'The MSE guide to Mental Health and debt... nearly there at last' blog discussion

alwaysonthego_2

Zebra wrote: »

Penelope - Could you please clarify whether people with mental health issues are welcomed on the forum or not?

On a recent thread in Discussion Time, one of the Board Guides (Alwaysonthego) stated that Martin Lewis had said that the forum was not a suitable place for those people suffering from such problems.

I cannot post a link to the thread as it has now been deleted, but it was a discussion about the bullying apparent on this thread where the OP, who was clearly suffering from such issues, apparently committed suicide.

As an aside I would be interested as to why the thread was removed.

You have taken what I said out of context. What I said was someone suffering from mental distress; which I meant by someone who was at risk of harming themselves because of what they read in the forums and it was making them ill rather than giving them enjoyment, should not use the forum. I never said that posters who had mental health problems should not use the forum, if it gives them enjoyment then why not.

Zebra

alwaysonthego wrote: »

You have taken what I said out of context.

I don't really want to discuss that particular case, and I suggest that if you do then you start another thread in Discussion Time about it.

Although, as far as I can remember (as the thread has been removed) there was no other context, just that statement - which to be honest I was shocked at, as I feel that internet forums are an ideal way for mental health sufferers to communicate when they may have difficulties with more traditional methods.

I welcome Martin Lewis's attempt to address the issue of mental health and finances - it is long overdue in my opinion.

Erme

Bullying can occur anywhere...I've just had it on the frugal thread and whilst it's affected me I'll get over it and there's no way I feel like hurting myself because of it. I'm trying to get to the bottom of what's caused it and I have my suspicions (because Erme is NOT stupid) but it's a question of proving it which the bullies - wanting naturally to protect themselves are not divulging....


And anyhow the great thing about MSE is that even if you get bullied on one thread you just go to another...

Yes message boards and the internet are often a great first step in seeking help for problems. I don't think I'd have ever begun climbing out of debt without it but everything has positive and negatives...it's about balance. And whilst we can't be responsible for someone's actions - if it's not helping - go back to the drawing board and try again.

Anyhow late up :eek:....shouldn't be on here cos it's Sabbath and have stomach ache and breakfast will be like concrete if I don't get my wee act together LOL...

Blessings


E

alwaysonthego_2

Zebra wrote: »

I don't really want to discuss that particular case, and I suggest that if you do then you start another thread in Discussion Time about it.

.

You mentioned the comment that I had made in a previous thread, I was just clarifying what I meant as you stated I said that ML had said people with mental health issues should not use the forum when I did not say that. I should be allowed to clarify what I meant without having to start a new thread in DT because I do not want to either discuss that particular case.

Zebra

alwaysonthego wrote: »

I was just clarifying what I meant as you stated I said that ML had said people with mental health issues should not use the forum when I did not say that.

We'll have to agree to disagree about that, and as the actual posting has conveniently been removed we'll never know, and any further discussion just appears childish and pedantic.

bestpud

Zebra wrote: »

I don't really want to discuss that particular case, and I suggest that if you do then you start another thread in Discussion Time about it.

Although, as far as I can remember (as the thread has been removed) there was no other context, just that statement - which to be honest I was shocked at, as I feel that internet forums are an ideal way for mental health sufferers to communicate when they may have difficulties with more traditional methods.

I welcome Martin Lewis's attempt to address the issue of mental health and finances - it is long overdue in my opinion.

You brought up a specific example so can't really then decide the BG you mentioned isn't allowed to clarify what was actually meant!

I participated in that thread and you have indeed taken that comment out of context!

Lots of people with MH issues (me included) participate in these threads without any problems. Indeed there is specific boards (and often threads) for people with disabilities of all kinds.

However, this is primarily a money saving site and not equipped to support people who are severely distressed, for whatever reason (it's not only people with recognised MH issues who become severely distressed after all!) For those people, there is more appropriate forums and/or health professionals who are trained to help.

That is the point alwaysonthego was making.

It's about recognising when alternative support is required.

Zebra

bestpud wrote: »

You brought up a specific example so can't really then decide the BG you mentioned isn't allowed to clarify what was actually meant!

I have never decided what is or isn't allowed, but what I do decide is what I personally post - I asked a question of MSE Penelope, which as yet she hasn't replied to, and I gave the background of why I was asking the question. I was making no comment on the rights or wrongs of the previous thread.

bestpud wrote: »

I participated in that thread and you have indeed taken that comment out of context!

