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Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

gucia6 Joining ADF after having mental problems in the past
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have searched the forum, and found one thread about this topic, but it didn't answer to my question. Does anyone know if there are any specific mental health conditions that disqualify on the spot to join the defence forces? 18 years ago I had ... View more

Hi, I have searched the forum, and found one thread about this topic, but it didn't answer to my question. Does anyone know if there are any specific mental health conditions that disqualify on the spot to join the defence forces? 18 years ago I had a serious case of breakdown, but I was never hospitalized, managed to sort the issue on my own and was never on medication. The situation back then did not affect me finishing studies, getting and keeping job, having family, or fulfilling any daily life duties. Only last year I decided to have couple of sessions with psychologist to help sort out, what was going on, and get on track why certain situation kicked me off balance for a short period of time. But since I did some research on that, quite a bit of "homework", am able to recognize my triggers and regulate emotions well, I was wondering if this past case of imbalance and need of some support last year would be an obstacle in getting to ADF?

domn8 Chronic Procrastination and depression
  • replies: 4

Hi All, I am stuck in a chicken and egg scenario. I am anxious, stressed, and depressed, and don't seem to be able to make myself do anything. On the other hand, I have fallen so far behind with my work that I feel like it's out of control, and this ... View more

Hi All, I am stuck in a chicken and egg scenario. I am anxious, stressed, and depressed, and don't seem to be able to make myself do anything. On the other hand, I have fallen so far behind with my work that I feel like it's out of control, and this makes me stressed, anxious and depressed. I sit at my desk and can't figure out how to get started, what to do first, and find myself just sitting there waiting for disaster to strike because I haven't attended to something that I'd committed to do at work. Sometimes I feel like it's hopeless and I just want to run away from it all. I'm super embarrassed by where I'm at - I used to be good at my job and I'm scared of the day that everyone will realise that I'm failing to achieve anything. How do I dig myself out? Is there something that a doctor might prescribe (temporarily of course) that would help me to buckle down and focus?

Beaser Really Battling.
  • replies: 18

Hi this is my first post . I find myself really in a bad way . I have had a relationship breakdown because of my anxiety and depression and that makes me so sad and lost.Im struggling at work and have had so much time off and worry ill lose my job.I ... View more

Hi this is my first post . I find myself really in a bad way . I have had a relationship breakdown because of my anxiety and depression and that makes me so sad and lost.Im struggling at work and have had so much time off and worry ill lose my job.I find myself just scraping trough each day and collapsing at night into bed to give my brain a break.Im 55 and have lived with my condition for so .Im exhausted by it all.Depression gives me such bad feelings of guilt that i shouldnt carry. Ruminating about everything is constant. I wonder if anyone has similar experiences and how they get through. I wish every one a healthy and happy day. Brett

Historyfan01 Hello again
  • replies: 3

Hi all, My real name is Liam. I used to be on here a long time ago but I can't remember anything about my old profile and wanted to start again fresh since I was incredibly young when I made it and feel embarrassed about my posting. I guess I still a... View more

Hi all, My real name is Liam. I used to be on here a long time ago but I can't remember anything about my old profile and wanted to start again fresh since I was incredibly young when I made it and feel embarrassed about my posting. I guess I still am since I'm under 25, but a lot has happened since my old profile. I'll post another post in the appropriate forum section but wanted to say hello first

Ashu Depression
  • replies: 1

Depressed how the life turned out. Tried to mitigate the effects by supporting, being loyal, caring, compromising with partners family and still not enough. Why looks are so important. Wish had knew that the person you trusted would change to the cor... View more

Depressed how the life turned out. Tried to mitigate the effects by supporting, being loyal, caring, compromising with partners family and still not enough. Why looks are so important. Wish had knew that the person you trusted would change to the core, perhaps would choose a different path.

Brian90 Mature age only child who’s parents are splitting up
  • replies: 5

Hi Guys I’m 30 years old and an old child with very little family. Sorry to ‘rip the band aid off’ but My Father has diagnosed depression, is quite suicidal and has just told my Mum he wants to seperate. it’s come from no where. They were amazing par... View more

Hi Guys I’m 30 years old and an old child with very little family. Sorry to ‘rip the band aid off’ but My Father has diagnosed depression, is quite suicidal and has just told my Mum he wants to seperate. it’s come from no where. They were amazing parents and had no arguments or violence growing up, just normal loving parents. mum is now in shock and very upset. They’re both seeking counciling & mental health services but the visits are so far spread apart. My Grand mother is 94 and has very little time left. She’s on my fathers side and he was also an only child. They’re very close. im very worried about the near future.. Anyone able to give me advice who may have been in this situation?

