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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
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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

All discussions

CourtneyS Living with intrusive thoughts
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Hello, my name is Courtney and I am 32 years old. I haven’t been diagnosed as of yet. But will try and explain what I feel like I have. I live with intrusive thoughts on a daily basis which I really struggle doing a ‘normal’ day to day. I work full t... View more

Hello, my name is Courtney and I am 32 years old. I haven’t been diagnosed as of yet. But will try and explain what I feel like I have. I live with intrusive thoughts on a daily basis which I really struggle doing a ‘normal’ day to day. I work full time and have a pretty easy going job, I can sit with my headphones in and watch movies or listen to music while I work. today was the day i decided to join Beyond blue as I felt speaking about my thoughts was a little difficult with friends or family as they just tell me to not think about it which isn’t really helpful. I want to provide some info that might help, I don’t have thoughts of self harm or thoughts of harming others. These thoughts are things that could happen which cause my to think about them over and over again until I crack. a backstory on me, I had a normal childhood but I don’t remember much of it, there are some parts I can remember but otherwise it’s pretty blank. I am obsessed with my dogs so much that I call them my children haha, my fiancé isn’t as much as a dog person as me. anyways, I’m rambling. Below is one of my thoughts today that I’m struggling with - My thoughts today are that my house might burn down, not specifically today but it could happen and then my dogs would be stuck behind a locked fence. I feel helpless for a situation that hasn’t happened and I feel guilt that my dogs would be stuck and unable to escape and that our belongings would be destroyed. This is just one thing going through my head today. I am trying everything I can do make the thoughts go away but I’m struggling today. It’s definitely a reminder that we don’t truely know what someone is going through and what they struggle with. I plan on going to speak with someone about these thoughts but in the current pandemic, I’m unable too. thanks for reading

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on July
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Hi Everyone Thank you for stopping in on the forums. We hope you find the forums to be a safe space to offload your thoughts, feelings and connect with others. We recognise that many members of the community continue to be impacted by the coronavirus... View more

