For those of us in a funk or a rut lately.......

[lindrusso]

...is anyone interested in starting a support group of sorts?

A group dedicated to sharing our thoughts and problems, but more importantly......to turning things around. It would be a place to vent (I think you need to let the negative out before you can move on to the positive) but the focus would be more on how to get out of it and move forward. Not just a whine-fest. ;) :)

I have mentioned a few times about feeling stuck in a rut lately and several people have told me they are having similar issues.

If you would be interested in participating, how do you want to structure it? Meet here on a weekly thread? Would a private message board be better or are you open to doing it here where just about anyone can see? (I'm torn on the public versus private - it's nice to have a bit of privacy, but sharing on in public forum might help others who don't want to actually participate.)

Other ideas?

Anyway, I've been stuck in a negative place for far too long and I need to turn things around and thought that maybe something like this would help.......

[Robyn1007]

I'm in, though I think I would prefer private with a periodic post inviting people to join. Nice idea. :)

[Peggy]

I'd be very interested but would also prefer a private forum.

Peggy

[TKay]

I think it's a great idea. I think you might get a more open and honest discussion going in a private forum. But you're right. It will keep people away who might benefit from just checking in without participating. So I guess I'm saying, I don't have a strong opinion about which way it should be run. I'm just in favor of the idea in general.

[lindrusso]

Okay, I've had 4 responses so far and all have voted for a private forum, so I will start researching how to set this up. I think I might be able to set up a message board over at The Kitchen Table and make it viewable only to certain members.

It may not be until next week that I get it all figured out - we have guests coming this weekend, so things will be crazy busy until sometime Monday afternoon. :)

[Laura]

I guess I would prefer a private forum as well, but even some issues I might not feel comfortable addressing there (heck, I don't even discuss them with my family :o), but in terms of the other issues that are simply affecting my quality of life right now, I would likely be comfortable in either forum.

[blazedog]

You might want to start a Yahoo email list. Membership is controlled by the moderator and any posts go to all members although they have the option to receive digests once a day or view posts on the web.

I have several groups like this -- and am a member of others as well and it's quite an effective means of communication -- especially for a support group type of thing.

[Robyn1007]

Alysha, let me know if I can help.

[Lauren]

Count me in! I prefer a private forum as well. I'm in one of the Yahoo groups (for my sons' illness) and that works well. I get an email every time some one posts.

[EmptyNestMom]

I really need something like this and would love to be a part...I prefer private forum too.

thanks.:)

[Ann1965]

I think I'd like to participate also. Private sounds good to me, but I'll need really good instructions. Count me in!

[lindrusso]

You might want to start a Yahoo email list.

Thanks for the suggestion.....I hadn't thought of something like that.

I have belonged to email loops before, but I wonder if it might be harder to follow discussions if we do it that way?

Something to think about before we decide to take it private: If we are looking for suggestions on how to resolve certain issues, it might be helpful to have others who might be lurking pop in and offer advice, suggestions or insights here or there. There are people here who have so much to offer (or may have even been through something similar) when it comes to so many things but they may not be in a rut at the moment or have any interest in participating in this kind of group on a regular basis. I love the feedback I get from this community and I'm afraid that we might really miss out on some great advice or insight we if break off on our own. Does that make sense? Thoughts?

[zackaboo]

The title of this thread screams out at me, so count me in. I have to agree with the others who would prefer a private forum though. I think we could have private interaction and maybe opt to publicly post certain topics that might come up. I understand what you are saying about drawing on the experiences of others, but if posting in a public forum prevents someone from really being open and honest about what is troubling them, then they won't get the full benefit of the support network that you are proposing.

[lindrusso]

I understand what you are saying about drawing on the experiences of others, but if posting in a public forum prevents someone from really being open and honest about what is troubling them, then they won't get the full benefit of the support network that you are proposing.

That's very true and I certainly want everyone to feel comfortable opening up - that's what's most important!

If we do keep it private, would you all prefer a bulletin board format or an email loop?

[colleency]

It sounds good to me. I prefer a bulletin board for ease of following thoughts, but I don't know anything about setting them up.