Internally_Sassy I Don't Think I'm Straight (How Can I Tell?)
  • replies: 8

Hello everyone! I am questioning my sexuality but all the advice from I have found online, on discovering one's sexuality, has been based on people who have had a crush or have been in a relationship with someone before. I have no experience with eit... View more

Hello everyone! I am questioning my sexuality but all the advice from I have found online, on discovering one's sexuality, has been based on people who have had a crush or have been in a relationship with someone before. I have no experience with either but I have a feeling (not sure if that's quite how to describe it) that I'm not straight. Whenever I think about being with either gender I don't feel a pull towards one gender more than the other. I was thinking I may be bi or pan. Could anyone who can give advice on how I may be able to discover my sexuality, or maybe just share their own stories, I would greatly appreciate it.

Jeanine87 I need help I am depressed and stress
  • replies: 2

My father passed away on saturday. He was hit by a car and died on the scene. I have not seen my father for 12 years even though i have been visiting him and he always shuts me out. I have been messaging him nicely on messenger but no reply and he wi... View more

My father passed away on saturday. He was hit by a car and died on the scene. I have not seen my father for 12 years even though i have been visiting him and he always shuts me out. I have been messaging him nicely on messenger but no reply and he will always block me. But he is always in my heart especially after having my own child and husband. The police rang me on the weekends and the coroner rang me and told me they will release the body to me and i can arrange my fathers funeral which i have done and suppose to be tomroow. Today i have found out my brothers only uncle is trying to dispute this and asking his solicitor that he has more rigjt. i could not believe this my uncle has been so nice to me all this years and always kept in touch with me, I am his only child and I have been longing for my father for so long my depression and anxiety is so high that I am not able to sleep and eat. I need help please please I am so lost

Lucy_H Isolated
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a DV/Homeless worker in a small isolated community. Before moving here, I previously worked in mental health for over a decade and this included the prison system. I was taught from a young age and throughout my working life (especially in me... View more

Hi, I'm a DV/Homeless worker in a small isolated community. Before moving here, I previously worked in mental health for over a decade and this included the prison system. I was taught from a young age and throughout my working life (especially in mental health work) that you do not talk about your own issues, ever. Figured recently that my mental health issues started before I was 10 years old and am nearly 60 yrs now. So I have always found ways to cover up or control my issues until recently. I have a poisonous workplace and dangerous living conditions that has assisted my mental health to deteriorate. I have spoken to the GP when he is in town but am not able to seek psychiatric assistance during working hours, nor in this town for privacy reasons. I have phoned Beyondblue help line and another on occasions and have always spoken to wonderful people, but other than being able to speak to another human being, I don't find it particularly helpful for myself as I know that I need a different level of assistance. I can't leave this town unless I want to make myself homeless and have tried for other jobs. Prospective employers baulk when I say I cannot give recent referees and will need a bit of time to relocate. So am feeling trapped. When this town has internet/phone service, I have become a utube junky trying to find something to escape into, let alone something to smile at. It is not possible to form friendships here as I am very much a minority and not allowed to forget it. The nearest town is around 2 hours away. If you are reading this, thank you for taking the time.

King_A Another noob
  • replies: 2

Hey all, I'm a 42 year old dude who's been living with Depression & Anxiety since my teens. This last week I've been dealing with insomnia that's progressively snowballed into a pretty unpleasant episode of the above. The main antagonist for my sleep... View more

Hey all, I'm a 42 year old dude who's been living with Depression & Anxiety since my teens. This last week I've been dealing with insomnia that's progressively snowballed into a pretty unpleasant episode of the above. The main antagonist for my sleep problems is alcohol, specifically wine, I've known this for a long time, and keep telling myself that I'm going to stop drinking as frequently, but of course don't. So I've decided to reach out a little bit, and stop bottling it up (pun intended). Anyway, hello!