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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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AmethystWolf An introduction of sorts
  • replies: 6

Hi all, Don't really know where to begin honestly, just know I want to reach out. I'm 36 years old & about 2/3 years ago I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder & moderate to severe depression. I spent time in therapy, progressed well (so I... View more

Hi all, Don't really know where to begin honestly, just know I want to reach out. I'm 36 years old & about 2/3 years ago I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder & moderate to severe depression. I spent time in therapy, progressed well (so I thought) but lately it feels like the black dog has me firmly by the throat. Actually, feels like I'm dancing the edge of burnout. I work as a bartender/waitress & while it is a full on job I don't feel like its the type of job that would be associated with burnout, most of the time I really enjoy my job. I love the people I work with, the managers are lenient & fair, the pay is pretty decent & I'm good at it. At the moment though I feel like the smallest things are irrationally irritating me. Like inducing rage reactions. On top of work my husband & I are trying to find a new rental home in a town that has next to no available (or within budget) rentals. But it feels like he has done absolutely nothing towards trying to find a place. I'm the one that has been doing all the applications, arranging viewings & trying to pack up our current house. When I ask him to do simple tasks its like talking to a teenager, I'm greeted with huffs, puffs, groans & I'm just finding myself wanting to punch him (I won't actually hit him I don't have it in me but he is driving me up the wall & not just in that way that wives say in jest). I constantly feel like I am standing out on a limb just waiting for it to break. I have friends I speak to regularly but I'm starting to feel like I'm unfairly burdening them with my issues. That thought sends me down a rabbit hole that I'm struggling to get out of. My self esteem is subterranean. I don't feel like I add anything of value to anyone's life, everytime I talk to loved ones its all the same, all negative. I fear I'm boring them or that I'm not good enough. I should've mentioned (and the therapist made constant notes about) I'm very self aware. I know when I'm caught in the cycle, I practise the coping mechanisms but when I'm in the cycle I really have to fight to get out of it. I know the negative self talk doesn't help but I can't stop which results in annoyance at self which creates more negative self talk & so on. I have zero libidio either which of course is a sore spot in my marriage. I actually started questioning lately if I might be Asexual so there's that too. Constantly feeling like I'm just spinning my wheels and going nowhere. Its a deep soul exhaustion. *long exhale*

Lloydincanberra My anger
  • replies: 5

I am a single Dad with joint custody of my 16yo son. I moved here from interstate a while ago and am very lonely I have no friends here and all my extended family are interstate. I am constantly anxious that I am overreacting to perceived issues. Whe... View more

I am a single Dad with joint custody of my 16yo son. I moved here from interstate a while ago and am very lonely I have no friends here and all my extended family are interstate. I am constantly anxious that I am overreacting to perceived issues. When I think about things after I have reacted I always realise that I was wrong - always. I am deeply concerned that I am having a negative effect on my son. I love him unconditionally and would anything for him. I have nobody to talk to without being judged and I just need someone to talk to that can maybe offer advice .

Split_peas Confused, worn down, rock bottom
  • replies: 12

Hi all, I’m 44 and have been having some strange mental health symptoms start up about 5 years ago. I also had undiagnosed issues as a child. I have been trying to get a diagnosis but can’t get help. I’ve been to so many dr, psychologist, psychiatris... View more

Hi all, I’m 44 and have been having some strange mental health symptoms start up about 5 years ago. I also had undiagnosed issues as a child. I have been trying to get a diagnosis but can’t get help. I’ve been to so many dr, psychologist, psychiatrist etc. no one is diagnosing me with anything but they keep telling me I have a bunch of things and offering me anti depressants. This won’t help me. I’ve now given up and am too scared to go to a dr because any more rejections or shoulder shrugging will tip me over. I lost my job last year after telling them about these problems. I was forced to resign. Worked there for 18 years. I am lost and don’t think I will be able to cope alone soon

GoannaLost A space to talk
  • replies: 14

This is my first post. I am struggling at the moment with anxiety and depression. I just wanted somewhere I could talk freely about how I am feeling without judgement. I don't know if the right forum in beyond blue for this. I tried the smiling mind ... View more

This is my first post. I am struggling at the moment with anxiety and depression. I just wanted somewhere I could talk freely about how I am feeling without judgement. I don't know if the right forum in beyond blue for this. I tried the smiling mind course, whilst it looked good it didn't do it for me. I feel isolated and debilitated with anxiety and recirculating negative thoughts. Those close to me don't see what a painful place I am in or tell me to get over it. Not helpful, only makes me feel worse, because I think I should be able to cope and feel more isolated. I've had some major panic attacks and sleep anxiety which I have never had before. I just want to know that eventually it will be better, but can't see how. I have awful thoughts.

Chunty Kitty Cat
  • replies: 41

Coping ok. Sorry for people affected by it

Coping ok. Sorry for people affected by it

DancingInTheStorm Hello!!!!
  • replies: 4

Hi, just wanted to drop in and say hi. I am a passionate mental health advocate and over the years have raised over $35,000 for Beyond Blue. I one day hope I can be an ambassador as someone with lived experience. I am still on the road to healing and... View more

Hi, just wanted to drop in and say hi. I am a passionate mental health advocate and over the years have raised over $35,000 for Beyond Blue. I one day hope I can be an ambassador as someone with lived experience. I am still on the road to healing and look forward to participating in these forums. I just need to get my head around everything and how it all works! Take care

Clean_freak Hello
  • replies: 13

Hi , My name is Daniella. I’m 50 years old and was diagnosed with a few mental illnesses when I was 46. After suffering a severe breakdown (my second), I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar, PTSD, Anxiety Disorder with agoraph... View more

Hi , My name is Daniella. I’m 50 years old and was diagnosed with a few mental illnesses when I was 46. After suffering a severe breakdown (my second), I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar, PTSD, Anxiety Disorder with agoraphobia. So as you can see my challenges are big on most days, but I had the worst episode 2 months ago and am now trying to keep positive everyday and when I feel well, I push my boundaries. Baby steps is what I’m achieving and I’m trying to stay focused. A big “hello” to everyone on here!

R1PLEY Return to Work help
  • replies: 1

Hi folks, thanks for reading my post. I’m new here, but have been reading through a lot of the old threads. I’m currently going through a workers comp claim for psychological injury and the process is thoroughly exhausting. I just had a call today fr... View more

Hi folks, thanks for reading my post. I’m new here, but have been reading through a lot of the old threads. I’m currently going through a workers comp claim for psychological injury and the process is thoroughly exhausting. I just had a call today from my Return to Work provider and it’s sent me spiralling. I don’t want to go back. There are so many reasons for this, but I really don’t know what to do. I don’t mind seeking other employment but I’m worried my boss will give me a poor referral or that it will interfere with the WC process. I can’t find information and I’m just feeling deeper and deeper in a hole I can’t climb out of. I’m afraid to go back and feel trapped again and afraid to find myself in the headspace that led me to claim in the first place. I’m afraid I’m doing the wrong thing, that it’s going to do more harm to me in the long run. Does anyone have any advice or experience that they can relate?

Guest_2475 Struggling with ED
  • replies: 2

I’ve recently began struggling with BED which has led me to a lot of weight gain. It’s impacting my whole life. School, relationships, friendships, sport and hobbies. My mental health is even impacted by it cause it’s the only thing I focus on nowada... View more

I’ve recently began struggling with BED which has led me to a lot of weight gain. It’s impacting my whole life. School, relationships, friendships, sport and hobbies. My mental health is even impacted by it cause it’s the only thing I focus on nowadays. How do I stop this cycle. I just want to be a teenager again instead of stress over how many calories I consumed at breakfast.