[caroline2]

I've been on health support groups starting in early 2006. I've stayed with one for 8 yrs and still there now and then....it's very quiet in the last year or so.

Others are very quiet too.

This group -- I don't know what to say.

Where is everyone, did a lot go to FB? I am not interested in FB, so forget that for me.

Just wondering..maybe others have some thoughts.

[Jomar]

I think most slow a bit during summer & holidays...

[EnglishDave]

I am not on FB, vile place IMO - causes no end of trouble from what I have seen as an outsider.

The PN Forum is vibrant, unfortunately. A primary trigger for TN is cold, so - with me anyway - warmer weather reduces attacks, and need for support.

Depression causes increased pain, and perhaps for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere the better weather lifts mood (not talking about Global SAD!), we see more people, are a little more active and just cope better.

Then, as Jo*mar says, there are holidays. And maybe the tv schedule is better in the Summer

Frankly, I would be happy if everyone got better and left the Forums, leaving me to Post plaintively to the Searchbots

Dave.

[mrsD]

Well, my opinion is that the internet is a huge place... there are all sorts of venues to visit for health information, or information of any kind.

I find the format here rather unique. Some of us come from another venue that crashed many years ago, and was maintained poorly. DocJohn here graciously and generously started NeuroTalk as an extension of his already successful PsychCentral.
And NeuroTalk has endured now for 8 years.

A format like we have is conducive to educational material, and personal support. The anonymous nature of NT, allows for a greater freedom of expression by patients and caregivers alike, to address many aspects of health care.

People who desire social interactions, and gossip and political discussions can find FB more appealing I guess. I personally do not have a FB page, but my hubby does to keep up with his work friends as he is now retired, and I do use it occasionally... mostly to play the free Angry Birds tournaments there One of our friends on his page is animal rescue owner, and she provides endless daily animal stories and videos on the home page feature on FB. I sometimes share those animal videos here on our Pets page.

But that is it, for us mostly.

I do think FB type venues are more for those with extroverted personalities. And here I tend to think the posters here are more introverted. There was once a thread here with an introvert test...and many regulars scored high on it.

[caroline2]

Thinking about this more and for myself, since being on health groups for over 8 yrs, and working on my own health, I don't know what else I can learn for myself with my issues. I take a ton of supps to keep me going and there will always be new people coming on with issues looking for help. I've been there. For me, it's all management as what I deal with can't be REVERSED... Keep working on doing our best.

On the FB introvert/extrovert, I don't know..I'm an extrovert. I've heard some nasty stories and have no desire to participate. Could be my age too, but I know enough older folks on FB. So much out there is "none of my business". Being the activist type in me, I continue my best on what I'd like to see change big time. Soooo much I can't change but small steps in somethings yes...

[Chemar]

I've been on Forums since the early days of the internet, when they were message boards (bbs).....and with NT since it's start....but I seem to still learn a lot continuously Caroline.

As for facebook, I actually like it as I have been able to reconnect with friends and family that I have not seen in decades, and stay in touch with others. I use it only for family and friends, and thankfully, overall mine seem to share making it a very positive experience. And I am not young ..... I know some folks in their 80s who are active on fb so it really is a place for all ages now.

As far as the forums here go....some have always been more active than others in terms of posts. But when one actually looks at the views that topics get, it is clear that many people are still reading. I am just thankful people can read or post and find the support and/or info they need.

[caroline2]

Oh, I still learn and my recent learnings have been the two nerve supps which are eliminating/reducing the nerve damage on my thigh. Over many years I have tried tons of supps for OA and still take one or two, do they help...I don't know for sure... I know MSM helps reduce pain level so I continue with it for many years. A lot of my old time friends unplugged or never got on computers. We call on phone now and then to keep up. Yes, a lot of people read posts and not many replies. Depends on topic I guess.

[Hopeless]

Originally Posted by mrsD

Well, my opinion is that the internet is a huge place... there are all sorts of venues to visit for health information, or information of any kind.

I find the format here rather unique. Some of us come from another venue that crashed many years ago, and was maintained poorly. DocJohn here graciously and generously started NeuroTalk as an extension of his already successful PsychCentral.
And NeuroTalk has endured now for 8 years.

A format like we have is conducive to educational material, and personal support. The anonymous nature of NT, allows for a greater freedom of expression by patients and caregivers alike, to address many aspects of health care.

People who desire social interactions, and gossip and political discussions can find FB more appealing I guess.

I do think FB type venues are more for those with extroverted personalities. And here I tend to think the posters here are more introverted. There was once a thread here with an introvert test...and many regulars scored high on it.

Many thanks for this post mrsD. This is the ONLY place I have ever felt free to share my health issues and the only forum to which I have ever posted. Here I find people that share my pain, listen and offer support. I don't have to deal with people pushing THEIR agenda or views upon me, but rather, I get the support I do not have available otherwise.

[Hopeless]

Originally Posted by caroline2

Thinking about this more and for myself, since being on health groups for over 8 yrs, and working on my own health, I don't know what else I can learn for myself with my issues. I take a ton of supps to keep me going and there will always be new people coming on with issues looking for help. I've been there. For me, it's all management as what I deal with can't be REVERSED... Keep working on doing our best.

On the FB introvert/extrovert, I don't know..I'm an extrovert. I've heard some nasty stories and have no desire to participate. Could be my age too, but I know enough older folks on FB. So much out there is "none of my business". Being the activist type in me, I continue my best on what I'd like to see change big time. Soooo much I can't change but small steps in somethings yes...

Learning is an ongoing process. You never know when you might find that someone actually has offered you something valuable that you did not know about particular health issues. It is a matter of keeping an open mind and realizing that this forum is not just a place for offering information but also for one to receive information. You may be surprised that someone here may have something valuable to offer YOU *edit*

[kiwi33]

I agree with what mrsD wrote about introversion - according to my clinical psychologist I have an archetypal (Jungian pun intended) INTP personality.

I am not a big fan of FB - my main activity there is as a member of a closed group where the mods and admins (like me) of another health support board can talk together in private.