The success of these forums will be based on the users enthusiasm and eagerness to share ideas, information, and their willingness to listen and accept differences of opinion. Like any support group there are basic guidelines that keep groups healthy and functioning well.

Maintaining a positive atmosphere
Post messages that are respectful of other individuals, no matter how strong the disagreement may be about ideas. Unpleasant personal remarks are hurtful. Highly critical comments can make other members wary of expressing their opinions. So, please feel free to disagree, but couch all comments in respectful language.

Share your experience not your advice
It is far more helpful to share what you did to solve a problem than to tell someone what to do. So, if you find yourself responding to a post with "you should", quick - hit the delete button and start again.

Seek professional help when in crisis
The discussion forum is not intended to provide crisis support. If you are in crisis and/ or are feeling actively suicidal this is not the place to seek help! We encourage you to get professional assistance so that you can get the care you need (See our Finding Help section for details).

Feeling hopeless is often an unfortunate part of having a mood disorder and sharing those thoughts and feelings is O.K. But not that you are actively planning to act on those thoughts! This makes others feel frightened and helpless. People will want to help but they may not know how. It can be very scary to worry about the health and safety of someone in crisis. Help others by getting help when you need it! For this reason we encourage you to seek out professional help. When in crisis, you need to build your resources and focus on yourself. You may need to take a break from the forum until you are feeling stronger and more in control. Then come back and let us know how things are going. I know that others will want to learn what you did to find your balance when it was lost!

Use caution and common sense
Virtual discussion groups are a great way to connect with other people. However, keep in mind that people may not always be what they seem. This discussion group is monitored by a MDSC volunteer but is not moderated. We recommend that you do not share personal identifying information online.

Keep the chat within the discussion forum
Please check with the MDSC before announcing any commodity or service that is sold for profit. Non-profit agencies are welcome to announce upcoming trainings, conferences, new materials, etc. Feel free to let others know about other great websites.

If you do post for commercial reasons however, you will be blocked from accessing this site. The MDSC reserves the right to restrict access to any individual who misuses the discussion forum or fails to respect the guidelines provided. Racist, sexist, abusive or disrespectful comments will result in your privileges being denied. Let us know how we are doing!


If you have any ideas or suggestions on how this forum can be improved let us know. It is your forum we want to make it work for you!