I don't know how much I'd be able to participate, because my company has cracked down on internet somewhat.

[Deechef]

What a great idea! I'd prefer private but available. I'm computer illiterate so I have no advice and would need help joining up. Just returned from a funeral and imagine someone dealing with death could use a soft place fall.

[slknight]

Alysha, I might be in as well. I personally loathe Yahoo groups. I'm on a couple boards that are set up through invisionfree.com. The boards are free and have a very similar format to this one. I could help set one up if you'd like.

[KAnn]

I think I'd like to participate also. Private sounds good to me, but I'll need really good instructions. Count me in!


What she said!

[SueK]

Alysha- I'd be interested as well. Let me know if you need any help.
Sue

[badunnin]

Ditto that.

[Chelle D]

Okay Alysha, I think you have been reading my mind! As someone who started taking Prozac TODAY, count me in :o

My DH is a web developer with his own server and I have one private board on that server already that he set up so if other options don't work out, that would be pretty easy to do too. Let me know if you would like it to go that way. (I also hate email loops)

[lindrusso]

Hmmmm....maybe I should have asked who ISN'T in a funk! ;) Sorry to hear there are so many down in the dumps..........

Okay, so let's try a bulletin board format for now - I tend to like that better myself - it's much easier to introduce a new topic and pick and choose what you want to read. I'm not crazy about having a busy and full inbox, but I'd be willing to try it if the majority ruled on that..........

I will check out the Invision site and see how that compares to Xsorbit where I have The Kitchen Table set up.

These sites are relatively easy to set up - except when I start to get carried away with tweaking colors and stupid stuff like that. That's part of my "I'm in a rut" issues - procrastinating on the computer! :rolleyes: :D

[lindrusso]

Okay Alysha, I think you have been reading my mind! As someone who started taking Prozac TODAY, count me in :o

Sorry to hear that. That's exactly why I'm mobilizing myself now - I'm fearful that this "blah" feeling is turning into depression........

Not that there's anything AT ALL wrong with taking medication or seeking therapy if necessary - I don't want anyone to misunderstand - I'd just like to avoid any of that if at all possible!

[MusicMom]

I might be interested, too. (I can't even get excited about a vacation this year- that's pretty bad for me)

I prefer a bulletin board format, but I don't have much experience with other options.

Vivian

[jenniferW]

I think this would really help me right now. I was hoping it was just the icky weather, but I'm not so sure any more. Count me in.

[lindrusso]

Any ideas for what to name the board that we set up?

When I set up The Kitchen Table I was able to change the title of the board, but the original name was still in the URL, so I'd like to choose wisely..........

Something that evokes a positive energy..........

[Freddy]

I'm interested also. Please keep me informed... and thanks!

[Robyn1007]

Okay Alysha, I think you have been reading my mind! As someone who started taking Prozac TODAY, count me in :o



I just wanted to tell you you're not alone. I started Wellbutrin XL 2 months ago. Things are better (at least I don't feel dispair) but not perfect. Give it time. :)

[cookin_healthy]

Count me in. I agree that a bb format, but private, would be best. It so helps to have someone to vent to and bounce ideas off of who isn't a daily part of your life...

[Gumbeaux]

Count me in. I started using Lexapro (http://www.lexapro.com/) a month ago and it was a WILD ride until my body adjusted to it.

[jmarie]

Any ideas for what to name the board that we set up

The first song that popped into my head was Up Up and Away

Wouldn't you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
Wouldn't you like to ride in my beautiful balloon
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The world's a nicer place in my beautiful balloon
It wears a nicer face in my beautiful balloon
We can sing a song and sail along the silver sky
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Suspended under a twilight canopy
We'll search the clouds for a star to guide us
If by some chance you find yourself loving me
We'll find a cloud to hide us
We'll keep the moon beside us
Love is waiting there in my beautiful balloon
Way up in the air in my beautiful balloon
If you'll hold my hand we'll chase your dream across the sky
For we can fly we can fly
Up, up and away
My beautiful, my beautiful balloon
Balloon...
Up, up, and away.....


the feeling that i get from this song is that we can always hope....

[Romandub]

I'd be interested, as well. Thanks for starting this!

