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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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Lostself46 46 and completely lost!
  • replies: 4

I am completely lost! I feel useless and miserable. And I feel like people are sick of hearing my miserable stories. I’m also a carer, I look after my two sons with autism, my father with a brain injury and my mother with mobility issues. I have a da... View more

I am completely lost! I feel useless and miserable. And I feel like people are sick of hearing my miserable stories. I’m also a carer, I look after my two sons with autism, my father with a brain injury and my mother with mobility issues. I have a daughter who is trying to be supportive but I see her struggling too, which breaks my heart. Iv been separated for 3 years and can’t seem to move on. I’m overweight, living on a carers pension and feel like I have nothing to give. I feel like I can never take a break from this as there is no support for me to have a break and plus no money which doesn’t help. I hit rock bottom today when another friend of mine who recently separated told me their dating someone and as happy as I was for them couldn’t help but think I’m being left behind. I just can’t seem to do anything right, iv missed appointments lately, leaving my bed is SO HARD as it’s the only place I enjoy being. And to top everything off 3 weeks ago I woke with nerve pain down my arm and I haven’t been able to rid myself of it. Iv had tests, ultrasounds, they have tried several different pain killers putting me in different states of being a zombie, not good for looking after others. I’m exhausted! I’m dead inside! I gave everything to others and now there is nothing left for me and totally lost myself in the process. I’m on antidepressants but they don’t seem to be working. Medical in the town I live costs quite a bit and I can’t always afford it, so I go without! Iv lost all of my fight and I just want to rest!

rob19 rob19 something new
  • replies: 5

hi all yes am new to this so here goes i have been battling anxiety for way to long now (15 or 16 yrs) and am sick of it controlling my life and not doing and being all i can and want to be. i had a big step backwards tonight after many small steps f... View more

hi all yes am new to this so here goes i have been battling anxiety for way to long now (15 or 16 yrs) and am sick of it controlling my life and not doing and being all i can and want to be. i had a big step backwards tonight after many small steps forward found myself in a public situation and started having negative thoughts and panicked and fled something that i have not done for a long time ,anyway will keep it short for now and yes i feel better even just talking about it on here so hello to all and goodbye for now

Sam___P New Here
  • replies: 4

Hello, i'm new here Hi, I often feel depressed and worthless, but I am scared to talk about it to anyone. I am fine at school, but at home I am never very happy. I try to improve how I am living - diet, exercise, meditation. But every time I try I so... View more

Hello, i'm new here Hi, I often feel depressed and worthless, but I am scared to talk about it to anyone. I am fine at school, but at home I am never very happy. I try to improve how I am living - diet, exercise, meditation. But every time I try I soon loose motivation. I also don't eat much, nothing but dinner. I'm not sure if that relates, but people always tell me I should eat more. I don't get much sleep, either. Only a few hours a night. Anyways, I hope someone could give me a little insight and maybe I can make some friends I can talk to.

LuluLucifer New to this site - not new to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Going through the motions of living......
  • replies: 2

Hello to all. I’m new here but have a lifelong history of anxiety and depression. I didn’t actually know this until I was grown up, as I assumed all people felt the way I did (hypervigilent, anxious, not good enough, etc). It wasn’t until I was presc... View more

Hello to all. I’m new here but have a lifelong history of anxiety and depression. I didn’t actually know this until I was grown up, as I assumed all people felt the way I did (hypervigilent, anxious, not good enough, etc). It wasn’t until I was prescribed anti-depressant medication and felt, for the first time, that the heavy knot in my solar plexus was lifted, that I understood that my feelings weren’t shared by everyone who’d had a healthy emotional upbringing, and that I could feel different. Short history: Parents who loathed each other, one a narcissist, the other a passive alcoholic. Took their loathing for each other out on the kids. We had enough to eat and were well-fed on a tiny budget (mother a wartime cook), we were clothed, but we were not loved or cherished. We had to read the emotional weather in the house in order to avoid angry and violent episodes as much as possible, but, sometimes (too often) they happened anyway. It was always our fault. Two of my siblings subsequently suicided. Not something I’ve ever attempted myself, but for some of my younger years I lived recklessly in a way that basically indicated that if I died right then, it wasn’t a concern. Now, I’m much older of course, I have grown-up kids and a life partner of over 26 years, and I would never do anything to cause my own death ... but I’m still not living. I’m going through the motions on a daily basis, feeling that each day is just, “another day down” and that if I didn’t wake up tomorrow that would be okay. I have had excellent psychiatric therapy, and have a great ongoing relationship with my psychiatrist, but knowing that what happened wasn’t my fault, that my scrambled brain chemistry was begun before birth and entrenched in infancy and childhood, and that my family love me, isn’t enough. I’m still lonely and self-defeating in many ways. I’m lonely and isolated. I’d like to discuss how other people live with this and work with it, because I’m sure many people here do. I’m going back to 6 months of weekly therapy starting in a couple of months, but I’d really like to chat with other people who “get it”.

Peonie Down the rabbit hole
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I've recently moved states after 30 years in the one area, leaving older sons, friends, work and familiarity behind. Am in a lot area, but completely grieving for what I left behind. Have Bipolar 1 and have managed incredibly well for a long ... View more

Hi all, I've recently moved states after 30 years in the one area, leaving older sons, friends, work and familiarity behind. Am in a lot area, but completely grieving for what I left behind. Have Bipolar 1 and have managed incredibly well for a long time, a few ups and downs but nothing I couldn't resolve..this however is dreadful. I have completely shutdown physically, emotionally and mentally, I put in the smile to do what needs to be done of course but as soon as I'm alone I unengaged completely. I am not a person who does well being alone, but can't even get out of my head atm...has anyone else found moving their lives the same?

