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Meet your community champions!

replies: 12

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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Mentally struggling

replies: 6

Hi. I sure do hope to find at least someone who is in my situation with whom I may connect and get some ideas from. Im 54 years old and I live as my mums carer. I have a job and I get to go away camping if I plan. My problem is Mum and I fight, argue, disagree about everything. She is 80 this year. She makes me hate how she makes me feel. I don't really have a mental support group. Sometimes my sister listens and sometimes she doesn't ,varies on her mood, but unless I have a major mental breakdown, which started on Wednesday and is still going on, I get ignored or fobbed off as 'she'll be right, its only her' kind of attitude, definitely not listening. Anyways I really need some help and Im asking for it here. I can't stop crying, I mean I do cause man can this woman act! But it is an act. I'm truly not like this all the time, but this time I can't shake the demons , and they are yelling at me very loudly.

Just looking for some support

replies: 4

Suzi here, 46 and live alone. Work in disability which is both emotionally taxing but very rewarding. Had major depression in 2004 and was admitted to a mental health facility. Did alot of hard work through CBT and a Beat the Blues program through Beyond Blue. Tried medication but not as successful as the therapy. Been living with anxiety, PTSD, depression ever since but been manageable. Then out of no where it has all returned! I think I have perimenopause. Everything I thought I handled has come back and I am now in the same situation I was over 20 yrs ago. All that hard work and progress undone. Not sure of anything anymore as it seems there has been a shift in my core beliefs. Just looking for some support so I can try convince myself this is not a relapse or something worse but just something bilogical that I can get through. Any suggestions would help.

Hi!

replies: 4

Hello everyone, I just joined this morning.A bit about me? Well in late 2024 I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety & adjustment disorder. By early 2025 it progressed to major depression disorder (MDD) & shortly before the end of March 2025 my depression became major depression with psychotic features, colliquate Ly known as psychotic depression, a mixture of psychosis and MDD.Background? Outside of most of my working life I studied psychology, counselling theory & practice, sociology & social policy at night in university in 2001. I also worked during the day in care in the community, clients with physical and/or mental illnesses & one with a traumatic brain injury, a client released from prison with a severe learning disability who was released into the community but in 24-hour secure care/accommodation. I also had clients with cancer & one with motor neuron disease; I had clients with multiple illnesses.

Intro

replies: 4

So... hi. I'm Alysia (not my actual name lol). I feel like I most likely have ADHD, and maybe a little Autism as well. I also might be depressed, but seeing the situations that other are in, I feel that I am not allowed to be. And that's me, essentia... View more

bipolar residual symptoms:managing

replies: 8

Hi,I'm retired in 60s with bipolar affective disorder with psychotic features. Apart from current mixed episode and paranoia transitioning to depression with anxiety/paranoia I've been relatively stable since 2022. Over the years between episodes i have a persistent paranoiaand anxiety in part mediated with mood stabiliser and antipsychotics. The paranoia has been strenthening. I interested in others experience with similar and what they've done to manage. thanks

Psychosis

replies: 6

I ended up going through drug induced psychosis about 4 years ago and it has forever changed my life...i'm wondering if any of you have gone through psychosis and how you have got through it? I still struggle with knowing what was real and what was not real with my experience...i never thought i'd go through anything like that, but i did, i just want to go back to the person i was before i went through that roller coaster ride....can anyone else relate and have any advice on how to let all the thoughts and beliefs go? I remember everything in detail so vividly and i wish i could just move on from it, but me and my overthinking brain wants to make sense of what i went through and can't let it go....i will leave it here and hope to hear from anyone on this matter...thanks for taking the time to read this

Reboot

replies: 2

Hi guys,This is my first post so am wanting to say a quick gyday and give a rundown on what my brain has been up too lately. I have Bipolar II Disorder and was diagnosed when I was 32, I am now 50. It's been an interesting road to say the least but I am at this moment doing good, I haven't been recently though. I have just had a change of meds and as we know that comes with a time of what I like to call reboot. This includes dealing with side effects, destressing my life as much as humanly possible, eating well, and getting back to the daily practices that keep me well. When I am well I practise mindfulness daily, when I stop I know it's a warning sign of a manic episode on it's way. The issue is that when I'm manic I think everything's cool, I'm all good. I think I can take on 100 things and juggle them all like a pro. But sure as, the opposing side of Bipolar will drag me into a depressive ditch with a huge 'Hell no you can't do any of that, or even the small daily stuff that you need to do, just to exist'. So this depressive episode had me at the ER, then our local Community Mental Health Centre. The Social Worker I have there is honestly amazing. I got to see my Psychiatrist within a week and with a game plan. This included a change of meds, the super important daily routine of meditating, grounding myself, exercising (whether paddling, going to the gym, walking, or yoga); practising mindfulness everyday. This reboot has been as drama free as any reboot can be. Some in the past have felt like pushing the proverbial up hill. But every time I choose to stay in the fight. At my very lowest I always choose to stay. To those doing it tough right now, know that I see you. You are important in this world, and absolutely worth fighting for. Let's collectively look out for each other. Thanks for readingD.

