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Sophie_M Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support
  • replies: 0

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be ... View more

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be a distressing time for many of us to support one another. Recognising that the impacts of a natural disaster can occur both before, during and after, we have prepared some resources which we hope can be helpful: From the Queensland Government, Useful information to help you get ready for a cyclone:Home | Get Ready Queensland Emotional Preparedness: Prepare your mind | Australian Red Cross Three-steps-to-emotionally-prepare-for-the-disaster-season.pdf What now? Coping after the event: Coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress | Australian Red Cross Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross As always, if you wish to speak to a counsellor, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. Stay safe, everyone, and take good care of yourself during what can be a deeply challenging time. Kind regards Sophie M

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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Frangepani My life Experiences
  • replies: 7

Hi my names Leigh and im recently new here. I just wanted to introduce myself. Im not sure bout this but im putting myself out there in the hope I can meet other like minded people like myself. Anyway ill leave it there for now I would really love to... View more

Hi my names Leigh and im recently new here. I just wanted to introduce myself. Im not sure bout this but im putting myself out there in the hope I can meet other like minded people like myself. Anyway ill leave it there for now I would really love to meet new people.

jacl wondering if this happens to others?
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm new to this but am curious if this happens to others. Most of the time I feel fine and have no reason to feel otherwise. I have good health, own my home and things are pretty much ok. I did lose my husband 7 years ago and that sucks but I don'... View more

Hi I'm new to this but am curious if this happens to others. Most of the time I feel fine and have no reason to feel otherwise. I have good health, own my home and things are pretty much ok. I did lose my husband 7 years ago and that sucks but I don't wake up every day thinking about it. But sometimes I just feel so low, don't feel like getting out of bed and find it hard to cheer up. What gets me is that is goes on for a few days and then it passes and I'm good for quite a while. So I'm guessing it's not depression or it would be more constant. Or maybe not or I wouldn't be on this website or asking the question. Any thoughts???

Daps Lived Experience
  • replies: 9

Hello all Daps here. I've just signed up as a volunteer and I am looking forward to contribute to and help all those people who have been through rough times with their illness, or even with maintaining their health. I've climbed out of the downward ... View more

Hello all Daps here. I've just signed up as a volunteer and I am looking forward to contribute to and help all those people who have been through rough times with their illness, or even with maintaining their health. I've climbed out of the downward pressure of having a mental illness, and have made a success of my life through hard work, perseverance, whilst utilising my lived experience as motivation. I've recently completed my Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, and I am still moving forward with further studies. I hope to bring experience and some wisdom and insights to the table with my education and experience during lifelong recovery, education and hard work. I believe all of us have the spirit within us to succeed, and for those who have lived experience and survived intact still need peer support in times of need. Check back for future insights. Daps.

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

TwoHeads Introductions
  • replies: 14

hey guys. R here, aka TwoHeads. i'm a terribly succesful and terribly depressed man in his 40's. i hate being broken and struggle living with this reality. thought i'd reach out and try and find some like-minded people to get some useful tips on deal... View more

hey guys. R here, aka TwoHeads. i'm a terribly succesful and terribly depressed man in his 40's. i hate being broken and struggle living with this reality. thought i'd reach out and try and find some like-minded people to get some useful tips on dealing with an "anxiety-fueled depression". I was abused as a kid and suffered a fair whack of violence (pardon the pun) during my younger years. I lived with constant criticism and learnt that i was never going to be good enough. Life became a game of being outstanding to distract people from the brokeness - "nothing to see here". i struggle accepting encouragement and help, but they are artefacts that help me protect myself. i think often of how good it will be to finally die and leave this all behind, but never about killing myself. I have an amazing wife of >25 years and three marvelous kids who are a constant source of strength and frustration. Life is a peak and trough thing for me, with more troughs of longer duration and less peaks than the average bear. Please say hi - would be good to connect with others in similar situations. have a good day.

lonely_lady New here
  • replies: 10

Hi I am a mature 60+ lady struggling to balance work and some newly diagnosed chronic health issues. This past few months I have also developed mild depression, anxiety and ptsd but feel that these are increasing in intensity. My GP is now recommendi... View more

