discussion with a beyondblue worker

[RJD]

Has anyone chatted with someone from beyondblue and still felt awful? Struggling with my feelings at the moment and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[white knight]

Hi RJD,  welcome to the forum.

No I havent chatted to a BB worker and still felt awful. But years ago I spoke to a lifeline worker and did...still feel rotten.

Without going through that little story the lady on the end of the line didnt "connect" with me at all and furthermore she suggested I return to my home and sympathise with my then wife over the issue. This was not the kind of advice I wanted.

Beyond Blue workers (and I dont know any of them) are human too and some will connect with you and there will be occasions when they dont. Personalities are involved and you must assume there will be a small percentage that wont get it right. Their task isnt an easy one at all.

I'd love it if you started another post here under the right heading and explained your position, issues and asked the many regulars for their opinion. We are like minded people that have gone through issues and somewhat came out the other side, well enough to offer opinion and care.

Give us a try. 

[Struggler]

Hi RDJ

I am pretty new here too but I think this site is very supportive.  I wish I discovered it when I was suffering full blown depression and anxiety.  I am on the mend but still have relapse.  It does help to connect with others.  Like many here, I live alone, isolated and sad.  I have no trusting friends nor do I look for friends these days. Internet site like this is godsend.  I can come here to connect anonymously and safely.  

What is it you want to get out of this site? 

Struggler

[Struggler]

Hi RDJ again

In regards to BB worker, I have no experience with them.  There are many posters here who have tremendous amount of experience.  If you post your story,  there is a good chance some posters here encountered similar predicament and offer wisdom and support.  Do not estimate the power of words.  Used properly, words are powerful and can save life.  

Struggler 

[geoff]

dear RDJ, this is a good point that you make, and it's a very important one, considering it could be a decision between life and death.

Yes I have rung Lifeline when I was living by myself in the house before it was sold, as my wife had moved out and our 2 sons were living away.

Unfortunately because of depression I couldn't connect with the person. I did try them once again, I just wanted someone to talk to, because where were my 'friends', did I have any then, no, they were all running away, and at that stage I didn't have any computer, so it was a catch-22.

Please I am not undermining the work that Lifeline do, because they are such an invaluable icon and without them our work would be so much harder.

Talking to someone on the other end of the phone like them is no different than talking to a psych who you don't click with, because if this doesn't happen then you, and me are wasting our time. Geoff.

[Mares73]

Dear RGJ I have called the Beyond Blue Support Number several times when I was feeling very low. I was nervous phoning as I'd never phoned a support service before in my life. From my understanding the Beyond Blue counselors are the only national service fully staffed by trained mental health workers. From my experience the few times I called, twice when I was crying so much I could barely speak-they were absolutely wonderful. They totally understood depression & the symptoms I was experiencing, they were able to explain why I was having the feelings I was, they asked the right questions to make me feel comfortable to open up & they had a wealth of information on services that could help me that I was previously unaware of. They listened patiently, asked my major concerns that were distressing me at the time I called & helped work through with me a plan for getting through the rest of the day. It was as though they knew exactly what I was feeling & knew exactly what advice & suggestions to give me. I can't speak highly enough of them. I wouldn't hesitate to phone them again should I be feeling upset or distressed. They have so much knowledge of depression & could help calm me by explaining the symptoms I was having were usual when in a distressed state & calmed me by comments such as my feelings were transient and I wouldn't always feel that way. They helped ground me by explaining and working through which feelings were due to my depression & commonly experienced & which feelings to try hold onto ie I wouldn't feel that way forever. It really helped that they worked out a plan with me to get through the day & reassured me if I found the plan too difficult then to phone back & we could discuss other ideas. You don't have to give them any personal information-they just ask your first name so they can talk more one to one. 

I honestly couldn't recommend them highly enough and on one occasion when I was in a very bad state & my husband was home & had no idea what to do they also agreed to speak to him & gave him tips on how to support me whilst not bringing himself down. 

Whilst Lifeline is a great crisis service it is for general crises & I expect you will get much more information from the trained staff at Beyond Blue. 

Hope to hear from you give it a go it's brilliant.

Lve Mares

[Snoman]

Hi RJD,

I know that when we are going through depression, everything is so much harder to get through, so much harder to deal with.

I am very concerned about your plans and I urge you to give the support lines another go.  If you are feeling unsafe, you can ring 000 and they will send someone to help you.

We all know the road is hard, but there is support.  This forum is definitely a good place to come if you need friendly, supportive ears.

Sno