My friend isn't in a good place and I'm worried.

replies: 2

We are both 14, she's been a friend of mine for about a year, and she recently told me that I'm her closest friend. She trusts me enough to vent to me and tell me stuff about her mental health. (it could also be because I went through something similar, albeit less extreme) She has been self-harming for a while now, and I've been worried about her for ages, but now it's at an all time high. A few days ago she's messaged me at 12:30 am saying things like "I don't think I was meant to get better", "god, I'm pathetic", "i really need help" and "this is the first time I've cried in a while". She's attempted (more like planned and then didn't follow through) suicide, which makes me feel really scared and upset because I've been trying to help and I just can't. I've never been so depressed that I contemplate doing that. It just breaks my heart that I can't do anything. Any help or advice is welcome.

Struggling to want to get better

replies: 3

Hi all, I'm a 20 year old who's been struggling with depression and anxiety since I was 15-16. I've had moments where I feel a bit better but overall its been slowly getting worse- things dropping off over the years, school, work, meeting new people, then losing friends and, hobbies, stopping going to a counselor, not leaving the house, and being around people i've known for years even takes a lot of energy. I've also kind of had a lot of self worth issues build up and I haven't really been trying to get better for a while now despite missing being well. I'm okay thanks to the support of my parents, but I suppose I wanted to try this to feel less alone and see if anything inspires me? I don't know. I just exist using escapism- reading at the moment - as a way to feel things.

Introduction and some thoughts on spiteful Accountants

replies: 14

Hi all, first time here, not quite sure how all this works but ill give it a go. Background:Australian male. Mid 50's, Diagnosed PB2, GAD, cPTSD you name it. I've given up on diagnosis, doesn't really matter anymore. Prior to COVID a very high functioning individual (probably ADHD + on the Spectrum). Former multiple small business owner, employed small Teams, paid Taxes, the works. Managed to get married, had a couple of children and life was pretty awesome and well functioning. Long story short, COVID # 2 wiped me out. Had to close business, lay off people, it is all pretty tragic. Amongst all this, wife left with children, financial ruin and 20 x inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Admissions and Sectioned once, here i am. I'm a shell of the former self, isolated and also have a Substance Use Disorder (Alcohol). Obvious to those with Mental Health issues, when everything gets so crappy all day everyday, i reach for some kind of short relief. Alcohol. Argue which came first, whatever, doesn't matter. No pity required, it is what it is. It all started as a child, maybe 5y.o. with chronic anxiety, panic attacks (no such term back then), developed over the years into crippling Agoraphobia in teen years, Depression and again stuff happened. I survived. So the current dilemma.I have a CPA who has been my Accountant for 20years. I even got him started lol. Though all my small businesses, and personal Accounts. His ex wife had 'Bi-Polar' years and years ago, divorced her and the stories about her and her mental illness struggles flowed over the years with sarcasm and ridicule. Basically bigoted rubbish (Clue #1). Then my wife left, he knew her blah blah and i ended up coming out of the closet so to speak. Full honesty to all. Quite relieving actually. But, my accountant only knows the rumor version of me, the super bad things, over the years taking snipes at me, poking fun even. It has become worse and worse. Such misunderstanding i am used to by now, but still astonishes me the naivety he displays and grief it causes me. Currently doing 2023-24, 24-25 tax. He bothers me no end with stupid questions about $20 transactions, again snide remarks "is that the couple schooners from the pub"... and absolutely outrageous invoices. Like $10,000 bills. Can't sack him, too entwined. Until now. I've not worked for a couple years, not Traded for the same and i instructed him to properly adjust the accounts (Asset Register) and the like which he failed to do over the years. $20 transactions, i tell him to put against my Loan Account - don't care. I'm struggling to survive, not data entry on MYOB. So, has anyone had similar experience with Accountants. Even being taken advantage of (outrageous Fees)? I'm ready to dump him finally. Anyone have recommendations for 'understanding Mental Health Accountants' in Australia??Much appreciated

Meet your community champions! replies: 12

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

Mentally struggling replies: 6

Just looking for some support replies: 4

Hi! replies: 4

Intro replies: 4

bipolar residual symptoms:managing replies: 8

Psychosis replies: 6

Reboot replies: 2

My friend isn't in a good place and I'm worried. replies: 2

Struggling to want to get better replies: 3

Introduction and some thoughts on spiteful Accountants replies: 14