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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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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Anhodenia

replies: 2

I was diagnosed with severe depression in 2001 but believed I was only moderately depressed. In fact, as the years rolled by I felt I was suppressed rather than depressed. I then learned about anhodenia and believe that it fits the bill perfectly. Before I heard about it, I knew I had no positive feelings. Plenty of negative feelings but no happiness, joy, excitement, pleasure, fun, love, etc etc. The one negative feeling missing is grief. I guess one has to feel love to feel grief but the lack of grief still baffles me. Luckily, I have two reasons to get up every morning. Maggie and Mollie are my two West Highland White Terrier dogs. One positive feeling [or experience] that goes up and down is motivation. When it is up I manage to do tasks over and above what is necessary to just survive. My motivation is reasonable at present and I'm getting long overdue work done on my motor home in which the three of us live. Many say I am living the dream - on the road in a comfortable motorhome - and it could be true, but I sure wish I could get some joy out of it.

Newbie seeking advice and/or anyone’s similar experiences

replies: 1

Hi guys, —Possible Trigger warning— I have been suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, intrusive thoughts and chronic fear for 8 years. End of last year till now it has gotten worse, I’ve already given yoga, CBT, anti depressants , breathing techniques, therapy and dietary changes yet still not seeing change. To put things into perspective of what actually happens on a daily basis, I would wake up feeling on edge, walk to work and still feel slightly on edge, the thought of being anxious lingers in my mind Until it requires full dedication to what ever I need to do however it comes back in small waves and triggers my mind into a fearful state along with the intrusive thoughts (how long will this last, I’m afraid that I will lose control and escape quickly wether I die or not) Same goes for heights, being on an airplane, being a passenger in a car on a freeway/motorway- these all have the same outcomes, I need to escape I don’t feel safe and I may or may not jump out. I recently have gotten married so one would assume I’d be ecstatic, which I was . Closing in on the next few hours till the ceremony I felt real bad with “fight or flight”. Anyone else having the same or any advice?. The medication I was on was one type of SSRI. I tried ea different SSRI and the 2nd dose I had out my mind into 70% suicidal thoughts.

Why I feel like this

replies: 1

I'm having troubles with a kinda new relationship. I'm scared he will just turn around and it's over. I didn't have anxiety untill after my last relationship ended. Since then I've been having problems with anxiety attacks. only thing that seems to settle me is having plans with him or watching YouTube. I'm trying to find other things but I just seem to not be able to find anything. Why do I feel like this about this guy

Gutted

replies: 5

After 40 + years my husband just did not come home last week.I messaged to see when he would be home & after a short while received a message to say he has ended the marriage,quit job & I was not to contact him.Sure enough he has blocked me.I am devastated...Now II find out from daughter that he wanted to go 15 years ago & was waiting for me to die.Is this a monster?? I am shattered.He has told family that He will never be found & will never have any contact with me.I was supposed to die!! So alone & kids do not want any part of it so of no help & I do not have any other family.Can't eat or sleep

Newbie

replies: 5

Hi all, New to this site but have had issues a few years ago with Anxiety, Stress and dealing with work based issues. It was believed t be a follow on from my wife having a 6 year battle with Breast Cancer (which she won) but I didn`t accept that I needed assistance to also deal with the process from the initial stages of diagnosis. I was on meds for close to 2 years then dropped off. Different career the past 3.5 years which has been hectic in a very poorly managed environment (which is widely perceived across the large workforce, not just my opinion). Numerous people have resigned and some are currently on Stress Leave indefinitely and or seeking compensation. Anyway, I`ve been feeling the pinch for 4 months now, not sleeping, stressing, blowing up occasionally and dealing with issues the best I can. Sought Doctors advice 2 weeks ago and am now back on meds and just started on Saturday with some tablets to help me sleep. Doc says this would be an expected 6 week process to see any full benefits of the medication. She also believes it would be a clear Workers Comp case but we both agree to stay out of that if possible for obvious reasons. Approached my Managers again this morning about possibly resigning immediately as a talk with HR didn't give me much of a supported feeling 2 weeks ago, they sent me home for the week to think things over, seek assistance and make a decision.... They are offering to help if they can but I prefer my own path if possible. They have Employee Assistance Program etc and I think I`ll give someone there a call tomorrow... I`m not a great "Talker" so thought here might be a start.... Thanks for reading if you got this far through it . Cheers

