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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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Social anxiety in the workplace and group settings

replies: 3

Hi everyone, My name is Ben, I've just turned 28, and I've hit a point where I'm struggling to figure out where to go in life. I feel I have a large mix of underlying issues that I'm not exactly sure of or how to fix, and I don’t know how many other people are struggling with the same issues that I have. I’ve had issues with social anxiety for as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled to make and hold on to friendships – I only have one friend I keep in regular contact with, as well as intimate relationships where I’ve only had the one girlfriend which lasted about 18 months. I’m in the process of questioning whether I’ve made the correct career choice as well, as there seems to be pressures on being social in the modern workplace. I’ve also been experiencing depression for the past couple of years, and my motivation for doing particular things, such as doing physical activities, tasks around the house, cooking, and the things I used to like, has been steadily dwindling. While I am good at what I do for work, I believe my introverted and quiet demeanour damages my reputation, and over time I feel as if I become less and less noticeable. This is the same in social events regardless of whether it is work or otherwise, I always get anxious when I’m surrounded by people I don’t know. I can have a one on one conversation with someone without no problem, but as soon as more than one person comes into the mix I tend to shut down and remain silent. I don’t know when to politely interrupt or join in the conversation for fear that it would be rude, and all this time I’m trying to gauge what the body language and thoughts of the people around me are. I’ve thought about changing careers but I’m not sure where I should move into, I’ve even thought about moving to another country to start a new life. I’ve always read in many places that it is ok to be yourself and be different, but I am yet to see or accept that is perfectly ok. I feel as though I’m so much of a contradiction that I am definitely alone in this area. I’m just not sure what to do next that would help me change things for the better, I’d greatly appreciate any help or advice that you may have.

Life is overwhelming

replies: 1

Hello guys. Not sure where to start life is not easy, I try to find the light everyday but then im back to square one. I cry for our mother (earth) daily. Watching our species destroy our planet breaks my heart and soul. I feel so overwhelmed and out of control of my life and the planets future. Does anyone know much about environmental depression? I have low self worth, i have always been mainly judged on my appearances as if thats all i am. I have gotten so caught up as my identity as being "pretty" I have nothing else to show for myself and has led to the utter most self loath and shame. My father walked out the door when i was born, didnt want anything to do with me, 25 years later i still havent met him and we live in the same city. I know this has also had a massive impact in my self worth/love. I feel just writing this is selfish and i should just suck it up because my problems arnt as important as others. Thanks for listening

Lonely

replies: 2

I,ve moved to a new area and am feeling lonely. Not sure what to do about it. Any suggestions?

Welcome to me, LavenderTea.

replies: 17

Hello one and all! I'm new to the BeyondBlue forums, so I thought I'd start by introducing myself so you can get to know me a little bit. I'm 24, female, and do actually drink lavender tea. My favourite things to do in my spare time include reading fiction novels, and going hiking. I'm currently completing my Master of Professional Psychology which is just a fancy way of saying that I want to help people when I finally start working. I'm going to be around on the forums on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and will be trying my best to listen and support you, as most of you do for one another already. So that's me... HI!

Feeling down

replies: 2

Hi, Im unsure how to start this but I would really appreciate help. I found out last year that I can’t have children and I’m struggling to deal with it. I wasn’t trying to conceive and I didn’t have a partner it was just found out of the blue. Since finding out I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression and fatigue. I tried anti depressants for 6 months but I felt worse on them and felt they made my moods more up and down. I’ve gone to a councillor too and she helped a bit but i just ended up being dishonest with her about how I was feeling because I was ashamed. I’ve been to two doctors about it and tried to explain how I was feeling but I’ve had no luck, they tell me I’m overreacting and I’ll be fine if I keep going with my anti depressants. I don’t want to burden my family or friends with this either. I just feel so lonely and down and I don’t know what to do or who to turn to.

Hi there, drought stress and business worries anyone? A side of self doubt?

replies: 5

Hi there you kind and beautiful listeners. I'm sad, stressed and a little drunk. After a long and awful story I have found myself with an amazing opportunity (or crazy bout of confidence) to start a consultancy business in agriculture....but at a time when my average potential client has zero income and >$1000/day livestock feed bill. I need courage, to either stick it out (my 'in the black' requirements are small but my loss of perspective and lapse into panic is daily) or to forget it, go back to working for someone else and look forward to retirement like a normal person. After writing this I feel guilty. I'm talented and educated with opportunities and determination but I feel useless. My support network live in another state and wouldn't get it anyway. I feel like a burden to the ones that would get it. There's also the sensation that nothing will relieve me from this stress and that its unfair to ask. I have suffered anxiety and some depression for most of my life but usually feel capable and self-reliant with only short bouts every 6 months or so. I hope it rains, I hope this town doesn't die, I hope I can hang on, I hope I can help the others get through and I hope I can return the favor to my small support group. It would be nice to speak with anyone from the land or in a business startup position (or been there). I need to know I'm not the only one. Sincere thanks to anyone who reads this. K

