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Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

chrisw01 Afraid of getting STIs and being alone forever (NFSW)
  • replies: 16

Sorry, it seems a little bit too much going on last month. Maybe not a big deal compared with other people's issues, but I just need a space to talk about because I don't have any friends that I can share with, and I don't think it is a good idea to ... View more

Sorry, it seems a little bit too much going on last month. Maybe not a big deal compared with other people's issues, but I just need a space to talk about because I don't have any friends that I can share with, and I don't think it is a good idea to talk about anything related to STIs with my parents. I am a 28 years old man, who is extremely introverted and always feels insecure about myself, especially my below-average size (I could elaborate more if needed, but I don't think it is necessary), and the way I talk to people. One day, I decided to go to visit a sex worker. After a brief moment of satisfaction, all I bring to myself are nothing but the constant fear of having Herpes (From what I know, they can live with your body forever and wait until one day to have an outbreak) or any other STIs and possible prostitution addiction. I feel so pathetic and sad about myself for ruining my life and body for a moment of fake happiness. Sometimes I don't even know what I want. I want to have a meaningful relationship, but I am too afraid of facing rejection and getting hurt because of the things I am feeling insecure about. When I was young I feel like things will just happen, or I didn't have this sense of urgency. As I am getting older, I couldn't stop wondering if I am missing something important in my life. I become anxious and uncomfortable at the thought that I will regret not doing something right now, but I have no idea what should I do. Am I going to find someone that can understand me and accept who I am rather than get annoyed by my self-pity? I feel so lonely and I feel like I am wasting my life right now.

Trans22 Hi
  • replies: 4

I had been existing for almost 52 years in a world filled with confusion, which turned into severe depression (self diagnosed) around the onset of puberty. I was/am confident of my diagnosis because I cannot remember too many days where I didn't wish... View more

I had been existing for almost 52 years in a world filled with confusion, which turned into severe depression (self diagnosed) around the onset of puberty. I was/am confident of my diagnosis because I cannot remember too many days where I didn't wish for my existence to end, but I was never brave or selfish enough to do anything more than self harm. I only ever sought help once and was prescribed anti-depressants which didn't help much because they were treating a symptom rather than the root cause. In mid-late 2021, work placed me on a series of coaching sessions with a psychologist. My psychologist identified the root cause to my problems and my life started to turn around. However, the root cause placed me in a group of people with really bad mental health related statistics - depression (>70%), anxiety (~65%), self-harm(~80%), & worse (~50%) above average. I'm sure that most of you have now guessed that I am transgender - its embarrassing for me to admit that the word transgender didn't exist in my vocabulary until Sep-2021. I started living authentically on 1-Jun and my transition has been outstanding so far. Almost everyone has accepted me - it seems that almost everyone already knew/suspected that I wasn't a boy/man between my ears. I am seeing a psychologist because of the residual pain associated with my previous existence. I have also seen a psychiatrist and am now on HRT. My choice to live authentically was the best decision of my life, my choice to start HRT was the second best (mostly because of the mental health improvements). It also seems that my body is very receptive to hormones, because physical changes started occurring after just 4 weeks (not supposed to happen before 3-6 months) - would love to find out whether there is a medical reason for this.

Terry_Jane_1960 Phyciatists
  • replies: 6

I went to a psychiatrist and got no comfort once no check ups or anything how am I supposed to get help

I went to a psychiatrist and got no comfort once no check ups or anything how am I supposed to get help

john_happy Hi Everyone
  • replies: 4

Hi Everyone, I am John and new to this forum. Been feeling really sad lately to see my teenage son going through deep anxiety that he cant sleep at night. I felt I was to strict in my parenting and often blame myself for what has happened to him. I a... View more

Hi Everyone, I am John and new to this forum. Been feeling really sad lately to see my teenage son going through deep anxiety that he cant sleep at night. I felt I was to strict in my parenting and often blame myself for what has happened to him. I am struggling to forgive myself and this has impacted me mentally. I want to move forward and looking to support others in my journey.

BindiLee I'm worried about my friend.
  • replies: 6

Hello. I'm completely fine, but it's my friend that I'm worried about. I'm twelve years old, and my friends are the same age as me. Last week, I noticed that one of them had been self harming herself on the left arm. When I talked to her about it, sh... View more

Hello. I'm completely fine, but it's my friend that I'm worried about. I'm twelve years old, and my friends are the same age as me. Last week, I noticed that one of them had been self harming herself on the left arm. When I talked to her about it, she said she wasn't comfortable and refused to get help. Her parents are also on the verge of divorcing which is putting a lot of stress on her, and she harms herself to punish herself. Even though I told her to talk to her closest friend (who also self-harms but is getting therapy) about it, I don't think she will. To add to that, one of our friends is annoyed at her because she wants to be depressed and self-harming to look 'cool' but my self-harming friend is actually needs help, and that friend tells herself that my self-harming friend is a show-off and talks behind her back, which my self-harming friend found screenshots of. Our entire friend group has choir, and because of School Spectacular lunchtime rehearsals she's been alone at lunch often. She's under a lot of stress and she keeps harming herself, and I don't know what to do. She doesn't want to get help and I don't know how to help her.

