Welcome and Orientation

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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 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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Abandonment

replies: 5

I am struggling to adapt to being abandoned by my family. I ended an abusive relationship and now I am entirely alone. It is an extremely difficult adjustment.

New and searching for a chronic pain thread?

replies: 1

Hi everyone, I'm new here, but have had major depressive disorder which has been in remission for 5 years (hooray), and have been doing therapy for complex PTSD which has helped a lot. I've had chronic pain and fatigue for a many years but it's recently become a lot worse. My doctors thought it was due to the complex PTSD (so did I) but it's now looking like that isn't the case. I'm struggling with finding a correct diagnosis and having medical professionals see past my mental illness to treat what is going on physically. I've had to leave my PhD due to the chronic pain and fatigue, and I'm frightened that I'll never be able to get treatment that will let me return to it (it's been my dream to do my PhD). I'm finding it really devastating, and starting to feel my depression coming back as a result. I did a google search and it said there was a chronic pain group on here. I was hoping to just read some posts and maybe comment with people who are in a similar situation to me, because I feel pretty alone. I can't seem to find this thread though. If there is one, could you let me know? If not, nice to meet you and I'll see you in the other threads

Hello folks

replies: 5

Hi, I'm new here! I signed up last night but forgot to post in this part (assuming I'm meant to do it here first?). I'm an early 40s male who is currently having what I think is a mid-life crisis, and am waiting for my first doctor's appointment after calling the hotline I'm currently dealing with issues of anxiety and depression relating to self-worth and social isolation over the majority of my life. I've made a post in the Anxiety section, but it's basically a feeling of having deluded myself into thinking I'm someone I'm not. I've been disassociating regularly sincd I was a child, and at first I thought they were harmless daydreams but now realise that they may have been more serious separations from reality (though I've always been lucid, just kinda distracted). This past few months, however, I've started becoming more obsessive and irrational, and realised the problem before doing anything drastic. But I'm still worried about the future, and I'm still dealing with distracting thoughts and anxiety symptoms. I'm also optimistic though, as I probably never would have changed my lifestyle without this episode. I trust you guys, I've read some of your comments and value your feedback 🤩 Hope you are all keeping safe and healthy

New member

replies: 1

Hi everyone, i'm new at this eventhough I've been suffering depression and anxiety for a very long time. I think its suddenly gotten worse with whats happening in the world today. My self esteem and confidence is at a low both at home and work (working from home). I am unable to get my words out corectly at work, because of this, I feel embarrassed all the time with my actions and words, I feel useless, and I feel no one takes me seriously. It's like I'm in a hole, that I want to get out of but can't. I know what things I can do to get out of it, but lack motivation to do it. I dont get much support at home, hence why I have joined this forum. I've split from husband, due to him having a part in my depression, but we are still living in the same house, due to finances and kids, who by the way still dont know we have split, (his idea). Its been 12 months since this split has happened.

Feel like my life is falling apart

replies: 1

Hi, In December 2019, I had just accepted a new job and was about to relocate from Perth to Brisbane with my husband to be closer to family and eventually start a family of our own. One week before our flight I woke up in the middle of the night with this feeling in my gut that my Husband was not coming with me so I told him about this expecting him to deny it and reassure me instead he said that he wasn’t coming with me as he had decided he didn’t want children. I pushed him to go speak to a psychologist to make sure that was what he wanted and wasn’t a decision based on fear and depression. He agreed and although he moved out he said he was committed to trying to save our marriage... over the next few weeks he told me he thought he was gay (which he later took back), that he was a sex addict and a compulsive liar. I discovered he had been engaging in online sexting with strangers via Reddit for 3 years (We had only been married 3.5 although we’re together 9.5). Throughout all of this I said I would forgive him if he got help but he ultimately decided he didn’t want to. Since then I have had to sell our house and figure out our finances and coordinate everything, whilst trying to cope with the emotional aspect, whilst starting a new job, whilst living with my parents during lock down. I started dating this guy while I was still in shock phase of my divorce and while I like him. I don’t think I am ready for what he wants. Due to my lack of energy and depression I am now struggling to perform in my job. I don’t know how to pull myself out of this downward spiral.

lost

replies: 1

Okay so going back close to a year ago I choose to give up my daughter up for her safe and for mine too now feel so lost and things are starting to get very hard and bad. Just feeling so lost and can't find away out and close to losing all my friends View more

Hi, I'm new!

replies: 2

I only just came onto this sight (was recommended by a friend who thought this might help me) and I don't really know how to work this...help?

