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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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MTildaWrmWd Sea change,left adrift
  • replies: 1

Hi All I've just made a huge, belated change in my life. After 10+ years fighting depression, anxiety and resulting substance abuse, all on my own, I finally did what was ultimately the bravest thing possible... I moved back home. I'm lucky enough to... View more

Hi All I've just made a huge, belated change in my life. After 10+ years fighting depression, anxiety and resulting substance abuse, all on my own, I finally did what was ultimately the bravest thing possible... I moved back home. I'm lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive Mum who has always made it clear to me that I have a place to seek shelter. However, I firmly believe the pervasive "loser" stigma associated with living at home forced me to flounder in a life I just couldn't handle, for a ridiculously long time..I avoided it for as long as possible, for whatever reasons.. and I grappled for support anywhere else but the dreaded home with family. For whatever reason, this has ended up being the right time for me to seek that refuge. Living out of home since the age of 21 I only just, at 31, kind of "gave up". However, my family is not exactly a haven of stability , they have a myriad of issues themselves. Both my siblings suffer with quite severe mental health issues. My Mum is on her own and a stoically "strong" woman. She finds the depression hard to cope with so I don't talk to her about it.. but we both know why I'm home... Anyways, I joined Beyond Blue so I could have a chat on the forums as , although I finally find myself relatively safe, and at home, I have none of the structures I once relied on when I felt sad. I have made a literal 180° turn to move here... leaving behind toxic relationships, focusing on my health (physical and mental) , setting new boundaries etc. Although I'm fairly positive I am doing the right thing, it has been a lonely and confusing scramble towards wellness. I'm yet to find myself a professional support system here.. and it has me feeling pretty overwhelmed so hoping to have a chat here when the "bad thoughts" do, inevitably, surface. Thanks to you guys for providing a service to all of us "seekers". - x

boatee struggling with unhelpful thoughts
  • replies: 7

been diagnosed with mixed anxiety/depression,seeing counsellor,using other stratergies,but still having very tough time dealing with the unhelpfful thoughts,set off by small things,lots bad medical help[none for most of it],former very heavy drinker ... View more

been diagnosed with mixed anxiety/depression,seeing counsellor,using other stratergies,but still having very tough time dealing with the unhelpfful thoughts,set off by small things,lots bad medical help[none for most of it],former very heavy drinker & find even doing all i know still doesn't help at times,end up so overwhelmed have to go to ed for extra help,anyone got any more helpful advice,all help greatly appreciated

Chop270 "The new guy" and his first tiny, tentative and nervous steps (words?) toward becoming the "not so new guy".
  • replies: 1

For years I've heard about and seen Beyond Blue all over TV etc. yet not once did the thought of actually going to the website or even looking in to it at all ever cross my mind, yet finally, here I am. I guess a little background is in order then he... View more

For years I've heard about and seen Beyond Blue all over TV etc. yet not once did the thought of actually going to the website or even looking in to it at all ever cross my mind, yet finally, here I am. I guess a little background is in order then hey? Fellow sufferer, (or should I say Anxious wreck?) of Anxiety and Depression which I'm guessing is a common theme around these parts right? (obviously). Male, hence the use of He versus She, early twenties. I come here now seeking like minded individuals and a brief reprieve from the perils of the world. It's funny to be putting this out in to the world when normally, it's quite difficult to talk about this stuff, I find writing easier I guess. Writing (or typing) is kind of like a story and stories are, in my opinion, some of the best experiences one can go through. My preferred medium for said stories is games, specifically the kind that involves sitting on a couch using my thumbs. It's actually because of said thumb exercise that I'm even here, as it had a link to this very website. I never actually thought I'd do or write anything like this, evidenced by the fact that even though it makes no difference, I have this page open in "Incognito" mode. I'm Anxious about being Anxious about being found out that I visited a site designed to help with Anxiety, which is both annoying and confusing now that I think about it. At any rate, that's me in a very large nutshell, how is everyone else doing out there?

