Brought down by other people's troubles?

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Try to put this in historical perspective. Ten years ago there was very limited sourcing on autism and especially not regarding people old enough or able enough to write on a forum. Now there is a great deal more to be read and explored, so people may not be as keen to participate here.

Also put it in perspective of the founder's life path. I'm not an expert on Alex, but it seems to me he has established himself as an autism authority and derives income from that. WP was a part of establishing his credentials, but I think he probably has less day-to-day interest in this forum compared to the myriad other things his is involved in now.

Ok. I confess i am a relatively new 'lurker'. I am unsure how anything i write is or will be received. I am somewhat hesitant as my impulsiveness is sometimes careless and probably based on my own experiences or feelings. I have gleaned a lot of insight and help from reading the recent posts of those in this thread and many others. I've also looked at older posts and they are also helpful. I admit i have quietly learned about a few other members, quietly, like i used to in 'live' situations. By observation and 'listening'. Its almost completely positive. You are individual characters and truly i have learned to embrace that. I didnt like the misogyny type threads, but then i don't have to read posts from someone of that nature. Everything else i am learning from and it is currently helping me to cope with my situation. And to accept it. I hope to embrace my differences and now i see im not such an alone freak. I have to accept nobody has to respond to anything i post. Members might misunderstand my way of saying things. I may just be plainly wrong. I do believe some do read them though and some respond. I can't stop anyone leaving WP. I can't stop suicidal thoughts in others. But I admit i am here, lurking. And your posts, BeaArthur, Smudge and others in this post and elsewhere are currently helping me a lot. So a huge thanks. Sorry for long speech. I will go back to lurking now, or not. You never know...

I don't consider myself overly empathic, just reasonably empathic. It seems at times that some people I have considered WrongPlanet "friends" have issues and problems so profound, that I can't continue to engage with them. Recent weeks have seen long-time forum members leave amid fanfare (and no doubt some others left quietly) and others pursue a suicide course.

Why should I stay? is the question I find myself asking.

I came here to explore issues about the role of autism in my life and family members' lives. I feel as though I have gone pretty far with that, but face diminishing returns.