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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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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.

So worried I have bowel cancer -first post

replies: 1

Hi Everyone, This week I found out I have low iron and blood in my stool through positive FOBT test. I’m 38 years old and have been having narrower and softer stools more often. I feel fullness and heaviness in the bowls but the frustrating part is you can’t even trust your own symptoms with anxiety. Don’t know if it’s anxiety related symptoms or cancer symptoms! I have read that this could be many other things but I’m convinced it’s Stage 4 colon cancer. I was diagnosed with ibs five years ago and had a ct scan of my bowel which was clear but now Im pissed off with myself for not having a colonoscopy as the scan had probably missed a polpt and the radiation has caused it to grow rapidly. I haven’t slept in the last two nights, I’m off my food and I can’t be in the moment at all with my family. I’m basically a shell I’m moving around but not present locked away in my other worries about bowel cancer. I worry most about being put under for a colonoscopy only to wake up to the doctor saying I have advanced cancer. I couldn’t cope with even early cancer as I would constantly be in fear of mestases.

Transition from Mental Health Facility to home.

replies: 3

Hi all I am 10 days out from 9 weeks in a MHF and am really struggling to adapt. What are your experiences after such stays?

Hello, I am new here

replies: 2

Hello, my first time posting here just wanted to introduce myself and say hi, I’m happy I have found this forum feeling lost

Mental Health and Persistent Pain

replies: 4

Hi. I'm Cahli. I'm here because I don't know where else to go. I currently suffer from persistent pain in my lower back, due to Grade 3 Spondylolisthesis. And I feel so alone. I have been to talk to my Dr.'s (Yep plural), who have mentioned that due to my condition i will be suffering from stress, anxiety and depression, however the help has never gone past a mention. I have said outright that im not coping, but it has all just been brushed aside. I have tried to turn to people around me, I have said outright "Im not ok, im not coping" and the subject quickly changes. I am a mum of 2 young children. And it is hard. My partner works away 10days then 4 home, and he is amazing. But its still hard. And I just don't know how I can keep doing this. Its hard to ask for help, its even harder to keep asking when you get dismissed so easily. And harder again when I've run out of people to turn to. I don't know what more I can do. Its not just depression or anxiety, its the pain I deal with each day, its the not having ANYONE I can talk to or anyone for support. Its the dismissal when i try to reach out, its the rejection. Its also the invisible disability and pain for basic care needs of not just myself, but my kids; that noone can see. Its the feeling of needing someone i can talk to about ALL of this, but looking around and seeing noone. Its the feeling of being invisible, even to 'health care workers'. And im just sooo tired. What can I do? My physical activity is limited I eat a balanced diet I meditate I take minerals and supplements I use magnesium I list off throughout the day things I am grateful for I sit in my garden, sun on my face, and just BE. But its just not enough.

I’m struggling and I can’t get out of my own head

replies: 3

Hi my name is Richie and I feel so alone right now I wish I had someone to talk to I’ve got something called BDD and I feel like I can’t control myself and I’m so depressed and down all I think about is disappearing I’m struggling to stay afloat.

Hi everyone. New member, would like advice

replies: 4

Hi everyone. I am a new member here. I am a 26 yr old male living in Wollongong. I want to share my name but my situation was difficult so I would prefer not to. I would like to ask for advice regarding my situation. I was in love with my ex-girlfriend of 2 and a half years. She broke up with me nine months ago. I treated her well, we went on dates, intimacy was amazing. However, 3 months in she hit me over the way I was washing dishes. Small discussions and small issues where I failed to do one thing out of the numerous she requested turned to vocal and physical abuse which shook me to my core. Contemplated going to the police many times but I resigned as I would not have received any help. She is Australian and I am from another country. She kicked me out thrice out of the places we used to live in and I knew no one else but her for support. I am living somewhere else and am relieved and feel safe. Now, problem is I am scared of dating again, had many friends but now habe no one, though I am social and have no issues there. She contacts me from time to time, and due to crippling loneliness I am thinking of meeting her again but I should not. How do I move on? Also, I made many friends and never discriminate but have been discriminated against due to my nationality and people frequently asking why don't you make friends frlm your own country. I write this with a heavy heart, but I only have myself to rely on and be strong. Coming from a group culture, it is tough not having friends, especially when I know I have so much to offer. Also, I believed my girlfriend was the one and I feel broken and stuck with moving on. I would like to find a woman who is in love with me and I with her. Any advice on moving on is welcome. Sorry for the really long post. Tl;dr: ex gf abused me. No support group. Looking for a serious relationship but have the physical abuse in my mind. Need any advice that may help. Thank you for reading.

Not sure but I know.

replies: 4

Feel sad most of the time , Know it's not right , finally asking for support.

First time using an online Forum

replies: 4

Hello to all. As stated this is my first time in using any type of online forum in any respect. All a bit daunting really, to know I have the ability to lay it all out for people I do not know. Conversely, everybody on here is doing the same thing and I know to me that indicates courage so that certainly provides me with the confidence in what this is all about. I have been with my partner for 15 years and married to her for the last 10. We have 7 children between us, two of these are from our marriage two from my previous marriage and 3 from her previous marriage. There are only four that live with us as the other children have grown and moved onto their own lives. My wife separated from me 5 years ago as she had fallen in love with a man from her teenage years. I was already depressed and slipped deeper into that depression to a point that I had failed attempt at my own life. I was provided with help after this and my mental health improved. My wife moved into my home some 6 months after this and we worked on our relationship and things were great and probably better than ever. Today I inspect a unit that if successful I need to move to alone. My wife has "fallen out of Love" and likely this is the end of the marriage. I am handling this the best that I can, given the circumstances, but I have come here to this group because I know what lies ahead for me, and I do not want to wait until it is potentially too late to try and look after myself. Without being selfish I will look for support or encouragement where I can find it here but I shall also share any insight into my first-hand knowledge of how Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide had an effect on me, those around me and maybe just maybe that can help someone else. It's the dark quiet nights alone after 15 years that I know are coming and these scare me the most.

Hello

replies: 3

Hello all I have always been a strong person but lately I am feeling down. Never happy and very critical of myself and others . A little anxious and depressed, it’s starting to affect my life at home and work. There’s no real reason for me to feel li... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

My son's death replies: 4

So worried I have bowel cancer -first post replies: 1

Transition from Mental Health Facility to home. replies: 3

Hello, I am new here replies: 2

Mental Health and Persistent Pain replies: 4

I’m struggling and I can’t get out of my own head replies: 3

Hi everyone. New member, would like advice replies: 4

Not sure but I know. replies: 4

First time using an online Forum replies: 4

Hello replies: 3