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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

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K_YM3 Pre-30 crisis
  • replies: 1

Hello, I am here because I feel very alone in my journey of life. No one seems to understand, no one has similar circumstances. I just want to know if this is all normal. I struggled with addictions in my teens/early 20s. I've been clean 5 years now.... View more

Hello, I am here because I feel very alone in my journey of life. No one seems to understand, no one has similar circumstances. I just want to know if this is all normal. I struggled with addictions in my teens/early 20s. I've been clean 5 years now. I started off studying something to get a different career. Found it didn't work with being a single parent. Ended up back in the same dead end career. Met an amazing partner. He works away during the week which is fine. I've re-started study in yet another different field so I can get a job in something more suitable to the family. Can't help but feel very alone lately though as I'm working in a job that doesn't have much human interaction. I'm forever running the household or children's activities outside of work. I crave attention from my partner but it's impossible when he works away and we only see each other for one day maybe night of the week as my roster usually collides with when he is home. Don't know what I'm doing here. Just want to know that this is normal I guess. Wanting different, not knowing how to achieve it etc. Over being where I am hating jobs, feeling lonely, but conflicted money wise to even leave the house aside from work. I dunno anymore

Nidh00g Feeling unable to connect with any other people
  • replies: 1

Alright, here we go... Hi... I'm not sure where to start but I've been living my life unable to connect to anyone in an emotional level. This extends not only to new people but also friends and families that's considered 'close'. My parents raised me... View more

Alright, here we go... Hi... I'm not sure where to start but I've been living my life unable to connect to anyone in an emotional level. This extends not only to new people but also friends and families that's considered 'close'. My parents raised me to never complain and used to ridicule my vulnerable moments by stating that 'you're just weak'. It makes me scared to ever show my feelings and saying no to people which always end up throwing me into a loop of overworking and burnouts. There's also my DID (or maybe my desire to have someone to talk to without being judged is the cause of my DID) that stops me from opening up to people because I've had someone calling me delusional for explaining it. Whenever I tried to explain who I truly am, it always ended in rejection that I just decided to give up. At one point I can no longer take it and decided to hurt myself which I fortunately, or unfortunately, survived. When I reached home that day the only thing I can do was laugh saying that I almost slipped off the bike due to lack of sleep, but to be honest I cried so much afterward asking why god still didn't allow me to die.

Apparentlyhotbutnot27 Keeps Coming Back: My Story
  • replies: 2

Let’s do this: My main issue / is lack of relationships, friendships & literally no intimacy over the last 20 -25 years. I had a horrible upbringing & probably suffered on a level that no kid should have to. I didn’t have any emotional support growin... View more

Let’s do this: My main issue / is lack of relationships, friendships & literally no intimacy over the last 20 -25 years. I had a horrible upbringing & probably suffered on a level that no kid should have to. I didn’t have any emotional support growing up, moved around alot. I basically educated myself on all aspects of life. which worked but didn't last long as you will read. I remember finishing school & soon after the house of cards came falling down. I'll never forget the anxiety for as long as I live. I never told anyone for 2 years but had to, as I knew I couldn’t go on anymore. I saw a Dr who put me on anti-depressants, which did SFA. I was too erractic to bother going back, so my condition stayed like this for another 3 years. I just faked being happy & tried my best to please everyone, knew that part well. Soon found alcohol & drugs & proceeded to run myself into oblivion for next 5 years. My family & friends were worried sick, so I’d behave for a few weeks then the cycle started again. The penny dropped after writing off two cars and narrowly avoiding jail time, so I decided to get help. It was fun at the time but boy was I was pretty loose, how I made it out alive i'll never know actually. I’ve thought about suicide a lot, still do. Something inside tells me to keep going, don’t know why but I’ve always decided to hang tough in the hope of it all being worth it someday. I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD (3 years ago) & am on medication, which has helped stabilse my life & I’ve made some improvements. I guess a lot of what’s driving this: Lack of intimacy. Nowhere near the amount i'd hoped & none since ADHD diagnosis either. I’ve had women find me attractive & I’ve had opportunities to date over the years but due to my situation, couldn't act on it them which is really sad. I've honestly tried my best but i'm ashamed, class myself as a joke. I know alot of people who know me would be shocked & couldn't imagine this happening to someone like myself. That wasn’t meant to sound arrogant either, sorry if it did. I've never been bitter & resentful towards others though, I’d love to use my experience to help young kids or adults dealing with whatever challenges they are facing, or may face one day. Guess it would do some good. I apologise for upsetting anyone with what’s been written & if some doesn’t make sense. Had to fight back tears whilst writing this & it’s taken longer that I thought it would.. Big thanks for letting me share today. JG.

