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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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New Here

replies: 3

Hello everyone, Just thought I'd put a post to do a meet and greet. I've been aware of Beyond Blue for quite some time and sometimes I do read the forums but never really posted myself. I'm a guy in my forties who is discovering his autism as part of my personality. It does lead me to info dump and go off on wild tangents but it's just who I am and how I process. Four years ago, I suffered an extreme nervous breakdown, lost my job and lost my house that I had worked hard to save up for. I was unemployed for four years. I've recently started work in a new workplace but my concerns are that with some of these thoughts and that is a similar work environment that a lot of this emotional trauma might come back seeking proper help. I am going to seek therapy to address this.I'm also trying to find a place to acknowledge these things happened and accept that they weren't fair, and minimizing them is only being destructive. I spend too much time trying to minimise my trauma and my physical disabilities. This doesn't really address the problem and it's probably what eventuated in me having my breakdown. I have lived with severe eyesight problems, rare genetic conditions affecting puberty and causing repeated skin cancers, years of bullying and shame about my body, sexual boundary violations, domestic violence, and an assault that reopened facial surgery and left a permanent scar. I have also been closely affected by schizophrenia in both a former partner and my sister, who later died in a car accident during a relapse, as well as multiple family deaths, including my father and stepfather, and I am now facing the possible death of my brother-in-law. On top of that, I went through a painful long-distance relationship breakdown, a major nervous breakdown, loss of work, loss of income, and eventually the loss of my home. I have spent years minimising all of this and telling myself other people have had it worse, but starting a new full-time job has brought much of it back to the surface. I realise now that minimising won't fix this problem. It's time for me to grieve what happened with others but also seek help with someone who's trained to assist, which is why I'm looking for therapy. Sometimes it can feel like even though you're surrounded by friends and family you're so alone because you don't know anybody who can relate to what you're being through or you don't even know the first way of how to express it or you tell yourself I don't want to bother them with my problems and so you don't say much. At least feel happy that I'm starting to realize that I need to address these issues and seek help because I think there's a lot of pain and anger and grief that I've just buried under a lot of pretentious pragmatism in the hope that I can just forget about it and get on with my life. I am glad that the workplace I am in is not toxic and is actually quite friendly, and while I'm sure after my training's done the work is going to be a bit stressful it is so good to know that the people there are loving and caring. It will make my recovery so much easier to balance with work and life. Thanks everybody, just wanted to say hi and I understand we've all been through our struggles and this is one of the places that we can seek privacy to talk about it without fear of repercussion.

Hey, I’m Jessica. I’m here because I’m trying to focus on my mental health and connect with people

replies: 6

Hi everyone, my name is Jessica. I’m joining this community because I believe mental health is something we all experience in different ways, and having a safe place to connect, share, and learn from others can make a big difference.Life has had its challenges, and I’ve had moments where things have felt overwhelming, confusing, or harder than I expected. I’m here because I want to understand myself better, improve my wellbeing, and be around people who understand that everyone has their own story behind what they’re going through.I’m a mum, and one of the biggest things that matters to me is creating a positive future and being the best version of myself. Like many people, I’ve had to navigate stress, emotions, relationships, changes, and situations that have tested me. I’ve learned that reaching out and talking can be a strength, not a weakness.I’m hoping to use this space to listen, learn, and share when I feel comfortable. I know everyone’s journey looks different, and I respect that people come here from all walks of life. Sometimes a simple conversation, a kind message, or knowing someone else understands can make a difficult day feel a little lighter.I’m someone who values honesty and real conversations. I don’t believe people need to pretend everything is perfect all the time. I think growth comes from being willing to look at ourselves, recognise what we need, and take small steps forward.I’m looking forward to connecting with others, hearing different experiences, and being part of a community where people can support each other.

bipolar residual symptoms:managing

replies: 9

Hi,I'm retired in 60s with bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features. Apart from current mixed episode and paranoia transitioning to depression with anxiety/paranoia I've been relatively stable since 2022. Over the years between episodes i have a persistent paranoiaand anxiety in part mediated with mood stabiliser and antipsychotics. The paranoia has been strenthening. I interested in others experience with similar and what they've done to manage. thanks

mkactual

replies: 2

Hello I have been suffering with some stuff for a decade now, not sure if it would help to find people who are experiencing the same thing as me because it usually causes more harm than good. I've been through the mental health system a few times now and I've realized that talking about my experiences is more help than anything I've been told to try. They diagnosed me with High Functioning Schizophrenia. I may have certain thoughts and feelings towards that diagnosis, but I've come to terms with it. Looking forward to reading your posts.

