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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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Johnc2019 Never posted before, hope this helps
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a 29 y/o male and I don't really know how to phrase this message, but I thought I need to do something. I'm constantly unhappy in my life, but by looking at me you would never know. I'm usually the life of the party and the one that seemingly... View more

Hi, I'm a 29 y/o male and I don't really know how to phrase this message, but I thought I need to do something. I'm constantly unhappy in my life, but by looking at me you would never know. I'm usually the life of the party and the one that seemingly shows the most happiness around others - I want to be liked and have developed myself around that persona. I hit a tipping point recently (which led me to post this). I got off the phone with my wife and during our conversation I almost came to tears - I had to hold it back, which was incredibly hard and it was over absolutely nothing. I've never thought much of it because I had a good upbringing and don't have anything really to complain about, so I feel bad even considering that I should have anyone devote attention to me - "like what the hell is wrong with you, you have nothing to complain about". But I find over the years I've relied on alcohol more and more particularly when really unhappy or anxious (I have had an anxiety attack in the past), but have also thought I can suck it up, it'll pass (and it usually does, I feel less unhappy some days than others and some i even feel happy), but I always turn to alcohol to get me through the hard times. To date it's never impacted my work and I function extremely well at work - in fact I have a great job that I'm good at and pays well. I've started to drink more and more though which long term compounds the issue I think. Do I have a problem? I guess I just want perspective and context - is this normal? Should I suck it up (and I'm ok if the answer is yes)? I've never spoken to anyone about this or ever posted online.

Lonley_geek Introduce myself
  • replies: 1

Hi, everyone first post. Im a guy who recently just turned 30 and I don’t have many friends or girlfriend for that matter. I’ve joined clubs and classes to meet people but still not much luck. And I occasionally get anexity which does not help but I’... View more

Hi, everyone first post. Im a guy who recently just turned 30 and I don’t have many friends or girlfriend for that matter. I’ve joined clubs and classes to meet people but still not much luck. And I occasionally get anexity which does not help but I’ve trying to over come it.

Humancat95 Hi everyone, I’m a new online member here.
  • replies: 2

Hi all, So, I won’t go into complete detail about my mental illnessness because it started when I was only 11 years old and I am now 23 years old so as you can imagine, a tremendous amount of things have happened and gone on throughout the years. I’m... View more

Hi all, So, I won’t go into complete detail about my mental illnessness because it started when I was only 11 years old and I am now 23 years old so as you can imagine, a tremendous amount of things have happened and gone on throughout the years. I’m hoping to get online support here as I’m hopeless at speaking on the phone. I do have a psychiatrist who I see fortnightly but honestly it’s not enough for me. I need additional help and support. I’m unable to leave my house by myself and it has been this way for many years now. I don’t have friends and I’m also an introvert so it doesn’t really bother me about not being social in person. My family are also not helpful or supportive and they also suffer from mental illnesses, so basically I’ve been alone with myself for a long time. I’m a 23 year old female living in Melbourne, VIC. My nickname on here is Humancat95 So yeah.. Not much else to say for now about myself or whatever. Thanks for reading this

Jb12345 First step...finally.
  • replies: 1

Hi all I'll get right into it then. Im almost 29 and basically have suffered from depression since I was about 14 and the last 6 or 7 years, its close friend anxiety has joined in as well. I'm generally the life of the party, funniest guy in the room... View more

Hi all I'll get right into it then. Im almost 29 and basically have suffered from depression since I was about 14 and the last 6 or 7 years, its close friend anxiety has joined in as well. I'm generally the life of the party, funniest guy in the room but I have suffered from this in silence, have never told anyone apart from my current girlfriend who is supportive and understanding. I recently opened up to another person as they suffered from something similar and I thought I could help them with my experience and we were a good support network for each other until one day said I was too much and needed a break from me giving no real reason (which is driving my anxiety wild as you would imagine) it was a big kick in the guts. My life has been a pretty good one, heathy family, lots of friends, enjoy a few hobbies etc but with the flick of a switch I can instantly hate myself, causing more anxiety, which in turn can grow into anger and embarrassment. Its basically a daily battle of which I either win or lose and im honestly just tired of it. Its exhausting to do this day in day out. I've tried different lifestyle changes over the years, nothing seems to really kick it for good. Im just tired and want to chat with people who have some sort of idea what I'm going through, as it is such a bizarre and misunderstood disease. Cheers

Jacks101 Severe anxiety attack
  • replies: 1

Today while working I had a severe anxiety attack at a shopping centre . I had to get back to work car to lay down my heart rate was in regular my palms were so clammy my legs and arms were tingling all over I was so scared I felt like I was dying ca... View more

Today while working I had a severe anxiety attack at a shopping centre . I had to get back to work car to lay down my heart rate was in regular my palms were so clammy my legs and arms were tingling all over I was so scared I felt like I was dying called work they took me to dr who called ambulance as I couldn't walk my heart rate was through the roof at this stage . After all test were done drs said anxiety can have all the symptoms of a heart attack. Just wished I knew what triggered this and how to stop it if it happened again

Ali17 Depressed husband confusing me
  • replies: 3

Hey guys, really in need of some advice please. My husband has depression and it’s quite bad, I mean any form of communication with how he feels is you could say no existent. All I ever get is I don’t know, I’m sorry I can’t answer anything. We’ve be... View more

