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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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Guest_35699812 Struggling to understand fairness
  • replies: 2

I’m a 23 year old female wanted to start a family. From a very young age I have always dreamed of being a mum when I am older. And now at this stage in my life I feel that starting this journey would be a good idea. I have been with my current partne... View more

I’m a 23 year old female wanted to start a family. From a very young age I have always dreamed of being a mum when I am older. And now at this stage in my life I feel that starting this journey would be a good idea. I have been with my current partner for 5 years, he is 24 years old. I’m not entirely sure that I wanna keep going. I have been on my TTC ( trying to convince) journey for 2 years now and it just not getting anywhere nor am I seeing any light at the end of the tunnel. I have gone through all the tests I can and I have suggested all the things for my partner to do. But we just haven’t gotten anywhere. Every negative test or failed cycle just gets more and more difficult and I have no one to turn to that will understand how I feel. Because when I try to talk about my feelings I get shut down or told “it will happen if you stop stressing” and I’m honestly sick of it. I honestly don’t understand how or why this journey to becoming a mum is this hard

Lost_Alone Unsure of myself
  • replies: 6

Hey, I’m feeling really lost, empty, anxious and unsure of myself. There have been lots of changes in my life over the past few years. I am trying to support my child who has mentalhealth issues and I am struggling to keep myself afloat at the same t... View more

Hey, I’m feeling really lost, empty, anxious and unsure of myself. There have been lots of changes in my life over the past few years. I am trying to support my child who has mentalhealth issues and I am struggling to keep myself afloat at the same time. I don’t feel like I can share with anyone and haven’t yet been able to get a referral to see someone. I worry lots and feel like I’ve lost my voice with everything , likei don't matter and I am just here to be used by those around me. I am teary more often and I am losing the enjoyment I once had for activities. While I know plenty of what to do things to help with my mental health I still feel like the remedies are short lived and I am so profoundly impacted by those around me. I feel so alone.

Maz Hello all
  • replies: 3

Hello my name is Maz and fro the past few months I have been experiencing insomnia and anxiety associated with that. It is a really isolating place to be in my opinion. I have recently begun a medication to help with sleep but I have tried lots of ot... View more

Hello my name is Maz and fro the past few months I have been experiencing insomnia and anxiety associated with that. It is a really isolating place to be in my opinion. I have recently begun a medication to help with sleep but I have tried lots of other things also to varying degrees of success. Acupuncture, Chinese medicine, hypnosis, counselling, meditation, kineseology and other herbal mixtures, CBD Oil. I would be interested in how other people how navigated this journey. I resigned from work and moved back home to be closer to family, I want to be myself again and would love to go back to work, thanks for reading

Guest_19824519 Just expressing
  • replies: 2

Depression for me has never been a major issue. It’s always been anxiety recently. The past seven months I’ve been experiencing family violence from my own mother who meant so much to me physically, emotionally and verbally. So I’ve been trying to pu... View more

Depression for me has never been a major issue. It’s always been anxiety recently. The past seven months I’ve been experiencing family violence from my own mother who meant so much to me physically, emotionally and verbally. So I’ve been trying to push through and get my life together well that’s been happening but recently in the last month my boyfriend broke up with me and he was the one person I always had no matter what was always there for me. I spent every day for three months with him, to escape my house. I can’t eat without feeling sick. I’ve cried every day for A little over a month, I can’t sleep properly and I have no motivation. I can’t keep putting an effort into life when it keeps taking away the best things I had.

Dnwo Where to turn ?
  • replies: 3

After 26 years of committed service, the recent show cause notice came as a profound shock, especially given the absence of any prior warnings. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to upholding the highest standards of network security, adapting t... View more

After 26 years of committed service, the recent show cause notice came as a profound shock, especially given the absence of any prior warnings. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to upholding the highest standards of network security, adapting to numerous changes in policies and technological advancements. The introduction of new rules has unexpectedly placed me in a challenging position where, despite my extensive experience and dedication, I find myself facing significant hurdles. Throughout this trying time, the unwavering support of my family has been my cornerstone, providing solace amidst the storm. As I navigate these turbulent waters, I remain committed to resolving this matter, drawing on both my professional acumen and the strength derived from those closest to me.

OneDayAtATime1 Trying to move on in life
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, First time posting, think depression is a feeling I've always had in my life. Ever since I can remember, I've always had this deep underlying sadness about my existence, which unfortunately was due to a lot of trauma in my childhood. Mov... View more

Hi everyone, First time posting, think depression is a feeling I've always had in my life. Ever since I can remember, I've always had this deep underlying sadness about my existence, which unfortunately was due to a lot of trauma in my childhood. Moved out a few years ago, and now for the first time I have the headspace on focus outside of survival. Just feel lost and sad, and trying to figure out what's next for me

sooty69 Depressed and retired
  • replies: 1

I suffer from anxiety and depression and am 69 years old. We moved from the coast to the country and I am so unhappy. Left my friends and now trying to make new ones. Cannot talk with my husband as he says he is happy and I should be. Feel so isolate... View more

I suffer from anxiety and depression and am 69 years old. We moved from the coast to the country and I am so unhappy. Left my friends and now trying to make new ones. Cannot talk with my husband as he says he is happy and I should be. Feel so isolated and lonely. Trtying so start new hobbies but my brain just seems too tired. Try to get through each day without wanting to leave this life. Have family but try to hide my thoughts and feelings which is very hard. Thought I would join as know other people in similar situation

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.