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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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PippiJanet Ups and Downs
  • replies: 1

Sometimes I feel like I am doing ok and then I am not. I don't know how to measure progress.

Sometimes I feel like I am doing ok and then I am not. I don't know how to measure progress.

Johnfromgawler Just need to chat.
  • replies: 23

Hi everyone. Just signed up so I can have a place to chat about my depression and anxiety. Feel I am losing the battle.

Hi everyone. Just signed up so I can have a place to chat about my depression and anxiety. Feel I am losing the battle.

TRYIN2 grieving alienated 20/F daughter
  • replies: 11

Hi there to anyone,believe it or not this is my first post ever on anything. Im a 46/M.Havent seen or spoken to my daughter since she was 16 and I yelled at her {lost temper} on the phone.approx 5 years ago. I get some info on how she is and what she... View more

Hi there to anyone,believe it or not this is my first post ever on anything. Im a 46/M.Havent seen or spoken to my daughter since she was 16 and I yelled at her {lost temper} on the phone.approx 5 years ago. I get some info on how she is and what shes doing from my mother who talks to her every now and then.This gives me a lot of hope I have tried to contact her a few times .she has blocked me on her phone ,sent back her 18th birthday card and present and mom only said the other day she never asks about you. I thought I had grieved my daughters loss a couple of years ago when I started bursting into tears often while driving,then researched online and realised what was happening,with Fathers day I have been upset a lot again this year and got really anxious and then got angry. I tried to put on a brave face when she told me she I would never see her again but it seems to have caught up with me with time.I have read a lot on the net on alienated children {which im certain has played the most part }and adopted the advice to look after myself,keep busy working so if she did ever want to reconcile I could be there for her in the best capacity.At least ive tried to. I have made a lot of mistakes but to cut off all together doesnt seem fair,I dont think I deserve that,but understand {from what ive read on the subject]I can only "leave the door open"and pray that one day she will want some reconciliation. Im looking for a conversation with some people of similar experiences to help each other out a bit with mutual tips and advice and understanding. When you get a bit older and realise how precious and short life is.Knowing how every day without her is a day lost forever and how it could be ok if we could just talk,I believe that just one step ,one conversation and it would be ok. I my other main issue is Im of the firm belief that I was in a relationship with a narcasist type of person,and that person is in my daughters life now and was in her childhood.im not qualified to tell you what type and level.Definetely a level above the average joe though and that was thirteen years ago.I havent been able to want or have a serious relationship since.Again I have seeked solace and comfort on the internet,knowing youre not robinson cruso and gaining an understanding of the behavours really helped. I was just wondering if the grief ever stops or will it often raise its ugly head? Wow that feels good to write,should have done it a long time ago.

indigo22 FREE MENTAL HEALTH GLOBAL SUMMIT 12 - 18 September, 2023
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, Please refer to the web address below to find out more about this free online event. https://www.mentalhealthglobalsummit.com/ Hope you are having a good day,indigo22

Hi everyone, Please refer to the web address below to find out more about this free online event. https://www.mentalhealthglobalsummit.com/ Hope you are having a good day,indigo22

Anonny Epilepsy and bipolar
  • replies: 3

I started having seizures after 40 for no reason. Specialist could not find the real cause other than I have bipolar. Which has nothing to do with it. Speak soon

I started having seizures after 40 for no reason. Specialist could not find the real cause other than I have bipolar. Which has nothing to do with it. Speak soon

Fauna Please help - I have epilepsy, am self employed in a very high-stress industry
  • replies: 2

Hi. I am really struggling to keep it together. I have epilepsy, am self employed in a very high-stress industry, can't drive now because of a seizure, losing money and my relationship with my fiance is struggling. I feel like a failure every.single.... View more

Hi. I am really struggling to keep it together. I have epilepsy, am self employed in a very high-stress industry, can't drive now because of a seizure, losing money and my relationship with my fiance is struggling. I feel like a failure every.single.day. It seems like my friends and family are all off doing so well with life and work and I'm drowning. I feel like I should close shop on my small business and get a regular job because the stress and pressure is too much, but I couldn't handle the embarrassment. The failure of running a business into the ground. I don't feel like anything is going right. I am meant to get married next year but every time I think of it I just want to cry. I'm so stressed. So tight for money. So, helpless. I have seen so many psychologists and therapists. Their 'coping' strategies only work for a short period of time. The talking only gets me so far. Been on anti depressants and they don't work. I feel sick. I hate myself. What should I do?