Tiedinknots How do i find meaning and purpose?
  • replies: 2

Hi. Gor the last 15 years i have been on a mission. A one way mission to survive to get my child to adulthood and thenni was meant to end myself. But i found that there were people in my life that care about me and i care about fornthe first time in ... View more

Hi. Gor the last 15 years i have been on a mission. A one way mission to survive to get my child to adulthood and thenni was meant to end myself. But i found that there were people in my life that care about me and i care about fornthe first time in my life and i couldn't end my life. I wanted to live again. I have started to do physical excercise to restore some physical strength and get the endorphins going, i have reengaged with my guitar and camera, but i am missing a purpose at 57. After all those years holding on and battling the pain inside to survive, i need a new thing to give me focus. But how and where do i start. I am married but my wife does not want me trying new things or meeting people. Even events with work colleagues are frowned on. She is worried about losing me and is trying to put me back in my place. But that place was my old mission where i gave up on myself to hold it all together for everyone else. I can't go back to that but i can't move forward. Where do i start?

grlmummy Feeling Lost
  • replies: 2

I'm a mum to 2 girls. They have been my life. I've never been happily married so I've devoted my life to my kids. Last year one of them turned 15 and I've been in a downward spiral since. I'd noticed things weren't the same with her, I wasn't needed.... View more

I'm a mum to 2 girls. They have been my life. I've never been happily married so I've devoted my life to my kids. Last year one of them turned 15 and I've been in a downward spiral since. I'd noticed things weren't the same with her, I wasn't needed. I know I can't live through her but I'm really struggling. My routines are completely shot, I no longer have interest in the things I used to. I'm not motivated. I just dont know what to do...I'm so lost. I feel without her I don't have a life.

cat15 Getting over narcisstic abuse
  • replies: 22

Hi everyone hope you are doing OK. I have been in a narrcistic relationship for 30 years and am now divorced. Anyone who can help me get over this, and to help me stop thinking about all the things my ex has and is still doing to me, what be helpful.... View more

Hi everyone hope you are doing OK. I have been in a narrcistic relationship for 30 years and am now divorced. Anyone who can help me get over this, and to help me stop thinking about all the things my ex has and is still doing to me, what be helpful. People don't believe me, as my ex is so good at convincing people I'm,crazy. My head won't stop, and I'm at the end of my tether.

Gato46 Wife left
  • replies: 2

Resided in China for 20 years, married a Chinese women some 7 years ago ,(wife is 35 and myself 77 now) returned to Australia 4 years ago and with child and wife, she is very unhappy, myself not perfect some lies were told but I am to blame on all mo... View more

Resided in China for 20 years, married a Chinese women some 7 years ago ,(wife is 35 and myself 77 now) returned to Australia 4 years ago and with child and wife, she is very unhappy, myself not perfect some lies were told but I am to blame on all most everything, she suffers depression blame me for it but won’t seek help. Left home some 3 weeks ago and said she needs time to evaluate our relationship and she wants to come back in two months. For the las 4 year no sex and the level of personal insults toward child and me and swearing is staggering. She said sorry for being a monster but her excuse ‘I am angry’. Twice had to call the police got crazy and wanted to commit suicide and taken to hospital , she convinced the doctors nothing wrong with her, they let he go back home. Despite everything , I still ,call me stupid, I have some felling’s for the women just very worried to let her back home without her seeking mental help , I have a child and she doesn’t want mom to come back home. Advise pleaseRespectfullyGato46

