Welcome and Orientation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Sorted by:

Start a discussion

Hello I guess

replies: 8

hi everyone, uh im not really sure what to wright here but here goes nothing i guess. i havnt been on here for too long but i guess that this is the best way to tell people whats going on in my life with out actually telling people if that makes sense? anyway, sometimes i just feel very alone and like i dont belong even tho im surrounded by heaps of my friends and even family and latley ive just been feeling really down and tired and i dont know why, like i try to be happy but it just doesnt work and then my parents get mad at me and its this whole thing but anways i was just hoping that someone on here might feel the same or understand.... idk bye for now i think (im still not really sure how this works) from A

First time user just looking for someone to talk to

replies: 21

Hi everyone, I am looking to talk to someone who also struggles with depression, anxiety and anger issues. I’m 22 years old and completely hate myself. I argue with everyone and push them away, I act like I don’t care and that I don’t need anyone but the reality is I spend most nights crying myself to sleep. I struggle with PTSD from a sexual assault from 4 years ago and also sexual harassment from my step father 2 years ago. This has given me constant anxiety especially at night, I live alone and am in constant fear that someone is going to break in and get me. This does not help the fact like I work roughly 85 hours a fortnight as a carer at a nursing home, a job where I have to be constantly happy and always have a smile on my face. As you can imagine it is exhausting. Just want someone who has gone though something similar to help me with positive thoughts!

Introducing myself

replies: 6

Dear Beyondblue members I’ve joined the forum for support and to communicate with others that live with anxiety. I am going through a bad patch. This is affecting my marriage a lot. I crave security but my issues are driving him away and I think he can’t understand my anxiety. We have been together a long time 25 years. Lately all he talks about is me leaving or him leaving and the added pressure is a challenge for me. As I hate insecurity. He’s also recently semi retired and I find change a challenge due to childhood trauma and massive ongoing change and stress. I don’t have family or friends here that I can talk to. We live interstate and moved 9 years ago for his work which was supposed to be a 3-4 year move. Now the change in our circumstances (his retirement) means he’s reluctant to spend what interstate relocation would cost but I don’t want to commit to living here forever. I am 10 years younger than him and still work but part time. Recently my GP referred me to a psychiatrist to see about alternative medication. I’ve been for one visit and will go back we have not decided to change medication yet but I do take medication currently. i exercise, eat well, have had lots of therapy over the years but sometimes I just can’t cope. I feel like I’m talking to my husband too much about my issues - I need to find a way to self soothe and switch off. But at times I need to talk. I’m seeing my GP today and will ask about a mental leak that plan. What I really miss is my husband and wish we could talk but he just gets frustrated, then cross and that just makes me feel worse. I don’t want the marriage to fail. Thank you for reading my post. Tia Rose

Pablo 61

replies: 2

Just arrived here. I'm glad I'm not alone in this. My physical symtoms of anxiety are truly out of a sci-fi movie. Sure I get the classic symtoms such as , neusea and nervousness. But it's the head numbing headaches that move all around my head. To a... View more

Hi

replies: 2

Hi, not too sure where to start. Struggling with depression that doesnt lift or change and has been constant for such a long time. Take my meds, try to do the dbt mindfulness and grounding strategies and keep a daily schedule and routine but while it helps me to manage to survive it doesnt make life ... meaningful/enjoyable/bearable. Wondering what else others do to help them get through, help to not feel so low all the time? thanks

Am I being oversensitive?

replies: 3

My husband and I are having difficulties, I checked his Twitter and saw he re-tweeted this: "Sex is like pizza: if you’re having it at Domino’s, it’s time to re-examine the choices you’ve made that led you here" I'm offended and upset, but he blew it... View more

A little about me

replies: 9

Hi everyone, I have just signed up and it seems like a great, supportive community here - well done to all of you for making it that way! I am in my 30s and have had some level of anxiety most of my life. Most of the time I can manage with it, or work around it, but there are definitely times when it gets too much. I also have a dear friend who is experiencing some really bad times, which was my impetus to sign up here, but I will discuss that in more detail elsewhere. As for me, what do I do/like? I am a big fan of history and literature, and do love to read and learn. In recent times I have started to get into poetry, so I am enjoying that at the moment. I also love animals and am a vegan, but also a big sports fan. Hope to have some good chats with you all!

New member - looking to take the first step

replies: 2

Hi i am a new member, mid 20s female and signed up to get some advice and perhaps start my journey towards getting better. I have had un-diagnosed anxiety since i was a young child and had on and off low moods for most of my life as a result of social isolation and lack of dealing with past trauma(death of a parent at a young age, bad home life etc.). However in the last few years those low moods have gotten worse and have lasted for longer and longer periods and I feel like i may be depressed. I want to get better but i believe my issues are deep-rooted and based on my situation rather than a chemical imbalance and a simple medication prescription won't be enough to help me as i have built up a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms and bad patterns as a result of long term dealing with this on my own. Long story short, I really want to be referred to a psych so i can get some long term help and i am really worried about going to see a GP as i have heard a lot of horror stories from people i know who have been pushed into taking medication rather than being referred to a psychologist (side note, i don't have a regular GP as i haven't been to the doctor since i was a child so it would be someone new). I am scared that they are going to just see DEPRESSION and ignore the other factors that have led to where i am now and possibly misdiagnose me, especially since my anxiety often means i find it hard to speak up. I guess what i am asking is what do you think the best way forward is? Would it be better to just go direct to a psychologist? The cost would be much higher without a referral but i would have some peace of mind or am i worrying too much about going to see a GP and should just do it?

Introduction

replies: 2

Hi Everyone, I would like to introduce myself to the Beyond Blue community. This is the first time I've come out in the open regarding my mental illness and it is a big step for me personally. I am 31 and suffering from Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction from my teen years up until now. I have had professional help in 2017 and undergone a range of treatments from Antidepressants to Counselling. I am still yet to achieve a stable outcome. I feel that relating to others in a similar situation helps me cope. My goal is to establish connections with the Beyond Blue community and I ask for the community's support. Thank you for reading.

1st time caller long time sufferer

replies: 3

Hi my name is Chihuahua Mum and I have anxiety... I have had anxiety for a few years, slowly suffering when going to large shopping centres, struggling when faced in large crowds, feelings of something bad is about to happen. Like when out and about by myself, I might pass out and how will help me. but recently these feelings are getting worse! I used to get those feelings every couple of months but now its daily, and if I'm shopping with my family, at work, Also any social event I struggle with nowadays. I have a small child and when I drop him at school I'm now feeling like I'm avoiding the crowds and taking him later so I can drop him at the classroom door, as the bell rings, so its now affecting him. I have spoken to my GP, the advise I was given was less coffee, breathing techniques and look up some website (this was one). I'm hoping reading others stories and sharing mine might help in some way, even just getting me to go grocery shopping again. Thanks CM

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hello I guess replies: 8

First time user just looking for someone to talk to replies: 21

Introducing myself replies: 6

Pablo 61 replies: 2

Hi replies: 2

Am I being oversensitive? replies: 3

A little about me replies: 9

New member - looking to take the first step replies: 2

Introduction replies: 2

1st time caller long time sufferer replies: 3