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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, We wanted to share with you the way that our wonderful Community Champions are here to support you. You may have noticed that a few of our Forums members are labelled ‘Community Champion’. Community Champions are volunteers within the Be... View more

Hi everyone, We wanted to share with you the way that our wonderful Community Champions are here to support you. You may have noticed that a few of our Forums members are labelled ‘Community Champion’. Community Champions are volunteers within the Beyond Blue Forums who: have the time, skills and empathy to support other members regularly; help to welcome new members; are actively engaged members that help set the tone of our community. Our Community Champions are regular contributors to many conversations across the forums. They are a consistent and friendly voice that have committed to sharing their experience and expertise with this community. They are not health care professionals or clinicians. Like you, they have an experience with a mental health challenge or diagnosis – either for themselves or someone they care for. This forum is for people who understand what it feels like and have a lived and living experience of mental health challenges. Our Community Champions help everyone feel comfortable and confident by demonstrating what excellent peer support is all about. Click here to find out more about how you can become a Community Champion! This incredible team are excited to introduce themselves below, and we are sure you’ll see them around the forums in conversations important to you.

Aaronsis HELP..Am I posting in the right section?
  • replies: 10

Welcome to those who are considering posting for the very first time, welcome. Thought I would repost part of the words that Chris B posted awhile ago, (2014) as I can hear that people are unsure if they are posting in the right section or worried th... View more

Welcome to those who are considering posting for the very first time, welcome. Thought I would repost part of the words that Chris B posted awhile ago, (2014) as I can hear that people are unsure if they are posting in the right section or worried that they are posting "the wrong thing". 1.A good title makes the difference Just like a headline in a newspaper, when scanning the dozens of threads to click into, it’s only natural that people will choose the ones that resonate with them most. A title that entices the reader, or asks a question, is likely to get a better result than something non-descriptive like “Depression” or “I don't know what to do”. If you think you’re not good at choosing titles, leave it till last. Spend time writing your post, then perhaps choose a sentence from what you’ve written as the title. 2.Join in threads that have already been posted We all have our own unique stories, but part of the reason for joining a forum like this one is because you know that you will have a lot in common with others who are posting. Before starting a new thread, have a look through the current topics being discussed and see if there’s a conversation you can join in with. It can be quite common to have a handful of very similar threads happening at any one time, with members seemingly unaware that there are others right there who are going through the same thing. Talking to other members on their threads is a great way of getting yourself known so that when you post a thread of your own, people may respond quicker because they recognize your name. 3.Choose the most appropriate section for your post Many people browse the forums looking for stories specifically to do with pregnancy and parenting, employment, grief, loss, separation etc. Going straight for the “Depression” section may seem like the easiest option, but this section is often the busiest, so your post is more likely to get lost among the threads. Making good use of the different forum sections not only helps keep the forum relevant, but you’re more likely to find others who are going through the same experiences as you. Also, if you're wanting to discuss issues of trauma, abuse, suicidal thoughts or self-harm, it's really important you post in the designated section to avoid triggering others who may not wish to read about these topics. Mostly..just come and chat, we are here for you. Our amazing wizards in the background will see your message ends up in the right spot. Sarah

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Guest_74021520 Anyone else struggling with religious trauma?
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, Does anyone else have experience with coming out of a religious cult and undoing the damage that it did and with struggling with religious trauma and complex ptsd? I came out of a religious cult 5 years ago while I was battling serious c... View more

Hi everyone, Does anyone else have experience with coming out of a religious cult and undoing the damage that it did and with struggling with religious trauma and complex ptsd? I came out of a religious cult 5 years ago while I was battling serious chronic illness (I was bedridden for two years) and its left me with a ton of trauma that impacts my life a lot. Everything to do with religion and God and all that is very painful and triggering. It's only over time that I've gradually become aware of the spiritual and emotional abuse, the brainwashing, the control, the lies, and everything else that goes with being in a religious cult. I was a kid, I was raised in it. That's 14 of the most formative years of my life. I gave up on my faith but even that is traumatising because its your whole world, community, identity, and everything. I am scared, tbh. And broken hearted. I feel so lonely and alone. Is there anyone else who has gone through something similar to this? Honestly, I really need people to talk to.

