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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 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.

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 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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Beyond Blue Bracelets

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How do I order a beyond blue bracelet?

Struggling Son

replies: 1

My beautiful, kind, caring, funny, hard-working son is so lonely, and he is having thoughts of self-harm. He is on the spectrum, but high functioning. In fact, if you met him now as an adult you would hardly notice his quirky differences. He started high school with a good group of friends from primary, but as time went by, they realised he was "different" and instead of supporting him, he became their target for bullying and ridicule. It went so far they even assaulted him. We thought he was lucky when he made a couple of new friends. However, post school, they have moved on with their own journeys and left him behind. He is now 20 and works very hard at a local club. He has pushed himself to build his confidence. He has taken care of himself by going to the gym, buying lovely clothes, catching public transport independently, going to concerts and other things, but he cannot seem to make friendship connections. He knows he has trust issues based on past experience, but he is still trying so hard, yet cannot find his tribe. I see him struggling and it is breaking my heart. He talks to me about his loneliness and I put forward ideas, but he can't seem to find his way to even try to do them. I offer to go with him, but he recognises that it's a bit lame to have his mum with him for some of these things. I am so concerned that depression is going to take hold of my son and I will lose him. My heart is breaking for him. If anyone has any ideas on how to help, please please please share. I desperately need help to help him. Thank you.

Not coping with adult son going to prison

replies: 4

My adult son has battled with mental health issues for years .My partner and I have worked really hard over the years supporting him financially and emotionally through a difficult break up, covid, homelessness his many conspiracy theories etc .When 3 years ago he entered into a volatile relationship and had another child with someone with worse mental issues than him we felt exhausted we still supported him but backed away concentrating on maintaining our close relationship with his 3 children .5 weeks ago he came to our place after splitting up with his girlfriend .After a distressing time with him being out of control and suicidal I managed to get him into through the hospital system and for the first time into rehab only to find out he had lied to everyone and had committed a serioua crime which he was arrested for after crossing the border . Since then it has been a nightmare he was brought up with support and love and i feel i am grieving for someone that I never knew. He has impacted on so many lives and will lose his 4 kids because of this . He is still waiting to be sentenced and all i know is it will be a long one .I spoke to my daughter in law,today and he has asked her to be on his contact list which she won't do .I am supported by my wonderful partner and trying to look after myself. I am in my 60s and have experienced grief and trauma before but am struggling to see any light at the end of this very dark tunnel and would wellcome any advice.

30 Year Old, Life Lacking Meaning

replies: 7

Hi I'm El.I'm posting on here as I'm too poor to afford therapy at the moment and I don't know what else to do.I don't want to come across ungrateful for all the good things in my life, of which there are many...but I have not yet been able to find a job or hobby that makes me feel like I belong.I've had many different jobs, been to Uni & Tafe, but it has not lead me to anything I enjoy. I understand not everyone is able to find a job they love, I've accepted that. What I'm upset about is that, I haven't been able to feel fulfilled even in my hobbies. I have moments when I'm caught up in obsession with something, and I get excited. but I don't know how to continue that passion. I was brought up Atheist, but I find myself really interested in Spirituality. Things like the paranormal, near death experiences, mediums etc. There is nobody in my life I can talk to about these passions that either could entertain the thought of it, or don't make fun of me for believing in things. It makes me feel isolated.There is also a side of me that recognises I'm only interested in things pertaining to spirituality as my life is lacking meaning. Anyways, I find myself crying often, disassociating in conversations and thinking often about death (to be clear I'm not suicidal, it's more so I feel so sad that I understand why some people feel suicidal and often wonder if the afterlife is a peaceful place). I get social anxiety and often feel out of place in most group settings, so I hope this is a safe space where I can find some sense of belonging. Any advice or a simple "I feel the same" would be appreciated.

How to avoid avoiding Step kids?

replies: 2

Hi, I'm a stepmother with 2x step kids, 11 yrs & 9 yrs. I have been with my partner for 4 years & we recently got married. I never wanted children though was open to being with someone who did, not fully knowing or understanding what it entailed. The kids are really sweet & we get along however that natural connection isn't there for me. I work 42+ hours a week in a highly extroverted role & my home is my sanctuary where I can recharge, find peace & be introverted. I find it difficult to share my home as the kids are kids, they're noisy, messy & generally running around the house making their presence known. We have the kids every Tuesday & Thursday each week & Friday - late Saturday every fortnight.I was recently advised that we'll now be extending our custody with the kids & have them an one extra day every fortnight: Thursday - late Sunday afternoon. This news has come as a burden & I realised how important it is having the weekend to wind down on a Saturday night/Sunday & reconnect with my husband as well as clean the house & re-establish our home. A wave of sadness has overcome me with the realisation that I have now lost an entire weekend every fortnight. Being early days I have shut myself off from my household locking myself in my bedroom to read, listen to music & have my own downtime. Alternatively, I leave the house as a means of avoidance to pass time & escape the kids. I know this is not sustainable long-term for my mental health as well as the kids & my relationship.I'm internalising my thoughts & feelings as I understand it's taboo to verbalise how I'm coping in fear of sounding selfish or presenting myself as an evil step mum. Custody decisions are made without my consent & I simply have to smile, agree & say okay to any change. These changes do however impact my life. My husband is a proactive parent & does everything for the kids. I have little to no involvement with the kids because of my inability to naturally connect & my lack of wanting to be involved. My husband is also understanding & supportive though I don't want to escalate a situation where our marriage is compromised & he feels stuck or I feel trapped. I'm open to any support or advice about how to cope & better manage myself in this situation. How do I navigate through this change & what do I need to do to regain a feeling of home & have a shared space that works for everyone when we have the kids?

