Immediate support
Immediate support

Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

lannamc Hello
  • replies: 3

Hi, I’m new here but have read the forum and visited this website many times. I have finally found the courage to join up..and out of desperation as my mental health problems are escalating rapidly due to Covid and my ongoing life situations. I’m a s... View more

Hi, I’m new here but have read the forum and visited this website many times. I have finally found the courage to join up..and out of desperation as my mental health problems are escalating rapidly due to Covid and my ongoing life situations. I’m a single mum of four after finding the courage to leave a two decade long marriage after years of abuse. A few years ago I met someone and we have taken it slowly - very slowly as he lives in UK. The border closures and lockdown have been very difficult (as I know they have been to many many others), especially as this means I am now indefinitely separated from my partner. I would like to be able to give as many of you any help or support that I can. I am reaching out for some advice in the relationship section, but I am genuinely keen to give as much as I can. thanks for having me x

nickname3535 The new guy
  • replies: 3

Hey there, I’m struggling with life a bit at the moment. I have no diagnosis of any type but I have a feeling I have anxiety and or depression. I am planning on booking a GP appointment but I was going for a few ideas on what to say once I get in the... View more

Hey there, I’m struggling with life a bit at the moment. I have no diagnosis of any type but I have a feeling I have anxiety and or depression. I am planning on booking a GP appointment but I was going for a few ideas on what to say once I get in there. Obviously things aren’t great for me right now but what relevant info should I be prepared with going in to the consult? I want to make sure I end up in the right place to get help so I can enjoy my life and my family

Real_life New & just need to let it out
  • replies: 4

I am trembling with anxiety as I lay here & think out a loud, but my positive is that I'm here ! I have so many things to think about & become frustrated with myself for not being able to solve them. Today was the day I sent in my resignation to work... View more

I am trembling with anxiety as I lay here & think out a loud, but my positive is that I'm here ! I have so many things to think about & become frustrated with myself for not being able to solve them. Today was the day I sent in my resignation to work (childcare)… Six odd years of which only one was for filling. To summarise I was; put down, yelled/sworn at, called stupid, worthless, blamed for things the boss had done wrong to parents, underpaid for all those years, super is at a quarter of what it should be, threatened, physically pushed, discriminated against, pay was cut if I voiced out my opinions because I was "wasting time" etc. This isn't the typical 'I dislike my boss' situation. As you read through this you may have thought as to why I stuck around for such a long period of time, my answer, COMFORT. A dangerous thing in the hands of the wrong person. I made excuses to myself as I was made to feel so little & hopeless as to finding another job let alone another centre. Apart from being put down on a day to day basis, I believed that I was there for the children & the families that put that huge trust in me. Again & again I made excuses to stop myself from being in a venerable position, fear of the unknown. In addition to this, as my boss knew I could work under pressure (& that money sits better in her pocket) I would have some days 6-8 babies with just myself to complete the programming & all their specific routines. Now as most would know, babies are boss & don't wait for your hands to be free. One could need a nappy change as the other needs a bottle or to be cradled to sleep, the other is crying as your late for feeding time etc. This is just the first page of my book, I built up the strength to contact the professionals & time & time again I reach a dead end. Today was the day I unknowingly let go of this burden to my mental & physical health. As my friends & family congratulate me, I start to receive the backlash; What are you going to do now, did you receive all the payments that you are owed, how are you going to pay for living necessities. With this being said the one person I can speak with & can understand me sent me a txt after speaking on the phone... I am so uncomfortable & angry that she feels this way of me &... I think how long has it been this way, why do you blame & state things about me that you are misinterpreting, do you really know me uhh I'm done. Thank you

ElizabethEmily nervous newbie ~ a problem shared is a problem halved, right?
  • replies: 2

This is my first post, I have clicked through the forum many times but always got too nervous(?) to actually sit down and write anything. So todays the day I it scribble down. I have had depression for the most part of 10 years, it comes and goes lik... View more

