Depression, Anxiety and TST

[Islander]

There have always been two things that have fascinated me about our community. Firstly, the seemingly disproportionate number of people who don’t identify as heterosexual, when compared to the proportions observed in wider society. This has been discussed a little before, more so over on TTF than here, and it’s certainly a discussion I’d like to start up again sometime.

The other interesting observation, to me, is the sheer number of us who suffer from depression and/or anxiety to varying levels – some who just seem to feel ‘down in the dumps’ far more than is healthy, and many others who are openly on medication for this (by which I don’t mean that people shouldn’t be open about it, of course it’s not a taboo of any kind – I mean more that I’m surprised people bring it up of their own accord, in to the open).

This is what I’d like to discuss here. Why does TST seemingly attract so many people who would class themselves as suffering from depression and/or anxiety? Do a disproportionately large number of TSTers suffer from these afflictions, or is my judgement skewed? Topics such as the ‘I feel down’ thread suggest to me that it is an oddly large number, but then the very existence of that thread baffles me – there aren’t many places in society where you’d find a group of people happy to share their sadness in such a public, open way. Why does it work on TST?

This is a very messy post, but I’m hoping it sparks the right kind of conversation that I’m interested in here.

What do people think?

 

[alee298]

I think its just because we people on TST are like family. We all turn to each other in times of need and you do help a great deal. Thats my reasoning why so many of us use the I feel down topic.

 

[Nick]

I reckon that people are more happy to talk about their problems online- often with people they've never met- as there's an air of anonymity. It's also easier to type about emotions than to talk about them.

 

[TheMan]

I didn't identify as someone suffering anxiety till someone explained to me I had it and it made sense.

I do however have a theory (that will surprise a few no doubt...)

We have a group of people, who identify with an interest that involves escaping reality, entering a fantasy world, or just going for some plain adrenaline - all of which result in forgetting about your problems for a while. How many members here in reality are "quiet" though? Not many. Many are quite extrovert in actual fact; once they let their inhibitions go.

Many are interested in technology, so forums are a natural extension of that. I gave this quite a bit of thought, and I actually think it is a very natural and understandable thing.

The down topic itself confused me a little when I joined, however this year going through some trials, I found friendship and solace in there and boy am I ever glad that existed!

 

[Martin]

We have a group of people, who identify with an interest that involves escaping reality, entering a fantasy world, or just going for some plain adrenaline - all of which result in forgetting about your problems for a while. How many members here in reality are "quiet" though? Not many. Many are quite extrovert in actual fact; once they let their inhibitions go.

My theory is similar to this. I guess the geeky obsession develops to fill an emotional hole in a lot of people's lives. TST/coaster geekery in general fill a void. I've noticed this in myself to be honest, whenever I feel more down I seem to spend more time on here or tweeting, and when I feel happier I don't do either as much as don't feel a 'need' to.

 

[Panda]

I personally find it a lot easier to confide in actual friends.

Mental illnesses stop a lot of people from physically interacting with others, myself included. I spent an awful lot of time alone and on the internet. Wou were wrong in thinking I was a female teenager, I'm actually a neckbeard who plays World of Warcraft and surfs Chatroulette in their parents' basement. Eventually I found TST and made a heck of a lot of awesome friends from it.

How many members here in reality are "quiet" though? Not many. Many are quite extrovert in actual fact; once they let their inhibitions go.

Hiya! Good point though, in all seriousness.
I'd consider myself rather quiet online, too. I rarely initiate conversation with anyone (even close friends) and people often forget that I'm on a Skype call with them. Still an anxiety fear though, so I like to stay on the low and silently judge you all for most of the time.
My mood can rapidly change in either direction, but it's awesome having people that understand and help you with it.

 

[TheMan]

There have always been two things that have fascinated me about our community. Firstly, the seemingly disproportionate number of DANS and DAVES

Just thought I would correct that first one for you ;D

 

[Ian]

It's certainly an interesting point you raise Mark, and one I've noticed but never really paid much thought to! Some interesting theories being put forward here, and I have to say I find Blaze's comments very relatable.

