Introduce Yourself

Breaking The Surface

replies: 2

Hello everyone! I am an older member rejoining to share experience of how I have developed strategies to overcome difficulties and challenges relating to multiple obstacles. I draw from a long career in Disability Support at a High Complex level invo... View more

Hello everyone! I am an older member rejoining to share experience of how I have developed strategies to overcome difficulties and challenges relating to multiple obstacles. I draw from a long career in Disability Support at a High Complex level involving physical and psychological conditions. I suffered a blunt force trauma to my head when I was just 4 years old and despite being raised in a household in a remote area with 2 parents relying on alcohol to manage life, I still persisted through decades of both physical and psychological therapy which eventually matured into a full time career. Unfortunately I was still not prepared for the surprise arrival of my son but I thank covid for it's blessing. I also have personal experience dealing with adverse covid vaccine reactions and a spinal crush accident. Both resulting in physiotherapy to regain my ability to walk and regain function through day to day activities. I have worked for many organisations and religious institutions so I am not discriminative against any cultural beliefs. I specialise in music therapy and the introduction of new technology to increase a person's capacity to fulfil control over their recovery and environment. I still face challenges myself but am constantly sourcing knowledge to assist moving beyond them. Knowledge = Power Thank you for spending the time to read.

mkactual

replies: 2

Hello I have been suffering with some stuff for a decade now, not sure if it would help to find people who are experiencing the same thing as me because it usually causes more harm than good. I've been through the mental health system a few times now... View more

Hello I have been suffering with some stuff for a decade now, not sure if it would help to find people who are experiencing the same thing as me because it usually causes more harm than good. I've been through the mental health system a few times now and I've realized that talking about my experiences is more help than anything I've been told to try. They diagnosed me with High Functioning Schizophrenia. I may have certain thoughts and feelings towards that diagnosis, but I've come to terms with it. Looking forward to reading your posts.

Hi friends like to introduce myself

replies: 3

G'day friends i have been struggling with mental illness all my life although i have not always been aware that this was so. i have been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and C.P.T.S.D from both childhood fears over several years my developing... View more

G'day friends i have been struggling with mental illness all my life although i have not always been aware that this was so. i have been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and C.P.T.S.D from both childhood fears over several years my developing psychotic illness and a sexual assault at a very young age. i hope i be able to connect with other people who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms. i love writing poems about my faith life as well as mental illness. Have a wonderful day. Your Eternal Discovery! Nothing is greater than living truthfully true. Let each day reveal again the quiet miracle of existence. For reality shapes us true, even when you stumble. Let true love sustain you also when you grow weary or fail yourselves. Living true preserves the soul for true is a child of truth. Truly Born to be alive tested by suffering, shaped by experience, yet never without worth. For the worth of true you cannot be measured by gold, nor weighed against the wealth of the earth. Your value is very great. Greater than riches. Greater than power. Greater than all the treasures of this passing world. For someone who lives in truth lives a life destined to be eternal. This is where the final discovery remains: Your life has meaning loved and loving. Your moments lived are never unseen. Your truth will live on preserving you you. For your true self is worth more than all the wealth of the universe to the truth that's you!

Ruminating, Surviving, And Releasing Pain (in a hopefully healthy way)

replies: 4

Physically writing helps me proccess me things. So I always have a notebook and pen/pencil on me incase something happens, but also just in general as I forget stuff easily and so need to write it down if I want to have any hope of remembering it lat... View more

Physically writing helps me proccess me things. So I always have a notebook and pen/pencil on me incase something happens, but also just in general as I forget stuff easily and so need to write it down if I want to have any hope of remembering it later. But yeah, writing helps me proccess and realise what's ruminating and what's helpful. I write a lot of poetry, but also I do what I like to call word "vomits" where I basically just mentally spew all my thoughts (both negative and positive) onto the paper. Once it's out of my head, I can see it much more clearly and make sense of it and I find it really helpful as it just gets it all out. So whenever I start to hate myself again and wanna self harm I just get out my notebook and "vomit" it all onto the paper instead of carving it forever into my body. This usually works but sometimes the pain and longing for dead loved ones just gets too much and then I can't get it out of my head fast enough and it builds and builds and eventually explodes and that's bad, because then I can't control it and if it's in public then its wayyyy worse and then I'll regret it for life and ruminate forever on it and yeah. So writing really helps me, but sometimes it doesn't and all I can do is silently scream in bed alone at night, or go on walks around the block (preferably in the cold because then I can rug up with layers of physical protection, but also cos the cold wakes me up and helps me see more clearly). On those walks I usually call a friend or listen to music so I can either get everything off my chest, or just drown and suffocate my sorrow (in a good way) so I can get myself together and go back to my family pretending everyting is fine (cos my siblings don't rly know about my mental healt struggles, so I have to pretend I'm fine for them).

Live Regardless

replies: 1

I have learnt so much in the last couple of years after loosing my late wife to brain tumor! I have learnt to move on as it seemed pretty difficult living in the four walls we got together, thinking about downsizing was one of the best decisions i ma... View more

I have learnt so much in the last couple of years after loosing my late wife to brain tumor! I have learnt to move on as it seemed pretty difficult living in the four walls we got together, thinking about downsizing was one of the best decisions i made the whole time as it feel a little better but i always remember the good times and that keeps me going and very hopeful about everything i do in life.