This is my first post, I have clicked through the forum many times but always got too nervous(?) to actually sit down and write anything. So todays the day I it scribble down. I have had depression for the most part of 10 years, it comes and goes like waves. As well as anxiety for the last two or so years, I never used to be an anxious person but these days are so different. None of my family know and I could count on one hand the number of friends that know. it's not that I don't want to tell people, I just don't know how anymore. I have had so many 'friends' that knew my world up and leave without a word or people close to me that dismiss a conversation about how I am feeling which has made me put my mental health on the backburner, not process things and just put others first. Now I'm trying to pour from an empty cup, that feels heavy and tiring but I feel guilty if/when I try to put myself first. Over the past few years my core passion that I lived and breathed has faded away, it was an everyday thing that held so much reward, travel, friends and adventures but circumstance means it's no longer possible to follow that passion so all I am left with is dusty ribbons and left over 'tools of the trade'. Without it I am left wondering who I am now other than someone that gets up, works, comes home, eats, goes to bed and repeats. Throw in Covid restrictions in Victoria and it is hard to try to rediscover yourself and the things that fuel your fire, although I think I need to change my perspective on this one. It took so long to write this but the weight of the world already feels a little lighter.

HMelbs Struggling and very new to this
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I don’t really know where to start as I have never used any forum like this. I have recently tried the EAP at work and just found it very general and I didn’t feel comfortable being specific as I was aware of time limits and the fact that I o... View more

Hi all, I don’t really know where to start as I have never used any forum like this. I have recently tried the EAP at work and just found it very general and I didn’t feel comfortable being specific as I was aware of time limits and the fact that I only have 3 sessions with them. im struggling. Big time. Not just because of coronavirus, but for a long time and I didn’t realise it. Lockdown situations made me just focus more on my feelings and my situation where I would have just ignored it before. I moved into my own place about 8 months ago to get some freedom from housemates and before that a really shitty manipulative relationships. Instead iv found crippling loneliness and a string of short term relationships that hasn’t worked out and made me feel worse. I always rose above it and put myself back out there but now all of its is weighing on my mind. Even lately if a few dates go wrong it just cripples me and the rejection is horrible. Sometimes it goes well and I am the one that doesn’t feel it and the guilt I feel it so bad I just stay. My ex was very manipulative, so I find it really hard to finish things with some one as he was so reliant on me. And when I did leave he told me I wouldn’t meet anyone better than me, and because I haven’t met anyone...I know he’s not right but I can still hear him in my ears. im trying to keep a good headspace, workout, do meditation. I just over come with this horrible feeling like I’m going to breakdown and I hate it. Iv never had any mental health issues before so this is all very new to me. And I’m never one to speak up really, my friends pushed me to the EAP. My background; my family are all overseas in Europe..all doing well but I missed my trip home to see them. I have close friends over here which are a good support, they all have partners so i feel like they don’t really understand what I am saying. I will say I didn’t leave the apartment all weekend and they will say oh the same but we got so much done it’s nice to have weekends like that. But in reality, it’s very different from me not leaving my home to them. I can go all weekend without interaction with a human being as least they have a partner to speak with. I feel like this is really petty stuff, and everyone is low and lonely at this time. I don’t know where to reach out to, it’s not something I’m used too and Iv had some wine and googled mental health support so I guess that says it all. Any advice welcome,sorry about the rambling post

Jwau New to online community forums
  • replies: 2

Hello to all, I am new here and my very first time within a community online forum like this. The world is a very different place for all and it’s not easy to communicate now. I am looking forward to the different forums and gain coping skills. All t... View more

Hello to all, I am new here and my very first time within a community online forum like this. The world is a very different place for all and it’s not easy to communicate now. I am looking forward to the different forums and gain coping skills. All the best

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on July
  • replies: 0

Hi All, This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. We are all experiencing this differently and one person’s way of coping is going to look very different to another’s. We understand the importance of creating a safe space for people to ... View more

