I agree with a lot of this.This site serves a great purpose in the early days when you finally discover the problem you are facing has a name "sa".
It is good on 2 fronts,firstly you can get a lot of comfort from knowing that others are suffering with sa and it's other cousins and secondly it is a good way to find out what help and treatments are available.from this you can decide which treatment path to take,as we all want to rid ourselves of this problem.But I think the danger of falling into the trap of dependance on a site like this and avoiding real contact with people or avoiding treatment and hoping to find an instant cure on this forum one day.
As for self pity and wallowing,yes sure there is lots of this and this is expected,as we go through times of depression as a result of this.I try not to dwell on these posts,but will give support to people who are genuinly looking for help and not just bitching about life.Did you know that self pity is a negative emotion,which just makes your anxiety worse!
The internet is a wonderful tool,but can be highly addictive.Sure it won't harm you like drugs or other addictive substances.But it does cause you to avoid real life.Believe me I know,as I used to spend 2-3 hors a day at work and then 4-5 hours in the evening on the net.I think I started doing this as a distraction,as I was avoiding going out to pubs/clubs because of my sa.Did it do me any good? - No it only made my problem worse.I avoided many social events,or left early and went home to my pc.but I'm not blaming it for all my problems as I had symptoms before this.I'm trying to move forward in as many ways as I can.Today I only use the internet to send a few mails,or check a few sites.I check in here now and again,to see if there are any good suggestions on theraphy.I can tell you that at first it was very painful,like comming off drink or drugs.It was wierd to spend time in the living room watching tv,going out to meet friends,etc.One big problem that it has left me with,is that the poor social skills that I had are now worse.I can't keep good conversation going and am quiet and awkward most of the time.I do know that it will be hard to get this back and indeed the friends that I have distanced myself from,but I will keep on trying to go forward.
So people,don't stop using the internet,but please do not make the same mistake I made.You only have one shot at this,turn off your pc,watch tv,read a book,go see the doc,make an appointment for therapy,go for a walk,go out,ring a relative or friend,go shopping,buy something nice,join a club.don't dwell and fall into the self pity net.Our thoughts and fellings are way more negative and hopeless that our life actually is.And life certainly won't improve by sitting here wallowing in self pity.