Welcome and Orientation

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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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Mental health carer of a family member inpatient in a mental health facility

replies: 4

Hi everyone, I have been in a caring role for the last two months for a younger family member. I'm glad I found this space after lots of searching. I'm in Queensland. I have lived experience of poor mental health myself - mostly demonstrating as anxiety. In my experience, caring for a family member in a mental health facility, I have found it hard to get relevant and timely information in regard to the carer/support person role, in regard to the person I am caring for's treatment progress (I have the person's consent). I have also found it challenging when trying to engage with the mental health staff at the hospital. Often they are busy and when I ask to speak to someone I feel like I am often brushed aside. So feeling unseen and unheard. I also have not been asked in the 8-9 weeks that I have been visiting my family member if I myself am doing ok. So that has been tough. I'm so happy I found this space to connect with others. Sending kindness to you all; you matter

Hello

replies: 4

Hello everyone. I just like to introduce myself. I'm 50 and I have lived with anxiety on and off almost whole my life. Recently my anxiety got much worse due to hormonal cancer treatment and related clinical trial. Usually I'm quite logical person but a lot of "nonsense" thoughts came up during a major anxiety episode that I still have to keep fixing. I've tried numerous ways of making myself feel better throughout whole my life, some of it worked some of it didn't. I did manage to have some anxiety free years but it usually came back when something bad happened. I've come here to learn from others, try to help and see how others deal with similar problems.I'm looking forward to reading everyone's stories and tips.

Depression

replies: 1

Hi all I guess everything does happen for a reason... I've stumbled across this and many atime wanted to chat and admit my feelings. I'm not sure on what to say or write but, here goes.. I've been suffering from PTSD & DEPRESSION since I was 15yrs old. Unfortunately I never knew any of this or what the name of the horrible 'empty, sadness hurt' was until much later in my 40s.I was diagnosed with depression at about the age of 30. Unfortunately the medication wasn't working because I chose to numb my feelings through drugs instead. As I've gotten older and decreased my drug intake, alcoholism has been subsided for the drugs.I'm also finding my current life atm is nit getting any better. I'm at a cross road needing to encounter the next step but, it just keeps going backwards. I'm not sure on what to say or write but, here goes.. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT Regards

Comfortable embracing the grey

replies: 1

My father left when i was 18 months old, i never missed him, how could i, he was never.there, he didnt leave a gap, was how i saw it . My mother never remarried or had another partner , My mother had mental health issues, bi-polar,manic depression and schizophrenia to name a few. She would eventually end up spending alot of time at Greylands and Heathcote. As a child i was physically abused [beaten , poisoned ]mentally damaged[i took many months for the authorities to became aware of mother, and for those months it was terrifying,] and sexuallly abused by mother. Years later im a ward of the state. Growing up i felt worthless, unwanted and abandoned. Years pass and im a single dad,with 100 percent custody. My son gave me purpose,. Then at the age of 17 he just left. For nearlly 5 months ihad no word from him,i was devastated, in a house surrounded by memories, photos clothes bedroom etc. And once again i felt abandoned.and nearlly 5 years later i no longer have a relationship with him,. I was depressed, i embraced the grey. I no longer have nt sensed joy since . I have repeatedly seen a psychologist, i speak with friends,.. Everyday there are triggers, as i haave early childhood PTSD. And i question myself,, why am i putting.myself through this pain. I didnt like my childhood, and now i dont sense joy in this world, and im left feeling exactly as i did growing up Abandoned and Worthless

Rats Gnawing at my Stomach

replies: 4

G'day Friends I have been chronically ill all my life and now I care for my Wife who had a brain tumour. My oldest son nearly died in the Pinery Fires and he and his Wife lost their farm and House. He is sick now with PTSD but doing really well. My Wife is doing well after her seizure, but me, I have fallen in a heap. I'm still going to work and being productive, but I'm shaking like a leaf on a tree in a storm. I am having reactions to my drugs and little sleep, but the worse thing is that I feel like rats are gnawing at my stomach. I am forcing myself to eat and drink because I lost 7 kg in a month. I know that this is just a glitch and that I will get better, but "What a Ride!!" I haven't been out in my garden for two weeks and don't do any of my hobbies any more. Trying to do things bit by bit. Still do the house-work, but my aim is to be even more productive at work and also start to enjoy life again. At the moment I am sinking with just my nose above the water! (So there is still hope!) Don't give up peoples, better days are ahead. Back to work, I'm not paid to chat!!

Hello, First post here.

replies: 3

Hello, I am a 45 year old male, never spoken with anyone about this before but i have gotten to a point where i just can't hold it in anymore and need some help. I have had depression since being in high school. I never found it easy to make friends when i was young, now if i try to make friends i always seem to try and find a way to kind of push them out of my life. I have had the rare occasions where i have contemplated suicide just to get that easy out, but could never bring myself to hurt the ones who love me. Just sick of feeling so worthless and defeated. Sick of taking one step forward and getting pushed two steps back. Sick of constant restless nights with no sleep. Sick of the crying and trying to hide it from people so they don't ask questions.

Anxiety

replies: 4

Hi, I’ve suffered on and off from anxiety over my life and in recent years it has been really difficult. I am seeing a therapist to help me deal with it. The most scary part is when Iget these strange thoughts/ feelings come over me they leave me feeling very strange. Words can’t always describe them and it leaves me thinking that I have something seriously wrong with me. It’s really scary. I’m hoping that all they are is anxiety but wondering if anyone else has this.

Looking for friends 18-21

replies: 1

Hello my name is Jeremy, I have been struggling with social anxiety and depression. Im trying to reach out and find people to speak too and form relationships with people. I enjoy gaming, forming friendships and speaking to others.

Can't think properly

replies: 4

Hi everyone,Not sure exactly how these forums work, but here goes.I've had persistent low mood and difficulties with life in general for over 5 years, however I'm now noticing mentally I'm getting slower and slower, struggling to get through the day and come up with any kind of coherent thoughts or ideas that aren't purely negative. I am struggling very much to remember and recall information, and my already poor social ability has gotten even worse, to the point I can't even talk to my best friends or mother without not being sure of what to say (as in i cant think of anything to say). Like my head is literally empty, unless it's to do with me whining about myself. I really don't know what to do, and the only good psych I was seeing is booked out until the end of the year Has anyone had similar issues and pushed past? Just feels like my brain has been put in a blender or is under the effects of sedatives or something. Would really appreciate any advice.

Intro post

replies: 3

Hi!!! New member here and wanted to introduce myself Call me BearShe/herI am proudly AutisticI am a Christian but if you identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community I amd 100% ok with it and will not enforce my views or beliefs on you I'm in high schoolI play violin and guitar and sing a lot Things that worry me include:School grades. (They are the worst.)People IRLFriendshipsBody image I love reading, it's an obsession. My favourite books include Gone With the Wind, The Lord of the Rings, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the Sherlock Holmes books, Percy Jackson and Jurassic Park. My favourite musicians include Taylor Swift, Guy Sebastian, Ed Sheeran, Lindsey Stirling and Relaxing Piano covers. I also really love composers like John Williams, Howard Shore, Rob Lane and Hans Zimmer.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

Mental health carer of a family member inpatient in a mental health facility replies: 4

Hello replies: 4

Depression replies: 1

Comfortable embracing the grey replies: 1

Rats Gnawing at my Stomach replies: 4

Hello, First post here. replies: 3

Anxiety replies: 4

Looking for friends 18-21 replies: 1

Can't think properly replies: 4

Intro post replies: 3