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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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New & looking forward to interacting with other BB members

replies: 3

Hi all i am married have 3 kids in their 20's & 1 teenager all still at a home, a dog & a few fish. 14 years ago I was diagnosed with PND, anxiety & OCD. For the most part I kicked the OCD but the depression & anxiety is still with me. Having said that I am feeling the best I have in years. This time last year I was in a bad way & was hospitalised an Xperience that changed my life. I took up regular exercise, started eating healthy, lost 30 kgs, try to establish regular sleep patterns, take my meds at the same time everyday & stopped drinking. I was drinking most nights & binging at social occasions - life of the party, but under that happy facade I was dying on the inside. i used to be ashamed of my condition & hide it with my fake happy mask. Now I want to shout it from the roof tops, there is hope!!! I still have bad days but I do everything I can to make sure it's not weeks & months. When I am slipping I am more honest with my husband now & I try to catch up with my psychologist sooner rather than later. Today hasn't been a great day I have guilt for not going to the gym all weekend & have been an unmotivated couch potato today. But I am trying not to dwell on it & let it drag me down; I am on the verge of a new week & will work on it & try not to beat myself up too much. This forum will be additional support on my journey & I hope I can support others with my experience of turning everything I used to do upside down. peace & love

Work anxiety

replies: 3

Hi, I am suffering anxiety and have figured out its going to work, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety last week and have started on medication but after having time off last week I have woken up today and the thought of going into work has caused such bad anxiety I have had anxiety attacks. My doctors certificate was only to Friday but I feel I can't face work but am so worried if I take more ti e off people will talk about me and I will lose my job. I just can't face going to work and have been fine for years but recently it has snowballed and I feel helpless to what is going on. I would like some advice on what to do from anyone. Amy

Hi from a girl who isn't coping

replies: 9

Hi everyone im new to this forum. In fact any forum. Never done this before but here it goes!! im hoping to talk with other people who have similar probs. i have battled depression and possibly bipolar for over 10 years. I struggle with coping with the many many demands on my life and sometimes just want to give up. Most of the time I pick myself back up on my own and battle on. im just sick of fighting this. Every time I get better it comes back. hoping some of you might have some good words or just a listening ear?? Maybe I might be able to help others in a bit, but I need to get strong again. Just seems to get harder each time. Peace out

Is anyone else is struggling with being over 55 and having their careers destroyed by changing employment practices.

replies: 3

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else is struggling with being over 55 and having their careers destroyed by changing employment practices. Eg. Having extensive skills qualifications and experience but employers not acknowledging this or reflecting it in their wages. And/Or the current trend toward Casual employment. I have worked hard over the years to develop my self within my career and have been quite senior in the past in a range of area's. However now all I seem to be able to get is positions that are way below my pay grade and experience level. Still recovering financialy from the ravages of a nasty divorce, I need the higher levels of pay just to catch up but just keep getting used and abused by employers. They want me because of my skills, quals and experience but refuse to pay you at appropriate levels. For the moment I have given up and just become a bus driver and spend my days at the wheel wondering what has happend to the world.

New to BB Forums - not coping

replies: 3

Hi, I am a long term depression sufferer but have always managed to work and take part in sporting activities. Late last year my 17 year relationship ended, just over a year after we finally married (I know, it seems like a cliche). I moved in with my sister and her family which was very helpful, but also difficult. I went from being an independent adult to sleeping in a single bed in a spare room and tiptoeing around. I have had the good fortune now to find my own little apartment, but I feel very lonely here. I am currently almost finished my Bachelor's degree and am working in a casual job (although I often work six days a week), which I don't enjoy very much (I had always had good full time career roles before a cycling accident in 2013 forced me out of work). So I have moved twice this year and am finding it hard to get reestablished in any kind of routine. On top of all this I have a daughter with ongoing drug use issues and I find it hard to deal with these on my own (we needed to attend court today). She does not live with me, but when things go wrong I have no one to really debrief with. I have lots of things to feel positive about, my ex-husband and I still have a friendly relationship, I have a nice place to live, I am almost finished my degree and have great results, and I do have a job. But I feel sad most of the time, wondering how at my age I am alone, with no real assets, trying to manage my daughter and put on a brave face to the world. I can talk to family and a couple of friends, but their help is more instrumental than anything else. I just want someone to understand. I think lately that if this is what my life will be like, then what is the point?

