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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 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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My first post

replies: 2

Hi everyone I have a history of mental health isssue and have been managing them fairly well over th past 20 years or so.... i do feel very lost right now...I have started to not cope again...so sick of these cycles , sleeping too much and granted have a lot of stressors going on in my life at the moment..more than ever business expansions, buy in and selling house, harassment from my ex..I am feeling completely overwhelmed and bottom line is I feeL completely alone and am crying each night In bed with my Dog i just feel so lost, sad and overwhelmed and am not sure where to turn I have all the knowledge in the world about how to deal with my depression, loneliness and anxiety and am usually extremely high functioning ....I just feel i could just lose it at any point and can’t seem to see all the good in my life right now....so hence I am reaching out to those who understand ....yep despite a seemingly amazing life I can’t feel it...I’m just sad, lonely and at a loss I am looking forward to getting some support and guidance ...I’m so sick of having to fight my head ...just over it

New to BB;

replies: 7

Hey all, Im new to BB, and I was directed to this site from my doctor. My health has reached such a low point that I had to leave work yesterday after crying uncontrollably and being highly anxious. I am on a waiting list to see a pscych, doc says it may be PTSD after a lot of shit I went through 6 months ago. I'm highly anxious and paranoid. I slept 12 hrs last night and finally a bit calmer. Anyway enough about me, how are you all going ? Any advice on how to calm yourself during panic attacks ?

Unattractive and unlovable

replies: 10

I know it's late, but I couldn't sit alone awake any longer. I'm a 50+ year old plain Jane who wants to be a 30 year old thin Lizzie. I don't hate myself or anything like that. I want to look younger and leaner with lots more energy. I've done it hard the past 10 years and it's showing in my face and on my hips. I used to be a hot size 6, now I'm barely a smouldering spark at size 12. Anyway, 3 sizes bigger in skinny blue jeans just isn't the same. Boy, it looks like I'm writing on a dating site. ha ha No I'm here because my friend told me it's a good place to come when I'm down. I used to have anxiety and panic. I still have it, but not as bad. I can't seem to walk out my front door with much confidence though. It's a bugger trying to get the guts to even have my hair done. It's a mess. What I'm trying to say, is that I don't feel like I used to - all done up for a night on the town with the girls or a beau on a date. I never married or had kids, instead moved up the corporate ladder until I got what I wanted. I moved to Melbourne a few months back to try and overcome situations I left behind in that 'other' city. To be honest, I talk the talk, but walking it is really hard. Don't get out of the house as I'm new here and don't know anyone. I'm retired now and want to work, but I just can't. Let's leave it at that. Anyone out there??? Yooo Hoooo

Terrified of another mistake

replies: 15

My first post..Hi everyone!..I live in a small town in regional South Australia. I am gay and don't really fit in and feel very judged..I am on anti depressants and I am drinking as well...I have lived here for 18 months and only know a couple of people. The couple of people I know-well I cant even class them as friends as I feel that they gossip about me as well.I am at a crossroads. Do I stay and create a business in the town (as I am not working) or do I just accept that I made a mistake,buy a caravan and move to Northern New South Wales which is more accepting of diversity and then put the house on the market if I like it there. I am really paralysed over what to do. In 2015 I trusted instincts and ran off and lived in France-that didnt work out either. I just cant make big decisions anymore and need guidance. I know that life is full of ups and downs wherever you go but should I be around people that are more like minded or just do something here and expect the town to accept me. There are other gay people here that do survive but to me they are plastic and seem to put on a front which helps them to survive.

Unsure of how to begin

replies: 6

Hi all. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for most of my life. I'm not sure what I want to get out of sharing and posting on this forum, but I was having a low moment and felt the need to talk (but not bad enough to need lifeline or someth... View more

In need of a friend

replies: 8

Hi everyone. Im a 35 year old single parent living in WA and dealing with some pretty strong feelings of loneliness. I have no real friends (I have colleagues and acquaintances) and my family cause more issues than they fix. Right now I have some pretty amazing things happening in my life and it has made me realise just how lonely I am. I have no one I can talk to honestly about my feelings as these changes are happening. I should be feeling on top of the world right now but instead I am dealing with feelings coming to the surface that I have been keeping buried for years. It's overwhelming and casting a shadow over an otherwise wonderful time in my life. Long story short, I feel a real need for a friend. Someone to connect with and just talk with. Someone willing to help me work through these feelings and help me not feel so alone and lonely any more. All the avenues I have tried face to face seem to fall short so I feel like being online is the last option available. Generally I am a pretty easy going, strong person!

