Welcome and Orientation

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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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Just saying hello

replies: 12

I have always had a solid group of friends however over the last two years so much has happened and we have all drifted apart, leaving a bit of a hole in my heart. I am in a relationship with a man who is simply incredible. I have returned to uni and am working casually which means I have a lot of my plate throughout semester and it leaves little time for socialising with my friends and puts my partner under a lot of strain - as he is the only one who i see regularly and therefore i discuss everything with him and its a bit much. I ensure I make simple plans like dinners, however people cancel on me a lot and it makes me feel lonely and kinda unappreciated. I make sure I call people and have sincere conversations however I am feeling somewhat exhausted from all the trying.. and when I stop my phone doesn't ring, and I inevitably don't end up speaking to anyone for weeks at a time which upsets me so much. I know I am loved, I know that my friends are busy with children, work, life, partying, yoga and all the other glorious stuff they get up to, but the crappy feeling it still there, when logic doesn't really comfort. I have a history of depression.. it was an extremely tough time for me and I am super aware of my emotions and do not want to fall back into a dark place. Soooo my point is.. i am online for a chat.. with people who are bloody lovely (from what I have read), empathetic, funny, thoughtful and kind. x V

Just lick to say hi

replies: 16

hello everyone Ive been Married for over 25 years now,my sexual performance was great then.for the last 10 years now its getting worst.I cant get erect my body feels all tence up an cant relax . Ive tried ED treatment ,my colestrol under control,bloo... View more

Hello

replies: 5

Hi there. I'm new here. I guess I should start off by saying that I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and OCD since I was very young. I've also recently learned that I may have autism. Lately, I've felt incredibly lonely. About a month or so ago, my mother kicked me out of home. The only person who was willing to take me in was my best friend's family, who lived 3 hours away. I had to uproot my entire life and quit my job just so I wouldn't end up sleeping out of my car. My best friend and I no longer get along, and apart from her, I have no other friends. I just want to reach out for help. And hopefully, offer help to those who need it in return. Thanks to anyone willing to listen to a lonely woman's rambling.

Hi I'm New.

replies: 9

Just sayin' hi cos it seems the thing us newbs do first. Had agoraphobia for 15 years p.a and anxiety. I just had a baby... Been a rough 5 years. Was coping pretty well considering all. Thanks for hearin me.

How long does it take to get first post approved

replies: 2

Hi all - I posted my first ever post last evening - new thread in anxiety - and I know it takes time to get posted. It has been 12 hours. Is that normal? My post wasn't offensive at all. Thanks for any insight.

Introduction

replies: 2

Hi all. I have had the black dog as company for 5 years now. Its been tough and have lost all motivation and some long time friendships. It a very lonly thing depression and i am lost for words at how many younger people on this forum fall victim to this. Its good to know that I am not alone and feel that a friendly ear can be a great help. This is a problem within society as a whole but i feel that those who do not have depression are afraid of what they do not understand. Not their fault Last weekend I went down to a block of land I have in northern NSW. Went down with a couple of mates and we had a few beers and a camp fire. We woke in the morning to watch the sunrise. It took my breath away. I take time out and get back to basics whenever I feel overwhelmed and to realise that I am more than a body and mind. I can feel when i need to go and find it a great leveller. I gave up the medication three years ago but still have depression. I try and manage it best I can. This is where I'm at and looking forward to this forum. Cheers

Hello - I'm new

replies: 1

Hello, I'm obviously new here and just wanted to reach out and say hello. I'm 25 years old, living/working/studying in Melbourne and have been dealing with anxiety for quite a number of years now. I experience anxiety/panic attacks – very physical symptoms like sweating, dizziness, tightening of the throat/chest, increased heartbeat etc. My anxiety has definitely intensified within the last year, due to my parents separation (which has bought quite a bit of childhood trauma) as well as regular life stresses like balancing work and study. I work 4 days a week, am studying sociology part time and am trying to run my own online business on top of that. It's honestly KILLING ME. I find uni to be one of my biggest triggers – I HATE being on campus and I HATE tutorials. More than once I've found myself hysterically crying in the uni administration office, which is pretty embarrassing. At the start of literally every semester I feel my mental health rapidly declining. Does anyone else experience this? Some days I feel so ashamed at how incapable I am at dealing with normal life things. All my friends graduated years ago, and here I am still struggling hardcore. It's taking me so much longer because I can only study part time (any more than 2 subjects and I think I'd have a full mental breakdown). Luckily this is my last semester so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel – but for now I'm really struggling. In terms of family issues – I almost can't bare to face them this point. It's like I've put all of it on the back burner because it's just too difficult to deal with, and I know it's not healthy and I don't want to repress anything, but for now I can only deal with so much. I've been taking medication on and off for the last year but am now considering taking a different medication (as a short term thing) I'm pretty reluctant to be on medication but I'm so just so exhausted and would like a break from my own mind. Anyway that was a bit of a rant – there are many good things about my life and I have a lot to be grateful for, don't get me wrong. I just wanted to give you all a picture of what I'm dealing with. I really look forward to connecting with others who are struggling with similar things and hearing about your experiences/ways of coping! Much love x