Hi Everyone Thank you for stopping in on the forums. We hope you find the forums to be a safe space to offload your thoughts, feelings and connect with others. We recognise that many members of the community continue to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and are seeking additional resources during this time of uncertainty. Please know Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service (CMWSS) is here to help, offering support and information on ways to support yourself in your daily life, at work, home as well as resources on supporting others during the coronavirus pandemic. Further resources can be found at the end of this post. Community Voices: What are people talking about? Coping on your own I live alone with my 2 cats. Quite frankly as of now I feel so afraid and alone. I fear how I will ever feel normal like everyone else on society. I struggle to hold my minimum wage job and will most likely lose this too next year. I feel like I have lost everything. - Flamingo1989 (Read more here) First time poster here. It's the eve of my birthday, I'm in lockdown, live alone and have had a week of being triggered for a multitude of reasons. Having been in therapy on and off for years, I am picking up more and more tools to help deal with the dark moments and more often than not (these days) cope well and manage triggers as opposed to acting out on them. I don't consider my writing good, have no idea where the words came from, but it feels better verbally dribbling them on a page. Can anyone relate? - Aurora2015 (Read more here) I live alone and have no friends and am finding being in lock down and not seeing or speaking to anyone for days on end is really getting me down. I'm a 54 year old shy introvert, who has always had trouble keeping friends. They always seem to just use me to get what they want and then I never hear from them again. - Normm (Read more here) Managing feelings of uncertainty It is extra difficult to cope with anxiety since all this Covid and lockdowns etc have been going on. The unpredictability and uncertainty can be really tough. I hope you find some solace here on the forums where you can post/reply and see that you are not alone in feeling anxious. Also there is a BB covid line you can call to speak to a counsellor 1:1. You can call as many times as you need. Some ppl call daily; whatever you need to help get you through. And obviously on here and there is an online chat to for BB if you prefer that style if thing. - golden82 (Read more here) My name is Jasmin and I am a new member of this online community! I hope everyone is doing well or the best they can during these times of uncertainty. I'm currently in South West Sydney so we are currently in a strict lockdown. I work with vulnerable youth so I am considered an essential worker and I'm currently studying psychology, which can be quite intense so I am missing face-to-face classes with my uni friends - Jazminaa (Read more here) I'm normally a "stress head" anyway but this has been exacerbated recently as I was injured in a traffic accident in May. I'm currently two months into a physiotherapy program for my injuries but am having problems going back to work. My work environment is stressful normally and coupled with my current pain level, I can't seem to manage being there, even for a few hours... So I stress about when I can return back to work and my potential loss of income, leading to loss of my house etc if I can't pay the bills. - StressHead63 (Read more here) Staying Well: Coping with negative thinking, extended lockdown, and recognising what keeps you going I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm having negative thoughts, the only way for me to stay on top of my head is to keep busy. For me it helps to be productive and creative, whether that be by working, doing my assignments, exercising, painting, or writing poetry. Does anyone out there want to share how they cope when they're feeling 'not so hot'??? - Gab. (Read more here) As news of the VIC lockdown going for another week emerges (as well as more restrictions for NSW), just checking in with everyone, especially people that live alone or have any lockdown anxieties of any kind (like me). - Auton (Read more here) I learnt that for me its the little things that keep me going. From being able to see the sunset, to being able to say good morning to my boyfriend, to finishing my work and going home, and to watching my favourite Tv-show. I had to explore all of these things during the pandemic to keep myself going. To keep myself positive. I want to know from you, what it is that keeps you going - Ciara1 (Read more here) Meet Beyond Blue’s Newest Community Champions You may have noticed a few fellow forum members have now jumped on board as Community Champions over the last few months. Please welcome: Jazz and Blues Isabella_ Gabs_ Learn to Fly Pumpkinella Miz Petal22 jaz28 Sophia16 Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of July is Lillylane! Lillylane has been nominated for actively welcoming members to the forums while taking the time to listen to others journeys and nurture connections within the community. Thank you for all of your support Lillylane! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support BB News/Resources Below are a few articles featured on the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service webpage that you may find to be helpful during this time: Managing your mental health – taking control in uncertain times Financial counselling explained (and how it can help) How much worry is too much worry? 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus Mental health information in languages other than English R U OK Day have also released ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’, a conversation guide to help tradies know when and how to ask their workmates ‘are you OK?’. To download R U OK’s free resources, including ‘Tradies Tools to Talk’, visit bit.ly/2VEWUYC

Sad_Rod Hello Everyone Let me see what's on here
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I'm in my mid-20s, living alone, basically no social life, no friends, no pets (Couldn't afford a dog or a cat at the moment) I have been on the SSRIs for one and a half years, in the treatment of my long-lasting depression and anxiety disorder. My l... View more

I'm in my mid-20s, living alone, basically no social life, no friends, no pets (Couldn't afford a dog or a cat at the moment) I have been on the SSRIs for one and a half years, in the treatment of my long-lasting depression and anxiety disorder. My life has been a semi-mess I didn't really take them regularly but I still remind myself to keep them. I speak broken English, sometimes my counsellors and my psychiatrist seemed not to understand what I was talking about. But anyway I'm keeping to myself, I feel lonely and distressed but I still go on. I'm here to looking for ppl to chat with, spying on what you guys doing and see if I could pitch in

Dwn2lonG Hello
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Dont know if anyone will read this,im not sure how this works.beyond blue is a lst resort for me. I have severe bordefline personality disorder and ive made life hell for the ones i love most for to long. I'm embarrassed to be typing, admitting this ... View more