I find myself doing the same, where if I'm feeling a bit crappy I tend to be sat just browsing TS for hours on end, though not really posting anything. Generally speaking I'd sooner just keep myself to myself if I'm feeling a bit down, rather than talking about it (Which has resulted in many a domestic, let me tell you ). I'm not the sort of person to browse or use topics like the I Feel Down Topic, or similarly the I Feel Happy Topic. I'd sooner leave it be inside than talking about it, as in my mind I feel worse for lumbering someone else with my problems. It'd probably not the most healthy approach, but it's what I feel comfortable doing!

However, by comparison, if I'm in higher spirits and I'll still be on here, but not quite as much. The difference is that I'll be posting more frequently in that time, rather than just killing time. I feel more inclined to talk to people, be it via TS, Skype, or Facebook, instead of just clamming up.

As I say, if I'm feeling rather down I'll shut myself away in my room and try to find distractions for myself (Probably not painting the best image of me as a team member there... I do work! Honest!). It's what led me onto TT in the first place all those years ago, when I was quite a mess! The prospect of being able to talk about something completely away from day to day goings on, with people I'd never met or spoken to before was just so appealing. A fresh start away from all the crap of life, where I could think more clearly without any thought of what was happening around me.

For a while after getting really into it and coming on a couple of meets I did start to have a fairly big come down again. TT/TS sort of became a source of escapism (Marketing will be wanting their word back!), but when RealLife(tm) came back it really hit home hard.

Thankfully, as life has gone on the two have started to swap over much more, with TS and the people on it becoming far more dominant. Combine that with moving out, and getting another fresh start with new people through uni, etc, my TS life has practically taken over and replaced my RealLife(tm) to an extent. It's just become the norm. Obviously, nothing is gone forever, and the old ways do still have their place. Now, however, they are much less dominant, and have a lot less impact on me. There's much less stress or fretting from the whole "leading two lives" I used to experience.

I do love coming on the meets though. As I say, with all the shifts in my life they've become much more common place these days. Even though I'll tend to talk to the people I'm familiar with I love being able to get together with everyone and put other problems out of mind for a few hours/days (Fireworks meets aside...). For me personally it's helped me no end socially. I will actually talk to more people now day to day, which is a bonus!

That's just a summary of my experiences with it all in the past. Like I say, I'm not usually one to post in these kinds of topics, or discuss myself and life in depth, but this has bought up something I've often thought about, and it's something I can relate to. It'd be interesting to know if anyone else has experienced similar, and wether it might shed some light on the points this topic has raised

 

[Meat Pie]

Sadly, I'm not so certain that the numbers of people suffering from depression and anxiety on the forum is disproportionate.

If I am not mistaken, depression is the illness most treated* by doctors in Britain, and I believe anxiety is not too far behind.

Perhaps what is unusual is the level of openess about it, but that is a good thing.

*or in my case fobbed off with the cheapest option since NHS mental health services in my area have essentially been sold to private contractors.

 

[Novas]

This topic has genuinely fascinated me for years.

It’s always been a mystery and I love reading peoples theorys. In the old days we had the ‘ATA’ forum which was often jokingly referred to as ‘GAYTA’ due to the unusually high number of bi and homosexual members.

Regarding depression I think it's great to have a place to vent. I'm a very casual poster but some of the friendly msgs I've received when I have dipped my toes into the ‘I feel down’ thread have been lovely and much appreciated. The actual number of people who appear to have persistent issues with anxiety / depression is serious but I don’t think it’s massively out of proportion.

 

[Tom]

To me, the answer to the question is blatantly obvious. I seriously mean no offence to anyone, but to speak like a cold sociologist:

The attraction is obviously the subject matter of the forums. A theme park is a place of escape, refuge, asylum and tranquility. People with mental health issues such as depression and social anxiety are naturally going to be drawn to a theme park and an online community dedicated to it to seek the things I mention above. Furthermore, with society not yet fully accepting of LGBT people - they are also a likely group to require the things mentioned earlier, indeed often because they are suffering those mental health problems.

 

[Amy]

This is something I've thought about a lot, and I'm glad somebody has raised it!

