Intensive outpatient: a suggestion.
I’ve spent some time as a moderator here now, and it feels disingenuous not to tell my story. I decided to help (when it was just poor Will trying to run things, during a cross country move no less) to see if I could deal with my own issues by helping others.
And damn, did it help. But real life always gets in the way, and has a tendency to make things worse. That’s what breaks my heart about so many of the users we hear concern about—-you have so much more life left to live, and I don’t want you to give up. I went through what you went through, and you have this amazing resource (tumblr), but, at the same time, the threat of anon hate (which is SO fucked up).
Maybe it’s not my place and it’s not for everybody, but I want to share. I went to a bad place for a bit, mentally. I’ve been in an intensive outpatient program for the last few weeks (2 hours of group therapy/four times a week) and, 1) it beats the hell out of inpatient. and, more importantly, the support in these groups is amazing. I’ve made friends and found the kind of guidance and support I could never find before.
So, followers, readers, those concerned about their friends: I propose at least investigating IOP programs in your area. And if you’d like more information, or to just talk about it, my personal blog is amandaeleanor.tumblr.com. My ask is always open, and I’d love to talk to you. All of you.
I love all of you,
Amanda
