I’ve been meaning to compile all the sentiments among you readers that thank fellow readers for being transparent (along with me), those who share their stories and wisdom on the message boards. I, of course, appreciate them. But so do other readers. Here’s what some of them have said:
Fellowship in the journey IS the true blessing. –”?” on the message board of “The Carnival of Depression and Bipolar Disorder”
Very strange that two people who don’t know each other can help one another in such a big way. –Aarti on the message board of “They Just Don’t Get It”
All of us touch others’ lives at times and in ways we’d least suspect, and reminding ourselves of that when depression has us in its jaws and is shaking us like a dog with a bone, it does help (at least me, anyway) to remind ourselves that there is a purpose to our lives, a silver thread which runs through and at times has connected us to those around us who don’t necessarily have this (very real) beast to keep at bay! It never ceases to amaze me how things which have seemed totally inconsequential to me have impacted another human being! –Margaret on the message board of “A Small Thank You”

It thrills me that there is a place like this where we can talk about our issues and not feel completely alone. Information and open discussion are probably the ammunition all of us have to fight this illness. –Kathye on the message board of “Is It a Relapse?”
I find it so heart warming, to know that we’re all together in this and that there is a place to be when you have issues (as we all do) or just a place to share our lives. –Sharon on the message board of “Summer Vacation’07: My Goals (Of Course)”
I want you all to know how absolutely wonderful it is that you have the courage and humility to write so honestly about what is going on with each of you. Thank you!!! –Peg on the message board of “Marriage and Depression”
I thank God daily for having brought me to discovering this internet of obviously intelligent and compassionate individuals. It has become a real lifeline for me, and it isn’t only because “misery loves company” either. If it were possible for me to remove the misery others are experiencing and sharing, I would gladly do so, so I COULD survive without their company if I needed to. Membership in this club to which we all unwillingly belong isn’t something I would wish on ANYONE; nonetheless, reading of how others have survived specific circumstances has given me hope where I’d lost sight of it and inspired me to “keep on keepin’ on” even when my feet feel as if they’re encased in buckets of cement and will pull me under the stagnant water in the bottom of the pit (the resident snakes are undoubtedly water dwellers!). –Margaret on the message board of “What Do You Want From Me?”

I can totally relate to the closeness that one can feel with people we “hardly” know. And I am convinced that God matches us up also. How else can we explain the right person (consoling, understanding) being in the right place at the right time? At this time, I am stuck in the midst of a depressive episode that has kept me from working for more than 16 months. Fortunately, I found Beyond Blue and have found it to be comforting as well as motivating. –Jacqui on the message board of “Spiritual Friendships and Angels”
The online world is just a virtual extension of the concept of communities. It’s communities of interest, rather than geographical communities. It used to be that friends met at church, the community pool, the PTA meeting, the local watering hole. Now they meet in cyberspace a well. Regardless of the beginning, the friendships are no less real and we are all richer for it. –Chinamom on the message board of “Spiritual Friendships and Angels”
One thinks they are alone and suddenly, the world is filled with anxieties, struggles and similar concerns. Not that the suffering of others is comforting …. But to know that one is not alone in feeling depressed, futile and tortured …. Is somewhat enlightening. –Lynne on the message board of “Is It a Relapse?”
We often feel so isolated in our struggles to maintain our sanity. It is encouraging to find that sometimes when we’re feeling run down and sunk low, we are given the opportunity to hear someone else’s personal story and struggles. We are gently reminded that we are not alone but part of a much bigger group of human beings all beautiful, all loveable, all exceptional and all dealing with similar issues. Their struggles and humility touch a place deep within us as we identify and relate to their situation. It is this realization that we are connected emotionally and spiritually to each other, that gives us a moment where we stop and nod a silent prayer of encouragement and hope-filled blessings back to them and then summon up a renewed strength to carry on again. –Debbie on the message board of “Is It a Relapse?”