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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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samwise New - Hello
  • replies: 2

Hi, I don't really know where to start but I am struggling right now. I have had ongoing treatment for CPTSD for over 3 years and right now the frustration of everything is getting to me. I am 24 and I really struggle to make friends, people don't qu... View more

Hi, I don't really know where to start but I am struggling right now. I have had ongoing treatment for CPTSD for over 3 years and right now the frustration of everything is getting to me. I am 24 and I really struggle to make friends, people don't quite understand my need to sit facing a door where possible and a lot just laugh at me when I startle at noises. This just makes me not want to leave my house because I just embarrass myself. It seems like I will never have people like me because in spite of me doing all I can, this is still a major aspect of my life. I wish it wasn't but it is, and I find myself so lonely because of that.

tobiecat frustrations felt and tears flow
  • replies: 2

Hi there, am just wondering how much more i have to endure this isolation crap, i am so super frustrated right now, i cant even go to the park and sit on the park bench to breath in the sea air without even a police officer coming up to me to move me... View more

Hi there, am just wondering how much more i have to endure this isolation crap, i am so super frustrated right now, i cant even go to the park and sit on the park bench to breath in the sea air without even a police officer coming up to me to move me on. I used to do this when i felt a meltdown coming on but nope cant do that anymore. I have chronic issues with my foot so going for a walk is out of the question for me at the moment. I can feel my depression is getting deeper and darker as i type this. i hope i can see some sunlight tomorrow.

Charlotte_L 14 years old and looking for help
  • replies: 2

hi, i'm Charlotte, i'm 14 years old and i think i might have depression but i don't really like talking about how i feel but i don't like feeling this way. i cant talk to my parents or anyone really because i just don't know how but its getting worse... View more

hi, i'm Charlotte, i'm 14 years old and i think i might have depression but i don't really like talking about how i feel but i don't like feeling this way. i cant talk to my parents or anyone really because i just don't know how but its getting worse. i used to be really good at running and i use to run just for fun and i was really active but now i cant be bothered to go outside or do anything. i haven't eaten in a week because i don't have an appetite. i cry everyday for no reason. i just feel like crying all day and its really hard at school because every time a teacher talks to me i start crying but i cant help it. its really embarrassing. i cat sleep and if i do sleep i fall asleep at around 6:00 in the morning then i have to get up at 7:30 for school. and at school i'm not tired or anything like that, i'm just sad. i used to get tried during school and fall asleep but since the start of 2020 i'm just never tired. my body always aches and i feel really heavy. i feel sick a lot of the time and my stomach feels really weird and it makes me want to throw up. sometimes i want to scream and break things but instead i bite myself. i know its bad but i don't know what to do. theres other things as well but i am in class writing this and its nearly bell time. but if you read this thankyou for listening.

dasher1966 BPD?
  • replies: 3

HI I have been looking into a disorder called BPD (borderline personality disorder) the symptoms seem to fit me perfectly have been on Anti ds for years but maybe it's not depression but BPD .Have been on a couple of tablets - one to help me sleep - ... View more

HI I have been looking into a disorder called BPD (borderline personality disorder) the symptoms seem to fit me perfectly have been on Anti ds for years but maybe it's not depression but BPD .Have been on a couple of tablets - one to help me sleep - for about 11 years but they are not having the effect they used to. I know i need to speak to the doc about it she tried me on different meds a few years ago with disastrous results.(also have terrible anxiety).Would like to know if anyone knows about BPD and are there Doctors in Australia that specialise in this disorder I live in Central coast area and mental health services seem limited. Any info would be appreciated

Mikky1989 introducing myself and my story
  • replies: 1

hey everyone, i was tossing up whether to post on my social media account, but thankfully stumbled across beyondblue, as i dont really want to attract too much attention from my friends on my socials, i dont want this to be an attention grab, i just ... View more

hey everyone, i was tossing up whether to post on my social media account, but thankfully stumbled across beyondblue, as i dont really want to attract too much attention from my friends on my socials, i dont want this to be an attention grab, i just want to get it off my chest. i'm a 31 year old male who has been dealing with a breakup with a girlfriend and a job loss for the past 2 months or so. i've never felt this alone or isolated in my whole life. i've recently been forced to shut a "best friend" out in an effort to look after myself and my mental health. the thought that i'll never speak to these 2 people again is hard to comprehend. I've had thoughts of hurting myself (which i never thought i ever would). some days the thought of getting out of bed seems impossible, the thought of asking my friends for help seems pointless because they wouldn't understand, this is my issue and i need to deal with it by myself. i've been to see a soul psychotherapist about 2 months ago, and just yesterday had my first session with a psychologist. As this coincides with mens mental health week, which i had no idea about, i thought it would be great to post a small part of my story. sometimes the cost of a therapist can turn people away, or the "stigma" of talking about your feelings can make you feel weak or vulnerable. i work on trade sites and mens mental health isn't spoken about at all, and if it is brought up, its a passing comment like "take care of your mental health" or :look after yourself" without actually taking the time to have a proper discussion or offering any sort of help. after years of that i found myself at 31 feeling alone, isolated, misunderstood and begging for help. i've just started a 10 session mental health plan, my first session was more of a get to know you, background kind of session (which i guess is normal?) and i'm excited to stay in touch here and log my progress, both in therapy and outside therapy. i hope this helps somebody, as writing it all out has certainly helped me, thanks.

PippiJanet 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.

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.

Alena 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 recen... View more

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

Goldenrod 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 afte... View more

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

Deanie77 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 (worki... View more

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.

Guest4321 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... View more

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.