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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

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Kim1 Anxiety in Brisbane
  • replies: 2

Anyone know of people with anxiety, that get together (however hard)....to sit and have a decaf coffee in the south Brisbane area?

Anyone know of people with anxiety, that get together (however hard)....to sit and have a decaf coffee in the south Brisbane area?

Kim1 My main concern is “anxiety”
  • replies: 2

I have had serious anxiety for years (depression is when I think about what I could have achieved and didn’t!)...i can’t drink (I want to but it makes me a mess) i wish there was an anxiety group in my area, that got together for quiet meetings (like... View more

I have had serious anxiety for years (depression is when I think about what I could have achieved and didn’t!)...i can’t drink (I want to but it makes me a mess) i wish there was an anxiety group in my area, that got together for quiet meetings (like a coffee or lunch..or activity).....without alcohol in my area....I am lonely and isolated

Pauliepaulie Looking for a mens group in North Fremantle WA
  • replies: 2

My younger brother was recently diagnosed with depression although he is now being treated and is in a better space. In saying that, I was wondering if anyone knew of a blokes group near North Fremantle in WA (I know that's probably politically incor... View more

My younger brother was recently diagnosed with depression although he is now being treated and is in a better space. In saying that, I was wondering if anyone knew of a blokes group near North Fremantle in WA (I know that's probably politically incorrect) where he can go and meet people that have and are going through similar issues. I'm even happy for anyone to provide websites that can point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance!

MrMeeseeks2002 Unlike me. How do I start
  • replies: 2

I am not really open to talking about my feelings or situations to other people, I have trouble deciding who to tell and what to tell. I'm really independent and always look to myself when I am down but I know I'm myself it doesn't work. I'm not only... View more

I am not really open to talking about my feelings or situations to other people, I have trouble deciding who to tell and what to tell. I'm really independent and always look to myself when I am down but I know I'm myself it doesn't work. I'm not only new to this but I'm also new to talking about my issues with others and I don't know how.

Kate1117 New, saying Hi
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone, I'm new. I support someone with diagnosed mental illness - my partner. That person is getting a lot of support. Me - not so much. Six years of this and I'm starting to come apart myself. You know what it's like? When it rains, it pours. ... View more

Hi Everyone, I'm new. I support someone with diagnosed mental illness - my partner. That person is getting a lot of support. Me - not so much. Six years of this and I'm starting to come apart myself. You know what it's like? When it rains, it pours. So, the perfect storm of multiple pressures and problems and responsibilities is buffeting me from every angle. I'm very strong. But when it gets this tough and it's all on me, I start to wonder what will happen if I can't keep up with everything. I have an appointment with GP next week so I'm being proactive - no worries there. But there's no time for myself - for fun, enjoyment, relaxation or good solitude, so I'm not sure how I can create the space I need to feel okay about the future. Anyway, Hi! On a brighter note (and to balance out those weather analogies), having some great weather in my part of Australia. Hope you're finding something good about where you are too!

Number9t9 New here & job loss due to company changes
  • replies: 2

Hi I’m new here because I’m feeling broken, lost and hopeless after being let go on the spot from my job due to changes in the company structure as my management role was no longer required. Though they have split what I used to do into 2 part time r... View more

Hi I’m new here because I’m feeling broken, lost and hopeless after being let go on the spot from my job due to changes in the company structure as my management role was no longer required. Though they have split what I used to do into 2 part time roles that they’ve just advertised. As small business there is no redundancy package. I live in a country town where there aren’t many jobs. I have lost all faith in my abilities, feel broken as can’t stop crying with a very heavy heart and my friends seem to have disappeared. I now have to move out of my rental as well so totally crushed. I really want to be positive but the more I focus on trying to be, the worse I get...? Does this make sense..???? Thank you for reading

RuSethi Just Wanting to say hi
  • replies: 4

Hi. I'd like to leave my name anonymous. I suffer from social anxiety and mild depression. I have recently had a acquaintance who is suicidal and diagnosed with Severe Depression. While taking care of of this individual, my depression has been trigge... View more

Hi. I'd like to leave my name anonymous. I suffer from social anxiety and mild depression. I have recently had a acquaintance who is suicidal and diagnosed with Severe Depression. While taking care of of this individual, my depression has been triggered. I don't feel like studying and working. I used to work out and exercise a lot, but all I do now is stay in bed and stay home for most days. I don't have motivation to do much. I find that I am eating more junk food as well. I study and work part time, but I am really overwhelmed with everything. There is a lot I wish to do in a short amount of time, but at the moment, it is really overwhelming.

Danielle324 Depressed and feel like I've tried everything
  • replies: 2

Hi Everyone, This is my first post in a a forum - at the moment I'm trying anything and everything to move forward. Long story short - I'm 26, I was diagnosed with depression at 19 and it has been on/off since then. I started on anti-depressants at 1... View more

Hi Everyone, This is my first post in a a forum - at the moment I'm trying anything and everything to move forward. Long story short - I'm 26, I was diagnosed with depression at 19 and it has been on/off since then. I started on anti-depressants at 19 and have more or less been on them the whole time, have seen psychologists on/off and have recently started seeing an acupuncturist. In more detail-I'm working in a very toxic environment at the moment (Thankfully I should be returning to my old role within a month) but until then I feel bullied nearly everyday (but I don't think it's enough to involve hr) - I do think I take a lot of things too personally and can't take criticism very well. Lately even on anti depressants and everything I've been crying everyday and something small will usually trigger this. Today it was my manager telling me I'd completed this task wrong but he has such an odd/rude way of telling you. It's almost as if he wants to put me down? He always asks rhetorical questions and then when I answer I get 'told off' and he already knew the answer before he asked the question (that I'd done the wrong thing) god I sound like I'm in primary school and am getting told off by a teacher..... I usually just keep the things I say back minimal but today I had had enough I just said (in an assertive tone) it's not a big deal I'll just fix it - he definitely didn't like that response. After this disagreement I was nearly in tears,thankfully it was just before I was meant to leave for the day. I was driving home and wanted to see my friend but he way busy - this set me off - I cried all the way home (about an hour),my dad called and I had to tell him I'd speak to him later (because I was choking my words from crying) so now he's going to be worried (he knows about my issues at work/depression but I feel so selfish for worrying him since I'm 26 I should be able to look after myself). (That rant went on longer than intended...) So essentially I'm after some advice of what to do next? I'm thinking of joining a support group in Melbourne but I am also studying part time so that might be difficult to get to....I just need to learn to not take things so personally...my job really isn't helping at all but it's not just that things friends will say/do offend me when I know they had no intention of hurting me .... for example I have a lot of pregnant friends and all I can think is that that'll never be me I'm destined to be alone.... Thank you in advance

ynot_amp new and don't know what to do
  • replies: 3

Hi, I've just joined and I am completely lost. That is I dont know where to post anything. I'm 65 and alone and like things in boxes with labels, so you can see it and than decide what to do from there. Some people have described this as OCD, I will ... View more

Hi, I've just joined and I am completely lost. That is I dont know where to post anything. I'm 65 and alone and like things in boxes with labels, so you can see it and than decide what to do from there. Some people have described this as OCD, I will not dispute that but it is a sign of my upbringing. Ynot amp