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BeyondBlue Welcome to the BB Social Zone - Guidelines for posting in this section
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is a little different to the others, as you may have noticed in looking at the discussions. Elsewhere on the Forums, we discuss some pretty heavy topics: mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, t... View more

Hi everyone, This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is a little different to the others, as you may have noticed in looking at the discussions. Elsewhere on the Forums, we discuss some pretty heavy topics: mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, trauma, abuse, relationship breakdowns. Here is the place to come to get away from that and have a bit of fun. Distraction can be an important tool to draw on if you're finding yourself overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. As this is a section for respite from heavier topics, we will relocate any discussions about heavier topics to a more suitable section of the Forums. Happy posting! Beyond Blue

Kazzl The BB cafe
  • replies: 20776

The BB cafe is open for business! Welcome all to a new chill and chat place for everyone on the forum. The BB cafe is whatever you want it to be. There are comfy sofas, tables and chairs, coffee machines, a kitchen stocked with everything. There's a ... View more

The BB cafe is open for business! Welcome all to a new chill and chat place for everyone on the forum. The BB cafe is whatever you want it to be. There are comfy sofas, tables and chairs, coffee machines, a kitchen stocked with everything. There's a pool outside, a bbq area, an annexe with comfy beds for a quiet sleep, tv, dvd, books and whatever else you would like to have here. Most of all, it's a place to meet friends and fellow travellers for a bit of company. Talk over problems, tell jokes, share your day, escape into a world of your making. Grab a coffee and pull up a chair ... So, with a nod to the wonderful Carole King (Hard Rock Cafe) ... Now if you're feeling just a little bit lonely Don't sit at home just mopin' Come on down to where the friendship flows freely You know the door is always open At the BB cafe Come to the BB cafe They will help keep your blues at bay At the BB cafe Important Message from ModSupport: The main intention of the BB Cafe is to encourage light conversation. Please look after your fellow community members by nuturing the BB Cafe as a place to escape some of the more pressing issues in life and save those conversations for personal threads.

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arcane66 Hi, introducing myself
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, I have just joined beyond blue on-line and thought I would introduce myself. My name is Lynne and I am 53. I have been married for nearly 12 years for the 2nd time. I have 3 children, 2 boys 34 and 31 and a daughter 24. I have been diagn... View more

Hi everyone, I have just joined beyond blue on-line and thought I would introduce myself. My name is Lynne and I am 53. I have been married for nearly 12 years for the 2nd time. I have 3 children, 2 boys 34 and 31 and a daughter 24. I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bi-Polar for 20 years. It has taken me a long time to realize that I have an illness. My doctor says I don't have Borderline Personality Disorder but I thought I would still put it in because that is what one of my earlier phychiatrists said I had. My doctor says I have Bi-Polar and was miss-diagnosed all those years ago. I have not had to be hospitalized for 4 years now, but before that I was always in and out of hospital. I think I had finally worked out what my triggers were and so went to my doctors before I got too bad and needed to be hospitalized. It has not been easy and my 3 children have not had a good childhood, but I feel they have turned out alright. Last week was my birthday and I did not get anything for my birthday and even my daughter didn't wish me a happy birthday. I know we are having a few problems but to not wish me a happy birthday hurt. It is the first year my husband has never got me anything for my birthday. I am depressed at the moment so joining this group at this time has been perfect timing. I am finding things getting me down easily and now I have hurt my back. My husband and I live in a caravan because our dream was to become grey nomads and travel around Australia. So far in 2 years we have traveled for 5 months in 2013 to Western Australia. We have been plagued by illnesses, injuries, operations and appointments. We hope to go to Wallaroo on the 7th July for a week. I need this so bad just so I can go off by myself and do some fishing on my own. I miss being able to just go somewhere on my own. I don't drive and I cannot catch buses anymore because I have had 3 bus accidents as a passenger. When we had our own home I used to do gardening to keep my depression in check but now I have nothing. I hope this forum will be very helpful for me. Thank you rant over. I look forward to talking to you all.

