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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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Homebrew The Future
  • replies: 8

It is really hard to write for the first time. But I assume most of you found it as difficult as I am, if not worse. Please allow me a few lenience's though if I transgress on the protocol. I find the most difficult part, is to contain the urge to ju... View more

It is really hard to write for the first time. But I assume most of you found it as difficult as I am, if not worse. Please allow me a few lenience's though if I transgress on the protocol. I find the most difficult part, is to contain the urge to just pour everything out and ramble on, as I am starting to do now. I find that rambling buries the problems that i don't want to tell or face.I was first in contact with Beyond Blue in 2020 / 2021, I had a long talk with "Millicent" I believe, she was wonderful, and suggested i I contact my GP and arrange for psychiatric help, which I did. To put it bluntly, I have lost the future somewhere over the past 4 or 5 years. I have been going to psychiatrists for some time. Quite honestly, they don't seem to work, it's not their fault, as I just find it impossible to be completely open. I have a few embarrassing hidden secrets, that i find hard to divulge. I find it much easier to talk to a female than a male, but still can't open up totally even in private.I find it easier to answer questions, than pose them. I apologize, if this not how a newbie should start.

Asurazzy Unfair treatment at work
  • replies: 7

Hi! Since 3rd/1 I've been working as trainee childhood educator at a daycare. At 17/1 I got called by my area manager that a parent raised complaints about 3 incidents that supposedly happened and i've since been advised that I am being invesitgated.... View more

Hi! Since 3rd/1 I've been working as trainee childhood educator at a daycare. At 17/1 I got called by my area manager that a parent raised complaints about 3 incidents that supposedly happened and i've since been advised that I am being invesitgated. I'm writing to this forum because I always felt stressed, anxious, constant worry about doing my job because the inconsistency of the rules compare with what other educators doing on the floor. I do not feel safe going to work and do my job, I felt like any allegations can be thrown at me at will to create problem for me at work and the company doesn't implement any measurement to prefent that happening. I felt like I've been personally attacked, targeted, discriminated and unprotected at work as I did not receive the appropriate training or support leading up the incidents. The supposed parent that raised the allegations is my workmate that's notoriously known to make problems with other educators (we educators have our lil ones as well goes to the centre where we work).

anotherPeter First visit here in 9 years
  • replies: 1

I've forgotten how to find my way around here. Haven't been here for nine years. A lot of changed in nine years. Separation, divorce, forced resignation. Haven't worked for two and a half years and I don't want to. I live in a caravan in the cheapest... View more

I've forgotten how to find my way around here. Haven't been here for nine years. A lot of changed in nine years. Separation, divorce, forced resignation. Haven't worked for two and a half years and I don't want to. I live in a caravan in the cheapest showgrounds that I can find. Haven't seen my sons for more than three years. Family dynamics are such that I am no longer in communication with any of my 6 siblings. I don't know anyone at all in the town where I have been for over a year. I stay in my caravan and get drunk. I am lonely and except for staff at the local bottle shop and supermarket I never talk to anyone.

Caribou What a decade huh?
  • replies: 1

Hey there, I joined up here because I figured it would be a bit more productive than some of the other forums i post on. It's nice to see such a warm reception for a change. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my formative years no... View more

Hey there, I joined up here because I figured it would be a bit more productive than some of the other forums i post on. It's nice to see such a warm reception for a change. I've struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my formative years now, and having just entered my 20s I think its time to change direction with how I approach it. So I'd just like to say hello and invite others to share their experience Feels like the 2020's have already passed by but we're not even halfway there yet. In between jobs.. caring for unwell family members.. watching old friends drift away, sometimes it's difficult trying to get out of bed some days, but lately that's just feeling like every day. But, I take comfort in knowing we're all in it together. I hope my awkward writing hasn't put anyone on edge; I'm not a particularly good speaker. Thanks for reading and remember to take care. - Caribou

Happylife Hi
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, this is my first time here. I am excited to learn and share...

Hi everyone, this is my first time here. I am excited to learn and share...

Rosebud Hi
  • replies: 1

I just decided to join here as things for me are I don’t know I guess I am over being here anymore I lost my dog who was m6 soul dog and sister 8 months apart, besides my other dog I literally have no one- I have a brother but he doesn’t give a damn.... View more

I just decided to join here as things for me are I don’t know I guess I am over being here anymore I lost my dog who was m6 soul dog and sister 8 months apart, besides my other dog I literally have no one- I have a brother but he doesn’t give a damn. If my dog wasn’t here I wouldn’t be either. I just feel like the whole world hates me and I can’t do anything right. It’s my birthday at the end of this month, I haven’t bothered about it since I lost my sister. All I think about is wanting to join all my loved ones no longer here. I have no friends and don’t leave my property unless I am putting the bin out, bringing it in or walking my dog if I feel like walking her. So for bothering you.

Guest_67053180 Life is nothing but a anxiety
  • replies: 2

HiFirst time here. I live in ACT and work in the Federal government. I have depression and anxiety issues and I take meds to manage it.

HiFirst time here. I live in ACT and work in the Federal government. I have depression and anxiety issues and I take meds to manage it.

Guest_19365475 How do I carry on?
  • replies: 2

Hi there my name is Jon, I am a divorced, single Father to 2 beautiful children. I have zero family support and little contact with my family back home. I have had a horrible couple of months getting over my past relationship which im still grieving ... View more

Hi there my name is Jon, I am a divorced, single Father to 2 beautiful children. I have zero family support and little contact with my family back home. I have had a horrible couple of months getting over my past relationship which im still grieving along with my workplace which has changed a lot recently. I am studying a Diploma of Counselling and go to the gym for studio classes regularly. I feel very lonely and give myself minimal downtime, only when the kids are with me. I often feel it would be better if I left the world so others around do not have to feel like they have to be careful around me as I am very quiet and I really have no enjoyment in anything. I'm also wary that I appear depressed around others especially my kids so I try to mask my true feelings. I feel worthless and take no enjoyment in this life, my happy go lucky personality has gone due to realising my income is low and I have lost an incredible lady who I will always love. I have been to see a counsellor earlier this year and I am almost a third of the way through my Diploma. Thank you for reading.