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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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Cephalopod Psychosomatic Disorders
  • replies: 3

Firstly I read the article here of some years ago on this website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/mind-body-medicine-and-mood-disorders#qdLUv3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A From personal experi... View more

Firstly I read the article here of some years ago on this website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/mind-body-medicine-and-mood-disorders#qdLUv3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A From personal experience over a very long period of time I would say the article is quite accurate. In the 70s I went for banks of tests for pain around the kidney area, neck pain, headaches etc. All negative, and obviously stress related. In the current millennium it's my feet -- always only one foot that becomes so painful that I can't walk without some assistance. I've had all the medical checks, which are always negative. Amusingly, an X-ray once totally cured the afflicted foot instantly; in fact I walked out of the facility without any assistance. This, of course, was that either consciously or sub consciously I knew the X-ray would render nothing, and my cerebral network seemed to agree. The symptom didn't return for years. But it's back right now -- and yes I have been trying to repress anxiety and anger over everything from corporate bureaucracy to the stress of driving on roads now dominated by aggressive and reckless drivers, to problems that impact on my family -- and even my own boredom and lack of motivation. I suppose the annoyance is that long ago I visited a very good psychiatrist -- a professor who specialised in hypnotherapy. He taught me self-hypnosis. This is extremely useful for my insomnia, and I've reduced all the procedures to simply imagining a void -- no conscious thoughts -- and next thing I'm off to sleep. But I can't seem to get it to work for the foot. Does anybody know any physical or cognitive exercises that can convince by brain to tell my foot that there's nothing wrong with it -- or do I have to go and get another X-ray?

Live59 Always being run down
  • replies: 1

My first hello here and just a small excert into my life. Hello everyone, my question when does hurt end? I burried mum yesterday went to work today, tried to console someone that i had not talked to in years and I was rejected at the funeral. I call... View more

My first hello here and just a small excert into my life. Hello everyone, my question when does hurt end? I burried mum yesterday went to work today, tried to console someone that i had not talked to in years and I was rejected at the funeral. I called a family member to tell them mum passed away, placed 2 ads in the paper, arranged the funeral, moved mums stuff on my own from the retirement home, tried as a son to pick the best cloths for mum to wear etc, organized everything all details, did the booklets myself etc and I forgot to tell them the funeral details. Tonight I coped it for not telling them the details. Then add to this I coped a situation from my partner and when we argue, I am always told how inferior as a son I seemed to be, or my children are causing this or that. I am trying my best, but lately after all my mixed life has been through, I'm tired of crying. My entire life has been hurt in one way or another. Just wondering is this just what life really is all about? I'm tired I've being told to suck it up.

SammyB Hey I'm Sammy!
  • replies: 4

Hi Everyone! I've been navigating my way around the forums and thought I would officially introduce myself! My name is Sammy and I am an almost-30-year-old woman. Engaging in work that involves supporting others, I was amazed once coming across this ... View more

Hi Everyone! I've been navigating my way around the forums and thought I would officially introduce myself! My name is Sammy and I am an almost-30-year-old woman. Engaging in work that involves supporting others, I was amazed once coming across this online community by how this forum has fostered such a safe space where people can be heard and supported without any judgement. I have found my passion for supporting others through my own journey with anxiety and depression. And, I am grateful in saying that my mental health conditions no longer have control of how I navigate the world, although I still have my moments, and that is ok. So I'll be here, to listen and offer support wherever I can. I see healing as an ongoing process in which sharing our unique experiences can offer valuable knowledge and guidance to each of us, regardless of where we may be in our journey. Look forward to connecting with you!

Jaime-Leigh_G Hiiiii, I'm new here
  • replies: 1

Sooo just thought I'd say hello, I'm not really sure what i'm supposed to say but my name's Jaime. In terms of mental health issues, I mainly experience bouts of social anxiety. Recently I've found a few self-management tips that I think really help ... View more

Sooo just thought I'd say hello, I'm not really sure what i'm supposed to say but my name's Jaime. In terms of mental health issues, I mainly experience bouts of social anxiety. Recently I've found a few self-management tips that I think really help as a source of management. In particular, I've found guided imagery and music really assist in the reduction of symptoms! Does anyone else have anything that helps to regulate anxiety? Thanks for reading!

