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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Anxiety

replies: 1

Hi . I am very new to this and a little nervous but here goes . I am 58 years old and have been suffering from generalised anixety for many years now. I have let my anxiety rob me of the joys of life with avoidance and excuses and now am finding it harder to find the joy in the hobbies and interests I used to have . I have a beautiful wife , a wonderful son and grandson but I am struggling with the day to day grind of my Anxiety. I find it sucks the pleasure out of life . I have had antidepressant medication prescribed to help with this but i have an allergy to these so i am unable to take them . I do exercise abd mindfulness nearly everyday but i am still struggling with anxious days and nights. Is there anyone who has had the same problems with medication that has some answers on what else is available to help . Thanks

Take that step. You will be helping many

replies: 1

I am a male in my forties and I totally understand when you feel like you have nothing to give.. I have had a few "hiccups" along the way and sometimes those reoccurring thoughts that I am sure the majority of people on this chat has felt. I am very new to this sort of discussion groups but I would like to make connections with people. When looking back on my childhood as a 17 yr old bloke and I can't just go up to his mates and say I have depression and dark feelings. And that trip to the GP the first time is an episode to remeber. If you would like to talk to me or anyone else about these issues, I believe we can all relate to some, if not all of them. I would like to discuss, open up, and vent to people who would really have an understanding of what it feels like. And to keep everyone going in the right direction, but sometimes it slips and thats what we are here for. Just remember a small victory is still a victory.

Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts

replies: 1

Hi everyone,I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Each year, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia; a heart-breaking statistic. To honour those lives and bring attention to the importance of mental health, I’m thinking of running 3,000 km over the span of a year - 1km for each life lost. I am eager to take on this physical and mental challenge to serve as a platform to talk about the struggles many of us face and break the stigma around mental health.Here’s the general idea:The Challenge: Run 3,000 km in one year.Purpose:Raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.Fundraise for mental health organisations.Community Involvement: I’d love to involve others by:Inviting people to join me virtually or in person for parts of the runs.Sharing mental health tips, resources, and personal stories along the way.Encouraging people to donate or sponsor specific distances.I believe this extreme challenge can serve as a powerful reminder that no one should struggle alone and that there’s strength in reaching out and supporting one another. Do you think this is a good way to raise awareness? Any other ideas to make this campaign more impactful? Mental health is such an important issue, and I want this challenge to make a real difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’d appreciate any feedback, ideas or encouragement you can offer. Regards, Oscar

New Dad and Struggling with Relationship

replies: 7

I’m so glad I’ve found an Avenue where I can get this out of my system as I’m waiting to see my psychologist. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child and it has been a turbulent six weeks to say the least. Our son struggled with weight gain and then my wife struggled mentally and we were in and out of hospital trying to get things right. He was feeling ill last week and through some doctors discussions she is now avoiding dairy. After a good couple of weeks it has gone downhill again. And I’ve had enough. I cannot help someone any longer that refuses to help themselves. I have suggested many times that she seek help as her mental health has not been good lately. This is met with resistance and aggression in the form of verbal abuse. This is then twisted back onto me and about how all of the problems are my fault and I am the reason she is upset. I challenge this and attempt to suggest alternate viewpoints and stand up for myself. However, I am forced to concede to her viewpoint just to end the discussion. I freely admit that I am not perfect and maybe I could be a little more proactive and attentive but the reaction I get is completely over the top. I then appear distant and disconnected as I am a sure how to communicate after such events. She acts as if nothing has happened and wonders why I feel this way. This has been a similar pattern for years now. I thought it might settle down after our son was born but it has gotten more frequent and ever more scathing in her assessment of me. As a result, I am constantly in a state of angst and second guessing every decision I make regarding our son. Something just as simple as swaddling before bed or getting the AC temperature right becomes incredibly stressful. I am honestly at a loss. She needs help with her temper and her state of mind. Trying to suggest this will only end in another argument and I’m not sure I have anything left in the tank. I feel the same would occur if I tried to stage something of an intervention with family or friends. I can feel our relationship is at breaking point but I can’t just leave my son. Either way I lose as I know if I do walk away there will be little point in being a part of his life as I will still be told that I am not good enough as a man or a father. I can’t take this any more and could use some other viewpoints. thanks in advance.