I Cry

replies: 5

I Cry for the boy we have lost I Cry for the man you could have been I Cry for the abuse you suffered I Cry for the blame you think is ours I Cry for the pain we feel I Cry for the conversations we no longer have I Cry when the words you say cut like a knife I Cry when you cause my heart to shatter I Cry in silence so you don't see I Cry most because I can't make you better I Cry because I have failed as your mum I Cry because I love you so much I Cry because I can hate you so much too I Cry for the boy we have lost

Help!

replies: 1

I have always had anxiety, on med's but for the last 2 months I have been waking every morning and vomiting. I went to a different Doctor as I cant even get out of bed now, can't do the day to day things that need doing, have no family to help me, the doctor said to just take more med's which I have been for about two weeks now and there is no difference I'm still being sick non stop, how long does it take for the xtra meds to work??? I'm at the point I can't take it any longer

ptsd and adjustment disorder

replies: 1

Hi there. A little background: In 1998- a friend suicided, 2001 - my best furry friend of 17 years was put down by a neighbour and my best mates brothers suicided, 2002 - a friend was murdered, 2008 - one of my sisters died of cancer, 2010 - involved in a major car accident - believed son had died in crash for nearly 6 hrs until hospital staff brought him to see me - and sustained a cracked sternum and developed PTSD, Dec 2012 - mother died just before Christmas, Feb 2013 - 21yr old nephew suicides, Sep 2016 - resigned from job of 10yrs after 2 yrs of bullying by manager, 2016/2017 - unemployed for 5 mnths, April 2017 - knocked off motorbike on way to work to new job, shattered left shoulder (impacted spiral fracture of humurus), fractured left ankle and shattered right pinky finger (hospital decided to repair pinky with screws rather than amputate, I found out after surgery) and PTSD triggered again. I have been informed by my specialists earlier this year that I now have a permanent impairment of my shoulder. I lost something very important to me since the bike accident - my independence. I was fiercely independent. My childhood was pretty crap too lol My dad died when I was 8yrs old and I was left with a mentally abusive mother and brother (who both hated me) and 4 other siblings who didn't see the abuse so don't believe it happened, to this day. I haven't thought about a lot of the earlier childhood stuff as I have worked through a lot of it with EMDR and support from a great network of people, including my brilliant son. I have been stressed recently trying to achieve certification in swim teaching, and have realised that being around the kids is triggering my childhood stuff. I really want to be a swim teacher, but am not sure how to resolve / work through this old stuff and move forward. I also believe that the permanent impairment from my shoulder injury is triggering my PTSD as well and I have been crying for about a week, at just everything. I was watching the new star trek movies again recently, and don't understand why the displays of loyalty, friendship and comeraderie made me bawl like a child. The crying is occurring while I am watching anything on TV with even the slightest bit of anything heartwarming. My support network has frayed a bit as some don't understand why i'm not recovered from my shoulder injury, or what PTSD is and why I am still affected by it. Does anyone have any suggestions how to move forward?

Hello from a newbie!

replies: 2

Hello all, Glad to have found this forum, just thought of dropping a couple of quick lines to introduce myself. I'm a 35 yo first time mum to a gorgeous 9 week old boy. He has had a couple of health issues after birth which is when I started to blame myself for failing him as I had a tough pregnancy and had to deliver him preterm. As with any newborn the challenges and the lack of sleep is driving my partner and I apart, we constantly fight and cant agree on anything - specially in regards to the "how to's for our son". My partner thinks because he is working too, he is stressed more than I am, what he fails to understand is the stress of looking after a newborn 24x7 and doing all the household work.I had a very successful career and currently on maternity leave. Though I enjoy every minute of the time spent with my son, all the do's and dont's and expectations from my partner is stressing me out. There are times when I feel like I'm worthless and not needed neither for my partner nor my son. All this depression is quite new to me and I'm having a hard time in convincing myself that this could hopefully just be a phase.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

Social anxiety in the workplace and group settings replies: 3

Life is overwhelming replies: 1

Lonely replies: 2

Welcome to me, LavenderTea. replies: 17

Feeling down replies: 2

Hi there, drought stress and business worries anyone? A side of self doubt? replies: 5

I Cry replies: 5

Help! replies: 1

ptsd and adjustment disorder replies: 1

Hello from a newbie! replies: 2