Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Miss_Mary Sad
  • replies: 3

So so sad all the time, Just can't snap out of it. Done all the right things, Drs, meds, counselling. I'm losing this battle. I just haven't got the energy or mindset to fight anymore I don't want to be like this but nothing is helping Signed Miss Ma... View more

So so sad all the time, Just can't snap out of it. Done all the right things, Drs, meds, counselling. I'm losing this battle. I just haven't got the energy or mindset to fight anymore I don't want to be like this but nothing is helping Signed Miss Mary

Batesy work pressures
  • replies: 5

Hi All, first time user here just reading a few post i suffer from Anxiety and take some medication.my work gives me a huge amount of pressure from a boss i have now suffered anxiety for around 2 years but i can not leave as i live in a country town ... View more

Hi All, first time user here just reading a few post i suffer from Anxiety and take some medication.my work gives me a huge amount of pressure from a boss i have now suffered anxiety for around 2 years but i can not leave as i live in a country town and there is not a lot of jobs.i feel lost a lot of the time only a few people know my condition as i hide it all the time.

tntomo Overwhelmed with anxiety! Feeling tired and weak trying to fight it all the time.
  • replies: 11

Hello, my introduction... I’am a GAD anxiety sufferer. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I don’t know what to do? Everything gets to me, I’m so tired trying to fight this illness all the time. I have so many fears and thoughts that it sca... View more

Hello, my introduction... I’am a GAD anxiety sufferer. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I don’t know what to do? Everything gets to me, I’m so tired trying to fight this illness all the time. I have so many fears and thoughts that it scares me. I don’t sleep well these days. I went through a traumatic event 10 years ago which my GP believes that is where my anxiety started from. I’ve come to beyond blue for help and guidance.

Mum_of_three_ I'm a mum of three
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm a mother of three My father was diagnosed with cancer around 5 and a half Months ago the same time my third child was born I have always struggled with my mental health but I'm so worried that if I go to my Gp they will see me as an unfit moth... View more

Hi I'm a mother of three My father was diagnosed with cancer around 5 and a half Months ago the same time my third child was born I have always struggled with my mental health but I'm so worried that if I go to my Gp they will see me as an unfit mother and I'm really unsure of what I can do but my mental health is continuously causing problems in my relationship with my kids dad/partner and I'm at a dead end Thank you for taking the time to read this

Becwal Introduction
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have had anxiety for about 12 months and have been on medication to help with panic attacks for approx 6mths. At the moment I am stuck in a rut of anxiety, panic and worry. I see a psychologist currently once a month normally although in this h... View more

Hi, I have had anxiety for about 12 months and have been on medication to help with panic attacks for approx 6mths. At the moment I am stuck in a rut of anxiety, panic and worry. I see a psychologist currently once a month normally although in this has come back to fortnightly this month. I have spent the last 2 weeks in a constant state of worry and nausea, I have good days in between but it seems few and far between good and bad days. I work full time and have to kids and a husband that really try hard to support me but I just fèel so guilty about what I am putting them through. Recently a feeling of being desperate and helpless has settled and I can't seem to shake it. The Dr increased my anti depressants 2 days ago so I am hoping for some relief soon. Just wanted to reach out for some advice or tips that might help me in the meantime. Thanks

Helium_Anchors Hi I’m new
  • replies: 3

Hi my name is Soph, im a young adult who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 4 years ago. i can still live a normal functional life. I have been on and off medication and believe that it is possible to learn your triggers and medicate accordingl... View more

Hi my name is Soph, im a young adult who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 4 years ago. i can still live a normal functional life. I have been on and off medication and believe that it is possible to learn your triggers and medicate accordingly. i am still learning about my mental disorder and how to live with it. I have had highs and lows, I have experienced mania, depression, however I have never been suicidal. i have lost a close friend to suicide and have had dealt with bipolar and depression within my immediate family. I would love to be able to help people deal with grief, learning to live peacefully with their mental disorders and assist them with feeling like they are not alone or different but unique and able to achieve their dreams. i have always loved people and talking so I hope being apart of the beyond blue community I can truly give something back to the people who need it. thanks for listening

tallshiphorizon Hello, everyone.
  • replies: 4

Hey all, 38-yo male here. Really running the gamut at the moment with depression and anxiety, and wanted to thank all of you for the stories you’ve shared. I’ve been reading on and off the past few weeks in my worst moments, and it has been helpful k... View more

Hey all, 38-yo male here. Really running the gamut at the moment with depression and anxiety, and wanted to thank all of you for the stories you’ve shared. I’ve been reading on and off the past few weeks in my worst moments, and it has been helpful knowing there are others out there who feel the same way I do. I might not be well at the moment, but I am doing my best. I hope you all stay well, and maybe one day I’ll be on my feet and able to offer support and advice as well. Best, Hamish

An_average_man Feeling lost
  • replies: 3

Me and my wife have been separated for the last 2 months and today I found out that she doesn't want to come back we have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and we've been together for 25 years I feel lost and I don't know what to do was wondering I woul... View more

Me and my wife have been separated for the last 2 months and today I found out that she doesn't want to come back we have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and we've been together for 25 years I feel lost and I don't know what to do was wondering I would the if other people have the same experience and what they did to overcome it I feel num and lost

unknownnnn struggling to make friends in a new town
  • replies: 1

next week is a year since my pop passed away he held my whole family together and when he died all hell broke lose, my sister moved accross the country to be with her boyfriend, my mum kicked me out and moved across the country aswell, i dropped out ... View more

next week is a year since my pop passed away he held my whole family together and when he died all hell broke lose, my sister moved accross the country to be with her boyfriend, my mum kicked me out and moved across the country aswell, i dropped out of school (year11) smoked and drank ALOT, moved across country aswell and back with my mum, lost contact with everyone in my family except my mum sister and brother, went back to school in the new town, made no friends and got slightly bullied taken advantage of while drunk. left school again got extremely depressed and moved to another town. and thats where i am now i feel so alone ive tried going back to school again and ive made "friends" but i get really anxious and overthink everything then end up pushing everyone away. i dont understand whats wrong with me. i used to have the best group of friends when i was younger but since pop died absolutely everything has been going down hill and nothing ends up right for me. everytime i hang out with people here ive organised it i never go out unless i ask people noone makes plans with me i feel like i dissapoint my mum and everyone around me. im trying so hard but i just feel like im annoying i dont message anyone anymore becuase i feel like they dont want to talk to me and im just a pain in the ass. i just wish someone would show to me that they want to be my friend and make an effort

Aeofe Insomnia and anxiety
  • replies: 9

I’ve been battling with anxiety and insomnia for a few months. Sleeping tablets made me feel worse and I have withdrawn from friends and activities. I am slowly getting better but finding it hard to get back to a happy life. I feel that anxiety is no... View more

I’ve been battling with anxiety and insomnia for a few months. Sleeping tablets made me feel worse and I have withdrawn from friends and activities. I am slowly getting better but finding it hard to get back to a happy life. I feel that anxiety is not understood and often feel unwell even though I know it is just in my mind. I have some minor health problems and concerns with my family. Friends have been patient but I believe would like me to get over it. There is no magic cure and it is a hard slog each day especially after a sleepless night. I think I am reaching out to others who are experiencing similar problems. My worries are not major but they concern me in a big way and I think that is sometimes the hardest thing. this is my first post so I’m not sure what happens. A big move for me to reach out.