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

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hey Nat, thanx for that ... are there emoticon GOLD STARS? ... cos you'd get one right this sec 🙂 ...

OMWARDS!

[that's for Buddhists]

Flick

[Quercus]

Hi Flick,

Hehe I like that one. Have you read the worst joke wednesday thread? I suspect you'll like it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gold stars for everyone 😊

[blondguy]

Hey Nat

Thankyou for the super understanding post you wrote just before 🙂 I admire TonyWK too as he seems to have so much strength in his inner core. I wish I had some of it.

Thankyou for noticing what you did Nat xo

My Kindest as always

Paul

[Flick_SnotGrass]

I found it thanks. ⭐ Flick

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hey blondeguy, have you played around with CES yet? Cranial Electro Stimulators. I've been using one for about five years. Very very calming. It's like TENS for your Brain. cheers, Flick

[Bella30nsw]

I feel so lost

I should feel so grateful for everything I have but I just feel so alone.

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome Bella;

You're not lost or alone hun...you're here. 🙂 And how brave you are too. I'm Sez (Sara), so if you have a question or would just like to talk, please go ahead.

Your posts may take a little time to get thru as you're new and are automatically moderated ok. Please don't despair as writing in itself can be therapeutic.

This thread is for new members to ask questions about, well, being new and not knowing what to do or how to start. You've already given us the most important information about yourself; you really need support. We truly understand because we've been thru it and still have our bad days.

How about giving us some idea of who you are and what's going on for you? As I've said, just writing and getting things off your chest can relieve some of that pain, confusion and fear.

There are many here in your corner, so go for it!!

Warm and kind thoughts;

Sez (hug)

[Bella30nsw]

Hi Sez

thank you for replying. It is a lovely feeling to have someone write back.

where do I start. I'm a mum to 2 kids 5 and 18 months hubby is very caring but doesn't understand what's happening to be honest I don't even know what's happening.

I guess I got postnatal depression after my first but just shrugged it off. Second time round and it really hit me hard.

I have days where I just get so worked up over the littlest things. hubby works all day so he is only home of a night. He is so helpful with the kids.

I feel so silly. I really do have it lucky. I shouldn't be complaining

[blondguy]

Hey Nat

you have a great thread topic here!

Flick...its not my thread but I havent tried "Cranial Electro Stimulators" yet but am open to any ideas. You are more than welcome to post any detail on my threads (blondguy...without the e) It would be good to read anything I can get my hands on

Hi Nat!....Just my question as per your thread title.....

"Do members (or readers of the forums) find the Beyond Blue Forums a safe and caring place to have your say?

Thanks Nat

Paul

[Its_my_problem]

Hi,

I'm not after a reply, a comment or a reach out and it's most likely I won't look here again after signing up. I know that sounds selfish and I apologise in advance. Just need the feeling that someone may be hearing my words. I've been on and off depressed for near ten years now (this is an "on"). Typically I'm ten times happier than most people. So when I'm felling down, it's ten times worst. I've tried reaching out and getting help over the years but have felt to easily dismissed and didn't get the support I needed. I've cut off most people I've met over the years including through social media accounts which I was always very active on. I couldn't be open enough to say I was struggling as much as I was and I'm sure if people knew they would do more to help me, it's just so hard to say. I guess the hardest thing is for those closest to me saying I'm just grumpy or in a mood. It's a fine line between depression and being grumpy and I guess it's not fair to assume the people closest to you can see that fine line. Yes, I have thoughts of suicide which I will never act on. I have self harmed, getting to a point where I want to feel anything but sadness and physical pain for me seems to over come the mental anguish. I've learnt over the years how to self harm without scarring but on the rare occasion over do it. I do understand this is something I would like to, and need to stop. I have a good life, a good job, a wife I love and a roof over my head and that for me amplifies the reasons I don't reach out. The are people with so much less then me that need so much more help. There are so many of us that feel this way. Please stay safe, feel loved, and never feel alone.. all the very best wishes. M