Agent79 First time poster introducing himself plus rant about life
  • replies: 1

Hello. I've had an account with this forum for almost two years now but have never introduced myself, until now. I'm a male, I'm 21 years old and I'm not where I should be mentally. As well as being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when I was 3, ov... View more

Hello. I've had an account with this forum for almost two years now but have never introduced myself, until now. I'm a male, I'm 21 years old and I'm not where I should be mentally. As well as being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when I was 3, over the last 2 years I have been going through depression and social anxiety. I dropped out of university last year because of my mental health and moved back to my hometown to figure out what to do with myself. I made the decision to find work, however, more than 12 months on, nothing. I apply, hand out resumes, but it's always the same response "No". I am at the point where I am giving up looking for work because it is all the same response. Also I am sick of hearing "Don't give up, something will pop up". No it won't. The people they do end up hiring are worse than me, it is more about looks than experience most of the time. During this time, it's become clear to me that I have aged/matured by more than 40 years. I don't feel young, I'm an old man trapped in a young man's body. Most of the things I use to enjoy doing I rarely have time to do now. For me, it all comes to first impressions, if I screw up, that's it. I can't be bothered meeting other people my age in this town because they all the same bandwagons as everyone else that I have no interest in. Although things haven't been great for me most of time, there are some positive things in my life. The following list isn't in a specific order of preference 1. My best mates. Even though a few of them are away from town for most of the year due to uni or work, they are always there for me, whenever the next gathering comes up, I always look forward to it. 2. Counselling. I made this decision to get counselling and it has been quite helpful. 3. Finding some strengths. One example was when I was at uni, living independently (cooking my own meals, doing my hobbies in my spare time etc.) 4. Family, they are the front line for me when I'm not in the best mood. 5. Education: I am currently at TAFE, going pretty good, and considering going to Uni again (different course). The course I once did was something I was passionate about but lost interest when I was going downhill. Anyway, sorry for the long introduction and possible spelling errors, but I thank you for reading and maybe understanding what I am going through.

Dwyer_the_Depressed Newbie saying hi to everyone
  • replies: 19

Hi all, have joined the site. Like everyone here I have my own personal demons that I contend with every day. It has been good to read other members accounts of what they go through. Being a single guy in a country town it can be hard to get out and ... View more

Hi all, have joined the site. Like everyone here I have my own personal demons that I contend with every day. It has been good to read other members accounts of what they go through. Being a single guy in a country town it can be hard to get out and meet new people when you would much rather be safe at home with the curtains drawn. To everyone out there, I hope you get through today and find atleast 1 thing to smile at every day.

Waterfalls Saying hi to everyone
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I've just joined this site... I've had depression since I was a child To cut a long story short, the last 3 years depression and anxiety has dominated my life. Through that I've no friends left really that I feel that I can confide in fo... View more

Hi everyone, I've just joined this site... I've had depression since I was a child To cut a long story short, the last 3 years depression and anxiety has dominated my life. Through that I've no friends left really that I feel that I can confide in for fear of losing more. To add to that concern I lost my partner due to this also. The main trigger that unearthed the depression bigtime, where previously i was able to recover, was a total and uttet loss of passion and purpose. Not just workwise but pretty much everything. Loss of relationships have really compounded things for me, there is alot of shame there for allowing that to happen. I've tried many forms of conventional treatment,and not so conventional. I've yet to find the key. I've been a hard nut to crack. Still fighting Cheers

CRMB Pure-O (Pure Obsessional OCD)-I'm struggling
  • replies: 1

Hi people, I've been struggling with OCD for about ten years now, and usually I'm able to manage it pretty well. Unfortunately I've been finding life very hard for the first time in years recently, which has been possibly triggered by some other expe... View more

Hi people, I've been struggling with OCD for about ten years now, and usually I'm able to manage it pretty well. Unfortunately I've been finding life very hard for the first time in years recently, which has been possibly triggered by some other experiences I've had that are not the nicest in the past few weeks. I'm also adjusting to a new medication that I hope to God works because otherwise I don't know how I'll cope with life. I'm really desperate, and want to find people who can understand what its like to have these constant ruminations. Mine mostly centre around losing control, or dying. Can anyone give me some hope? Carla.

