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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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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.

Hello

replies: 1

Hi I am not sure what to write , but here it goes. I suffer from Bipolar and generalized anxiety disorder. I joined this page to see how others cope with rapid cycling? but also to see how others cope with getting agitated with bipolar? I also have other health problems such as CFS and an autoimmune disease to name a few (but there's a long list), I'm interested to see if there are others out there with chronic illnesses and bipolar and how they cope and manage? Although I was diagnosed last October I am still finding that I am in denial and am struggling to accept that I am Bipolar. Does anyone have any tips on how to work through this issue? M

Married but In love with coworker

replies: 2

Hello I'm in a lose-lose situation and it's crippling me. I'm currently no use to my family, friends, or workplace. I desperately need to get some help in changing my mindset. Any suggestion and comments very welcome. I have fallen deeply in love with a coworker. She doesnt know how I feel, and I cant tell her without losing so, SO much (more later). Trying to view the situation objectively as I can, I can see why this has happened. My coworker is a beautiful kind, caring person, who shows me a great deal of respect. We have so much in common, we enjoy talking with each other and sharing open and honest feeling. In contrast I'm in a marriage where intimacy is gone, children ignore me, and I feel under appreciated. I want so badly to tell my coworker how I feel. However, I can run the scenarios in my mind and none of them leads to anything good. Outcome, from most likely to least, include: a) I tell her, she doesnt feel the same way, is disgusted that I (a married family man) would feel that way and requests a transfers to another section (I lose a wonderful friendship); b) I dont tell her, I learn to live this secret, learn to deal with my emotions, and try to work beside her (not literally) (I bottle up my feeling); or c) I tell her, she feels the same way, I have an affair or leave my wife, family and friends (I lose the best things about me). At the moment I'm leaning towards (b), but I need to learn how to deal with my feelings. Any advice or comments welcome.

2020 is not my year...

replies: 2

I am sure a lot of people feel the same way with this but wtf 2020!? Fires, Floods, CoVID, Job Issues, Marriage Issues, Friend Issues.... List just keeps growing month to month.... Ever feel like unpacking one thing opens up another and another and another? I have so much going on in my mind, I am worried to talk about it because I'm scared people will find I am not all together and judge me. Which goes against my own guidance because I know that if I talk, it can help me work through my issues. Between family, relationship, friend and work issues, my life is an absolute mess. Top it off with me about to lose my job, I'm just blissfully sitting here watching my world around me fall apart waiting for a time I feel like it has "reset" so I can start rebuilding the minecraft world so to speak... I feel like I have zero control on my life and what is going on and am going through what seems to be quite a destructive phase in the process. I have started a MHP with my GP but haven't contacted the next step. I'm scared to unpack because the person I might see may talk about me to others. I have huge trust issues as information that is always promised "confidential" always has a way of getting out these days. Argh... Something positive to end the message though as I always try and see some good in life... I am alive. I am loved and I have things to get me by. 2020 can eat my waste maker.... Just saying... Sorry... this was meant to be an introduction :S I am me... I am a musician... I am a systems developer... I am a youth worker by job... I am married... I have one boy aged 12 who lives with Autism (but doesn't let it get him down... little legend!). I don't drink, I am addicted to Nicorette, I am not at risk of harming myself Just stressed, tired, over it atm

Talk about bad timing...

replies: 9

Uhh hi. It's a little confronting beginning to talk here. I just thought i'd begin a post and see what happens. I was just thinking about how I have struggled with depression on and off since my teens, and of course I begin my worst 'episode' in Feb this year, right before COVID turns our lives upside down. Timing right? You feel out of control, just at the time when the whole world is out of control. I mean there's no 'good' time obviously... but now? NOW? Let's start with that... EJ

Worried for my teenage son

replies: 3

Hi there, I have joined your forum today as I’m so worried about my son. His dark days are increasing.month by month. He is depressed and removing himself from his everyday life. he finds it increasingly hard to go to school and engage with people. He has seen a GP but was not very open and honest with him as he was incredibly uncomfortable. He does not feel ready to speak to a professional about how he’s feeling although he was waited listed to see one recently and turned the appointment down. He doesn’t know how he’s feeling he is so lost within himself. he said he has had thoughts of doing something stupid and I worry these thoughts will increase. i want to fix him but don’t know how to. we always tell him we love him, support him and would do anything for him but he feels worthless and I don’t think he believes this or even hears this. where do I go from here?

Getting started

replies: 6

Hey, So, on Tuesday I am going to a GP to get a mental health plan for the first time. My school guidance councillor suggested it and... I AM TERRIFIED! Don’t get me wrong, I really want to do this but I am super duper scared! I feel like they’re the... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

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

Hello replies: 1

Married but In love with coworker replies: 2

2020 is not my year... replies: 2

Talk about bad timing... replies: 9

Worried for my teenage son replies: 3

Getting started replies: 6