Hi friends like to introduce myself

replies: 3

G'day friends i have been struggling with mental illness all my life although i have not always been aware that this was so. i have been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and C.P.T.S.D from both childhood fears over several years my developing psychotic illness and a sexual assault at a very young age. i hope i be able to connect with other people who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety or psychotic symptoms. i love writing poems about my faith life as well as mental illness. Have a wonderful day. Your Eternal Discovery! Nothing is greater than living truthfully true. Let each day reveal again the quiet miracle of existence. For reality shapes us true, even when you stumble. Let true love sustain you also when you grow weary or fail yourselves. Living true preserves the soul for true is a child of truth. Truly Born to be alive tested by suffering, shaped by experience, yet never without worth. For the worth of true you cannot be measured by gold, nor weighed against the wealth of the earth. Your value is very great. Greater than riches. Greater than power. Greater than all the treasures of this passing world. For someone who lives in truth lives a life destined to be eternal. This is where the final discovery remains: Your life has meaning loved and loving. Your moments lived are never unseen. Your truth will live on preserving you you. For your true self is worth more than all the wealth of the universe to the truth that's you!

Hello all!

replies: 7

Hi all!I've just recently joined this site to get some advice as, amongst other things, I'm feeling (severely) depressed about quite a number of things/issues that have happened and/or are happening in my life and would like some advice from other people. The only thing is that - I just noticed that the character limit for a post/conversation is 2500 - and what I want to say/cover (with all the things/issues I have in my life and that are on my mind) will most definitely NOT fit within that limit. Does anybody have any idea of how I can work around this/what I can do so I can describe my (many issues) and hopefully get some (useful advice/encouragement etc) from these forums that might help me?

Lonely, burnt out and substance abuse

replies: 2

HiI’ve currently gone roughly 8 years without a real connection with anyone since being diagnosed with schizophrenia. I have a partner but there is DV involved - my whole family has stopped talking to me since abusing substances to deal with this issue yet they all abuse substances? I have support services in place but I just wish things were different. Maybe some radical acceptance will help but even then i struggle with that. Anyways im still hopeful for my future but really wish things were different sometimes (atm a lot of the time). Thanks for reading! Wish you all the best.

I'm starting to give up on everything

replies: 1

I have broken up with an ex, she begged she needed help. She is just free loading off me. I kicked her out but because she is on the lease she won't leave.

Hi guys

replies: 6

I'm pretty new to the idea of support through online forums but I'll take whatever might help right now. I'm 26 years old and currently in the worst depressive episode of my life. I have a new partner who is struggling to watch me drown in it, family... View more

Hello Everyone

replies: 3

Hi, I’m someone who has experienced extreme burnout and knows it isn’t just exhaustion. It’s what happens when you keep pushing until you start losing parts of yourself.From the outside, I was a successful entrepreneur. Inside, my mental health was struggling, and I found it hard to admit that. I felt ashamed, like I should have it all together.For a long time, I thought pushing through was strength. Now I see it was survival, and it came at a cost.That experience changed how I live and how I lead. I’ve learned that we can’t keep pouring from empty and expect to thrive.I’m here because mental health matters, and because it’s okay to say when you’re not okay.

Meet your community champions! replies: 12

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

New Here replies: 3

Hey, I’m Jessica. I’m here because I’m trying to focus on my mental health and connect with people replies: 6

bipolar residual symptoms:managing replies: 9

mkactual replies: 2

Hi friends like to introduce myself replies: 3

Hello all! replies: 7

Lonely, burnt out and substance abuse replies: 2

I'm starting to give up on everything replies: 1

Hi guys replies: 6

Hello Everyone replies: 3