Table 3 Quotations exemplifying the nature of each topic
From: What’s all the talk about? Topic modelling in a mental health Internet support group
Topic | Exemplary quotations |
|---|---|
Social Relations | “I can see now that I have been in controlling relationships but I'm not weak enough to just accept it & not strong enough to stand up for myself enough.” “In life friends come and go, its the natural order, and if people are in a better place then it is a good thing.” |
Depression | “Um, hi. I'm new to this website, so I just wanted to share a bit about myself. I've dealt with depression for almost four years of my life now (I am 18) and also have social anxiety. I have no one to talk to in my life because most of my friends are all too busy for me apparently… Anyway, I could go on forever about my depression and my story, but I won't bore you guys.. (just yet;) |
Anxiety | “I've always struggled with stress & anxiety, and have had mild panic attacks in the past. But what I have tended to do lately is be 'triggered' by something, then get really emotional, cry, stress out, non stop thoughts, at time weird breathing etc.” |
Recovery Journey | “I am strong because I am weak. I am beautiful because I know my flaws. I am a lover because I'm a fighter. I am fearless because I have been afraid. I am wise because I have been foolish… And I can laugh because I've known sadness” “Hi [username] My thoughts and feelings are very much the same, but i was put on this earth for a reason and I'm sure it was not to suffer for my whole life, there is happiness out there I believe that otherwise what is the point of being here” |
Daily Functioning | “Hi guys, Had a pretty lame day today. Because I got so little sleep last night (~3 h), I ended up getting my daughter an extra day at childcare. Then I was supposed to be productive, but got almost nothing done all day. My anxiety has really “re-generalised” lately… Will see how I go with work tomorrow… I'm not feeling too bad really despite today… Just feeling tired… More sleep tonight will help” |
Affection | “Hi sweetie, Big hugs to you, sounds like a hard day Know what, I don't think we've been introduced…I'm [username], welcome. Can't imagine how tough it would be, hang in there, sending hugs and happy vibes your way.” |
Family | “It pains me to read about families that do not support each other! I realize i have been fortunate to be raised by loving parents and be able to become a good parent to my now grown children. I love to see my children support each other and continue the close bonds that have formed over the years. I wish this was possible for all families.” |
Therapy | “I really find it hard to talk in therapy. I just feel that the therapist does not feel the same way as I do so there is no way he can relate. That is why I decided to come here.” |
Medication | “Hi I have anxiety (OCDs) and depression. I am currently on several medications - 1 week ago I increased Zoloft (Sertraline) to 200 mg, prior to that 50 mg - 150 mg over 4 weeks. My question is has anyone on BB had experience with Zoloft and know how long it takes to kick in?” |
Mental Illness | “Reading as you do, [username], will help you on your journey. I have been doing what you are doing now for many years. I have changed my mind many times and considered the biological, environmental and psychological forces of what we call bipolar. “Dear [username], you are right. People with a mental illness are under represented in research. Not many of us are able to do research on mental illness. There are many reasons for this” |
BlueBoard | “Hey [username] :) Great to see you posting again. To find the thread about new avatars, go to the Blueboard Notices forum, Sub-forum Blueboard Notices, thread titled Image and Photo Posting. The last post on that thread explains how to upload custom avatars.” |
Positive Change | “I am deeply proud to be a member of this wonderfully diverse community of individuals, linked by mental health issues and yet so different in life circumstances. We all have so much to offer each other by sharing our lives, our trials and triumphs. I am a better person for having the good fortune of being introduced to you all through BlueBoard. Humbly and wholly, I offer up my thanks to you all” “Truth be told, my friend, I would not want you to take away my pain. It is an important motivator in my life, an important process. I do not identify myself through this pain, but it acts as a catalyst for change in my life. From this great perceived negative, I am reborn into the positive” |
Co-created Fiction | “[username] gives out an audible cry of fear, [username] is instantly at her side, arm around her, dagger in hand. She hugs [username], eyes fixed on the flaming bird of destruction which is almost upon them. The crew shouts increase as they prepare the cannons and water down the ship” “Tears fall onto her lap like a waterfall, she hides her face in her hands sinking back to the wet wood soaked from her tears.” |
Livelihood | “Hi [username], if you have some financial trouble and need some money to fix your car there are government organization who can lend you some interest free money.” |
Chat | “We should have beer garden day. lol everyone sitting around in their backyard beer gardens or out at beer gardens” “[username] is BACK!!!!!!! Woooooooo hoooooooooooo!!!! :D :D :D Hasn't been the same without you! This calls for an undies-on-head dance! [username]!!! Get thee to the Beer Garden STAT!!! |
Parenting role | “School excursion tomorrow. daughter is sooooooooo excited. oh crap- i didnt organise everything- usually i do that on Thursday- but i should have done that tonight- after school snack, footy stuff and piano stuff as well as breakkie and getting kids ready.” “Im sure those routines will need adjusting etc.- but its kinda what we do, try to do or what we want to do. so… thinking a bit of time management might make it all happen more. and it fits around after school things” |
Bipolar | “For me it varies quite a lot. I can go lengthy periods where everything is fine and episodes are infrequent though long when they do hit. At other times, I cycle more rapidly and can go from depression to mania with no balanced state in between.” |
Philosophy | “Physics postulates that there are an infinite number of parallel universes in existence, all of them either subtly or vastly different from each other. Psychology and Philosophy confirm this, every one of us is a parallel universe of subjective reality, uniquely coexisting with the others.” “In it's simplest form, this is kind of my thesis: In societies dominated by patriarchal attitudes, cautionary tales often depict powerful women as physically and emotionally ugly… which greatly disadvantages women in society striving for power” |
Entertainment | “The song in free to listen to on uT on the net. Most of his songs are. Tony Joe White is one of my favorite singers.” |
Food and Drink | “I was wondering if anyone here enjoys cooking? I am trying to make meals which have more vegetables and healthy foods” |
Drugs and Alcohol | “im so blerrrrr, spent so much, trying to keep the boredom away too much boose too much smoke just to get myself out of bed i had to dilute myself, deression is hell” |