I know exactly what you mean!
Sometimes I’ve taken a break for a while (but it’s never lasted), as I’ve not been sure it’s doing me any good.
Yes, inevitably you read cases more extreme or upsetting than your own, and sometimes can’t help wondering: “Oh dear, will that be me?” I am in no way suggesting people shouldn’t post, for fear of scaring others - that would not be a good thing.
But yes, it’s a double-edged sword. It’s great there is such a facility - but does it (for me, at least) encourage unhealthy “wallowing”, and dwelling on things I might otherwise - not forget, exactly - but give a lower profile?
Whatever you do, don’t feel bad for having mixed feelings about whether it’s always good for you.
I don’t personally find the forums “doomy” overall - I’m often inspired by the humour and candour with which other people face up to their situation, and several posters are naturally very funny, without resorting to canned jokes. There isn’t, and never has been a rule that you can’t still write humorously, and several posters use that to full effect.
But yes, at the end of the day, an MS forum is, well…about MS. That’s always going to be true, no matter how witty, or inspiring, or insightful the posts. So indeed it might not always be the right thing for people trying to rise above the daily grind of chronic illness. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with admitting it.
The vast majority of people with MS aren’t here. I realise that, in many cases that will be because they simply don’t know about it. But in other cases it will be because they’re getting on just fine without it, thank you very much, and have other things to focus on.
Tina
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