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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Kinda New, Help?

replies: 6

Now, I haven't been on this account since 2015 so please Excuse the username! Ok, I just joined back today; wanting to change my username but I don't know how, is it possible to? Also, if you would tell me some other helpful things that will be great... View more

New member here.

replies: 3

Hi all. This is really hard for me, even to do anon. During high school I was the most happy, active & bubbly person. I was on the path to going to Medical School and my dream of being a surgeon. This all came crashing down when I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in my final schooling years. I suffered constant Grand Mal seizures and numerous other medical problems which stemmed from the seizures (fractures, broken teeth etc). It's safe to say at some point in my last year of school I was considering 'opting out.' I never came close and now I hope it was just some dramatic teen fleeting thought as I don't have that desire or thoughts any more. FF to University... I obviously couldn't be a surgeon anymore. New medication I was on made my mind foggy so I also couldn't handle a medical degree. I just did a basic degree which I eventually completed over 5 years. It was the worst 5 years of my life. I lost a lot of friendships and couldn't maintain a relationship. University was absolute hell. I had to work three times as hard to just pass subjects because I would always forget content or fall asleep in class. I even had a few seizures during exams which was no help. I was extremely depressed and eventually diagnosed with chronic depression. . Then a miracle happened - my doctor found an epilepsy medication which actually WORKED. All my seizures stopped and with them left my depression. FF to 4 years later. Seizure free, in a supportive relationship and even owning my own business. Then one day last year, it happened. Another seizure. My doctor couldn't really explain it but nor could I. I had broken my ankle 2 months prior and we concluded that perhaps I fell and hit my head which brought on the seizure as there was really no other explanation. My medication was increased and my licence revoked regardless, just as a precaution. Then again about April this year, I had another seizure. We have now concluded these are due to stress brought on by running my own company. There is nothing I can do. I can't work away from home as I can't drive and I always need a nap around 2PM to get through the day. I don't know what to do. I am lost and desperate. I feel useless and in constant fear of another seizure. I am extremely insecure and cannot stand the sight of myself in the mirror. Dark thoughts are entering my mind again. I am seeing my neurologist in about a month but just wanted some advice/support till then...

Newbie with Social Anxiety

replies: 8

Hello everyone. I'm here because my new psychologist suggested I try to find people online I can communicate with as I find it impossible to do so in real life due to anxiety. I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place, but it's the only place I know of. I'm 28 years old and have had anxiety, especially social anxiety, for pretty much my entire life. I have very little life experience as I don't leave my house much and never leave it when I'm alone. I've never had a job outside of a short stint at delivering pamphlets and catalogues to letterboxes which I did not enjoy doing. I went for my driver's license several years ago and my Ls expired before I ever developed the confidence to attempt getting my Ps. I don't have any friends besides my dear cat. I am, however, incredibly fortunate enough to have a supportive family who don't pressure me to be well. I'm am very nervous about posting this and I'm in half a mind hoping nobody replies so I don't have to confront my fears.

Lonely

replies: 5

Hi, My family and I recently moved homes, I’m feeling extremely lonely. It all started when my mum passed away 7 years ago, her loss effected me tremendously, I suffered depression and gained weight, two years ago something clicked in me and I decided to get my life back on track, I lost over 60kg and started feeling better about my self but then my dads dementia got really bad and unfortunately I lost him too last year, although losing him was hard it wasn’t as hard as my mothers loss ( my heart was already broken) my parents inheritance was such a beautiful gift from them and I decided to use it wisely and buy a bigger home for my family, I have four children and we desperately needed more space. I pulled all four of my children out of schools they absolutely loved so they can go to the local school and be part of the community and they have settled in well but me on the other hand not so well, I miss all my friends from the old school, the new school seem they all have there little groups already formed although they are pleasant and say hi every so often they are not inclusive, I find myself waiting at school pickups all alone and depressed, I can’t stop crying as I’ve always been one of those parents that knew everyone and had so many friends. I tried to join my youngest in a sport so he can get to know his friends better and I can get to know the parents but tonight I got an email saying that the team “might be” full and would my child mind being in a different team with some other kids that aren’t in his class, it triggered my loneliness even more and I feel gutted, I don’t want to tell my son as he has never done a sport and he was so looking forward to doing it with his new friends. I’m so worried that the loneliness I’m feeling will pull me back into a depression I fought so hard to pull myself out of after so many years.

Gaming addiction has ruined my life.

replies: 3

My name is Peter and i am 36 years old and i suffer with anxiety & depression. I am extremely worried about my future, i didn't do well at school, i have never had a girlfriend or anyone to love or care for apart from family, i have no friends, i am alone. I don't work, i look at family & friends that i went to school with all living life, married with kids and then there is me, a complete mess. I have been addicted to video games ever since i was a kid and they are the main reason i screwed my life up, i am in a rut and i have no idea what to do. I did not think this way when i was younger, this way of thinking has come as i have gotten older, my mistakes and poor choices in life have hit me hard and the reality of what i have become has effected me greatly. I have a lot of fears & worries that effects my daily life. I am not suicidal but my way of thinking now is very negative, i don't know why i was born or why i was put on this earth, i feel worthless & if i found out tomorrow i had terminal cancer i think i would accept it because just thinking about that i might be on this earth for the next 40 to 50 years living like this, no thanks. I even have thoughts that i wish i actually was born a female, i just think i would have been better as a female, my life might have been different. I hate my life and i hate myself for allowing it to happen, sometimes i just curl up and cry.

