Welcome and Orientation

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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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Stole and feel like the scum of the Earth

replies: 4

I feel like a terrible person. I know I should have thoughts like “no I’m not, I’m just someone who did a bad thing.” And I know there are people who would disagree and say, yes, this does make me a bad person. I don’t know what to think anymore. I work for someone’s small business and I took money on three shifts out of desperation. There is no excuse for this. I didn’t have enough for rent, my phone, water, medication, car, and groceries. I am stressed out of my mind from uni and I have been unsuccessful in my job interviews as I have been looking for a second job because of money stress. I know this isn’t an excuse and it doesn’t make it okay. It was a terrible thing to do, taking from a small business because I know my employer trusted me enough to leave me alone with the cash box while they went to the bathroom. They have things they need to pay for as well, and I realise that now. I don’t know what came over me. I plan on giving this money back and a little more for damage because I feel horrible but this is my only job and I’m terrified of losing it without a backup. I know I should have thought of this before I stole but I didn’t. I thought I needed to do this. My employer sent me a message telling me they noticed money was missing from those shifts and if I had just been counting my change wrong. I know this wasn’t the case. But I’m terrified. I know I need to do what’s right and give it back but I’m so scared. I meant no harm but I know this must have had consequences for them. I guess I’m just asking for advice on what to do from here. I know I have to face the harsh consequences, whatever it might be. I know if I give it back, they might rightfully not want to work with me anymore. Do I wait until I have another job to fall back on? Do I just do it at my next shift? Do I tell them I was just counting change very wrong and just never do this again? The fact I am considering this makes me feel horrible. I think I know people are going to say “just give it back with a sincere apology asap” and I really do want to. I am scared. I can’t help but feel like a terrible person and I’m questioning why I even did this. I know why but it doesn’t make it right. It shouldn’t matter what I feel because I’ve done somebody wrong. I really am sorry.

Relocation sadness

replies: 3

hello, I am 38 female and 3 months ago moved to a remote community for a promotion and absolutely hate it and struggle to get up out of bed for work. I have worked for this company for 20 years I am sad all the time which means I am falling behind at work and because I am a leader my team are falling further behind and I know my mental health is now a liability for the business I work for.I have an appointment with doctor on Monday to get mental health plan but feel like I need to relocate back home and put my mental health first Needing advice from people who have left their job due to mental health

Just Joined Hello

replies: 5

Hello everyone I have just joined and though I would just lay down some feelings which is so hard for me, I am lost in life I have had some big changes and heart acks, I had to give up my job and become a career for my partner and I have a stepdaughter with mental illness as well, I am going through the motions of cooking and cleaning which I hate but I have no joy, I have no motivation to do anything I looked at the local Man's Shed for support but there they are making stuff to help them, I don't have the mental energy to do that I just wanted to be around people and talk, I walk the dog each day to get out of the house but that doesn't seem to do much.

Feeling worthless

replies: 1

Hello, I'm being snubbed and disrespected by my friends and colleagues, I'm 24 y/o I am dejected and feeling worthless, 6 months one of my guy friends invited all of his friends a week in advance, who are my mutual friends and invited me just a day before, I was being childish and didn't know to ignore late invite, one of my other friend told "oh late invite", after then I realised. Today my co-worker snubbed me for his birthday party and invited all other colleagues. I felt worthless. Last year none of my friends in Australia wished me on my birthday (I've been living here for the last 15 months). The only friends who care about me or talk to me are the ones who are interested in me, before this my partner. I was in a relationship with a woman and was afraid that if I disclosed it, I would be subjected to homophobia and I distanced myself from all my friends, we broke up a couple of months back. I've never seen any friends after that, I have no one to talk to. Additionally, I am about to fail in a subject and broke

Hi from an angry person

replies: 3

Hi, this is my first time here. I'm 38 and suffering from outbursts, angry explosions. I think people are talking about me, they do not like me or not invite me to anything... I lost the trust of my colleagues at work and just received a warning and now I cannot work until I behave myself. They are giving me a chance because next time will be termination. Its pretty hard, I feel lonely most of the times, and most of the times I want to be by myself, but its heartbreaking having no one to hold your hand. For me its hard making and preserving friendship. As I have depression and anxiety, I tried going to GP, taking some pills, hypnotherapy, meditation, people say to exercise, to eat healthy, but for me I just cannot find peace. I just think I'm a lost case. I know I still have a chance, but Im so tired of being in this hole, crying all the time and upsetting people all the time. What else I can do? Here is my last resource really... Im from overseas, have a 5 year old boy, no medicare...

