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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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Black_Forest Hi, I'm glad to be here.
  • replies: 5

Hello, I am Black Forest. I am new to Beyond Blue. I did join quite a few weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to do anything yet. But I am glad to meet everyone. I am usually the person in the group of friends that everyone talks to. They talk to m... View more

Hello, I am Black Forest. I am new to Beyond Blue. I did join quite a few weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to do anything yet. But I am glad to meet everyone. I am usually the person in the group of friends that everyone talks to. They talk to me about all of their problems, then after I've done everything I can to help them, they cast me aside, only speaking to me when they feel upset and/or have another problem. I feel like I'm the 'therapist' of the group, the therapist that listens to peoples' problems, and then has a meltdown days later, because I can't help them or make them happier. I am the kind of person that will trade my own happiness, for other people to be happy. Whenever someone tells me their problems, I am happy that they feel like they can trust me enough to open up to me. But that happiness is instantly replaced with panic. 'They trust me,' I would always think, 'But, if they trust me, then what would they do if I can't fix the problem? Would they hate me? Reject me? Replace me?' These are only a fraction of what races through my mind all at once. Though I am glad to say, that I do have this one friend. She cares for me, understands me and never overwhelms me. She is the best and only friend I've ever had. She was the one that encouraged me to get this account. I always try to do everything for everyone else, I felt like I should do something for myself, hence why I am speaking right now.

Elie_dle Hello everyone!
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m new to these forums but just wanted to say hello to everyone! I’m a current psychological science student who has previously suffered from debilitating social anxiety. I’m also originally from a rural Indigenous community. Just wanted to pop ... View more

Hi, I’m new to these forums but just wanted to say hello to everyone! I’m a current psychological science student who has previously suffered from debilitating social anxiety. I’m also originally from a rural Indigenous community. Just wanted to pop in and say I’m not necessarily here FOR help, but TO help. I want to use my experience and knowledge to chat with others and hopefully help a bit (but I am in no way a professional). I truely hope I can assist!

Kai_Wolfe Hello :)
  • replies: 1

Hiya! I'm new to this, and I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Kai, and I go by the pronouns They/Them (AKA I'm Non-Binary). I'm fifteen, and I haven't actually been clinically diagnosed for any mental health issues. However I have been feelin... View more

Hiya! I'm new to this, and I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Kai, and I go by the pronouns They/Them (AKA I'm Non-Binary). I'm fifteen, and I haven't actually been clinically diagnosed for any mental health issues. However I have been feeling quite depressed and anxious for about four or five years, so I thought I'd come here. Nice to meet you all!

Gg22 Hi i am new here needing Anxiety support/information
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone I hope I am posting in the right place. Just wanted to say hello I signed up to try to take control of my anxiety. I have always been a bit of a worrier but the past month it has got to a point where it's debilitating. I don't even kno... View more

Hello everyone I hope I am posting in the right place. Just wanted to say hello I signed up to try to take control of my anxiety. I have always been a bit of a worrier but the past month it has got to a point where it's debilitating. I don't even know if this is anxiety or a medical condition .. I have been seeing my doc and so far all tests have come back normal and I have my first app with a psychologist next week. I have been to the ER twice with these symptoms, one doc said it cpuod be a tumor on ky adrenal gland and now i am convinced that's whats wrong with me. I now experience symptoms daily and it's making me not want to leave my house. I also have a beautiful 8 month old baby who I feel I am letting down. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if it really is anxiety?! I get lots of adrenaline rushes when trying to sleep, I also get waves of adrenaline in the day, my heart beats fast , I get sweaty and feel like I'm about to die. I'm never hungry and feel sick when I try to eat, I also get very weak and feel like walking in an effort some days. I am just feeling so hopeless and want to feel like myself again. I am so scared I am dying of a horrible disease. Not sure what the point of this post is... Just feeling alone and defeated.

Gecca Hello
  • replies: 3

I spoke to an operator from beyondblue last night as i was desperate for answers as to the way i was feeling & why ? Roslyn took the world off my shoulders I am very thankful for the conversation my mood has change unbelievably I now feel that i can ... View more

I spoke to an operator from beyondblue last night as i was desperate for answers as to the way i was feeling & why ? Roslyn took the world off my shoulders I am very thankful for the conversation my mood has change unbelievably I now feel that i can access the tools to move forward thankyou

Aypea Hello
  • replies: 4

Hi, Feeling a bit desperate tonight. I’m 55, living with anxiety/depression, and living with my partner of 29 years who suffers from very low self esteem and paranoia. I love her so much but its hard to cope with at times. I have to be so careful but... View more

Hi, Feeling a bit desperate tonight. I’m 55, living with anxiety/depression, and living with my partner of 29 years who suffers from very low self esteem and paranoia. I love her so much but its hard to cope with at times. I have to be so careful but slip up sometimes.

