Welcome and Orientation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Sorted by:

Start a discussion

Hello

replies: 4

Hello everyone. Thank you for having me. I just wanted to introduce myself. I actually work within mental health, but also have a lived experience of ongoing mental illness. I've been a support person to friends with mental illness and did a lot of voluntary work alongside my 5yrs of studying. I've joined these forums partly to explore some mental health stuff that's going on for me at present and also to provide support for others going through tough times ☺️

Hello from a new volunteer :)

replies: 4

Hello everyone. I am a new volunteer and would just like to say hello! I live in a country town and am entering the field of community services in my area. My town and its surrounds has been affected by Bush Fires and now has Covid19 to deal with which has hit the town hard as it relies on tourism in a big way. I am in many community groups here and am currently enrolling in one of the new Undergraduate Certificates (Mental Health and Counselling) that the government is subsiding. I am excited about going into this area and I am excited about volunteering with Beyond Blue as well. I hope you are all staying safe and taking care. Cheers for now!

Hi! I am new to Beyond Blue online.

replies: 5

I have finally taken the plunge and joined the online forum. It hasn't been an easy decision as I am quite shy and don't like discussing my problems or asking for help. But I feel I have no other options available. My hubby and I work and manage a sheep and cattle farm. We run Angus cattle and Merino sheep. We have a wonderful daughter who just started high school this year. She is a horse enthusiast like myself. I have suffered from Mental Health for over 20 years, and have had tried many medications, was hospitalised twice in 2011, undergone Somatic psychotherapy from 2011-2013, and have had no end of trouble with my mental health. Self isolation due to covid 19 has been really hard as I can't work as I am home schooling our daughter. At her school year 7-10 boarding students may not return to school until Term 3. We also got pretty much burnt out during the fire in November 2019. Our house and animals were saved. Before that we went through the worst drought in living memory. So life certainly hasn't been easy going at all.

New member

replies: 4

Hi! I have bipolar disorder type I and have recently been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and I am most struggling with judgement of myself and acceptance. What's it like for anyone else when managing their mental health disorders?

Hello, I'm new

replies: 4

Hello everyone, I only joined today and find this process a little daunting so please bare with me. I have had anxiety/depression since I was 15 (now 26) and thought I had got to a point where I had it all under control. I was incorrect. I live in Australia with my partner who doesn't understand my anxiety and i'm very far from my family and friends. I have lived in Australia for just over 2 years and my anxiety sometimes makes me feel so lonely and I get into my own head that I am completely alone. I left a large support network in the UK and have a small handful of friends here so it can play mind games with me sometimes. I often feel worthless and unloveable. I push those closest to me away and tend to struggle in silence, very unhealthy. I question my relationship a fair bit and get confused as to whether I am unhappy or just feeling super anxious at the moment which is leading me to depression. It's a very confusing time. I am also stuck in a role that causes me a lot of stress as it is so negative day in, day out. I am open to suggestions to help this feeling. I have tried meditation and I have been to the GP but they are VERY apprehensive to prescribe me anything so I am trying more natural therapy techniques. I am hoping these forums will be great for me to learn from

Living that one day at a time life - see you out there in the forums

replies: 8

Hi guys! So I have been struggling with my mental health for as long as I can remember. Have a great support network of medical professionals and a number of great friends. I recently moved back to Australia and I am still missing that something in my support network where I can talk about the heavy stuff. Sometimes mental health can be draining to people not in that space, or that haven't worked through the issues themselves. There are times when I feel like I have to take more energy comforting a friend and reassuring them that I don't expect them to fix me than I can actually get from their support. But you know... getting there Hoping these forums can be a safe space where I can jump in and provide support when I am able but also receive some when I am missing that from my IRL friends. I like just talking about stuff like: Today was actually a pretty good day. I got some stuff that I had to do done. I stressed about feeling guilty that I don't have a job but I know I am trying and this pandemic is out of everyone's control. Been really tough lately so I am REALLY grateful for one good day out of a bunch of bad. ^Is actually my true feelings right now not an example. Is there a place on the forums for this kind of thing? Anyways hope to see you out there in the forums. Give me advice on how you use the forums cause its my first time EVER. Reply if you relate (if you want) so I will know some people out there once I get started. Like I said its kind of a good day for me today so no burning question but I am really nervous so any replies will be read with gratitude!

