Welcome and Orientation

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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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New here - Not sure what I'm going through - but it's claustrophobic

replies: 2

New on this website, hence posting on the welcome board. First, something about me. Migrant, came to Aus in 2016. Wife joined me in 2017. Being away from family and friends was difficult at first, but got easier with time. Life hasn't been easy, lost my father in 2011. Mum is still back home, with my aunt. She's supportive of my move but I know it isn't easy on her. Life wasnt going anywhere, career wise, financially and future was bleak. In these 4 years, have tried to make a life here. Full time job. By nature, i'm reserved and introverted. So cant say I've mixed well, but thats been life at home too. My wife and I got registered,not socially married. Thats due next year. Guess that's what has started whatever it is. Finances of that is building up,we've placed a target and I'm falling way short. Its nothing extravagant but all I want is do it small and decent. Its falling short of that too. I'm worried about the finances. Worried about not letting her down in front of everyone that I couldn't muster something even basic. I'm also worried as to how my side comes in front of everyone. Mum is 60+ and aunt is older and with me here, they are unable to do wedding stuff on their own either. I don't really have someone who can stand on my behalf, make the arrangements, verify, handle finances. It's weird - her side is doing so much, mine so little. It's my marriage and I'm far from happy. Worried about all this, about how it'll go, just want to be there the day after - marriage is done, however weird it is. We're renting, and I'd have loved to buy a place here, like my colleagues have, but it's just not possible. I had to get one there first, it's got loans, so much that I'm unsure when i can move to a place of my own here. Wife is understanding, but to keep paying rent here, installments for house there and my mum depends on me for finances too it drains me. I'm handling it but last few months, hasnt been good. I get moody, sometimes sad or teary. Unable to concentrate on work. Few nights i just cry, some other nights its my wife, she's not really happy either - we get by, but somedays it just comes out. On some occasions I lash out at family asking them to do more, somedays i stop talking and just wish to sleep. I'm restless, and even post wedding, mum wants to come to Aus to stay for a while, we dont have room. I know it's due to my decisions and one day all this would be in past but it gets so claustrophobic something I find it difficult to breathe

Hi!

replies: 2

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to touch base with others who might be in the same or similar situation. My fiancé of 17 years is struggling with depression and I understand depression and anxiety as I also suffer from it. What I’m finding hard is how can I support him when I’m struggling also. I don’t feel as as bad as he is so I am definitely stronger mentally than him but I want to help him without it effecting me too much. We have a 15 month old son who is very energetic and is the world to both of us. I feel we are also so devoted to him we are loosing us as a couple. How have other be able to balance their relationship/connection as a couple as well as being parents? Advice needed.

Bummed out and struggling a bit

replies: 1

Hi, I am new here. I was diagnosed with Depression in 2011 and then told of melancholy and catatonic features as well. Also I won a long battle with gut parasites last year. I have had a rough trot with my career and have been unemployed for 16 months. Anyway, getting in the ocean, surfing, is a big part of my mental health strategy. That has been taken away (possibly) for the foreseeable future. I am also struggling to beat oral thrush. Today I woke up and my mood has taken a bit of a dive. Well, time for my Wim Hof method breathing, cold shower after a jog. Hopefully I'll bounce back now. Thanks for reading and I appreciate you, J

Hello there! This is me.

