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Sophie_M 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 Be... View more

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.

Aaronsis 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 th... View more

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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Guest_9462 Need more groups ..
  • replies: 2

Hi, I've noticed there's no groups or online topics like poetry or other interests for people to post some more constructive ways of expressing how we feel..your only promoting negativity here..more positive ways of expression need to be available ,a... View more

Hi, I've noticed there's no groups or online topics like poetry or other interests for people to post some more constructive ways of expressing how we feel..your only promoting negativity here..more positive ways of expression need to be available ,as what's currently available becomes a bit too depressing..thanks.

Kielbill Unsure
  • replies: 1

Hi, just joined recently. I know that I have a problem but I really dont know what it is or exactly how to describe it. I understand I could go to the doctor for it, but its really hard to do with my job. Since it takes mental health into considerati... View more

Hi, just joined recently. I know that I have a problem but I really dont know what it is or exactly how to describe it. I understand I could go to the doctor for it, but its really hard to do with my job. Since it takes mental health into consideration. I find myself enjoying daydreaming far more then reality, I can distinguish the two and switch rather quickly but find little joy in the later. I dont know if im depressed as I dont feel sad, but I also find most of my emotions mute and rather chaotic in a sense. Some days ill feel lonely, but others I really enjoy being alone. I know I have anxiety but it comes and goes as does my mood. However even with this, the spikes and lows are very close together rather mute in fact. I can tell the differences, but it doesn't feel like it should. I have felt this way since a young child, but my mother believed mental health could be changed by attitude so i put away the thoughts. Mental illness runs on her side of the family but in her view its just because they didnt have the mental fortitude. My family has always been very big on wearing masks and your current attitude is what you should feel. So if I show myself happy, eventually the mask will reflect what i feel inside. I dont know if i have gotten good enough that it fools even me? Since if I need to, i can change the mask I wear and somewhat feel like how im pretending to be. I will feel rather tired afterwards however. On rare rare occasions probably 1-2 times a year it feels as if the mask falls and everything rushes me. All the anger, sadness and even joy that I should have been feeling the whole year all at once. My anxiety sky rockets and I cant do anything for the whole day. I usually experience migraines at times like this and would get them as a kid since this phenomenon has happened since my early teens. I dont feel like im actively suppressing it, it feels as if it falls away afterwards and im back to whatever i was doing before hand, just a bit more tired. If anyone has felt this way or understands it at all I would appreciate the help.

Guest_9462 first post
  • replies: 15

hi folks. im Max. feeling bit out of sorts lately. cause everytime i say exactly how i feel, people cant handle it and usualy try and have me committed. so i never say how i feel... not any more... any way.. was very disappointed in. my mother wantin... View more

hi folks. im Max. feeling bit out of sorts lately. cause everytime i say exactly how i feel, people cant handle it and usualy try and have me committed. so i never say how i feel... not any more... any way.. was very disappointed in. my mother wanting to be with her friends instead of me on mothers day. and for a mother who abandoned her kids many times i guess i should have expected it..

pening1998 Newbie
  • replies: 6

Hi, I've just signed up out of desperation of needing someone to lend an ear or two. I am a mum of 2 girls - 17 and 14. What brings me here today is I am at wits end of how to talk/connect with my 17 year old daughter. My 14 has PVL (Periventricular ... View more

Hi, I've just signed up out of desperation of needing someone to lend an ear or two. I am a mum of 2 girls - 17 and 14. What brings me here today is I am at wits end of how to talk/connect with my 17 year old daughter. My 14 has PVL (Periventricular leukomalacia). Here's the link for the full explanation - https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=periventricular-leukomalacia-pvl-90-P02619 . In short, it's a form of brain injury. I'm sure there are other parents in similar boats as me. So I am hoping that I can talk to someone before I go insane. Thank you for reading.

Lucka “I do not know” is the start!
  • replies: 6

1/ I really dont know what im doing. 2/ Well I have been typing and deleting and then I find myself starting again! 3/ I just need someone to talk to but I cannot talk to people I know! 4/ Everyday I wake up, first thing that hits me is this huge wav... View more

1/ I really dont know what im doing. 2/ Well I have been typing and deleting and then I find myself starting again! 3/ I just need someone to talk to but I cannot talk to people I know! 4/ Everyday I wake up, first thing that hits me is this huge wave of sadness. Everytime. 5/ I cannot talk to my husband, he tried to show me that he understands but I know he just tries to be supportive, he doesnt understand! And I dont want to make his life complicated! I want him to be happy so I keep everything myself even though I still tell him how i feel enough to not let myself go crazy! 6/ I feel like there are two person(s) in me. one is Me and the other one is also Me but more like Me’s carer. Sometimes I can visualize myself drift away from my body and stand from a distance to look at me, judge my actions and give myself advice. 7/ When im angry, i dont know what to do. Many times, I slab myself when I am angry because that is the first thing come to my mind to release my anger. I am not crazy nor I have any mental issue, i know what’s right and wrong, what I should/shouldnt do. 8/ I am very very lonely.

