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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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ChiChiMarie 19 and still figuring things out
  • replies: 1

Hey, I’ve read a few other threads and I think I’ll just introduce myself a little bit. As I mentioned in the title I’m 19, I work in a bar as a bartender and also the admin during the day. I live with my mum and my brother, it’s always been that way... View more

Hey, I’ve read a few other threads and I think I’ll just introduce myself a little bit. As I mentioned in the title I’m 19, I work in a bar as a bartender and also the admin during the day. I live with my mum and my brother, it’s always been that way. I own a cat, his names Marcel and I also awn a car that’s on its way out. thats pretty much me, I would like people of all ages to respond to my thread because I would like to know where you are at, what you’ve overcome and what advice or story you could give me from it. I’ve been feeling a certain way that I don’t quite understand yet. I think it’s depression but I don’t want to assume because it’s such a big thing with people my age, to blame a health issue or medical issue when you’re acting a certain way or things are going your way. I hope that makes sense. I am someone that is very happy and appreciate everything I have in my life. I will never take anything for granted but I can’t help but feel upset, or disappointed or just not myself. I am recognising these things and I have tried taking things out of my life and even brining things into my life to change something but it’s just gotten worse. Pretty much I don’t like to say it but I feel really depressed, I’m not sleeping enough and when I do, I’m sleeping into something important I should be awake for or even just a catch up with friends. I’m eating so bad, I’ve been focusing on what I’m eating and I’m still not choosing to change up my diet. My room is a mess, I can’t be bothered to do anything, I do my job at work but honestly if I was in a right mind set it would only take me half a day to do what I take a whole day to finish. I’m going to stop there because I think you get the idea. Anyway, I’m hoping there is someone around my age that could tell me their situation too, hoping to relate to someone. - Lucia

Tremor29 a rough life
  • replies: 2

My name is Stuart and I currently suffer from clinical depression/anxiety. Since last month my anxiety has and currently is through the roof due to the fact that not only is my partner and I are expecting a baby but my partner is going through a roug... View more

My name is Stuart and I currently suffer from clinical depression/anxiety. Since last month my anxiety has and currently is through the roof due to the fact that not only is my partner and I are expecting a baby but my partner is going through a rough time with a former partner because of custody of her kids and that is putting undue pressure on both of us. I have tried talking to counsellors but I have the worst luck due most of them leaving to go somewhere else. My partner is currently getting help from a psychologist but I don't know what to do or who to turn to. stuart

Peter_G_2001 Hi
  • replies: 2

I'm Peter and I don't know if I'm just sad sometimes or do I need help. I'm normally a very happy person but sometimes I go to some dark places. I was scared of dying when I was a child so I never thought I would have these thoughts. I don't believe ... View more

I'm Peter and I don't know if I'm just sad sometimes or do I need help. I'm normally a very happy person but sometimes I go to some dark places. I was scared of dying when I was a child so I never thought I would have these thoughts. I don't believe I have a reason to be sad but sometimes I think I'm really not worth anything. I have a amazing best friend and wonderful girlfriend but I keep messing up majorly so I think I'm doing more damage than good. I really don't think I deserve her but I feel if I lose her I might tip over the edge into dark hole. I've read some of the threads before posting and I feel everyone actually needs help and support and I'm just some guy who gets unhappy but I really dont want to talk about this with people close to me because I don't want them to treat me different.

Guest_732 I need help things have gotten bad..
  • replies: 3

Been raised with mentality if you dont work you're worthless.. havent been able to get proper work for as long as I can remember and somehow ended up being an escort.. comes with all it's own problems ontop of my mental health but atleast I could say... View more

Been raised with mentality if you dont work you're worthless.. havent been able to get proper work for as long as I can remember and somehow ended up being an escort.. comes with all it's own problems ontop of my mental health but atleast I could say I was working.. but now.. somebody has sent my photos and everything all around my small country home town and everybody knows and I cant go back there have nowhere to live my partner loves it in that town but he understands why I feel like I cant go back... I feel useless.. I've ruined his and my life even more just be trying to make it better... the urge to give up is getting stronger and stronger each minute that passes... I dont know anymore maybe i dont deserve tk live... does anyone have any advice at all

rbunty21 RB
  • replies: 1

Hey all Don’t really know how to say this. I’ve been holding this in for so long. Never spoke to anyone after. Pretty scared really to say much. Came forward at work that I was suffering from major depression and anxiety. Didn’t turn out well needles... View more

