1066 All Stars

My social media habits have undoubtedly changed over the years, a natural part of getting older.

Where once my Facebook status updates were an exercise in obscure film quotes, now they feature updates on my kids and pictures to share with relatives.

But by far the biggest impact on my social media interaction is the period I spent in therapy for depression and anxiety. My status updates are now very often about elements of mental health, sharing my blogs and stories perhaps or simply a soundbite of a lesson learned. I migrated to Twitter, where I found like minded people. I share some of my stories on Readwave. I even wrote a book (available right now from Amazon, folks).

I have made a conscious decision to share my thoughts and feelings intimately. It is a therapy of sorts. Perhaps I can even help someone else along the way who is going through something similar.

Some people comment (or 'like') these posts. Many don't. Which got me thinking, why not? The temptation is to be disappointed, even petulantly angry. Here I am, soul laid bare, and people can't be bothered to acknowledge it?

But there is more going on here. When I step back and think about it, I have a good set of friends, I have surrounded myself with decent people. So there are reasons why people don't feel able to comment. I thought about it and I reckon my friends break down into three broad categories.

Category 1 - these people comment regularly. Sometimes they send me direct messages. They show empathy and understanding. They encourage, advise, sometimes even share their own struggles. They've probably bought my book. These people have played an active role in my (ongoing) recovery from mental illness.

Category 2 - these people do not comment regularly. When they do, it is often in jest, never anything too serious. I suspect they are unsure what to say, perhaps worried about saying the wrong thing. They are not used to me being so serious. So they stay quiet, or interact with me in the way they know best. A couple of them may have bought my book.

Category 3 - these people do not comment because they are not interested in the subject matter. They probably wish I would stop posting links to my book and post about football or beer. Remind me, why are we friends again?

I suspect most of my friends are in category 2. I hope none of them are in category 3.

If there are any category 3's; goodbye. You serve no positive purpose in my life.

To the category 2's; I'm still here, I just changed, grew up, perhaps. If you want to know more, don't be embarrassed to say so. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.

And to the category 1's; thank you.