SteelBlue Greetings my brothers and sisters ;)
  • replies: 4

Just joined. Hi all Found just enough strength to create an account here and introduce me to all you wonderful souls. (Yes from my bed as like you I'm going through serious stuff) This may ring a bell to some of you guys. Life was swimming along, gre... View more

Just joined. Hi all Found just enough strength to create an account here and introduce me to all you wonderful souls. (Yes from my bed as like you I'm going through serious stuff) This may ring a bell to some of you guys. Life was swimming along, great job paid well all my life, married many years and great young kids. Bang(universe explosion) Separated. Living away from kids. Alone. 1 year. Job redundancy. Same month. Despite qualifications and experience, outsourcing has put me 10 months unemployed. Consolation came as a gift meeting an angel by chance. Became my rock, partner and best friend ! Lost my licence and now my partner has left even though we made a pact to love and be there for each other. Losing her has left me a shell. I must have leaned on her to help me start a new life of love and hope. As i lay in bed all day looking out the window I'm wondering how she left and how everything in my life disappeared in 2018. I bet someone reading this has had someone they love walk out suddenly that they relied on during depression. I bet someone reading this has had lots go wrong all in one year. Im looking forward to hearing from you wonderful souls and Im thinking about everyone on this forum at the moment. Strength to you all. In my darkest hour, broke, alone again naturally, still looking for work, i have found strength to wish you all well. Amazing feat by me ! Take care of yourself (because sometimes you can't rely on someone else too). But we must hope.

LetTheWorldTurn Sharing my story, trying to find emotional validation
  • replies: 4

Hello all, I've decided to sign up for the forums because I'm going through some new therapy at the moment, and I'd like to get the chance to share my story and to hear from other people who might be going through something similar. I've been sufferi... View more

Hello all, I've decided to sign up for the forums because I'm going through some new therapy at the moment, and I'd like to get the chance to share my story and to hear from other people who might be going through something similar. I've been suffering with depression and anxiety for nearly 11 years now, and I've had some very tough times during that period. I've struggled with the support offered during that time because I didn't feel like I was properly understood or given useful advice by psychologists. I'm currently many sessions in to a new psychologist, and we are exploring schema therapy. This to me seems to be a productive place to look, and I'm hoping I'll get more out of this. In a nutshell it's about identifying long-term patterns of negative thinking and identifying root causes in childhood and adolescence, then allowing those patterns to be fully felt, and trying to change them slowly. I'm curious to hear from anyone else who might have tried schema therapy, or read 'Reinventing your Life' by Janet Klosko and Jeffrey Young. I would urge anybody who is not finding much luck with CBT, DBT, ACT etc. to give schema therapy a look. Especially if your depression has been quite chronic. I identify strongly with the 'Emotional Deprivation' schema - I had a father who was mostly absent due to depression, and a mother who didn't believe in dwelling on emotions or looking at them particularly much. Much more the 'suck it up and get on with it' approach. This has left me quite emotionally disconnected, and struggling with managing my own overwhelming emotions. I seem to lack the skills and the language. But at least now I feel like I'm on some sort of path forward. Looking forward to meeting more of you soon.

martin3977 Stuck on the "Merry Go Round"
  • replies: 2

Hi new to the forum, my first post. "Stuck on the Merry Go Round," unable to get off. Always tired, fatigued, dizzy, head aces, and feeling nausea, I have no trouble sleeping. I doze off most of the day. At work, while driving my car, in the train. W... View more

