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]

Hi Mark ur right, it is a big help

being not believed is a huge issue... it feels safe when ppl assume that ur experience is valid, real and true.
Even in the Mh system sometimes the wya ppl talk to patients is to assume that they are in some way distorting facts... it's pretty damaging.

I'm sorry u have also experienced feeling like ppl don't believe you. That's terrible and ppl dont realise how hard it makes it to get help when they are skeptical and unsupportive.

[Croix]

Dear Matchy~

Those two are essential, nobody should suffer disrespect or lack of compassion here.

It's written into the rules above, and it is one of the jobs of the moderators who are here 24/7 to try to ensure it does not happen.

Even so it cansomwetimes. People write to the Forum in all states of distress and sometimes that can come out in the form of anger or desire to lash out or insult. Sometimes these posts are not easy to pick up and get though.

Then it is the job of all of us to report those posts. I've done so (Community Champs have no more powers than any other poster), and I'm sure very many more have to.

Please do not hesitate if you feel you are being treated badly by another; hit the red REPORT POST link and say what is wrong. It takes all of us, moderators and posters, to keep this place safe.

Is that OK?

Croix

[Guest_1643]

Hi Croix I feel like maybe a lot of ppl don't report, they just leave the forums. I think u make a good point that ppl should feel empowered to report as there's no harm in it.

[blondguy]

Hi Mark, Sleepy21, Quirky, mb20lover, eight, Geoff and everyone!

Thankyou Mark for mentioning 'having members treating everyone with respect and compassion on here would really help' This is an excellent point and I hope it has been noted too!

I am very proud to be a volunteer on the forums to provide the best possible support/peace of mind through my own 'lived' experience

my kindest

Paul

[blondguy]

Hi Sleep21

you have mentioned a good point as many people dont use the 'Report Post' function. Doing so is difficult as it can be a form of confrontation to an individual with even low level mental health issues

Nice1 Sleepy!

[geoff]

Hello Tayla, I'm sorry I missed an important word 'not' in what I said

These miracles and more are bound to happen, so what is said should NOT be taken as gospel, everybody is different.

My apologies.

Geoff.

[Guest_4643]

Hi Geoff and everyone else.

I just don't feel that welcome here anymore. I try to interact with members, old and new, welcome new people to the forums and try to offer advice, whether it may be helpful to them or not. I try to include everybody and be kind and compassionate. I often feel left out whether that may be intentional or not. I know it's not all about me but what I'm saying is I feel excluded. I do try to stay on topic and interact with people, it can be difficult to say on topic regardless of the thread, yes.

As for the helplines, I'm always told to go away whether it's Kids Helpline, eHeadspace, etc etc. I was feeling awful one night and went on at 9pm (my depression is always worse at night, always has been, don't know why) and I was still waiting at 11:30pm. Then I was told to go away and they're 24/7 or eHeadspace closes at 1am. Of course this made me feel worthless and like I'm not deserving of help.

[blondguy]

Hi mb20lover
Feel excluded is not a good place to be in at all

Just a note if I can. You have always been a breath of fresh air on the forums. I find your posts caring and supportive of others

I think you are an important part of what the forums stand for and good on you!

My kindest always

Paul

[quirkywords]

himb20lover ,

I am sorry you have felt excluded on the forums. I agree with Paul that I have found your posts thoughtful and they had to discussions.

It makes me sad to think people done feel welcome or feel excluded.

I am sorry that you have had not had any help from help lines. I know not all are 24/7 but some are. I can see if you decide to ring and then are are told to go away you would feel bad.

Is there any thread on the forum where you do feel welcome.

Thanks again for being honest in sharing how you feel because this thread is about improving the forum. We need people to tell us how they so we can improve.

Take care

[Guest_4643]

Thank you Paul and quirky.

Also I'm having trouble changing my profile picture, I have been for a while?