Discussion 01: Introduction to Group Support

@ASilentObserver

@ASilentObserver

Hello, this is all fabulous <3 Group Chatrooms are such an important part of 7cups I totally agree.

3 Highs-

• Everyone supporting eachother and sharing experiences. Especially in support room i have experienced seeing members and listeners supporting 💓

• Games and Discussions - ive hosted many games and Discussions, it is always an awesome structured way to have fun, share information and keep things positive:)

• Bringing everyone together and being inclusive (: - making sure everyone's feelings are validated and everyone is listened to and heard - ive seen many make sure to include everyone in groups, even new members.

3 Lows-

• Sometimes things get difficult and there are disagreements which escalate. - I've experienced seeing this once and it can be distressing for both the people involved and other members in chat.

• People bypassing cursing tags - the tags are there for a reason and we should keep the chat happy and safe for all 💓

• Members sometimes being angry st there being Discussions, or talking over the discussion.

Take care,

Tabby 💗

@ASilentObserver

This is only my 4th day on 7 Cups, but I have been in chat rooms every day and have already had several experiences.

Highs-

I've met some really nice, supportive, compassionate people who have remembered me when they see me again. I've done some sharing and felt good about it most of the time. (I haven't done any serious sharing because of reasons in the Lows section, but I've done some.)

In a room with only four or five people, we had stopped having a serious conversation and were talking about pets and someone came in needing help. Everyone stopped the extraneous chatting to pay attention to the new person who needed to talk. I felt good about that.

It's been fulfilling being able to listen to and help others. It feels nice when someone leaves in a better mood or with a plan of action and I know I had something to do with that. Sometimes people just need to talk through it with someone else, or hear someone else's perspective or story. I've seen it in the chat rooms and I've been a part of some and it just feels good.

Lows -

Someone pushed someone else to tell their story and then told them they were lying and got very aggressive about it. Someone had to get a moderator to kick them out. It was quite disturbing, especially because the story was so traumatic.

Many times, I've been in a room where there are two or three serious conversations going on and someone pops in and immediately starts talking with no regard to what's going on. Like today, someone came in and started spewing about some controversial math theory and another came in with weird jokes. Both times, people left, including some of the ones who were trying to get some help and people who were listening to them because they were just so obnoxious. I'm aging myself here, but these are not the chat rooms of the 1990s where you could just go in and talk about anything. People are trying to get help and help others!

Speaking of the chat rooms of the 1990s, that's what I was looking for when I came to 7 Cups. I was looking for chat rooms, but I was also hoping that when I found a friend, I would be able to speak one-on-one with them. That isn't the case and I'm sad and disappointed about it. Some friends I made almost 30 years ago in chat rooms and then talked to via instant messaging, I still have! Some I've met in person and some I haven't, but they are lasting friendships because we got to know each other one-on-one.

@ASilentObserver

3 Highs:

1. Supportive members and listeners in chat
2. Encouraging words given after anxiety overload
3. Empathetic people making sure I didn’t feel like I was going through things alone

1. Person picking fights in chat
2. Someone saying “I’ve had worse” and downplaying other people’s experiences
3. Ive only had these two negative experiences

@ASilentObserver

I am happy to report three highs that I have experienced in group support chatrooms; encouraging words of support from participants to those who share their challenges, camaraderie in a common struggle, and overall positive vibes shared through upbeat/compassionate connections. I understand there will always be challenging moments in groups, and am most fortunate to have not personally experienced any low points in group chats. Something I have experienced as a member that could be considered low was a member who was under the influence of alcohol and being somewhat disruptive. Luckily there was a helpful mod to support the room in an effective matter. I couldn’t think of any other lows, I must be very fortunate. As I read some of the other responses to this thread I can see that most have experienced some other challenges. I will repost if I come across anything else that could be considered here.

@ASilentObserver

My 3 highs.

My ex bf broke up with me for another girl. When i was sharing my story in sc. The users have me alot of support. They are my highs.

1) a user named @recliningfate my first high , motivated me with such good words on why i shouldn't be sad.

2) a user named @Iampapaya my second positive impact she Adviced me.

3) a user named @neonBlueberry1843 . Always supported me cared for me.

My 3 highs from sharing circle motivation, advice & support.

My 3 lows:

1) i remember being ignored by the sc host even when i * to share he ignored my * and said the Q is now closed.

2) had misunderstanding with a host. I * and requested to add me to the Q. The host said the q is not open I'll open it later u can then join . I felt bad.

What will happen if I'm just added to the Q eventhough a sharer is sharer is sharing.

3) a sharer was sharing i joined n started to host , i was hosting n the sharer kept sharing straight for 9mts. I told her please wrap up your share. Other users fired up saying that I'm being rude by stopping her share and "as if SC runs in clock based" the share at last ended her share, i asked if there's anyone in Q . They said no one i opened the q n this sharer * again n started sharing again. But before it can star these other sharers said. Lol good nose cut. I felt very bad .

@ASilentObserver I was working on my response and it got erased I don't know how.

1. People are very kind I was in General support for about from 530 to 7 I believe. I will try to keep track
2. Conflict seem to be resolved quickly can you quietly
3. They were very kind to me they wish me luck about today yeah the next six weeks.

1. I had to mute somebody this morning because they were being disrespectful I don't like watching people because they're entitled to their own opinions.
2. There is no way to slow down the chat so it is hard to keep up. Could we implement a slow mode?
3. As far as I could tell there was no community leaders set for that time so I was basically on my own without the badge. During the testing it would be extremely hopeful if my peer support badge could go for every room especially during the testing at least.

@richuyulin I was in General support this morning.

@ASilentObserver

3 HIGHS-

1. Hosted few pop up sessions it went so good, the positivity and encouragement in the room is appreciated.

2. I joined many Supportive sessions and learned new things about mental health also related to listening journey in the listener rooms.

3. I liked the mindfulness sessions it helped me in my own healing and acceptance too😊

3 LOWS

1. I encountered conflict.

2. My query was not answered once in lsr.

3. Unsupportive members in one room made me feel overwhelmed once.