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

[Just Sara]

Hey INMP;

You've dismissed us even before you get a chance to know us or read a reply. Or, for us to get to know you. I'm disappointed.

Of all the people who might benefit from knowing you, it's us. WE...a very caring community of beautiful people intent on passing on our knowledge and experience to others. We also suffer; we also rage at the moon; we are YOU!

It's a shame your confidence is shot, because we CAN help.

Take care my friend;

Sez

[Positive_Vibes]

Hi Nat,

It feels good to be a newbie on the forum. BeyondBlue is awesome, I wrote the crisis line two weeks ago and the response was very kind and helpful. And I like the success stories a lot, for years in treatment I discuss what not to do or how bad symptoms are, and its great to read some of the successes here. I really hope to have a story like that one day.

I also like hearing people support each other and say nice things. I'm looking for things to feel good about lately, or motivate me. Just got out of the most severe mania of my life that totally destroyed everything around me and so I'm on antipsychotics that make me a zombie while trying to piece my life back together. I'm unusually happy for how much is wrong at the moment, this time I'm getting really focused on treatment and reaching out.

The forum is a great resource. Even when people post something negative or unhappy, they are usually trying to reach out, and somebody writes back encouraging. If I had one addition, it would be for a section to be added for other mental conditions- I have bipolar, epilepsy, a personality disorder, and substance abuse issues. Mania is its own monster, I've been doing research and trying to talk to people about it. I certainly understand depression and anxiety though, they are equally serious topics, and I see posts from other people with bipolar so it feels like an all-inclusive community. Just created my first thread related to relationships and chronic mood disorders, awaiting moderation. This is a cool place, I am just coming out of a crazy mess and I'm very happy for all the positive vibes.

Cheers

Kieran

[Quercus]

Oh wow.

Thank you Kieran and Bella30nsw and Its_my_problem for sharing.

And Paul and Sara for replying while I'm trying to gather my self together again.

I will be taking it easy for a few days (not feeling so good) but I couldn't see three new members and not say hello and welcome and thankyou. And that I look forward to seeing you about the forums and learning your stories.

Its_my_problem I understand if you feel unable to post again. Many people post once only just to put their story out there and to know they are heard. Privacy is a funny thing. Some like me blurt it all out and worry about the consequences later... Others are very careful and even one post is a mammoth effort and risk for them.

My point is your post is helpful and heard. We do care. Very much given that we live with a MI too and get it. And even if you choose to leave it there many will read and think about your words. I wish you all the very best whether you return or not.

Thankyou for sharing what helps you feel welcome on the forums.

❤ Nat

[startingnew]

hi Paul

in answer to your question

Yes BB is a safe place and caring place to have my (and others) say. i wouldnt still be here if it wasnt 🙂

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hey blondguy, sorry about the mis-spelling...I'll go and find your thread and put some info in there for you on CES etc...get all the tools and techniques you can lay your hands on I say. FS

[Flick_SnotGrass]

[blondguy, silly question: how do I navigate to and find 'Your thread'? I'm still not used to the UI, cheers, Flick]

[patricia11]

hello, im new on here. I have depression and anxiety and I am scared of it so every day is a battle to feel better. I am on medication but i feel so down everyday. its getting harder and harder to cope. People stay away family stay away when we need their support the most. I want somebody to talk to. pjc

[running_up_that_hill]

It is great being a newbie here ... like being born again .... and connecting with people that understand without any judgements. People just get you here.

[Moonstruck]

You can talk to me Patricia. What a lovely name that is I just realised. I have a relative Patricia and also some close friends. They use a shortened version and one tends to forget that their real name is actually...Patricia...It's lovely.

there are a lot of people here to talk to, and to listen. Much better at responding to you than I am...but perhaps I saw you first!! People do tend to stay away don't they, when we're feeling so low? I wonder why. Or is it just our imagination and our confused thoughts?

I feel a bit that way myself just now...everyone in my circle seems to have disappeared too. I almost feel like ringing a friend up and just saying "I feel so low, please talk to me and cheer me up" but I can't do that to them.

You can talk here though Patricia, whenever you want...someone will always be listening and trying to help.

love from Moon S

[Sheba1]

Hi I am a newbie and are glad to be in this forum. I understand how people feel as I am feeling lonely.