Break ups

replies: 1

Hello

We’re updating mobile navigation – take a look and share feedback

replies: 3

Hi everyone, Many of you have shared feedback with us over time about how navigation works on the Forums, especially when using a phone. Based on that feedback we’ve been working on an updated approach to mobile navigation. We’re looking to launch th... View more

Hi everyone, Many of you have shared feedback with us over time about how navigation works on the Forums, especially when using a phone. Based on that feedback we’ve been working on an updated approach to mobile navigation. We’re looking to launch this update soon, and we’d really value your feedback by 17 May. Below is a refined concept for the proposed mobile navigation for logged‑in members, informed by earlier usability testing and community input. This is not a mobile app. It shows an updated navigation layout for using the Forums on a mobile browser, accessed in the same way as you do now. Mobile is where the layout change is most noticeable. The navigation items shown on desktop would be the same as those shown in the concept image above. We’re interested in your thoughts on: Whether this feels easier or harder to navigate than what we have now Whether anything feels harder to find Whether the labels and structure make sense Whether anything feels missing or unclear There are no right or wrong answers. We’re especially interested in how this might feel when you imagine using it for everyday Forums activities. A few notes for context This shows the logged‑in experience on mobile The image shows the navigation options only, not a specific page If you’d prefer to share feedback privately, or if you’re not a member yet and can’t reply here, you can contact us at modsupport@beyondblue.org.au Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and help improve the Forums for everyone. Project TeamBeyond Blue

We’d love your thoughts on using the Forums on your phone

replies: 8

Hi everyone, Over the years, some members have asked whether the Forums have an app. Often this comes up without much detail, so we would love to better understand what's behind it. We are currently looking at ways to improve how the Forums work on p... View more

Hi everyone, Over the years, some members have asked whether the Forums have an app. Often this comes up without much detail, so we would love to better understand what's behind it. We are currently looking at ways to improve how the Forums work on phones. Before making any changes, we want to hear about your experience. In particular, we would love to know: Are there things that feel harder to find or do on the Forums when you are using your phone compared with your computer? If you have ever thought about a Forums app, what were you hoping it would make easier when using the Forums on your phone? There is no right or wrong answer. We are simply trying to understand what matters most so we can make thoughtful improvements for the community. How to share your thoughts You can reply to this post with your feedback. Short or long responses are both welcome. If you would rather share something privately, or if you are not a member yet and cannot reply here, you can contact us at modsupport@beyondblue.org.au What happens next We will use the feedback you share to help guide improvements to the Forums experience on phones. Thank you for being part of the Beyond Blue Forums. Your perspectives really do help shape how the Forums work. Project TeamBeyond Blue

We’d love your thoughts on how we introduce @mentions

replies: 15

Hi everyone, We are getting ready to introduce @mentions to the Beyond Blue Forums. @Mentions will let members tag another member in a post (for example @ExampleMember). This can help keep conversations clearer, especially when a few people are parti... View more

Hi everyone, We are getting ready to introduce @mentions to the Beyond Blue Forums. @Mentions will let members tag another member in a post (for example @ExampleMember). This can help keep conversations clearer, especially when a few people are participating in the same discussion. Before we roll the feature out, we want to make sure it is introduced in a way that feels safe, respectful, and supportive for the community. To help with that, we have drafted some guidelines and FAQs about how @mentions should be used, and we would really value your feedback on those. We would love your thoughts by Friday 13 March. Here is a short summary of the key points from the draft FAQs and Forums Guidelines. @Mentions are designed to help conversations flow.They are there to help keep discussions clear when several members are taking part. Replying to mentions is optional.If someone mentions you, it is simply an invitation to reply. There is no expectation to respond, and it is always okay to step back. Mentions send notifications.You will receive a notification on the Forums when you are mentioned. You will also receive an email notification unless you have adjusted or turned @mention email notifications off in your settings. They should not be used to pressure anyone.This includes repeatedly tagging someone or trying to hurry a response. They should not be used to pull people into discussions.In particular, @mentions should not be used to bring specific members into conversations in the PTSD and trauma or Suicidal thoughts and self-harm topics. Please do not @mention moderators.The moderation team’s account (Sophie_M) should not be tagged. If you need moderator help, please use the Report Post button or email modsupport@beyondblue.org.au Community Champions can be mentioned, but there is no expectation they will reply.They are part of the community like everyone else. Moderators can step in if @mentions are misused.This might include editing or removing posts, issuing warnings, or limiting access to the feature to help keep the Forums safe and supportive. If you would like more detail, you can also read: The full draft FAQs The draft Forums Guidelines update You do not need to read the full guidelines and FAQs to provide feedback. Feedback on the points above is just as helpful. What we would love your feedback on We are keen to hear your thoughts on: Does this guidance feel clear and reasonable? Is anything missing or confusing? Do you have any concerns about how @mentions might affect your experience on the Forums? Is there anything that would help this feature be introduced more smoothly? How to share your thoughts You can reply to this post with your feedback. Short or long responses are both welcome. If you can, please share your thoughts by Friday 13 March so we can review everything together. If you would rather share something privately, you are also welcome to contact the moderation team at modsupport@beyondblue.org.au What happens next We will use the feedback you provide to refine the FAQs and guidelines ahead of launching the @mentions feature. Thanks for being part of the Beyond Blue Forums. Your perspectives really do help shape how the Forums work. Project TeamBeyond Blue

Breaking The Surface replies: 2

mkactual replies: 2

Hi friends like to introduce myself replies: 3

Ruminating, Surviving, And Releasing Pain (in a hopefully healthy way) replies: 4

Live Regardless replies: 1

Break ups replies: 1

We’re updating mobile navigation – take a look and share feedback replies: 3

We’d love your thoughts on using the Forums on your phone replies: 8

We’d love your thoughts on how we introduce @mentions replies: 15