replies: 2

Hi everyone! It's a pleasure to be on here A bit about my past… I was a lost and insecure boy in primary school which led to a demotivated high schooler with low self-worth and little confidence. Kids can be brutally cruel, and I received considerable bullying throughout my school days. I was mocked for several physical imperfections (short, fat, freckly, bald spot, high pitched voice, etc.) and this shattered my confidence, especially around girls. I was repeatedly made fun of for being a 'cry-baby' and that I had a very 'out there' hippie mother, a fully deaf father and an opinionated brother who rubbed people the wrong way. Some of this trauma carried into my 20's, but it began to dissipate with time as I broadened my social circles, travelled extensively, developed a sense of independence and found my purpose. For my whole life, my mother has had mentally ill health and instability and my brother has had bouts of anxiety and depression. What has perhaps been most confronting though is the battle my dearest friend has with an eating disorder and manic depression. I have been present throughout her experiences with self-harm, substance abuse and a number of suicide attempts. On top of coming to grips with my own insecurities, I have healed by helping those close to me come to terms with their own demons. --- A bit about my present... Currently I work FT in an area I'm not passionate about and have been looking to reorient my career into the mental health sector. Outside of work I am passionately involved with several community groups as a facilitator and event coordinator in the men's work / youth facilitation / meditation / sharing circle spaces. Due to COVID-19, my FT job has hit the pause button for the next little while, so it's a perfect opportunity for me to explore different interests and find new ways to be productive. That's where Beyond Blue comes in. It's a rough time for everybody, but some more than others, and I feel fortunate to have time, space, energy and empathy to use this platform and help others in need. There is a drive and a hunger within me to be a vessel for positive change in others, so I want to offer some of the tools and techniques I have picked up throughout my journey. My aim is to co-facilitate a space where people feel safe to be vulnerable and share openly, all judgment is left at the door and everyone has a chance to be seen, heard and held in a strong container. Thank you! Nico

Sad mum

replies: 3

Hi all, I'm new here, I have been struggling really bad this past few weeks with everything that has been going on, I thought I would go onto the website to find some help and thought starting with writing my problem down might even help a little. I'm a mum of 2 young boys, 3 and 5 years old. My 5 year old has severe autism and ADHD. He started school this year but now with all the lock downs he is home from school and I am also out of work. Since being home with him I have just hated being with him, he has full on meltdown and tantrums every day, breaks things ruins things, screams in his younger brother's face and hits and punches me. I am just resenting him and can't even look at him with love unless he has fallen asleep for the night. I really hate being a mum to him and am crying as I write these words because it's so horrible to feel this way. My younger son has no mental issues and is a good little boy and acts the way I have wanted Him to be raised, he also deals with his brother being mean and disrupting our whole family, he just makes being in our home so unpleaseurable. I am getting severely depressed over this situation sometimes if I lie down to have a cry about it I feel numb and can't even get back up for a while. Also with lock downs it's hard to get my 5yr old help and support that he needs, even before this it is such a draining effort to deal with it all. I sometimes just think I should get up and leave my family and run away, but that wouldn't be fair to my husband and 3yr old. But me dealing with all this is not fair to me and I don't know how much longer I can do it.

I’m abit overwhelmed

replies: 1

Dilute to the Coronavirus and watching the news and finding things to do

Miss Lonely

replies: 9

Hi everyone, I've just joined this site, cos I'm really struggling with loneliness right now. I haven't really had any friends for a long time now, sometimes I catch up with my mum which helps but at the end of the day, not meaning any offense to her, but shes still my mum and not a similar age friend if you know what i mean. I also have a boyfriend but he lives overseas, and so I am always missing him and as of the current changes to the world, I have no idea when I can see him again. We talk at times but he does have to work, as do I and also the connection is often bad when making calls. Also I cant be constantly messaging him all day long but I feel i have no one else to talk to at all. Its a bad time to be lonely in this world, I thought about joining some meetups near me but every one i looked at was cancelled. My gym is also a ghost town now days, and the shops make me stress like crazy. Anyway I feel like my depression is coming back cos of all this and that is not fun at all. so yeah, Hi everyone

Introducing myself?

replies: 4

Hi all:) I’m not entirely sure what to write here. I suppose I should start with why I am here. I’ve been dealing with anxiety and minor depression for most of my life. Over the past year I had found someone who made me incredibly happy to be alive, and introduced me to a whole new world I quickly learned to love. But... they no longer involve themselves with me due to a series of events that spiralled out of control. For the past month my anxiety has been extremely heightened, and once again just leaving my house is enough to raise my heart rate quite a bit. This whole isolation situation isn’t much help, as I get my happiness from spending time with close friends and family. So, I’m here for some support, and maybe even to help a few people out if I can. I hope you’re all having a nice day so far:)

feeling lonely

replies: 1

Hi guys, am new here and have been struggling hard with anxiety/depression for last couple of months. Staying with my family as I was housesitting but since we had a storm/fence blew down at home & this new virus, I cant leave my Mum's to go back to my partner. Not having much work, having to get onto Centrelink and being stuck in isolation sucks (no, i dont have the virus, am just avoiding going out unless I absolutely have to). I was wondering what tips/advice anyone can give me to keep me occupied. I'm a gamer but laptop is old so can't play much on there anymore till I get my new comp sorted, if there's anything else people can offer me, I'd appreciate it. Am willing to try new stuff

