Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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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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

Fatigue Issues

replies: 1

Hi everyone, I've been experiencing quite significant fatigue that seems to be getting worse and is severely affecting day to day activities. I thought that it was related to seasonal allergies but have been provided treatment for that and am not sneezing or having the watery eyes that are usually associated with this time of year so I'm starting to think that it's a different phenomenon. What's strange is that I feel like I constantly want to close my eyes and lie down and yet I still often have plenty of energy in my body and will often want to shake my legs or tap my feet while lying down to expel some of this energy. It's almost like my head wants to rest while the rest of my body still wants to be active. Additionally, I often notice myself being pale or slightly light-headed when I stand up from a lying state and that this might be associated with anemia instead of allergies or depression, is anyone else experiencing symptoms of this type?

Not coping

replies: 4

Hi im in a no win situation my parents are both ill and I care for them full time. I care for children who are not mine. i have a husband who is not supportive and doesn’t care i am. Very ill and can’t do treatment Cos my siblings don’t help with parents I’m suffering from anxiety im now not coping I’m angry and I’m crying all the time my husband is always rude to me he says dumb things disrespectful things to me. but to others he makes out like he is the most caring and wonderfull guy. Not true. im at a loss what can I do im just not in a good place

Coping with tourism shutdown

replies: 1

Hundreds of staff have suddenly had their hours reduced due to the travel bans associated with the virus outbreak. It has been a week and after the initial shock of losing hours, the financial pressures will be building. The fact that no one knows when the bans will be lifted is of concern to thousands of hospitality workers. 100 staff were severely impacted in 1 hotel property alone in north Queensland. Many small businesses will close if the travel bans do not lift by the end of March. This is the impact of the virus that people are failing to fully understand and acknowledge. Expect a lot more activity on your site.

Psychologically messed up from cheating Ex Partner of 10 years and 5 months ...

replies: 1

Second time, told me straight away. Felt immediate guilt, stopped. Had Affair, 3 months later over 6 months. He had remorse, crying for many months randomly. Only time in regretting it. Walk into Bedroom, be crying inconsolably. Caught him Sexting with her again months later. Blocked and deleted number once she stopped. let me check his phone whenever, was his idea. I did too! Mess me up in forever, mistrust. 10 years and 5 months, shared a space with his Cousin. 16 months into our relationship. Intermediately, confronting him with visible evidence also. Yet told me it was over. Was weary, always checking his Phone. He didn’t know, was last 3 years, Mobile was always facing downwards with Screen. Knew he was being deceitful. Texts, I want to be with you too and one with 5 lines of Love Emojis from her. Never stopped secretly seeing each other. Evidence backed this as his Partner, catch him. He would say, I don’t look at her that way. Though in my Heart, his love for her was there. Found out when he was in Hospital overnight. Never left his side except the night. Read every conversation between them, fessing their love for each other. Wishing they could be together, not with her Partner at the time or me. Read numerous times repeated conversations of their feelings known to each other. Wishing they weren’t Cousins.. Suspected it never stopped off on and for years in seeing inappropriate Texts on his Phone. Also called her name out in his sleep, twice. I caught her out the second last Christmas together, various times. The Cousin thought her gazes of intimacy towards him for lingering seconds, no one had seen. Wrong, I seen, 5 times that day. She was totally “love struck”. I was totally devastated from that day when we were together. History does not lie! Seen a Happy Anniversary Card is the final answer to the truth . Suspect, there sexual attraction towards each other has been going on the whole time. Just over a year, we split. Have Sleep Terrors any time, day or night & barely sleep anymore. Hide away from the outside world besides my normal activities that I enjoy. It’s thrown in my Face, see them together at times because we live in the same area. I run into them on rare occasions too. Pretend not to see them when possible. Last time, he couldn’t take his Eyes off me. Make a point, always looking good for me. It gave me a feeling of empowerment with his reaction. He could not had walked any slower if he tried to see me as long as possible.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

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

Fatigue Issues replies: 1

Not coping replies: 4

Coping with tourism shutdown replies: 1

Psychologically messed up from cheating Ex Partner of 10 years and 5 months ... replies: 1