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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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Treechange Hi there
  • replies: 4

Hi, new to the forum. I am a male over 60. Retired. I live in a non urban environment. While it is very natural, I am feeling isolated. I live alone. I have a dog. Very few friends. I have begun a mental health care plan with my doctor, on the advice... View more

Hi, new to the forum. I am a male over 60. Retired. I live in a non urban environment. While it is very natural, I am feeling isolated. I live alone. I have a dog. Very few friends. I have begun a mental health care plan with my doctor, on the advice of a female friend.I try to keep my spirits up. I do some yoga and beach swimming. But there are days when I feel un motivated. Negative thoughts. I'm looking for ideas to cheer myself up. Find some contacts. Thank you.

Jambi27 Stressed single mum
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m not sure why I’m here. I just feel really flat and sad.I’m a single parent. Working part time, studying part time, parenting 50/50. I’m going through court proceedings for property settlement with my ex, who is controlling. Looking to lodge p... View more

Hi, I’m not sure why I’m here. I just feel really flat and sad.I’m a single parent. Working part time, studying part time, parenting 50/50. I’m going through court proceedings for property settlement with my ex, who is controlling. Looking to lodge proceedings for parenting too, to create significant distance and break away from this behaviour.in a weird way, court proceedings might make it worse. But I haven’t decided what to do yet. Finances are shocking, due to a Centrelink error, and my being a stay at home parent during the relationship. My car is acting up, and I’d just saved enough to get it sorted, however this error means I will be choosing between food and rent this week. My car has to wait.It’s a lot. All at once.I am very tired. I have so much on my plate, that there isn’t enough time for me to date despite wanting to, and I’m so poor that I can’t afford to do things that I enjoy. Leaving me feeling really isolated.Although I have a good support network, I feel like I don’t have a safe place to land when things get really rough in life. No one in my network has experienced mental abuse, and all of them are single or partnered. Things are really rough at the moment.

NDR Making New Friends
  • replies: 6

I'm currently trying to make new friends at present. Alot of my friendships have come & gone over the years & although I can handle being alone, I know I need friends. I'm late 30's, living in Victoria. I've attended some events, joined a fitness gro... View more

I'm currently trying to make new friends at present. Alot of my friendships have come & gone over the years & although I can handle being alone, I know I need friends. I'm late 30's, living in Victoria. I've attended some events, joined a fitness group & been on a few dates, hell even gone to bars alone a few times but had no luck connecting with anyone yet. I guess i'm trying to make things happen & I know it's early days but gee it's been hard. I was hoping to get some insight from others who have had / having similar experiences, as well what they did to improve their situation or any advice at all. Thanks, N.

Overwhelmed_Laura Help
  • replies: 2

I need to escape from my narcissist gaslighting husband..I have no money and no where not go.. it's greatly affecting my mental health..I feel trapped he is controlling and takes all my money from my own business...what can I do is there any help out... View more

I need to escape from my narcissist gaslighting husband..I have no money and no where not go.. it's greatly affecting my mental health..I feel trapped he is controlling and takes all my money from my own business...what can I do is there any help out there for me... I have pets and leaving them is not an option as they are my only saviour.. please help I'm desperate! I have no friends and no family here

Noyb Feeling a bit lost.
  • replies: 1

Hi, new to this but thought I needed to do it. Feeling lost, anxious and sad. Friday my partner attempted suicide. Friend found her. We had an argument, I asked for space 2 days then she attempted suicide. Currently in hospital. She's now sending nas... View more

Hi, new to this but thought I needed to do it. Feeling lost, anxious and sad. Friday my partner attempted suicide. Friend found her. We had an argument, I asked for space 2 days then she attempted suicide. Currently in hospital. She's now sending nasty texts blaming me for what has happened. Threatened to do it again if she's home alone. I've organised other accommodation for myself and my daughter when she gets out. I don't want my daughter around her. Is it selfish to end the relationship now. Ive just had enough. Haven't eaten or slept properly since it happened. Feeling overwhelmed.

Pat74 Paddy74
  • replies: 4

Hi just wanting to ask if anyone has any feedback about starting depression medication and how they are doing

Hi just wanting to ask if anyone has any feedback about starting depression medication and how they are doing

IAM_INKI Just call me iNKi
  • replies: 4

Hello everyone! My name is Inki. My new here and this is my very first time to write/post/intereact to others via forum. I'm still unsure on what to say, really. But please bear with me and be kind . The reason why I'm here is that I'm seeking for an... View more

