Dear James: When It’s Time to Say Goodbye - The Atlantic
theatlantic.com · 933 words · saved by 1 readers
A reader keeps having to leave unsupportive support groups. And James Parker bids farewell to his column.
Dear James, Why does every online “support group” I’ve joined seem to turn into something worse than the original trauma for which I need support? I’m not a perpetual victim, but over the past 12 years, I’ve felt the need to leave at least four online communities for the sake of my mental health. The first was a forum for daughters of mothers with narcissistic personality disorder. When its founder converted to a paid model, the restrictions felt like a betrayal, the dynamic became strained, and I lost many valuable connections. Another was a Facebook group for moms who’d experienced life-thre
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