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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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Alykat Lost and confused
  • replies: 8

Hi all, I am new here, unsure where to start, I have been through a lot but in the last 6 months I guess I have been feeling more lost than usual. I don't have a passion for anything and seem to just be plodding along in life instead of living. In Fe... View more

Hi all, I am new here, unsure where to start, I have been through a lot but in the last 6 months I guess I have been feeling more lost than usual. I don't have a passion for anything and seem to just be plodding along in life instead of living. In Feb I lost my first pregnancy at only 6 weeks and hubby and I are still quite devastated. I am not even sure how to move passed that, I have lost all hope at getting pregnant again which is silly but after years of trying and other hurdles to jump, I was so happy to have it all over so quickly. My job no longer excites me and I wonder every day why I am here. With Covid19, it feels impossible to grow and have opportunities at other career pathways without some form of study which scares me. I honestly feel like I have given up on me, I am gaining weight and don't care about my appearance anymore. exactly how do I pull myself out of this whole and move towards a happier healthier life that is full of exciting and endless opportunity but still brings growth, development and stability? There are so many positives in my life, and I know that I have a lot of support but I just feel flat all the time. I don't know what the next step is.

Dragongirl New to forums and my sleep challenges
  • replies: 1

Being my first post here, I don't quite know what to expect or how to write down everything in my racing head right now. But, I'll start with the basics; I am suffering with Generalised Anxiety and depression. I've been working with my psychologist s... View more

Being my first post here, I don't quite know what to expect or how to write down everything in my racing head right now. But, I'll start with the basics; I am suffering with Generalised Anxiety and depression. I've been working with my psychologist since November and have had some great improvements since then. Having said that, my most recent session was my toughest so far - it was like any normal session and we had some time to go through some of my original material. When looking at triggers and what was on the list, we found that some were now more relevant than others. When it came to the part of the cycle about behaviours, the top one was sleep/lack of sleep. Even after 6 months, sleep is still a problem. I sleep way too much or not enough, and even when I do sleep it is broken and rough. If I have a good nights sleep, I still wake up feeling foggy and tired no matter what. She asked how long it had been like that, and when I really thought about it, I realised the sleep issue has been around for 5+ years. This shocked me. When pondering it more, I noticed that the same event pops into my head. I was happy and don't remember sleep problems prior to the event. I spoke about it, and explained the event and didn't realise the tears had started. Tonight, I write this at almost 4am because I can't sleep. I have work in a matter of hours and I know I need to sleep but all my normal methods don't seem to help - my mind is racing too much for anything to help. So - in closing, Hello to everyone, I don't know how active I will be or if forums will help me but I thought I'd give it a try. -Dragongirl

Save_me Confused
  • replies: 1

Hi im so confused, I feel empty , like the lights are on but nobody is home.. I’ve suffered with anxiety depression for the last 11 years, but atm its really bad, the medication I was in stopped working so the psychiatrist changed it, although they a... View more

Hi im so confused, I feel empty , like the lights are on but nobody is home.. I’ve suffered with anxiety depression for the last 11 years, but atm its really bad, the medication I was in stopped working so the psychiatrist changed it, although they are increasingly the dosage of every few weeks, I don’t think it’s working , instead I’m feeling over whelmed, I keep crying all the time, for no apparent reason . I’m due to move out of a rental this weekend, I don’t know whether to sign a new lease or move back into the house with my ex husband so I have some support . I just don’t know what the right thing to do is atm ? I’m having trouble concentrating doing my job as well . So any suggestions ?? Please

lozziemw Explaining depression/anxiety to a partner.
  • replies: 6

Hi all. New to the forum however have loved the resources from BB for a long time. I am in my late 20s and have been with my boyfriend for just shy of 7years. I have found it really difficult to explain mental health and the depression symptoms I exp... View more

Hi all. New to the forum however have loved the resources from BB for a long time. I am in my late 20s and have been with my boyfriend for just shy of 7years. I have found it really difficult to explain mental health and the depression symptoms I experience to him and recently he told me ‘I don’t think you have “depression”. I questioned what he meant by this, and his response was ‘you know, the usually thing people mean when they say they’re depressed, I don’t think that’s you.’ I got really agitated by this comment, mostly because depression takes so many forms and I feel like he is uneducated in the area/takes little interest in it. Does anyone have advice for explaining what depression is and how it takes many forms? I have a mild case, am on medication and am now seeing a naturopath to see if that can assist also. any advice would be great. I’ve tried to encourage him to read up on it, I share my naturopath treatments etc.

