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, Hows everyone?

replies: 12

Hi everyone, I just ran down this rabbithole and found this forum during a tough moment trying to find support. Thought I give this a try, hows everyone and there experience on here?

Ongoing battle

replies: 2

Hi all first time posters, but now looking at seeking all the feedback I can get! It has been quite some time since I’ve been to see someone to assist with my mental health challenges. Since the age of 12 (2003); I have experienced from what I’ve been told “General anxiety” & then at the end of 2013 a significant breakdown being diagnosed with manic depressive disorder & generalised anxiety disorder resulting in being unfit to work for a period of 3 months After being prescribed with an SNRI antidepressant and from (my very vague) memory; some stabilisers for a short period of time, this did allow me to return back to my day-to-day life. I do recall the psych mentioning that I will still continue to have my “good and bad” days although after now 6 years of these ups and downs; with periods where it is really affecting my work and personal relationships and general overall enjoyment of life, I would like to focus on being more proactive in getting further answers and information to better treat and manage this as I feel it is developing further. I have also recently started a new relationship with an amazing man who is extremely patient and supportive of my down periods, but having never had anyone that could really support me, I am finding myself withdrawing and distancing myself in fear of him getting fed up with me. Has anyone worked out a so called “anxiety crisis plan” on steps to take so the partner is feeling as helpless? Being so foggy in the head myself I’m finding it really challenging working this out After speaking further with my GP about my recent symptoms; he has suggested that I seek clarification from a Clinical Psychologist/Psychiatrist on my definite diagnosis. He said he could not comment exactly on this as he is not certified however was concerned about my mood swings and manic periods which sometimes can be diagnosed as bipolar but confused with anxiety symptoms. In hope of gaining a better understanding; I have ordered a DNA PGx test to be completed which provides information on how my body responds to medications prescribed for mental health by testing my genetics. Bottom line is; I am desperate to find a confirmation of my diagnosis and whether the anti-depressant that I am on is the best thing for me. This is more of a rant and trying to piece my thoughts together, but if anyone has had any experience with any of the above I would really appreciate any insight!

Do you feel comfortable on the forum?

replies: 99

Hi Everyone, I've just been having a look at some of the posts on the forum and have once again been aware that some people make a thread, post once and then we don't seem to hear from them again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, I am just wondering why that might be the case. Do any of you have any suggestions? Can you think of ways people may feel encouraged to continue posting? o you personally feel welcome on the forum? Connecting with others on this forum can be so rewarding in many different ways. I also realise a lot of people just read and don't post and that is okay as well. Are there ways we can make people feel more welcome here? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas. Cheers to you all from Dools

New poster

replies: 1

Hi all. I've registered today because in addition to my usual state of anxiety, I think I am depressed as well. This week I had my first panic attack at work (not first panic attack, just first one at work) and it's scared me. I've been on anti depressants for almost 4 years now. I'm not sure it's working for me anymore. My main issue is self loathing. It's exhausting criticising yourself all the time, and feeling guilty about everything. I'm 40 soon and at this point in my life I was hoping I'd have more self acceptance, but that feels really out of reach. I feel guilty that I'm depressed even though my life, on paper, looks good. There's actually nothing wrong. It's just me. I worry that my husband will get tired of all this.

I'm New, Hello!

replies: 4

Hello everybody, My name's Al, I'm really excited to have registered for these forums! I've been lurking for a while, and the everyone seems really kind and supportive. I am looking forward to being part of this community. I have anxiety and depression, and mainly need a place I can go to for ongoing support and encouragement when I am very stressed, because I have a habit of getting overwhelmed by any stressful thing, then failing to take care of myself properly, which makes everything more stressful in a big spiral of deteriorating mental health. I've been thinking of maybe starting up a thread in the Staying Well section where everyone can celebrate something good they did for their mental health that day. I think something like that could be really helpful for remembering to prioritise and celebrate our efforts in taking care of ourselves. Does this sound like a good idea? Is there already a thread like this somewhere on these forums that I can join? Thank you so much and have a good day! Al

