Welcome and Orientation

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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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My lowest yet...

replies: 9

I have no idea where to start.....im sitting on my couch, wiping away tears after a total breakdown. Anger took over! I threw my coffee cup outside, broke down in tears, threw camp chairs, screamed, shouted and uncontrollably cried. I had a fight with my partner and he has now left. I have our 2 kids here and im just so upset he couldn't see I needed him and left. He has gone to pick up his other kids. A decision he made on his own after I said not this weekend. I feel like I've been building up to this kind of breakdown for months! Since we got back from travelling. We had to return home due to the sudden death of my brother in law. It hit me so hard! I feel angry, sad, lost all the time. Questioning who I am, what I want, where am I going. I'm often jealous of my partner who has a great job, good colleagues, friends, hes a great dad and I just feel inferior. I dont have any friends. Im a stay at home mum and I feel like my partner and I are on totally different worlds sometimes. I dont know if I have a touch of depression but I'm pretty clueie and know something isn't right within me. I dont know if I explained everything but I'm just exhausted. Thanks for reading. X

A small introduction from a newbie

replies: 5

Hi all, This is my first time posting anything like this, so I'm a little nervous. I find that writing my thoughts and emotions down is a more objective way for me to approach things. It also lets my guard down, and I'm able to understand why I feel the way I do much easier. If only communicating with others was as easy. I grew up in a small town in the countryside, though it never felt too 'country' until I had moved to the city. There, I went through quite a lot. I lost my friends, my dog, and my hope. For now, I'm not sure how much detail I should get into since it is only an introduction, but I'm looking forward to speaking with you all nonetheless. I swear I'm not as serious as I sound, after having taken antidepressants regularly, I've just lost a large portion of myself. My depression. I'm lost since I don't know who I was as a person before I was depressed. And since it had clouded my judgement and actions for so long, who could argue that the depressed me, wasn't, in fact, the real me? I wanted to post on this forum since I often saw how much you guys sincerely replied to each other and took the time to listen to others' stories. I was nothing more than an observer, but now I've decided to contribute. Anyway, that's all the buried thoughts I've had for the past couple of weeks. It's nice to meet you all! Kind regards, Pumba

Self Sabotage

replies: 4

well, i have done it again. Destroyed my life. Had a meltdown on friday, got caught drink driving. I am ashamed of the fact that i drove, but not the reason behind it. I drive for a living so that is gone. I knew something was building up, tried to compensate by double dosing. But didn't work got pushed over the edge. So what now. See a doctor, change my meds see a physiologist try and actually talk out my issues this time. Take the anti drinking pill. Take some time to myself to try and recomnect with myself and family. If it wasn't for my little girl, things could be alot different. I cant keep doing this, i really cant

New here and thanks for listening :)

replies: 4

Hello guys. I'm new to this forum so here is a little about me and my struggle. I'm an international student and have been studying a degree since 2015. I was suppose to graduate in 2017 but due to my mom's illness i had to go back to my home country to look after her. I returned after a year and continue my degree and was suppose to graduate in 2019 but did not manage to and had to extend for another semester. So i was hoping to graduate in mid 2020 so that my family will be able to come attend my graduation ceremony. But i recently just got my result and realised that i failed a unit and had to retake it again. All this happening are so overwhelming. I have tried very hard but i still did not meet the requirement. I do not know how to face my family. Although there are no family pressure on this but i didn't want to disappoint them because they've been very supportive no matter what. And i felt that i am taking such a long time to finish a degree when everyone finished it in 3 years time. I don't know what i'm good at, i feel very useless. Being here by myself, i now feel so helpless and alone and my visa is expiring soon which is giving me more anxiety. That's about it. Thanks for listening:)

Anxiety after abusive relationship breakdown.

replies: 4

I’ve been left with anxiety and depression after leaving an abusive relationship a few years ago, how do I stop this from affecting my current relationship?

Hello - an introduction

replies: 3

Hi there, I just wanted to write this post to introduce myself. I identify as female and my pronouns are she/her. I have lived experience with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am fascinated with everything to do with mental health and joined up to the forums to give and receive support for my mental health. I recently have been focussing on self-care rituals and trying to find new ways to connect with others during this pandemic. I've been going through a rough patch with feeling low and un-motivated, and even lonely. Every day seems to blend into one at the moment but I've found a few things that have helped: - calling or messaging friends and talking openly about how I've been feeling. - finding resources on Instagram from other people with lived experience of mentally ill health or mental health professionals. - cooking nice food for myself, even from meal delivery kits for when I'm feeling very unmotivated. - taking time to enjoy small things like a walk or sitting in the sun. I'd love to know what others do in the form of self-care, maybe you can give me some tips.