Ali75 My daughter has high social anxiety, refuses school and now refuses medication to help.
  • replies: 17

I just am so stressed and frustrated and sad. My daughter is flat out refusing school most days. We have tablets for her to start taking but she is scared about taking them. Im really worried about her. And don't really knoe what to do anymore. She h... View more

I just am so stressed and frustrated and sad. My daughter is flat out refusing school most days. We have tablets for her to start taking but she is scared about taking them. Im really worried about her. And don't really knoe what to do anymore. She has seen a psych but doesn't talk.

James_92 Hello, nice to meet you all
  • replies: 9

I'd been thinking about making an account here for some time, but there was something off-putting to me about joining a new community, as I've been used to the same routine for so long. I don't have that much to say or ask, but I'd just like to get s... View more

I'd been thinking about making an account here for some time, but there was something off-putting to me about joining a new community, as I've been used to the same routine for so long. I don't have that much to say or ask, but I'd just like to get some opinions and thoughts from a community which seems far less toxic than the one I'm from (An Australian prawn catching forum). I've been mostly a shut in for the last five years (due to numerous reasons which are beside the point) and stepping back from "ordinary" life I've watched as people have seemingly become more and more tribal/divided on every issue that arises, whether it be health, political or anything, to the point where each considers the "other" evil and it feels as if people no longer talk to each other or are willing to even argue or listen to others' ideas. For someone like me who hates everything being like this, it feels like there's nowhere to go. We all know social media is a big part of this, in some ways by design, and that the nature of it forces people to places where only like minded people lurk. The few times I've talked with people in real life (Who weren't family members) their behavior did not seem to fit the extreme partisan type I had described above, then I go online and I'm told if I wasn't aware of some issue then I'm part of the problem and that I have a "duty" to act on it. It's a small sample size and it's anecdotal of course, but I need to ask the people here, do you miss being able to have civil conversations with others you may disagree with? Am I wrong and the internet/social media is giving me an unrealistic impression of how people behave now?

88pinkorange88 Saying Hello 👋
  • replies: 1

Hi All, This is my first time using the forum. I thought I would come here and hopefully connect and make some new friends. I suffer from depression, anxiety and schizophrenia (all of them I have a family history of). I feel quite lonely and have wan... View more

Hi All, This is my first time using the forum. I thought I would come here and hopefully connect and make some new friends. I suffer from depression, anxiety and schizophrenia (all of them I have a family history of). I feel quite lonely and have wanted to make new friends for sometime but just haven't found anyone. I look after my mother (we live together) and she is getting old. She is my rock and number one person I can rely on. I have no other family I talk to except mum and stress / worry about when she will pass away as I will be really lonely then. I hope to hear from you or anyone looking to make a loyal solid long last friendship - I will be your cheer squad in tough times! Thank you, 88pinkorange88

Concerned_Mum How do you read replies?
  • replies: 4

Hello,I've just joined the forums. This is probably a dumb question but how do you read the replies? There doesn't appear to be a hyperlink and clicking on the red, unread 'replies' wording doesn't go anywhere (at least it doesn't for me). Thanks. View more

Hello,I've just joined the forums. This is probably a dumb question but how do you read the replies? There doesn't appear to be a hyperlink and clicking on the red, unread 'replies' wording doesn't go anywhere (at least it doesn't for me). Thanks.

On The Road Detox from social media
  • replies: 13

Recently I have been drawn into social media as I keep reading negative news (A LOT happening recently) which has triggered me and after that, I keep browsing some lighthearted content to try to make myself feel better. I found out I waste a lot of t... View more

Recently I have been drawn into social media as I keep reading negative news (A LOT happening recently) which has triggered me and after that, I keep browsing some lighthearted content to try to make myself feel better. I found out I waste a lot of time and did no good for my mental health, also has been not productive to focus on my own business. I have tried grounding myself but can't help going back What are your opinions and practical advice on detoxing from social media? or how to use social media more wisely, I know Most ppl can't cut themselves off it for several days and most of us just go back to this.