[tbb113]

Count me in...my life changes aren't making it easy for me.

[Pony]

sounds good to me....life has thrown me many curve balls in the past 8 months.......i'm not picky, so i don't care what type of format we use.

thanks alysha.

Michelle

[ErinM]

Yeah, count me in too. Format doesn't matter....

[Kay Henderson]

If you are interested in getting relevant input from people who are not part of the group, perhaps you could (without using names) periodically summarize on the board the major points covered or issues on which people would like to seek opinions from a wider group of folks. Then members with similar experiences could either post on the public board or PM you with what worked for them.

Kay

[LaraW]

I would be interested too.

[NJMom]

Count me in to.

NJMom:D

[lindrusso]

I will try to get something up and running next week. :) I'll be busy this weekend with those guests - BIL, SIL, 4 nieces and one dog! All cooped up inside! :eek: :eek:

[Lynno1975]

I'm along for the ride as well..... I just don't have a lot of motivation to do much of anything. I don't know if it's the weather or what. I just want some happy time.

[jmarie]

If you are interested in getting relevant input from people who are not part of the group

I am not sure if I agree with doing this, but I will go with whatever rules are set up. Perhaps if there is a discussion and someone wants the input of anyone on the outside of the board, it could be requested....and then done...

But again, it is a group thing and will be satisfied with whatever is decided upon.:)

[cherylopal]

(((((alyesha))))))

sometimes that just helps!!

[lindrusso]

(((((alyesha))))))

sometimes that just helps!!

Thanks Cheryl. :)

I have set a board up and will be sending PMs out to everyone who mentioned they'd like to be included. I'll try to get that done very soon.........

And FYI - I will be playing around with the new board and have set myself up with three different screen names just so that I can get a better understanding of how the boards work, etc.

Hopefully we can get things up and running soon. :)

[applecrisp]

What a good idea .... I too have been in a rut and need to take some action (and stop all my whining and do something...).

Thanks for suggesting this. Count me in.

[EllenL]

I think I'd like to try this---not very familiar with how it would work, but I respect members of this board and think they have a lot to offer, so it seems worth attempting....

[mbrogier]

This sounds interesting to me, too.

[Terri_A]

me too...please

[Debralynn]

Please count me in, sounds like a great idea.

[mcgeiger]

Count me in too...

[sage]

me too, please. :o

thanks.
-S.

[juliew]

Do you have room for one more?

Thanks.

[CompassRose]

Do you have room for yet another? My life... is falling apart, and I could really use some perspective.

[Mlasley]

I'm in. I've been through the meds and started working with a psychologist. Support from others is a great idea.

[mgs]

me too, please

Meg

[lindrusso]

Okay, I think I got everyone - except Freddy. Freddy - you are not set up to receive PMs or emails. Please PM me with a way to contact you with the link.

At this point, to be on the safe side, I am not posting a link here - you must PM or email me for it. Not trying to be difficult, just trying to keep things as private as possible. :)

If I missed you, just post here or PM me and I'll get you hooked up!

[Lauren]

Alysha,

Thanks for all your hard work! I'm impressed you can set up these sub sites. :p

[lindrusso]

Just checking again....

Did everyone who asked for one get a PM with the link?

If not, please PM me and I'll send it out.

If you asked to be included but did not get a PM, it's not because I'm ignoring you - I just may have missed a few people.... :)

[lindrusso]

One more thing.....

If you have not registered yet, you will not be able to see our new "Help Board" until you do so. You will only be able to see a Kitchen Klatch board that I have set up as a possible meeting site for when these boards are down.

In order for you to view the support group board, I need to approve your registration and grant special permission for this board to become visible to you.

So, if you clicked on the link and think nothing is up and running......we're up and running, you just can't see it yet. :)

[bobmark226]

I can't say as I could contribute much more than some Advil PM, but if by some chance this turns into a pharmacy party, would someone please PM me so I could join in?

Otherwise, um, no thanks; you all know that I'm always on such an even keel! :) :) :)

Bob

[greek salad]

My computer was getting repaired so haven't been on the boards in more than a week. If not too late.... count me in.

Thanks Lindrusso for starting this.....