Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 12

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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Morale support assistance.

replies: 7

I have been unfortunately been scammed by dodgy car mechanic which is now affecting my wellbeing. I never had any issue with my health before. Just a little bit of morale support can hopefully assist and get through this issue.

Hi. First post.

replies: 2

Hi. I feel a bit uncomfortable 'talking' about this, but since it is anonymous I will give it a try. I'm 52 and struggle with severe depression. Part of me feels ashamed. I have two degrees and have worked as an academic and a lawyer. I dropped out of a Ph.D when things got too hard, moved to the country with my ex and my marriage failed. My mum died early this year and my son moved to his dad's and I am now unemployed and always worry about money. I could only get casual academic jobs when I returned to Melbourne but in this environment that has dried up. Lately I lack the confidence to apply for jobs. Recently I have been trying to draw a line in the sand and focus on looking towards new possibilities and self-care, but I seem to struggle with myself. Some days I just can't get out of bed, yet the other day I woke up feeing almost normal - this hasn't happened for months and months. Yet today I feel flat again, still in PJ's. I'm starting to accept that this is a mental health condition that I have to live with, but hope that things will feel brighter. My mind is relatively clear, but I have always been fairly high functioning yet I do about 1/100th of what I used to do now. Even doing the washing is difficult. I am very grateful for a lot of support - NDSI carer person comes once a week, and I have gym once a week, but I don't do what I should for self care. Perhaps people have tips or suggestions. Thanks for listening. GlussTea.

Mumma needs help with teenager

replies: 3

my daughter has a friend that has sever mental issues and is treating to kill her self nearlly everyday. The school is evolved and almost got to the point where they were not going to let her back in but they need to be showing that they are following guidelines, which I understand. Anyway my 14 yr old daughter is severely impacted by all this but can't see anything else except a fantastic friendship. We have to tried to stop the friendship but it's not working and now my daughter is depressed and is just starting to harm herself. The school has tried to keep them sperated but can't. Everything that happens here at home, my daughter is running back and telling her friend. I have no idea what to do.

How do you start that conversation?

replies: 3

I'm Gemma. A 22 year old community service worker. Earlier this year, our community was impacted by the bushfires. -And now of course COVID. Work has been particularly challenging this year with the community suffering from huge losses and also having my own personal stressors. -Unwell family members, relationship struggles, ect... I'm often feeling fine, particularly if I'm busy. But when I'm not feeling fine, I have some very negative thought patterns. Often, my relationship with my partner and friends suffers for it. I think that they don't care care about me and while I don't tell them how I'm feeling, I do feel negatively towards them and occasionally start an argument. Before work this morning, I cried, felt sick and like I had a weight on my chest stopping me from breathing properly. Something so minor had started this the day before. I barely dragged myself to work, I thought of calling in sick several times, but my colleagues are usually great listeners and I thought I could do with the distraction. Unfortunately, a couple of people from our organisation are taking sick leave at the moment due to mental health. A third one, as of today. So now I feel like a burden to my employers if I tell them I'm not coping. I also haven't told my partner or family because they all have their own problems to deal with. So I'm feeling alone today. I think I'll speak to a counsellor, but I don't know how to start the conversation?

My lowest yet...

replies: 9

I have no idea where to start.....im sitting on my couch, wiping away tears after a total breakdown. Anger took over! I threw my coffee cup outside, broke down in tears, threw camp chairs, screamed, shouted and uncontrollably cried. I had a fight with my partner and he has now left. I have our 2 kids here and im just so upset he couldn't see I needed him and left. He has gone to pick up his other kids. A decision he made on his own after I said not this weekend. I feel like I've been building up to this kind of breakdown for months! Since we got back from travelling. We had to return home due to the sudden death of my brother in law. It hit me so hard! I feel angry, sad, lost all the time. Questioning who I am, what I want, where am I going. I'm often jealous of my partner who has a great job, good colleagues, friends, hes a great dad and I just feel inferior. I dont have any friends. Im a stay at home mum and I feel like my partner and I are on totally different worlds sometimes. I dont know if I have a touch of depression but I'm pretty clueie and know something isn't right within me. I dont know if I explained everything but I'm just exhausted. Thanks for reading. X

