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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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Returning to Beyond Blue

replies: 11

hi all, just thought i'd post one of these up, last time i was on the forums was probably 2020-ish! so glad these forums exist, they helped me a lot in the past and i hope they will help me again, as well i hope to help others in the process! Recent Depression and Anxiety flare-ups have bought me back here seeking advice and kind words, my whole life i try to think of myself as a kind person and try to be a good person, but unfortunately its something i have to actively supress as the saying goes others mistake my kindness for weakness and pretty much almost always try to take advantage, its just so unfortunate.Combination of moving house and trying to find a new job has been a killer as well, however i guess most of my anxiety and depression comes from work related issues, mainly dealing with nasty people with big egos who are always looking for ways to cut you down or make you feel small, again its so disapointing as theres no need for it, people can be kind, but they just choose not to it seems Anyway thats it from me for now, somebody please tell me i'm not alone here! looking forward to chatting with you all sometime -G

i never planned for 60

replies: 5

hey heyWow where to start Iam usually the one solving others problems and giving advice all my life.I know what to do, but cant clear my head...cant seem to make any new friends.meanwhile wife and step sons have wiped me for no reason and dont speak?... View more

Pained life

replies: 2

Hi I live with chronic pain, I'm 56 in 6 weeks and I am trying my best to cope "A normal Life".I function at high levels of pain but its getting to me.I don't normally reach out, but I'm looking for some advice towards strategies I can use to help li... View more

Feeling on the edge

replies: 1

In last two weeks I've applied for 30 plus jobs and silently screaming on inside as I don't have physicality, emotionally, or financially the ability to get evicted from not enough income, im just putting it in the either so I feel lighter xx

My mum is dying of cancer and Im so angry

replies: 9

My mum (50) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere 2 months ago.we were told 4-6m.shes been so strong and being her oldest child I have tried so hard to keep it together for her and my own family.i can't process any feelings going on. I've done the denial part and now that I understand our new reality I'm just so angry all the time with little to no triggers and not myself at all. I can't seem to talk to anyone about it cause I don't know what to say.but now that my reaction to knowing she will pass soon is affecting my own family I have booked a docs appt. My gut turns st the thought of her not being here. Then I feel bad knowing so many people have it worse and I should be grateful she's still here

Feeling lost and alone.

replies: 2

I feel stupid doing this. But I need to talk to someone, my husband does listen, occasionally, but he has his own problems that I try to help him with. He has PTDS. I lost my mother nearly 7 months ago, she lived with us in a granny flat, she did a lot around the house, helped me with my business and was the person I spoke with the most. Since losing her, I feel lonely and isolated even though my husband has been very supportive. He doesn't understand fully, what I am going through. He does criticise my mother about how she did things, and what she did. He never helped much back then. I have an adult son that still lives with us, he doesn't help around the house. Worse since his grandmother died. My closest friend, I have seen once since mum died, and that was in public. I hardly hear from her, she always says she will call me back, but it is weeks if not months down the track. I have spoken with a physiologist, and she says I am doing well but I don't feel it all the time. I need someone I can reach out to when I need to talk. Someone who can reassure and motivate me. I know I will not harm myself. My family is too important, and I have precious grandchildren I want to see grow up.What do I do? What can I do? I feel like a wimp some days, I just push myself to do things that have to be done. And put everyone else before me. I feel guilty to do anything for me.

Good day to all of you

replies: 6

I'm Jani, in my 50s, separated with a teen who is not living with me, I just created an account since I've been seeing this link from the many sad news link online. I hope I can help in some way during discussions, or maybe get some help or advise, h... View more

Hello

replies: 5

I have been struggling for a long time, I have negative thoughts every single day, I just have this feeling that life is already over. I have trouble putting my thoughts into words, I'm hoping through reading other people's experiences maybe I'll get... View more

Hi and am I welcome?

replies: 2

Hi everyone. My name is Bec and I am here for some guidance and support. I am not concerned about myself (although my situation impacts everyone in my family), rather I am here for some help for my husband. He has asked me to look into some support for him but I don't really know where to help. My story is long and I am happy to (and really want to!) share it, but I am unsure if I am allowed to ask for support on behalf of someone else? I really hope I can.Bec.

lo

replies: 1

Hi.I'm aLmoSt. that's all.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Returning to Beyond Blue replies: 11

i never planned for 60 replies: 5

Pained life replies: 2

Feeling on the edge replies: 1

My mum is dying of cancer and Im so angry replies: 9

Feeling lost and alone. replies: 2

Good day to all of you replies: 6

Hello replies: 5

Hi and am I welcome? replies: 2

lo replies: 1