People Who Actually understand Communities
We live in a digital age, and we increasingly use virtual technology for everything from shopping to keeping in touch with pals to business meetings and, occasionally, doctor's visits. Although it has been discovered that the usage of some technologies, such as social media, has impacted our overall mental health in some areas, it is not all negative news.
Chat rooms and online forums have sprung up as a result of the internet age, allowing us to communicate with people who share our interests. The OCD chat rooms community has also formed its own online forums, where those of us who have the diagnosis may interact with others who have it and share both our agony and our achievements.
Here's your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about online OCD discussion boards: from the most reputable Friendly Chat Rooms
How to Use Online OCD Forums
While each topic has its own set of rules, following some general etiquette and guidelines might help you get the most out of your OCD forums. These rules will assist you in providing a positive forum experience for yourself and others.
Be considerate – This shouldn't have to be said, yet it is on occasion on the internet. Always reply with kindness and respect, even if you disagree with what someone has said. Never use offensive language, and remember that everyone on the forum suffers from OCD, which you are well aware of.
Wait patiently – Thousands of people participate in most forums all over the world. It's possible that your message will not be responded to straight away. We recognise the desperation that can accompany a situation like this.
Don't look for or offer reassurance – It's important to remember that reassurance is the enemy of OCD healing. Avoid using forums to get reassurance that your obsessions aren't genuine; keep in mind that the reassurance will only last a few minutes before your OCD starts shouting, but what if? It's also crucial to avoid reassuring people. If you notice someone seeking comfort, empathically advise them of the dangers.
Don't give counsel that isn't in your area of expertise – Keep your comments focused on your personal experience with OCD and recovery. If someone asks for medical advice (such as whether or not they should be concerned about a pharmaceutical side effect), don't respond unless you are a licenced physician. Encourage them to seek expert help.
Keep an eye out for compulsive behaviour– When you have OCD, anything can become a compulsive, including using internet forums. Be aware of how often you publish, and attempt to recognise when it becomes a habit. For example, if you begin to fear that if you don't check the forum for one day, you won't be able to help someone who is suicidal (and so that person's probable suicide will be your fault), you may be obsessing.
As an adjunct to mental health treatment- use forums. If at all possible, only use online OCD forums in conjunction with evidence-based treatment from a qualified therapist who specialises in OCD. Online forums can offer emotional support, but they will not assist you in recovering from OCD.
In addition to these instructions- make sure to follow each forum's specific rules and standards to avoid being banned from the community.
Find Treatment for OCD
People have discovered that online mental health forums can help them feel supported and empowered to get the therapy they need without feeling ashamed or stigmatised. That, we believe, is the most significant advantage of online OCD forums. It's reassuring to talk about your symptoms with people who understand, and it may frequently make the difference between a bad day and a good one.
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