Still a long way to go

One can definitely argue for pros and cons about social media but at the end of the day it is still just a tool. The difference is the users and how we are able to make most of the opportunity. Current events allow us to discuss and express what we think. You just havee to look for the proper channels to find the information you are looking for. 

I think one of the reasons social media is so popular is that the writer is on equal terms with the reader. I don't have a degree in what I write, I only express my own feelings and thoughts. And that might be what some are looking for instead of reading material written by journalists or scholars. You sort of get the feeling of honesty. I'm not saying that no psychologist has experienced anxiety or depression, because its most likely that many have. But we don't know that. It's difficult for a reader to believe what a psychologist writes if he or she has just read about what depression is, not actually experienced it.

There is a trend going on these days. More and more people put pen to paper so to speak and speak up against the prejudices and tabboo regarding mental health. I've read artcles in newspapers written by courageous people. It is comforting to see that people who struggle with different problems aren't any different than me and you. The threshold for seeking counselling might be smaller, and it will be more accepted in the society in general. Some write using their name, while other choose to do it anonymously. A feeling of relief sets in when you write; writing in itself I believe is therapy. Just typing this is a bit of a struggle and exhausting but feels good when some sort of rhythm kicks in. Feedback and response from what you post is priceless. Not only does it inspire you to keep writing but also to keep fighting. I'm guessing that it means particularly much for those who write anonymously; low self esteem and confidence is a reoccuring thing with depression.

A different way of writing about your struggles is just writing what you feel, uncencored. That might not be a bad thing because you sort of get an insight on how the much the anxiety is in controll over your thoughts. I find that quite interesting, to be honest. Being brutally honest might come to a shock for some people, and also scary if they don't have any knowledge about beforehand.  I guess it was like this my previous attempt turned out. The intention wasn't just to scare as much as it was to get some sort of attention from my peers. My state of mind was also in a completely different place; not yet having the ability to really reflect on what was going on.