Nipper04 Seperation
  • replies: 2

After 41yrs of marriage Hubby has left and I feel so so sad. Mainly my anxiety was the cause

After 41yrs of marriage Hubby has left and I feel so so sad. Mainly my anxiety was the cause

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on April
  • replies: 0

Hi Everyone, We’ve experienced a range of thoughts, feelings and emotions over the past month as our communities continue to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. March was for most of us the beginning of life under coronavirus restrictions. May m... View more

Hi Everyone, We’ve experienced a range of thoughts, feelings and emotions over the past month as our communities continue to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. March was for most of us the beginning of life under coronavirus restrictions. May may yet prove to be the beginning of easing those restrictions. In between, we lived through April – the first full month in which we tried to adapt and accept a few uncertainties. It is important to acknowledge communities that are also still recovering from the recent bushfire crisis at this time. What has remained constant throughout this time is the presence of incredible individuals who continue to join our online community to work through this time of adjustment and change. Community Voices: What are people talking about? An Easter unlike any other Well Easter isn't going to feel like Easter this year. My sister, brother-in-law and my little brother will not be able to join us for our usual roast lunch as there are already four of us including me, my mum, my littlest brother and my son in the house. Isn't Easter supposed to be a time for celebrating the crucifixion and the resurrection? I feel very sad about this ’cause it doesn't just affect me it affects the whole family. - aussiestorm (read more here) I saw my son and his kids today. We went for a walk. My son rang me first to tell me where he was going so I could just happen to walk to the same area. We did stick to the rules and stay physically apart but needed to remind the 5 year old that I couldn't play chasey as I wasn't allowed close enough to touch him. Elizabeth CP (read more here) Easter was weird, we tried to do somethings to make the event, nice lunch, some Easter art... lol... but all in all it was really strange as I usually travel to see my dad at this time and I was not able to do that this year. I am close to my dad and even more so since my brother's passing. - Aaronsis (read more here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey/i-don't-know-what-to-do---a-mess-of-a-situation/page/6) General fear/fatigue with social distancing and lockdown Personally I'm on a rollercoaster; one minute loving that I don't have to face the world, next minute in the fetal position crying - Miss Manson (read more here) My problem is that we have another family member who lives with us. They have to go to work but have started to go out socially too… If it were just me and my husband in the house I'm sure I would be fine as I know exactly what we do but it’s the unknown I am struggling with. I wipe down door handles, light switches etc every day so doing as much as I can there. - Travelbuddy (read more here) Something that has been helping me is making future plans for when the pandemic is over or restrictions lift. Specifically, I find making future plans with people (that I can’t currently see in person) to offset some of my current feelings of depression & disconnection. We discuss our plans virtually Admittedly, we don’t know when the pandemic will be over. But planning gives me a ray of hope, & it acts as a reminder of the temporary nature of social isolation. Also, I think it’s a good bonding exercise to plan together (virtually) - Peppermintbach (read more here) In a thread that's been running since 2014, in April dinosaurs dominated in Worst Joke Wednesday Q: What dinosaur is a writer's best friend? A: Thesaurus!! -Birdy77 Why did the dinosaur take a bath? To become ex-stinked - Ggrand Q: How do you ask a dinosaur to lunch? A: Tea, Rex? -Croix Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of April is Deckt! Since joining the forums in January, Deckt has been very generous in sharing his own experiences to support others across the forums and takes the time to ensure others feel heard and understood. Thank you Deckt for embodying the spirit of the forums community by giving support to receive support. Welcome Back ‘Just Sara’! We welcome back Just Sara to our team of Community Champions! Introducing Tay100 and missep123! Tay100 and missep123 have also recently joined our team of Community Champions! To read more about their journeys feel free to have a look at our thread. ‘Introducing...the community champions’ BB News Introducing Beyond Blue’s first ever podcast series ‘Not Alone’! Listen to Cliff's story now at bb.org.au/35y77am and subscribe to the 'Not Alone' podcast to stay updated on the release of upcoming episodes. As our Chair Julia Gillard has recently shared (listen here), it is important to recognise the ways in which events like the summer bushfire crisis can impact our overall wellbeing. For continued support for those impacted by the bushfire crisis feel free to visit our ‘Bushfires and mental health’ page. Our team continues to post new content to our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service site to best assist our community. Here is a list of some of the most recent articles added to our site: Problem gambling during the coronavirus pandemic and how to seek support Working from home as a parent or carer: ways to cope Managing difficult conversations with employees Supporting someone who may be experiencing domestic violence Supporting older people during the coronavirus pandemic Focus on forums: Community kindness during the coronavirus pandemic

