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! Feeling lost and uncertain about my future

replies: 6

Hello. This is my first post in this forum. A bit about me. I moved to Australia to study in 2015 and met my husband here. I now live with him and his family and they are all lovely. However, I graduated almost two years ago and am still not able to find a job in my field of study. Mostly due to my visa status (but I have applied for a permanent visa to stay here which is still in progress). Lately, I have been feeling so emotionally drained, like its hopeless for me to find a good job which will help me and my husband to move out of my in law's place and have a home of our own. My husband has schizophrenia and anxiety and is unable to work right now. I am also always concerned about him and wondering if I am doing enough to support him. I have not seen my own parents for over 3 years and my mum always cries on the phone about missing me and how I am not able to have a career yet. I am turning 27 soon, and I feel like I have achieved nothing. Lately, I have been feeling intense anger and irritation over people around me. I am constantly trying to distract myself with food and tv shows and feeling lethargic and hopeless. I still apply for jobs, but I feel like its useless unless I actually get my PR and people will actually want to hire me for permanent jobs. I feel like a failure, that I am not able to support my husband properly.

Post-Work Sadness

replies: 5

Hi, 1st post. I'm currently a part-time student studying to be a Beauty Therapist. When I'm not studying, I am working currently at a Salon as part of assigned work experience. But this is not about my current job. Prior to studying, I had worked for 3 years at a non-profit retail shop. It had been my 1st job (I was 18), and starting as a part-time volunteer, I was soon promoted to Casual. Yes, it was challenging and stressful at times, but I loved working there, especially my co-workers. They had all been supportive and I've made some good friends from there. They've listened and helped me as much as I helped them. We were pretty much family. Sadly, prolonged financial issues had led to the closure of all this charity's retail stores in Australia. Mine closed last month. I know I'm working now, but I can't help but feel lonely. I'm introverted and been outcasted my whole life, from school, church, even my institution/new work. The people I had worked with had been the closest I had to friends, and being able to work had distracted me from my loneliness and alienation. For once I could finally be myself and share views/issues and have fun being involved in rallies, camps, and adventures. Now it's mainly about studying and working, which is full-on. I've barely had time to connect with people due to the flexible, unpredictable schedule. This work I'm doing is simply all about sales and making money, and working fast-paced and client-oriented with people who are so different. I've already been struggling with bad reviews. My current boss obviously pressures all of us to 'sell well' and 'keep a good reputation'. It's been only a few weeks, but I just don't feel I fit in and doing Beauty may have been a mistake. But I'm contracted to stay until December, and pulling out would be a huge waste. I know it sounds childish to complain. I know work isn't meant to be fun. I'm lucky to be doing Beauty, to be working in a 'wellbeing' industry. I'm lucky I'm getting pay, much more than my former job. Yet I feel empty. I feel lost. I feel lonelier than ever, and I feel stupid during nail work, massaging, waxing whatever. Talking about 'anti-aging benefits' or 'makeup trend' feels more effort compared to political, social issues happening, what I would regularly interact with my former customers and co-workers. Reading the 'bad reviews' and all this are really bogging me down. I just wish life was much kinder and fairer sometimes.

Confused and scared

replies: 2

Hi, My wife has told me that she needs to find her identity and needs space from everything. We have been together nearly 30 years, married nearly 25. She was only 16 and I only 19 when we got together. We have 2 daughters and and a son who are all adults. She has told me that she loves and cares for me but not in love with me. She has moved into the spare room at this stage and has told me when she is ready she will talk. She has stated that once she has sorted herself out, her future plans may or may not include me. I’m so scared that she will leave me as I am still deeply in love with her. I have not always been as helpful in the past with home duties and my son and I have had several physical clashes, although my son and I are currently mending our relationship and he actually is being a great support to me, we are on the right path him and I. She will talk about daily stuff such as work and kids still. We are still grocery shopping together and watching tv. She has said a couple of times to back off if I’ve become a little desperate warning me that this will push her away. Any help or advice from men and women from her perspective and from mine would be greatly appreciated.

Health anxiety

replies: 1

Hi there, 1st time poster here I have been suffering with general anxiety for about 2 years and the last 6 months have been hell as I’m worried I have health issues all the time and can’t seem to stop thinking something bad will happen or I’m going to die, I’ve had every test I can possibly have from ct scans, blood tests, echos, ECG’s the works and all came but ok apart from my ECG but have been to see a cardiologist and he said it’s nothing to worry about and nothing serious my symptoms change from day to day with dizziness, fatigue, weak legs (jelly legs) muscle pain, nausea and just general worry that something bad is going to happen to me I had a bad break up 2 years ago and left raising my 2 kids alone I do have support from family but hate asking for help, I used to be so happy and enjoy life now it feels like a struggle most days dose anyone else feel this way or can relate?

RINOBULL

replies: 3

Hi everyone out there in blue World, I am a newbie at this forum thing so Just wanted to Start of by saying hi.

