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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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Feeling lost, but no idea why.

replies: 3

To anybody looking in I have a relatively good life. A roof over my head, a decent job and I am in good health, I have friends and family who love me. But for as long as I can remember now that I know what it is, I have been depressed, anxious and stressed. I’ve always felt guilty about it because I feel like I have no good reason to feel the way I do, and think there is always someone worse off. In recent years it has gotten worse, to the point where I no longer know how to manage it. I have been seeking the help of a councillor, making sure I socialise with family and friends, exercise and eat right. I play social sport and do yoga every week. And recently have gotten a second job in a field I am truly passionate about. I feel that I am taking all the right steps, or at least trying to take them to achieve my goals and keep me distracted. But I feel it’s all just that, a distraction. Even on my best days I still find myself wondering what it’s all for and why. On my worst days these thoughts turn a lot more sinister. I am just so tired and exhausted from constantly feeling like I don’t belong here, in this life, but trying to hide it and act “normal”. Even as I write this I can’t shake the guilt I feel knowing that I really don’t have it bad. So why do I feel this way? I don’t really know what I even hope to achieve from writing here, I am just so lost.

Finally worked out how to post!!!

replies: 9

HELP!!!! I don't know where to start I don't know what has caused my anxiety exactly I just want it to go away I'm sick of feeling like the worst is going to happen or the worst is happening to me!!! I have a really great life my husband is awesome we have two beautiful healthy children we have a succeful business which we got handed to us I feel like I'm bragging but I'm not. I didn't have the best child hood actually it was one of those really crap ones and even through my younger years I was always the mum to my siblings which there are 6 of us all together I'm the oldest. I also have another three which are on my fathers side which I'm also the oldest of and they are really normal to an extent as in they have never needed to be so dependant on me the others I have stopped doing it with and I am actually good with the decision I have made. One of my sisters suffers from a mental illness where she has delusions that she has made up in her own head and believes it is real when they are not, she has two children and thinks there is nothing wrong with her. I am now at the stage where I think I have sleeping problems which I don't because I have always been a night owl and have always had irregular sleep patterns. Before kids I worked nights in a pub then after kids it was just typical mum sleep. I could go on but I won't, I'm just over feeling like this....

Newbie, looking for support and willing to give some.

replies: 5

Hi all .. as the title suggests. Firstly, thanks to BB for being here. I've phoned before, but sometimes writing thoughts, and feelings, are better than words. Not wanting to bore you with "all" that grieves me, I would rather just say at this point is that I need some support with some issues that BB deals with. I suffer from anxiety, badly (to the point of being carted off to hospital by Ambulance a few times), taking medication in the mornings seems to settle it, and I self medicate after work with alcohol. (Yeah, I know) This affliction, the anxiety, is affecting my home life, which makes me sad. I am seeing a psychologist, randomly (due to work and a few other issues) which isn't really helping (the Psych visits that is) in any way, bar, making me delve into my mind and memory for triggers. But this thing seems to be a monster that just rears itself, at almost any given time and circumstance. The only time I seem to be able to hide from it is in solitude. In fact, solitude is where I seem happiest at the moment. When I mentioned the idea of taking some "me time" the Psych said it would be interesting to see if anything changed. I shipped my motorbike (my other affliction) overseas, took some long service leave and picked up my bike overseas and rented a small apartment by my myself for 10 days. Those 10 days were bliss. No work, doing what I wanted, when I wanted and exploring parts of the world I'd never been before on my motorbike. No need to please anyone but myself ........ selfish? Maybe. I then met up with some mates, and spent a couple of weeks with them, partially in solitude, as we rode motorcycles around Europe together. But returning to reality, and the daily routine, has hit with a blow and I want to run from both. I hear the monster coming back again.