Hello darkness my old friend

replies: 7

First time on this forum thingy ever. Didn't even know it existed until this morning when in tears I Googled Beyond Blue. Don't even know if this is the right place to start but I just want to say hi to someone, anyone and feel that someone is out there listening and can help with a kind word. Even just one word. Please.... I feel so alone and down. No energy. Can't stop crying....darkness has returned again in my life after being well for nearly 12 months. I want my smile back. I want my energy back. Who stole it? Like the song goes"Hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again .." only it (darkness/depression) is not a friend. It's familiar like that old grubby jumper you wear when you're alone in the house. It's a familiar place I've visited a million times before but I don't like it here and can't find the road to escape. Here we go yet again....and I don't want to burden or worry my family or friends. And I'm anxious to visit my GP again because I have visited him about 6 times this month already for other physical ailments so I'm worried he'll think I'm a hypochondriac. He doesn't have the best bedside manner as it is. Typing is helping because I can't stop sobbing. If I was to talk to someone they wouldn't be able to understand me through the sobs. Anyhow..hi. Thanks for listening and sorry if this is the wrong place to start. As you can see I need help and pointing in the right direction. I'm lost. Thanks GG

intro - anxious and socially isolated in Brissie

replies: 3

hello! I'm a 28yr old woman with anxiety living in Brisbane.   I’ve always been a nervous, introverted, and sensitive person, so I think I have always had anxiety but not realised it. It was only when work stress brought on chest pains and other symptoms about a year ago that I went to a GP and was told I had generalised anxiety disorder. At the moment I am struggling with social isolation as well. So I hope to find help with this as well as learning more about anxiety on the BB Forums. Looking forward to getting to know more people here ----Builditup----

Hi I am new and want to say hi,

replies: 3

I've been wanting to join for month's but I kept talking myself out of it. I was diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety ( as I was a victim of domestic violence ), Bi polar 2 and chronic pain. As we all are in the similar situation I'd love to hear how y... View more

Newbie Intro/Guilty Non worker

replies: 1

Hi, I'm brand new to this. I have been diagnosed with Anxiety & Depression. I also believe I have OCD, but this has not been technically diagnosed. So I am on AD meds daily. These help me sleep, but I feel they don't help with other stuff. I am married, to a wonderful hubby, who also has been diagnosed with A&D and is on meds too. So I had to give up a great job, due largely to my inability to cope with stress. I have since not worked, and it has been over a year now. When i quit, was when my doctor diagnosed me. I have been running a small home business during this time, but it has proven to be costing me money, not earning me money, so I am about to give it up. My hubby works really hard, sometimes 12-14 hour days, and we are on one wage. I cannot receive Centrelink, as he earns too much and that puts us over the threshold. It is very hard paying loans, mortgage, school costs (our boy is in his last year at High School), etc. I feel extremely guilty that I can't find another job in our small town. I am worried that if I do get another job, I will have to tell them I have A&D and they won't hire me. I push myself to go outside, as I was told to get 15 minutes sunshine per day directly into my eyes, and to do this I do my home business deliveries. In summer I go to the pool twice/week to do water aerobics, but being winter that is on hold. I can't afford to join a gym, as we are already in financial hardship, and I don't want to put further strain on my hubby to pay extra bills. I also believe I have addictions (food). I am rapidly putting on weight, and feel panicked about getting sicker and sicker and becoming even more of a burden on my family. Who can I see that I don't need to pay for? I feel like I could talk to someone but don't know where to start to find someon. Is there a community service and where could I find this? Any help would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance Tray1

Feeling alone

replies: 3

I've had depression, anxiety and ptsd for approximately 10 years. My marriage fell apart from my illness. My new partner wants to understand but he doesn't. A few weeks ago my dr changed my meds and my partner saw the change as a way of me getting off my meds. What a mistake. Im back on my meds but I'm back to feeling numb, like the world means nothing. I hope things will improve soon, but in my state of mind hope has not much meaning

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New & looking forward to interacting with other BB members replies: 3

Work anxiety replies: 3

Hi from a girl who isn't coping replies: 9

Is anyone else is struggling with being over 55 and having their careers destroyed by changing employment practices. replies: 3

New to BB Forums - not coping replies: 3

Hello darkness my old friend replies: 7

intro - anxious and socially isolated in Brissie replies: 3

Hi I am new and want to say hi, replies: 3

Newbie Intro/Guilty Non worker replies: 1

Feeling alone replies: 3