@frog To be non-judgemental is so important and really hard when it goes against the grain of our natural human instinct to judge and assess another (wired into us across evolution!). But it is one of the key pillars within this online community, and I am always so impressed as to how open people are here within the SANE Forums, many of you hold space for each other so proactively 
@whatsinaname Sensitivity is very important, and thank you for raising the example of PTSD. I am sorry to hear you are navigating the symptoms of this, but we're all here for you And a really great point in relation to sensitivity.
Alrighty crew in an effort to keep on track with time for tonight's chat - on to question 2!
As a member of this forum, or even as a moderator or community manager, we are not here to “fix” any one else’s situation. What we can do, is be there for them. Three really important communication tools we can use to ‘hold space’ are open ended questions; reflective listening & affirmations.
Open ended questions are questions that can’t be answered with a yes/no, good/bad type answer.
Reflective listening is about showing the person you’ve understood what they have said.
Affirmations are statements that recognise strengths or behaviours that lead to positive change.
Asking open ended questions can help the people you are talking to open up and drive the conversation towards the things they want/need to talk about. Can you think of some open ended Qs you’ve used in the forums?
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.