I have been thinking about this and maybe posting in the forum could be more actively part of the program. Right now it seems like an optional thing, just something nice if a person is inclined toward it. The daily mood tracker or diary could also have a section to fill out about the number of forum posts for each day (maybe with a goal of just one post, even if it is super short). Since posting and helping each other is such as important part of healing, maybe it should be added into one of the sections of the program as a homework activity? If people saw it as an integral part of healing, then maybe there would be more participation. Just a thought. I could be completely wrong. : )
I will try and come up with more ideas. I enjoy little "puzzles" like this.
As far as words to other members: Posting in the forum is part of the healing process, like online group therapy. You only get out of it as much as you put into it. I know I want to do everything I can to get better, and I think actively participating in a discussion with other people who are going through the same thing as me plays a vital role in my healing. If I thought the forum was a waste of time, then I definitely wouldn't do it. I have found it to be very helpful and very valuable. The forum is a way to reach out to other people, a way to combat loneliness and isolation. I have read and been told by my doctor that positive relationships are the key to getting better, and being part of the forum provides positive relationships. It seems that loneliness plays a big part in many people's depression, including mine, and the forum is just one more tool to combat that loneliness. Just reading the posts is a very valuable and informative activity, but it is a more academic, isolated, and lonely activity. For the forum to be truly helpful, it requires an active participation, a reaching out to others, not just a taking through reading but also a giving through posting.