Hey guys, really in need of some advice please. My husband has depression and it’s quite bad, I mean any form of communication with how he feels is you could say no existent. All I ever get is I don’t know, I’m sorry I can’t answer anything. We’ve been married for 3 months so this is where I’m at a hard place, let me start off by saying this guy is the sweetest most loving guy, he would always put me first and was the one that caught for our relationship meaning he would be the one to fix things or try to make things better when we argued. Now moving onto now he’s so distant he tells me he doesn’t feel anything not even for the kids.. for nothing. Plus he’s been doing a lot of things out of character for him, and towards me in one breath he will tell me it’s not me it’s not my fault and that he loves me but in the next it’s that I’ve pushed him away because of the arguments and that he doesn’t know how he feels about me or anything I ask him things all the time about us he can’t ansfwer them and really every response is almost different than the last it’s becoming so hard for myself to manage my everyday life because I feel so heartbroken and lost and I really don’t know what to do, he is my world we have always had a good relationship and now this is coming between us I try to support him and be “normal” towards him but I don’t know what that is anymore really he’s said a lot of hurtful things and it’s weird because it’s like he doesn’t feel anything can’t answer anything but as soon as he says something so hurtful like the last time he said he didn’t love me like he used to anymore he doesn’t feel a connection or he leaves for the night or days and doesn’t come home it’s like when I react with anger and hurt something inside him is triggered and he tells me it’s not me he loves me he’s sorry doesn’t want to hurt me that it’s just his head.. can someone please give me some advice he tells me he loves me all the time but than tells me he doesn’t feel love for anything and when he does it’s not the same as before. I’m lost here

JustJools Looking for support while caring for my disabled son 
  • replies: 3

I don’t know which way to turn. I am so deep in slump and so sad I have no one no family. It’s just me and my severely disabled son. I just had to move and I live where I can’t afford I am hungry and lost and fed up and I just want to hide and sleep ... View more

I don’t know which way to turn. I am so deep in slump and so sad I have no one no family. It’s just me and my severely disabled son. I just had to move and I live where I can’t afford I am hungry and lost and fed up and I just want to hide and sleep and not think or worry. I think I’m having a breakdown. I just want to live 1 day longer than my boy. He’s 25 and needs me but we have no life no joy no nothing. Can’t do lifeline because I can’t hear I’m deaf.

lozs Newbie hello: I'm sad, lonely and don't know how this will get better
  • replies: 3

Hiiii.... I'm new here.... I've been struggling with depression for about a long time, I've had counselling on and off, dealing with family issues, first marriage break up (I was married to a liar and cheat) and now infertility. Over the years I've m... View more

Hiiii.... I'm new here.... I've been struggling with depression for about a long time, I've had counselling on and off, dealing with family issues, first marriage break up (I was married to a liar and cheat) and now infertility. Over the years I've moved a lot and over time, I've lost a lot of friends due to moving, I basically no longer have a social circle, just my husband and a couple of friends. I have a small family and we aren't close. I rely on my husband and best friend a lot. The other thing that seems to be getting worse is my energy levels and fatigue. I don't socialise because being with other people in social situations takes a lot of effort, I'm exhausted from it the next day and feel like I can only socialise every couple of weeks because of this. I wish I could reach out to other people and tell them how I'm feeling, but because I have few friends that I trust, I can't. I broke off ties with a lot of friends because they were toxic, vacuous people who frustrated me. The older you get, the harder it is to make real authentic friendships. I will seek counselling again but I honestly don't see how this will get better for me. I'm worried that when I become a mother, I won't be able to cope. Most of all, I don't want to put this all on my husband and wear him out. I work from home and often I just walk around the house crying.

Miraa Hello, I am Mira.
  • replies: 5

Hi, I'm Mira. This is my first time joining and contributing to BeyondBlue. I am 21. I have been sexually assaulted by two people in my lifetime, and violated by one. My first assault was when I was 16, then 20 and 21 respectively. Before this, I fac... View more

Hi, I'm Mira. This is my first time joining and contributing to BeyondBlue. I am 21. I have been sexually assaulted by two people in my lifetime, and violated by one. My first assault was when I was 16, then 20 and 21 respectively. Before this, I faced a lot of domestic abuse at home. Which physically only stopped a few years ago. These are the probably the biggest reasons that resulted in my deterioration. But along the way, there are so many other extreme life events I have surpassed. I am truly grieving, not too much of what happened, but I feel I am prevented from healing. I am not in a position to access therapy. And I have been kept dependent so I can not leave. I don't have a job, or know how to drive, or how to survive if I immediately left. All my abusers are independent from each other. And no one in my personal life knows of these abuses. I temporarily attended free counselling, in secret, and over my holiday she unexpectedly left her job. Deep down inside, I felt, I finally opened up to somebody and it drove her off. At this point in my life, I am just a carcass moving around. I have lost all sense of self. All joy. All motivation. All concentration. The intellectual fire in me. Who could I have been if I had a good personal support system and could access services to help me? If you're out there reading this. What took you down? What makes you keep going? How do you make peace with your reality, especially if you are stuck in a place? With love, Mira

Annotate New Member looking for support with complex PTSD.
  • replies: 2

Hi There, I was diagnosed with PTSD about six years ago after prolonged traumatic events at work. Counselling revealed the importance of delving into childhood traumas that I had learned to live with as well burried unspoken aspects of my past. It ha... View more

Hi There, I was diagnosed with PTSD about six years ago after prolonged traumatic events at work. Counselling revealed the importance of delving into childhood traumas that I had learned to live with as well burried unspoken aspects of my past. It has become clear, that coming to terms with PTS and overcoming it to make the future as positive and rich as possible involves finding a specialist who deals with complex PTSD. Many claim to, but really, complex means complex, thinking outside classic cases. I found a great support group on Facebook which has put reasearch and great resources into my hands. What I need to find is now is a specialist who really does focus on complex PTSD, because I’m kinda tired of putting time and effort into building therapeutic relationships only to find that my case is actually more complex than they thought and not really what they comfortably take on. My life is moving in a really positive direction, I’d like to deal with this.