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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_9866 Why am I here?
  • replies: 5

Only hopped on following email about changes. Often I think about reaching out on forums. Just learnt to hide and deal with world in my bubble. Getting older and older caring for my father and never had a relationship or even basics that others take ... View more

Only hopped on following email about changes. Often I think about reaching out on forums. Just learnt to hide and deal with world in my bubble. Getting older and older caring for my father and never had a relationship or even basics that others take granted. Considered professional encounter but I scared. And now its too late (this what I mean I now feel unwell but I have to care for my dad). I did have odd friend but rare times and last friend was over decade ago. Im not got holding conversations. I do struggle a lot and have hard time getting through the day but dont drink or drugs. Trying to get back into painting and that makes me feel better. I cant handle rejection well and tried applying for jobs and after all hardwork writing dont get interview (I dont know how to communicate to others. plus no references but highly skilled and solid independent worker). Live in regional city and have to hide. Love traveling but been couple of years. Situation now: 1.Still relationship alone and its too late me, hurts alot. I have to hide/scared of people/not good understanding others. 2. Rentals hard to find and my unit 10 yrs NRAS is to be sold off as too dad NRAS ending. I dont want to live with him but what can I do?? Dad more risk of homeless because age pension isnt enough to survive with way rent skyrocketted. He will need more care anyway as age 87. 3. If I stay away in my bubble Im better but anxiety for future. Have great week anyway;)

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.

Bonabie Am I actually well?
  • replies: 1

Hi, so I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I’ve been on quite a lot of meds for the management of it. I work very well as a nurse currently collecting stem cells for cancer patients or donors but I was an emergency department nurse ... View more

Hi, so I’ve been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I’ve been on quite a lot of meds for the management of it. I work very well as a nurse currently collecting stem cells for cancer patients or donors but I was an emergency department nurse for a number of years. I got married mid last year and am now wanting to start a family so I’ve decided considering I’ve felt well for quite a while that I will stop taking my medication so I can have a healthy pregnancy and child. Since coming off my meds I’ve remained feeling well and if anything feeling better. I can now cry, not feel tired all the time and can lose weight instead of gain from my meds. I now doubt my mental illness but am also worried that I could relapse but im just so unsure. I’ve stopped seeing my psychiatrist and psychologist because they seemed quite against me stopping my medication but other than anxiety that I face now I’ve been quite alright but I also don’t trust it. I also have a much better lifestyle now than I did when I was really unwell but I just don’t know whether I should keep riding this wave or continue to get help.

Carmen02 Introduction
  • replies: 2

I am 22 year old male from Sydney Australia, with depression which I have had since I was about 8 years old. I also have complex PTSD, anxiety and level 1 autism (low support needs). I have battled with mental illness for what seems to be my whole li... View more

I am 22 year old male from Sydney Australia, with depression which I have had since I was about 8 years old. I also have complex PTSD, anxiety and level 1 autism (low support needs). I have battled with mental illness for what seems to be my whole life. I struggle to function everyday, I can't seem to keep the apartment clean or shower, I only manage to get out of bed for work because otherwise I'd be screwed in this cost of living crisis. The days seem to blur together, and I'm unable to remember a lot of things because I believe I'm always dissociating. I don't feel like I'm living at all, just existing. I'm here because I need a place to type out what I am experiencing and maybe find other people who can understand what I go through. I've tried professional therapy many times but it doesn't seem to be useful for me, I've even had a few flat out tell me that they can't help me. I've tried many different medications which have either done nothing or done more damage. I feel like a lost cause and a burden on others.

One_More_Day Struggling Alone
  • replies: 27

Hi, Poor decisions and behaviours (poverty thinking/undiagnosed mental health condition?), led to the end of my marriage twelve years ago. Today, I am unemployed, have no family or friends and have lost all interest in life. I haven't left the house ... View more

Hi, Poor decisions and behaviours (poverty thinking/undiagnosed mental health condition?), led to the end of my marriage twelve years ago. Today, I am unemployed, have no family or friends and have lost all interest in life. I haven't left the house for six months and spend most days in bed. I grieve the loss of my family every moment of the day. It is inconceivable to me to think there can be happiness and joy again. Job Seeker just covers my mortgage and expenses and I am increasingly unable to keep a job. I have not worked since Sept 2023. I called the suicide line a few hours ago but was put on hold for a long time, which is when I came to this forum. While it is comforting to be amongst people with shared experiences, it doesn't alter the harsh reality of my life nor resolve present, concerning issues. I am 55, have two degrees, had a perfect life, and now I am at great risk of adding to the growing statistic of homeless middle-aged women, if I live that long. I hope everyday I will die and have abused alcohol, cannabis and food as a slow form of suicide. I hope I will just collapse one day and it will all be over.I was on anti-depressants at the time of my divorce and seeing a clinical psychologist. Neither helped. I just don't have confidence anything or anyone can lift me from this living tomb. OMD.

FlyingWhale79 Introducing myself.
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm John and 31 years of age. Had several mistakes in the past and always thinking of them right now. I really want to move on from this. I haven't been reaching out to anyone but I think now is the right time.I have voices in my head that drags ... View more

Hi, I'm John and 31 years of age. Had several mistakes in the past and always thinking of them right now. I really want to move on from this. I haven't been reaching out to anyone but I think now is the right time.I have voices in my head that drags me down everyday since they appeared. I listen to music but it feels like the voices don't like the music I am listening to. They can be mean to me most of the time. They always telling me to become a priest. That thing dreads me the most. I am writing so I can have a different perspective on this. If anyone is suffering like me please reach out. Thanks, John.

Frogmore Job search avoidance
  • replies: 4

hi I need to look for a job but am avoiding starting the process. I could not work as a registered nurse due to depression so I resigned 4 years ago.l have been supported financially by my husband and focusing on caring for my teenage daughters (17 &... View more

hi I need to look for a job but am avoiding starting the process. I could not work as a registered nurse due to depression so I resigned 4 years ago.l have been supported financially by my husband and focusing on caring for my teenage daughters (17 & 18 years old) getting them through school & looking after household ,my husband is pressuring me to get a job but just the thought of starting to look is a daunting task with depression & having been out of the workforce for so long , I am 55 ,just wondering if anyone has been through similar situation or any tips to motivate me to start the process,job searching agencies for people with depression sound beneficial but I’m not eligible for job seeker & therefore unable to get assistance from them , I’m not sure what sort of jobs I’m suited to but maybe with my nursing background I could look for work in a Carer role , or a job suited to someone with depression, any suggestions? Kind regards

Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 68

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. Another good entry point is the social threads in the BB Social Zone. It's a great way to get to know other members and chat away from the heavier discussions. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post below and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

ODAT New to forum
  • replies: 2

Hi, Im just checking this out for the first time.

Hi, Im just checking this out for the first time.