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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
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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?
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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

shirker Might as well start with a Hello post
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Hi, new here. Spent the last hour or so browsing through posts, but I don't really know what to say or where to start. Not just on this forum, but anywhere really. So many times I'll hear a "keep active, keeping yourself busy is the key to good menta... View more

Hi, new here. Spent the last hour or so browsing through posts, but I don't really know what to say or where to start. Not just on this forum, but anywhere really. So many times I'll hear a "keep active, keeping yourself busy is the key to good mental health" mantra, but I never can seem to get the ball rolling. I can switch the computer on and just stare at a blank screen for hours ... at the end, I've got no idea where the time went, I've just been flicking back and forth between screens without taking anything in. Sometimes I'll get a train of thought, I'll go to look something up, but by the time I've clicked on google the thought is gone - I'm struggling to remember what I was doing.

chocolatepanda Too anxious to seek help
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Hi all, first time here - well I created an doubt I didn’t use a few years back! This is a big step for me because I’ve felt too anxious to reach out to anyone. The thought of a dr appointment, mental health plan, referral, then finding the right psy... View more

Hi all, first time here - well I created an doubt I didn’t use a few years back! This is a big step for me because I’ve felt too anxious to reach out to anyone. The thought of a dr appointment, mental health plan, referral, then finding the right psych for my needs ... it’s all just so overwhelming! I would love some tips from others who’ve gone through this. My issues are past trauma, current relationship woes, eating disorder, self-destructive behaviour ... and just generally feeling it’s all a bit too much to bear. I took a mental health day yesterday from work but don’t feel like telling my boss what’s going on because I don’t feel like I have a good reason to be so stressed right now.

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on June
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Hello Everyone, We continue to be amazed by the strength of our community and appreciate the amount of empathy and support everyone has shown each other here during these turbulent times. We welcome any new members joining us and hope you are able to... View more

Hello Everyone, We continue to be amazed by the strength of our community and appreciate the amount of empathy and support everyone has shown each other here during these turbulent times. We welcome any new members joining us and hope you are able to connect with others and receive support to assist your wellbeing. Community Voices: What are people talking about? Managing Relationship Breakdown “Putting me first is also something I’m not used to lately. I need a break. I was going to ask my ex partner if she would consider going to Relationships Australia Victoria with me. They offer a mediation service where we can discuss our finances and come up with a solution that we can both be comfortable with. This means that we can have free advice with a third unbiased party involved and not feel alone or ganged-up on.” - Tranquillity Please (Read more here) “Last year, he left me without warning but came back 2 or 3 days later realising he had 'made a mistake'. This was after he had an affair and i forgave him. i dont know what to do. Is this it? I have stood by him with all that he has done, been there for him through everything. I feel so alone and lost. My best friend is gone.” – MandaC (Read more here) “Relationships aren't always easy, we wouldn't have to "work" at them if they were. In my experience, what makes a relationship unhealthy is when it makes you feel less than you are. Only you can determine that. I have friends who do everything for their partners, and love doing so. They thrive on it, and not having that feeling of being needed is worse for them. For me, I could never be like that. For me, relationships are partnerships, 50/50 and requires equal time and effort from both people.” - Rocky.P. (Read more here) Social Anxiety, Workplace Anxiety, Health Anxiety “Ever since I can remember I've suffered crippling social anxiety in most public environments. I avoid group situations and social interactions with people I don't know well, especially authority at work, females and confident looking people etc. I use my phone to avoid eye contact, I avoid the management office, I avoid phone calls, I've avoided invitations to the point of losing contact with potential or old friends.” - sam0259 (Read more here) “My anxiety has been so bad since I started a new job not long ago, I've always had bad workplace anxiety, low confidence and lack of assertiveness. The job is killing me, it's overflowing into and eroding my confidence, self esteem and social anxiety in my personal life.” - bluenight (Read more here) “I have been suffering with so many odd symptoms over the past years, have had all the tests you can think of: brain mri, chest, abdomen and pelvis ct, breast ultrasound, lung capacity test, endoscopy, colonoscopy, echo cardio gram, stress test And while a few bits and pieces were found ( all okay and manageable) I found no answers to my symptoms. So I’m at a crossroads- have I got nothing and this really is all anxiety, or have they missed something?” - Meg_611 (Read more here) Feeling lost / Unsure about the future "I am stuck working in hospitality as my artistic career simply doesnt exist anymore. I have no future that I am passionate about. How can I fix my apathy towards life right now?" - sandy77 (Read more here) "I’m 24 years old and for almost a year and a half now, I’ve been studying a masters of social work. I enjoyed it last year, but between everything this year with Covid I’ve come to feel like I don’t want to study anymore.I’m going onto placement in 2 months and I’m petrified, I’ve been told this is normal but I just feel so worried and unsure of myself. How about supposed help others if I’m a mess?" – LadyFlower (Read more here) "Being 17 isn't easy… Lived experience is an invaluable part of our development and growth. Take your time identifying and evaluating opportunities and ideas. Log them in a journal and revisit them now and then for perspective. You're intelligent and vital, use these gifts to your advantage." - Just Sara (Read more here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/young-people/high-school-dropout-don't-know-where-to-go-from-here-) Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of June is Mr Paul! Mr. Paul always takes the time to welcome new members to our community and encourages others to continue reaching out on the forums to talk through any difficult thoughts and feelings. Thank you for the kindness and care you show towards other members of our community! 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 . BB News Beyond Blue has released two new booklets designed to help people separate fact from fiction about what really works for managing anxiety and depression. The below two booklets are free and can be accessed using the links below: A guide to what works for anxiety A guide to what works for depression For the latest content on Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service check out the links below: The science behind gratitude Focus on forums: What are you grateful for? Managers, here’s how to support your staff during COVID-19