Feel really lonely through this cornavirus pandemic. Literally ruining my life.

replies: 3

I don't know who else feels like this. But dont you think this pandemic makes you realize how lonely you really are? I only talk to one friend, my grandma and dad is unwell and on top of that I eat as much as I can to make me feel better, I literally bindge eat now, I use to be so healthy now I have put on 10 kilos. This whole cornavirus has ruined my life, lost my job, and uni. I'm just eating away my misery. Don't know what to do now. Anyway sorry for complaining I'm just really lonely.

New boyfriend has disappeared without explanation

replies: 6

Hi guys, I started seeing a guy in Jan. We are both in our 40’s and have lots of history. He was honest with me immediately about his depression. It is severe and he has been hospitalized in the past. We got very serious very quickly. He was so attentive and all our feelings were intense and reciprocated. It was the perfect relationship.....but only for a short time. During this time a few “red flags” were apparent. On occasion I would say something that I felt was harmless. He would have a sudden, unexpected and intense reaction that would shock and frighten me. I now realize that he believed I was insulting him. To be clear, I was not. On these occasions it took him considerable time to calm down but he never explained himself or apologized. Even he was left confused by these events. One night when this happened again, we never recovered and he immediately withdrew from me. This was at the same time as a large work issue came up. He completely pulled away from me and talked only about work. He had become cold and uncaring overnight. I did my best to be understanding. I instinctively knew not to press him about us but it hurt a lot to not have a proper explanation. this continued for about a month with strained And limited conversations via text and seeing him a handful of times. I offered my support without pushing and without asking for anything in return. We have barely spoken in three weeks. I sent him an email yesterday. It was long and in it, I tried to communicate that I care and understand. I told him why I’ve stopped talking to him (not helpful to his or my mental health) and I tried to explain that I have meant no malice in the things I’ve said. Although I told him I didn’t expect a reply, he has not responded in any way. He has given me nothing. No explanations. It appears this is because he really couldn’t care less. I understand this is a hallmark of depression but should I be expecting at least a little more? I have been trying to hold this relationship together on my own. I have put my ♡ on the line to tell him I care when he cannot or will not do the same. I’m really feeling like a fool here. I go from been mad at him to been mad at myself for not keeping the focus on his needs. I have no idea if he will ever “see” me again. In my email I said if he is willing we can reset when he feels better. I’m hoping to hear from people with depression about what they have done in similar situations.

COVID19 - return to work anxiety

replies: 5

Hi I have been fortunate enough that the company I work for were quick to take action and enabled us to work from home. It took a lot of adjusting and after 9 weeks I feel I have settled into a new rhythm. In the last few days they have started talking about implementing a return to work plan and the thought of going back makes me so anxious. Has anyone already gone back to work and experienced the same feelings/emotions? What coping strategies have you implemented to get through?

Feeling overwhelmed

replies: 5

Hi. I’m new to talking about my problems but I’m totally overwhelmed at the moment. On top of life’s usual struggles and coping with isolation I have a landlord who has made my life hell ever since I moved in. Now he has told me to move out because I asked him not to do an inspection because of the virus. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for over 20 years and am on a disability pension. I have put up with this run down house so I could keep my cats but now I can’t find anything can afford and keep my cats. They are the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning. Just thinking about applying for anything makes me break down. This procrastination is making me run out of time.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hello replies: 4

Hello from a new volunteer :) replies: 4

Hi! I am new to Beyond Blue online. replies: 5

New member replies: 4

Hello, I'm new replies: 4

Living that one day at a time life - see you out there in the forums replies: 8

Feel really lonely through this cornavirus pandemic. Literally ruining my life. replies: 3

New boyfriend has disappeared without explanation replies: 6

COVID19 - return to work anxiety replies: 5

Feeling overwhelmed replies: 5