Hi Everybody

replies: 5

Hi All, I've been reading for a little while now and thought it's about time I sign up. I've suffered depression / anxiety for a number of years now (many years) and after being ashamed and too scared to ask for help, it was a recent episode at work that made me realise I can no longer live like this. The mask, or front, to which I have worn every day; and that I've become accustomed to wearing, has to be removed. A friend asked me a simple question to which I rambled for the next 20-30 mins unleashing my brain on them - Please note I did not abuse them or anything, things I had bottled up came out. I can't keep doing this to them. I'm actually quite scared I'm going to push them away. I should have seen the signs earlier when I snapped at a couple of people at work, one which resulted in me getting an official warning. For me the hardest part of all of this is the pure lack of emotion I show towards anything. I don't cry at funerals, I struggled to get upset when a colleague at work had a family member die - there is just nothing. I know when something is sad or happy but I can't show it. All I want more than anything is to sit down with a cup of tea and ball my eyes out in a dark room. It's fair to say I haven't cried in years. What's the word I'm looking for... Apathy? There is obviously a lot more to it, the above is just some of what I feel. 2500 words doesn't really come close to allowing me to say how I feel. The one thing I've picked up from reading here is that I'm not alone and there are others who experience the same thing I do. It's what's encouraged me to sign up to here and say hi. I've felt alone and isolated for the longest time. I feel like if I wasn't alive that nobody would care. Even though people say they will / do, I struggle to believe it. So, hello all!

Taking the first step ... Hi

replies: 4

Hi, I am 34 and until now I have always just "put up" as far as I can remember I have always felt this way. I moved into a toxic environment 2 years ago that caused my anxiety and depression to get worse and eventually causing me to drive away my partner of 16 years. I have finally choose to try to get help and I thought maybe even by being here and reading that it may it some way help me in taking the next step.

Restoration (a poem)

replies: 10

New to here but have had the ongoing battle with my mind for years . I write to help myself and like to share these with others I was going through some boxes in the attic of my mind' Its something that I do at times , amazing what I find Old memories are tucked away in every dusty nook A favourite toy , a holiday , the joy found in a book But lately Ive been looking for a very special thing I found it just the other day and boy it made me sing It was lying in the corner , just a snippet was on show The bruised and battered Marty I'd discarded years ago His psyche lay in pieces scattered all about the floor and pieces of his heart I found behind the attic door But as I looked upon him I could see he was intact Get this restoration started it was now the time to act He wasn't in the best of shape but hidden underneath I saw a beaming smile and a flash of pearly teeth The wrinkles on his face now showed the track of every smile A look that people hadn't seen from him for quite a while Oh sure he was all dirty there was plenty there to do but underneath the build up I could see him shining through A cheeky little grin betrayed his torn and ragged state I reckon this old Marty will become my new best mate A bit of spit an polish and the dirt was stripped away then I started to repair things just a little every day Liquid nails for his psyche , its now firmly held in place and I made some slight adjustments to the wrinkles on his face His heart would take rebuilding it was quite a hefty task I would have to do it all alone , nobody I could ask Piece by piece it mended there's a steady beat within we both listened to its rhythm , both now wore a hearty grin Some minor alterations little tweaks, adjustments there We both laughed at his refelction and his 1980's hair this old Marty he was shining he was ready to reveal the time had come to show the world the Marty that was real The process isn't finished, restorations never are but gee it is amazing we have come along so far This process of restoring well I guess it never ends but my new improved persona , he and I are best of friends

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Just saying hello replies: 12

Just lick to say hi replies: 16

Hello replies: 5

Hi I'm New. replies: 9

How long does it take to get first post approved replies: 2

Introduction replies: 2

Hello - I'm new replies: 1

Hi Everybody replies: 5

Taking the first step ... Hi replies: 4

Restoration (a poem) replies: 10