Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January

Sophie_M — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 02:59:56 GMT

Hi Everyone

As we start a new year, it’s important to review the month that was and take a moment to acknowledge everyone who has joined our community – it wouldn’t be what it is today without you!

We'll use these monthly updates to highlight threads and topics that have generated ongoing discussion, while also acknowledging our Valued Contributors, Life Members and new Community Champions.

Also keep an eye out for reflections from our Community Champions about what they’ve found to be helpful in order to keep on top of their mental health and wellbeing! This space will also share additional Beyond Blue updates such as new Personal Best articles on staying well, (check them out here!) and additional tools or resources from BB.

To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here

To learn more about our current Community Champions or if you yourself are interested in becoming a Community Champion, feel free to follow the links below:

Introducing...the community champions

Become an Online Community Champion

Community Voices: What are people talking about?

Coping with Bushfires: Understanding grief, loss and trauma

We’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in welcoming and supporting our community in this thread and acknowledge that the bushfire crisis in Australia continues to affect the lives of many. This thread has become a welcoming space for people to share their stories and receive support from others in order to recover, heal and stay well. If you’re struggling please feel free to reach out here.

In relation to this topic, Beyond Blue has also created a Bushfires and mental health page which offers a range of resources for anyone seeking support.

How to be build, maintain friendships and be social while struggling with your mental health

“I guess what I'm saying is that you have to put yourself out there a bit, be a bit vulnerable and take some chances. Not all of your efforts will result in a positive outcome. This is not necessarily a reflection on you and will more likely reflect what's going on for the other person involved. They too could be shy or having a bad day or just not pick up on the social cues or opportunity you are providing for contact. You just keep trying because as my Grandmother used to say, There is a lid for every pot.” – Thank you Summer Rose (read more here).

“In regards to social anxiety, it is difficult to overcome, but CBT and 'exposure' therapy is very effective in treating social anxiety, as it continually exposes the person to the situations that make them anxious, and over time, their anxiety will decrease. I know that depression and social anxiety plays a huge role in the interference of sleep (particularly social anxiety), and from personal experience, sometimes makes it nearly impossible to sleep and silence the thoughts and social worries” – Thank you pinkwren (read more here).

"The constant fear of rejection has resulted over the years of being scared in social situations where I feel extremely self conscious...Here is a list of some of the things that I have found that help me to cope with panic attacks. I practice mindful meditation every day. Walk every day. Have a dog that gives me unconditional love. Spend time with nature and absorb its beauty. Drink alcohol in small quantities. Drink decaf coffee. Eat a healthy diet and love to cook. Have regular health checks." - Thank you Hound Dog (read more here).

VC Award

Our Valued Contributor for the month of January is Katyonthehamsterwheel.

Katyonthehamsterwheel has been a welcoming voice in the community, ensuring new members feel heard and receive a warm ‘hello’. Katy can also be seen to regularly check-in on members to offer her continued support and positivity, while also being open about her own lived experience with mental health issues and what has helped her in staying well.

Thank you Katyonthehamsterwheel!

Life Member Shout-out

Our Life Members are individuals who have dedicated over three years to the forums. We’d like to give a big shoutout to Croix who has become a Life Member as of January. Croix has been a guiding light to many members on the forums and has been a Community Champion since in 2015. He has demonstrated his ability to be empathetic and respectful when talking to others on the forums and is dedicated to empowering others to seek support, share their stories, and make others feel like they are not alone in their journey.

Thank you for all your time and effort on the forums Croix!

A little bit about us, the moderation team!

Sophie_M is the face of the moderation team here at Beyond Blue. The team is here to assist anyone with any questions or concerns about the moderation of your posts and or the posts/wellbeing of other members. Feel free to also reach out if you have any general queries about the forums – we’re happy to talk things through😊.

To get in touch with the moderation team email us anytime at modsupport@beyondblue.org.au

Our community is here to listen and discuss ways to support you in achieving your best possible mental health – we look forward to seeing you around the forums!

The Modsupport Team

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January

Aaronsis — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 01:26:44 GMT

Congratulations Katyonthehampsterwheel, your support and your encouragement and strength to others when you too are struggling is outstanding and it is our privileged to have you here and be so caring and supportive, thank you.

What an achievement Croix, your words and ideas, you ways to distract in times of darkness, your experience and your kindness is such a huge inspiration to me as a Community Champion and I learn so very much from you. This forum is so lucky to have you Croix.

I noticed during January alot of young people really struggling with friendships and making friends or feeling isolated or like they have no friends. I created a thread in the social pages that I hope will act as a light space for people to come and share their day, meet some others that are also feeling lonely and to connect:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/-you-gotta-friend-in-us-

Have a great day all, stay safe, stay healthy and you matter!

Hugs

Sarah xx

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January

Katyonthehamsterwheel — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:50:04 GMT

Hi there

I'm very appreciative of this recognition, which came on one of my down days. I've really felt like this forum is the place I've needed to be while I heal, and I'm grateful for it and for all the amazing people within it. Thanks so much for the time and the kindness that you show to people like myself in their struggling moments. It really is invaluable.

Great thread idea too, Sarah 🙂

Thankyou! Katy

topic Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January in Welcome and orientation

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on January