Unhappy scared

replies: 1

Hi first time I can’t get happy don’t enjoy anything . I got very sick with the flu 7/8weeks ago was off work for three weeks home by myself partner and stepdaughter away on holidays. Got news from my daughter was so happy for her but why am I so worried. My youngest daughter rarely contacts me I don’t see her I can’t contact her her mother had punished me for something that happened couple years ago I can’t get my head around it . I’m continually hurting and pushing the people who I love and care a about so much away from me . They are in my life but I feel so so so so alone I feel they are avoiding me . I’m empty numb in pain i just want it all to go away be as normal as possible be my old self . I have the tools but no will or want WHY I do not understand everyone says just do it . The people I’m hurting I thought understand but am really unsure now probably going to have to go back to my parents which makes matters worse but can’t keep letting my partner and stepdaughter down when I lose them I lost everything . Want the pain emptiness to all go away. I’ve been battling this a long long time lost everything once not that I have much to lose but can see it all going again I think I’ve just about had enough of this fight don’t no how much more fight I have getting very tired and scared

First time here and need help

replies: 2

I’m 47, male, scared about posting here but feel very alone. I’ve got a nice house, wife and kids, no financial worries and a good job with a great salary. But I’m just not happy. I don’t know how to be happy. I feel very alone. I have no real friends. I don’t really socialise. My only interest is soccer but I don’t play or coach any more. I feel like I’ve got no purpose. work is stressful and business results aren’t great. I’m worried I’ll lose my job soon even though I’m working really hard and long hours. my boys are 17 and 19, I feel like they don’t need me anymore and I don’t have any value other than as an ATM. I’m in a rut and don’t know what to do. I don’t like to talk in person. I tried a psychologist before and didn’t like it or get value from it. dont know what to do any more. I don’t feel I have a future, value, any goals and I feel like I’ve pretty much got to the point now where nobody needs me and I’m effectively just treading water and killing time until I die. what can I do differently?

Do I Need Help

replies: 1

So I've always had an issue with social surroundings and and being in public places. I have tried many times to get myself relaxed before going out for the day. But then when I'm actually out I feel like a rush through my body which causes me to sometimes be sidetracked and forget what I'm at the store to get because my mind is all over the place my heart's racing my stomach is turning. My insides feel like it's going 100 miles an hour. And I feel so hot I feel like I'm going to faint. So I always thought I had anxiety. But how can I really be sure. And what can do to prevent it. But when I'm with someone I still get the feelings but they aren't as bad as when I'm alone. Has anyone else felt this way. Does anyone know what I can do.

Post redundancy - what's gong on with me?

replies: 4

Hi. After 35yrs of full time work and the confidence and purpose that subconsciously comes from being busy, busy, busy, my role was made redundant. It's only been 6 weeks but soon the payout will run out and the mortage needs to be paid. I was the lion's share of the household income. So now to find a source of income!! I find I'm just not motivated to do anything. I fear if I apply for a job, while I don't think my resume is good enough (I don't have tertitary quals, only experience) I might just get an interview. I'm fearing rejection, having to re-prove my worth - and then why do I measure my value by the job I have and money I earn. Wow, even this post is confusing. Does anyone get my situation? And hints on breaking free appreciated. Thank you.

Unsure about how I am feeling - Sad or Stupid

replies: 2

After feeling a strong need to talk to someone but scrolling though my Facebook friends list, realising I have no one I can turn to I have decided to try the anonymity of a forum. For the last 2 months I have been experiencing a lot of low moments, emotionally. I find myself crying a lot over various things. I have a high stress job which until recently I have enjoyed however since accepting the position a year ago I have had a general unease in regards to feeling safe and secure in the position, if anything goes wrong I have a fear of being fired. I am actively involved in a lot of theatre, it was my escape and favourite thing to do but recently have lost my passion and no longer find it enjoyable. I am just going through the motions but am afraid to quit because then all I will be left with is my job. I currently am single and find it very hard to connect with anyone and build a long lasting relationship. I have been dating but have come to the realisation I don’t necessarily want a romantic relationship so much as I want companionship. Because of everything compounding over the last few months I have been feeling very worthless and have had thoughts about disappearing. Not necessarily ending my life but just ceasing to exist. I’m not sure if my feelings are valid or if I am just being stupid. Because I don’t want to waste anyone’s time I haven’t sought out professional help so that’s why I have come here, to see if anyone else has experienced something similar.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Kinda New, Help? replies: 6

New member here. replies: 3

Newbie with Social Anxiety replies: 8

Lonely replies: 5

Gaming addiction has ruined my life. replies: 3

Unhappy scared replies: 1

First time here and need help replies: 2

Do I Need Help replies: 1

Post redundancy - what's gong on with me? replies: 4

Unsure about how I am feeling - Sad or Stupid replies: 2