Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 12

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.

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 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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[Constructive title pending...]

replies: 46

I’ll try to keep this intro as brief as possible... Hi! My name is [INSERT NAME], and I have virtually no self-esteem. I look forward to getting to know you so we can share our stories and support each other. ...okay, perhaps that’s a little TOO succinct. I’ll share a few of the negative lowlights that have led to the empty shell that is [INSERT NAME], and we can go from there (assuming I haven’t yet alienated you): I grew up as (and still am) a societal outcast, with long-term ostracism, bullying and “Are you an alien?” queries since I was eight, when a peer tricked me into yelling out “F***!” in class. CONTEXT: I was testing my spelling skills by requesting words, and one student said, “Spell Eff-Yoo-Cee-Kay”, and I was surprised to hear a word I didn’t yet know, hence my elevated voice and subsequent time-out. Speaking of which... Misunderstandings and punishment from teachers made primary school (1996-2000) the worst years of my academia. I later learned I’m on the autism spectrum, but far too late in my formative years... thankfully, I started to leave my shell during secondary school, though a teacher in Year 12 saying I would amount to nothing (a comment I’d received from a different teacher in Year 7), followed soon after by a peer saying to my face that none of the other students actually likes me (I had only “school friends” for a decade and a quarter, and no long-term social network even now, as mentioned above and below), forced me right back in. Speaking of which... I’ve recently discovered I’m the scapegoat in my unsupportive family, which started the same year as I started high school, with my diagnosis being used as leverage against me by both parents, and my well-supported brother being abusive throughout puberty. My life is in service to my family’s, and reality forbid me from standing up for myself and my wellbeing without them sweeping over me like a tsunami... In summary: I have no career, no support network, no finances, nowhere to go, nowhere to turn, no means of seeking long-term help and support without my family casting me aside... and no self-esteem. I now know my circumstances are not my doing, and that there’s nothing wrong with me despite what I’ve been taught, yet there is no escape. The family nest is a cage, preventing me from soaring. I just turned 17 for the seventeenth time in a row, and (to quote a relatable song) “all my hope is gone...” And as for my name? I’ll insert it when I know...

NEWBIE: Moving on from a failed Crush

replies: 3

Hi, hope this forum is best for this mid 20's male, interested in knowing how others have moved on from crushes when the other doesn't feel that way for you. crush is part of a friend group. I have good support from family (though interstate) and a friend in this group (though I think it's wearing on them) Google has quite useful ideas, I know I'll get over it one day and these take time to move on from, it's just on my mind a lot right now. Thought it might be a good idea to hear what others have done (activities/actions/anything) that they felt really helped them moved on from a failed crush Thankyou everyone and look after yourself

What's in a day here we go I'm just going to blurt it all out

replies: 3

So after struggling for a few years I think I've finally figured out that I have anxiety. I'm a stay a home mum to 3 under 6. Since having kids I've found that I've lost myself. I've gained 30kgs from subsequent pregnancies and I think that's a big part of it. I can't find anything that is comfortable and looks good. and I spend most of my days at home because I keep thinking of all the bad things that could happen if we go to the park, shops, beach etc. I freak out about germs, snakes, drowning, dogs. I also find that I'm showering so often because I hate feeling sweaty or dirty, I need that fresh just showered smell with clean minty teeth it's odd. I can't be hot, I hate it. I can't tie my hair up because it's too uncomfortable I snap alot because I get so stressed I yell more than I'd like. Anyway that's what my day consists of. I'm happy but struggling

Anxiety

replies: 6

Hi my first forum, i suffered anxiety for a long time with varying degrees of success. But at the moment it has me beat hope this helps thanks guys

Introduction

replies: 2

Hi everyone

Introduction

replies: 4

Hi, I would like to introduce myself. I have been putting this off for a while now because of my social anxiety disorder, but I am here now.

new member advice on work releated anxiety

replies: 3

hi im a new member little bit scared of posting,would like to know how people deal with work anxiety,i work in a highly stressful environment and its seems like everyweek im getting judged on my job performance things that are pretty much nit picking,as i never have had a complaint about getting the job done or customers upset with me.how do i not take home the anxious thoughts and constant anxiety and worrying on my days off,interested to hear what other peoples thoughts are,

Happy 2021 all!

replies: 3

Here because the resources I get here is so helpful for my journey to be better. Happy to be here!

Hello

replies: 5

Hi, I had a sudden thought about reaching out to beyond blue and now I'm here, thought I'd make the most of this unusual feeling. I know I'm not feeling 100% and haven't in a very long time, I usually cycle between feeling down, feeling angry, or just feeling nothing really. I do feel happy sometimes, but I feel guilty about it which is weird. I haven't really reached out much to anyone even though I know I have people who would be there. I have this thought that this is an issue I caused, therefore it is something I need to fix myself. I guess the anonymity of the forum helps. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction and will help me open up and get better. Thanks for listening, Tea Time

New to Online Forums

replies: 5

Hello, I am new to the online forums. The coronavirus made me want to volunteer and help where I can. I have had mental health issues in the past but I am in a good place now. I would appreciate any advice people have on how I can best help people :)... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 12

HELP..Am I posting in the right section? replies: 10

[Constructive title pending...] replies: 46

NEWBIE: Moving on from a failed Crush replies: 3

What's in a day here we go I'm just going to blurt it all out replies: 3

Anxiety replies: 6

Introduction replies: 2

Introduction replies: 4

new member advice on work releated anxiety replies: 3

Happy 2021 all! replies: 3

Hello replies: 5

New to Online Forums replies: 5