I'm very much new here

replies: 1

Hi my name is Harley, I'm 31 years old, living on the spectrum (ASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) I'm very much new here and willing to find ways to connect with others in Beyond Blue.

Anxiety and Depression

replies: 1

I am an 82 yo male living in a lovely house on the coast. I have a caring and loving wife and a 3 yo dog, a beautiful Labradoodle that every one loves and he loves everyone. My general health is good, but I am depressed and cannot bring myself to exercise. Consequently, I have become a couch potato and a Youtube addict. The reason for my axiety and depression is my 41 yo son, who is a drug addict and has not worked in years, supported by the government by the DSP, and has been diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having Drug Abuse Psychosis. Contantly wasts his pension and then begs me for financial help. I have stopped doing this but he worries me terribly. I don't know what else to do.

Emotion v facts / police need training

replies: 2

Hi I have been feeling down and did not know where to go - work stress - busy mechanical/ fuel shop I do admin service advisor babysit and heaps more to carry on with. daughter on ice wants help then does not and makes me believe she will get well and it hurts me when she doesn’t accept any help our family offers. I don’t want to put that on my partner as I see it upsets him when I am upset. So I avoid talking to him. We live so remote and friends are not here to talk to no family. Work people are work people they only see me. Remote don’t have mail everyday or letter boxes we do not even have a place to get a good cappuccino! Or buy clothes or even fresh fruit and veg. I have chronic pain in my foot that will not allow me to walk or exercise or work for more then 2 hrs by then I am dragging my whole leg around and I can’t get the pain away until I rest for 6 hrs elevated- that makes me so cranky. I got on to medication that helps my foot and keeps me active and happy in my head. But then the doctor lied and said no changes to script and 1/2 the amount & extended interval days - I was going through withdrawal from the meds my anxiety in creased a lot and I had no sleep for 3 nights I was not eating well or at all. I went to shop for food seen my boss and I just stop to say see ya Monday but I started to cry and then I said I want it to end - he took it as suicidal and I was then questioned by police and they convinced me from 1100 am to 8pm that I was in a DV relationship and I just agreed by the end of it all. I was telling them I am not myself as my partner he has his head on he don’t know I am here please see him and the police said we deal with DV all the time and you are being controlled. They took all my blubber and tired and in pain and twisted my words they wanted me to put dvo on and I refused- they did one on my behalf I can’t go home to the place I pay rent. He does not work and has not for a few months so my boss hates him and thinks he is using me. They don’t know what we have done before we moved to this death stink town. They just assume he not work he controls me - I go home for lunch my boss said it must be because he controls me. I go home to take medicine at lunch they did not ask why I go home. I don’t go out to work social- drrrr I see ya all week I want to see my partner and be at home where I pay for and love being. Thanks to the police I now have extra stress By me I have to pay 300 for rent and then 770 to have a place to stay while the wet season starts getting wild.

Fellow Bipolar sufferers, I'm new! Chat with me.

replies: 7

Hey there, My name is Kate, I'm 23 years old and I have Bipolar. I'm really new to this whole forum thing, I don't know how it works or if I'm even writing my first post (I think I am.) Is there any other Bipolar sufferers that want to share their stories and tips out there with me? I've had a bit of a rough time lately. I even got sent home from work today because I'm not coping very well. It makes it harder and frustrating because I absolutely adore my job. I don't know why I've joined this. I guess I'm feeling like my friends and family either don't understand or are tired of hearing about my issues. I just need someone to talk to that I guess understands where I'm coming from. Hope to hear from you, whoever you are, soon! X

