While I totally agree that those who are only interested in seeking sympathy should "check it at the door," I also wonder where that "fine line" is.

I am sure I'm not alone when I say that when I post here, I do appreciate words of encouragement. I think it is very difficult to decipher what is sympathy-seeking versus simply expressing emotion(s).

I would hope that it isn't anyone's intention to "bring others down," but at the same time, I hope that members aren't discouraged from posting because they're afraid to be labled a sympathy-seeker.

We all have our ups and downs, and I think both should be acknowledged equally. I, for one, don't really have anyone to talk to about the PTSD and its symptoms on a daily (or even weekly) basis. I often go through my day with the semblance of the happy-go-lucky person I wish to be. (Now you may think that it is best to be open and honest with emotions, but this just isn't possible for some people, especially if they go to work and need to appear functional on a daily basis.) Therefore, this forum, for some (including me), is the only outlet to express the pain, sadness, fear, or whatever else we may be going through.