Welcome and Orientation

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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

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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

feeling loney and depressed

replies: 1

hi guys , im new to all this I didn't even have a email up until now lol. soo iv been out of jail for a yr now I served 5 yrs with my best friend he served 4 . we have been best friends for as long as I can rember more like brothers we have a lot of friends but not as close or the kind of bond we share we do everything together .so right before going to jail we joind a gang 'soo stupid I look back now an cant beleve how stupid I was its so embarrising ' so my mate dose his 4 yrs an I still have a yr to go I ring him regulary I can see things are weird between us now like hes taking this gang shit way to seroz, I ended up waking up to my self an I think I just grew up over the yrs .I rang him one day an explained to him how stupid this shit is an im leaving were to good for these idiots to his reply oh yea im happy im not leaving .that hurt things changed after that I still rang him every few weeks but it was arcward. so I finally get out an I cant hang with him anymore he was my brother he should have left with me I would of done that for him if I loved it like he dose but any way im so hurt over this its not funny I lost my best mate just like that . before going to jail I had so many friends but after 1 yr they stop visiting u and ur forgotten . so when I got out I had them calling me coming to my house but I couldn't look at them knowing they forgot me inside for yrs , so now iv pushed every one away im lonely as I don't have a best friend or anyone I can call my true friend .I find my self bored all the time I miss my old life when I was out with mates everyday having fun .weeknds I just sit at home depressed even cry sometimes . not sure what to do any more. sorry for the novel but I thought I had to go into detail so yous understand my situation thanks for reading

Anxiety and Heartburn/reflux

replies: 4

Hi guys, I am a first time poster. I have suffered anxiety and certain times in my life usually around outside events eg: job changes, relationships etc but have always managed to control it and bring myself back to the ‘now’ The last two months it has been quite extreme anxiety everyday regarding my health. As a lot of the other threads it taking something small and usually a sensation that goes unnoticed and turning it into something massive. Being that it’s something within my body I am finding it hard to bring myself back to the ‘now’ I have noticed that the last few days I have had bad reflux/heartburn to the point of my throat being irritated and burning chest. Last night I woke up in a panic. My mind tells me that the anxiety came first and that it can wreak havoc on your body and it wasn’t the other way around. Just wondering if it is a symptom that anyone else has experienced? I will try a good anti acid today and am thinking it’s time to find another GP (they tend to brush off anything when you mention anxiety) and express how I am feeling, my symptoms and a referral to a psychologist. Also off to see a spiritual healer for some reiki/reading to see if she can shed some light on what is going on. Just looking for some reassurance that everything I am experiencing is normal. Thank you to all of you.

My son's death

replies: 4

My 34 year old son died alone in his Sydney flat 8 weeks ago. He wasn't found for 6 days. I had sent him a harsh email about 'getting his act together' during that time so I thought he wasn't talking to me. I found out after he died that he had been using drugs (ice) for years. I have never felt such pain. I really cannot believe I will ever feel better. Everything reminds me of him. He was my only child and I don't have a partner. I feel like my personality has changed. I have so many of his belongings here and in other places but I cannot possibly face going through it now, or ever. Is this OK? He was a 'tech head' and kept every electronic device he could get his hands on. He was a very loving son and sent me many cards and notes over the years. I am crying writing this. What do people do with these things? I have been to 3 counsellors who all say the same thing: you will feel better eventually. This doesn't help me because I can hardly bear each day, let alone weeks, months, years of this pain. I had so little empathy for other people before this happened: absolutely no idea about grief, so I guess that's one positive; I now have empathy. I can't believe the things some people survive. It gives me strength to hear their stories but it doesn't help my pain. I would appreciate some advice about what I can do with his belongings. Thanks for listening.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

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

feeling loney and depressed replies: 1

Anxiety and Heartburn/reflux replies: 4

My son's death replies: 4