Nelson-t Income protection if resigned.
  • replies: 1

Hi all I've been at my employer 15 years and was struggling with keeping up with constantly increasing workload. Eventually I had a breakdown and resigned a few weeks ago with no reason on the resignation. I booked into my doctor who I couldn't see u... View more

Hi all I've been at my employer 15 years and was struggling with keeping up with constantly increasing workload. Eventually I had a breakdown and resigned a few weeks ago with no reason on the resignation. I booked into my doctor who I couldn't see until the next day and he said I'm having mental issues which will need to be addressed and gave me sick leave until notice ends. My employer didn't care and just wanted me to finish up early .I have income protection on my super and tpd and wondering can I claim income protection from the event date which is when I resigned?Thanks all

-Kaz- I’m awake at 4am, and I’m confused on how I feel
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I’m a 23 year old male living in Sydney, and I’ve always felt I had some sort of depressive or anxiety disorder when I was young but couldn’t put my finger on it until relatively recently. yesterday I started my first job and worked thro... View more

Hi everyone, I’m a 23 year old male living in Sydney, and I’ve always felt I had some sort of depressive or anxiety disorder when I was young but couldn’t put my finger on it until relatively recently. yesterday I started my first job and worked through the entire shift with no apparent issues, but as I returned home from work I felt empty? Like I hadn’t accomplished much of anything even though I was excited to finally earn some kind of income, and as I decompressed at home I had thoughts of “thank god that’s over”, “Why am I doing this?” And the like, and while all of those thoughts of themselves are red flags, I’ve grown accustomed to these thoughts as I’ve grown up - especially from High School. But what really grabbed my attention was that as I laid in bed, my mind kept going back to the job, worrying over situations that haven’t happened, and making reasons on why I don’t like working there. While the job I work at isn’t what I want to turn into a career, I understand that I do it to support me and those I care about. These thoughts have gotten to the point where I believe that I don’t trust myself driving to work, just in case I subconsciously do something to prevent me from going there, and these thoughts have also driven me into an almost anxiety attack-levels of distress and emotional turmoil. Has anyone felt this way before? Is this a ‘natural’ way of showing anxiety and/or depression in some way? Because at the rate I’m going with the way my mind races, I’m more scared of my potential actions than I am about the thoughts themselves. Kaz

Guest_9866 Why am I here?
  • replies: 5

Only hopped on following email about changes. Often I think about reaching out on forums. Just learnt to hide and deal with world in my bubble. Getting older and older caring for my father and never had a relationship or even basics that others take ... View more

Only hopped on following email about changes. Often I think about reaching out on forums. Just learnt to hide and deal with world in my bubble. Getting older and older caring for my father and never had a relationship or even basics that others take granted. Considered professional encounter but I scared. And now its too late (this what I mean I now feel unwell but I have to care for my dad). I did have odd friend but rare times and last friend was over decade ago. Im not got holding conversations. I do struggle a lot and have hard time getting through the day but dont drink or drugs. Trying to get back into painting and that makes me feel better. I cant handle rejection well and tried applying for jobs and after all hardwork writing dont get interview (I dont know how to communicate to others. plus no references but highly skilled and solid independent worker). Live in regional city and have to hide. Love traveling but been couple of years. Situation now: 1.Still relationship alone and its too late me, hurts alot. I have to hide/scared of people/not good understanding others. 2. Rentals hard to find and my unit 10 yrs NRAS is to be sold off as too dad NRAS ending. I dont want to live with him but what can I do?? Dad more risk of homeless because age pension isnt enough to survive with way rent skyrocketted. He will need more care anyway as age 87. 3. If I stay away in my bubble Im better but anxiety for future. Have great week anyway;)