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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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I always lurk forums, never post. Here goes nothing.

replies: 8

Hi. I've been a part of forums and online communities for most of my life. But I never post anything, or even reply to posts. I lurk, because I feel like I have nothing of value to add to conversations, or that people would find my thoughts boring ("ughh, no one wants to hear me say that" I always tell myself). But I want to try it out. I'm in my mid-twenties, visiting Australia on a Working Holiday. I know no one here, I'm travelling alone and life seems pretty dark at the moment. I'm in casual employment, always broke, I feel like my housemates are sick to death of me, and I'm terrified I'll screw up every social interaction I end up in. My only solace is my art, and lately I've been very unhappy with the quality of my work. I'm tired of being scared of everyone. But I don't know how to be better.

Hi all , new here hoping to seek advice

replies: 1

Hi everyone , I’m new here . So after several weeks Of thinking I have a heart problem I just had an appointment with the cardiologist who ran extensive tests advised there is no issue with my heart and I’m very healthy . Looks like anxiety is the cause - I still for some reason keep thinking there is something medically wrong with me - I’ve developed into having some nice panic attacks lately and a constant all day shortness of breath . Any advice on how to tackle this ? I had my first session with a psychologist who advised me that changing my mind was the way and controlling panic rather then seeking medication which I was happy to try as my panic attacks are waking me up from my sleep with a shortness of breath .. I just don’t feel like me anymore and any advice or anyone whose had the same experience would be appreciated ! Thanks guys , Ash

Hello. first time posting

replies: 6

I’m feeling a bit lost and alone. I feel a bit weird posting on here. Like I’m talking to the sky at night. Things are always up and down. Getting more down than up these days. There’s no one to talk to. Is there anyone out there?

Hello, I am new here.

replies: 3

I have been struggling over the past couple months with what seems like depression that has come back from the past. It runs in my family, and although I have never personally been treated for it, I have seen the effects on my family members, and unfortunately, I think it's my turn. I live far away from my friends and family, and feel like I lack support and personal connections with the people around me. I won't go into detail with how I have been feeling, but I feel like my attempts to get help have failed and I need some encouragement. I've visted a GP with the intention of having an assessment for a Mental Health Plan. Because I don't have someone to open up to, I wanted to talk to someone. Rather than taking the time to assess me, the doctor simply said "I won't waste either one of our time" and prescribed me anti-depressants. Am I supposed to believe that taking these pills will solve the problem? I know they'd make me feel better... but I don't want a temporary fix. I really want to speak to someone. As with anyone with anxiety would understand, making this appointment was already stressful for me. I've been so discouraged to make another appointment... but I don't think I should wait anyone. I don't think I CAN wait anymore. Here for some encouragement. Hoping I don't sound helpless. Thanks.

New member

replies: 1

hello, I've no idea if I'm doing the right thing. This is my first attempt at posting here, just want to say Hi.

New member saying hello

replies: 3

Hi everyone: I found this site today when I was looking for online support. It's wonderful that there are sites like this out there. I'm Rishie, 46 years old and almost totally blind from birth. I'm a Christian and I love to sing, read, write, do crafts and hang out with my friends. I have depression, migraine headaches and I sleep too much. I think that has something to do with the depression. I'm trying to overcome that, but it's like one step forward, one leap back. Still, some progress is better than no progress I suppose. I'm also dealing with the loss of a loved one. I was in a long distance relationship for 5 years with someone who made me very happy. He passed away 3 months ago. My best friends, who I would usually turn to at a time like this, are away because of family issues which I totally understand but still, it's hard. If not for my faith and if not for my little dog, I don't know where I'd be! Anyway, that's enough for one post. Thank you for reading this and I hope you have a good day.

Jess, 28,

replies: 3

I haven't read any threads here so not sure how people go about this. I'm 28, diagnosed ADHD at 25 and have had mixed emotions as I slowly begin to understand what I am. A possibly new diagnosis is BPD, I have done some research and almost every part of it resonates with me. Mostly my behaviour and approach in relationships.. as I do research, I feel less and less hopeful about possibly getting better and recovering. I have had bouts this past fortnight of just wanting to make everything stop. Part of me is well aware that NOTHING is wrong.. (yes, there are serious family issues hence possible PTSD) but I am intellectually aware that my life isn't actually that bad..... my level of intelligence is fine, people may say that I am attractive? I am fun, funny, have many interests, speak a second language, enjoy travelling and have a lot of love inside of me (just not for myself) and overall, probably not a boring person. In fact, some people think that I'm really cool and want to send time with me. But what do I believe? Well, my brain tells me that I'm a piece of crap, I'm worthless and that I of course will always be abandoned because they will eventually see what I "know" about myself. I am struggling.

Why is it so hard to navigate the forums?

replies: 4

Hi all, maybe my patience is probably a little bit short, I have an 88yr old mum with dementia as my only contact person. I found it difficult to find my way into the forum, possibly due to impatience but bewildering when I went to the online chat fo... View more

I need to find the courage

replies: 2

Have you ever been faced with something you have to do no matter what, but you cannot breath just thinking about doing it? That's how I feel, I have to face an issue, a big workplace problem, that I created, I have to face the humiliation, the wrath of my boss and face possible dismissal tomorrow and my anxiety is attacking me. My heartbeat is racing and I cannot eat or sleep,but I must face this. I feel sick, I have no support and I just want the ground to swallow me whole. I have no courage, I'm not brave, my face is hot from the stress and I feel like I'm going to pass out, imagine when the alarm goes off! I don't know what to do with my fear holding me back. I don't even know if I can do this.

Depression or PTSD?

replies: 5

I have been with my ex gf (not sure if we are together) for 1 year it was the most incredible year but slowly she started to open up about a period in her life that effected her where she was a victim of DV. Everything was incredible talking about family, life now/future, common interests, holidays and kids. Then in the space of a week she broke off our relationship as she couldn't be a GF, wife, mother and doubts were coming out of know where, total 360d backflip for all our excitement. Work was overwhelming her and she just had a death in the family and the guy that caused the DV from 5 years ago reared his ugly head. I want to make it work with her as she is the most incredible kind hearted girl anyone has met and can see a future with her, but I don't know what i can do? I offered to be there for her helping her along the way but she pushed me away, it was like she was a different person. I have given her space (as hard as its been not calling or messaging) as she said she will see someone about her issues but I also don't know if it was depression from the culmination of issues hitting all at once of if it was the guy popping up and the DV scared her, and is a sign of PTSD?

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

I always lurk forums, never post. Here goes nothing. replies: 8

Hi all , new here hoping to seek advice replies: 1

Hello. first time posting replies: 6

Hello, I am new here. replies: 3

New member replies: 1

New member saying hello replies: 3

Jess, 28, replies: 3

Why is it so hard to navigate the forums? replies: 4

I need to find the courage replies: 2

Depression or PTSD? replies: 5