Chicken_Kiev Chicken Kiev
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I have recently come to the realization that I am not doing well mentally.i am 52 year old male. I have spoken to my GP and he has booked me in to see a sicolagist, unfortunately not available for two weeks. Not sure how to deal with my anxiety. I’ve... View more

I have recently come to the realization that I am not doing well mentally.i am 52 year old male. I have spoken to my GP and he has booked me in to see a sicolagist, unfortunately not available for two weeks. Not sure how to deal with my anxiety. I’ve never been in a forum before, so not really sure how this works

Holvee I find it rlly hard to focus my mind
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Hey, Scenario: I man watching a movie in the lounge room and someone is playing sound out loud on their phone. I can be physically watching the movie but I’m not mentally watching it or taking in anything that’s happening cause my mind is so focused ... View more

Hey, Scenario: I man watching a movie in the lounge room and someone is playing sound out loud on their phone. I can be physically watching the movie but I’m not mentally watching it or taking in anything that’s happening cause my mind is so focused on that sound and I can’t properly watch the movie until that sound is gone. This is normal? Thanks, Holly

Anthony1 Hello Everyone!
  • replies: 6

Hi, I haven't posted here for a long time but given how I've been feeling recently, I felt it was time to check in. I've been taking meds for anxiety for many years and like many others have been feeling stressed about the pandemic. This year I've be... View more

Hi, I haven't posted here for a long time but given how I've been feeling recently, I felt it was time to check in. I've been taking meds for anxiety for many years and like many others have been feeling stressed about the pandemic. This year I've been lucky enough to finally move into a place that's big enough for me and my kids. It's about five years since my divorce for rents to come down enought to be able to afford something suitable. Given that I haven't had the chance to see many friends in quite a while, I've been spending way too much time in my head becoming anxious about even minor things. My whole body has been feeling tight and tense for what seems like four months now. I've been taking meds to relax but I don't want to rely on these too much. Some days it feels like I'll feel like this forever. I'm still working but even there is stressful becuase of alot of internal conflict within the company. My son has ADHD but is a beautiful boy with a good heart. My daughter has just turned fourteen and I'm worried for her as she grows up. I've been mostly single since my divorce and I'm getting to the point in my life where I feel as though my kids will never see me happy with someone and that no one wants to be with someone my age who doesn't own my own house and isn't climbing the corporate ladder. My marriage and some previous relationships did alot of emotional and psychological damage, and kinda feel like I've been treading water for years in some ways. I don't really feel as though even my closest friends understand me, and at the age of 49 this feels like something I should be saying as a twenty-something. Apologies if this intro is a bit rambling. I hope you are all doing ok out there.