Hi everyone! 👋

replies: 1

Hi! I’m Brooke. I’m in Year 11 at high school. I made this account a while ago, but never really used it, up until now, where I am getting a bad episode of anxiety, and just want someone to talk to. Right now I am getting panic attacks in class and am very anxious in general. When I was younger (year 1 to year 5) I had selective mutism, which I got over after years of treatment. However, the social anxiety still remains. Its really hard at times to carry on when the world seems to be against you. I’m not motivated to do my schoolwork AT ALL, burnout is real. Couple this with my anxiety, and it’s a recipe for disaster. I’m dropping from Advanced English to standard, and requesting a visit with my school counsellor in hope he can inform my teachers about the extent of my anxiety, so that when I’m having an attack in class, Im able to leave. im having to share a bunk with my sister, my house is getting renovated. This is very annoying as when I’m getting panic attacks as I try to sleep, my sister can hear my breathing and I don’t want to worry her and make the situation worse than it already is. Ahhh!!! Anyway, if anyone wants to talk to me about anything, I’m here! I’ll try to be as helpful a person as I can!

Hi, I am new here

replies: 1

Hi there, I don't know where to start off by posting so I thought that I would introduce myself here. I struggled with depression in the past but I have been feeling a lot better especially since 2018 onwards. My girlfriend had to move back to her native country recently due to the covid-19 pandemic and since then she has met a new guy there and wants to leave me for him. This has currently left me devastated that I could lose her so quickly to someone she has barely known for a month. I have tried to talk things through with her and she says she is confused, but I get the feeling that she is gravitating towards him. This is the first time I have been with a girl (I am early 20s) and I also fear now that it will be hard to find someone in the future, since I am insecure about how I look (I was bullied at school) and I find it hard to connect with people easily, especially females. I guess I was just hoping to connect with people here who might understand this type of experience and know how to get through the pain. As of now, I feel devastated and heartbroken for sure. I genuinely want her to be happy and move forward with her life, if this is best for her, but I feel alone and lost myself. Also from reading some of the posts here, it makes me realise just how devastating it would be to lose someone the longer you know them. I only knew her for 2 years, but to be married to someone and build a life with them over many many years must truly be more painful than this. Even so, the pain I feel now is emphatic and difficult to process.

1st time here:1st question that comes to mind:will this help?

replies: 6

Hello all, It is my first time here. I have been battling unemployment/underemployment for the past 5 years and have no hopes of ever having any form of employment. I am highly educated, have always been considered 'gifted' and am hardworking. I am friendly, easygoing, have a positive attitude.But.No job.None.I am severely depressed and am constantly contemplating suicide. All this sounds so grim.There are so many layers to my depression, not just one incidence, but a sum total of everything I've been through.A broken family, absent father, abusive grandmother,mother who never showed affection,un-supportive parents and brother,severely abusive in laws,emotionally absent and neglectful husband.I always found solace in my work,and my meager paycheck.Now that's gone too.Nothing to live for.Just 2 beautiful young children who love me, otherwise I would have finished this life long back. I have talents, gifts.I paint,I create things with my hands,I sing,I run a small handmade business(that's not making profit),I write. Nothing seems to give me joy. Everything seems pointless. All I want is that this burden be lifted off my soul. I cannot afford counselling. Antidepressants just make me drowsy and unable to function normally. Will being a part of this forum help?

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Abandonment replies: 5

New and searching for a chronic pain thread? replies: 1

Hello folks replies: 5

New member replies: 1

Feel like my life is falling apart replies: 1

lost replies: 1

Hi, I'm new! replies: 2

Hi everyone! 👋 replies: 1

Hi, I am new here replies: 1

1st time here:1st question that comes to mind:will this help? replies: 6