W_Lee New to the forum, need someone to talk to
  • replies: 10

I have never been part of a forum or spoken about my feelings or personal situation before, but I feel like I am very isolated and have no one to confide in. I don't really know how to go about getting help or how to ask for it so I am just going to ... View more

I have never been part of a forum or spoken about my feelings or personal situation before, but I feel like I am very isolated and have no one to confide in. I don't really know how to go about getting help or how to ask for it so I am just going to type my feelings and explain my situation. I have been married for 21 years, have 3 kids 9, 15 and 17. My marriage has been shaky I guess for the last 10 years or so. My husband and I seem to have different values than we did when we were first married. Many of our arguments are about respect and me feeling insignificant and unimportant. I have many times expressed my feelings to my husband and not much happens. He makes me feel stupid for feeling that way and since I am not good at defending myself on the spot, I am unable to properly express/defend my feelings. I have been living like this for years and just have accepted my life for the sake of my kids happiness. One is doing VCE and I don't want to add any more stress to her life, so I have just let things be. I recently, by accident, discovered my husband is watching a lot of porn and may even be watching live porn. I am not sure how I should feel about this or if I should confront him. I know if I do it will mean almost definitely complete marriage breakdown and if I don't I am going to lose my mind. I have had migraines every day since I found out and the stress of knowing that he is watching this stuff late at night turns my stomach and I am not sure how I will ever be close to him again. Is there any advise anyone can give me on how to deal with this please?

Genx Hello there I'm a newbie
  • replies: 4

Hi there, I'm new here and I hope this gets on to this thread. I am 46 years of age and struggle with anxiety and depression. I'ts been really hard lately, I'm seeking medical help - both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, but I;m having trouble with... View more

Hi there, I'm new here and I hope this gets on to this thread. I am 46 years of age and struggle with anxiety and depression. I'ts been really hard lately, I'm seeking medical help - both a psychiatrist and a psychologist, but I;m having trouble with my medications. I am a mother of a 13 year old and a 10 year old and I have a wonderful supportive partner. any encouragement that I'm not alone would be welcome. I've been experiencing this for the past year and a bit and I've started the GROW program via zoom (I'm a victorian) which has been incredibly helpful to me. there are still some days where I cant stop crying and crying and find it difficult to get up and get moving. thanks for letting me share. "S".

Jac68 anxiety triggers anger and depression
  • replies: 2

I have been battling anxiety, anger, depression on & off for a very long time. I have difficulty regulating my emotions & often react too quickly to my triggers. I can see what I’m doing, often in hindsight, but have a deep desire to be heard & under... View more

I have been battling anxiety, anger, depression on & off for a very long time. I have difficulty regulating my emotions & often react too quickly to my triggers. I can see what I’m doing, often in hindsight, but have a deep desire to be heard & understood. This also means I often disregard the recipients’ feelings. I’m a coward & often express my built up anger & resentment via emails & texts. Then I feel ashamed & guilty! I need to learn how to be respectful in conflict resolution. When I feel threatened, anxious or angry, because I think the situation is unfair, I somehow feel justified in lashing out against the decisions or actions of others who hurt me. I get so worked up about unfair decisions because I feel helpless & my opinions are dismissed. I crave connections with people but anger & resentment prevent me from letting go of times they’ve hurt me or I’ve felt used. IF I actually try to talk about it, I struggle to explain myself well & ruminate about it. Then I get upset & withdraw. When am I going to learn? be brave? become articulate face to face? manage my emotions? It is a constant battle for me. Yes, I often feel overwhelming & profound sadness, but more often I feel deep anger & resentment when misunderstood, or worse, dismissed & ignored.

Whizzbang007 Afraid of medical community
  • replies: 8

Hi I am afraid of doctors and the medical community as a whole. I suffer from anxiety, depression,and ptsd, and have a condition that is physical and requires me to be at the go to see someone about once a month. Now I have a thing in my armpit that ... View more

Hi I am afraid of doctors and the medical community as a whole. I suffer from anxiety, depression,and ptsd, and have a condition that is physical and requires me to be at the go to see someone about once a month. Now I have a thing in my armpit that requires even more time with those that frighten me. I am beside myself with anxiety, flashbacks etc. my gap is good, understanding etc, my psychologist also, but seeing these people is one enormous struggle, every time. Now that I have added to my dr ‘workload’ I feel I am about to explode with the stress of it all. What do I do when getting help requires facing my fears every time and I still can’t get relief from the terror?