Comettail Think im losing it
  • replies: 4

Hi i’m new on here, i am 59 yrs old and been diagnosed anxiety and depression, my anxiety is taken control of my life. I can’t even have a coffee without having an attack, my head goes funny, i get tingles then my breathing goes out of wack it’s scar... View more

Hi i’m new on here, i am 59 yrs old and been diagnosed anxiety and depression, my anxiety is taken control of my life. I can’t even have a coffee without having an attack, my head goes funny, i get tingles then my breathing goes out of wack it’s scaring me. I also been put on a bipap machine as i stop breathing when i sleep i depend on that now to help me control my breathing and it calms me down. My carer carries me to his car when i have dr appointments cause of my anxiety its gone over the roof any advise would be great.

WUD Depressed and looking for support
  • replies: 5

Hi I'm new to this forum so posting a starting point. I'm a 58 year old single man and have lived on my own for 35 years. I guess I've been in denial about my loneliness for most of my adult life and have tried to ignore it by concentrating on career... View more

Hi I'm new to this forum so posting a starting point. I'm a 58 year old single man and have lived on my own for 35 years. I guess I've been in denial about my loneliness for most of my adult life and have tried to ignore it by concentrating on career and other pursuits. But I've arrived at a point where its all caught up with me and I'm really struggling now with the cascading effects of being alone for so long i.e. difficulty maintaining a social life and friendships amongst the sea of couples and families, spending way too much time on my own which exacerbates the depression and loneliness. I came from a family with a father that was an anti social hermit and without realising it as a child many of those traits passed on to myself and my siblings (I have one older sibling that is still living at home). As a result I was extremely shy as a youngster and found it difficult to socialise or talk to girls (even though I so wanted to). I went through my twenties and thirties suffering social phobia which severely restricted not only my social life but also career opportunities. In my late thirties I sought professional help and along with two years of counselling was ultimately prescribed anti depressants which did make a big difference. But two years ago I began to slide back to the dark side and I find myself really struggling to cope now. I've never experienced the kind of anxiety I feel now. Its worse than it ever was. I think its because I look back on the wasted life where trying to deal with the problems in my twenties and thirties I sub consciously knew there was still time to repair the damage. But now at my age I feel the task is hopeless. I always wanted a long term relationship and to be a parent but as time has slipped away this has become less and less possible and I'm convincing myself there's nothing left for. I'm seeking support and suggestions on how I might be able to dig myself out of the state I find myself in. Because I cant find the path alone...

HenrysFriend Hi all. A battle scarred survivor of 40 years of anxiety without ever knowing what it was.
  • replies: 8

I was one of those kids who arrived late and left as early as possible to avoid others at school. They probably knew b4 I did that something was amiss. Left home at 19 to start a career and almost immediately discovered there was something wrong. Thi... View more

I was one of those kids who arrived late and left as early as possible to avoid others at school. They probably knew b4 I did that something was amiss. Left home at 19 to start a career and almost immediately discovered there was something wrong. This childhood avoidance was now a social fear of people, particularly at work. Not helpful for a career. Used defence mechanisms to hide it which only made it worse. Snob, aloof, up himself was popular impression after 6 months anywhere. Some broke through and saw me under that rock. First panic attack at 22. More like a psychotic episode. Very scary. In and out of careers and jobs all my life telling myself "Hey, it's good for life experience". Now I'm in my 60s. No kids by design.. broken hearts (including mine) to show for it. Ended up marrying late in life. She's a solitary person too so we respect each others necessary space. Nearer the end I reflect that it was a safe, solitary and uncomplicated life. But then it's near the end that you question the purpose of the journey. Looking forward to connecting with people - and that'll probably be a first for me. If I don't panic and run.

Chris_B Member survey: what should we do with the mark this post as helpful button?
  • replies: 35

Hi everyone, Under each post on the forum is a button called "mark this post as helpful". This button was originally introduced following feedback from members that they would like a way to be able to show appreciation or acknowledgement for a post w... View more

Hi everyone, Under each post on the forum is a button called "mark this post as helpful". This button was originally introduced following feedback from members that they would like a way to be able to show appreciation or acknowledgement for a post when they weren't up to writing an entire reply in response. Recent discussion on the thread What stops you from joining in? has seen some members questioning the value of this button and suggesting that it can be used in an exclusionary way. We are running a Survey Monkey to gather wider feedback on what we should do with the "mark this post as helpful" button. The three options we are canvassing are: * Remove the button * Keep the button * Keep the button but call it something else Please click here to take the survey, which we will leave open until the week of January 1 to give as many members as possible the opportunity to have their say. You can also leave more in-depth comments here in this thread for discussion.

Carrottop Life gets so hard.
  • replies: 1

Hi. Alittle about myself. I am sure that I suffered depression and anxiety most of my life but was diagonised about 20 years ago. I am finding it much more of a struggle to keep my happy face on these days. Most nights when I go to bed I am silently ... View more

Hi. Alittle about myself. I am sure that I suffered depression and anxiety most of my life but was diagonised about 20 years ago. I am finding it much more of a struggle to keep my happy face on these days. Most nights when I go to bed I am silently hopeful that I will not wake up. I have tried for so many years but this black dog inside never seems to go away. Every day is a struggle. I am so tired all the time but force myself to function on a daily basis so other people will not know how hopeless I feel. I have a lovely family and I know that I am loved but I cannot love myself. When I look in the mirror I see an old unhappy woman , I would liketo feel a little happiness before I die. I know I am rambling.