Personally, I struggle with anxiety. I've always felt 'different' from my peers, struggled to fit in, had difficulties with socialising and been very shy. A couple of years ago, a colleague eventually pointed out to me that I didn't have to just struggle along with my anxiety, and mentioned that she was having treatment. I got to a point, particularly with work, where I was an absolute mess. Looking back, I shouldn't been at work at all. I wasn't functioning and was making the situation much worse. I spent most of 2012 having CBT, which actually made me worse! I became anxious about my anxiety. Early this year, my GP finally put me on medication. I have to say, the meds have changed my life!

I started taking them in late April, just after I handed in my Masters dissertation. It was also around this time that I joined up to TST rather than lurking. I never anticipated that it'd go beyond online geeking out about Towers for me. However, I slowly began to make friends. I met TheMan, Pixie-Ro and Kel, and went on a few trips to AT with them, which I loved. Then in August, I went on my first official meet (the Staffordshire Sandwich meet). My husband had to literally drag me over to AstroDan because I was all ready to chicken out, but I'm so glad I went. I've since been on a meet without the husband and I'm going on the sleepover weekend without him too.

Anyway, my theory is, that people who have some kind of 'difference' from the 'norm' tend to be drawn to online communities. Whatever that difference is, whether you are LGBT, have a mental illness, disability, autism etc... making friends or 'fitting in' can be incredibly difficult. Online it's just easier IMO! Everyone has interests, but if you struggle to fit into a social scene, you're more likely to spend your time online and discover fan forums.

I also think that TST in particular is an incredibly accepting community. I believe that people should be able to talk about their problems (which I know my Mum hates when it means I talk about my anxiety/autistic traits!), and this is a great place to do that.

I'm not sure I've expressed myself clearly. I just don't think it's any coincidence that most people on here don't quite fit into what current society sees as the 'norm': heterosexual, sociable, no mental health issues, not disabled, interested (slightly) in popular culture, of average intelligence. I don't know, when I was at school, anything slightly different was noticed and picked on! I certainly didn't have an easy time!

Sorry if this is a load of garbled nonsense!

 

[GAGrathea]

Hnnngh I like the theory of escapism and sanctuary when it comes to mental issues and theme parks, and especially with a community of fab people, escapism is a big deal.

However, I don't go to theme parks to cope with the fact I like boys? I think the majority of LGBT members on here are pretty comfortable in their sexuality, and pretty untroubled by it in the 'real' world.

But then it's not just us, there's always been a big correlation between theme park sites and teh gays... Although maybe (as has been proven by countless sexuality censuses) the proportions we have are all pretty standard, suggesting perhaps the gays we have just happen to be a load of flaming great queens who make up for the majority of noise made

 

[Amy]

However, I don't go to theme parks to cope with the fact I like boys? I think the majority of LGBT members on here are pretty comfortable in their sexuality, and pretty untroubled by it in the 'real' world.

Sorry, maybe I worded what I said wrong. I wasn't remotely suggesting that people aren't comfortable in their sexuality, or that they go to theme parks to cope with it. Just that I've come across a lot of people who are STILL pretty unaccepting of various things. I've certainly had a lot of social difficulties due to my anxiety and awkwardness. I guess I assumed that other people have experienced the same thing and perhaps sought solace in online communities, leading to this amazing group of friends!

I'm still not sure I'm being clear. Sorry if I've caused any offence, I certainly didn't mean to! :/

 

[Sam]

Thanks for raising this topic, Mark.

I tend to post on here whatever mood I'm in. But when I'm feeling quite low, I often find it hard to get the motivation to read a book, or write, or do something else productive. During those times, I often take refuge in spending hours trawling various obscure fansites and forums for different parks, gathering little tidbits of news (see my Efteling splurge recently) and bringing it back here. I find that quite therapeutic.

I don't know why there's a link. I think it's probably nothing to do with theme parks, but more an internet thing. I think people with depression/anxiety problems are more likely to spend more time than average on the internet (correlation doesn't necessarily equal causation). Internet forums are really more suited to internet power users more than your casual surfer, so that probably goes some way to explaining it.