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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G'day one and all.

replies: 7

G’day everyone I thought this was a good place to start by introducing myself. I live in Western Australia, engaged with volunteering at various places and doing a bit of studies. I’m a big fan of computing, including PC gaming and I have interests in theology, ancient history and philosophy. I was diagnosed by when I was 21 (I’m now 43) with Schizoaffective Bipolar disorder but at the time, despite having a willing support network, I knew better and didn’t need that medication or help. After all what would those professionals know right? Haha. So, I ended up in a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol, antisocial behavior, misanthropic attitude and isolation in a self-destruction circle of so-called friends. Thankfully when I crashed and burnt, my loving parents were still around and prepared to help me. I realized I was so lucky and wasn’t prepared to test that again. Presently I’m medicated and have developed the supportive network with a psychologist, psychiatrist, and a peer group. I am improving my diet and doing a little bit of exercise going for a healthier lifestyle. And I’m now looking forward to starting a new network of friends and engaging in “normal” interactions within my community. Oh, and I have a cat. Regards Biffanders

New forum member

replies: 5

Hi This is my first experience with online forums for mental health. I'm currently battling a severe depressive episode which has lasted 7 months, triggered by the end of my 21 year marriage. I have Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorder and PTSD. I've been unable to return to work this year in spite of making a few attempts. I have a psychiatrist and psychologist, but I'm still stuck in my grief. I feel like I've lost my whole identity-wife, mum, teacher. My adult children are living with their father and I hardly see them, which is devastating. We had to sell the family home and the only communication I have with my ex is through divorce lawyers. i welcome any words of wisdom from other forum members. Charlie123

Unsure

replies: 7

Hi, am new on here. Bit unsure of how it works

I am struggling with severe depression and anxiety

replies: 1

Hi, I am kumud. I am 28 years old and I work for a Telecommunication company. For the past several years I have struggled a lot with anxiety and depression symptoms. I have had OCD for a long time, since 13/14 years as I can remember. I used to have checking rituals like, but I was aware not to perform these acts in the outside world, and I was able to successfully keep the rituals to my self and only my family members have seen me doing these acts. Anyway I managed to keep on going regardless of these difficulties and I went to university and I was able to find a job. Even when facing exams/interviews I had a lot of stress, and it was a nightmare. While at university I had a mindset thinking that I am very special/gifted and thought that I was able to do big stuff. I used to have very big dreams like developing very complicated/complex software beyond my reach. Also I thought like that I was able to create a big company like google and facebook. Anyway after graduation I had to go for a engineer role at a telco company, and this made me really unhappy. I thought to myself, why the heck am I doing small stuff when I can do very big things and I was worrying that this was not enough for me. I thought I had potential but this potential was imaginary and I never liked taking responsibility or working very hard with lot of commitment. Currently I have managed to keep these big ideas away from my self. But still I am struggling with a lot of negative thoughts/intrusive thoughts. The doctor has prescribed me medications and I do take them. Also I have lot of abandonment fears. I get lot of depression when thinking what will happen to me after my parents die, like who will take care of me. Also what I have noticed is that I can't work very well with other's as well. I will often get too stressed even at the smallest things and I cannot maintain a close relationship with other's because I think I am not up to their standards most of the time. Also I talk very little with others as I have a fear I will say something inappropriate/hurtful. And sometimes I fear if I get too close with them they might ask for help, and I will not be able to help them, which will eventually lead to loss of friendship. So this is my story, and any thoughts/ideas on how to improve my state are most welcome. Br, Kumud.

Long time anxiety sufferer

replies: 4

Hi I have been suffering anxiety for well over 16 years. The medication works for a period of time then something triggers and the medication needs to be changed. This time around I have had no luck with the medication its been 8 months and I still don't feel like my normal self, I cant handle confrontations with people as this send my anxiety up. Anyone out there that have similar situations that can offer advise.

I don't know where to start...

replies: 3

So, hi. I'm a 19-year-old girl in my first year of university. And I'm struggling, more than I thought or wanted to admit. I don't know what exactly is wrong with me, or what the things that go on inside my brain mean, but the online tests I've taken say I have a "high" indicator of anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and ADHD. If you knew me in real life, like most of my friends know me, you'd never be able to tell. I am the positive one, the funny one, the one that listens and makes you feel better. I've become so good at it over the years, inventing this entire persona in which my closest friends know and love. If they met me, the real me, they'd think I'm a stranger. I hate small talk. I'm not a naturally kind person. I dread any kind of social interaction -- or any kind of contact with humanity. I despise public transport because I feel trapped between walls of other people. I hate crowded lecture theatres. I hate tutorials, where they require a more intimate classroom connection. I have amazing opportunities in life right now -- I'm currently studying a course that was my first preference in Year 12, and I have possible future job opportunities. I really try to appreciate this, especially since so many around me have none of these opportunities, but it's hard. In my course, the one I dreamed of taking since I was a child, I feel completely incompetent. I am constantly waiting for someone to confront me, in class or in the hallways, and tell me to leave, that I don't belong here, that it was some clerical mistake, that I'm not good enough, diligent enough, smart enough. I feel that way all the time. In Semester 1 it was pretty bad because I tried to fake my way through it. I pretended to know what others were talking about, pretended that I wasn't in fact lost, that I didn't understand. I wanted so badly to fit in -- I need to fit in. But it backfired, and only made my feeling of incompetence worse. So I decided that this semester, I was going to turn my life around. That I would force myself to be positive, diligent, happy and curious, even on the days that I didn't feel like it. And it worked, for about the past three weeks. I watched so many inspirational videos, and read so many books. But it isn't sticking -- I feel like I can't escape whatever the hell is wrong with me. I just want to be happy, and live a positive and normal life. But why do I have to try so hard? I can't anymore, I'm so tired.

