Does beyond blue help?

[Your-Pal-Jess]

I’m new to this site and thought I would just check it out as see if it helps me but looking through all the feeds, hundreds of people all trying to get help just in the last few days makes me feel more hopeless than ever. How do I get it all to stop feeling so hopeless and painful.

[geoff]

Hello Jess, and thanks for posting your comment.

Yes, it may seem as though there are hundreds of people who need help with some sort of depression, but I suppose we never consider the millions of people who don't suffer from this illness or perhaps wanting to help another person, plus those who have been helped, there are only a few who replied back with pleasure.

Everybody is different and each person's circumstances may change from the situation they're in, but everybody's post/reply is taken with extreme care, where someone can relate with, while another person decides to leave it to those who have experienced similar problems.

When we are worried about someone it's good to start a conversation and as soon as anybody says 'they're fine' indicates a hidden problem, so we do our very best to be part of their lives, just to understand how we can help them because normally people have been through similar situations and offer any suggestion.

So to answer your question, yes, beyond blue does help people in many different ways.

Hope to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[Matchy69]

Hi Jess this site is very helpful just to know other people are struggling and you have someone to listen and understand you in caring non judgemental way.It may look overwhelming at first but people are here for you in and to give you support.
Take care,
Mark.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Your-Pal-Jess,

Welcome welcome. I'm really glad that you made your first post and have already got some replies.

I just wanted to pop in and say that yes, there is a lot of posts lately (especially over 2020!), but there's never too many posts or too many members. I'll also let you know that as a BB volunteer we work super hard behind the scenes to make sure posts don't get missed or unanswered, and if it ever does it's totally a systems issue. and finally, while there's also lots and lots of posts, there's so many people in the same boat and the same situation, so hopefully you can find some comfort in that.

I encourage you to keep reaching out and sharing what's going on for you. There's people here to listen and I'm so glad Geoff and Mark have replied already.

rt

[Gambit87]

Hi,

This sit has been extremely helpful for me.

Being able to connect with people and share my experiences with has benefited me greatly.

Is there anything in particular thats bothering you?

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

There is actually a huge amount of people this forum and other Beyond Blue services help people. The real important thing though is the help we've given countless people that we dont ever know about!

Over the last 7 years (or is it 8?) that I've been here I'veseen members that have been very low in tolerance for life, we've collectively helped these souls over time and then they've move on or even stayed here and become Community Champions in their own right. That makes me personally feel tremendous pride.

I hope that answers your question and if you have any more please mention them as we are here for everyone.

TonyWK

[Summer Rose]

Hi Your-Pal-Jess

Great question that you posed in your thread!

One of the real benefits of this forum for me is that provides an opportunity to help others. I am paraphrasing the thoughts and words of the Dalai Lama now but the concept works like this ...

Everyone here experiences or has personal understanding of mental health issues. So, yes, while the volume of posts may seem overwhelming at times, it is also a comfort of sorts. Knowing that others experience suffering gives us a realistic perspective. Talking with others in the same boat here the forum provides an important connection because gaining and giving support creates hope and determination to overcome difficulties. It can make us stronger. Over time we can strive to become more compassionate. In the words of the Dali Lama: "that is we can develop both genuine sympathy for others' suffering and the will to help remove their pain. As a result, our own serenity and inner strength will increase."

For me personally, participating in this community is an honour and a privilege that helps me through life.

Kind thoughts to you

[blondguy]

Hi Your-Pal-Jess

Great question/thread topic and welcome!

Yes the Beyond Blue forums do help...a lot...I joined 5 years ago when my anxiety/depression was chronic and there have been many gentle people that have provided me with the support I needed

Just a note...If we didnt have people like yourself (new members) the forums would cease to exist

any questions are always welcome.....the forums are a safe and non judgmental place for all of us to post!

my kind thoughts.......Paul

[blondguy]

Hello Your-Pal-Jess

Thankyou for the great question....and yes Beyond Blue have been a huge help to me especially with the many gentle people that have helped me when I joined 5 years ago with my anxiety/depression

Any questions are always welcome..The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for all of us to post...

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Doolhof]

Hello Your-Pal-Jess,

I too welcome you to the community here. Yes, there are a lot of stories written here by people who are struggling. These people have hopefully been given and opportunity to share with others how they are feeling in order to just vent, to gain insight, suggestions and possible strategies that may assist them on life's journey.

It can be very helpful and comforting to learn that others feel the same or similar to you, it may take some of the doubts, fears and confusion out of mental health issues having others acknowledge what you are experiencing.

There are many parts to this forum. There is the Social Zone with all kinds of topics from gardening, poetry, a creativity/ craft thread and so much more.

The Staying Well section may have some helpful topics for you as well.

Yes, there are a lot of people who are hurting and struggling. There are also many wonderful caring souls reaching out to others.

How do you stop those feelings of hopelessness and pain? Think of one thing you can do today that will make you feel a little better about yourself.

It might be as simple as thinking of 3 things to be thankful for. Going for a walk if that is possible. Drawing a picture. Googling a topic you are interested in. Listening to music. Anthing that will allow your mind to feel more peaceful.

Regards to you from Dools