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 mmekitty, I strongly agree with Ur suggestion, and def about saying if a post is edited. Transparency.

[Matchy69]

Hi Sleepy I have been struggling with these forums for awhile now.I think we all have are own different experiences with out mental health and treatment over the years.We are all unique individuals and have our own opinions and I think their are clashes with opinion and this can be upsetting and triggering for us.It is hard for all on here as we come on here for a reason with our mental health which is a very sensitive issue for us.I think the moderators can be a bit insensitive at times which has happened to me at times with my post.A very hard job to do make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable on here.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sleepy

Thanks for your kind words. I'm absolutely fine.

As Matchy69 has said, there are a lot of competing yet legitimate needs here at the forum. It would be impossible to expect bb to have the resources to equitably balance them all--all of the time.

I come here for relief, support and to hopefully do some good in this world via meaningful connections with others. If a thread is causing me concern, I report it and then move away if I'm not happy with the outcome. This is not a criticism of the moderation team, I have never felt a concern has been ignored and I am happy with the work they do. It is just an acknowledgement that while I understand they do their best trying to juggle everyone's needs and concerns, at the end of the day, it's a virtually impossible task and I will always do what's best to protect myself.

Kind thoughts to you

[white knight]

I've been here nearly 9 years. I've had some moderation of my posts and it hurts a little but its a process that is mandatory.

I think the written word is displayed sometimes as insensitive. It doesnt come across warm enough. eg

I once said to a member "try to ensure your thoughts are realistic"

This was in response to her having invasive thoughts during the day and causing depression. She replied-

"I dont come here to be given a reality check".

I was dumbfounded. But it made me realise that the written word can be hurtful and taken out of context.

IMO some moderators are simply going through a process and can appear robotic in their reply. For this reason I'm patient and understanding and once I report a post I leave it to them to sort and dont involve myself any further.

TonyWK

[Summer Rose]

Hi Tony

Thank you for your post. I agree with you 100 per cent.

I always give people the benefit of the doubt for the miscommunication reasons you mentioned, along with the fact that we all have different literacy and communication skills and, of course, anyone could quite possibly be feeling unwell.

I’m talking about something different—a direct insult to a personal characteristic of mine which I believe the other correspondent was aware of (I had openly talked about it). To make it worse others joined the pile on of people like me.

This happened twice. It was quickly corrected twice, but by then I no longer felt welcome or safe on the thread.

Kind thoughts to you

[quirkywords]

Summer Rose

I am so sorry you were treated with such disrespect.

when I see your name I know I will be reading an intelligent,compassionate and thoughtful post.

I am sad when I know this has happened as forums should and hopefully mostly they are.

I hope you continue to contribute as your post are valued and appreciated.

[Guest_1643]

Hi summer rose

I'm sorry u felt piled on, I think in that spot mods should step up as it can feel unsafe.

It sounds really hard.

Re miscommunication, it can be hard.

My wise psychiatrist told me it's quite hard to find a good psychotherapist, so I've kept that with me. Not to discourage others but to empower....sometimes it's not you, it's them. If u feel they aren't safe, they're probably not.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Quirky

You have really touched my heart. Thank you, my friend.

My commitment to bb, the forums and our community is much bigger than one difficult experience. I definitely plan to continue being here.

Please know that I hold no ill will toward anyone and I am fine.

Just a good lesson to remind me to continue to try to be very careful with my own words and behaviour, and to continue doing what I can to contribute to community safety.

Kind thoughts to you

[mmMekitty]

I think it would be important for people to have information on how to make a complaint about GPs and mental health professionals offered on BB, as well as the advice & guidance to help with how to find someone who can help them, including Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists all Therapists practising all sorts of therapy types.

Well-researched & quality information is essential. Information's about how a good & ethical therapist works, & information about unethical practises & what the warning signs might be spotted, so we can recognise when we may be in such a situation. Then, who to talk to about it.

I would like this sort of information to be very easily found on BB. I am aware there is some information around, on threads, it's just hard to find.

mmMekitty

[Guest_1643]

Hi mekitty, sorry to hear u have experienced that,

I recommend ppl look at ahpra registration on Google, u can check Ur drs qualifications, and if they have had complaints or rulings against them,

Very well said mekitty.

Info on ethical therapy is important, and a real interest of mine.

There are some good articles on how to tell irpf Ur therapist is narcissistic which helped me identify mine was.

I think Frank and open conversations and info about one's rights in therapy and also listening to others experiences, including negative ones, is important.

I really struggle sometimes keeping my negative experiences to myself. But listening to others negative experiences helped me find good help .