First Timer

replies: 4

Hello! I have just joined and thought I would take a dive into the deep end and say hello (hopefully this is the right place to do that). I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have been suffering with it for a fairly long time but it was compounded by COVID, losing my grandma who was overseas and working in a very toxic environment. I have also grown up in a fairly challenging environment as well in which I experienced both physical and mental abuse growing up which has taken its toll despite my best efforts to have stuck my head in the sand and pretended otherwise. I now see a psychologist and am on medication to manage my anxiety and depression and just getting to that point was a challenge in and of itself, particularly due to the stigma surrounding mental health in my culture. Some days are better than others and I'm grateful for every good day. I guess I joined this community because I don't really have anyone in my life who really gets what its like when some days the current is so heavy you can't help being pulled under and its a battle just to keep your head above water. Before I started getting assistance for my mental health I used to drink a lot. It was a way of coping with the difficult family situation I was in and I would also spend a lot of time with friends just trying to drown out all my feelings of being stuck and helpless. I've since stopped drinking in excess which is great. I have so much more clarity. But more recently, I have found myself really lonely and in a position where I don't really have anyone to turn to when I find myself struggling.

I just signed up and been here for hours

replies: 2

Hey everyone,I'm new here. Just found this tonight and glad of that. Life is pretty challenging for me at the moment with a "big thing" with my daughter and visiting the forum tonight has given some welcome relief and distraction.My mental health goes up and down. I often struggle with depression. I have anxiety and I am pretty sure I have ADHD, although undiagnosed because I cannot afford it and given my age, 64 and female, statistically unlikely for that to happen anyway.I am currently in therapy as stress has undermined my mental health considerably over the last few years and the Lockdown ( i worked through, I'm in a pharmacy) burnt me out. My daughter has mental health diagnoses that keep me on my toes and help to ramp up the stress on a regular basis even though we live apart.I am in Sydney and single, with 2 cats and work full-time. I am happy to have found this space where I already feel I can say things people will understand without judgement. And that is a welcome relief.

Hello from Perth

replies: 4

Hi I am new here and I could do with some help. I am a 56-year-old woman with ADHD and am on the spectrum. Diagnosed 3 years ago so life has been difficult, depression and anxiety have been my companions for as long as I can remember. I have a husband and daughter who are both so busy with work and university. I had a hip replacement on my right side 2 years ago and recovery was good, and I was able to continue working and get on with it. Left hip fracture and replacement of left hip in January 2023. I have spent the last 10 months in and out of hospital. The short version of a long story has been rough, 6 total dislocations and 3 hip replacements. Multiple hospital stays and visits with the longest stay being a month. After much investigation, I was diagnosed with Myelopathy which is compressed nerves that were causing spasms and spasticity which was causing my hip to dislocate. The only surgery option was a C5 dissection and fusion, I had x-rays, CT scans, and an MRI. Perth's finest surgeons meet weekly to discuss severe or complex cases, and it was agreed that in my case it has progressed to the point where surgery will not give any positive results. So here I am with not many options available to me, and I am struggling. The pain is intense and non-stop. I don't want to overload my daughter and hubby as they are struggling too. Any advice is welcome and thanks in advance. Toni62ej

Brand new

replies: 6

Hi this is my first time here. I am just starting my mental health journey and I am scared to death of the next few weeks and months.

Surviving survival

replies: 3

I know how to survive as a victim, however, I do not know how to survive survival. To exist is easy. To live is unknown territory for me. It’s confusing to know how to live once surviving and to no longer be a victim. I feel lost and unimportant. How to find self-love when I despise the reflection in the mirror. To believe in my own self worth, when I don’t feel worthy or have reason to keep looking for my worth. To understand my purpose. To see a light. To trust love when I have no love for myself.It is exhausting. When I open my eyes every morning, I hope it’s the day I finally feel even a fraction better than the day before. Then I go to bed, feeling less hopeful. I don’t know how to quieten my own self hatred. Waiting for the end to come, is like I’m living in the waiting room to death or to live life. No longer do I want to be in limbo. Drugs were the bandaid fix and now without the bandaid, I can still feel that the wounds have not healed, but I don’t want the bandaid fix any more yet I cannot heal my wounds. How do I start to find love and respect for myself? Words are just words. Action and a form of positivity is what I seek, yet I have no idea where to find it within myself.Everyone has a backstory, now I need my future story that I cannot see happening as another day comes and goes. To even like myself is as important as having food daily. To keep strong and have faith that when the new day starts, I’m strong enough to keep going. But my internal pantry is empty.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Stole and feel like the scum of the Earth replies: 4

Relocation sadness replies: 3

Just Joined Hello replies: 5

Feeling worthless replies: 1

Hi from an angry person replies: 3

First Timer replies: 4

I just signed up and been here for hours replies: 2

Hello from Perth replies: 4

Brand new replies: 6

Surviving survival replies: 3