The writer’s complaints seem out of place. The restaurants hijacking the app for advertising would maybe affect the longevity of the experiment, but their issue is not being sure if they are really helping the environment. I imagine the greatest benefit is for those on a budget. And the worst outcome would be restaurants that previously donated the leftovers becoming greed.

I saw the same post and started writing something that went in a different direction, but that seems complementary. Basically, you don’t have to respond.

I do believe you’re responsible for what you write, but you’re under no obligation to answer any and every kind of criticism that is thrown at you. You might have to read something that’s hard or hurtful in the comments, which is fine if they are trying to follow the recommendations listed above, it’s a process, but you don’t have to accept an attack to your personhood or an attack to what you wrote without any explanation.

I understand the desire to make clarifications and being clearly comprehended, or defending oneself from attacks, but a direct response might be counterproductive. Say nothing, or go back and put amends to the original thoughts with an edit.

Also, and this is for all the parts involved, the discussion is not going anywhere. It will not get drown out in a sea of comments, you can take your time and come back later. More importantly, you’ll likely see the same people around again. Take care of your community. Defend, understand, educate, be nice.

I think it’s about generating alt text for people with disabilities when they are missing from pictures.

You say suicidal thoughts, which I believe you have, but you showed us your depressive thoughts. Some times, it’s not intellectual, it’s just one aspect of your biology you can’t will away. You might need medicine, you’ll definitely need to work on it without knowing if your efforts will get results.

I saw in another comment you talking about the things you love. Choose one and really set aside some time to enjoy it. Create a period of total selfishness. Do something practical.

Intellectually, to quiet the voices that are so negative and justify bad decisions, I suggest you question them, specially when they are absolute. For example, “there’s no time to dedicate to what I love”. Really? No time, zero? Is that the absolute truth? Try to be more truthful. Maybe the time you have is not enough (but again, really?), which doesn’t mean zero time generally. Just being honest about your situation can help change perspectives and stop you believing the lies you tell yourself.

Do you enjoy watching videos? There are some professionals I regularly watch that usually help me see the directions I could go to improve myself. To tell the truth, I’m in a low right now and not being treated, but I wish I were.

I would suggest something like a “good news week”. The last week of every month dedicated to sharing the good content we have stumbled upon or experienced. Something to practice a new behavior and make it stick. I don’t believe the changes will come organically. Or maybe a weekly challenge thread, with some goals to the ones that participate. Share a good memory, uplifting news, something that made you smile…