Dont know if anyone will read this,im not sure how this works.beyond blue is a lst resort for me. I have severe bordefline personality disorder and ive made life hell for the ones i love most for to long. I'm embarrassed to be typing, admitting this even in anonymity, so professional help would be a stretch even though I know i need it. I havent had any friends or social life for a long time as i feel awkward and not normal around people in social settings and i have a long term gf who must be the strongest person i know, but has copped hell from me for what others would see as insignificant day to day occurrences,that i see as proof she doesn't care, or she always has an alterior motive as she couldn't possibly love someone as worthless as me. I don't know what I'm expecting from this, but i have to try something cause I'm gonna lose everything if i keep going, but i can't control my emotions, i always think the worst and always expect her to understand what I'm feeling and getting angry when she can't. I hate myself so much it's unfathomable, mainly for ruining their lives and that adds more guilt that just multiplys, becomes anxiety and frustration and anger all within my own head, sometimes i get close to feeling normal briefly, but lately thats far between.it used to be the opposite, i would feel depressed or anxious or sad or restless and the rest, every so often but mainly happy..now i forget what happy feels like. I'm scared that this numbness i feel after this last episode won't go away..i can't feel anything right now..i need to talk with someone who can relate , cause i dont think theres any ex bpd sufferers other than dead ones. I mean I'd like to hear from someone who's been there and found a way out, but i doubt there is a cure for this

N_J Hope to meet like-minded people
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Hi, SOon to be 43 year old female. (Definitely big kid at heart, not too serious) have depression, and panic attacks as well as health anxiety (not as bad as it use to be) and low self esteem (comes with the territory I guess) I'm in a relationship b... View more

Hi, SOon to be 43 year old female. (Definitely big kid at heart, not too serious) have depression, and panic attacks as well as health anxiety (not as bad as it use to be) and low self esteem (comes with the territory I guess) I'm in a relationship but I feel lonely, I really do not have anyone I can just talk too. Everyone you meet will offer friendship but Actually being one these days, well that's a different story. I would love to just chat online with like minded people, you must be genuine (first and foremost) and understanding with a big heart! I love animals, believe in God (no not one to shove it down your neck) and I'm just a imperfect human who's heart is in the right place. I'm wondering if my other friend soul mate is out there? I love to laugh (strange for someone with depression I know) and can totally not act my age in the right company! I don't have kids (my dog is my baby) if your out there and feeling just as lonely at times, please reach out!

Bella_d New to this forum
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Hi. I am an older lady who spends a lot of time alone and I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time. I must admit that I am struggling with this lockdown. I am sick of myself and finding it difficult to stay motivated to do muc... View more

Hi. I am an older lady who spends a lot of time alone and I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time. I must admit that I am struggling with this lockdown. I am sick of myself and finding it difficult to stay motivated to do much. I know what I should do to stay positive but find it difficult to get up and go. On the positive side, I have cooked some healthy food today.

Wlooozy New Around Here
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Hello! I just recently joined the forum and I was hesitant about seeking help and talking to others about how I felt over the years. But after talking online I feel more welcomed and open to talk. Nice to meet everyone!

Hello! I just recently joined the forum and I was hesitant about seeking help and talking to others about how I felt over the years. But after talking online I feel more welcomed and open to talk. Nice to meet everyone!

Feeling_flat Hi
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Hi I’m new here, just feeling really flat struggling to find work since covid first hit I was also in a bad car accident and I now can’t handle being a passenger and I’m not big on driving so I don’t really go anywhere. I stress out about everything,... View more

Hi I’m new here, just feeling really flat struggling to find work since covid first hit I was also in a bad car accident and I now can’t handle being a passenger and I’m not big on driving so I don’t really go anywhere. I stress out about everything, I can’t sleep properly

Gonzo83 Newbie
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Hi just joining up as I have a few things going on in my life and becoming overwhelmed. Uni student living interstate, away from family and friends and due to border restrictions can’t go home. Well technically I can go home, but then can’t cross bor... View more

Hi just joining up as I have a few things going on in my life and becoming overwhelmed. Uni student living interstate, away from family and friends and due to border restrictions can’t go home. Well technically I can go home, but then can’t cross border to return to uni, so kinda stuck. looking forward to chatting with others.