Hi All, This is a difficult time for everyone in our community. We are all experiencing this differently and one person’s way of coping is going to look very different to another’s. We understand the importance of creating a safe space for people to come and vent their frustrations - you may see more of this around the forums in the coming weeks and ask that you are gentle with yourselves and each other. Community Voices: What are people talking about? The coronavirus pandemic has impacted my mental health “I thought I was okay about Coronavirus up until we were advised here in the Melbourne metro area that we had to wear masks. It felt like a massive step backwards. I had an anxiety attack and called the Beyond Blue helpline and spoke to a wonderful counsellor called Yvette. I was very grateful for the advice given and some strategies to put in place.” – MummaPetal (Read more here) “im struggling. Big time. Not just because of coronavirus, but for a long time and I didn’t realise it. Lockdown situations made me just focus more on my feelings and my situation where I would have just ignored it before.” – Hmelbs (Read more here) Managing body image issues and or eating disorders “My father and brother used to call me fat etc too when I was growing up. It is horrible. It stuck with me and I have always had body image issues. I am now 37 yo and my strongest advice to you would be to not give any worth to what they are saying. And instead give worth to YOU and all you are more than your body. You are a personality, a brain, a friend etc etc. And your body is to function - so look after it and love it for you to be healthy. I have been in hospital before and the nurses say to be your own best friend. Try your best everyday to be your own best friend. You are worth it :)”. - golden82 (Read more here) “I think one of the most difficult things is to acknowledge and understand that we are worthy and valuable, regardless of the actions, thoughts or opinions of others. We're also worthy and valuable despite our own thoughts, actions and beliefs about ourselves. I often base my worth on my objective 'success' or being perfect, good enough etc, but it's important for me to remember that those things don't define my worth.” – quince (Read more here) Supporting my partner with a mental health issue “I would just like to start of by saying thank you for everyone who is courageous enough to write on here and to everyone who is kind enough to reply. If it wasn't for you all i would not have been able to navigate through my experience. My boyfriend and i have been together for 8 months, 3 good ones and 5 depressed ones…He is an amazing man with big dreams and accepts he has depression, however i feel he is now comfortable within his depression and his dreams have faded. This concerns me.” - Monet Exchange (Read more here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/supporting-family-and-friends-with-a-mental-health-condition-(carers)/how-to-help-a-depressed-partner-to-move-forward#qw_zPXHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A ) "I believe my partner is struggling with paranoid schizophrenia ... he has been hearing things for a number of months now and believes we are being secretly recorded in our home by our family (whom he is estranged from now). I love him dearly but I am at a point where it is really impacting on my own mental health and I do not know how to deal with him as I am constantly afraid of saying the wrong thing as I know it’s not his fault and he is unwell." – Mas123567 (Read more here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/supporting-family-and-friends-with-a-mental-health-condition-(carers)/paranoid-schizophrenia-#qw_ak3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A ) Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of July is ‘hello, hi, ’! hello, hi, has been nominated as a VC for always ensuring others feel supported within our community, while approaching all conversations with warmth and demonstrating respect for one another’s opinions and life experiences. Thank you hello, hi, ! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here . Community Champions Please extend a warm welcome to our newest Community Champion volunteers Ggrand and James1! Ggrand and James1 have been regular supporters on the forums and we are glad to have them join our team Read more about our volunteers here: ‘Introducing...the community champions’. BB News We continue to update resources on the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service web page to assist the Australian community through this uncertain time. Here are a few of the latest additions: My experience of racism during the coronavirus pandemic: Jennie’s story What we've learnt about the community from our Support Service I’m OK: maintaining wellness through the pandemic How financial stress is impacting people during COVID-19 You may also find the following resources to be helpful during this time: Butterfly Foundation (Support for eating disorders and body image issues) https://butterfly.org.au/ Kids Helpline (free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25) https://kidshelpline.com.au/ Switchboard Victoria (provides peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities.) http://www.switchboard.org.au/ 1800RESPECT (Open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse) https://www.1800respect.org.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6575BRCQARIsAMp-ksPXC1SkGr9LrXIfx_uHgNkAAY4C7FV3kVEvi0qWE_2ffYo4lWBK6aYaAoxVEALw_wcB

trappedmumofone new here
  • replies: 3

hi, I am a mum of one beautiful little man. I am currently stuck living in regional vic with my son as my ex husband and my sons Dad wont consent to me relocating to the city to be with my partner of 3 years. I have ptsd from my marriage which was ab... View more

