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 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.

I think I'm suffering from depression

replies: 3

Hi there everyone.. I don't really know if i'm doing this right. Its my first time.. I'm a 26 year old female. i got married at years old, then gave birth to a beautiful boy at 21. My husband and I then had a divorce when i was 23 so my life has been a roller coaster since then. Early last year, i met a beautiful man, and we quickly got with each other and everything was sunshine a rainbows and i finally thought like my life was finally clear and everything made sense. Fast forward ten months, I've accidentally fallen pregnant.. What was my decision upon finding out that.. - to the abortion clinic i go. It was my first ever abortion.. and i didn't think that it would affect me.. 2 weeks after the abortion I've become completely flat. I'm miserable.. I've lost all self esteem and my partner and i cant seem to go a day without arguing. I cry about everything.. and its really taking a toll on my life and my relationship. I don't know how to help fix the situation.. Thank you for reading my thread, i hope everyone is enjoying their day.

Introducing myself

replies: 2

Hi there everyone. Hope you are all doing ok. Ive jumped onto these forums hopefully to chat to others and be able to express my feelings about a few things... dont feel like I have many other options...

Let me introduce myself

replies: 4

Hi, I'm J.D. I've recently been diagnosed with BPD; I didn't really take it seriously until my wife asked me to leave...and now I'm alone, missing her and our beautiful son. I won't bore you with specifics...I was (am still) hard to be around at times. I took so much out on her, acted terribly, and, to top it off, blamed her. I'm here because, for the first time in my life, I know exactly what I want, but I know I'll probably never get there. I've had some low moments ( breaking up just before xmas is horrible at the best of times) and, at times, I think there's only one way out. I'm not going to; my boy needs me here and needs me healthy. I love my family with all my heart; I miss them so much. I'm medicated now, I'm in therapy, exercising, eating right; doing everything I need to do...but it's a daily struggle; particularly because I'm losing hope of ever being with them again. I still see my boy regularly, and my wife is being so supportive...we love each other a great deal... but I'm not sure that's enough. Thats all, I suppose...I guess, what I really need is to feel like I'm not alone...and reading some of these threads lets me know I'm not.

Nervous newbie

replies: 1

Hi everyone Very nervous to post. Am down at the moment and have no self worth. Am thinking I’m overreacting writing this. I think I may have PTSD and anxiety. I know the next time I look at this thread I’ll be happy as. It’s ruining my life sometimes and next minute I can be living the best life ever. I haven’t spoken with anyone and cant seem to talk to family friends or see a doctor. I get teary easily but can work through it sometimes if I get a hold of it quickly. I need space and alone time when I feel it coming on so that I can self regulate. but my husband wants me close and it esculates things and o became angry. My husband is great to talk too and I know it’s affecting him hugely and he does help sometimes. What doesn’t help is being told I’m overreacting and making things up in my mind. How can I help him understand what I’m going through. I sometimes feel like my existence here would be better off without but am not suicidal if that makes sense. I do not want any medications of any sort hence the reason I don’t want to see doctor. I’ve only felt like this for the past 2 years after dishonesty from my husband, therefore have lost faith and trust. Open to other strategies and coping methods. I mainly work on..... shutting out my anxiety and just work on doing what makes you happy and to sit quietly for as long as possible and sometimes if I’m lucky, the anxiety passes. Exercise doesn’t not help as it gives me time to think more. Along with what I mentioned helped, being in a peaceful calm place alone helps also. So here’s a very warm Hi from me

First post

replies: 2

Hello everyone, I am new here. I am 18 and bisexual and have been dealing with lots of stuff currently that consistently make it difficult for me to maintain my mental health. I am taking a gap year and am feeling an immense social pressure to get a job, even though the remoteness of my local area make it hard to do so. My friends all have jobs and I feel lesser than them. My parents are in quite a volatile relationship, and through their constant fighting I have been experiencing heavy anxiety and intermittent panic attacks for the last 2 years. All of these factors are intertwined and are so complicated, but I don't want to drone on for too long. I have stumbled upon these forums and tons of people here are so positive and uplifting so I thought I might post something and give it a shot. If you've read this, thank you. I hope you're having a lovely day. -E

Newcomer ready to discuss my journey and my intent to heal

replies: 2

Hi all! I've been lurking since pre Xmas because that is an all time painful period for me. Thankyou all for posting and keeping me linked even in a non participant way. I have been suffering various anxiety related issues, bouts of severe depression, confusion and grief due to a successive series of traumatic events that seemed to accumulate with no relief in between. I was taken into a group of domestic violence recipients, but soon voluntarily left the group because I did not want to reinforce the "victim" mentality. I was soon thrown to the wolves in the Justice system where I was humiliated and revictimised. The domestic violence centre initiated a personal care worker during this time as they had warned me worse was to come based on my exes profile. I didnt believe them. I thought my gift was my freedom, but that was far from the truth. My child has been at Headspace for years, and not much result. I am seeking help from other sources now. Any ideas on healing from trauma. Drugs are not an option.

New here

replies: 12

Hi everyone. My first post, though not new to the world of crippling depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. Though I’ve spent most of my life undiagnosed and dealing with it as best I can. In recent years it’s become almost unbearable and we’re it not for my three children, I doubt I would be here today. I agree with those on here that for some people nothing particularly seems to help (yes I see many professionals and am on medication and try everything I can to try to feel better) - but I now have to accept that it will always be there and that most days will be a battle to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other. I am curious as to what things keep others from giving up?

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

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

First time sharer replies: 2

Introducing myself replies: 7

I think I'm suffering from depression replies: 3

Introducing myself replies: 2

Let me introduce myself replies: 4

Nervous newbie replies: 1

First post replies: 2

Newcomer ready to discuss my journey and my intent to heal replies: 2

New here replies: 12