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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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 recovery is taking so long

replies: 3

I have what I thought was a perfect life, 3 young children, gorgeous husband, friends. I'm very blessed. When I was 25 I suffered a severe depressive episode but was able to recover within 3 months and was in remission for 16 years. Last year in May I had a fight with my mum and sister and suffered a major breakdown, depression, obsessive thoughts and severe anxiety. I was hospitalised and had to change medications. It's been the hardest year of my life. Drs tell me I'm doing all the right things. I can be ok some days and nights. I just really miss my life and scared that I'll never recover. Everything is now fine with my family. My kids are too young to understand but I grieve for the life I had. When anxiety can be so bad it turns into obsessive thoughts it's really scary. While most of my symptoms have improved I'm struggling with the fact that I've been sick for a year and still grieve for my old life. Does anyone have any inspiration to keep going? People tell me it's normal for serious bout to take at least a year to recover from.

Suffering from bipolar

replies: 2

Hey guys, I haven't posted on this online community forum for many years but I'm back because I'm really asking for some guidance. I have bipolar and have been on and off medication and recently kicked the medication as it was ruining my motivation and making me feel ill. I have a daily struggle to regulate my moods and often find myself just hating everything I do, I have socially withdrawn from my friends, I have a constant struggle with drug use and whatever job I do I end up absolutely hating and just wanting to change and switch up 24/7 (Manic self just cannot stick to one thing). I have been hospitalised twice since the start of 2019 and my mental health is ruining my relationship, my job and my life. I want to be stable but I have no idea how to be. I work a full time traineeship job and I'm really trying to stick to it (as I've gone through 4-5 jobs over the past year and have dropped out of uni twice). Can someone please give me some semblance of an idea on how to run my life somewhat smoothly and maintain a structure? Begging for help, thank you xxxx

Where to begin....

replies: 2

Where to begin.... A year ago I caught my partner cheating... I was devastated, I gave him another chance... A week ago I caught him sex messaging the same woman, he claimed it was only the second time... Last night I noticed a text he was extremely protective of, he claimed it was 'work related'... Turns out it it was another woman altogether... he has just started to 'sext' her... Claims nothing physical happened... no big deal.... Attacked my libido, claimed if I gave it to him more, he wouldn't stray... Claimed that financially "I need him and cannot afford to live without him" He refuses to believe it's over, blames me for his infidelity.... Thinks I NEED him. It's over! I will find a way to live without him....

Hi

replies: 2

I'm a 21 year old white male and I wanna shrivel up and die. Not even sure if I want to talk about it. Just need to say it.

trying to understand more about my depression or anxiety not to sure which one.

replies: 1

Hi all im new at this just thought id jump on to see if anyone can relate to the way ive been feeling and maybe get some clarity about it,

Just feel like talking.

replies: 4

Hi, I'm new to Beyond Blue and I've been having a hard time with social anxiety lately. It would be nice to get to know other people on BB and maybe learn a bit about them. Hobbies, pets, likes/dislikes etc. So if anyone feels like saying a bit about... View more

Joining this community

replies: 1

Hi, apparently I should introduce myself, having joined up to beyond blue. I only looked at some posts today after a friend said sometimes they help her to see she’s not alone when she is struggling with something. I have recently been diagnosed with BPD. I figured it out myself and then went gung ho to try to get help. I’m starting group sessions tomorrow and have had individual therapy twice so far. For me, this diagnosis is incredibly welcome. I wish I had got it years ago, perhaps my life would have played out very differently if I had. I’m not upset that I have this thing. I think there are some very positive aspects of being this way - increased empathy, depth of feeling, passion, caring about others and the world. And to me, they are wonderful things to have and I wouldn’t want to give them up. However, the downsides of BPD: boy oh boy are they downsides. Sometimes I go from joyful exhuberance to suicidal ideation in the space of a few days, or a few hours. I haven’t had a relationship in something like 8 years, I lose friends, I have no faith in myself and can struggle with basic things like finding a job. BPD is really hard work, most days. But, I feel like there is no fault in us who have it. I feel like we have gifts to add to the world, we just need scaffolding and support to be in a world where we don’t quite fit. I am joining Beyond Blue because when I talk to others who also have BPD I feel a sense of community and belonging, which is something that is not a standard occurrence when you have this thing. Knowing now that I have BPD, I can speak to others who understand me and can relate to my experiences and feelings, and I can relate to theirs. I feel validated How wonderful that is. Thanks for reading.

Hi there... I'm new to this

replies: 4

Hi everyone I decided to join this forum because I have been struggling with mental health issues for quite some time. I don't know why, but I find it really hard to ask for help. This is probably why I haven't sought professional help. Every time I make an appointment with my GP, I cancel it at the last minute. I think I feel like I should be able to fix my own problems or that other people's mental health issues are much worse than mine and that a doctor wouldn't believe me. I find it really hard to articulate and communicate what my issues are, so I wouldn't know what to say if I saw a doctor. Things haven't been great lately and I have been very stressed. I'm not coping well emotionally and it is taking a toll on my personal relationships. I am worried that I might lose my job because I haven't been performing lately because I have a lot on my mind. I'm hoping that I can use this as a first step. Maybe I can find some resources. Or maybe I can get better at opening up. All I know is that I want to change and I want to feel better. Thank you for listening.

Another newbie - thanks for existing :)

replies: 1

Hello. I've just joined the forums today although I've read bits and pieces of threads over the years when they came up as search results on google - I finally decided to actually join in and participate, in the hopes that it would be more helpful than just browsing on occasion. I've had anxiety issues my entire life and depression on and off - but the latest depressive bout having lasted a couple of years now has been pretty discouraging. It's never lasted this long before (life circumstances have contributed and still are a major factor). I have been able to get into therapy recently with a lovely psychologist that I really resonate with, so that has opened up a tiny hopeful door to a better future and I want to make the most of it and see what I can manage to accomplish - even though at this point I don't really believe in anything better or feeling good ever again. I do believe I can probably have a more manageable, bearable life - if I try, and if people will help. I also believe that human connection is incredibly valuable and important, and that having support and validation from other humans can make an enormous difference so... here I am. I have been impressed often by the kindness and insight in many of the replies on these forums, and hope to become a part of the community over time. I will try to read around the place and get the gist if things, and start and respond to threads occasionally. I am autistic, have social anxiety and often find communication with other people difficult but I'm going to try. So in conclusion.... hi.

Hi there

replies: 1

Hi there, I’m Jason, I’m a 45 year old, I’m a bit lost, lost my job and marriage about 4 years ago, I’m currently back at Uni training into a new field, I met a person who is as damaged or more damaged than me and being rejected by her hurts, initially there was physical contact at the start but I felt like I was used and ended that, she wants me around as a friend but because of the past and her coldness and harshness, lack of empathy and brutal disregard for peoples feelings and inability to share emotion, I mean if she cries she won’t even let me hug her, these things really hurt and I’m not sure whether I just walk away or how to handle it, I care about her. this is having an effect on my motivation, I already have depression and constantly feel like I’m nothing.. any input or advice would be greatly appreciated thank you

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

My recovery is taking so long replies: 3

Suffering from bipolar replies: 2

Where to begin.... replies: 2

Hi replies: 2

trying to understand more about my depression or anxiety not to sure which one. replies: 1

Just feel like talking. replies: 4

Joining this community replies: 1

Hi there... I'm new to this replies: 4

Another newbie - thanks for existing :) replies: 1

Hi there replies: 1