If you are new to internet forums or discussion sites, it may look like a lot of information and perhaps slightly daunting! However, it is reasonably straightforward. You only need to know a few things to get you started.
If you read this short introduction page, you’ll have all the essential information to take part in Internet forum discussions.
Stick to the guidelines
Internet discussion forums all have different styles, rules and guidelines. Our forum’s ethos is to discuss mental health issues in a safe, anonymous, and friendly atmosphere. Please read our guidelines.
To post a new topic or reply to a discussion
You need to be a member and log into the Forum to do either of these things. Once you have written your post or replied to a discussion, you can join the forum.
Post a new topic:
Find the place on the forum where you want to post your new topic and click on the ‘Post Thread’ button. Then give your topic a title to make it clear to other people what you are writing about. Write your message in the large box on the window and then click on the ‘Post Thread’ button.
Reply to a discussion:
You will find a box at the bottom of the discussion thread where you can write your reply. Once you have written your reply, click the ‘Post Reply’ button.
Important Tips
- Read what you have written before you click the ‘Post Thread’ or ‘Post Reply’ buttons. Ask yourself, have I explained things in a way that other people will understand?
- After you have posted, you will usually see your message on the forum immediately. Sometimes though, posts are held back for our moderators to look at before they are published on the forum. Please don’t worry if this happens, our moderators will check the post as soon as they can.
Reporting posts
To ensure our forum remains a friendly place to discuss issues, we have a team of volunteers who uphold the guidelines. As you can see, this is a busy internet forum. Most posts are instantaneously available for viewing and are not individually moderated to keep conversations current and fluid. At the bottom of every post on our forum, there’s a “Report” link. Please use it to report anything you’re concerned about.
If you need help
We have a team of dedicated volunteers (“Forum Guides”) who offer their time assisting new members as well as established members! To find them, log into the forum and then click on “Members” in the top bar. There, you will find a list of staff members. The Guides’ names are in fuchsia (pink). Feel free to click on their name and send them a private message with any questions or concerns. You will likely get a faster response by clicking one currently online (they have a green circle next to their name).
Get started
With this information, you can start and post your issues, find support groups and all the latest mental health news etc. To join our friendly forum:
If you have registered, you are ready to say hello to our members. Please go ahead and post your message. If you’d first like to see how other people have introduced themselves, look in our introductions section.
Or have a look around the forum, and see which areas may be of help to you or someone you are concerned about.
It is great to have you with us! Together we are stronger!
From all of us here at the Mental Health Forum!
Special thanks to Mayfair and the Forum Guides for writing this page!!