k_therase We're all mad here.
  • replies: 2

Thought I would share the poems from over a year ago. I am now okay. In this land i seek the fork, that part in the road where the flowers talk. It’s exclaimed that every one here is mad,not in the anger but simply a crazy fad. In this mystical land ... View more

Thought I would share the poems from over a year ago. I am now okay. In this land i seek the fork, that part in the road where the flowers talk. It’s exclaimed that every one here is mad,not in the anger but simply a crazy fad. In this mystical land of impractical guilt, its time to acknowledge the madness built.In the land of Alice’s parnoia and suspicion,I seek for those on a mission. To break hearts and tea cup plates, those who are cruel are behind the cakes. Walking around like they own the land, but really their personalities are just bland. The fake ones should be thrown into the land of leaches.In Alices land, a world of my own, I walk the streets with my shadow alone. I struggle to conqure those who are mean, I fill up the room with the tears that are green. The envy filled inside those black hearts, they bleed and tare like abstract art. The tea cups are smashed and the cake eaten, now it is only my mind to be beaten.In the land Alice has created, I seem to be the only one ever hated. All I receive from thou who are treasured, are knives and daggers as my back is turned and severed.In Alice’s world of deceiving and crultey, my mind is made up, yup, absolutely. I find thy friends made from smiles and laughs, but really their all hiding behind those masks. They tease and joke, because they think it’s funny, when in Alice’s world it is a waste of money. To spend life on those who don’t matter, when all I need is the mad hatter.I live in Alice’s land of wonders and lies, wondering who has the best disguise. The mad hatter, or the queen of hearts, all the friends shatter thy world into parts. Looking for the staggering path to no where, but there doesn’t seem to be a soul to care. Alice’s world of mischief and fun, sometimes I think I’m finally done.

Neil_1 Bad parents make great kids - or do they??
  • replies: 9

You know on this site, we've got a number of lovely people who post (or who have posted in the past) who are genuine, caring, compassionate people and are supportive of others. Here is the $64,000 question. "How did they become this way?" Is it an in... View more

You know on this site, we've got a number of lovely people who post (or who have posted in the past) who are genuine, caring, compassionate people and are supportive of others. Here is the $64,000 question. "How did they become this way?" Is it an inbuilt thing? Did they learn it from other friends/peers when they were young?Where am I going with this?I’ve bought this up as it keeps cropping up often (too many times for what I’d like) that so many posters have experienced dreadful, horrible times in their childhood – with either one or both parents being non-caring, non-supporting, showing no love and at times, much much worse.Yet, here we are on this site with everyone who posts here who has experienced awful trauma and times as a child – and every ONE of them are the most kindest, wonderful, loving, generous people that you could ever wish to know. I couldn’t say the word “meet” there because we don’t have that option. But with the posts back and forth, we DO get to know them and that’s how I know of the disposition of these beautiful people. And I’m not going to name names because you know who you are. Yes, that’s right – YOU. little lol How did you become this way? I’ve read and heard that so many of the terrible people of this world – you know the ones who have been serial killers or hit men, and the like – they had really bad experiences growing up – bad experiences as a child.So what does it? What makes one child who was treated so poorly as a kid – turn to become a killer – someone who couldn’t care about human life and as a result, takes people’s lives? And yet on the other hand, what makes another child, possibly treated the same way – but they turn out to like so many of the champion people who are in this onsite community? Chalk and cheese.Thoughts?Neil

fifi yawn is it the weekend yet ???
  • replies: 4

hello fellow beyond bluers thought i would check in and see how every one is going ?? It is a short week this week i have to say i love short weeks as much as i hate them hahahha the mix up in the routine is really overwhelming at times i am . The la... View more

hello fellow beyond bluers thought i would check in and see how every one is going ?? It is a short week this week i have to say i love short weeks as much as i hate them hahahha the mix up in the routine is really overwhelming at times i am . The last week has been ok with the exception of tuesday wow my poor old brain really failed me then but the rest of the week not so bad maybe i am on the up ? hoping so i have my first fertility trial appointment later on this month so i am hoping that the next few weeks remain good and it will help me to be strong when i really need to . hoping you all have a happy and safe day

