About the name of the blog

Do we need forks? is a name that reflects my philosophy about technology - the first question we should ask is "Do I NEED this?" Will it make my life and meaningful occupations easier, or better in some way?
As a student (first time around), I remember reading a scene from a play set in the 1600s, where French nobles were wondering what to do with a fork. The social context meant that forks were unnecessary. In that time, people would bring a knife, use a spoon for liquids, and hands for everything else. In a different social context where people are concerned about hygiene, a fork seems relevant. Or you could just wash your hands really well before each meal.
This philosophy about technology relates well to frameworks of occupational therapy. We look at the person - do they really need this technology? - the occupation - how meaningful is this occupation and do they need technology to make it easier to participate in? - and the environment, which includes social factors - is this technology going to fit with their environment?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Online community three - Postpartum Mood Disorders Support Forum


This website is a place for women who are experiencing mood disorders after giving birth or adopting a baby (or have had past experience with these issues), as well as their families and friends and health professionals with an interest in reproductive mental health. Women who had original diagnoses of a postpartum mood disorder but were later diagnosed differently are also welcome.

You can register as a user or post as a guest.  There are many topics on this website:
  • Pregnancy, meds, birth stories, and breastfeeding
  • Alternative, holistic treatments and ideas
  • PPMD support for military moms
  • And again, the general concerns tab is one of the most popular, with 1117 topics and over 8,000 posts!
    There are resources at the bottom of the page for people who want more information, like books and website links, as well as a forum for partners and family members.

    This forum has a wider membership and number of topics than the Christchurch one, probably due to the American population base.  It also appears a little less organised.  The sheer number of topics is overwhelming!

    One example that reflects internet culture perfectly is this post:

    Mentally ill and famous. This list of links to famous people with mental illnesses and disabilities proves that it does not matter what issues you have, but what you do with your life, is what defines who you are...(list of links to wikipedia provided)

    The writer is saying that if someone 'famous' can be mentally ill, then it's ok for the rest of us.


    This forum doesn't seem to be moderated as much as the Christchurch one and with the variety of topics, may not be a safe haven for people with PND.  I think a forum like this is best if it is for a smaller geographic area, to help people feel that sense of connection.
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