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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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

Panic attacks restricting my once outgoing life.

replies: 2

Hi All, I am new. I had my first panic attack whilst driving home on the freeway boxing day last year. The single scariest moment of my life. Unable to breath, shaking uncontrollably, feeling numb, losing my vision and all whilst driving a missile at 80kmh. I haven't driven on a freeway since. Thinking I can always avoid freeways so it wouldn't really matter, then I was getting them whilst driving in general and not on the freeway, then more recently its extended to the tram, or meeting new people, or being at the hairdressers, or any situation I can't get out of by way of a quick escape (Running away with a head full of foils and bleach as you can imagine is not an option, haha) Anyway, I finally told my family and friends whats been going on, which I truly regret not doing earlier and I have my first psych appointment tomorrow. Even booking the appointment bought a sense of calm to my mind the past week. Anyway, I will keep posting on how things progress. I hope anyone putting off appointments or telling family can maybe change their minds after reading this.

New member

replies: 1

Hello, I am new to forums, I have used beyondblue chat a few times before but it is my first time to use the forum. I am originally from another country, and being in a different country with different values and being seen as "other" does get hard. ... View more

Anxiety symptoms, IT DOES GET BETTER!

replies: 1

Hi everyone hear to tell you that those symptoms will go away! 6th October 2018 is when my symptoms started. I had been very stressed for no good reason for about a year prior. After a night out I came back home and smoked weed ( I have been 100% clean ever since and will continue to do so ) straight away it felt like I had a band around my head and the back of my head was completely numb, I didn’t think much of it and went to sleep. Woke up in the morning and noticed it was still their, I realised that something was wrong straight away. My headache was like no other I could barely see it was so painful. started getting panic attacks for no reason at all. My body would react to anything I was watching or hearing, my body would go completely numb and felt like I had butterflies in chest. My bodies fight or flight response was out of control, Can’t forgot the heart palpitations and head pressure. I thought my life was over nothing was making me feel better I thought I would never feel normal again. But for my loved ones I had to get better because it was effecting them even more. Despite everything I knew I was still in there. I started training again after 2 weeks at home full body workout high intensity every day I was forced to quit my job that I already hated. I took the time to get my self back. Month past and I lost my grandmother it hurt a lot but I needed to stay focused. Slowly the symptoms started fading, panics attack went first then the numbness in my head and body the intense Migraine and depersonalisation also left. Within the first 6 months its about 10 months down now, im a week away to starting my business and a new life with my girlfriend, friends and loving family. I now only have generalised anxiety which I’ve lived with my whole life and have dealt with. My only symptom remaining is the head pressure that comes and goes, I just ignore it now I know it will go. Dont sit around feeling sorry for your self you need to get up and fight. Fight for your self and for your life. My new life is 100x better than my old one, I am more focused and Hungry than I’ve ever been. This whole journey was a blessing in disguise. Learn to laugh at your symptoms this is your mind and body take control the more scared you are the worse it becomes, be brave! Show anxiety who’s boss and that you will not be a prisoner in your own mind! Thanks for taking the time and reading my story I hope you find this helpful and motivates you all to fight back.

Greetings from the Butterfly

replies: 1

Hi, I'm Beckie and I'm new to the forum. I have Bipolar and Anxiety and I was diagnosed with these conditions when I was fourteen (I'm turning thirty this year). I joined this forum because even though I am quite well today, there are still days when I am not so well and I still have days where I need to reach out and know that I am not alone. Even though I was not well last week, I still have a little bit of recovery to share and I hope that I can be a "butterfly of hope" to others when I am well such as today. Today, I am trying to do as much self care as I can before I go back to work (work can be extremely stressful) so today is just a chill out day for me. I have found that it is important to have "self care days" if you can manage to have them. I've just come out of a crisis recently, (I won't go into detail) and I am so grateful that I had people surrounding me during that time. However I am also aware that there are others out there who are in crisis right now and don't necessarily have people surrounding them. This worries me a little bit, and I hope people in those situations have the awareness to reach out. I know it can be hard sometimes, to reach out. But I think it's really important that we know how to reach out when we are feeling isolated and alone because I know that we are never truly alone. We can always ask for help, and go through the right avenues to get help for ourselves. I think that's enough from me for now. Wishing you all the best in your mental health recovery.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

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

Panic attacks restricting my once outgoing life. replies: 2

New member replies: 1

Anxiety symptoms, IT DOES GET BETTER! replies: 1

Greetings from the Butterfly replies: 1