Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember18 Sept 2018, 8:40 am AEST

Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

This topic has come to us as a result from the poll we put out to you, the community. For this Topic Tuesday event will have a special guest from our Peer Ambassador program @jess_27 to share insights from their own lived experience, covering the postitive effects of social connection, managing the challenges of some negatives and idea sharing on tips and strategies to approach maintaining healthy social connections in your life.

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

______________________________________________________________________

I'm new here - what is Topic Tuesday?

Topic Tuesday runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly. Each month we focus on a different topic, with the session facilitated by a Community Manager or Moderator. Sometimes Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest, who is an expert in the topic.

The first post of the thread (this one) will give you an idea of what the topic is and what will be covered.

How do I get involved?

Topic Tuesday takes place right here! It's text based, so no software is needed. During the session, to keep up with the latest posts hit the 'refresh' button on your browser for the latest posts (it doesn't automatically update). Keep an eye for page numbers at the top & bottom of the page, and jump to the highest page number for the most recent post.

Throughout the session, the facilitator will put questions out for you to answer, usually asking for your own experience on the topic. To contribute to the session, just hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. No answers are right or wrong and everyone is welcome to get involved.

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, check out our Guides.

129 replies

41 - 50 of 129

1...4 5 6...13

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

BlueBaySenior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:45 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

I feel thst online friends like here in sane is easier than having friends in real life. Because I csn be just myself. I’ve hsd a friend who told me to stop telling her my issues. She didn’t want to hear it.

@jess_27

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

jess_27Senior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:46 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

Your psychologist is right, I do not recommend manic episodes. haha

You sound much like my partner. They get quite fatigued by social engagements. I know something they do is really prioritise their time and who they think is worth the crash, if that makes sense @Adge?

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

Zoe7Senior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:46 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

I have grown to trust many people on the forum but still find that difficult IRL @jess_27 - maybe that is because of past let downs or hurt but also I think a lot of that is the misunderstanding about MI and the effects it does have on relationships

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:47 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

@jess_27@Teej My mother has many friends and they are very demanding on her, same as my sister ... it is very hard when you get overloaded with stimuli to cope with. I think you could have acquaintences .... but it would be a difficult balancing act with some people who just don't get it.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

jess_27Senior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:48 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

@BlueBay What I would say to that is that how that person reacted isn't an indiicator of all friendships. That person just sounds like a bad friend.

I have had many people leave my life due to my mental illness. and to them I say good riddance. For me, if you can't cope with my mental illness, I don't want you in my life. Bit harsh, but true. haha

In response to: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

AdgeSenior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:48 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

I don't have any regular friendships @jess_27

I have maintained several contacts for 20 years - but they all live far away, contact is only via telephone (usually).

Yet online friendships don't feel real to me, I need face-to-face (like I always had & valued in the past).

Adge

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

jess_27Senior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:49 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

Funny we got on to the topic of friends because my next question is to do with friends!

I make it part of my self-care routine to see friends at least once a week. When I can’t deal with social situations, I sometimes get a friend to accompany me to things like doctors appointments as a baby step.

What strategies do you put in place to manage your self-care surrounding relationships?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:50 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

@Zoe7@jess_27 I agree with Zoe7 we are a very forgiving bunch here on the forums and we genuinely care about each other. We just get each other's problems and never let each other down.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

jess_27Senior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:51 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

And that's so lovely that you have built those relationships. Don't udnerestimate the beauty in them and treasure them.

You are right, it is so much easier to be friends with people who 'get' mental illness. My friendships with fellow travellers are very meaningful to me, even if they are a little unstable.

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

BunniekinsSenior Contributor20 Nov 2018, 7:52 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

@jess_27@Former-Member@Adge@Zoe7@BlueBay@Teej and everyone sorry I have to go and put son to bed. Thank you jess_27 for your time. greenpea

41 - 50 of 129

1...4 5 6...13