How can we improve the forums? Your suggestions and comments please

[Chris_B]

Hi all, this thread is a running commentary for all members on things for improvements to the forums. This can be anything from how it looks, the categories, to moderation, community rules etc.

While we might not be able to implement everything straightaway, or keep everyone happy all of the time, we'd like to hear about what you think we can do better.

This is not a thread for discussing the moderation or editing of individual posts - if you have questions about this please contact the team offline via email modsupport@beyondblue.org.au

To avoid repeating suggestions already received, below are some results from our last user survey giving an indication of which new features people would like to see on the forums. This survey was answered by 1,597 users:

44% - Email notification when I have a reply on the forum
39% - Access to the forums via an app
27% - Ability to block seeing posts by specific users
25% - Ability to contact users privately
25% - Ability to use emoticons
25% - Ability to follow posts by specific users
24% - Ability to share links
23% - Forum posts visible only to registered users
22% - A profile, viewable by others users, where I can introduce myself
21% - Ability to quickly access all posts by a particular user
15% - Ability to tag users in a conversation
10% - Ability to share images
6% - Ability to share videos
17% - None of these

Update July 2022 - This discussion has now been closed. Please go to the updated version below to share feedback and follow our updates:

How can we improve the Forums?

[Guest_1643]

I like that idea blondguy

it could be a nice conversation starter

Like maybe even issues that come up repeatedly here like

i think it would add a nice angle to the forum

[blondguy]

Hi Sleepy21
you have always provided wonderful support across the forums and thankyou for being the caring person you are! Your input (including on this thread) is highly valued. Nice1 🙂

my kindest always....Paul

[geoff]

Hi Everyone, well thought out comments.

It is with great respect the work Nurse Jenn does on these forums as well as her other commitments, but it would be wise for the benefit of those posting in and wanting someone else who is also trained to be made available because some questions being asked need professional input.

It would be difficult to expect any psychologist/psychiatrist to have any involvement in these online forums, only because of income, money is the curse of the world, has been and will be for the next umpteenth years, and if there was, then they wouldn't last very long.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

Although what is said people may disagree with from their own experience, because not every psych/counsellor/nurse will be suitable for everyone, but it's food for thought and maybe considered.

Perhaps 'a representative could post comments about updates to services and treatments and even comment on trending discussions or topics featured on BB',

[Sophie_M]

Hi Geoff,

Well said. While we always ensure there is a resident professional to respond to posts as appropriate, these forums have always and will always be about peer to peer support.

We're looking forward to introducing a new mental health clinician dedicated to this wonderful online forums community in the new year.

[Guest_1643]

hi all i totally understand that ppl can't give a response, especially in the suicide/self harm section - I don't take that personally and often ppl go for breaks from BB which I think is great and gives them room - no one is forced to reply which is cool.
But what I mean is sometimes I feel certain ppl may try enter a conversation and the ppl will ignore that specific person because they prefer having quite private chats with other ppl.

I think sometimes we forget but this is a forum for all ppl working on their mental health, which means there aren't really any private chats - so even if ppl really get along, when someone expresses interest to join their previously chat with a group - the group should expand and at the very least say hello and welcome that person.

Being flat out ignored is very traumatic and triggering for many ppl. I'm just saying to say hello and see when someone is trying to join - and respect their efforts. This forum is for that purpose of including and not excluding.

[Guest_4643]

Hi all.

I haven't been around and I'm not sure if I'll come back. But I just wanted to say that I hope I haven't done anything wrong. I try to include people in any thread whether it's my own or somebody else's, and new or old members. I try to stay on topic but it can be hard sometimes.

I hope it's not me who's done anything wrong. i'm sorry if I have. Not sounding selfish or anything, just wanted to say that.

[quirkywords]

Sleepy and everyone,

you have made very good points about respecting and being aware of others.

Croix made a very helpful posts with suggestions and ideas from his long experience on the forums.

I have been ignored and I realise that sometimes the person answering is so upset they may find it hard to concentrate and reply to everyone or even to say hello.

I agree everyone should be welcomed and made it feel part of a group.

I thank you for honestly sharing your thoughts as that it will people more aware and to make the forums a more welcoming place. Your comments show inisght and honesty and they will help the many people who read but do not post.

Thanks everyone for contributing ideas to help improve the forums.

[Guest_4643]

I often feel ignored on the forums too, although I try to include everyone no matter what like I said. I feel like this is a personal thing with others & myself. So that's why I don't come on here anymore. I don't really feel welcome anymore.

[Matchy69]

Hi Tayla good see you back on here.You haven't done anything wrong You really are a caring compassionate person a d always great have you on any thread.

[quirkywords]

Tay

I find what you said very sad as I and many others welcome people and never ignore.
I have been ignored too. It isn’t about you . Tay you are a kind person and I hope you will keep posting. There are many threads that I am sure you would feel elcome.