NothingLeft79 I have nothing left
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hi I’m not sure where else to go. I’m a 41 year old male. Both parents have died of cancer, my sister is still a drug addict who’s children now take the drug aged 13 & 17. I was a weekly recreational drug user for a long time but after my dad died sl... View more

hi I’m not sure where else to go. I’m a 41 year old male. Both parents have died of cancer, my sister is still a drug addict who’s children now take the drug aged 13 & 17. I was a weekly recreational drug user for a long time but after my dad died slowly I used it 3-4 times a week to relieve the pain. I met my wife who was a daily user, we cleaned up, moved away and her daughter started calling me dad. 10 years together and at the start we struggled to get clean. Eventually we did and I wiped all out debts and bought what I thought would make us happy. I went into 40k debt on holidays wedding honeymoon furniture car bike etc. I become a manager of production which I’m very proud of. eventually my ex turned back to drugs and i started slipping too, I told her if she gets it again I’m leaving. This happened 10+ times. so she destroyed us and Lied about me to cover her tracks. Depression hit me again and I got anti-depressants. I moved interstate as rumours came back to me and I knew it would end bad if I stayed. now I’m interstate alone and no contact with my daughter. I’ve taken a 40k per year pay cut and I’ve just declared bankrupt. My ex kept everything I owned and I can’t afford to go to court to fight it. now I have found a large lump under my collarbone and I feel pain radiating from it and I’m too scared to get it looked at. I’m never happy, I fake laughter and pretend to be the man, making jokes of my own life as if it has no effect on me. I recently began drinking alcohol and getting into fights which is highly unlike me. This lead to relapses on drugs. I’ve now quit everything but I feel numb and deeply unlovable. I feel like a burden to all that I meet. Anti deps ruined my sex drive so dating isn’t an option. I feel like the walls of life are closing in on me with an internal sense of impending doom lingering around my heart and I can’t deal with a diagnosis of cancer. I am sick of pretending I’m ok. I have nothing left.

JaimieS Introduction Jaimie
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Hi, I am new here. Looking for other people in a similar situation to share the emotional burden. I am a single parent, belong to the LGBTQ group, female, migrant, very low level of social contacts or support network. Anyone out there in a similar si... View more

Hi, I am new here. Looking for other people in a similar situation to share the emotional burden. I am a single parent, belong to the LGBTQ group, female, migrant, very low level of social contacts or support network. Anyone out there in a similar situation please feel free to contact me.

craftymum4 New to depression and anxiety
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Hi All I'm a stay at home mother of 2 kids. I have a 1 year old and a almost 6 year old. I have never experienced depression and anxiety until March this year (2020). Its been almost 3 months since I started anti depressants. I'm on a second type now... View more

Hi All I'm a stay at home mother of 2 kids. I have a 1 year old and a almost 6 year old. I have never experienced depression and anxiety until March this year (2020). Its been almost 3 months since I started anti depressants. I'm on a second type now 5th week in and I was going well but I'm now starting to feel the depression more than anything. I want to know that it gets better. It's hard to get by and im finding it a struggle to get through the day without bawling my eyes out. I have this deep pain in my chest and no matter what I do it doesn't seem to go away :( I love my children and husband so much and hate them seeing me this way. My question is are there any other mums out there that struggle with anxiety and depression that suffer from pcos aswell? I have pcos and find my hormones all over the place. I need to find something that helps me get through the day happily.