Where to start?

[goodlifeseeker]

Hi

Just wondering do beyond blue have places to go talk to people or do you get referred to other places? Been in and out of depression and anxiety since 2007 and feeling at an extremely unfamiliar low point right now and am looking for help not just a pill.

Thanks in advance to those who reply

[MarkJT]

Evening goodlifeseeker, I am not aware of any specific place that is run by beyondblue, however there is the helpline number 1300 224 636 and the online chat function. Both would be a good place to start.

Have you had any clinical assistance in the past? I know from my experiences that a good psych was central to my recovery. If you have never had psych sessions, i suggest that is your number one call to make.

Posting on here is also a great avenue to use. You can post what ever questions or feelings that you have and there are so many awesome people on here that have been through and are currently going through what you are. You are in a non judgmental and highly supportive forum so please, post away.

When we are at those extreme low ends it is important to know that it is not going to last forever. Try and make sure you get some exercise in, practice mindfulness, reach out to some friends to talk to and try and do something that you enjoy doing. I know this is a genuinely difficult thing to do but if you can, that is a massive win.

Hope that you find some light from the darkness and look forward to seeing further posts from yourself.

Cheers

Mark.

[goodlifeseeker]

Thanks for the reply Mark, well said.

I've been on medication since '07. Currently off it as of this year as it really only became a sleep aid for me. What I've replaced it with, an actual sleep aid, is working wonders in that department. I'll never go back to that medication, gives me massive hangover feeling and then I am useless all day.

I spent time with a psych once for about a month about 5-6 years ago. It was ok but I don't feel like I got any real result from it, neither negative or positive.

Exercising has become a big part of my life this year, it has helped a little bit and I'm sticking to it but there is still that mental situation that overrides it when it comes to being happy.

Thanks for the advice, i'll get on the chat soon.

[MsPurple]

Hi goodlifeseeker. Thanks for posting. I agree with Mark, that the chat function and the online help line maybe useful for you. Especially if you need someone to help you imediately. I was wondering if you have a safety plan? I suggest making one, I did mine using the BeyondNow app. I found it really hard to do but at least I have something to remind me why I'm here and why I need to stay here.

For some people they need medication to treat anxiety, depression or other. But for others they may not. It is completely up to the doctor and you. They are not a cure, they are used as a tool to help. I don't really want to go into details about medication as I am not a health professional. Have you considered going to therapy or seeing a counsellor. I go and it makes me feel so much better. It helps me understand why I am having these thoughts and they help me get out of the negative thoughts. Have you talked to your GP about this? GPs can give you a referal to see a psychologist or other appropriate health care professional.

Just keep at it. When I'm feeling low I try distract myself with little things like hanging out with friends, walking the dog, having a bath, watching a movie, etc. anything to distract myself from the depression

You can always talk your feelings out here. We are a supportive network here. 🙂

[geoff]

hello Goodlifeseeker, perhaps I can answer this as our manager has this week off, but there are no designated places designed where people from BB can go and talk with each other as it's an anonymous site, however your doctor may have some ideas that could suit you or you could do as Mark and MsPurple has suggested ring the BB phone number.
Can I also suggest that once you begin posting a thread here on this site then you will have many people replying to your comment where you can discuss what ever is causing you concern.
Hope that helps you and look forward in hearing from you. Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Hello Good Life (much shorter title)

Thanks for posting and welcome to Beyond Blue. I have a couple of suggestions for you. As Geoff has said, BB does not have physical meeting places. There online options.

So first try the BB Social Zone. It's the second forum on the list under Orientation. There are several virtual cafes plus various ongoing games and discussions about films music etc. It's a good place to go to chill out. In fact there is a chill out room. As a starting place this is good.

Explore some of the other forums. Many people get online with BB just to read the questions and answers. You can join in any conversation/thread you wish. BB also has a Facebook page, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram. See links at the bottom of the page. Lots of folk to write to on these sites.

If you would like to join a support group I suggest you make a web search for a group in your area. Look for general groups as well as those meeting because they have a common difficulty. If I say AA don't eat me. That's an example, not a suggestion that you have an alcohol problem. GROW support groups, I think, operate across Australia. Again, a search will tell.

BB is often asked to provide a speaker on various aspects of mental health, but these are one-off events arranged by the host organisation.

Ask your GP if he/she knows of any local groups. Doctors usually know what's happening in their area.Also a good idea to chat with your GP if you have not already done so. It's good to get a plan to manage your depression in action. Remember we are always here to 'talk' to you.

Mary

[CMF]

Hi there and welcome,

I too have been in an out of feeling anxious and depressed. I don't take meds and try to deal with it naturally. Bgroup vitamins are important as well good diet and exercise. I saw a psycologist briefly but also id notfeel i got much out of it. I do better with generally chatting to people so I understand how you feel.

I can't add any further suggestions to what the others have said but if you are feeling a bit low the BB café can be a bit of a mood lifter. I think it was already mentioned, is under the social zone. Of course if you wish to post further about how you are feeling you could start a new thread with a specific title. There are many wonderful people here.

Wishing you all the best.

cmf

[MsPurple]

Hi guys. I just wanted to add on from CMF. I dealing with depression naturally can be great. Some may need medication and therapy, but diet and exercise has been proven in increase mood and decrease anxiety. I just want to add caution with some vitamins/minerals/supplements. First of all tell your dr or ask them if you have any questions about supplements. I would not suggest taking St John Wart. It can affect with some medications (including anti-depressants and contraceptive pill and more) and although it says it helps with stress studies do not back this up. If you are deficient in vitamins and minerals it is a good idea to eat foods higher in these. Supplements are only necessary if the body is deficient in vitamins in minerals. Have you ever noticed after taking a multi-vitamin that your wee is really fluro yellow throughout the day? Thats because you are weeing out the vitamins and minerals. In saying this, (most of the time) it can't hurt having a multi-vitamin. It can actually be beneficial if you are struggling to eat (lack of appetite can cause this) a healthy diet and can reduce the risk of deficiency. Again I want to add I am not a doctor.

Goodlifeseeker if you are under 25 you can go to some headspace events and join their focus groups. It can help you meet people in the same boat. If not I'm sure there are like support groups and meetups out there. My mum went to a dog meet up and loved it.