Vinsta Another Newbie
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I am going to find this a little daunting to start with, not knowing what to expect from these forums. Openingng up to strangers isn't really my thing so I will try my best here to help myself as well as hopefully helping out others in t... View more

Hi everyone, I am going to find this a little daunting to start with, not knowing what to expect from these forums. Openingng up to strangers isn't really my thing so I will try my best here to help myself as well as hopefully helping out others in the same boat. All the best.

Bushy2850 introduction
  • replies: 2

Hi I am new here and try to find some support with my past situation as i am living very solitary at the moment. I have a heavy asperger Syndrom that compromises me in my daily life. I have problems with unrightiousnes, dishonesty and manipulators. T... View more

Hi I am new here and try to find some support with my past situation as i am living very solitary at the moment. I have a heavy asperger Syndrom that compromises me in my daily life. I have problems with unrightiousnes, dishonesty and manipulators. Thats why i live litural in the bush, but its very lonely here. Since i was forced to leave my family. i didnt want do deal with people anymore because i feel heavily traumatised what happened to me since the last 5 years . I come from the Netherlands and cant find a job in my field and that gives me very often a useless feeling. I have a daughter of years old which loves me dearly but since she goes to school i wont see her that much anymmore. I know that there are many men out there who experienced the same. so i am not alone. i hope that there are some nice people here to share experiences.

Guest_8790 New person . how to reply
  • replies: 7

MY name is rusty girl and not sure how to reply to comments from from my first thread. Thanks so much to Paul and Bill for your kind words. I guess I am overly sensitive and tend to take things the wrong way and react on a negative manner so when peo... View more

MY name is rusty girl and not sure how to reply to comments from from my first thread. Thanks so much to Paul and Bill for your kind words. I guess I am overly sensitive and tend to take things the wrong way and react on a negative manner so when people react I get upset. thinking too much the wrong way I suppose. when I say my inner voice I mean I am always critical of myself and find it hard to change or get motivated to change my way of thinking. worst time is at night when I don't sleep. it's hard to change after a lifetime of negativity but any suggestions would be appreciated. sorry for any misspelling as my eyesight is a bit off as been diagnosed with dry eyes and seeing ophthalmologist for treatment. kind regards rustic girl

Pommie74 New preppie
  • replies: 2

Hi forum. im a 44 year old dad of one. My boy has just started prep. Full of excitement. In fact he no anxiety or worries about beginning his schooling and has gone happily for the first few days. Headed off this morning without a worry. He has alway... View more

Hi forum. im a 44 year old dad of one. My boy has just started prep. Full of excitement. In fact he no anxiety or worries about beginning his schooling and has gone happily for the first few days. Headed off this morning without a worry. He has always been “high energy” and easily distracted, full of beans etc, and kinder, whilst it wasn’t a struggle for him, was a struggle for the teachers at times! anyhow, the first day, no problem, second day he came home with a take of how he had his name “taken down on the board” a visual representation they use for the kids, if you misbehave, your name moves down, correct the Behavior, move back up. He was upset that his name was moved but not overly so. Second day, he was close to going to see the principal, but escaped that! third day, name and Down, and then back up to his delight. the long and short of this, is the impact it has on me as a parent, I’m wrecked with worry that this will be the pattern, that he will be labelled as “that kid” that he will miss out on opportunities, it will stifle his learning etc. he was marked at kinder as being a very bright, caring and creative kid, but fools about when it’s time to learn, if the pace isn’t right, or if he lacks interest. The whole thing leaves me anxious and worried for him. Dreading each pick up, expecting another report of transgression. I know it’s earlt days, and that it’s insane to be overthinking this so much so soon, just wondering if other parents have had this experience. Thanks for listening.

BE51 Newbie, but not new to the Black dog and other issues.
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I don't even know where to start. I have been very busy reading advice on other people's story's, which have been helpful and interesting at times. I don't know a time where I haven't had anxiety or depression maybe even a bit of PTSD th... View more

Hi everyone, I don't even know where to start. I have been very busy reading advice on other people's story's, which have been helpful and interesting at times. I don't know a time where I haven't had anxiety or depression maybe even a bit of PTSD thrown in at times. I have grown to live with it for so long it feels normal.(I know it shouldn't) For the last year, maybe two I have tried to get help, my anxiety limiting me to getting to the doctors and the overwhelming sense once in there, to get out. That's been the first hurdle. I think I have had 3 mental health questionnaires filled out ready to take to see someone, but just couldn't get to that point. It's really hard, I always feel like there is so much judgment from the dr and I wish there was a way that didn't involve having to see someone to get paper work to then go see someone else, that to me is hard enough. I'm still trying but things are becoming really hard. I now have extremely bad chest pains ( which I have seen a dr about) due to how anxious I get. I feel like my body is failing me. Problems with inlaws now making matters worse for my anxiety. I feel like there is never a break and no one knows how crippling this is for me. I absolutely hate living with this and all the thoughts thst come with it all. I have tried really hard to write a lot of my thoughts down, to help with the process of getting them out of my head and moving forward. My mind just never seems to rest. It's constantly in this fight or flight state, which zi know is terrible for you. I read a lot about the problem I have. I even went as far as submitting DNA to help with research towards genetic testing for depression and anxiety to see if it's passed down from family members. The Australian Genetics of Depression Study aims to identify the genetic risk factors associated with clinical depression, and how a person’s genes influence their risk of developing depression and their response to treatment I felt really good about doing this as for me I feel like I keep making small steps. Sorry if my post is all over the place, thanks for reading.