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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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fire_fox Introduction
  • replies: 17

hi everyone nice to meet you, I am really excited to be here. I am a libra and an introvert and I love science, English, books and phisloghy, I am bad at spelling to I have some mental health conditions (social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD hyper... View more

hi everyone nice to meet you, I am really excited to be here. I am a libra and an introvert and I love science, English, books and phisloghy, I am bad at spelling to I have some mental health conditions (social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD hyperacusis(is that spelled right) I love nature and music to (sorry I am really bad at writing intros have a great day/night everyone

kero new to the forum
  • replies: 7

Hi Not sure in how to act or be on this but thought I might try it out. Very confused on how it works though. Hope you're having a good day!

Hi Not sure in how to act or be on this but thought I might try it out. Very confused on how it works though. Hope you're having a good day!

Sheep_prawn Hello, first timer
  • replies: 2

G,day, first post,really unsure how this will go, but I'm here,making a start on doing somthing more help my anxiety/ depression. At present I talk to my GP over 10 years,and over the years talked with psychologicalists/councillors, I like write abou... View more

G,day, first post,really unsure how this will go, but I'm here,making a start on doing somthing more help my anxiety/ depression. At present I talk to my GP over 10 years,and over the years talked with psychologicalists/councillors, I like write about my life and in general our human condition which helps a great deal. Had a anxiety/ panic attack at work recently, had to go home. But like all moments, it passed,and all good next day. Anyway stay well all,and like I say,you/we are stronger then you think. Take care,stay well. ,

Izzy_tdbk Hi
  • replies: 1

I do not know what I am doing haha.

I do not know what I am doing haha.

Universal First time post: When OCD and Anxiety become innate
  • replies: 4

Hey, this is my first post within any forum. I would like to throw out there if anyone suffers from OCD or any other Anxiety related disorders? What have you found helpful in regards to therapy, as well any beneficial ways you can live with this when... View more

Hey, this is my first post within any forum. I would like to throw out there if anyone suffers from OCD or any other Anxiety related disorders? What have you found helpful in regards to therapy, as well any beneficial ways you can live with this when it has been part of your life for so many years? Thanks

Jeremy14 New to the forum scene
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, Ive been dealing with PTSD, Anxiety/Panic attacks and Depression for just over 3 years now. Ive tried all different types of medications that have not helped at all and some have even made me feel worse. Some days are better than others ... View more

Hi everyone, Ive been dealing with PTSD, Anxiety/Panic attacks and Depression for just over 3 years now. Ive tried all different types of medications that have not helped at all and some have even made me feel worse. Some days are better than others but recently there are more bad days then good. I used to enjoy going for walks and bike rides but my crippling anxiety put a stop to that pretty quickly. Ive hardly seen any of my friends in the last 3years. I left work in 2017, and was subsequently retired from that job due to ill health in May last year. I have been unable to work for the past 3 and a bit years. At the moment i cant see a light at the end of the tunnel. Reading some of the posts really help and make me realise im not the only one going through all this. Any tips and tricks for getting through the hard days are welcomed. Many thanks in advance

Blake_S Hey Everyone :)
  • replies: 4

Hey everyone, I go by the name Blake_S, and I am a Master of Professional Psychology student from Melbourne, and am undertaking a placement with Beyond Blue over the next six weeks. I have been studying Psychology going on 6 years and have experience... View more

Hey everyone, I go by the name Blake_S, and I am a Master of Professional Psychology student from Melbourne, and am undertaking a placement with Beyond Blue over the next six weeks. I have been studying Psychology going on 6 years and have experience in working with anxiety (especially social anxiety, generalised anxiety, phobias) and depression. I also have an interest in eating disorders, and completed an honours level thesis on Orthorexia Nervosa, and wish to dedicate my future career to helping those with eating disorders. I have a passion for helping those struggling with mental health issues, but also am an advocate for positive psychology and improving overall wellbeing. I believe in 'enjoying the journey' with life, and this means not only managing psychological distress but also helping people create the life they want to live. I feel blessed to be in a field that will give me the opportunity to help people in a meaningful way. Now, some non-academic information about me - I used to work as a makeup artist for 5-years, I love to travel, and am a bit of a foodie (I have a mild obsession with doughnuts at the moment)! I recently made the move from Adelaide to Melbourne this year and am just starting to settle into my new environment. I am really looking forward to getting to know some of your on the forums, and feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be part of the Beyond Blue forums. Reaching out for help is a massive step, and I want to commend each and everyone one of you for having the courage to post on these forums. Blake_S :)

Hopefull_Angel Newbie
  • replies: 9

Hi all, Just joined today. Going through depression, have lost my job. Lost interest in everything. I just cant believe this is me. I thought I ciuld make some friends here and motivate myself a bit. Thank you.

Hi all, Just joined today. Going through depression, have lost my job. Lost interest in everything. I just cant believe this is me. I thought I ciuld make some friends here and motivate myself a bit. Thank you.