Depression and Brilliance.

Retriever, I thought long and hard about whether to simply ignore your posts or let you know how you've affected at least one individual. I'm Canadian, and we have a reputation for being very polite, but compared to the lovely group of mostly Americans on this forum, I'm beginning to doubt that conception. So, here goes:

When I saw your first "Happy Summer Solstice" post, it seemed innocent enough and you were new, so I just thought I'd say hello. I was unaware that the animated movie you were promoting was your own work (just thought it might be some uplifting message...) Then I made the mistake of playing a trailer for your movie, and while I'm a very open-minded person in general, I cringed at your use of 'black humor' in relation to suicide. I struggle with suicidal ideation and ruminative thinking. Your movie triggered these thoughts again. That night I remembered of a big bridge near my home... Please don't misunderstand, I think the use of creativity in tackling mental illness is great, if you're so inclined. And there are special agencies and events for this very purpose here. One of them is called "Alternatives". It is called this for good reason. It's wonderful to have these outlets for people like yourself to be surrounded by the like-minded. HOWEVER, it definitely is not a methodology suited to all. Retriever, we are all different; we've all come from different backgrounds & upbringings & gene pools. Some of us, as you state, are creative and even "brilliant"... but some, not so much. There are a million theories out there about the causes of certain mental illness, the brain, and treatments. But so far, they're just that: theories. That's why some people respond to some treatments and others do not. ...I commend you for finding an avenue out of your own dark place, but I am completely gobsmacked as to why you would think this is the proper venue to promote your work... and challenge others to a competition with a still of your work as a prize?? I believe you have no ill intent, but I do question the blatant self-promotion (as you keep popping up on this forum under different threads with the same message). ...There are others out there like you, maybe even forums; do a little digging. In the meantime, I believe if people are interested in these types of alternative/creative methods, they'll seek them out. But my own feeling is that this is not the place. At best, I believe you should include a warning with your movie if you decide to keep displaying the link. If your work could trigger me, it could trigger others who may be even more vulnerable.

I've made my point -- said my piece -- but I'll bypass your name in future.

All that said, please know none of this is meant as a personal attack; on the contrary -- I truly wish you the best on your personal journey and success with your work.

Cailin Gaelach

Thanks for the quick action and understanding, Karen. I really hated to go off like that, but I'm in the midst of a new medication trial and I couldn't believe her movie affected me to that extent... If the meds were working, I thought, it shouldn't have upset me so much... Point is, I want to give this one every chance of working and not throw in the towel too soon because of an outside influence.

Hope you're doing well, yourself -- I see it's suffocatingly hot where you live, as well! Thank God for AC, but I'd rather be outside in the summer!

Best,
Cailin

Cailin, I am sorry my posts have affected you negatively, it was completely NOT my intention. I think you are right, and I shouldn't post here anymore.
To my defense I can only say that to overcome my dark demons I use humor. But I didn't realize that humor is not a treatment for everyone, especially dark humor.
I am really sorry I cause this trouble. Hope, you can forgive me.
Thank you for reading this.
Truly yours
Retriever

Dear Retriever

You made a mistake. I don't think anyone said NOT to post anymore on the forum.

We are all different in so many ways and all of us have different coping mechanisms.  I am sure you intended no harm.

We are here to help one another and learn. Your story is welcome, at least to me.

Take care

Mags

Hi Retriever,

I just wanted to repeat what was said and it was that nobody has told you that you can't post here. I would familiarize myself with the rules though. We aren't allowed to promote things, talk about suicide or self harm. And there are others you might want to read, it doesn't take long so familiarize yourself with them.

I hope that you continue to post. Please don't lose sleep over anything. It isn't worth it. Take care of yourself. Have a good evening...

Hugs, Karen