Hello everyone! My name is Inki. My new here and this is my very first time to write/post/intereact to others via forum. I'm still unsure on what to say, really. But please bear with me and be kind . The reason why I'm here is that I'm seeking for an organisation where I can offer my help as a volunteer. Gladly, I found this site - Beyond Blue. I'm being diagnosed with Severe Depression and Anxiety. About few years ago, I experienced a horrible bullying and injury at work. This happened a year after a lost my granddad, my life's strongest pillar. I also lost few friends since then because a lot of them just didn't seem to understand my struggles back then. I think they just saw me as someone who was omce a cheerful, confident and loving woman that turned into a a different kind of person. That's what they thought, sadly. But actually, I didn't change really. I was just a person whose wounded and in such pain (physically and mentally). Only few stayed for me. Most of them turned their backs on me. I even felt hurt but after a while I realised that I shouldn't be. Because through that experience, I was able to open my eyes and knew who were the genuine ones and who weren't. I should say, it was indeed a blessing of disguise. It was a tough year/s, I may say. It was incomparable and honestly I wouldn't even wish for any one to experience what happened to me. I was even on meds. Human as I am, I got vulnerable. I cried, cried and cried. But hey, maybe I'm a still a strong person though because I'm proud to say that I got big improvements from the previous years and I'm proud of it. It wasn't east, still, not easy but everyday I'm doing my very best to regain my old self. Old self that I'm also aiming to improve and be the best version of me. Baby steps. I'm getting there, slowly but surely.

Jesse Y My ADHD MEDICATION ADDICTION/ABUSE.
  • replies: 5

Hey everyone I hope everyone is staying safe. ABOUT ME - so at age 20 I was diagnosed with attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and was prescribed a popular ADHD medication. For the past 10 years I have experienced depression, social anxiety, obsessive r... View more

Hey everyone I hope everyone is staying safe. ABOUT ME - so at age 20 I was diagnosed with attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and was prescribed a popular ADHD medication. For the past 10 years I have experienced depression, social anxiety, obsessive ruminating thoughts and a bipolar diagnosis All of which I did not have before starting my medication. I have now become addicted and abuse my medication and can’t go a day without it. I have tried giving up cold turkey which was unsuccessful and have also tried slowly reducing my dose with doctors help but could not give it up. I discussed my addiction with my psychiatrist who said that he had never experienced a patient being addicted to ADHD medication which I feel is untrue. I was wondering if anyone has experienced ADHD medication addiction and if anyone was able to detox from it and how they did it ? I feel that because my medication is given to me by a medical doctor that an addiction to it is not recognised or taken as seriously as other addictions. I can’t thank everyone enough for your support. also I feel that when I’m very depressed I have obsessive thoughts about my ex partner yet I have the best girlfriend a man could ask for right instead front of me! If anyone has any advice on how to stop/prevent the obsessive thought cycle about my ex I would be so thankful.

commie_girl Carer
  • replies: 3

Hi I'm a carer at home to my husband who has Complex PTSD, Major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, plus my oldest daughter who has CFS and my youngest daughter has PTSD, Social and separation anxiety.I myself suffer from clinical Depression. I am... View more

Hi I'm a carer at home to my husband who has Complex PTSD, Major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, plus my oldest daughter who has CFS and my youngest daughter has PTSD, Social and separation anxiety.I myself suffer from clinical Depression. I am also a support worker and sole earner in the family.Recently My manager where I work gave me a week off of work because I wasn't coping very well. My doctor has given me a month off. I am so so tired, no inspiration to do anything, everything thing is so hard to do. I am emotional, in pain when I get up. I have no more to give, yet I have to go on.

JJ1699 My mum is dying from Ovarian Cancer and I’m SO angry
  • replies: 3

My mum was diagnosed with metastatic cancer that has spread to her liver. She was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer 3 years ago and we were told the news that she only had a few weeks/months left to live 4 weeks ago. I’ve gone through the stages ... View more

My mum was diagnosed with metastatic cancer that has spread to her liver. She was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer 3 years ago and we were told the news that she only had a few weeks/months left to live 4 weeks ago. I’ve gone through the stages of being numb and supportive and encouraging to myself, my mum and my family. But now I’m just angry. My mum (49 years old) hasn’t wanted to do anything for my sister (22 years old) and I (24 years old) which breaks my heart. I know nothing about what’s ahead of me or what to expect with parenthood, giving birth, marriage, work and life. I feel cheated out of a mother and my future experiences where I have always seen her being there to offer support and wisdom. My mother and I have been bestfriends for so long and I’m struggling so much with the fact she doesn’t want to talk about her feelings, share stories or wisdom. It makes me so angry. I have a sister that suffers from bipolar and I’m also having to deal with walking on egg shells to ensure I don’t upset her. She’s angry with me as I have a partner who wants to support and be there for me and the family. She finds him “a lot” and I feel extremely uncomfortable with how she makes him feel and I feel like I’m in a really awkward situation when I’m trying to get support from him when I feel so alone from my family. I’m angry at the doctors that aren’t able to operate. I’m angry that ovarian cancer kills so many young mothers. I’m angry at my mum for wasting her last few weeks and months doing nothing.