As it's been removed we can't now know.

bestpud wrote: »

That is the point alwaysonthego was making.

In your opinion that is, in mine it was a damage-limitation exercise.

bestpud wrote: »

It's about recognising when alternative support is required.

And who is responsible for recognising when that situation has arisen? The sufferer themselves, like Andyandflo (very Kafkaesque), or the board guides, or somebody else?

alwaysonthego_2

Zebra wrote: »

I have never decided what is or isn't allowed, but what I do decide is what I personally post - I asked a question of MSE Penelope, which as yet she hasn't replied to, and I gave the background of why I was asking the question. I was making no comment on the rights or wrongs of the previous thread.

As it's been removed we can't now know.

In your opinion that is, in mine it was a damage-limitation exercise.

And who is responsible for recognising when that situation has arisen? The sufferer themselves, like Andyandflo (very Kafkaesque), or the board guides, or somebody else?

I am not a BG on DT so I was posting as a normal user with my own opinions as it does say in my sig. However, it was not a damage limitation exercise and I do not appreciate that I am being accused of saying something that I did not. You have stated that you don't have the evidence to prove what you are accusing me of, BestPud who partook in the thread has backed up what I said. You have simply misunderstood what I have said, I am not expecting an apology, but I would appreciate if you would stop calling me a liar for something you are recalling from memory.

Zebra

alwaysonthego wrote: »

I would appreciate if you would stop calling me a liar for something you are recalling from memory.

As I feared, this is now descending into a childish mud-slinging match.

Where have I called you a liar?
And are you not also recalling this from memory, or do you have some super-human powers that not only allow you to immediately respond to a thread whenever your name is mentioned, but recall with total clarity postings long since removed?

Maybe the removed thread should be reinstated and then this matter could be ended once and for all.
Afterall no explanation has ever been given as to why it was removed in the first place, other than it made uncomfortable reading for those people directly involved in the bullying that ended with Andyandflo's suicide.

But I very much doubt that will happen - I wonder why.

I've posted my question, and now I'll await MSE Penelope's response without further comment.

And indeed you are not a Board Guide on DT but yet saw fit not to remove your signature on those postings.

dmg24

Zebra wrote: »

Penelope - Could you please clarify whether people with mental health issues are welcomed on the forum or not?

On a recent thread in Discussion Time, one of the Board Guides (Alwaysonthego) stated that Martin Lewis had said that the forum was not a suitable place for those people suffering from such problems.

I cannot post a link to the thread as it has now been deleted, but it was a discussion about the bullying apparent on this thread where the OP, who was clearly suffering from such issues, apparently committed suicide.

As an aside I would be interested as to why the thread was removed.

I am not sure if this is what alwaysonthego was referring to, but this was commented on by a member of the MSE Team on a thread on the Disability and Dosh board. I cannot recall the specifics, and the thread has now been deleted, but it was along the lines that the forum is not equipped to support those in mental distress. As the MSE Team can look at deleted posts, I am sure that they will correct me if my memory is incorrect.

Zebra wrote: »

And are you not also recalling this from memory, or do you have some super-human powers that not only allow you to immediately respond to a thread whenever your name is mentioned, but recall with total clarity postings long since removed?

Why do you doubt someone else's memory, when you are recalling from memory also? I cannot speak for others, but I remember my own posts better than I do those of others - so surely alwaysonthego is in a better position to recall her own posts than you are?

Zebra wrote: »

Afterall no explanation has ever been given as to why it was removed in the first place, other than it made uncomfortable reading for those people directly involved in the bullying that ended with Andyandflo's suicide.

Would this be andyandflo who has been posting as an AE (now PPRed) this week? Even if you did believe his last post, where did it state he had committed suicide?

Zebra wrote: »

And indeed you are not a Board Guide on DT but yet saw fit not to remove your signature on those postings.

Board Guides do not have to remove their signature when posting on other boards. I am only aware of one who actually does.

Zebra, you have chosen to attack alwaysonthego and I do not understand why you have singled her out. As you are a regular on DT, you will have seen countless examples where it has been suggested that someone take a break from posting, step away from the keyboard etc. These all support the view that this is not a suitable place for those at the extremes of mental illness to post. I don't see you attempting to make an example of them also?