hi, I am a mum of one beautiful little man. I am currently stuck living in regional vic with my son as my ex husband and my sons Dad wont consent to me relocating to the city to be with my partner of 3 years. I have ptsd from my marriage which was abusive and I am very isolated here and I feel that the court system is allowing this to continue from my ex while he controls mine and my sons life. the lockdowns are especially hard with corona virus as the first time I had to homeschool I was able to stay with my partner in the city and had support, this time however my sons Dad has threatened me and wont allow me to take my son to the city to homeschool, I am stuck in a place where I am already so unhappy and isolated and I cant see that being improved now I have to homeschool my son again. I have been in the family court system for two years trying to fight for my son and I am starting to feel like it will never end.... My son is starting to suffer the impacts of his Dads behavior as well, this includes wetting himself and being afraid to tell his Dad anything and wanting to sleep in my Bed as well as really low self esteem, I have numerous supports in place for my son but I am just exhausted by everything and feel like a terrible mother. I am trying really hard to focus on my parenting and being positive but its so hard when my sons dad is constantly critical of me and I feel like I will never be safe and away from his abuse and feel I am unable to protect my son. I have had nightmares on and off the last 4 years that my ex is trying to kill me or my son and lately I have been having a lot of physical symptoms like dizziness and feeling panicked a lot, I cannot take medication to help me with these issues because it will be used against me in family court, the corona virus outbreak is making it harder for me to go to my safe place in the city with partner and my family and I am just feeling so defeated.

Renny16 Feel like I don't know what I m doing
  • replies: 2

hi there I am new here, i don't really know where to start,but I feel I have anxiety for long time,I always feel worry that I just can get up on early morning,go to toilet n hardly sleep after that, i feel tired all the time in the morning,and always... View more

hi there I am new here, i don't really know where to start,but I feel I have anxiety for long time,I always feel worry that I just can get up on early morning,go to toilet n hardly sleep after that, i feel tired all the time in the morning,and always worry abt when I want to go to work. I've worked in hospitality industry for few years,now I am a cook,but it seems I can't get over it,I mean like i feel like i can't focus and panic all the time esp when it's busy and hectic,then I forgot what I am doing,then can't manage my time. I like to keep myself busy but I have few jobs atm after pandemic but it is now made me keep complaining as well not to have time for myself,but if I don't have work, I got more tired & lazy than being busy. Sorry to be complicated. Somehow I don't know what I am good at, feel useless till my age now. My friend kept giving me advices abt living at the moment,not stress too much,but it is so hardly to do than to say.i think i got short term memory,as i hardly remember something ex : forgot where I put my glasses after few mins to the toilet or room. Everytime at work I feel like i am not good enough and easily wanna quit. Always think i wanna study and change career,and for now I am confuse whether I should go find professional help or find a group community to share my problem,as I am not the person who like to talk my problem with stranger.

gucia6 Trying to find a path
  • replies: 6

Hello Everyone I finally decided to search for help after many years of struggle. I always thought I might have had some issue, but I tried to explain it as being 'introvert' or maybe 'ambivert'. But somehow it never fitted to what I really feel. As ... View more

Hello Everyone I finally decided to search for help after many years of struggle. I always thought I might have had some issue, but I tried to explain it as being 'introvert' or maybe 'ambivert'. But somehow it never fitted to what I really feel. As a kid I always felt a bit different, often tried to go against common beliefs (like trying to befriend someone who was thought to be a weirdo, admitting lack of interest for all the trendy TV shows or books that I found just boring, having my own dressing style that didn't follow the latest fashion, and so on), I was quite smart and learning was really easy for me. But this eventually caused bullying at school and being 'abandoned' by other class mates in their fear for problems. Home was filled with emotional blackmail, so I didn't even try to look for support there. Relation with so-called 'boyfriend' exposed me to his alcoholism and violence. And some people I thought as my friends, did not bother to respond even when I reached to them. At one time I thought of a quick exit, but the reasonable 'me' managed to take over, and just shut all the doors. I moved out from home, broke up with 'boyfriend', became apathetic to any human actions around me, and just focused on my education. And at that point I believed I had it under control, but how wrong I was. Over the years I managed (pushed myself) to go out to people, met caring husband, found real passion that lets me be involved in the community, but... Recently I had a situation that triggered complete emotional breakdown, and I realized I really have a problem and I seriously need to find a way to manage it. Shutting everyone and everything away, thoughts like 'I don't care' or 'I don't really need friends to be happy' are not the solution. I don't want to hide away anymore. I want to be among people, I want to belong somewhere, I want to have someone I could call real friend and trust with my heart. I want to understand what is going on and what I can do to improve, if not the situation itself, at least my perception and reactions. Right now I actually feel quite calm and collected, and my reasonable mind is telling me that all of this, and the reason for loosing it is just absurd, but somewhere deep inside it hurts as hell and I feel lost.