Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 12

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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Concerned about safety at work

replies: 3

I started a new job 10 weeks ago and overall it’s great. However my line manager is mostly ok but often gets stressed - he’s quick to swear a lot and throw pads and pens in a huff. It’s not directed at anyone but it’s unsettling. Last week we heard about a guy who was taking photos of our colleagues who were crossing a road (not using the nearby lights). We presume this guy was frustrated they weren’t using the proper crossing and was going to talk to someone about it to complain. In conversation we dismissed it as strange and thought no more about it. Anyway, apparently after we talked about it, my manager went out, ran to this guy taking photos, wrestled him to the ground, punched him and threw his camera into the road. My manger was pulled off this guy by another colleague and the incident was witnessed by passers by, a coffee shop owner and other colleagues. I didn’t see it, i heard about it from a colleague who did. I know senior management were made aware of the incident but I dont know what is happening (my boss was at his desk later in the day and the following day so I presume he hasn’t been dismissed). Ive never worked in a place with violence like that. It concerns me - what if I piss him off, what if I annoy him - am I safe? My husband is also concerned. I didn’t witness the incident and can only go by what I heard from a colleague who did - should I talk to HR about my concerns? It seems like such extreme behaviour and it worries me. It’s been playing on my mind all weekend. What does anyone think? Thank you!

Wanted to say hi?

replies: 3

Hello, I am an 18 year old university student, in my first semester of a law degree. I wanted to give a general introduction to myself since none of the other forums seemed appropriate... I get really anxious a lot of the time, and more recently I’ve found myself having panic attacks that physically overwhelm me a lot more than they used to. Particularly, I find myself short of breath for a long time after the stressor has been removed. In addition, and this is why I joined today, i found myself this morning having an intense panic attack, unlike anything I had experienced before. I was hyperventilating and feeling very emotional. I then found myself having the terrifying experience wherein I felt like I hadn’t experienced the past 5 minutes of my life if that makes any sense at all. It felt as though I had heard it like a story from someone else. This of course heightened my panic even further and I was left feeling terrified and upset for the rest of my day. I recently entered a new relationship with someone I really like. He is supportive and caring and we were friends long before we decided to move to this next stage. Whilst I know he cares though, he doesn’t really understand it and just tells me it’ll be ok without really recognising the issue. My parents are the same - they tell me I’m feeling anxious and to calm down, and recently that I was being silly. I don’t know how to talk to these people in my life about this issue. I organised today to meet with a psychologist at my university and am really hopeful that they will give me an insight into what is actually the issue here and maybe that will make it easier to talk to my parents? That’s all I wanted to say. Hopefully being in these forums might be an extra support? Thanks guys.

A question for our new members (and regulars too 😊).

replies: 280

Hi everyone, I've been thinking lately about inclusion on the forums and wondering... What it is like to be a newbie on the forums? Anyone feel like answering? In the offline world we all deal with cliques. And feeling like we don't fit in or belong sometimes. When I joined the forums I remember seeing members with thousands of posts and people greeting eachother like old friends. I wanted so badly to feel like part of this community. I know I'm not alone... Sometimes I see a thread where someone is disheartened by a lack of response. My question (sorry for the waffling) ... What helped you to feel welcome here? Here is my list (yep quite keen on lists) For newbies start your own thread in welcome/orientation. If you post your story in a social thread or someone else's thread you'll get lost in the system. On that note... Try not to make multiple threads on the same topic. If you are finding you need support speak up in the social threads or in a thread you contribute to a bit... Give the title of your thread and ask if someone will come have a chat. Read the rules and the posts in the welcome orientation section. Seems obvious but I don't think everyone does... And there is a lot of useful stuff in there! Remember the forums are not immediate. If you need immediate help there are the support numbers. Everyone on here is just like you (voluntarily contributing and dealing with a mental illness) so if you flood the forums with posts getting angry or upset about a delay in response or a post held up in moderation people tend to get overwhelmed and upset too. The helplines are there for a reason please use them . Take the time to respond. There is nothing worse that writing a reply and then the new user never comes back online. There isn't a notification system. You've got to log on and check. Please do. Write to others. You don't have to know what to say. Or have advice. Sometimes it is just nice to have someone aknowledge you or to know someone is listening. Enough waffling from me.... What does everyone else think? Nat

Hello:)

replies: 4

I'm new here and have been suffering from sever anxiety for about 18 months now. I feel so alone and useless because of my thoughts and I'm not sure how to deal with them.

Bereavement

replies: 2

My mother was killed in a car accident in december and the rest of my family have died by sudden deaths except my father and I was wondering if there was any online forums in relation to this.