Neil_1 Introducing Nugget :) :) :)
  • replies: 9

Dear all My daughter and I thought it time to update my pic against my name - I thought we had chosen Jack, our dog, but it looks as though I've been over-ruled, when I wasn't looking cheeky girl. So I present to you all, ONE of our lovely four chook... View more

Dear all My daughter and I thought it time to update my pic against my name - I thought we had chosen Jack, our dog, but it looks as though I've been over-ruled, when I wasn't looking cheeky girl. So I present to you all, ONE of our lovely four chookens, this one is Nugget. Or Nuggzy to her friends. You may all call her Nuggzy. Neil

geoff sorry can't get to messages
  • replies: 7

I'm so sorry to all those that are commenting and then those who are replying, who I can see have been able to do so, but I am having trouble to respond to you, because my pc won't let me do this. I have gone through all my anti-viruses programs, shu... View more

I'm so sorry to all those that are commenting and then those who are replying, who I can see have been able to do so, but I am having trouble to respond to you, because my pc won't let me do this. I have gone through all my anti-viruses programs, shut down my pc, all to no avail, I am using Firefox on windows 7 which won't let me reply, and then tried chrome but it still comes up with 'system error'. Sorry but I will try and get it fixed, I have informed BB as to my trouble, so just wondering if others are using Firefox. Geoff.

Jo3 Been away
  • replies: 24

Hi to all my friends (Neil, Geoff, Mares, GA, Stressless, White Knight, Crash Coyote(John)Bridget and I'm sorry if I have missed someone's name) I have been away at Cairns for 5 days four our 28th wedding anniversary. It was not a perfect holiday at ... View more

Hi to all my friends (Neil, Geoff, Mares, GA, Stressless, White Knight, Crash Coyote(John)Bridget and I'm sorry if I have missed someone's name) I have been away at Cairns for 5 days four our 28th wedding anniversary. It was not a perfect holiday at all, things went wrong, I was over emotional, we argued, we went for walks, we couldn't hire a car, we didn't get to do the things we had planned. So everyday I was on here with my phone reading everyone's posts and I was getting so frustrated because I couldn't reply to anyone, as I didn't have my computer with me. I so much wanted to reply asap and I was thinking of everyone. Mares, you are a true inspiration to me and others on here. I wish I was with you right now, away from home, away from everyone, we could chat, eat, drink, cry and laugh together. But I know it's not possible (maybe one day) so I am sending you a huge hug. I am sorry I couldn't reply to you earlier, I am thinking so much of you and what you will be going through with the Royal Commission. I praise you so much Mares, you have strength more than what I have ever had, and probably you don't realise. I am glad to see that you are away for a week or so, just to get your head around this. I miss my chats with you and hope to chat again soon., GA - I really hope Sydney comes home soon, missing a pet is so difficult. I know I was away for only 5 days and boy I missed my kelpie, Jersey. Actually when I arrived home before she was crying and jumping up to me wanting hugs and kisses. She was actually happier than the kids to see me!!! GA, hope you've come out of your doona and had the lovely drink that Bridget was making you., Neil - I'm sorry I haven't been able to reply to you - but as always thinking of you and your family especially your son. I'm not up to date with the latest but I will read your post later. By the way, I love your new picture. I think I need one now, but don't know how, so i will ask my kids to do it for me. Stressless - As always, you are another tower of strength and you probably don't realise either. I am thinking of you as well and hope you are okay today. Geoff, I haven't spoken to you for a while but always love what you say to others. White Knight - thanks for listening to me rant and rave at times, I do go over the top at times with my emotions, but I always enjoy reading what you write. Crash Coyte (John) - I had to laugh the other day when I read that you were giving Neil a "wog hug". Nothing wrong with that - I am one too. And boy do we know how to give someone a hug!!! How are you going? I am not too bad. OK, guys I am off to my psych for an interesting session as he knows all about the week of our holiday and I have to re-tell him in a dialectical way (no black and white thinking, no all or nothing thinking, no negatives) - that is going to be difficult!! Let you know how it goes Take care everyone Jo xxx