PeterJupiter I am a bag of rabid cats all set to rip world apart...
  • replies: 21

Hi all, Umm, this is major leap for me, I don't talk about myself to anyone very easily. I am waiting for my appointment on Wednesday (29 Jan 2025), but need to talk to anyone, anyone else. So here goes... I am 41 years old now, living in one of, by ... View more

Hi all, Umm, this is major leap for me, I don't talk about myself to anyone very easily. I am waiting for my appointment on Wednesday (29 Jan 2025), but need to talk to anyone, anyone else. So here goes... I am 41 years old now, living in one of, by my opinion, the most beautiful locations in the far north QLD & the world, Cairns. My wife & I moved here for a better, more relaxed life after living in Sydney for 10 years & other major metropolises around the world, the rat race essentially. But, the relocation and living here has been anything but wonderful... We fight, argue, bicker about pretty much everything. And I always just give up eventually, no matter rightly or wrongly because it's just easier. Because I "always" do this, or "always" do that. We were travelling over Xmas & it all just got too much, I popped, I'd had enough, & I told her I wanted a divorce, not once, tour times over a span of 6 weeks, the most recent been a week ago. To give some context, up until a week ago, I had been taking some herbal adrenal support supplements for the last 18 months, to manage my stress & aggressive responses, which was working, until I changed brands because I couldn't get my chosen 'working' one. The last two months I had gone from been thoughtful & loving, to 'the world is ending', 'what is the point of everything'. So I am sure you can agree, that all things seem to be pointing to the meds... nope, off the meds, feeling normal...ish, but the realisations that this women is not a match for me, & now without my mind under the control of some 'thing' I have never been clearer. I am asking myself questions that I did ask when I was first about to get married, but ignored, my problem is now explaining to her, outside of all the discoveries that have been in the last week about how I seem to part of a small percentage of people that ashwaghanda does not play nice with, that my feelings now, are what they have always been, but I was too much a coward & peacekeeper to admit it to myself or anyone else, that she is not & was never the one. The fact is, in her words "always do...", or not do, this or that, so basically I am bag of rapid cats ready to rip the world apart, "I must get meds from a psychiatrist". I am at my end, I need figure out how to just move on, as she seems to think I will 'get better' & love her again, I am only hoping that Wednesday will give me the tools I need. This is small part of my mind, thanks for reading/listening.

CRyan January Facing the Day
  • replies: 2

Hi I’m a 48 yr old with a family but difficulty managing the all encompassing anxiety that has kept me from functioning or moving through what I have which is a good life. I have depression and recurring thoughts of not being safe in the world and so... View more

Hi I’m a 48 yr old with a family but difficulty managing the all encompassing anxiety that has kept me from functioning or moving through what I have which is a good life. I have depression and recurring thoughts of not being safe in the world and so I isolate and am stuck in my thoughts. I’d like to be able to keep doing what I love- yoga, reading, loving the people who are family and friends. I hate being so stuck and want to connect with others who get it .. let’s be brave and try together

Just_Rob Take that step. You will be helping many
  • replies: 0

I am a male in my forties and I totally understand when you feel like you have nothing to give.. I have had a few "hiccups" along the way and sometimes those reoccurring thoughts that I am sure the majority of people on this chat has felt. I am very ... View more

I am a male in my forties and I totally understand when you feel like you have nothing to give.. I have had a few "hiccups" along the way and sometimes those reoccurring thoughts that I am sure the majority of people on this chat has felt. I am very new to this sort of discussion groups but I would like to make connections with people. When looking back on my childhood as a 17 yr old bloke and I can't just go up to his mates and say I have depression and dark feelings. And that trip to the GP the first time is an episode to remeber. If you would like to talk to me or anyone else about these issues, I believe we can all relate to some, if not all of them. I would like to discuss, open up, and vent to people who would really have an understanding of what it feels like. And to keep everyone going in the right direction, but sometimes it slips and thats what we are here for. Just remember a small victory is still a victory.

Guest_59798180 Hey guys my name is Olivia
  • replies: 2

I am 30 years old and live in Sydney, Australia. I love dancing, cooking and going to the gym. I have been depressed for 4 years, and am working with a therapist and going for daily exercise and eating healthier to try better my mental health. I will... View more

I am 30 years old and live in Sydney, Australia. I love dancing, cooking and going to the gym. I have been depressed for 4 years, and am working with a therapist and going for daily exercise and eating healthier to try better my mental health. I will try fix my sleep pattern as well and go for daily walks in nature and meditate. Have a good day everyone

Guest_27400630 Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone,I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Each year, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia; a heart-breaking statistic. To honour those lives and bring attention t... View more

Hi everyone,I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Each year, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia; a heart-breaking statistic. To honour those lives and bring attention to the importance of mental health, I’m thinking of running 3,000 km over the span of a year - 1km for each life lost. I am eager to take on this physical and mental challenge to serve as a platform to talk about the struggles many of us face and break the stigma around mental health.Here’s the general idea:The Challenge: Run 3,000 km in one year.Purpose:Raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.Fundraise for mental health organisations.Community Involvement: I’d love to involve others by:Inviting people to join me virtually or in person for parts of the runs.Sharing mental health tips, resources, and personal stories along the way.Encouraging people to donate or sponsor specific distances.I believe this extreme challenge can serve as a powerful reminder that no one should struggle alone and that there’s strength in reaching out and supporting one another. Do you think this is a good way to raise awareness? Any other ideas to make this campaign more impactful? Mental health is such an important issue, and I want this challenge to make a real difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’d appreciate any feedback, ideas or encouragement you can offer. Regards, Oscar