I'm new and I'm not really coping...

replies: 1

I'm new and this is the first step I've really taken to do anything about my depression. Up until now I've joked about it to my friends when in fact it's my reality. I'm in uni and it's really affecting my work. I feel so alone and scared to explain to people because I know they just would not get it. My brother is not doing well and all my energy is gone. I miss my mum so much but she's coming back soon. I feel like its affecting all my relationships. I don't know whether it's better to just open up about everything or not. I don't want people to view me differently. I've been bottling everything up but I'm breaking. I just want someone to talk to

Peter here hi everyone

replies: 2

Hi everyone peter is my name

Hello. I'm a newbie

replies: 8

Hello, I suffer from depression. To keep it simple I have a relationship issue that became even more painful this morning when I realised my partner a "friend" in his bed last night. Right next to me when he swore he would never do this. We are friends but apart and it has been a tramatic experience for me to accept this. This relationship was happy and to be forever until a sudden shock ended it. I am getting closure now but it is hard to move on because I will be all alone. I don't know if this "friend" is staying over again. I couldn't stand for that. This house is rented under both our names. I definitely have no where to go. Just seeking comfort with my dog and can't stop crying. I would ring a help line but afraid I will blubber and make no sense. I am so worked up. The anxiety in my body is at max like every nerve is shouting. Perhaps someone out there is around and can help me calm down. Usually I am strong but not today.

Stressed Working Mum

replies: 3

Hi, I’m new today because feel like I have no one to talk to, well no one close that understands me being so emotional all the time. The smallest thing especially at work really upsets me. Today I was pulled aside at work for being late. Yes I was late Monday 15 mins (not great) Tuesday & Wednesday 8 minutes and all times phoned in as a new policy to phone boss and tell him. Not making excuses but my daughter has been sick past three days and had to spend extra time to make sure she was ok before frantically drove to work like a maniac trying to arrive on time. While leaving her at home alone until Nanna arrived. Feeling sooo stressed out because don’t want to loose my job for taking time off or god forbid be just 5-8 mins late due to traffic. I always take a shorter lunch break if late, not hard because I get an hour. Most days don’t take my full hour and most days arrive on time. I feel like a child in primary school like the bell rang and you’re late. Nearly every place I have worked for notice that you’re late today and every day you’re late but nothing else. Your professionalism, hard work, staying back after knock off, being loyal and doing your damn best. Doesn’t matter to them but arriving at 8:30 on the dot during peak hour is critical. I feel like a pleb like a nobody. I worked up the career ladder and considered myself a professional worker. After being made redundant and having young kids decided to take a back step to a high pressure role. And yes get hired because I have great experience + willing to work in less paid job. But there’s no give and take here especially for a Mum running a marathon before even arriving to work “8 mins late” 🤭. Today I feel at a loose end. Feeling worthless, belittled and just want to say jam your job but can’t. Wondering if anyone has similar balancing work life issues especially mornings and the whole taboo of getting to work on time?

New here

replies: 1

Hi, I thought I would join because i've been browsing this site for a while now including the forums. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and have since been diagnosed with adult adhd since seeing a psychiatrist for about 3 years now. My depression and anxiety is mostly alleviated, its mostly the adhd and other symptoms that still occur, things like - not getting work done and feeling sht about it -Some social anxiety remains -Not knowing what to do with my career -still having learned helplessness feelings at times -feeling like an imposter at work and average at life these are all things i hope to over come, and help others out with if they need it on here. Reach out to me if you want to discuss this, most online articles offer seriously general advice, but this website seems to help quite a bit.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New Here, Hows everyone? replies: 12

Ongoing battle replies: 2

Do you feel comfortable on the forum? replies: 99

New poster replies: 1

I'm New, Hello! replies: 4

I'm new and I'm not really coping... replies: 1

Peter here hi everyone replies: 2

Hello. I'm a newbie replies: 8

Stressed Working Mum replies: 3

New here replies: 1