Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet

Cyber-bullying and general rudeness is prevalent today on the internet. People may struggle to look cool and be popular, only to be insulted for acting in an "irritating" way. People with mental disorders and neurological conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome and Autism may have more difficulty socializing. While there is nothing wrong with mental disorders, a lot of easily-irritated people on the internet may think otherwise and despise sufferers. They may not understand how ordinary living is complicated by a mental disorder. The internet can be a cruel place full of bullies, who cause stress for people just because they may act in a way that bullies find stimulating or annoying.

You may find yourself either facing cyber-bullying, acting socially awkward, or just simply struggling with a lack of social skills. Fortunately, there are good strategies and hope on the internet these days, but coping with a mental disorder can require tact (using social skills). Sometimes silence is good as the reaction to unfriendly talk, but otherwise what can you do proactively?

Steps

 * 1) Consider the challenges with difficult people that you encounter as opportunities: Instead of your trying to change to be liked and respected by other people, how about (first) showing people their own judgmental ways? Hating just because of others mental condition or trivial behaviors seems selfish or irritable. These unfriendly people don't seem to accept and nurture people with "differences".[[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Amiably make a good first impression -- greeting whoever you meet online. This is crucial and will save you a lot of trouble along the way. If you're on an internet forum or chat room that has a section for new users to introduce themselves, then make a welcome thread.[[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Show how influential you can be. Don't let a mental disorder hold you back on your plans, whether it be because of limitations or because of other people. Take up a project, such as creating a webcomic or starting a website, and show everybody that you're capable of accomplishing things and being successful. Surprise them by making them look back and realizing that you are capable of doing stuff. Help revolutionize the internet with your influence![[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Watch your virtual tone of voice. Chances are, your diction may be affected by your mental condition. On today's harsh internet, you could be berated for how you speak, including people calling you a 12-year old (not that there's anything wrong with being 12) as a result of your virtual "voice" (writing style). Using proper capitalization and punctuation is good, but also try to avoid using awkward grammar. You may want to start putting effort into your writing assignments at school, so you can help perfect your writing style.[[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Research about your mental disorder. See what traits characterize mental disorders, and consider them whenever interacting with people online. Try to be careful that, while trying to be social and overcome an impairment in socializing with others, you don't overdo it and act oddly. [[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Make efforts to fit in with the other members. Don't make it seem like you're trying too hard, though, as you can easily be criticized. Be sure to start off small and not make too many posts at first. Join in some conversations occasionally, and start growing from there.[[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Make friends. Chances are, there are plenty of members who are friendly on whatever website you go on or whom you meet and e-mail or chat. Try letting people come to you, rather than coming to people. Don't overdo making friends, especially not at first.[[Image:Cope With Having a Mental Disorder on the Internet Step 7.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Look around the internet for a good internet forum or chat room set up just for mental disorder-diagnosed people. You may be able to meet some people who can relate to you. Get support!
 * If cyber-bullying causes you to stress, then consider whether or not taking a small break from the internet could help you -- stress can be unhealthy!
 * People with mental disorders, in theory, may see certain messages as being more mean-spirited then they really are. You may see a message on the internet - whether directed towards you, directed towards another person, or just about a subject in general - that may seem mean and make you feel uncomfortable. In that case, it is important to remember not to take seemingly rude messages personally.
 * A balance of good grammar and spelling and casual language is the key to avoiding being stuffy.

Warnings

 * Make a habit of thinking twice before you send a message. Sometimes, flame wars can happen by accidentally saying something that could be misinterpreted or taken the wrong way. Communicate your points clearly.
 * If you find yourself struggling to stay popular, remember to not let other people cause you to question your self-worth.
 * Consider telling your parents about any cyber-bullies that you may be trying to deal with. Please don't take cyber-bullying lightly.

Related wikiHows

 * How to Use an Internet Forum
 * How to Behave On an Internet Forum
 * How to Deal With Bullies when You Have Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
 * How to Handle Cyber Bullying

Asperger's Syndrome

 * How to Live with Asperger's Syndrome
 * How to Deal With People Who Don't Understand Asperger's Syndrome

Autism

 * How to Talk to an Autistic Person
 * How to Communicate With People Who Have High Functioning Autism
 * How to Cope if Members Are Rude or Upset You on a Forum