Daily struggles of mental illness

replies: 3

Hello, I'm 27 and have been suffering from anxiety and depression for most of my life but the last 4 years have been the worst. I also have some level of PTSD from childhood trauma. I have seen psychologists and psychiatrists. I am medicated however still struggle daily. I can barely work, I'm antisocial and indifferent. (I used to be bubbly) My whole body hurts, headaches, back pain, leg aches etc. My medication isn't controlling my symptoms, and I have tried many types. Constant symptoms daily are too much to handle. I need help or guidance on how to improve my quality of life.

Want to get better but not sure how!

replies: 1

Hi all! I am a frequent reader of These forums and struggling a bit at the moment so thought I would reach out. I am a third year uni student who has a wonderful family, great home and loves what she studies. And yet for some reason I struggle to go on. I have had depression and anxiety for the past few years and it always gets worse when I’m studying. There is a lot of pressure to do well and get a job at the end of this, so it is hard to not judge myself or feel guilty when I can’t study. But my brain won’t let me!! I’m a chronic over thinker, and always end up spiralling pretty quickly once I begin to doubt myself. There is a history of mental illness in my family, and I have been on anti-depressants for years. I’ve recently started seeing a new psychologist because I know CBT doesn’t work for me and I genuinely want to get better! We are working on some mindfulness and ACT but it’s hard to remember to do the practice or to actually want to do them. I am cynical and judgemental, but only towards myself. I am always feeling so guilty and ashamed when I freak out and end up just having a guilty nap to calm down, which works but then I feel like I’ve wasted time. I know I am sick and need to have self-compassion towards myself, but I can’t help feeling that in the real world life doesn’t just stop when you get sick. I can’t see any way through this but just to suck it up and push through. I am waiting for my life to have meaning so it doesn’t feel like I am just going through the motions. I have identified one of my problems being that I am driven by approaching life as a to do list. That means I finish my essay tick, get to uni tick, eat lunch tick, go for a run tick, do a meditation tick- so I’m not really getting what I want out of these actions, just getting through them! i just want to know if anyone has some suggestions for self compassion and how to stop living my life like a to do list and try to actually enjoy something/be in the moment every once in a while! i hope you all are doing well and that someone can sympathise, in the past reading these threads and seeing someone felt just like me and got though it really helped! sorry this is long, lauren :))

Kinda New, Help?

replies: 6

Now, I haven't been on this account since 2015 so please Excuse the username! Ok, I just joined back today; wanting to change my username but I don't know how, is it possible to? Also, if you would tell me some other helpful things that will be great... View more

New member here.

replies: 3

Hi all. This is really hard for me, even to do anon. During high school I was the most happy, active & bubbly person. I was on the path to going to Medical School and my dream of being a surgeon. This all came crashing down when I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in my final schooling years. I suffered constant Grand Mal seizures and numerous other medical problems which stemmed from the seizures (fractures, broken teeth etc). It's safe to say at some point in my last year of school I was considering 'opting out.' I never came close and now I hope it was just some dramatic teen fleeting thought as I don't have that desire or thoughts any more. FF to University... I obviously couldn't be a surgeon anymore. New medication I was on made my mind foggy so I also couldn't handle a medical degree. I just did a basic degree which I eventually completed over 5 years. It was the worst 5 years of my life. I lost a lot of friendships and couldn't maintain a relationship. University was absolute hell. I had to work three times as hard to just pass subjects because I would always forget content or fall asleep in class. I even had a few seizures during exams which was no help. I was extremely depressed and eventually diagnosed with chronic depression. . Then a miracle happened - my doctor found an epilepsy medication which actually WORKED. All my seizures stopped and with them left my depression. FF to 4 years later. Seizure free, in a supportive relationship and even owning my own business. Then one day last year, it happened. Another seizure. My doctor couldn't really explain it but nor could I. I had broken my ankle 2 months prior and we concluded that perhaps I fell and hit my head which brought on the seizure as there was really no other explanation. My medication was increased and my licence revoked regardless, just as a precaution. Then again about April this year, I had another seizure. We have now concluded these are due to stress brought on by running my own company. There is nothing I can do. I can't work away from home as I can't drive and I always need a nap around 2PM to get through the day. I don't know what to do. I am lost and desperate. I feel useless and in constant fear of another seizure. I am extremely insecure and cannot stand the sight of myself in the mirror. Dark thoughts are entering my mind again. I am seeing my neurologist in about a month but just wanted some advice/support till then...

