Peer Group Chat// Battling the Blues // Thursday 11th July 2024, 7-8:30PM AEST

[tyme]

On Thursday 11th July 2024, we will be holding a Peer Group Chat on the topic of Battling the Blues.

Many can relate to feeling blue. Whilst this can be a healthy part of life, it becomes an issue when ‘the blues’ start to take over our lives and stops us from doing the things we usually look forward to doing. 

The event start times across Australia are below:

This is currently held in Australian Eastern Standard hours:

WA: 5pm

NT: 6:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 7pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm 

For anyone unfamiliar with Peer Group Chats, each focuses on a specific topic and is guided by Peer Workers with lived experience of mental health issues and recovery, &/or caring for someone with complex mental health. A counsellor is also present as a moderator to help ensure a safe environment for individuals and the group. It is a space for us as peers to share our stories and experiences, and connect with those who are going through something similar. 

Peer Group Chats are hosted outside of the forums, using a platform called Chatwee. To join an Online Peer Group Chat, you will need to register for an account with Chatwee. On the night, follow this link and log in to your Chatwee account before the group starts.

Please see this FAQ for any questions you may have. For any issues on the night, please message the moderator of the group on the Chat platform. If you'd like to receive a reminder closer to the event, please support this post & we'll keep you updated.

@Squishy @Shaz51 @Snowie @Captain24 @Oaktree @Glisten @Rockdog @WildFlower1 @Spritely @Alonely @7cough9 @Andarna @MessyGirl @Healandlove @ENKELI @Who-Knows @monket @BaggyJeans @Jacques @ChouxieChou 

[tyme]

The event start times across Australia are below:

This is currently held in Australian Eastern Standard hours:

WA: 5pm

NT: 6:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 7pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm 

For anyone unfamiliar with Peer Group Chats, each focuses on a specific topic and is guided by Peer Workers with lived experience of mental health issues and recovery, &/or caring for someone with complex mental health. A counsellor is also present as a moderator to help ensure a safe environment for individuals and the group. It is a space for us as peers to share our stories and experiences, and connect with those who are going through something similar. 

Peer Group Chats are hosted outside of the forums, using a platform called Chatwee. To join an Online Peer Group Chat, you will need to register for an account with Chatwee. On the night, follow this link and log in to your Chatwee account before the group starts.

Please see this FAQ for any questions you may have. For any issues on the night, please message the moderator of the group on the Chat platform. If you'd like to receive a reminder closer to the event, please support this post & we'll keep you updated.

@Squishy @Shaz51 @Snowie @Captain24 @Oaktree @Glisten @Rockdog @WildFlower1 @Spritely @Alonely @7cough9 @Andarna @MessyGirl @Healandlove @ENKELI @Who-Knows @monket @BaggyJeans @Jacques @ChouxieChou 

[tyme]

The event start times across Australia are below:

This is currently held in Australian Eastern Standard hours:

WA: 5pm

NT: 6:30pm

SA: 6:30pm 

QLD: 7pm

NSW, ACT, VIC & TAS: 7pm 

For anyone unfamiliar with Peer Group Chats, each focuses on a specific topic and is guided by Peer Workers with lived experience of mental health issues and recovery, &/or caring for someone with complex mental health. A counsellor is also present as a moderator to help ensure a safe environment for individuals and the group. It is a space for us as peers to share our stories and experiences, and connect with those who are going through something similar. 

Peer Group Chats are hosted outside of the forums, using a platform called Chatwee. To join an Online Peer Group Chat, you will need to register for an account with Chatwee. On the night, follow this link and log in to your Chatwee account before the group starts.

Please see this FAQ for any questions you may have. For any issues on the night, please message the moderator of the group on the Chat platform. If you'd like to receive a reminder closer to the event, please support this post & we'll keep you updated.

@Squishy @Shaz51 @Snowie @Captain24 @Oaktree @Glisten @Rockdog @WildFlower1 @Spritely @Alonely @7cough9 @Andarna @MessyGirl @Healandlove @ENKELI @Who-Knows @monket @BaggyJeans @Jacques @ChouxieChou 

[Ainjoule]

Hey @tyme 

Just wondering if anyone else is able to access the Chatwee platform from a mobile device? I know I have tried and failed previously to join this group when it has been on from a mobile device. I just get a blank page when I click on the log in page. I have tried at least two mobile devices. I have another tablet when I get home I will try it. 

[tyme]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Are you able to clear the history on your phone @Ainjoule ?

Most members are actually connecting to Chatwee via their phones.

Also, sometimes, it takes a while to load the Chatwee platform. OR, at the bottom right hand corner, you may see a blue speech bubble icon. If you see it, click on it.

Fingers crossed it will work for you.

[Ainjoule]

Oh, yeah….thanks. The speech bubble did finally come up. I think I am in. Thanks

[tyme]

Thanks to everyone who connected tonight for a great insightful discussion.

Here are tonight's questions:

Q1: When we talk about the differences between having ‘the blues’ and ‘depression’, what does this mean to you?

Q2: Feeling ‘blue’ is a part of life. What are some situations which may cause a person to experience ‘the blues’ (sadness)?

Q3: What can be some potential benefits of feeling the blues?

Q4: Having ‘the blues’ and depression are different. What are some warning signs that 'the blues’ (sadness) may actually be depression?

Q5: If you are feeling ‘blue’, what are some things you can do to lighten these feelings?

Q6: Can you think of any differences between strategies used for ‘the blues’ (sadness) as opposed to depression?

Q7: Next time you are battling the blues, what are some things you can do to help?

Here are some further resources we recommend having a look at: 

1 Feeling Blue: https://www.healthline.com/health/feeling-blue 

2 It’s okay to feel sad: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/its-okay-to-feel-sad 

3 Depression vs sadness: https://www.medibank.com.au/health-support/mental-health/articles/depression-or-sadness/ 

This is the Inside Out Zones of Regulation. Note, there is no "WRONG" or "BAD" zone. Rather, this is to help us articulate what zone we are in and what we may be feeling and doing.

Do you remember this? https://youtu.be/q8DzjLy1YzE?si=Qz4sPnoNzuO6j1yu

@Ainjoule @Glisten @Shaz51 @Captain24 @Squishy @Andarna @Jacques @Alonely @Who-Knows 

[Healandlove]

Thank you so much for posting the questions @tyme .

I wasn't able to join yesterday. 

Will the replies of the members that joined be posted too?

Q1. For me I feel having the blues is momentary but depression is a more serious and permanent state.

Q2. Some experiences could be watching a good friend move far away, not being able to catch up with friends due to changes in plan, arguments with our kids.

Q3. Feeling the blues can help us self assess and the situation making us sad. It is a chance to re-set.

Q4. Constant negativity and loosing interest in all the things you used to enjoy. Nothing can lift your mood.

I have to think more about the rest of the qs.