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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Losing my Anchor

replies: 4

Hi I walk a thin line but so far have managed to stay here. My only anchor , my dog Moose, is dying and I don't think i can stay without him.

First post 💜

replies: 5

Hi there. Im not sure what i need to say. Ive stopped therapy and have been having alot of trouble reaching out to friends. I have high anxiety and also depression. Im almost 28 and i have 2 beautiful boys ages 2 and 3! Im in a long term relationship... View more

What Catagory Should I Post In?

replies: 2

Hi I'm just wondering where I should post something regarding self-esteem, low confidence or body dysmorphia? thank you for your help

Hi everyone

replies: 26

Just discovered this forum, wish I had sooner! Have been reading posts on various threads and it saved me this weekend, after another episode. I'm tired of what I've become, and I'm guilt ridden for what my beautiful son has endured because his mum is so damaged. I've just started unpacking all my emotional stuff, and the process of healing is hideous in itself. I blame myself for everything and find it hard to be assertive as when I speak up about an injustice I inevitably just get emotional and look like the crazy one. But not taking action just adds to my baggage from the past and swirls in my head. My diagnosis is Major Depression, dysthymia and Borderline PD was briefly mentioned in a psyche report by a psychiatrist when I was first hospitalised, but it was never discussed with me. I notice symptoms of ADD, lack of focus, unable to concentrate or learn new things, but I have no concrete diagnosis apart from the Depression. Any advice would be much appreciated on what threads to read especially advice about learning to be assertive and speak up at the time of an event rather than bottle it up and then explode. That's been my usual method, and it has destroyed the lives of both my son and I as it lead to me being misunderstood getting in trouble with the law in the past. Thank you in advance

All new to this

replies: 3

Hello, I'm very new to this forum, found it today when I was looking up information about anxiety and depression. So I'm not sure what to write...

Im new wanted to say hi

replies: 43

Hi everyone

Not being able to handle things and seeking outside help

replies: 3

I have my first psychologist appointment this evening. Throughout my life I have been able to deal with any issues that crop up myself internally. I don't normally share my problems because I am an introvert in the past month I have not been able to ... View more

Introduction

replies: 4

Hi, My name is Aoifa and I am new to Beyondblue. I chose to get involved because I hope to provide hope and support to those who also have a mental illness. I have had depression since my early teen years. But, it was exacerbated by the traumatic death of my dad 13 years ago. I am on anti-depressants and see a psychologist. I also have a wonderful GP who has been a great support. I hope that in some way I will be able to help others, and in turn help myself continue to get stronger. Thank you

staying above water for now...

replies: 6

G'day everyone, First post on here but still not sure if I'm in the right place or if I've worked out things all wrong.... only after thinking about things over the last few months have I started to realise the walls and defences I've built about me.... then on reflection about things further back perhaps it was all building to this without me realising it ..... That all sounds cryptic but to give a small sketch of what I'm rambling about.... the other week I realised a few things that started to scare me a bit.... I had 2 days off (weekend) and spent them indoors and avoiding the phone and communicated with no one apart from a regular call to mum to see how she was.... the bins needed to go out for collection but I somehow avoided going outside and left them where they were.... some weeks if I put the bins out I don't even go out to bring them in so as to avoid neighbours or whatever I don't know.... I've hoarded boxes (empty) and empty juice bottles rather than go outside to bin them.... they build up and create a mess.... needless to say the house has become in need of a lot of care now both inside and out... work used to be something I enjoyed but having a boss who would rather whinge about something than say thanks... some days I'm almost physically sick just thinking of having to spend 8 hours in his presence.... not to mention his having failed to pay superannuation for 5 years, refuses to issue pay slips and is a most bombastic, whiney, semi-illiterate, nit picking micro manager who I'm afraid I'm going to put in their place (which they so desperately deserve) but can't/won't because I need the job to pay for the house and my companion birds (who are real stress relievers sometimes). I don't know if all this has been going on longer but just realised the cook top that still sits broken with shattered glass on the bench broke just after dad died 7 years ago.... maybe I've been sinking for that long.... I can get bursts of "motivation" to go to work and smile and interact with customers... to go to the shops if I need to.... to attend a club meeting each month .... but after a day of Mr Whiney at work it seems like I just have nothing left when I get home and can't achieve anything.... Maybe all I need is to get myself motivated and just get things done rather than moping around and that's all that it is? Sorry for rambling on and taking up so much space here but just not sure what to do... Thanks for "listening"...

New here

replies: 5

Hi, I have a massive phobia of talking to people face to face so I thought I'd start here. struggling with depression and anxiety since childhood. Ive had a bad life, so I know why I'm this way, I'm just not sure how to deal with how it affects me View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Losing my Anchor replies: 4

First post 💜 replies: 5

What Catagory Should I Post In? replies: 2

Hi everyone replies: 26

All new to this replies: 3

Im new wanted to say hi replies: 43

Not being able to handle things and seeking outside help replies: 3

Introduction replies: 4

staying above water for now... replies: 6

New here replies: 5