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

[Elmo2000]

I feel ok so far. I don't feel super "intimidated" and anxious posting here like I do on other social platforms cause everyone on here's going through something as well. I haven't interacted with anyone yet but I hope it will go ok

[Just Sara]

Welcome to the forum Elmo;

You obviously have self insight and the ability to recognise an opportunity for healing when it's there. 🙂 Kudos!

Please feel free to talk with people or create your own thread. There's info sheets galore and links to relevant websites below to browse.

I'm so glad you're here and look forward to seeing you around the sections. Give me a wave to say hello ok. It'd be good to chew the fat so to speak.

Kind thoughts;

Sez

[Quercus]

Hi Elmo 😊

Sara has already said it all but I'll just chip in to say welcome too!

I was talking to a friend today about how important that first step is. It is a huge deal to decide to post. Taking that first leap to put yourself out there on the forums is always a "risk" (an explosion of "what if" worry).

So I am glad you gave it a chance and hope you find the forums as helpful as I do.

❤Nat

[Hazel10]

Hello, I’m new, I’m struggling and lonely.

im not sure if forum could help me but I’m here anyway

[quirkywords]

Hazel

Welcome to the forum. This is a caring and supportive place.

I am sorry you are struggling and lonely. Many people will know what that feels like.

You have taken the first step to reach out and post. Tell us more about yourself when you want to s it would be nice to learn more about you.

Kind thoughts

Quirky

[geoff]

Hello Elmo and Hazel, it's great you have been greeted by Sez, Nat and Quirky, three lovely Champions and hope that you do feel comfortable talking with any of us.

I was so anxious a long time ago when I posted my first comment, not knowing what sort of reaction I would get, now after 15 years I'm still here.

As Sez has mentioned, by starting your own thread is where people who have suffered from a similar condition will be able to help you out.

There are many people on this site who have suffered from different types of depression.

It would be good to hear back from.

Geoff.

[startingnew]

Hi Nat & everyone

Im hoping its ok to ask here as i cant find an appropriate thread.

Im wondering how you all deal with the emotions associated with some of the more difficult stories here. Some are just heartbreaking.

I dont want to be a robot but sometimes it so hard to know that all we can do is offer virtual hugs and support.

So im wondering how you all cope with the more difficult stories even if you cant/dont respond?

Thank you all

[Chloe_M]

hi all,

so I came here about a month ago in search of help for anxiety and depression. I was so scared and anxious when I made my first comment on someone else's thread, I was too scared to post my own, but now I am on here multiple times a day, helping others as best I can and asking for help on my own thread, which I finally got up the courage to post!

now, this is my 90th post, and I have been here just over a month! I have gained much confidence and knowledge, as well as having made a few online friends!

thanks guys,

What are your stories?

xx Chloe

[Chloe_M]

hello Hazel,

as Quirky has already said, welcome! We are glad to have you with us. We will try to help you as best we can 🙂

You say you are lonely and struggling- struggling with what? And why are you lonely? You could reply here or you could start your own thread. I would be more than happy to try and help you with what you are dealing with.

x Chloe

[PamelaR]

Hello Starts

You raise a very good point! Some of the stories I read are quite sad.I manage this by realising - life is hard, life isn't easy, I think of worse case scenarios, e.g. having to fight for my life, e.g. refugees in countries that do not have the compassion Australian population has. I'm glad people have made their way here and are wanting to make positive moves in the lives. I try to see this as a positive to help me, help them.

Sometimes, while people have rather awful lives, do not want to help themselves and just want to vent. Sometimes, I have difficulties trying to provide words that will support these people. But I do, because they too have not had good lives. It's placing a separation between those people and yourself. Maybe it's in the way you think about it and feel about it. My heart goes out to you and as it does, I let my feelings for how you are, go. Does this make sense?

Pammy 🦋❤️✋