Mcs systemic effects organs and brain.

replies: 1

Chemical poisoning at work ,has put me through every specialist to try diagnose me. I've been misdiagnosed .only till I met a nurse with similar symptoms did she put me onto right experience doctors and clinical psychologist who deals with brain injury due to chemical seeping to brain .as there is no blood brain barrier. It's taken me many years of endless doctors to stabilise me .my condition is chronic and disabling .I'm looking for support group of similar people with mcs. Life is based on avoidance of many irritants .you become homebound due unknown of what will happen when you go to shopping centre or train or sudden change weather.e.g. thunderstorms asthma..organ damage .adenomas and many other damage that I can't remember have to refer to diary calender and family ....I will forget that I wrote this .unless I have constant reminder

Hi

replies: 2

Hi, Im Em, and im here to learn more about my disability, Borderline personality disorder. I hope everyone is doing well.

Trying to grow

replies: 40

Hello people. A bit about me. ...I’m in a tough place. I’m trying to learn how to face my past. I’m not very good at it. It goes against everything I’ve promised myself for my whole life, the way I’ve learned to live. I have some really bad days, but no one around me would really know, because I work so hard to make sure I don’t impact anyone negatively. I am the ‘fixer’, the one who people confide in. But I don’t share any of my struggles or vulnerability with anyone. I am trying to learn to talk, I have a great psychologist, but I am finding this incredibly difficult and destabilizing. Sometimes I just don’t quite know what to do with the feelings. I am trying to find ways to release some of the hurt and anxiety, and I find myself here. Thanks for being here x

Anxious and scared for 4 years

replies: 2

Hi all, I turned 35 years old this year and quit my office job 4 years ago. Since then i've damaged my relationship with my wife from my depression and anxiety, i've been on anti-depressents for the last 3 years. I've been very alone and my social interactions are those with online friends, although these days i don't even do that anymore. My wife left the country in early 2019 and although we do talk from time to time i'm not sure if or when she'll be back. I feel like i've disappointed myself and her and our families. For the past 4 years i've just been getting by doing odd jobs here and there,i sometimes regret leaving the office job 4 years ago and having a steady and stable income. Now i don't know what to do, its been 4 years since i've worked in that industry, things have changed, i've forgotten/lost so many skills i used to have. Even the process of thinking about applying for a job seems daunting since i haven't had a stable job for the past 4 years. who would want to employ someone like that? Everyday I wake up scared and afraid, feeling lonely and lost. I've lost connections to my family and friends over the past 4 years and even lost interest talking to online friends now. my days are usually just me searching for odd jobs online, wandering around my suburb, watching videos on the internet, cleaning the house, eating or just sitting down feeling more and being consumed by fear and anxiety of the future.

Hi

replies: 2

Im so sorry but Im not sure what to even say.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

Anhodenia replies: 2

Newbie seeking advice and/or anyone’s similar experiences replies: 1

Why I feel like this replies: 1

Gutted replies: 5

Newbie replies: 5

Mcs systemic effects organs and brain. replies: 1

Hi replies: 2

Trying to grow replies: 40

Anxious and scared for 4 years replies: 2

Hi replies: 2

Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

HELP..Am I posting in the right section?

replies: 10

Anhodenia

replies: 2

Newbie seeking advice and/or anyone’s similar experiences

replies: 1

Why I feel like this

replies: 1

Gutted

replies: 5

Newbie

replies: 5

Mcs systemic effects organs and brain.

replies: 1

Hi

replies: 2

Trying to grow

replies: 40

Anxious and scared for 4 years

replies: 2

Hi

replies: 2