Support Protocol on Dissociative Behavior in Group Support Rooms

My friend with DID left yesterday because of this post they said there was no reason to stick around when ur unwanted

I truly wish I could more eloquently express my thoughts on this matter. If I'm being honest, the events of yesterday have totally exhausted me. It's difficult to put my thoughts into words, but you can be damn sure I'll try.

Injustices Towards Systems and How to Address Them

I have many friends on this site who are a part of systems, and I can't imagine losing them. The alter age requirements hurt our community so much, even though those requirements were already in place for individuals, because it was a huge change that we weren't expecting. Obviously this site can't be opened to those younger than 13, and the adult and teen communities cannot join one another for legal reasons, but any chance to broaden the scope of support that 7Cups offers is one that I'd assume we'd take.

Moving on from that, I still can come to understand why that step was taken. However, things are just getting more and more difficult for the community of systems on this site. It hurts to see so many people absolutely devastated by this policy. I'm assuming that much of it is error in wording and communication, but even still, this negatively impacted everyone that I've spoken with in group support rooms since then. Some of my close friends are a part of a system on here, and I've come to know them well. They have great communication within their system and with others regarding switches, dissociation, and what needs to be done to ensure their comfort and safety. They complied immediately with the age rules, though it clearly hurt them. This is just too much. I've seen many people say they are considering leaving 7Cups because of the detriment that this has done to our community.

How can we better manage the community here on 7Cups to ensure support of everyone? This is the most important question to ask ourselves at any time, regardless of this recent update. This policy does serve to answer the question! We can now see that it's "Not like this." Yes, I jest, but I do believe that this undermines the support received by the community of systems on the site (I'd like to remind everyone that it is not just those with DID who have systems). What we had before this was certainly certainly lacking in some areas, but as for this topic in particular, it made sense. Alters in crisis should be treated as such, and while it does seem to do more harm than good, I understand the reason for the age restrictions on alters. I propose we allow systems to fully participate in group support, including for support regarding dissociative disorders.

How would this work? Simple! Like all other users, those who are a part of systems do not expect others to solve their problems in any area of the site. This site focuses on emotional support. Group support has proven to be helpful for a vast range of disorders and mental health problems! We are working towards improvement and emotional security. While group support may not be the best way of helping traumagenic systems to work through their trauma (since 7Cups we are not professionals), it can still show and abundance of emotional support for all those who need it! Alters are people, and they deserve support as much as anyone. It's not like we have to cater specifically to them, as they are just members who share an account and body. Furthermore, everyone could stand to become educated on systems and grow in love and support for them!

In conclusion, it may seem like just another 7Cups policy, but the pain it has caused is deeply impactful. Systems are ostracized in almost every aspect of every day life, from school, to work, even to therapy. Many are told, even by professionals who have not yet spoken with them, that they are faking or wrong about their diagnosis. Even systems who have supportive and understanding people in their lives still need as much love and emotional support as they can get. This is what 7Cups stands for. It is a place of connection, affection, and community. We grow together.

Just come out and say it, alters allowed or not? This is so vague its ridiculous, what the heck are you Trying to accomplish??

So I am still a little confused. Alters and Systems can go on group support chats, but are advised against it? Are they allowed to talk about DID related problems there?

@Hope

We're sorry but honestly this does not clear anything up, We are now further confused as to if we are still not permitted in group rooms. This whole situation could have been alleviated if we had our own support room. We still feel we are being left out and pushed away still for something we have no control over. leaving us out of support rooms in any way is damaging 7 Cups' reputation for being an inclusive mental health outlet platform, but again, we do not fully understand whether or not we are permitted or not, due to your confusing statements. We believe that either you need to explain this without using confusing terms and writing technique, or we need something to actually change. Thank you, sending hugs, hope, and love to all 💞

are you saying people with a specific condition such dissociation are no longer allowed to seek support on the support room which is supposed support everyone? we removed all the specific-topic support rooms, and the 24/7 support room we were supposed can seek support with all subjects.
Why those with dissociations are not welcome? will you refuse those with depression and tell them to seek support only 1 on 1 or in depression forums too? and same with all the mental health issues? specific chatroom if available or only 1on1 and forums? I don't think its ok. it's like when I got told to go one on one because I was seeking support with something that not so many members can relate to.
I think you should clarify what is a crisis versus the only fact to have a diagnosis of a mental disorder. A crisis is considered when you feel you may be a harm to yourself or others. and in those cases, you don't redirect on the forums or in 1 on 1 chat! The only fact to have a mental issue for excluding someone from a room is very not ok for a site such 7cups. Our rooms are supposed be inclusive and not exclusive!
If someday a mental health professional tell me that I may being experiencing some kind of dissociation sometimes (Many people will experience dissociation at some point in their lives without be chronic), will it mean that I'll no longer be welcome to use the chatrooms?

Hello 7Cups community!

I have been observing what's going on in response to this policy and I agree that what was stated previously was harmful to all who are a part of a system. This recent update seems to just reverse everything that was said before, but the pain of exclusion remains and I'm very sorry to all who were affected. The expansion from system dissociation to dissociation in general seems counterproductive as well. It's not that we want support for fewer people, we want inclusivity for all those seeking it :) I know a lot of people feel left out or turned away by this, but I know we can heal as a community. I believe the update is a temporary fix as they work on finding a solution that reaches everyone's needs. It's important not to target Hope specifically, or anyone on the admin team, for that matter, as this was the result of multiple people trying to solve a problem. A mistake was made, but mistakes can be fixed 💚 I trust that those behind 7Cups have our best interest at heart, and will mend the mistake soon. I cannot take PMs on this topic, unfortunately, as I am struggling with the emotional effects, but there are a few people who have mentioned that they are here for those wanting to PM :)

Stay strong everyone, this is a community founded on love, and we will persevere.

Anyone who needs someone to talk, feel free to pm me anytime today 🥰

hello guy what are the traits of this

@Hope

So, if I am understanding the updated version of the post correctly:

-the previous restriction on Group Support Rooms is no longer applicable/is removed.

-systems are welcome to participate in all accesible parts of the forum, while following the general forum guidelines (which every user has to). If they are specifically seeking support with DID-they will have to do so in this section (which is the normal protocol, I think)

-Even if a suicidal alter is switching they will be referred to the crisis resources.

-These guidelines (and the Community Behaviour Guidelines) apply for everyone who experiences Dissociation-including and beyond DID (inclusive of OSDD, and any other condition that may result in dissociation)..

I understood the "any behavior that takes away from the therapeutic environment in group rooms will not be accepted." to mean that rooms should remain supportive (the same that was expected of us prior to this thread).

Is this a fair understanding of it?