Hi I am a mature 60+ lady struggling to balance work and some newly diagnosed chronic health issues. This past few months I have also developed mild depression, anxiety and ptsd but feel that these are increasing in intensity. My GP is now recommending a mental health care plan and I have no idea what I need. I have no family or friends for support and my partner doesn't really 'get' what I need. Am reaching out to this group to make some connections and hopefully find some friends. I am the type of person who always appears positive, strong and capable and always there for others but am finding now when I need support, there is no one there for me. Reach out and say hello

Matthew_loves_retro_gamin Introduction about my Mental Health journey and how I started my podcast on Mental Health
  • replies: 8

Hi my name is Matthew, I lost my older brother named Daniel in 2019 from his condition which was Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and I was in my final year of high school. It was hard on my family and especially myself as I lost my best friend. I'm so ha... View more

Hi my name is Matthew, I lost my older brother named Daniel in 2019 from his condition which was Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and I was in my final year of high school. It was hard on my family and especially myself as I lost my best friend. I'm so happy I reached out though and spoke to firstly Beyond Blue who told me to speak to my GP which I did and I feel my depression dark cloud has shrunk down then what it was when I lost my brother Daniel. I currently do a podcast on a community radio station which I love doing each week and I've done 5 episodes and since I've lost my brother I had this gut feeling to be doing something more than what I was currently doing and I'm glad I've found where I want to be which is talking to others about their Mental Health journey and spreading the important message to get the ball rolling on that discussion of Mental Health. I miss my brother every day but he definitely motivates me and pushes me to keep doing my podcast. Thanks very much for listening to my journey. Stay Safe Have a great week. Regards, Matthew

An333 Introduction: living with a spouse with depression
  • replies: 3

I am looking for support and guidance regarding living with a spouse with depression. He has recently started counselling which is great however the 'ups and downs' and miscommunications are really difficult to make sense of. It's hard to know if thi... View more

I am looking for support and guidance regarding living with a spouse with depression. He has recently started counselling which is great however the 'ups and downs' and miscommunications are really difficult to make sense of. It's hard to know if this is a reflection of our relationship or the depression.

CazQ Introducing myself... Having Bipolar
  • replies: 2

Hi, This is my first time to any forum. I am 49 and was diagnosed with Bipolar late last year as I was crashing from a major manic episode which lasted for many months. I am starting to understand myself more. Am happy to know what I "have" because I... View more

Hi, This is my first time to any forum. I am 49 and was diagnosed with Bipolar late last year as I was crashing from a major manic episode which lasted for many months. I am starting to understand myself more. Am happy to know what I "have" because I have felt different my whole life and in the 70's, there wasn't available diagnostics or mental health support that we have now. I don't have a psychologist at the moment. Feeling like I need to converse with people who are afflicted by Bipolar- people who understand. Can't use Facebook...it triggers me too much when I am not well. I am taking medications and am working on adjusting the quantity and time of ingestion so that I am not constantly sleepy or brain- fogged. Thankyou

Okberty Hello...I'm new here. Feeling lost and anxious with no di4ection
  • replies: 2

Hello. So new to forums. And new to these feelings I am experiencing. So alone and have lost a sense of purpose. Unable to visit family and those i love since Covid and dealing with stress of being away from an elderly unwell parent. Want to help but... View more

Hello. So new to forums. And new to these feelings I am experiencing. So alone and have lost a sense of purpose. Unable to visit family and those i love since Covid and dealing with stress of being away from an elderly unwell parent. Want to help but can't. So overwhelmed at work have been making bad decisions and also not standing up for myself which has forced me to take an action at work that contradicts my own values. Lost as to what to do. Want to quit and move back to my home country but can't because of finances and covid. Used to be highly successful in my previous employment but have lost any sense of desire or ambition. Have no one here that I feel close to and feel used by those that I thought were friends. Constantly no motivation and Jumpy all the time. Think I have tried to hide my feelings for so long they have finally caught up with me. Have sought help through GP and psychologist