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

[Peppermintbach]

Great thread idea and advice, Quercus 🙂

My brain is malfunctioning today so I have no constructive input but I wanted to lend my support.

Thanks for this and I'm sure many people will find this helpful.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xo

[Quercus]

Hi Pepper,

Thanks for replying. I hit post and then felt like a bit of an idiot as usual 😂

[Sorrel]

Hey Quercus,

Thanks so much for posting this, I'm new hear and it is all a bit confusing, your post really did help me out.

Thanks again

- Sorrel

[Quercus]

Hi Sorrel,

You've officially made my day (and it's been a bit of a flat one so I appreciate that!).

Welcome to the forums! I'll look out for your thread when you feel ready 😊

If you have any questions just shout out (or you can search for keywords to see if there is already a thread about it).

Made my day... Seriously 😁

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Quercus,

6 people have liked it already so that clearly shows that you're being far too hard on yourself 😉

Plus...look what Sorrel wrote 🙂

Speaking of which, it's nice to meet you, Sorrel, and here's a warm welcome to forums 🙂

Kind thoughts,

Pepper xo

[Mia001]

Hi Quercus,

The first time I posted on here I didn't know what to say. I was just waiting for someone to reply and tell me what to do. For a while, I felt like an outsider. Everyone else seemed to know their way around, know what to say. It almost felt like I was intruding.

It was awkward communicating with people I'd never met before. I was very careful when I posted, always worried about saying the wrong thing. There were so many times I wanted to reach out and reply to someone but I didn't. It took a while for me to relax, and find the confidence to say what I wanted to say to others and write openly about myself.

I really appreciated even a quick reply like "I'm thinking of you, will be back" when I posted for help. It makes a world of difference when you feel alone and unloved. I also like having someone "checking in" regularly to ask how I am. It's nice to feel like you have a friend who cares about you and keeps an eye on you.

Anyway, that's me. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else says.

Mia

[Mia001]

Just wanted to say hi to Sorrel! It's always nice to see a new face.

[Flick_SnotGrass]

Hey Quercus,

Thank you for your post, it's very helpful.

This is my first Beyond Blue 'Post' or 'Reply' or 'Comment' [I never know which 🙂 ] and I wasn't sure how to get started and not annoy (a) the Moderators, (b) the Community or (c) somebody else who I should have known about but didn't because I didn't read your post first.

So thank you.

Flick SnotGrass

[Quercus]

Hi Flick 😊

Please please for the love of God tell me you have a thread of your own or will consider starting one. Your sense of humour is GOLD! Welcome!