Jo3 Introducing Jersey
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone I want to introduce to you all my beautiful kelpie x border collie "Jersey". She is 18 months old and is so cute, intelligent, naughty some times but above all she is my beautiful friend. Jersey knows when I am down and sad because she wi... View more

Hi everyone I want to introduce to you all my beautiful kelpie x border collie "Jersey". She is 18 months old and is so cute, intelligent, naughty some times but above all she is my beautiful friend. Jersey knows when I am down and sad because she will come and sit right next to me and is protecting me. She is "my excuse" for going for walks and as soon as I say walk she runs to the door to go. Jersey loves the beach and runs for the ball. We had a maltese terrier for over 10 years and had to put Minnie down about 3 years ago. And I said to the kids no more dogs, But the kids went out altogether and put money in together to buy Jersey. I had no say, was angry with them at first but looking at Jersey now I am so glad we have her. Jo

Guest_3712 Hanging on
  • replies: 7

Hi All, just wanted to say I am here and listening sending my support Neil, Geoff, Jo Mares, White Knight, GA., White Rose you continue to inspire me Ess Elle ( stressless)

Hi All, just wanted to say I am here and listening sending my support Neil, Geoff, Jo Mares, White Knight, GA., White Rose you continue to inspire me Ess Elle ( stressless)

Neil_1 Alcohol battles & DOG days (and a small Neil update)
  • replies: 11

Hi there For those of you who are unfamiliar with the use of the term "DOG", I've now coined a new phrase "Days Off Grog". It used to be for me for so long, AFD's - Alcohol Free Day's, but during April, I dug deep into my brain (and yes, it did hurt!... View more

Hi there For those of you who are unfamiliar with the use of the term "DOG", I've now coined a new phrase "Days Off Grog". It used to be for me for so long, AFD's - Alcohol Free Day's, but during April, I dug deep into my brain (and yes, it did hurt!) and have come up with a new and I think improved version - DOG days. For me, I count them each year and have done so for a while now - it's because I'm canal - people bear with me here - had to use the word canal, as each time I've used the 'real word' in the past, it hasn't made it past the mods. So my friends, just remove the c from the front of that word and you'll exactly what I am. I don't think it's a bad thing, I think it borders on OCD to some extent. ANYWAY, my real point of this thread is that even though May has started - I'm just wondering if anyone out there would like to try for a few DOG days for this month? I ask this because I get a real sense that yes, alcohol IS an issue for so many of us and yes, while we know that it does help us deaden our demons for a while, I guess if you look at it from a human body perspective and professional health viewpoint, drinking heaps every day isn't a good thing. I'm talking about me here - and even though I do exercise each day as well - my thinking that negates it to some extent - perhaps, or it just helps my mind to think so. I still haven't been able to gym it of late due to about 3 niggling issues - and I've finally bit the bullet and will be seeing my physio on Monday arve - possibly to determine which of the injuries is the most significant, etc etc. But I won't bore you with those details. My mind continues to plague and torture me - and has anyone ever felt when say you're walking in a shopping centre or the like and you're passing someone and they look at you and yet, they continue to look at you. I can understand someone looking and then they look away (nothing to see here, move along kind of thing) but when someone continues to look at you till they pass. I've had that recently and wowee, it gets to me. I used to look away in a kind of embarassment or fear - but of late, I just stare right back at them. It gets me angry for some reason - and I find that I'm doing that with strangers a bit now. I don't know why it is. Lastly, what is comforting is when my psyche tells me that my time on here is invaluable - and that it's such a great thing to be able to reach out to others and help as much as I can. She thinks it's a really positive sign that I've found something that I actually enjoy doing - and also actually feel like I'm contributing - contributing into helping others - whereas for the job that I'm paid for during 5 days a week, I just don't get that feel. And folks, that's the devil isn't it - that's the hard part. To find a job that you're happy with and that it also brings in the dollars to help you survive in this world. D'oh - I've rambled again, when I was really trying to extend this to anyone who is currently drinking and was just thinking, that maybe I could see if I could have a day here or there off. I'm in a bad mode at the moment and I'm now only drinking on days with R in them. Today of course is SundRay. Cheers Neil