Newbie with Social Anxiety

replies: 8

Hello everyone. I'm here because my new psychologist suggested I try to find people online I can communicate with as I find it impossible to do so in real life due to anxiety. I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but it's the only place I know of. I'm 28 years old and have had anxiety, especially social anxiety, for pretty much my entire life. I have very little life experience as I don't leave my house much and never leave it when I'm alone. I've never had a job outside of a short stint at delivering pamphlets and catalogues to letterboxes which I did not enjoy doing. I went for my driver's license several years ago and my Ls expired before I ever developed the confidence to attempt getting my Ps. I don't have any friends besides my dear cat. I am, however, incredibly fortunate enough to have a supportive family who don't pressure me to be well. I'm am very nervous about posting this and I'm in half a mind hoping nobody replies so I don't have to confront my fears.

Lonely

replies: 5

Hi, My family and I recently moved homes, I’m feeling extremely lonely. It all started when my mum passed away 7 years ago, her loss effected me tremendously, I suffered depression and gained weight, two years ago something clicked in me and I decided to get my life back on track, I lost over 60kg and started feeling better about my self but then my dads dementia got really bad and unfortunately I lost him too last year, although losing him was hard it wasn’t as hard as my mothers loss ( my heart was already broken) my parents inheritance was such a beautiful gift from them and I decided to use it wisely and buy a bigger home for my family, I have four children and we desperately needed more space. I pulled all four of my children out of schools they absolutely loved so they can go to the local school and be part of the community and they have settled in well but me on the other hand not so well, I miss all my friends from the old school, the new school seem they all have there little groups already formed although they are pleasant and say hi every so often they are not inclusive, I find myself waiting at school pickups all alone and depressed, I can’t stop crying as I’ve always been one of those parents that knew everyone and had so many friends. I tried to join my youngest in a sport so he can get to know his friends better and I can get to know the parents but tonight I got an email saying that the team “might be” full and would my child mind being in a different team with some other kids that aren’t in his class, it triggered my loneliness even more and I feel gutted, I don’t want to tell my son as he has never done a sport and he was so looking forward to doing it with his new friends. I’m so worried that the loneliness I’m feeling will pull me back into a depression I fought so hard to pull myself out of after so many years.

Gaming addiction has ruined my life.

replies: 3

My name is Peter and i am 36 years old and i suffer with anxiety & depression. I am extremely worried about my future, i didn't do well at school, i have never had a girlfriend or anyone to love or care for apart from family, i have no friends, i am alone. I don't work, i look at family & friends that i went to school with all living life, married with kids and then there is me, a complete mess. I have been addicted to video games ever since i was a kid and they are the main reason i screwed my life up, i am in a rut and i have no idea what to do. I did not think this way when i was younger, this way of thinking has come as i have gotten older, my mistakes and poor choices in life have hit me hard and the reality of what i have become has effected me greatly. I have a lot of fears & worries that effects my daily life. I am not suicidal but my way of thinking now is very negative, i don't know why i was born or why i was put on this earth, i feel worthless & if i found out tomorrow i had terminal cancer i think i would accept it because just thinking about that i might be on this earth for the next 40 to 50 years living like this, no thanks. I even have thoughts that i wish i actually was born a female, i just think i would have been better as a female, my life might have been different. I hate my life and i hate myself for allowing it to happen, sometimes i just curl up and cry.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Feeling lost, but no idea why. replies: 3

Finally worked out how to post!!! replies: 9

Newbie, looking for support and willing to give some. replies: 5

Daily struggles of mental illness replies: 3

Want to get better but not sure how! replies: 1

Kinda New, Help? replies: 6

New member here. replies: 3

Newbie with Social Anxiety replies: 8

Lonely replies: 5

Gaming addiction has ruined my life. replies: 3