A small introduction from a newbie

replies: 5

Hi all, This is my first time posting anything like this, so I'm a little nervous. I find that writing my thoughts and emotions down is a more objective way for me to approach things. It also lets my guard down, and I'm able to understand why I feel the way I do much easier. If only communicating with others was as easy. I grew up in a small town in the countryside, though it never felt too 'country' until I had moved to the city. There, I went through quite a lot. I lost my friends, my dog, and my hope. For now, I'm not sure how much detail I should get into since it is only an introduction, but I'm looking forward to speaking with you all nonetheless. I swear I'm not as serious as I sound, after having taken antidepressants regularly, I've just lost a large portion of myself. My depression. I'm lost since I don't know who I was as a person before I was depressed. And since it had clouded my judgement and actions for so long, who could argue that the depressed me, wasn't, in fact, the real me? I wanted to post on this forum since I often saw how much you guys sincerely replied to each other and took the time to listen to others' stories. I was nothing more than an observer, but now I've decided to contribute. Anyway, that's all the buried thoughts I've had for the past couple of weeks. It's nice to meet you all! Kind regards, Pumba

Self Sabotage

replies: 4

well, i have done it again. Destroyed my life. Had a meltdown on friday, got caught drink driving. I am ashamed of the fact that i drove, but not the reason behind it. I drive for a living so that is gone. I knew something was building up, tried to compensate by double dosing. But didn't work got pushed over the edge. So what now. See a doctor, change my meds see a physiologist try and actually talk out my issues this time. Take the anti drinking pill. Take some time to myself to try and recomnect with myself and family. If it wasn't for my little girl, things could be alot different. I cant keep doing this, i really cant

New here and thanks for listening :)

replies: 4

Hello guys. I'm new to this forum so here is a little about me and my struggle. I'm an international student and have been studying a degree since 2015. I was suppose to graduate in 2017 but due to my mom's illness i had to go back to my home country to look after her. I returned after a year and continue my degree and was suppose to graduate in 2019 but did not manage to and had to extend for another semester. So i was hoping to graduate in mid 2020 so that my family will be able to come attend my graduation ceremony. But i recently just got my result and realised that i failed a unit and had to retake it again. All this happening are so overwhelming. I have tried very hard but i still did not meet the requirement. I do not know how to face my family. Although there are no family pressure on this but i didn't want to disappoint them because they've been very supportive no matter what. And i felt that i am taking such a long time to finish a degree when everyone finished it in 3 years time. I don't know what i'm good at, i feel very useless. Being here by myself, i now feel so helpless and alone and my visa is expiring soon which is giving me more anxiety. That's about it. Thanks for listening:)

Anxiety after abusive relationship breakdown.

replies: 4

I’ve been left with anxiety and depression after leaving an abusive relationship a few years ago, how do I stop this from affecting my current relationship?

Hello - an introduction

replies: 3

Hi there, I just wanted to write this post to introduce myself. I identify as female and my pronouns are she/her. I have lived experience with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I am fascinated with everything to do with mental health and joined up to the forums to give and receive support for my mental health. I recently have been focussing on self-care rituals and trying to find new ways to connect with others during this pandemic. I've been going through a rough patch with feeling low and un-motivated, and even lonely. Every day seems to blend into one at the moment but I've found a few things that have helped: - calling or messaging friends and talking openly about how I've been feeling. - finding resources on Instagram from other people with lived experience of mentally ill health or mental health professionals. - cooking nice food for myself, even from meal delivery kits for when I'm feeling very unmotivated. - taking time to enjoy small things like a walk or sitting in the sun. I'd love to know what others do in the form of self-care, maybe you can give me some tips.

Meet your community champions! replies: 12

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

Morale support assistance. replies: 7

Hi. First post. replies: 2

Mumma needs help with teenager replies: 3

How do you start that conversation? replies: 3

My lowest yet... replies: 9

A small introduction from a newbie replies: 5

Self Sabotage replies: 4

New here and thanks for listening :) replies: 4

Anxiety after abusive relationship breakdown. replies: 4

Hello - an introduction replies: 3