topic Introduction Jaimie in Welcome and orientation

Introduction Jaimie

JaimieS — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:33:58 GMT

Hi, I am new here. Looking for other people in a similar situation to share the emotional burden. I am a single parent, belong to the LGBTQ group, female, migrant, very low level of social contacts or support network. Anyone out there in a similar situation please feel free to contact me.

Introduction Jaimie

sisu100 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:59:04 GMT

Hi Jaimie,
I want to start by first welcoming you to the forums, and thanking you for reaching out. I hope that you find the forums to be a safe and supportive space to connect with others.
I am female and my parents come from a migrant background. I’m also fairly introverted so I don’t have a big range of social contacts. I understand that I may not share many of the same experiences, but I hope I can be of support with anything you need. Remember you can open up here and be safe in doing so. Please feel free to share how you're feeling to lighten your burden if you’d like to. Our community is here to support you and hear what you are going through.

Introduction Jaimie

missep123 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:19:09 GMT

Hi JaimieS,

Welcome to the forums! I'm really glad that you reached out. I hope that you will find comfort and support from our community. Please know that you are not alone and we are always here to chat and listen.

How have you been doing today?

Introduction Jaimie

Tay100 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:35:24 GMT

Hi JaimieS,

Welcome, we appreciate you being here! If you are looking to make social connections and emotional support, these threads may be of interest to you: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/sexuality-and-gender-identity and https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/multicultural-experiences and https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well for emotional and positive mental health management.

Also, feel free to chat in this thread too- there seem to be great responses so far.

Sending kindness,

Tay100

Introduction Jaimie

JaimieS — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 02:32:29 GMT

Hello, thank you very much for being so welcoming.
I think, looking after a new born baby entirely alone in a foreign country without family support has really triggered anxiety and I am terrified that a depression might be creeping up.
I had major depression in the past and had to be on anti-depression medication for 5 years. I really felt that these medication turned me into a emotionless zombie. Being on these medication feels like being in a coma. Therefore, I really try to look after myself and fight anxiety and depression by 'natural' and intelectual ways, e.g. exercise, healthy food, zero cigarets, alcohol or drugs, enough sleep. I really want to avoid having to take anti-depression medication.

On the BeyondBlue website I found a link to another help website. This one: https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au
There seem to be online courses on this website. I am unable to afford a psychologist or therapist. Therefore, I am planning to do one of these online courses to get long term help with anxiety.
I am just wondering, if anyone has done one of these courses?
Also, would anyone know if there is help out there for people who cannot afford therapy?

Thank you.
I wish you all a wonderful day.
Kind regards

Introduction Jaimie

missep123 — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 06:05:16 GMT

Hi JaimieS,

As someone who has moved countries and had to start anew, I can relate! With your situation and taking care of a newborn as well that must be really challenging.

I think you are showing so much insight because it seems as though you are being aware of potential triggers and noticing when your mood begins to dip. I think it's really great that you have been trying to eat well, exercise and sleep well (very important aspects for mental health).

I personally have not heard about that website but you have brought up a very valid point. What can people do if they can't afford therapy?

If you notice yourself becoming distressed or needing someone to talk to, you can always talk to Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
Ted Talks might be helpful! Learning about other people's lived experiences and how they have coped/learning that you are not alone in how you are feeling.
Youtube videos - I can't attest to the quality but there may be ones from counsellors or psychologists that can teach techniques or have self-care tips
Meditation/Mindfulness videos- There are so many great ones on Youtube that will help teach to accept thoughts in a non-emotional/judgmental way and let them pass. I always say that Mindfulness is like a muscle, it takes a lot of practice to train your mind!

Also I wonder if there are any free counselling/government funded programs near you that might be worth researching too!

How would you feel about these options?