Parent seeking help for teeneager

replies: 2

Hi, my son is 16 and refuses help from anyone. He won't go to school or doing anything much. He has been diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety. I am trying to encourage him to do a Tafe course 2 days a week but he has shut down again and barely interacts at home again. The thought of education seems to cause his anxiety to overload. Would like ideas on how to boost his confidence.

Stuck and don’t know what to do.

replies: 1

Hello, I’m relatively new here, but have previously posted in the anxiety forums. I guess I’m coming to terms with the fact that I may have depression as well as anxiety. I find myself visiting these forums when I feel low and have no one else to turn to, so I apologize if what I’m saying comes out as a rant. I‘m 29 and have been struggling with my mental health pretty much since I was a teenager. I’ve always been quiet and awkward and have struggled socially. My issues have also always been overshadowed due to family members having actual diagnosed mental illnesses. I’m just the quiet, sensible one who holds it together for everyone. When people say this, they think they’re giving me a compliment, but it actually cuts deep, as they have no idea of my inner struggles. Last year I made the leap to reach out to my GP to say I needed help. It took all my energy just to book the appointment and more so to actually go through with it. When it was over, I had a referral to see a psychologist and asked the receptionist to book me an appointment, however, they just handed me a card and said I could book it myself. It’s now been a year and a half and I still haven’t booked. I’ll now have to go through the whole process again. The very thing I need help for is the thing stopping me. I’m in a very vulnerable place right now, I’ve just lost my job due to COVID-19 and am struggling to find new work. I’m unhappy in my relationship, but I fear I’ll be worse off leaving because I’ll have to move back in with my parents who no longer speak to one another. And I just cannot live in that environment. I only really have two friends, both of which struggle with their own mental health issues. I have spoken to them about this before, but ultimately I am just burdening them. They also both have very rich social lives, so I often feel I’m at the bottom of the pile. I honestly don’t know what to do now. I would like to go to university, but don’t know what to study. I have also missed out on enrollments, due to the timing of my work ending. Most days I just feel like I am in a cloud of fog, with no real enjoyment for anything or connection to anyone. I’m just lost and bored and feel very lonely. I guess I’m just looking for some support here and any advice anyone can offer. Thank you for reading. PH x

Helping our Son

replies: 1

Hi, our son is going through a tough time after getting fired from his job. He's a 31yo husband and father to a 7 mo little boy. Once he was informed that he's no longer emplyed, he suffered a panic attack and ended up in hospital overnight. This happened 5 days ago and no matter how much his wife, my husband and I, and some great friends reassure him that he will find something more, he is totally devastated and feels he's let everyone down being the main breadwinner. He's a great communicator which is great, but we've never really had much experience with anyone in our family with anxiety or depression and we feel hopeless sometimes in our reaponse to him. He is very respected in our community and he feels ashaned, humiliated and really cares what people think of him. We all love him so much and want him to feel good about himself. He is seeing a counseller, so we're hoping that will help him aling. Any advice on how we can support him would be very much appreciated

Getting desparate

replies: 1

I an a 55 tr old woman who has lived with high anxiety my whole life. mostly I cope by treating physical symptoms now I have been very sick, I suffer pancreatic attacks. I am supposed to have an endoscopy with camera for a full diagnosis as to why Im getting them. possibilities are pancreatic cancer, micro stones or pancreatic immune deficiency disease. doctor tells me its serious unfortunately due to my unreasonable high anxiety and major panic attacks I keep deferring procedure. any advice as to how to go get this done, I get soo scared I have rescheduled endoscopy in past 10 times. I am driving myself crazy knowing I need this maybe to survive but still cant make myself go get it done. I try relaxing, breathing etc but have a block in my mind which confirms if I cancel it I feel better mentally. Help??

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

My lowest yet... replies: 9

A small introduction from a newbie replies: 5

Self Sabotage replies: 4

New here and thanks for listening :) replies: 4

Anxiety after abusive relationship breakdown. replies: 4

Hello - an introduction replies: 3

Parent seeking help for teeneager replies: 2

Stuck and don’t know what to do. replies: 1

Helping our Son replies: 1

Getting desparate replies: 1