Bullied in school & at work for the past 50 years

replies: 3

It is difficult to think of a time when people are not taking advantage of my kind nature. I may be called a gentle giant in school, but I have been made to feel isolated by teachers and students alike. It started off when I was mischievous in class and I was caned and disciplined. One fine day, dad was called in because I was caught glaring at the teacher after a severe taunting episode by her in front of the class. I was in Primary year 1. Something changed in me that day. I became very quiet in class. I had blocked out some memories, but apparently, I injured myself too at the school playground and teacher asked the students to avoid me. The bullying never stopped after that. Fast forward to today, I was an past accomplished expert in a narrow field of speciality in information technology where my projects were recognised by peers. But today, I am jobless, there are not enough work in my speciality field because technology has moved on, in despair over my situation and isolated from families. I have never felt a part of society. I am afraid of making friends who may take advantage of me. Yet, I craved for company. I experienced panic attacks and cry everyday not knowing if I will get through the day alive. I am in debt, I have no money for medication. No future. I am sinking into homelessness as my savings run out and I need to totally depending on Newstart. I woke up this cold morning and there was this deep deep sadness inside me as I scanned though a past life when I felt safe and happy. I joined this forum to keep me alive.

I’m so lost and unsure where I fit in anymore.

replies: 2

I need help! I don’t know how to not feel lost all the time. I’m a deep thinker and have recently lost my dad. Who just so happened to be my best friend. The one who got me in this world. The only one who thought like me. I’m married to an amazing husband, but he doesn’t understand how I feel. He tries really hard to help me, but doesn’t get it. i have a chronic illness which I’m still trying to learn how to live with, which is fibromyalgia. I’m just been getting back to work after I didn’t work for about a year. My life just feels like I’m not going anywhere. I walk around in a daze! I feel like everyone else has a purpose except me. I’m now a part time career for my mum, and she can be very demanding of my time. I don’t sleep well, I’m fatigued a lot. I walk everyday if my body lets me and still don’t feel good about me! Im just not sure if im meant to be here anymore. I just feel sad, hopelessness, worried, happy, loved, alone, lonely. I cry a lot but only on my own. Cause there is no one left that understands me in this world anymore. Im losing friends left right and centre. I can’t commit to anything. Not even going to the movies with my husband. I just... I just don’t know anymore??????? I’m so lost!

Feeling so alone

replies: 2

I am currently suffering severe depression and anxiety/PTSD as a result of work. I have been with the same employer for 25 years and for the last 10 years my role has seen me dealing, on a day to day basis, with people who find themselves in very difficult situations. The best way to explain my role would be similar to a 000 dispatch officer in that you are dealing with these issues on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years my mental health has deteriorated significantly but I continued to work (not just regular hours but significant overtime as well). 12 months ago a Dr advised that I had work related PTSD and I attended 6 session of hypnotherapy (at my own expense). After completing the sessions I presented my workplace with a letter from the doctor advising that I was suffering work related PTSD and copies of the invoices seeking reimbursement. My initial communication with my employer was simply ignored as were the two follow up emails that I sent. The workplace was/is fully aware that my issues have been caused by my work but refuse to really acknowledge or deal with it in anyway. Early this year my condition deteriorated significantly and I was finally unable to cope at all (constant crying, inability to sleep properly, not wanting to leave the house, isolating myself etc etc). A workers compensation claim was lodged and while initially accepted has recently been declined as a result of an IME report stating that there is nothing wrong with me. As if things were not bad enough for me already, now I have one doctor who I know is not really independent, review me for 30 minutes and then spend the next 1.5 hours doing psychological testing to decide theirs nothing wrong. I am currently seeing my GP and a good psychologist. This decision had seen me spiral even further into that big black hole. There are times when I just want to give up, for now my daughter is the one thing keeping me here. I am a single mother to a teenage daughter and try my best to be strong for her but with my issues I am left feeling very unsupported and alone. I have a couple of friends but don’t like burdening people with my problems so choose to isolate myself. I have plenty of leave accrued so I can use my own leave to be off work to get better but I just don’t feel like I’m ever going to come out of this. My illness is hard enough to deal with without someone telling you there’s actually nothing wrong.

Pure Obsessive Thoughts - I need to know i am not alone

replies: 1

I suffer from intrusive and unwanted thoughts regarding the safety, possessions, of others and sometimes put it on myself to make sure others can lead a safe life. These feelings are unbearable at times and i am constantly battling. I decided to join Beyond Blue today after having a episode about something i moved at the work office. The thing i moved had someones possessions next to it and now i am worried about being responsible for damaging his/her property. Anyone every experienced this? Or a similar scenario

I can't breathe... I can't cope any more

replies: 1

Hello, I'm Danii.... I am struggling so bad with depression and anxiety at the moment. I"m pushing the people I love away and I don't mean to

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hello! Feeling lost and uncertain about my future replies: 6

Post-Work Sadness replies: 5

Confused and scared replies: 2

Health anxiety replies: 1

RINOBULL replies: 3

Bullied in school & at work for the past 50 years replies: 3

I’m so lost and unsure where I fit in anymore. replies: 2

Feeling so alone replies: 2

Pure Obsessive Thoughts - I need to know i am not alone replies: 1

I can't breathe... I can't cope any more replies: 1