Summer,
This place is whats known as a bulletin board. It works in this way.
Someone starts a topic...for instance this topic is called "Holiday Weekend". Usually the topic header is a clue as to what the first message is about. In this case it was about the stress that holiday weekends uually bring upon us that suffer with anxiety.
After the first message (or post as it is called), other members reply to the message with their opinions and experiences that deal with that subject matter. As the posts begin to add up we have what becomes known as a "thread".
Now, if a post is about "Holiday Weekends" and someone posts a message about how they "cant drive to the store" under that subject, they may not get too many responses because people are looking for holiday weekend posts not "cant drive to the store" posts.
Usually, if someone sees the title "holiday weekend" and are not interested in the topic, they wont read that thread. So it is important to make sure your questions are placed in the appropriate thread to get maximum response.
The Bulletin board is divided into sections as well so placing your posts in the proper section will assure you better responses. The section you are reading currently is called "Understanding Panic and Agoraphobia". There is a description of the topic guidlines right under the area name. Use that as a guide as to where to post your information.
A bulletin board is not like a live chat room. Posts are added to threads when members happen to be on-line. Given the international nature of most bulletin boards, that means a new post can pop-up at anytime or not for several days.
Keep your chin up and try remembering these few things for better results on a bulletin board...
Post messages in the appropriate threads (dont talk about your cat in a thread about cars) :)
Start your own thread if there isnt one that your post fits into. (if you are having trouble sleeping start a "trouble sleeping: thread)
Post messages in the apporpriate forum area (look at the titles and descriptions)
Dont be over anxious for a response, they will come. :)
Mike
