OK Guys - Finding this a bit difficult to put my thoughts into a coherent form while not offending anyone, some of whom are closer friends than I have ever had before.
We regularly get new people appearing on the site and looking to us for help and support - the thing that all of us probably think makes the Site worthwhile and the members are fantasic at doing because of their own varied experiences as Patients, Carers and Relatives.
Just occasionally we have a problem - out and out nutters that come on just to cause disruption - OK - not nice but is a fact of life for any site.
The worst offenders though are the people who come on here masquarading as Patients, Carers or relatives and appear to be genuine and looking for the usual support. Not sure what the kick is they get in talking to us or see us reaching out to them with the help and support they are asking for.
In some cases our own experiences uncover their lack of knowledge, experience or treatment details they claim to have had.
In other cases we do not have any 'proof' but we build up an idea that someone is 'Not Real' in these cases we may build up a prejudice that has no foundation and a whispering campagne starts . If we really do reach this conclusion then I believe the best course of action is just to ignore them and not to engage them in conversation.
What I do think is wrong is to send Messages that may be upsetting when - if they are Genuine, they are at the most vunerable stage of their lives - or sadly - due to the nature of this site - their deaths.
I would rather offer help and support to 99 people who may later turn out to be false than risk turning away 1 genuine person - unless I was100% certain of my proof
Sorry I do not have any earth shattering ideas on how we can avoid the problem of the disturbed people that come on the site.
This is not meant to sound like I am lecturing anyone - but also feel I cannot just sit back and say nothing
love and hugs to all
John
