Why being a listener is AWESOME!
As the spirit of the week seems to be focused on getting more listeners signed up and current listeners more involved, I think if listeners share their positive experiences publicly, it can encourage both current listeners and not-yet-listeners to become new listeners.
What did you gain (ie emotionally, skill wise, personality wise, whatever, etc) from being a listener on 7 Cups? How has being a listener been awesome for YOU?
So here goes for me. I'm a relatively new listener and I was talking to someone in my family who's a licensed Social Worker and she recently said that she noticed I was listening to people better and verbally processing what others were saying. I started paying closer attention myself and realized that I was in general more attentive when other people were talking. This was just from being a listener on 7 Cups a couple times a week for several weeks! I love being here!
I have been thinking about becoming a listener for some time now, but I don't know if I should do it because I'm still fighting depression, suicidal thoughts and social anxiety myself. I'd love to help other people though, but I'm afraid I won't be of any help or that the things people tell me will trigger my own depression. Thoughts?
@Cheeney You should become a listener on your own terms..
It's not a full time thing and you can always go back to your members account..
If you feel like you could help people with your experience then it's a good thing,
If you ever feel like you can't handle a chat, there are ways to get out of your situation... Like asking other listeners if they could take the member or even being honest with the member.
We have rules that could help and protect you. Also there is some training available.
You can also get amazing mentors to help you and guide you.
If you really do consider it, you can try it out but don't feel forced to do it.
If you need any help, feel free to ask.
@Cheeney @anchoredwithhope Cheeney made some great points, particularly, how you can always leave a chat in a respecctful way if you feel triggered and mentors can help you with that.
I just wanted to add that you can also take General Chats based upon the topic the member is bothered with and in that way you can often avoid topics which might trigger you.
Also, I believe many people on this site have both a member and listener account because everyone has days when they feel strong enough to give strength and listen to others, and other days when we need others to give us strength. You could definitely consider being a listener on days when you're in a positive state of mind
@SethK It's hard to leave chats when you don't feel up for it, but it's possible to be respectful... If you're having problems with how to say certain things you can ask a mentor if your wording sounds okay and they could tell you what you might add or leave out.
@anchoredwithhope @SethK I think I will make a listener account soon, thanks for your thoughts :)
@Cheeney If you need any help or have questions, feel free to ask! 
@anchoredwithhope I will, thanks! :)
I love being a listener..
I know exactly what it feels like to need someone and no one is there for you...
So being able to be the person that I needed for someone else, it's amazing.
When someone says thank you. Or even when you can feel that they appreciate you... WOW!
I know you can't help everyone and I know that I have had a ton of problems with members and at times I wanted to quit but I'm so glad I didn't.
At the end of the day, knowing you have supported someone, even just a single person, is better than not having helped anyone.
Helping people makes me feel complete, it gives my life meaning.
And that is why I think it's awesome being a listener!
if you are a listener, can you still talk to another listener even if you are struggling
@Stillirise Of course you can. As a listener you also have a duty to support other listeners. We're all here for each other.
@anchoredwithhope how do I actually become a listener? I keep trying and it does not seem to work
@Stillirise Here's a thread that might help you..
Since I'm not quite sure of all the details... Let me know if it helps or not..
If it doesn't help I will try to find another way to help you :)
@Stillirise Once you become a listener you could always open a new browser at any time and login to your member account and use that.
Just make sure when you sign up to become a listener you've either logged out of your member account or you're using a different browser because it's technically impossible to be logged into both accounts at the same time from the same browser. I hope that was clear...
