Lived Experience Forum

[Appleblossom]

Thanks for your post @Tortoiseshell 

Tbh I dont think I knew what being comfortable even was, when I joined the forums.  I am getting better at understanding it now. I had been in over extended situation for many years at that time.  I saw the forums as experimental and not a completely failsafe situation. I still think there is a limit to what the mods can do, so I try and support those who feel on the edge, while still giving respect to working aspects of forum, guidelines and mods etc.

[Former-Member]

Hey @Former-Member 

I understand the feeling of not being safe because of bullying and get that you have taken time away. Please know that I will continue to try and check in with you and even if you just hit the support button so I know you are ok or as ok as you can be. 

💖💖💖

[Zoe7]

@Tortoiseshell There was moderator intervention on this particular occasion stating there seemed to be some tension and pointing members to the guidelines on conflict within the forum. There was also a frank exchange between several members that whilst harsh in some comments was continued by @Former-Member  themselves. One member in particular asked not to be tagged anymore yet this was ignored by @Former-Member several times. She then said she was taking a break and had asked for the entire thread to be deleted - which it was. 

I was not involved in this discussion but was writing a reply at the time it was deleted - so the moderation at the time certainly followed @Former-Member 's request. 

I further do not feel that you were bullied @Former-Member but that some of the comments were inappropriate and extremely harsh - which I was saying in my response at the time. The continuing of the discussion however was a combination of all involved continuing to post replies and in that respect it went a lot further than it should have. I understand you not feeling safe on the forums after that and that some of those involved used very direct language but at any time you could also have stopped that conversation by not replying. You did the right thing by requesting the thread be deleted to stop any further replies and for there to be an end to it once and for all.

At the time I was going to ask you what it was you wanted from the forum - so I will ask that now. This is not meant to be a negative question but one that hopefully you can answer so we can know how to best support you. Many of us here have had a lengthy period of time conversing, connecting and supporting each other and if that is what you also want/need then we are happy to support you in that but it also needs to be up to you to be aware of the guidelines, other people's situation as best you can and the knowledge that we are all dealing with mental illness in some capacity and therefore occasionally things can be misconstrued and/or views and opinions can differ. Take into consideration also that people all have their own individual ways of responding, writing and replying and if that triggers a negative response in yourself then moving away from that conversation or thread is good self-care.

It is a learning journey however you procede but one in which you have the support of the community to help you navigate both your MI and the forums.

[Tortoiseshell]

Hey everyone,

It sounds like this is situation where everyone has very strong reactions. Interacting in groups is tough enough, but can be especially hard online, and everyone's experience or perception of a situation is their own.

Here is the link you mentioned about addressing conflict on the forums, I encourage everyone to read over it: https://saneforums.org/t5/help/faqpage/title/addressing-conflict

I have already mentioned the team@saneforums.org email if anyone needs some extra support. 

@Zoe7 you drew attention in your post to the fact that it can be very difficult to receive a lot of harsh feedback or opinions, particularly from a large group. I would encourage everyone to keep that in mind in this thread too, and as well as to be gentle with each other. As you acknowledged @Zoe7 everyone here is navigating some vulnerability.

The forums are really important to so many people, and particularly with the current limitations on socialising face to face, so it's very important we stay respectful of one another, and also take breaks if you need. 

Take care, 

Tortoiseshell 

[Zoe7]

Please reach ut to the helplines @Former-Member and get some support tonight.

[Tortoiseshell]

@Former-Member I'm sending you an email to check in, keep an eye on your inbox. 

Take care, 

Tortoiseshell 

[Appleblossom]

You would not have seen it @Former-Member  It was years ago

Dont attempt ... find a way to self soothe.

[outlander]

@Former-Member
Please reach out for some supports, im really concerned when you say your going for good-your going to attempt!
@Former-Member

[Former-Member]

@outlander @Former-Member @Appleblossom @Tortoiseshell @Zoe7 and others.

Just wanted to say I'm still here, and I'm sorry for upsetting anyone and causing distress, and for saying what I said. I just don't think it's fair that I reported the comments and the mods haven't blocked the person or at least told them to respect people.

I'm safe, and I'm very sorry. Please forgive me. I don't know if I should stay or not because I still don't feel safe and welcome, because of those people. I won't mention the usernames because of rules.

I apologise. Does anyone want me to stay, even if I don't come on often?

PS - I got my Beyond Blue forum account deactivated yet again, just because I was trying to get support for myself, they told me not to make more than one thread but I saw people make heaps of threads about the same thing, it just feels like bullying and discrimination towards me.

Mods, please delete those posts I reported, and please block those members who's comments I reported or atleast tell them to be respectful and that they should apologise because it tipped me over the edge.

Apologies again everyone.

[Former-Member]

@MDT @Shaz51 @nashy @Sophia1 @Eucalypt @Eden1919 @Valentine 

@Adge @frog @WriterMelb @BlueBay @Former-Member @eth @Faith-and-Hope 

@Mazarita @Former-Member @outlander @Appleblossom @Tortoiseshell @Zoe7 

@Former-Member @Meowmy @Maggie @Snowie @CheerBear @Dani1981 @Whitehawk 

@Sans911 @Former-Member @Jupiter @sherpa09 @Bookworm @Scarecrowe @Scoo 

@TheVorticon @Ochre above comment. I won't tag anyone anymore also unless someone tags me and I'm replying to them. 

I'm sorry everyone.