have the tools in the box to do anything. I don't know what to say. Please forgive.

[OnceThereWasThisGirlWho]

I was and still am surprised at the discrimination and prejudice around MH issues. (And I will not use the term "stigma" because you'd never say "the stigma of being black" for eg.) Because I was raised in a moderate to extreme lefty accepting PC environment I vaguely thought mental health was on a par with physical health. Ha! (Overt racism came as a shock too).

Wanting to help people, as you say... I think this is where, in the situation you describe, internet support has it's downside. I mean, in real life we may have a cuppa together, maybe poke around the garden in the sun even if I was still in my dressing gown (which I am). Wouldn't have to talk much, or talk serious, but the fact that you wanted to help would be apparent in a vaguely caring atmosphere.