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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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Englishjohn I am a monster
  • replies: 7

All, I have been in many relationships initially unhappy for 18 years, but 3 beautiful children resulted from that time who now hate me. I just broke up with a narcisstic woman, who continually put me down and ridiculed me, I probably deserved it I k... View more

All, I have been in many relationships initially unhappy for 18 years, but 3 beautiful children resulted from that time who now hate me. I just broke up with a narcisstic woman, who continually put me down and ridiculed me, I probably deserved it I know I'm not a good man or person. I'm trying to be so tle, be alone, but I've never done that before, and do t know how. I recently lost my job as well. I'm trying to be a good person, I don't know how for many my life and experiences will be abhorrent to most people, I should be hated I can't focus, find any happiness it took all my effort today to shower, go outside and drive after 7 days inside it scared me, I don't know who I am anymore Please no generic responses see your gp, get help etc. Done all that before, drugs don't work, doctors don't give a shit, the system does not work, there is no community anymore the concrete keeps going up, we all live in it.

CathyMay Work giving me anxiety.
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I am quiet a bubbly person but the turn of events happening at work is really affecting me. I guess I am writing here because I have disconnected myself from my close friends and I just need someone, anyone to tell me I'm not crazy, and ... View more

Hi everyone, I am quiet a bubbly person but the turn of events happening at work is really affecting me. I guess I am writing here because I have disconnected myself from my close friends and I just need someone, anyone to tell me I'm not crazy, and that it will sort itself out. I work for a community organisation and we have a Board who oversee the running of the workplace. Anyway the community are against the Board. A couple of staff members have been on stress leave for quiet some time. They won't return until after the General Meeting happening within a week. Over the past 2 weeks I have felt more stressed than ever. I just want it all to be sorted.

insertaname Support Network: Do you have one or not?
  • replies: 5

Hi I am going to be honest here: My question is whether you have cancer, a mental illness, or just stress do you have a supportive network of people you can rely one? The truth is: I don't really have that. I find myself somewhat alienated by my coll... View more

Hi I am going to be honest here: My question is whether you have cancer, a mental illness, or just stress do you have a supportive network of people you can rely one? The truth is: I don't really have that. I find myself somewhat alienated by my colleagues at University and see them from time to time - but they're more like acquaintances rather friends. My support network consists of my significant other, my case manager (occupational therapy), and my psychiatrist. If I was in a psych ward none of my friends would visit me - based on the first episode - she never contacted me. So i feel like i lost a friend that wasn't really a friend at all. I guess i am a sentimental person and i'd like to find like minded people, people who can understand what i mean, people who actually rather than look at their phone 15 times during a conversation. if you are one of those lucky people with a big network or strong supportive network kudos to you and your network. All the best Jenn

Des_Cartes Hello everyone
  • replies: 3

Hello, I have just joined. I am a little unsure how much and what type of information to post in introducing myself, but will have a go: I am a man in my early 60s and have suffered with depression for most of my adult life, after a series of episode... View more

Hello, I have just joined. I am a little unsure how much and what type of information to post in introducing myself, but will have a go: I am a man in my early 60s and have suffered with depression for most of my adult life, after a series of episodes of psychosis leading to hospitalization in my 20s. I have been seeing the same wonderful psychologist for the past 16 years, and she helps to keep me on track, throughout numerous troublesome episodes and career and life changes. I look forward to participating in discussions and, hopefullt, helping and being helped, in a community of fellow-sufferers.

Butterflyfish Introduction and
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, I'm Butterflyfish, a 25 year old female from WA, living in Queensland working in NSW. I know complicated right. Recently joined the BB forum as I have started having these really negative thoughts which has started to effect my everyday life... View more

Hi guys, I'm Butterflyfish, a 25 year old female from WA, living in Queensland working in NSW. I know complicated right. Recently joined the BB forum as I have started having these really negative thoughts which has started to effect my everyday life. It has taken me until my gym coach asked me if I was ok? and bursting into tears and a massive conflict for me to make an appointment to see a GP. I'm going tomorrow but I guess I feel like I'm wasting their time as there are people a lot worse off than I am. I don't know why these feelings of self doubt and sadness are coming from and why I can't stop having them. They aren't all the time but somehow I keep coming back to them. Almost a year ago I lost my Nanna and I recently had a car accident. Those two events seem to be the only thing that I can assign to the cause. This is not my first time seeking help from a GP which why I guess I put it off. In my third year of University I had a snorkelling accident and a few months later a very similar thing occurred; crying all the time, negative thoughts and high stress levels. I saw counselor and she advised me to see a GP to make saw there was nothing physically wrong. However, when I went to the GP, he was quite rude and simply handed me a script saying your depressed take these. Medication is last resort for me as a personal opinion and even the counselor I was depressed the next time I visited it was just in that moment I was over come with stress. I guess I'm looking for opinions on how to approach this appointment to not get the same result. Thanks

