A question for our new members (and regulars too 😊).

[Quercus]

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking lately about inclusion on the forums and wondering...

What it is like to be a newbie on the forums?

Anyone feel like answering?

In the offline world we all deal with cliques. And feeling like we don't fit in or belong sometimes.

When I joined the forums I remember seeing members with thousands of posts and people greeting eachother like old friends.

I wanted so badly to feel like part of this community. I know I'm not alone... Sometimes I see a thread where someone is disheartened by a lack of response.

My question (sorry for the waffling) ...

What helped you to feel welcome here?

Here is my list (yep quite keen on lists)

• For newbies start your own thread in welcome/orientation. If you post your story in a social thread or someone else's thread you'll get lost in the system.
• On that note... Try not to make multiple threads on the same topic. If you are finding you need support speak up in the social threads or in a thread you contribute to a bit... Give the title of your thread and ask if someone will come have a chat.
• Read the rules and the posts in the welcome orientation section. Seems obvious but I don't think everyone does... And there is a lot of useful stuff in there!
• Remember the forums are not immediate. If you need immediate help there are the support numbers. Everyone on here is just like you (voluntarily contributing and dealing with a mental illness) so if you flood the forums with posts getting angry or upset about a delay in response or a post held up in moderation people tend to get overwhelmed and upset too. The helplines are there for a reason please use them 😊.
• Take the time to respond. There is nothing worse that writing a reply and then the new user never comes back online. There isn't a notification system. You've got to log on and check. Please do.
• Write to others. You don't have to know what to say. Or have advice. Sometimes it is just nice to have someone aknowledge you or to know someone is listening.

Enough waffling from me.... What does everyone else think?

Nat

[Farells_Beach]

Hello all, hope you're travelling OK today. I thought I was registering for the first time then realised I'd started the process 12 months ago. I have no memory of starting it then. I've now completed registration but can't work out how to change the display name. I have no idea why it's Bianca2. Before I resign myself to this display name can anyone tell me how I can change it please?

[demonblaster]

🙂 Heya

Bump....not a clue lol

Welcome btw, wondering if you may have to re register, I know we can change password but .........

Someone will know

catch ya

[Guest_5218]

Hi Bianca, and good on you for finally completing the registration process and coming in here to say goodaye.

You are not able to change the Display name yourself. You can request it be changed for you though, by contacting the beyond blue moderators or management.

Sherie

[Croix]

Dear Bianca2~

As Sherie says you ask Administration. To contact them simply report your post with the red link and say what you'd like them to try to do.

Croix

[Guest_1584]

Yeah that's what l suspected with the pm thing, thanks guys.

Although most forums you can turn pm on or off anyway so that was the just other side of the coin crossed my mind.

Anyway l'll have to dabble with the old searcherrama thingo then too eh, can't read too much at once see so that might come in handy.

Cheers

[demonblaster]

cool 🙂 meaning to say yeah loven the DEMO handle, love nicknames they're more personal, affectionate

later budz

[Guest_1584]

Haha demonblaster coolio , now l need onena those little face things ti stick on the end.

[Quercus]

Hi Bianca and welcome 😊

Sherie and DB and Croix have done the hard work answering your question (thanks!).

I just get to swan in and say the fun stuff...

Good on you for joining BlueVoices! Awesome! They have a new monthly discussion up sharing diagnosis stories so a really important time to join.

Hope to see you about the forums soon 😊

[Quercus]

Hi Randomx,

Who knows maybe private messaging is in the plan when the system upgrade eventuates. You could add it to the list of suggestions and improvements (that thread is in the welcome orientation category).

Well there are a few new members about so I'll bring this thread back to it's original goal...

• no pre-reading required here 😊
• want to hear your opinion
• Calling all newbies... and not so newbies
• feel free to meander off topic. I'll just keep asking my million dollar question...

What made you feel welcome/included on the forums? How can we improve?

[Salvation]

Hello, this is my first post having just registered. I’ve sufferred from depression/anxiety for many years but only sought medical treatment after my 21 yo son was born.

My recovery journey has had many ups & downs. My sleep patterns have changed over the past few months & haven’t slept at all past couple of nights due to work related issues (stress). I’m seeing my GP tomorrow to discuss.

I see a psychotherapist which has helped me process family of origin issues & find myself. Still feel lost and alone at times even though I’m happily married & have close friends.

Need to connect with people who share similar stories & to know there is Hope as at times I feel hopeless.

Thanks for letting me share

MD 😊