HN is the hardest forum. People smell bullshit a mile away, everyone is super smart and informed, humor is suspect. I've never taken breaks from Reddit due to dejection. I've taken dozens of breaks from HN due to dejection... It does really hurt to get downvoted in a community of people you admire lol

If you think the convos are worth it, fuck it! Let the downvotes flow. Make it a game. But if it is causing you any sort of distress, there's other places online people will eagerly welcome you to.