Caveal Hello and a brief summary of where I'm at
  • replies: 2

Hi, My name is Al and I'm a 28 year old male. I've had several diagnosis (Depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar) but no particular medication or therapy has ever been helpful. All of my life I have been able to cope and lead a normal life, but the last ... View more

Hi, My name is Al and I'm a 28 year old male. I've had several diagnosis (Depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar) but no particular medication or therapy has ever been helpful. All of my life I have been able to cope and lead a normal life, but the last few months I have been completely bed ridden. I have lost my job, I'm about to lose my license (other medical issues), and I'm scared I'm going to lose my relationship. I'm can't keep any appointments with my GP or other help I've sought due to not being able to get out of bed, let alone the house. As great as my girlfriend is at understanding what I'm going through she doesn't know how to help, and I don't have any family or friends I can talk to or ask for help. I've completely run out of ideas, and don't know where to go from here. Al.

Nomad82 A quick and nervous hello and background. Dunno which direction to head after potentially running away from issues
  • replies: 4

Hi all, a bit wary and nervous about writing here as generally I keep a lot of this private (bad I know). Anyway I'm male, 34 years old and have been living a bit of a nomadic life for the past 13 years, dotting about the globe through over 100 count... View more

Hi all, a bit wary and nervous about writing here as generally I keep a lot of this private (bad I know). Anyway I'm male, 34 years old and have been living a bit of a nomadic life for the past 13 years, dotting about the globe through over 100 countries which has been enjoyable but now wondering if this was partly due to running away from previous problems. I work in IT at the moment and am also a trained high school teacher and would ideally like to use this to volunteer a bit more overseas at some point in some of the poorer areas I've been through at some point. My father was killed in a car accident by a drunk driver when I was 22 and had already left to travel overseas (to which I went back to the funeral for) yet I decided to continue travelling the globe with the idea of "this just proves you have to live your life to the fullest" for another 5 years before visiting my family (back in NZ) again. Another 6-7 years of travelling after that (during which my cousin took his own life) and I decided to go back to NZ with a view to settle down a bit, open the next chapter of my life, be closer to my family and to study to be a teacher. Things seemed to go well however after getting involved in a semi-relationship with an amazing young lady and then royally screwing it up (due to my own indecision) and hurting that person bad, things went downhill from there. It has been 2 years since I messed things up and I still feel massive guilt every day about it and the depression is sort of taking its toll on my day to day life. Lots of thinking about "what could have been", seeing that person happier now with someone else, massive disappointment/guilty with myself, lack of interest in anything I do and helpless at knowing you can't change history. A close friend said "you need to move one" or "you can't beat yourself up about it" but I find it hard to break out of the cycle. I have regular insomnia and often anxiety (especially just before sleeping) and often walk to work in a zombie-like down state, before faking it for the day. I often wonder if I have been running away from things when they get a little too tough and the thought of returning to home fills me with dread as my mind just associates it with pain and hurt. Often the nomadic travelling life just feels like an easy escape as well. I've had a few counselling sessions. Logically the suggestions made sense. In practice it's harder. Thanks all. Appreciate any advice or suggestions

Poppy_Pete I'm not new I'm old
  • replies: 4

G'day everyone, I looked up this site to help my oldest friend. He is 82 and his mind is playing tricks on him. I also discovered I am in need of help, I realised I have problems of my own that can and have been quite serious for most of my life. Ok ... View more

G'day everyone, I looked up this site to help my oldest friend. He is 82 and his mind is playing tricks on him. I also discovered I am in need of help, I realised I have problems of my own that can and have been quite serious for most of my life. Ok so I am 72 with a wonderful wife lovely pets and a a few friends. So why should I be depressed/anxious.