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Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support

replies: 1

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be a distressing time for many of us to support one another. Recognising that the impacts of a natural disaster can occur both before, during and after, we have prepared some resources which we hope can be helpful: From the Queensland Government, Useful information to help you get ready for a cyclone:Home | Get Ready Queensland Emotional Preparedness: Prepare your mind | Australian Red Cross Three-steps-to-emotionally-prepare-for-the-disaster-season.pdf What now? Coping after the event: Coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress | Australian Red Cross Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross As always, if you wish to speak to a counsellor, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. Stay safe, everyone, and take good care of yourself during what can be a deeply challenging time. Kind regards 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 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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Where to start

replies: 1

I am almost 50 a nurse has moved around more times than i can count. Since Covid has started ive been out of work (weird as im a nurse) town i live in there are no cases and havent been (touch wood) my children are all grown still living at home but never home. My husband works away and this time he will be gone for 8 months. Life is really lonely so food has become my friend, I have no friends here as we have not been long in this town, my family are 15 hours away. I woke up this morning thinking i might go to the dr and get some antidepressants as the minute you say you are sad they are so happy to oblige with pills. Then im lucky enough to find a job this week and dont want to start as my confidence is ZERO, ive gained weight like 20 plus kilos and i am hideous. I guess i dont know what im doing

Selective mutism? (work-related)

replies: 1

Hi everyone, first time posting but I have been visiting the forums for many years now. I've been struggling with something that only arises in work situations, specifically during team meetings. I find that I am unable to speak, not for fear of being 'exposed' or ridiculed, but because my brain seems to process things incredibly slowly. I feel that I only partially understand what's being discussed, and that I struggle to grasp the various 'big picture' issues raised by my colleagues. This is a problem I've had at every workplace, and it feels like it's getting worse. For context, I have been working in my current field for 5-6 years. Owing to the volatility of my sector, I have had about 12 jobs over this time. As such, I am a perpetual newbie. I also tend to be quite concrete and detail-oriented in how I process information, which I'm beginning to think is not useful in many of these workplaces. This inability to keep up with my colleagues and contribute to discussions is incredibly frustrating, and I sometimes find myself in tears after group meetings. I have been encouraged time and again to speak my mind, but the truth is that my brain empties as soon as the meeting begins and it's very hard for me to retrieve anything beyond a 'yes' or 'no'. What's more, if I do get an idea I can never string it together in a coherent sentence. Has anybody else experienced this problem? If so, do you have any recommendations on how to manage it? I realise that external factors aren't causing me to react like this, but I am also considering whether I'd be better suited to a different line of work entirely. Thanks for your time

Depression and Anxiety in the Workplace

replies: 3

Hi there this is my first post on here and ironically on R U Ok day? The answer is no. I have had depression for a long time but medicated for about four years now. Recently over the past two years have also been dealing with anxiety. I have been going through a tough patch over the last few months my depression has been spiraling and I find I’m isolating myself not wanting to socialise with my friends and have a mental struggle with myself just to get up and go to work each day. I find myself calling in sick more often then I’m going in. I have been questioning whether it would be better off for everyone if I just resign. I work in Childcare and love the children but I’m just struggling and don’t know what to do! I am finding that I’m less tolerant of their behaviour and don’t want to take out my problems on them. I took two weeks leave to have a break and try to get myself together my meds have been increased now for two months I spoke to my doctor this week about my struggles but I’m stuck. Any advice?

Hi All - new member / advise needed

replies: 7

Hi Everyone, I have been battling depression and anxiety since I was 7 years old, and I am now 29. This has mainly been caused by years of school bullying and the lack of action / protection by schools and adults in my life. Since finishing high school in 2008, my condition deteriorated further and I have built up anger towards my former school. I want to send the principal (who is the same as when I was at school) an email explaining what happened and the long term effects it's had on me, since back in the day nobody would ever speak to me about the problems or try to help. A lot of the reason I want to send this, is to get it off my chest, but I'm hesitant about if I should go ahead. I would appreciate peoples opinions if I should go ahead with this, and what I should include. Thanks in advance Dan

Feeling Lost

replies: 2

I am new to this and not sure how it works, am i aloud to post how i feel ?

Workplace Blues

replies: 1

I suffer from anxiety and depression and take medication. I still have 'high' days and 'down' days regularly. This is now impacting my work as a couple of staff members don't understand my condition and pick my down days to push my buttons. This causes me to react badly. Any advice on how to deal with it? I'm currently off on sick leave to due high anxiety (mini melt down) and my dreading going back. I think I'll resign.....