Hi new to the forum, my first post. "Stuck on the Merry Go Round," unable to get off. Always tired, fatigued, dizzy, head aces, and feeling nausea, I have no trouble sleeping. I doze off most of the day. At work, while driving my car, in the train. When I finally get home I drop into bed. I only have time for around 4 to 5 hours sleep. each night. (Adds up to only around 20 odd hours a week). Then a little like "Ground Hog Day" I start again for the next day doing the same old. I always look forward to my week ends I hibernate, a marathon sleep from late Friday night, and usually wake up Sunday lunch time. It does not make up for my lack of sleep during the week. However like a real bad hangover, I still feel fatigued and dizzy coming out of it.(not quite refreshed) Ready to start again Monday morning. Into my third week. Feeling both very depressed, and anxious at the same time. My health has started to drop ( I worry about my diabetes. insulin dependant and my asthma control ) If I don't manage to crash my car while traveling to work, I am sure I will have a full on break down instead.(Mental), Developing poor self esteem in my self. Feeling worthless.My mind has gone into lock down, procrastinating as to what I can do next. It feels like being in "Shell shock". You would think the answer would be simple...... Jump off the "Merry Go Round". At my Age being over 60 it may not be easy to find another job? My sudden spiral into my depression started with my employer moving me. Very suddenly from a work site closer to my home. I live country Victoria - Gippsland. Now to a different work site over 150 Km's away in the Melbourne CBD. The difference. Is time travel, and extra working hours. My previous site I worked 8 hours, with only 1 hour trip (or 2 hours a day, which is just OK) In a Car. With my sudden change. I now do 12 hours Shifts (No lunch or tea breaks allowed) Compulsory over time. I travel from country in my car, catch a suburban train to the city, tram, walk. 3 hours. (or 6 hours each day). Each day I have to get up at 3 am to start my day. Arrive home around 21:40. Why I am in such shock? My employer gave me no notice of my sudden move, or any reason? I was advised I could be sacked if I did not do the move or overtime requested. I Just cannot believe this is happing to me? My employer shows no empathy to my situation. Has any one else have had this happen to them? With their employer? If so what did they do? Any one have any ideas?

EmonX 20yr bored lonely frustrated virgin
  • replies: 5

Hello I'm bored and lonely and the future scares me. I am diagnosed with mild Autism and am currently isolated in a small town. I've always been shy and awkward which has made it hard for me to connect with other people. I used to have a tight group ... View more

Hello I'm bored and lonely and the future scares me. I am diagnosed with mild Autism and am currently isolated in a small town. I've always been shy and awkward which has made it hard for me to connect with other people. I used to have a tight group of friends in Primary School but we somehow drifted apart the first year of High School, I haven't really had a real friend since grade 9. Somewhere along the line, I became a more reclusive person and stopped communicating as much as I used to. I tried hanging out with other groups but for whatever reason, We wouldn't end up friends. I used to be a class clown which would give me attention but that's all they would want from me. Looking back now, I get depressed and angry with myself, they say that HighSchool is normally a time full of memories but to me it's just a blur. I'm bored and lonely w

1ofinfluence Anyone else feel like this?
  • replies: 3

Hi all. Obviously, this is my first post here and really, my first post in a public space talking about my mental health problems. I have been dealing with them for some time. Most of the time, I feel I have them under control and deal with life stuf... View more

Hi all. Obviously, this is my first post here and really, my first post in a public space talking about my mental health problems. I have been dealing with them for some time. Most of the time, I feel I have them under control and deal with life stuff pretty well. Other times, I do not deal with it that well and close up, sit in my room and stick to myself. I do not drink alcohol and I do not do drugs of any type. I just thought that I should clear that up first. In fact, I am a believer in strength in the mind and take a significant amount of philosophical influence from Buddhism. But hey, I guess sometimes even Buddhism is not enough! More often than not, I do not even really know what is bothering me. When I feel down, I just feel anxious, confused and unmotivated. My one child and my work is what keeps me going and what I always focus on when I do have bad days. But lately, things have been getting on top of me again and I guess that is why I have turned to the BB forums for help. Actually, not really help. But just to talk perhaps to a few people that experience the same feelings that I do.