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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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Gazhopper Hi.. I'm new here..
  • replies: 2

Hello all. I'm an old hand with depression but new to the whole forum thing - very self-conscious about sharing with others. But I cannot do this on my own anymore so I'm taking the plunge into the world of human interaction. Not thinking clearly at ... View more

Hello all. I'm an old hand with depression but new to the whole forum thing - very self-conscious about sharing with others. But I cannot do this on my own anymore so I'm taking the plunge into the world of human interaction. Not thinking clearly at all so unsure where to start - suppose initially just looking for some confirmation I do actually exist because I feel completely invisible right now. I'd add the word "Help" but guess that's implied by my presence here right?..

Amanda84 Hi, I'm new and looking for help
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm new at this and I don't even know how to even start looking for help. Diagnosed with anxiety in 2016 after a major anxiety attack left me unable to sleep for a couple of days. Got help from a psychiatrist back home and after medication, I gra... View more

Hi, I'm new at this and I don't even know how to even start looking for help. Diagnosed with anxiety in 2016 after a major anxiety attack left me unable to sleep for a couple of days. Got help from a psychiatrist back home and after medication, I gradually got better. Moved to Australia permanently early last year and now the anxiety is creeping back. My partner asked me to seek help but I don't know how to even start - new country, new system, new everything! I'm so lost and I have no one to talk to here. Worried about who to go to, how to go about the process and the cost of it all, with my meds running low. Help?

Lucky_Lou Newbie
  • replies: 2

Hi, I've just joined and look forward to reading other peoples threads and hopefully I'll post stuff and see if anybody replies to me

Hi, I've just joined and look forward to reading other peoples threads and hopefully I'll post stuff and see if anybody replies to me

Robbin1 Hi Everyone - I'm a newby to your Forum.
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone - Thanks for the opportunity to share. Seventeen years ago - I was held - in my home - threatened quite violently for an hour by an alcohol fueled man. The law being the " ass " that it is - the Judge he went before decided jail was not t... View more

Hi everyone - Thanks for the opportunity to share. Seventeen years ago - I was held - in my home - threatened quite violently for an hour by an alcohol fueled man. The law being the " ass " that it is - the Judge he went before decided jail was not the right way to go - he needed to go to rehab... funny thing is - he'd just come from rehab and had 8 charges pertaining to this issue. !! It took 7 years for the anxiety to hit me and there are occasions when under extreme stress, or hearing of some other innocent soul experiencing similar situations - it comes back to bite me, as it has for the last 6 months. ( now 66 years of age ) Unless and until one has walked that walk, the average person doesn't have a clue, and having read some of your posts can be very condescending, calculating, critical and judgmental of those who have been affected. The real life changing situations are not understood, an my thoughts are with you all. Nowdays - I attempt to help others in need of support, as having "waked that walk" it is easier to understand. A few words I've learnt to use are listed and have found by using them in every day conversations they help, so am hoping they may assist anyone attempting to get others to understand - very suttle - however so empowering when one see's another's change in attitude. I don't talk "to" someone/people - I talk "with" them. I "think" becomes I "feel". "But" becomes " However". I'm "Listening" becomes I "hear" you. I "know" becomes I "hear" you or " I get where you're coming from" Best of the best... Thank again. Robbin1

Simon1812 first few days of meds
  • replies: 1

Are there any coping strategies to get past the awful days of being on meds for the first time.?

Are there any coping strategies to get past the awful days of being on meds for the first time.?

Chrs Hello
  • replies: 2

Hello all my name is Chris my partner/ex partner / I don’t no has been diagnosed with severe depression borderline personality disorder and bipolar / on top of this we have 8 children life with her over the last nine years has to the most part been g... View more

Hello all my name is Chris my partner/ex partner / I don’t no has been diagnosed with severe depression borderline personality disorder and bipolar / on top of this we have 8 children life with her over the last nine years has to the most part been great ups n downs but mostly full of love n laughter . i have just found out that over the last 6 to 8 months she has been using Instagram and what’s app chat to have online relationships with numerous men mostly from India she does not seem to be able to see or admit that what she is doing is wrong or understand my frustration she left on Boxing Day choosing her phone and the men she talks to over myself and our children she has only seen the kids for about an hour since she is coming back to town tonight for our 14 year olds birthday tomorrow and I have told her unfortunately she must stay at a hotel for the kids sake as they are upset from her leaving and have also seen her video chatting some of these men she says to me they are lying and there thoughts and feelings don’t matter which is a 180 for her as she usually a fantastic mum with the kids always coming first my question is one of many ha ha but how do I get her to see reason and reality without it coming to an argument or just going around in circles? Thanks for any advice or links to read Chris .

silhouette Hugs
  • replies: 2

Hey, I've been here a while, but I usually just lurk. I've been too afraid to post anything, but I'm more afraid of going backwards. I've been diagnosed with depression, and anxiety (mostly social). I also struggle with accepting my emotions. When I ... View more

Hey, I've been here a while, but I usually just lurk. I've been too afraid to post anything, but I'm more afraid of going backwards. I've been diagnosed with depression, and anxiety (mostly social). I also struggle with accepting my emotions. When I was a child I'd cry to the point of making myself sick, and because of the way people reacted I've always felt like it's wrong to cry. I think I'm slowly coming to accept that crying is okay, but I don't think I have anyone around me who can even grasp what it must feel like. I've tried to open up and explain things and have been rejected, which makes it hard for me to open up again and keep going. I feel that most people around me are only listening to what they want to hear. Even if you don't respond, thank you for taking your time to read this. I'm sorry if this is long, I just had to blurt my feelings out. I keep them in for so long. I don't want to burden people, but at the same time I'm hurting myself by keeping it all in. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, I'm really confused and emotional right now.

Shezz1 New to page just saying hi
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone im new to this so dont really know how it works. im married and have 2 children i suffer anxiety and depression. would love to know others coping ideas and how they get through it ☺

Hi everyone im new to this so dont really know how it works. im married and have 2 children i suffer anxiety and depression. would love to know others coping ideas and how they get through it ☺

Simon1812 New to this so hi to all.
  • replies: 2

Over the past two weeks I have noticed my behaviour and moods deteriorating quite dramatically. I have had an awful year with work being insane and separating from my wife and children (that is not bad in itself but stressful). i feel constantly anxi... View more

Over the past two weeks I have noticed my behaviour and moods deteriorating quite dramatically. I have had an awful year with work being insane and separating from my wife and children (that is not bad in itself but stressful). i feel constantly anxious about everything in my life which has been causing me to drink too much. This has resulted in some crazy arguments with my new girlfriend whom I have had a great relationship with and I am know that I am driving her away further increasing my anxiety and depression. i am off to my GP tomorrow and will hopefully get some advice and possibly medication. Any advice of short term solutions until the medication kicks in to make me feel better and to stop being awful to others. This is a really low point in my life. thanks all.

Leaash Trying hard to get there
  • replies: 3

Hi, My name is Leanne and I am 45. I suffer from social anxiety and it causes me grief. My doctor wants me to try medication but I am too scared, I have purchased them but they are still in the packet. I do try and go out to the shops etc and after I... View more

Hi, My name is Leanne and I am 45. I suffer from social anxiety and it causes me grief. My doctor wants me to try medication but I am too scared, I have purchased them but they are still in the packet. I do try and go out to the shops etc and after I have been I do give myself a little pat on the back. does anyone else feel like this?