Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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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New here

replies: 1

Hey guys I’m Dylan, ive been suffering with bipolar for the last 3 years. I have been on a number of different medications and they all seem to make it worse. I’m trying to deal with it without but some days are proving to be so difficult because I just end up sad all the time. I also have recently got a huge phobia of driving at certain times which sucks because I have a huge passion for cars. I make a lot of impulse decisions hence my bank account is so negative. I just need some help or guidance on what to do because I don’t want this year to be another struggle of making it through alive. Thanks all.

Newbie here! Hi everyone!

replies: 1

Hi everyone, Never thought I would be joining a community like this however over the past year I've tried to establish a culture of reaching out in my life. A year ago my marriage fell apart and my wife left me after forming a new relationship with her boss. I was subsequently diagnosed with anxiety and depression. The challenge of moving on while dealing with the grieving process and supporting my son throughout the process made 2018 a year to forget. As a reserved introvert that prefers lurking on internet forums, I'd like to give joining in a red hot go as I continue to challenge current behaviours and be a part of a community. Looking forward to it!

Introducing myself!

replies: 1

Hello everyone, I'm Jay, I'm 17, identify as demiboy/trans male, he/him pronouns, gyneromantic asexual. I'm professionally diagnosed with GAD, SAD, depression, misophonia, misokinesia, ASD, hyperacusis and an auditory processing disorder.

i am the optimistic extrovert that sometimes feels out of control..

replies: 2

I am struggling to keep it all together - dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,uveitis, adhd, high functioning autism, depresssion.. and like everyone else, life. Just keep on moving and doing. ( Btw, this forum could really do with a disability section I reckon). Fortunately, I am proactive and motivated to take control and have a strong desire to pull myself out no matter how much I feel I am sinking. Sometimes I am not sure if the way I am trying to heal and deal is the right way and sometimes it's in conflict with health professionals and what family think I should do. So, it often becomes an area of conflict. At times, I get in to a panic and spiral.. feeling like I can't keep going.. but, I keep taking steps anyway because I am optimistic.. inspired by Frieda Kahlo to keep following my passions regardless of when I feel out of control with my health. I am open minded and look forward to an exchange of ideas that lead to a happier life.

New Member

replies: 5

Hi there, I’m new to this. Thought I should reach out and also share how I am instead of bottling it up. A bit about myself - I am a lawyer so the role is very stressful. I worked in a team where I felt so stressed and always pressured. I’ve since moved teams, but the stress and anxiety is still there. I’ve recently been having issues with my anxiety and even had a panic attack at work today so I left early. I’m constantly feeling stomach pain and shortness of breath along with a loss of appetite. I’m beginning to think that maybe I should change professions.

Hi people. New here.

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/Hello if you are reading this. My name is Matt from Melbourne. I'm 34 years old. Currently married with no kids. I recently took the anxiety/depression test and it came back with a result i kind of feared which was a high level of anxiety. I've kinda knew that I had it but just didn't know what to do with it and also was very ignorant about it and tried to tough it out. I would say the last 4-5 years have been the toughest due to a job I was at the time where office politics came forced me out. I haven't truly recovered as it was the 2nd time it happen by that time. The last few years I have changed so many jobs due to my anxiety and trust issues. I recently had a really bad mental breakdown on the way to work. The thought of suicide did cross my mind but the thought of my wife being sad and upset I knew I couldnt do that. Hopefully by being on this forum, I can get some help/advice. I know I haven't explained too much as honestly I dont know what to write. I still have some stuff that I need to sort out hopefully with professional counselling. Thank you for taking time out to read.

New to the Forum - Hello

replies: 4

Hello all, Suffered from anxiety 35 years + As long as I can remember. Have a great Family - Wife and 2 wonderful Kids - Life is great but still struggle from time to time. Spud48

This could be my new forever

replies: 5

Hi there, so hard to put my thoughts together, so this a bit about me anyways. There are questions about misdiagnosis ,I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and was unsuccessfully medicated for 12 years and have been managing another 12 years with occasional years of psychology I'm not sure yet what I have, bipolar has been suggested but dosent quite fit either. I'm thinking maybe cyclothmia, because I do have such a broad range of symptoms, including being fine sometimes. Nausea, excessive hunger, exhaustion, then not needing sleep, teary sometimes, panicky sometimes, super vague and no concentration, sometimes I lose big chunks of time, others my mind buzzes, yesterday I was sad and mad all day, The idea that this is forever freaks the living heck out of me, I am exsisting within levels of exhaustion, my symptoms are constantly changing Ii am trying to see patterns and am trying to know what I need to do, I feel so helpless,it's super distressing to know that this is going nowhere fast. This is where I exist right now, it doesn't really feel like living. In November my husband wrote off our car, had to find another, that was interesting because my husband was made redundant in December so no income for now , alot of unknown that hasn't sorted yet, my father in law was diagnosed terminal and needs an amputation, but did a runner from the hospital instead, there's alot of pressure there (he said things like I need you I'm scared) I also have had some ankle tendinitis problems so no exercise for me. It felt like there was a hurricane going on around me, like I was in the eye and just a spectator. I couldn't understand why I wasn't worried ,I knew I didn't feel how I should have felt. Then, my sister came out of rehab, had a meltdown, had an argument with my mum and brother, broke a sliding glass door, and threw glass at them. I cut off contact but.... She had to attend court and I could not let her stand alone, I don't think anyone should have to stand alone. As much for my mum who could not stand beside her I went to court with her. she was convicted ,and then I crashed spectacularly and here I am. Trying to figure out what the hell is going on..... And how the hell do I even start to pick myself up.

New today

replies: 2

Hi, I am a chronic depressive, with some instances of anxiety. Depression has been my shadow companion for 38 years, but mostly with medication and counselling, it has not prevented me engaging fully in life and work in education. Three years ago yesterday my son suicided, and the journey of grief has increased the “depressive slumps” and bouts of anxiety. Last week, after 4 grandsons, we welcomed our first granddaughter. It’s been an incredible week of emotions and I’ve been hit hard with lethargy and a feeling of flatness. I chose to check out Beyond Blue and see what resources are available. It’s been reassuring to read of others feeling much the same.

Reach out

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Hello, first time typer, first time viewer. Have aspergers and didn't know. Life makes sense now. Just struggling with hindsight and constant misunderstandings. Having a day where I could just cry. Really tired of it. Why are people like that? Why do they take me that way? I'm so far from what they perceive. And yes it's rhetorical questioning. I've tried explaining to managers and colleagues why I am who I am but that just confirms the whole "being to trusting" of people. Ending in ridicule and more misunderstandings. Please. I just need a hug right now and a cry.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

New here replies: 1

Newbie here! Hi everyone! replies: 1

Introducing myself! replies: 1

i am the optimistic extrovert that sometimes feels out of control.. replies: 2

New Member replies: 5

Hi people. New here. replies: 1

New to the Forum - Hello replies: 4

This could be my new forever replies: 5

New today replies: 2

Reach out replies: 2