Today is hard

replies: 5

Today I finally worked up the courage to tell someone outside my immediate family what is going on. Today I cried through a doctors appointment where I described how I am unable to sit still. How I feel like there is a vice that is continually getting tighter and tighter across my chest. How I can't stop the racing thoughts, the shaking, worries and pacing. How even though intellectually I know that I am breathing, in the moment I truly believe to the bottom of my soul that I can't get enough oxygen. On Sunday night I had what I call a prolonged panic attack.My husband and I were up the entire night with me pacing and desperately trying to catch my breath. Nothing helped. Every suggestion he made was met with a stressed out snapping reply from me. He is a saint. Even when he is most frustrated with me, he is still there. He still tries to help. On Sunday night my youngest child screamed at her father to call an ambulance. Today I took the first step towards getting my life back. Something so small and insignificant as a trip to the doctors shouldn't feel like such a momentous occasion but it truly does. Today I was given a diagnosis of moderate depression and severe anxiety. Today I started taking medication and I now have a backup supply of an additional medication in case I have another prolonged episode. Today I sat in the car and cried for 20 minutes straight. I drove to daycare to pick my girls up and cried some more. Today is hard. Today I don't feel like there will be a day when I don't feel like this. The only thing that will get me through today is the hope that maybe tomorrow I might be a bit closer to being my usual self.

Hi Everyone......I'm new here

replies: 9

Hi Everyone, Just thought I'd pop in for a chat....... I'm having feelings of anxiety just about everyday at the moment. I know it is work related, but just thought it would be nice to talk to other people that have been through the same thing. Does anyone have any suggestions on dealing with feeling anxious about going to work?? I would love to hear other peoples stories or ideas.

First time poster, long time worrier

replies: 2

Hi all, am new here and not sure how this all works yet. So I'm 34 yrs old and have suffered anxiety attacks daily since i was 7/8. Didn't understand what they were until i was 13 and dr told my mum i have anxiety/panic disorder. My whole life my family and friends have never understood what this means for me and how it affects my life but think that just because I don't look like i have a mental health problem then it mustn't be too bad. Every minute of every day is a struggle for me and in the past two years i have been diagnosed with depression. Why do people even say "how's it going?" People don't really care how you're going but they want to be polite which totally defeats the purpose of the question when the reality is that it's polite to actually care how someone is going. R u ok? Is another gem, for someone who suffers with depression that question is never going to get a better response than "yeah im fine" from me because if I had the ability to actually talk to someone about how I really am I wouldn't be as depressed in the first place and someone saying "you don't seem ok" only makes me feel worse because it takes everything i have to constantly say in my head "ur ok, ur ok, ur ok" just so i can even stand and attempt to face the world and so it seems better to internalise my problems than talk to someone who may just trivialise them and offer a logical solution to them which my depressed mind takes as a criticism that if I was normal I would of came to the same conclusion but instead something in me turns every little thing into a mountain. I am tired. Tired of fighting with this feeling that tells me i will never have peace. So I sleep when the world is awake because that is the only time I feel better.

Hi. New here!

replies: 4

Hi all. My name is Mike and I am a 25yr old male living in Perth. I am a Personal Trainer and also have depression. This year has really been tough for me. I thought that I was getting better but then I have days like today where I just hate dealing with life. Seems like things look up for a while and then I get kicked down again. When I have good days, they are good. Bad days I'm really bad. I joined here in hope of support. Some days I hate my life. Other days I am great and want to help and talk to people. It seems like I have nobody to talk to who knows what it's like so that's why I joined. Really need some support some days.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

My first post replies: 2

New to BB; replies: 7

Unattractive and unlovable replies: 10

Terrified of another mistake replies: 15

Unsure of how to begin replies: 6

In need of a friend replies: 8

Today is hard replies: 5

Hi Everyone......I'm new here replies: 9

First time poster, long time worrier replies: 2

Hi. New here! replies: 4