MCM14 New Dad and Struggling with Relationship
  • replies: 7

I’m so glad I’ve found an Avenue where I can get this out of my system as I’m waiting to see my psychologist. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child and it has been a turbulent six weeks to say the least. Our son struggled with weight gain a... View more

I’m so glad I’ve found an Avenue where I can get this out of my system as I’m waiting to see my psychologist. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child and it has been a turbulent six weeks to say the least. Our son struggled with weight gain and then my wife struggled mentally and we were in and out of hospital trying to get things right. He was feeling ill last week and through some doctors discussions she is now avoiding dairy. After a good couple of weeks it has gone downhill again. And I’ve had enough. I cannot help someone any longer that refuses to help themselves. I have suggested many times that she seek help as her mental health has not been good lately. This is met with resistance and aggression in the form of verbal abuse. This is then twisted back onto me and about how all of the problems are my fault and I am the reason she is upset. I challenge this and attempt to suggest alternate viewpoints and stand up for myself. However, I am forced to concede to her viewpoint just to end the discussion. I freely admit that I am not perfect and maybe I could be a little more proactive and attentive but the reaction I get is completely over the top. I then appear distant and disconnected as I am a sure how to communicate after such events. She acts as if nothing has happened and wonders why I feel this way. This has been a similar pattern for years now. I thought it might settle down after our son was born but it has gotten more frequent and ever more scathing in her assessment of me. As a result, I am constantly in a state of angst and second guessing every decision I make regarding our son. Something just as simple as swaddling before bed or getting the AC temperature right becomes incredibly stressful. I am honestly at a loss. She needs help with her temper and her state of mind. Trying to suggest this will only end in another argument and I’m not sure I have anything left in the tank. I feel the same would occur if I tried to stage something of an intervention with family or friends. I can feel our relationship is at breaking point but I can’t just leave my son. Either way I lose as I know if I do walk away there will be little point in being a part of his life as I will still be told that I am not good enough as a man or a father. I can’t take this any more and could use some other viewpoints. thanks in advance.

HarleyTheDragon I'm very much new here
  • replies: 1

Hi my name is Harley, I'm 31 years old, living on the spectrum (ASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) I'm very much new here and willing to find ways to connect with others in Beyond Blue.

Hi my name is Harley, I'm 31 years old, living on the spectrum (ASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) I'm very much new here and willing to find ways to connect with others in Beyond Blue.

amd1953 Owed to Solitude
  • replies: 366

I owe a lot to my current situation in life. In fact, it's probably as close to heaven on earth that I will ever get. I've served my apprenticeship in the School of Hard Knocks. It was actually a life sentence with no time off for good behaviour. I t... View more

I owe a lot to my current situation in life. In fact, it's probably as close to heaven on earth that I will ever get. I've served my apprenticeship in the School of Hard Knocks. It was actually a life sentence with no time off for good behaviour. I think it was Mr. W. Shakespeare who said "All the world's a stage". And that is precisely what we are - actors on a stage. Some of us play our parts really well and fool the audience into actually believing what we say we are. Then there are those who find it impossible to be anything other than what they are. Not good actors at all. That's where I make my entrance. But I don't play to the audience any more because it is a complete and utter waste of time and effort. Now that I have settled into retirement, I can stop the acting and the pretence and be whatever I choose to be. It's a great pity that we have to spend the greater part of our lives playing to an audience. Some people get away with turning their backs on the bright lights and sink into blissful anonymity. This is what I am trying to do now so that I can gather a little happiness around me before I drop off the perch. When I think back, I seem to have spent so much time trying to keep everyone else happy and giving in to do things when I don't want to. I never had the nerve to say no so I guess I was a real pushover. I think it's time to turn the page on the script and write my own dialogue for a change. Or is that asking too much? I'm not really sure myself. Maybe I am expecting too much. Shame on me eh? But there will come a time when I run out of choices and that will be the end of it. The curtain comes down on another production. I only hope it doesn't come too soon. If we do what we want to when we want to do it, we are called selfish. I have nothing left to give. It's all gone. The audience have gone home and the stage is a dusty platform waiting for the next deception. Sorry, production.

Blackdog18 Anxiety and Depression
  • replies: 1

I am an 82 yo male living in a lovely house on the coast. I have a caring and loving wife and a 3 yo dog, a beautiful Labradoodle that every one loves and he loves everyone. My general health is good, but I am depressed and cannot bring myself to exe... View more

I am an 82 yo male living in a lovely house on the coast. I have a caring and loving wife and a 3 yo dog, a beautiful Labradoodle that every one loves and he loves everyone. My general health is good, but I am depressed and cannot bring myself to exercise. Consequently, I have become a couch potato and a Youtube addict. The reason for my axiety and depression is my 41 yo son, who is a drug addict and has not worked in years, supported by the government by the DSP, and has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having Drug Abuse Psychosis. Contantly wasts his pension and then begs me for financial help. I have stopped doing this but he worries me terribly. I don't know what else to do.