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on March

replies: 0

We think it’s fair to say that the last couple weeks have involved a great deal of disruption and change of pace for individuals and communities around the world. Yet one message remains clear – we are all in this together. Let’s take a moment, pause. Breathe. There are so many ways communities have come together during these uncertain times and we thank our online community for fostering such helpful discussions and encouraging everyone to stay connected. Community Voices: What are people talking about? Along with our ‘Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak’ thread the community has created several additional threads that focus on ways to direct our thoughts and energy to the things that are within our control, assist the community in focusing on practicing different methods of self-care, and engage in discussions that encourage more positive dialogue. Thank you to all who are continuing to reach out and join the conversation – you’re not alone. How to take practical advantage of isolation I wonder if it might be an idea for people to say all the actual things that can be done while cooped up in isolation. Things they do themselves or recommend for others. If you can think of something that has constantly occupied or distracted you, or better yet has had a concrete positive outcome one can point to later on that would be perfect (within the bounds of decency of course:) - Croix Make friends with "boredom" and do something anyway, even if it's just watching an ant trail. Look around you and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary that perhaps was missed in the humdrum and busyness of life. - LaurieD Dear Diary, a day to day look at self-isolation Dear Diary I have spoken for a few mins on the phone I have done some writing am surprised how quickly the time has gone. wonder what tomorrow will bring. – quirkywords After this time, I feel strangely stronger and more optimistic. Not because I improved, or became better or a better boss. Because I relied on my colleagues and on this forum for support, because I offered my ears and because I made the best with what I have. Because I told people to look up and remember that this is our chance to make the world a better place, even if it's to a small group of people around you. Each little action counts. – WanderingAround Positivity Words A – Z Sometimes it is really challenging to think positive. Especially when we are struggling with things or when circumstances in our lives seem difficult. - Shelll A is for accepting – quirkywords Believe - Birdy77 Connectedness - Sleepy21 Social Distancing Film Club I hope everyone is staying safe and well during this hectic time. Since it looks like a fair number of us are due for some extended time inside, I thought I might poke around Netflix and see what was available that I might recommend. I think this would be a great place to talk about films, especially our favorites to watch when home sick or our go-to rewatchable. - Uncut_gems Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of March is Sleepy21! Sleepy21 is friendly voice on the forums and welcomes members with empathy while reflecting on another’s journey. Thank you Sleepy21 for making others feel accepted and comfortable with talking through what’s on their mind, along with ways to stay well! Welcome Back Jess! Our team would like to welcome back Community Champion Jess (display name ‘Jess334’) to our community. To read more about Jess’s journey check out the thread ‘Introducing...the community champions’ BB News Beyond Blue welcomes funding to develop a new COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service. This new service will offer free information, counselling and referrals online and by phone (Read more here). Stay tuned for more information. For anyone needing support with working through their thoughts of suicide or self-harm during this time, it is really important to have a plan to keep yourself safe. We encourage anyone who would find creating a safety plan to be a helpful way to cope during this time to refer to our Beyond Now suicide safety planning app. You can read about how it works and where to download it here . You can even call the Suicide Call-back Service (1300 659 467) or Lifeline (131114) to go through it with one of their counsellors over the phone. Here are some points to consider: • If you already have a plan, review it with a trusted friend or family member, or at your next appointment with a mental health professional. • Stay focused on your reasons to live, family and friends you can talk or yarn with, and things that can make you feel strong. • Consider how you can stay in touch with people by phone or video chat during times of crisis. • Look for online spaces and communities – like Beyond Blue’s forums – where you can keep connected with people while physically distant. • Visit Beyond Blue’s Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak page for further advice on how to manage your mental health during this time. Let's stay connected!

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New here - Not sure what I'm going through - but it's claustrophobic replies: 2

Hi! replies: 2

Bummed out and struggling a bit replies: 1

Hello there! This is me. replies: 2

Sad mum replies: 3

I’m abit overwhelmed replies: 1

Miss Lonely replies: 9

Introducing myself? replies: 4

feeling lonely replies: 1

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on March replies: 0