Heartbroken

replies: 4

Hello. I'm new to this forum. Just heart broken about my two sons the struggles they've had to endue since primary and high schools ,bullying,failed relationships,working and now unemployed,drug taking and drinking with mates .I can't see a positive future for them with the cost of living and prices of houses . I feel there depression and anger and its hurting me and my wife every day.I have cancer in 5 different areas and have to deal with that also were not coping well.same negative thoughts every day.I don't know what to do.sometimes I just can't handle it any more its becomes too overwhelming. Salem

This is quite the awkward thing...

replies: 7

Hi there, Thanks for taking the time to read my thread. As the title says, this is quite an awkward thing - to open up like this. But here I am so here's a little about me. I'm married with two beautiful kids, who are doing wonderfully at life. We were all doing wonderfully. My partner and I both had professional, management jobs. in 2015 my job was beginning to get too much for me and I was having troubles with anxiety. I eventually resigned from my job and took some time out to complete a book I've been writing. Fast forward three years. My book had been published and I've had some fantastic reviews in publications and amazing feedback, brilliant initial sales, but things have died down. I've had to attempt to return to the medical professional work I was doing previously to make a living to help support my family, but the anxiety comes back worse than ever in the high-paced work I do. I can not handle it at all and I've struggled through three short term contracts, the last ending with me resigning prematurely. I tried then to take up a much easier job in a different field, but struggled just as badly here as well. I am now just weeks away from losing my registration in the medical field I work in due to not being able to maintain the accreditation standards, we have sold our house to make life more affordable and have chewed through the money from the sale. I have sold my car, cancelled my life, health and contents insurance to make life more affordable, and am at the point where I'm seriously considering either walking out on my family who are otherwise thriving (and all the time being very supportive of me) to alleviate them of my situation, or, ending this dark spiral down a path that I cannot see leading to anything good. I spoke to a phsychologist for a while and it simply did not work. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Menopause...thought I was prepared!! Not for this!

replies: 1

When I look back I think I'd been struggling for 3 years. Different HRT Doctors visits. 2 years ago Hysterectomy for heavy cycles. A lot of Migraines and just not feeling myself.Then 6 weeks ago it all happened Woke up with Anxiety Panick attacks. Fear!.Loss of appetite.stopped eating.couldn't go into work. Went to doctor and put me on higher patch of HRT and Anxiety tablets. But not to expect a quick fix , can take 6 weeks to work. So I'm starting to feel a little better.. not without hard work. A Therapist.Meditating.Sustagen.Mindfulness. Kiensology.Walking the streets in morning with the dog .feeling I was going crazy and would end up in hospital. Ringing beyond blue in desperation. I'm trying every day sometimes it's so hard...but I think I'm getting there. I have a great doctor.a very understanding husband .a some very close understanding supportive friends.whom I asked for help..not like me cause I'm normally the one who helps everyone else. So wasn't prepared for this journey!!

First post - I’m at a loss

replies: 2

I’m really struggling at the moment. I have literally no one to support and love me. I have three kids and work four days a week. I have no family as we are estranged. I don’t have contact with them as they have been abusive to me in the past so I cut them out and they have cut me out. I’m married but we are not really getting along anymore. We never have sex and he sleeps in a different room. We don’t argue all that often and he is nice to me but I feel like we have just grown apart. I feel trapped that I can’t leave though as I’ve never been on my own and don’t know how to be. I’m also scared about losing my house if we break up, we would have to sell and I go back to renting which terrifies me. We also have pets and most rentals don’t allow pets. I couldn’t stand to lose my pets. I am down and depressed most days due to abuse I suffered growing up. Starting counselling soon, hopefully that will help. My husband had also said that if we broke up he would take the kids which also terrifies me. This is just a small snapshot of my life. There is much more. I really need help!

Best books for anxiety and depression - First post

replies: 2

Hi everyone, i am new to this and this is my first time posting on the forum. i am 19 years old and currently struggle with depression and anxiety for basically as long as I can remember. i just have a question, I was wondering what are the best books to help with anxiety and/or depression? What have you found that helps the most and where can you get them? Thanks in advance

Meet your community champions! replies: 12

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

Concerned about safety at work replies: 3

Wanted to say hi? replies: 3

A question for our new members (and regulars too 😊). replies: 280

Hello:) replies: 4

Bereavement replies: 2

Heartbroken replies: 4

This is quite the awkward thing... replies: 7

Menopause...thought I was prepared!! Not for this! replies: 1

First post - I’m at a loss replies: 2

Best books for anxiety and depression - First post replies: 2