Brain zaps aren't always from withdrawal.

replies: 8

Hi, I'm new and have joined because I need help with brain zaps. I am on medication daily and I not withdrawing from them. I have been getting them on and off for about 8 or 9 months and I really can't see a pattern to them. 2 nights ago while out for an evening walk, every time I turned my head I got multiple brain zaps, which went right through my body all the way to my hands and feet. I also have tinnitus and this was also off the chart, with each zap being accompanied by a louder buzz. I have had a migraine ever since and this is not the 1st time it has happened like this. Given that I haven't changed my medication, and every google search centers around SSRI withdrawal Iam really struggling for a proper answer. Is this just something that isn't well understood? Any suggestions will be very appreciated.

The last 12 months

replies: 2

Hi! I'm turning 29, and the last 12 months have been difficult. It started when my aunty died, she was more of a mum to me than my actual mother. Her heart and lungs slowly deteriorated, was admitted and discharged from hospital repeatedly as she would refuse to stay in hospital. She eventually passed away, in her home...alone. I carry so much guilt about not being there for her enough in the end.Two months after her death I injured my back at work. A bulged disc in my L5 pressing on my sciatic nerve causing tingling and numbness in my legs, incredibly painful. After months of physio and a cortisone spinal injection a neurosurgeon performed spinal surgery and I was unable to work for 2 months. I recently returned to work, but I'm not back fulltime or at full physical capacity yet. I often have feelings of uselessness as there's been so much I've been unable to do and feel like a burden. Unsupportive co-workers make this even more challenging. One staff member in particular that has always had a disliking for me. She has made continuous complaints about me and my work, often gossiping with other staff about why I can't do certain tasks and I'm lying and faking it.One situation was when the staff member asked our manager to have me removed from the office as she was CSO that day and I had no reason to be present in office. My manager told her I was doing paperwork relating to my back injury and to focus on her own work. She later complained about why I could still take photos of the animals but could not lift and take out the heavy garbage bags to the big skin bins. She has even made complaints of me bullying her, other staff members supported me and told upper management that they were present and things did not go the way she had reported. I feel like she's unfairly targeting and harassing me in attempt to get me fired. Multiple other staff have reported her repeatedly for bullying & raised concerns regarding her work ethic.I love animals and am lucky enough to have a career working with them, I love my job. She won't drive me away from a job I love, but I feel stuck in a bad situation with her that will continue to get worse. My Aunty was my go to support person in times of need, without her I'm a little lost. Animals bring me joy and my pet cat is a big support for me. I often cry into his fur as I listen to his soothing purrs. Well that's been me for the last 12 months. Feels nice to write it all out and hope that someone else out there is listening.

Hey. New member here

replies: 2

Hi guys. I go by my chosen name, Filo, 28 living in Sydney for almost 6 years now. Moved to Australia with no family - till present. I had a fair share of good and bad moments down under. I came out to my family about 2 years ago after being in the closet until I decided to stop denying about my queerness. As someone who was born and raised to a very devoted Christian family, I’ve lived in fear in the household as there was no way I’ll be accepted as a gay child. My mental health hasn’t been very well and my network of support is very limited.

Broken

replies: 1

Hi i have recently turned 52. Mom to a ten yr old. Currently getting phone help from a mental health professional and decided to look for extra help online. Most of my anxiety is social based and Centrelink is the worst problem i have. Threats and blackmail of suspending payments if i dont jump when they say jump. Despite knowing full well i have physical and mental issues on going. I am old tired and broken and they are black and white and heartless. Just an email or phone call causes anxiety heart palpitations gastro nightmares insomnia stomach pain. I am so tired of having them run my life. I even wish for life threatening illnesses or accidents so they will leave me alone. I have a son i need to care for i can't get sick yet i still I wish i would so they will just leave me alone. They calles me on a sunday on mother's day completing ruining MY day. Weekends used to be my safe happy place because before they couldn't get to me. Now with emails and text they can get to me any time day or night weekends i live in fear and anxiety because of them

Hi everybody, new member here!

replies: 2

My name is Victor and I am 30 years of age. I am from AustraliaI have dealt with mental health issues for about 8 years now.I struggle with serious depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. I have joined this forum to seek help in overcoming these mental health issues, as well as meeting others who share similar struggles as me, so we can fight the battle together and feel less alone. My hobbies are lifting weights, boxing and mixed martial arts. Over the past 8 years, I have tried over 10 medications, 4 different therapists, testosterone therapy, meditation, journaling, spent thousands on supplements, vitamins etc and reaching out to others.I am starting to get into more daily exercise to better my mental health. I am currently forcing myself to go to the gym at least 3x a week, and going for walks regularly. I am also on my 13th day of eating healthier and hoping my symptoms of depression and anxiety improve.Hope you all have a great day

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Beyond Blue Bracelets replies: 1

Struggling Son replies: 1

Not coping with adult son going to prison replies: 4

30 Year Old, Life Lacking Meaning replies: 7

How to avoid avoiding Step kids? replies: 2

Brain zaps aren't always from withdrawal. replies: 8

The last 12 months replies: 2

Hey. New member here replies: 2

Broken replies: 1

Hi everybody, new member here! replies: 2