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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What stops you from joining in on the forum?

replies: 89

Hello everyone, I keep seeing something that makes me wonder... 70% of BB members are silent readers. Am I the only one who finds that really sad? I was one of the 70% once. Sadly enough it was when I was at my very worst. I really needed help and guidance and advice. To be told I'm not imagining things or overreacting. To be listened to. But to me actually posting was beyond me until I had started medication and therapy. It makes me feel sad to think that although I feel well enough to write now there are probably people reading this who are where I was a year and a half ago. So I was hoping to find out more about why we feel unable to reach out. Maybe if we can all share our stories it might make others see that posting is not really as scary as it seems when you are not feeling very good. On that note... What stopped you from posting?

Another new face

replies: 2

I have had anxiety attacks before, but yesterday was probably the worst. My biggest triggers are social gatherings (even just a couple of friends) and I'm put on the spot and everyone is focused on what I have to say and driving to a location and not being able to picture the route in my head So yesterday I was put in both situations, and my day just spiralled down from there. Andee

New Face

replies: 3

Hi everyone, I am new, I feel as if I am struggling on and off lately and am hoping that I can find new healthy ways to feel good, not egt over whelmed and hopefully can help others if I can.

Feel like a failure....don't know what to do

replies: 2

Hi, I am finding life hard at the moment and don't know who to talk to or how to work out a path forward. About five years ago, when I was 34, I went through major burnout from work.....had depression, panic attacks, emotional exhaustion and had to quit work and have time off to rest and recover. This meant a complete career change as I no longer had the capacity to do the same type of work again. I got another job working night shifts ( which paid less) and started studying in the day just finishing a uni degree last year. Fast forward to now......I think I choose the wrong degree, all of the jobs I am looking for associated with my degree pay less than night shifts. As of last year our four kids are all in school and the oldest has started high school. They are at a private school which is great, and cheap for a private school comparatively........but my wife and I just can't afford it now the oldest is in high school and the fees increased. I feel the financial stress of the fees and feel like a failure as I can't find work that pays enough to cover the fees for the school the children love. Have been feeling depressed, anxious and like a failure as a person over Christmas and at the beginning of this year. Don't know what to do......the public school nearby has a bad reputation. Maybe we should move to an area with better schools. I feel trapped and as though I have failed my wife and kids. I don't know who to talk to about this or how to move forward. I really don't want to get back into the place I was at in burnout. It took me years to recover.

New person here

replies: 4

I'm new to the forum and just wanted to introduce myself I'm 18 and a second year university student. What prompted me to sign up was actually a birthday invite by a friend, and the subsequent anxiety it produced. I fear that I may be developing some form of social anxiety (although my symptoms are not quite as severe as others). I've always been quite introverted and liked my own company yet these uni holidays I can count on one hand the number of times I've left the house (other than for work). When I do go out I feel extremely vulnerable, I'm worried that people are looking at me and judging every part of my body. Traffic lights are the worse. I've been ignoring messages from my friends even though I do care for them, because socialising has become hard. I don't know how I'll survive uni this year, because last year I skipped several classes and limited the amount of time I spent there because I felt deeply uncomfortable in class or even just walking around the campus. It's like the only time I feel comfortable is when I've isolated myself in my room.

Hello

replies: 1

Hello I am new here. I am 26 year old female who works full time as Registered Nurse and am newly married. I have always had anxiety but don't currently take any medications or see a therapist but of late I have felt like I am struggling. I often don't feel good enough for myself or anyone else. I also find that I have a pessimistic view towards my life and others at times. My husband also suffers with anger issues and tends to take it out on me which makes me feel even worse. I am here to hopefully change my perspective on life and my attitude towards myself. Thank you

Newbie to Site

replies: 7

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and I am hoping to connect with people struggling with anxiety and depression like myself. I am 51 and have suffered depression for about 15 years, I have the depression under control as I take anti-depressants but the last 12 months anxiety has reared it's ugly head. I did not know what was wrong with me so I headed off to the doctor complaining of constant nausea, upset stomach and just horrible feelings of dread. So diagnosed with anxiety as well as depression I did some homework. I am not actually sure what my triggers are, sometimes it just hits me out of the blue. I am an overthinker and it drives me insane! I have tried meditation, mindfullness, listening to calming music, colouring in and many many other things. My doctor prescribed me medication only for when I really need it to take the edge off. I try my hardest not to rely on the medication and try to fight through the anxiety but some days it just becomes all too much. I have explained to my employer what I have been diagnosed with and they have been fantastic! My husband and my daughter are my go to's when I really need to talk and without their understanding and trying to help I would be lost. I am so glad that I have found this forum and feel like I am not alone on this horrible journey. I would love to hear what you guys do to help with your anxiety and depression? I am off to my doctor this afternoon for a check in and thinking I might go and finally talk to a professional about it. Has anyone on this forum gone and spoken to a psych of any sort and if you have did you find it beneficial? Any comments would be appreciated. Michelle xx

New to the forum, not new to the black dog

replies: 1

Hi all, my name's Phil. Finally got around to signing up. Am coming off a really tough Christmas without my family, that's a looooooong discussion. Was hoping that the holiday away I had planned driving from Sydney out to the middle of the northern territory would help, unfortunately had a number of severe panic attacks which meant I had to cut it short and turn round and come home. I've been living with anxiety and depression since my teens, now in my lateish 30s. Exacerbated by a seriously toxic relationship and breakup a number of years ago that I'm yet to process properly. Anywhoo, excited to get to know some of you fine folks. Get some advice and pass some of my own on. Phil.

First time sharer

replies: 2

Hi, I’ve been alone for so long now I don’t know how to communicate with anyone. So when life challenges me I don’t cope well. And lately life is being cruel. I’m in my 50s and living in a caravan which I never leave except for groceries and my fortnightly session with my mental therapist. I have been estranged from my adult children and have no family members who are living to seek support from. I have worked most of my life but haven’t done so in the last 2 years so I’m financially unstable and is a big part of my depression but my depression goes beyond that. I have been on one medication or another for depression since my 30s and recently been receiving counseling but things are not going well and I just have this sinking feeling that I can’t see how I can get out of. My life choices have lead me to this point in time and whether they were right or wrong, I can’t change my past and I can’t see a future where I can be at least comfortable with who I am. I know life wasn’t meant to be easy but surely I can catch a break where I can catch my breath and not feel pressure to be some sort of normal. I’ve learnt a lot about depression and anxiety lately, all the triggers and some controls, but being able to overcome my depression and anxiety takes strength which is what I lack. Thanks for listening.

Introducing myself

replies: 7

Hi, I'm Tia12. I've had depression now on and off - mostly on - for over 25 years. A single parent to one teenager. I get so overwhelmed at times. Financial strain, not having time or money to do stuff, and friendships and family relationships not going so well. I just wish for a break from the stress. At work I cop it from a work colleague/friend, at home I get criticise by more daughter and my family have always thrown negative comments my way. I keep fighting and trying to stay positive. I mean I'm a survivor but it's hard when things get on top of you. I really don't have many close friends either. I'm looking forward to joining in the forums.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

What stops you from joining in on the forum? replies: 89

Another new face replies: 2

New Face replies: 3

Feel like a failure....don't know what to do replies: 2

New person here replies: 4

Hello replies: 1

Newbie to Site replies: 7

New to the forum, not new to the black dog replies: 1

First time sharer replies: 2

Introducing myself replies: 7