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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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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?

JillyP Hello, new to BB
  • replies: 2

Hello, I have signed up today to find some support. I have come to the realization that I am depressed, and have been this way for quite a long time. I don’t know why I feel sad, but it’s affected the way I interact with my husband and 2 young childr... View more

Hello, I have signed up today to find some support. I have come to the realization that I am depressed, and have been this way for quite a long time. I don’t know why I feel sad, but it’s affected the way I interact with my husband and 2 young children. I have not seen a professional yet - any time I have a bit of clarity, I feel like I can take the depression on by myself. However I’ve been trying to improve myself for a very long time now. I don’t know if I’m ready to seek professional help, but if anyone can relate, I’d like to know what you are doing to climb out of their depression.

GalaxyGirll Hello! :)
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone! I am mostly new to these forums, I have been on here before, and I am very passionate about BeyondBlue, so I thought I would finally drop by and say hello! I'm very familiar with anxiety and do currently take medication which has done wo... View more

Hi everyone! I am mostly new to these forums, I have been on here before, and I am very passionate about BeyondBlue, so I thought I would finally drop by and say hello! I'm very familiar with anxiety and do currently take medication which has done wonders for me. I also see a psychologist / my GP when I think I need it, who are amazing and incredibly supportive. I have also lost a dear friend of mine from Depression a few years ago, and I actually raised $1500 for Beyondblue in honor of her. In my workplace I am a massive advocate about discussing mental health and I am thankful I work for a company where you can express if you are having a hard time mentally. Anyway, I am here for support, talks, and to become more involved. I'd absolutely love to volunteer and contribute any way I can so I am glad I'm here and all signed up for everything! Oh, i'm also really passionate about video games and music too. Talk to you soon! -GalaxyGirl

Nowhere Hello
  • replies: 5

OK not sure what to say but have really struggled since separation 7 years ago..my ex left me for my best friend of 20 years my ex accused me in court of inappropriate behaviour with my daughter, proven to be false allegation but at the time destroye... View more

OK not sure what to say but have really struggled since separation 7 years ago..my ex left me for my best friend of 20 years my ex accused me in court of inappropriate behaviour with my daughter, proven to be false allegation but at the time destroyed me...the financial ruin seperation caused. i feel i will never recover from that aspect,going from owning two houses to renting a shit hole.I have become extremely cynical of people in general and as a result have no social circle or support network...I was initially diagnosed with depression which in time changed to anxiety...I still suffer from anxiety but is manageable . I am registered nurse soPartenavia P68C is out of maintenance and went with Rascal for a test flight before he takes it to Friendly Beaches for the summer. Haven’t flown a twin for years and first time in a P68. Partenavia is very stable and a nice plane to fly. Fun day away from a keyboard. I believe I am quite self aware , but to be honest I feel broken in so many ways which I don't want to affect my children's outlook on life, I would like them to be happy and positive about life...I know I'm cynical to protect myself but don't know how to change and still protect myself from dishonest and horrible humans... Sorry for grammar and spelling.

S_Kane Hello, new to BB.
  • replies: 1

Hi, my name is Simon and i have struggled a lot with anxiety and depression since i was 14/15 (now 42). Finally decided to go to see someone about it 4 years ago after pleading from my wife. At that stage i wouldn't leave the house much except for wo... View more

Hi, my name is Simon and i have struggled a lot with anxiety and depression since i was 14/15 (now 42). Finally decided to go to see someone about it 4 years ago after pleading from my wife. At that stage i wouldn't leave the house much except for work because i had to earn money but i would be sick all day that i was out along with thoughts of how i could have time off work "legitimately" and not have to admit the real reason to anyone. Still struggle a lot of days (including today) to keep it under control with meds and breathing techniques etc. Anything that involves being out in public requires a fair bit of effort on my part including going to work. I am drained most days because of what it takes to function normally. My wife and daughter are really supportive and try their best to help but i know some days it is really tough on them. I hope im not rambling too much, just want to give everyone the best picture i can of myself. Hope to see everyone around as much as i can. Cheers, Simon

coco09 Need help seeking help.
  • replies: 6

Hi, this is my first post and first time reaching out to anybody. I 26 and have suffered anxiety all my life, its only now that i'm a mother and doing things on my own that I realise how much it has affected and is still affecting my life. My issues ... View more

Hi, this is my first post and first time reaching out to anybody. I 26 and have suffered anxiety all my life, its only now that i'm a mother and doing things on my own that I realise how much it has affected and is still affecting my life. My issues are starting to affect my daughter now and the guilt I feel is making things worse. I want help, I know I need help, but booking an appt with a doctor is hard enough for me, let alone actually going to see them. I've never had a family doctor so Im worried the doctor will just fob me off. I get anxious speaking to people i dont know , i end up with cold sweats and so nervous i cant get the right words out. How can I prepare for an appt like this? Can i write down how i feel so the doctor can read what i'm feeling instead. I want to feel worthy of friendships, I want the confidence to get a job I love and hold on to it. I don't want my daughter to miss out on life anymore.