Hey all Don’t really know how to say this. I’ve been holding this in for so long. Never spoke to anyone after. Pretty scared really to say much. Came forward at work that I was suffering from major depression and anxiety. Didn’t turn out well needless to say. Had time off with with phone calls telling me that I was taking the piss out of the company. When I returned I was told that I now had to earn there trust as if I had done something wrong when I had never hurt anyone or damaged and plant. I was then told that no one wanted to work with me. After that I wanted to to go for a higher position within the company and was told that I could apply for new positions and go for the interviews but I would. Ever get the job that I applied for. Needless to say. My self asteem has never been so low. I’m so scared now to try achieve any goals. Everyday I struggle to get up. I love my partner and my family and at the moment it them that keeps me here. But slowly and surely that strength is getting weaker. I’m really sorry for being so negitive but it’s eating me and I remember being so positive. But all I ever do now is second guess myself. Because I don’t believe I’m good enough. And I believe I have failed my family. Sorry for being so negitive. I don’t know how to be positive anymore. RB

Ready_to_get_better Hi all. An introduction.
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I'm Jay. I'm new to this site and also to the realization that I have been lost for a long time. While I've had some therapy in the past; at a young age for an eating disorder, in my mid twenties for anxiety and depression, and very soon... View more

Hi everyone, I'm Jay. I'm new to this site and also to the realization that I have been lost for a long time. While I've had some therapy in the past; at a young age for an eating disorder, in my mid twenties for anxiety and depression, and very soon for what I'm believing to be PTSD and the aforementioned mental conditions. I've been to my a GP today and will be back again in two days time to figure out a treatment plan with a clinical psychologist. While I was committed to my recoveries in the past, this time I don't just want get better, I want to be the best me I can be. I believe that starts by admitting that while the circumstances that initially led me down this path were completely out of my control, getting back on track is well within my capabilities. That's not easy with self doubt plaguing me, as well as it being very hard to separate the goody

sokunn hi
  • replies: 3

hi guys I sometimes get depressed and am only on here because I wanted to know if things do get better?

hi guys I sometimes get depressed and am only on here because I wanted to know if things do get better?

MeerKatMum Hi there!
  • replies: 2

Hi guys! I'm new here (although I've read through posts in the past) so thought I'd say hello. I'm a 31 yr old mum and I've had depression since I was 14. In January I FINALLY weaned off my meds and I'm feeling pretty confident without them. I still ... View more

Hi guys! I'm new here (although I've read through posts in the past) so thought I'd say hello. I'm a 31 yr old mum and I've had depression since I was 14. In January I FINALLY weaned off my meds and I'm feeling pretty confident without them. I still have a lot of healing to do from past traumas, and need to build my self-esteem but I'm getting there. Recently my partner has become depressed (which I posted about on a different forum) so that is a new challenge. Hopefully this will be a good place to give and get support

Fuzzball Not sure where to start
  • replies: 2

Hi. I’m Scott. 43, married and a father o a cheeky title 4 year old. Sounds like I should be on top of the world right? Yeah. Me too, but I’m not. For the last year to 18 months I’ve been struggling, personally and professionally. Life, stress, famil... View more

Hi. I’m Scott. 43, married and a father o a cheeky title 4 year old. Sounds like I should be on top of the world right? Yeah. Me too, but I’m not. For the last year to 18 months I’ve been struggling, personally and professionally. Life, stress, family and work have all weighed down on me like a ton of bricks. I have tried to seek help in the past, but can’t get past the new-age approach of a lot of counsellors. I feel that no matter which way I turn, I’m lost. Lost in a sea of sadness, anxiety, rage. My wife has now asked me to think about our home situation and decide if I want out. But I can’t seem to make a decision. I start leaning one way or the other and then, in the next moment, I’m leaning the other way. I love my family. I love the life we have created together. But now I’m unsure as to what to do. Will we be happier apart? Is it worth saving the family and our lives together? I’m sure I’m not the only person to feel this way, but I don’t know where else to turn.