Passing out a bit

replies: 2

For over a year, I have been 'fainting', almost everyday. It's not necessarily fainting, as I'm still semi-conscious, but to keep it simple I'll just refer it to that, otherwise I call it episodes, because I also get severe dizzyspells as well. It starts off with heart palpitations, shortness of breath, feeling numb/cold, and then as if I'm being pulled back. I also feel like I'm extremely disorientated and confused as well. I have had a lot of medical appointments and tests done to see what was going on. I've had four heart monitors, an MRI, two EEGs, and numerous blood tests. Everything came back fairly normal. I now have very few options left, and my mum and I are considering it to be a stress/anxiety problem. I've spoken to my psychologist about it, and she also agrees. I'm not too sure how to feel about it all. I guess it's good that we can finally find the cause, however I am not sure I want that o be the answer. I was fainting all of last year pretty much on the daily basis, however they've recently returned. Only last week when I was working I ended up passing out for the first time in a month (before that it was around three months). I just feel really upset about it, because I genuinely thought that everything was going alright. I scare quite a few people when I pass out, and there isn't necessarily a cause or reason as to why I get the symptoms before fainting. I feel extremely apologetic and guilty about it, because I have always been quite independent. I feel so embarrassed because I suddenly have a spotlight on me. I don't tell anyone when the symptoms begin to occur either, because they change and start goggling me. Like I'm some kind of young child. I'm still fairly young, being in high school, and I'm just afraid that my fainting spells will continue again. They cause me a lot of stress and I often find that I am behind in work. Just the feeling of not knowing when or where these spells can occur frightens me. I've already passed out on the stairs twice, and I'm tired of the bruises and scrapes I get from the falls. I just really want to be normal again, but these episodes just keep me feeling anxious about everything, which I'm sure isn't helping to the condition. I just want to know if there are others who have experienced this, because I really feel alone about it. Is there anything I could do? Anything anyone else did that helped? I just want to know some stories and find some sense of peace: that I'm not alone. Have a good day!

Day 1; Post1; Step 1

replies: 4

Hi all. So I'm a newbie here and this is my first day and first post. I've struggled with depression for over 15 years and have gone through the entire gamete of ups and downs that go with it. I've been on meds for the past 6-7 years and I know that I'll be on meds for the rest of my life. I'm a very high functioning depressive and anyone who sees me would never know that anything was wrong. But I still carry a burden each day when work stops and the thoughts again begin to creep in. I have a very good perspective of my condition, but this has taken a longtime to create. I'm very open in discussing it amongst friends and am an advocate for mental health discussions particularly amongst men. However, I still battle each day with ups and downs and the stigma surrounding mental health from a work perspective, as do many a depressive. The societal mask I wear is well worn, like an old shoe that that just feels comfortable and can't be discarded. Only those closest are aware of the thoughts that bounce around my mind when things quieten down. The stigma of shame associated with depression is still strong. We need to breakdown the stigma that surrounds mental health in our society. To many voices go unheard until it's too late. Too many voices are with-held and internalised. The more we can converse in an open and supportive environment the stronger we can become, and the more voices we can hear. Im looking forward to learning about others journeys and how they have grown and thrived and sharing my stories to help others who feel they can't get there.

Any advise?

replies: 2

Hi all. I have been reading your posts & you guys are the reason I am able to reach out today - so thank you all. This is my first forum so I hope it is ok! My partner of 16 loving years is suffering depression. I am so proud of him as he is seeking treatment and trying to get well. However, I am struggling with his bad days when all he can see is the negative things. He feels lost and doesn't know what to do. He loves me and our life but thinks he should be alone. He doesn't want me to have to deal with it all. I can't seem to get through to him that I am here for him and he needs to be around people who love him. Any suggestions?

Hi everyone, new to this

replies: 1

Im a bit apprehensive about posting but thought I might give it a crack. Ive ignored my mental health for a while and I guess its catching up with me. Recent incidents have me very anxious at work and I find myself breaking down crying. Hope everyone... View more

Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support replies: 1

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Where to start replies: 1

Selective mutism? (work-related) replies: 1

Depression and Anxiety in the Workplace replies: 3

Hi All - new member / advise needed replies: 7

Feeling Lost replies: 2

Workplace Blues replies: 1

Passing out a bit replies: 2

Day 1; Post1; Step 1 replies: 4

Any advise? replies: 2

Hi everyone, new to this replies: 1