Challenging your organisation on Return to Work conditions

replies: 3

Hi everyone,This is my first time here but I’m a long time fan of Beyond Blue and would deeply welcome your advice. I’m in my early 50s and have lived with MDD since my early 20s. In the last 5 years it has been ‘treatment resistant’ and I have had three inpatient stays in a private psychology clinic where ECT and med changes and daily group therapy, healthy eating and exercise have left me feeling healthy and enabled me to resume work. I am passionate about contributing to social justice and social change and have held leadership roles in the NFP sector for the past 25 years. I started a new Exec role in a smaller peak organisation 18 months ago. For a range of reasons it has been the most complex role I have done and the last 8 months I felt that some colleagues and young staff in my own team were working against me. Two made formal complaints that were so broad in scope and demeaning in nature that I began to experience frequent migraines for the first time and they did negatively impact on my performance. I have discussed issues and requested support from my CEO since early 2024 but was left to address issues on my own. In September I realised I was in a depressive episode and admitted myself to the psychology clinic for 12 weeks treatment in mid October. I completed an IMA 2 days after my release in December and asked for a meeting with the CEO and HR about my return to work (RTW) before Christmas so I could start 2025 in a good place. I was completely blindsided in our call last week about restarting work yesterday. The IMA made 2 recs. One was not a surprise as my psychiatrist suggested I attend a day program for 3 months (which I have been doing) and I return 4dpw for 3 months. I was okay with this. The second rec was a shock. It was to return as a Policy Officer (most junior role) for 4-6 months with no management responsibilities instead of my current role as Director. I felt completely blindsided especially given they were meant to provide me with the IMA in advance of the meeting.I am not taking RTW and recovery lightly and have worked so hard through treatment, therapy and have built new social, fitness and mindfulness habits into my life and practiced the every day in the 5 weeks since I’ve been home so they fit with working full-time. The doctor who did the IMA didn’t ask me anything about my responsibilities and how I felt about approaching them. Post ECT I am thinking clearly and coherently, reading and writing and communicating well. I feel strong and capable and am attending a therapeutic day program.Personally, I don’t feel that the negative impact on my mental health of sitting quietly (in order to respect an interim Director) while suppressing 20+ years of knowledge, experience and leadership of social reform initiatives) has been taken into account. Nor has any thought been given to the difficulty of then making a transition to a Director role after 4-6 months of exclusion from discussions with own Executive and leaders in Parliament and Government on my confidence and capacity. Any advice on how to appeal while remaining professional and well would be hugely appreciated.

This phoenix doesnt want to get up again.

replies: 4

Brief history : An experience with childhood abuse, drugs, alcohol, homelessness, DV relationships, a couple car accidents, sex work, Now. im 44, still in that industry and, still take drugs (in maintenance phase for the last 20 years, dont binge or go without) and at 35 my suicidal ideation finally settled. my current issue is the end of my 7.5 year relationship. im not coping. i cry, all day. its been 8 months. i miss him so much. it was good. he was good. and bad. we were good, and it was the best thing ive ever had. i worked my ass off, literally, to live in one state with him and fly to spend a week each month with my kids living 2000kms away. for 7 years. while i was with him my 2nd ex husband died unexpectedly, which i didnt find out for 8 months after, and im still processing that. he was a good guy and i still hold a lot of love for him. i think im grieving this loss extra because of the finality. its like a death. ive never had any trouble moving on from a relationship, ever. ive never cried this much over someone who is alive. i honestly cant imagine my life without him in it snd i dont want to either. im done with picking myself up and starting again. i wake up already crying and i pass out exhausted from crying. the only time i dont cry is around other people. its exhausting being around other people, holding it all in. how can he not love me anymore? i know i gave him a LOT of things he'll never find in someone else. He gave me ALL the things i value in a partner, with a few dodgy traits thrown in. ill never find someone with even 2 of the traits he had in abundance. hes my best friend, and i was his only friend. i just dont even want to heal from this. im done. 8 of the best years of my life, the only good ones really. thats where im at.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Anxiety replies: 1

Take that step. You will be helping many replies: 1

Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts replies: 1

New Dad and Struggling with Relationship replies: 7

I'm very much new here replies: 1

Anxiety and Depression replies: 1

Emotion v facts / police need training replies: 2

Fellow Bipolar sufferers, I'm new! Chat with me. replies: 7

Challenging your organisation on Return to Work conditions replies: 3

This phoenix doesnt want to get up again. replies: 4