Holvee I don't know what's wrong with me or how to fix it
  • replies: 4

Hey I'm holly, I have a lot going on at the moment and am kind of stuck with what to do. My mental health has hit a low and i didn't know who to go to. I think most of my stress is with school but I also think there is something going on in my head t... View more

Hey I'm holly, I have a lot going on at the moment and am kind of stuck with what to do. My mental health has hit a low and i didn't know who to go to. I think most of my stress is with school but I also think there is something going on in my head that's been happening for a while and I am only really realising now how bad it is. I am struggling to get any work done at the moment because every time I open my computer I completely break down. And when I get all worked up like that, I can't focus on anything like I have to read the same sentence over 3 times to actually understand what it is saying. I just feel like my brain is constantly moving and i can't slow it down and my hands or feet are always moving. I really don't think i am going to get a QCE but if I don't get a QCE will I still be able to graduate? Honestly, I feel like dropping out of school. School isn't doing any good for me and I want to be a commercial dancer/ Jazz teacher and I don't think I need any school qualifications for that. I also have heaps of family stuff going on. I am constantly thinking about how I look or more so how my body looks (especially because of how drastically it has changed since last year) and how other people see me. I've tried losing weight but nothing is working and it just makes me more stressed and frustrated. The only times I am happy at the moment is on the weekends when I get to see my boyfriend. He is the only person who completely knows everything that is going on at the moment and he actually supports me (probably also because he is going through/ has been through a similar thing). He was saying how when stuff got bad for him, he went to a doctor and got like a mental health plan or something and I think I want to do that but I wouldn't know how to talk to my parents. My parents kind of know what's going on but not completely but I find it really hard to talk to them, about anything. I know my dad had bad anxiety when he was younger and frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if i do too. So yeah, I am just really stuck and i can't suppress my feelings any longer. Any advice would be appreciated. Holly

Beezy Ok here it goes
  • replies: 2

Don’t even know where to start.......I’m a long term sufferer of depression, anxiety & ptsd. Had too many counsellors & psychologists simply give up on me as I’m too complex. Was on medication for a short while as a teen and hated it, I am not on any... View more

Don’t even know where to start.......I’m a long term sufferer of depression, anxiety & ptsd. Had too many counsellors & psychologists simply give up on me as I’m too complex. Was on medication for a short while as a teen and hated it, I am not on any meds and refuse all of them for many reasons which I do not want to discuss. I am a wife and mother of 3 children, i feel my children are suffering as I have little patience and yell a lot as I cannot cope with day to day life. I have very little support, a couple of friends who have their own families but only one really understands. My husband doesn’t really understand and we have been together for 16.5 yrs, most of the time he criticises me rather than empathising or helping. I’m outcasted in most social groups & always seem to be the one to be kicked in the guts. Just recently I suffered a huge blow with a so called friend starting a business, same as mine, a few streets away from me, she knows mine has been suffering for a few years. I’m pretty much at rock bottom, with all this virus stuff it’s a perfect cover up to stay home, once things return to some sort of normal I’m worried I will not be able to leave the house to go to gym, kids sports and other activities. Sorry if it’s all over the place I have major anxiety joining and it’s taken me 3hrs to type this

Maya81 ptsd
  • replies: 5

Ive hit a wall, emotional, scared of how I'm feeling. So many years of destruction and pain, where do you start??

Ive hit a wall, emotional, scared of how I'm feeling. So many years of destruction and pain, where do you start??

Mopani12 Struggling but know it will get better
  • replies: 3

Hello- had depression 10 years ago which was pretty horrific until I got help, medicated for two years and then was able to come off it. Have had no reoccurrence until last Friday-tightness across chest, churning stomach, heavy arms, loss of appetite... View more

Hello- had depression 10 years ago which was pretty horrific until I got help, medicated for two years and then was able to come off it. Have had no reoccurrence until last Friday-tightness across chest, churning stomach, heavy arms, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Tests have shown no heart problem so have started on medication. Have had to call ambulance twice (they were fantastic) and settled me down and assured me I didn't have to go to hospital. Tightness across chest has improved but heavy arms, churning stomach, difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite still remains. Am financially OK and live comfortably. Would love to know if others have had these symptoms and how they overcome them.