DifferentMe Person in Progress 🚧
  • replies: 8

Forumites - Shoutout those that recreated themselves.Identity Loss and Self-Differentiation is what brings me to the forum. As a result of 13 years of Narcissistic Abuse, I have lost my sense of self and self-worth. But I get to recreate myself.I’m l... View more

Forumites - Shoutout those that recreated themselves.Identity Loss and Self-Differentiation is what brings me to the forum. As a result of 13 years of Narcissistic Abuse, I have lost my sense of self and self-worth. But I get to recreate myself.I’m looking forward to reading your journey of self discovery.All advice gratefully appreciated

iBme Hello all. I'm a newbie
  • replies: 4

This is my first is it to the forums I'm hoping that I have put it in the right place to start myself off.I'm hoping to find a way to express or cope better in these days of darkness that I am living in.I hope I have put this in the right place with ... View more

This is my first is it to the forums I'm hoping that I have put it in the right place to start myself off.I'm hoping to find a way to express or cope better in these days of darkness that I am living in.I hope I have put this in the right place with first message but if I haven't could somebody please some let me know so I don't talk out of turn somewhere that's all

tornadolover Debilitating Anxiety...
  • replies: 7

I feel anxiety is taking over my life, it affects every area of my life...I have lived like i'm in covid lockdowns for over 4 years now, i'm bordering on suffering with full blown agoraphobia...i still manage to most nights push myself to go for a 30... View more

I feel anxiety is taking over my life, it affects every area of my life...I have lived like i'm in covid lockdowns for over 4 years now, i'm bordering on suffering with full blown agoraphobia...i still manage to most nights push myself to go for a 30 minute to an hour walk, which is a huge achievement for me...I no longer see friends, my boyfriend will host a movie night once a month or so where he has 4-5 of his friends coming over here, my anxiety goes through the roof but i somehow manage to push myself to interact with everyone....i rarely see my family...i just feel so hopeless, i have been unemployed for 4 years and have no interest in working....the medications i'm on are sucking the life out of me, I've been told to stay on them for a minimum of 2 years, i have a few months left, and i'm becoming more and more impatient waiting for the day i get to start tapering off them....they haven't helped me at all, just made me put on alot of weight and made me more anxious than usual and made me experience many more unpleasant side effects...i just wish i was the person i used to be before i went through my breakdown, i finally got to know myself and felt good within myself, and had so much gratitude for life, and i lost it all, it's like i'm starting fresh and need to go through the process of introspection all over again, and unpack all the trauma...i have already done the work, and really don't want to do it again...but it seems i have no option....psychologists can't help me, doctors can't help me, nothing works...i feel i have to get to learn who i am again in order to heal, and that is so daunting to me as i know it's a hard long process....i wish i could take anxiety and depression away from everyone in this world so no-one else has to suffer like this, it's just awful and no-one should have to go through this even though i am going through a struggle, i have a strong drive to be there for others who are going through similar struggles, it's great to relate and not feel alone in this fight...i hope all of this made sense, it all just poured out of me, i will leave it there for now, thank you for letting me join, i appreciate it very much and hope to connect with others who are suffering...nice to meet you all! Always here for anyone if you need to vent or chat

Johnny_ Burnout recovery
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I’ve had a look through the forums, and couldn’t find exactly what I was after so I thought I’d ask the question. How long did it take for you to recover from burnout? what symptoms you had initially to how you feel now and what did you ... View more

Hi everyone, I’ve had a look through the forums, and couldn’t find exactly what I was after so I thought I’d ask the question. How long did it take for you to recover from burnout? what symptoms you had initially to how you feel now and what did you do to get there. My story is below and thank you in advance. I was fit, active, and enjoyed life. I experienced chronic stress at work for sometime where I had a break down. This was 18months ago. diagnosed with severe burnout/GAD I suffered severe whole body muscle tension, severe anxiety, random crying spells, sensitivity to light/sound, lightheadedness, overwhelm, tiredness, general feeling of being run down, unable to handle questions, break down for days after deep tissue massage, unable to shop, visit cafes, unable to socialize without feeing anxious etc Now, my muscle tension has decreased, anxiety is less, random crying spells do occur but are less severe and only increase with too much activity or massage, can visit a quiet cafe without much issue, have random body aches after activity. What I do; I see a psychologist, take medication, meditate, practice breath work(5 months now), very light exercise 3/wk(tried to manage more however have deceased it over the last 12months as I thought it was light enough) gentle walks, fish, receive body fascia work(1 month now). I have felt depressed at times but I wake up every day with a level of joy and take care of myself etc. I feel like it’s just more time that I need but I’m not sure. Any help is appreciated.