Seeking advice

replies: 3

Hi, I am not too sure where to go for help. I am 28 and was abused for 5 years of my childhood. I am seeking advice on where I can get affordable help so I can try and move on and be happy. Thanks

Family breakdown

replies: 3

Hi, I have had a horrible year this year. Throughout last year from nov- dec I proceeded to have somewhat of a breakdown, my family didn't really talk to me about my feelings, fast fwd to feb this year, my parents took custody of both of my small children, I broke up then reconciled with my ex. We are currently about to start the court process to get the children back, I am now 16 weeks pregnant, with no friends and no family contact at all. I am getting supervised visitation however my life has been thrown into turmoil due to the separation I have experienced. I was previously very close with my mother, we now haven't had contact since feb and I haven't had contact with my siblings or other family members either. I'm trying to stay positive with the new baby coming but the loss has left me feeling deep pain that doesn't subside easily. I'm posting here as I am completely lacking in grinds to talk to and feel very isolated.

New member, saying hello, reaching out and happy to help.

replies: 5

Just a quick hello from me, I've had anxiety near 20-25years and seems on going, recognised a deep depression in recent years, one that has developed other issues. PTSD, Anger management issues (for all the right reasons, i flare up too easily now at peoples utter ignorance and inability to consider how their actions impact others and how it's wrong, i live by the rule of thumb, live how you want, as long as you don't impact others negatively, and once you do, you need to change how you conduct yourself.) Manic anxiety and depression that can lead into catatonic depression. These days depending on the exact mood of the test im bouncing between 37-44 on the k10. Yet despite all the alarm bells that rings, i still sit here going "naaah not quite right", you can label that as a error in how i perceive it. But coming from an introverted perspective with the ability to criticize, analyze and acknowledge personal faults. I found myself going "yeah but.. i guess go with the gut instinct". I'm aware that i've given up, tings have gotten hard, yet i don't understand why. I've conquered so many difficulties in life, lived through things that have destroyed others, experienced grief, loss, complete utter confusion as to how people can be so carefree with such major decisions in life. I don't understand them and it increases my disbelief, my anxiety, depression further. I feel other peoples suffering too easily, so im becoming reclusive, im tired of helping people when im not helped myself. When i feel like im always taking 3 giant leaps forward, only to take 5-6 steps back and fall over time and time again. It's like i know how to run for everyone else when i can't even walk for myself. My partner tries her best, but with her own issues, feels at a loss of how to help and i feel i'm becoming a burden on her now also. I'm the reason she's being held back in life. And at 34, it's hard to fathom how it's not my fault either. I seem incapable of working for idiots or "little people" who put their own ego's over the job/task at hand. People who find pleasure in menial "leadership" roles as a means to command respect when they're not worthy of it. i'm finding it harder to find challenges "worthy" (yeah im a little narcissistic, came from no childhood support / love) of exciting me. Of offering me personal development in ways that i'm not ultimately always teaching those around me. It gets tiring after a while. And I am tired. And i don't know what to do anymore.

Hi, never joined a forum before, feeling hopeful

replies: 4

Hi, I am in my mid 50s and have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and generalised stress disorder. Looking back now I think I have been living with depression of some sort or another my whole life. In the past I have had bouts of depression but they have gone away in a reasonable time and only once before have I needed medication (after a relationship breakdown over ten years ago). This time it is different, I have not been to work for 2 months, I can not imagine facing up for work as a teacher and having to pretend I am ok when I am not. I feel like someone or something has taken over my mind and body and have all the general symptoms of depression. I have had 4 sessions with a psychologist and feel like there has been some improvement but no great gains. I am taking medication which as of today has been increased, it seemed to start working but now I feel like it isn't really working. No one seems to really get the feeling of depression and how it becomes so pervasive in your life. I feel stuck, I feel like there must be some major emotional block or something that is stopping me get better. I am hoping to find some support here and maybe some help with what to do because I feel lost and unable to make decisions. I feel like there is some block that is stopping me live my life. Hoping to find some clarity here. Regards

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

G'day one and all. replies: 7

New forum member replies: 5

Unsure replies: 7

I am struggling with severe depression and anxiety replies: 1

Long time anxiety sufferer replies: 4

I don't know where to start... replies: 3

Seeking advice replies: 3

Family breakdown replies: 3

New member, saying hello, reaching out and happy to help. replies: 5

Hi, never joined a forum before, feeling hopeful replies: 4