RedGalahAU Newbie Introduction
  • replies: 2

About six months ago, I had open-heart surgery. I am now on the road to physical recovery. I am confused about whether I need any emotional recovery or not. I keep telling myself that I am so happy that my heart was fixed; however I don't seem to hav... View more

About six months ago, I had open-heart surgery. I am now on the road to physical recovery. I am confused about whether I need any emotional recovery or not. I keep telling myself that I am so happy that my heart was fixed; however I don't seem to have the typical grieving feelings that might go with a life threating event. I am hoping that I can dig a bit deeper into any feelings I might be burying.

insertaname Here's the question: Medication or Therapy: Which of these (or both) work best for you?
  • replies: 2

For me, ny answer is medication. I have been to psychologists (three) and all they give me are worksheets. I do not like worksheets, but i have applied some of their "i feel" techniques when speaking, but it somewhat feels ineffective. It is expensiv... View more

For me, ny answer is medication. I have been to psychologists (three) and all they give me are worksheets. I do not like worksheets, but i have applied some of their "i feel" techniques when speaking, but it somewhat feels ineffective. It is expensive even subsidized to fork out $70 per session. Personally talk is just talk to me, I want to see results. In addition, I carry a lot of baggage apart from my mental illness. I used to talk my issues out to the psychiatrist about the medication - even if he didn't like it. I have an ok one for now, I am actually quite lucky he let stay at home to recover rather be hospitalised - high doses of meds. Although i struggle with my emotions at least they are not erratic. My relapse was a hypo one - small hiccup. I am still recovering. I am in tune with my bipolar and therapy just is not my thing at all despite the good advice. I'd rather walk the dog or do leisure activities. I look forward to your responses - everyone's experiences will be different Jennifer

insertaname If you were to be hospitalised what things would you bring for comfort?
  • replies: 8

This question is out of boredom but here's my answer - let me know yours My list: Pyjamas, blank exercise book, pens/texta, my own pillow , my clothes, my own blanket, a mindful book e.g. colouring book + puzzles in it with coloured pencils and a pic... View more

This question is out of boredom but here's my answer - let me know yours My list: Pyjamas, blank exercise book, pens/texta, my own pillow , my clothes, my own blanket, a mindful book e.g. colouring book + puzzles in it with coloured pencils and a picture of my significant other standing beside my dog, a usb flashdrive music player that can be charged by pc and headphones.

Eye_of_the_Storm Emotional Infidelity - Should I stay or Go?
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm 38 and my husband is 39 and we're college sweethearts. We've always had a strong marriage and we have a huge amount of love for one another although I feel like we're living like room mates as we haven't been intimate in over a year. It was a... View more

Hi, I'm 38 and my husband is 39 and we're college sweethearts. We've always had a strong marriage and we have a huge amount of love for one another although I feel like we're living like room mates as we haven't been intimate in over a year. It was always the elephant in the room but we never addressed it. My husband started to have feelings for a girl he works with and has become obsessed with her over the last 3 months. I knew he wasn't his usual self and I confronted him. He has moved team so he doesn't have any contact with her but after 4 weeks of talking and not getting anywhere we've decided to go to couple counselling as he cannot get past this. He suffers with anxiety and depression and we ended up in the ED two weeks ago as he wanted to take his life as the shame and guilt was overwhelming. He knows his marriage is on the line, so why can't he get over her and move on? I feel worthless, second best and angry with him that he's let this get so out of control. He's seeing a Psychologist and now a Psychiatrist since our vist to the ED and has stopped drinking to try and help his anxiety and depression. I'm torn between wanting to support my husband through his mental illness but I don't want to be a fool and stay if he can't get over her. I asked him to move out but he's a mess. I thought we were going to start a family but everything is on hold and I don't want to resent him for taking this away from me. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any advice would be much appreciated.