JWD- Some of the Best Supportive Discussion I've Seen (page 2)

flipper

HILLARY STEP- Yes. I do agree with you that diversity is good. And I agree with you there is no " substitute " for professional support for people having problems. Many of us here on the board, including myself, have encouraged JK to get " professional " help which he is following through on that advice by meeting with his AA representative . However , I feel that giving emotional support, friendship, and empathy to people on a discussion board is both acceptable- but advisable, as it is a good way to make the discussions more human, real, caring, and less automated and robotic. So - You made some good points I agree with.

OTWO- Yes, definitely we have our diversity here.

THE CHICKENNEST- I agree it has helped many folks move on with life after JWville.

JAMIE BOWERS- I too feel like I want to help people escape this witness cult like you ! That's why I hang out here primarily.

CHANGELING- I agree that we should help encourage others to seek professional counseling; but at the same time be a friend and showing empathy is good too. I agree - we can do both.

YKNOT- I think we are like a sisterhood/brotherhood thing here on the board in some ways . Many of us have been through life altering changes escaping a mind control cult- so we do understand each other's plights

caliber

I think you can be both supportive and urge someone to see a professional. One does not cancel out the other .... Changeling

I think this is the perfect approach to take...don't try to be the all and end all... have the courage to redirect if so needed !

Great thread Flipper, one can never over discuss the need to encourage others !

Caliber

Eyes Open

I guess supportive discussion is a good term for a lot of what goes on here. I agree that it's good to be able to be in contact with each other, but am also wary of things being posted as advice that may not be right for the people reading. As always, don't believe everything you read and consult the professionals whenever possible/necessary.

Wee John

Hi,as you can see i am new to this discussion board and am enjoying it... it is something i have been looking for(for a long time)...a congregation of like minded people who can relate to and accept each other without any prejudice.

I enjoy reading the new flickering lights of "truth" that my family refuse to discuss with me.

Thanks to all.

Anator

As a witness, you could very rarely say how you feel about certain matters. I got the usual stuff from elders saying "what about you?". They always had the uncanny style to always turn your issues back upon yourself. It was a quick way to brush you off, basically saying without saying "the problem is you and no one else". When I started reading the JWD board, I found out that many, many here has gone through or going through the same thing. Hey, I wasn't going crazy, they were making me crazy. Having a listening ear is so crucial. It is healing. You can't put a quick fix on everything, but if someone listens to you it is part of healing.

sacolton

I believe if this type of support system existed in the early 80s - there would be a mass exodus from the WTBTS. Glad to see so many ex-JWs sharing their experiences.

Hortensia

I enjoy hearing what's up in other folks' lives, I enjoy getting little snippets of news about the WTBTS without having to make any effort at all, especially not having to talk with any JWs. I like the banter and the bickering. I like the thought-provoking subjects. There are some threads I won't read - I'm not much of a person for doctrine, for instance, and long threads with a lot of calculation or cut-and-paste quotes I'm not likely to read.

There's a difference between sympathizing with someone and feeling you have to solve their problems. When a person in distress turns to JWD, sympathy is all we can give them and there is nothing wrong with that. They need the attention or they wouldn't ask for it. However, we all have to actually solve our own problems, pull up our socks and do what it takes. But a safe place to vent is a wonderful thing. I notice that when folks seem self-destructive, loads of people advise professional therapy.

snowbird

Flipper,
I assume this is your passive agressive way, one that you have perfected, of continuing the thread in which I called you out over this whole issue as to whether this was designed as a discussion board, or a 'support Board'. Of course you know my feelings on this one, as I always speak straight and do not attempt to slide around issues as you tend to.

HS, ever read Notes From Underground by Fyodor Dosteovsky?

Sylvia

feenx

I also love a good debate...I got into one about homosexuality that was quite good. I also love the questions and viewpoints that put forth about matters that we were never able to think about inside the borg. FINALLY all those questions and "wait a minute, that makes NO sense because what about this??" statements can be posed here and an open discussion can proceed.

I too enjoy seeing the support given here for people fresh out of the organization. It's a very sketchy time and I know a lot of people get so freaked out they run right back because that's all they know. At least here they know they're not alone and they can get a variety of viewpoints from people all over.

feenx
http://indigoinsight.blogspot.com

momzcrazy

My therapist Rikki says this is my support group. She wouldn't let me leave 2 sessions ago without making sure I would get support at home and here. Last week she was very happy and suprised (as was I) about the support I have gotten here.

I like the silly discussions. And I love to give free advice, even if it is unsolicited! And Werewolf, my new addiction.

This place became my home away from home after leaving the borg. I needed the support and understanding I found here.

momz

JWD- Some of the Best Supportive Discussion I've Seen

Share this