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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Struggling to come out

replies: 5

So, I'm 30 and I can finally admit to myself that I am gay. That was hard to type. Has anyone else struggled for so long to admit even to themselves who they really are? I come from a family where I grew up with this silly idea (because of my father) that being gay was the worst of the worst and I have repressed it for this long. I suffer from anxiety and depression and this is something that I can finally see has contributed to it. What are other people's struggles? Is ok when you come out? How do you even do it? What strategies help when anxiety and depression rear their ugly head and make everything seem so bleak? Thanks to anyone who answers this

Introduction of my depressed story

replies: 3

Hi Everyone thanks for reading this. I am 24 years old man living in Melbourne, Originally from South Asian country where 'gay' is not really known and that was the saddest part. In western countries, at least they know being gay means having relationship with same sex and I know so many of us are raised being taught its so bad. And the part I missed out growing up was about existing such things. I had been a little bit femminine all my childhood, like doing things that my sister does more than my brother. and Some people made fun of me and some people appreciated that I did things better than other girls do. but during my teenager, I kept getting attracted to guys and I had no idea that it had to do something with my sexuality. I thought its some kind of feeling everyone gets. I didn't do any sexual stuff or say "I love you " to anyone but the person I was attracted kept staying on my mind all the time, after we finishing our school, we went to different cities for further education and I still got stuck with his memories on my mind. but later I did somehow gradually took those attractions about him out of my mind. but its just was like it replaced with someone else, and I still couldnt get it, but as I got older and in bigger city, once in a while they started saying you're gay if you are useless, pathetic and have only male friends. So I was sure that I m not gay if thats what gay is, I kept thinking that I m just straight guy who doesn't like girls because I have to focus on my career but after watching English movies which portray gay love, and then finally I got computer and internet access where I could research about homosexuality, then I was sure I am gay and i didn't want to accept the fact I was gay. I kept worrying about it and got distracted, couldnt focus on my study. I went to uni for four years and kept failing each exams. stopped talking to all of my old friends, relatives, then I met my partner that I am currently with, He helped me so much to accept myself, and I learned how to ignore the judgemental world. I still don't talk to old friends yet, I moved here in Australia hoping to start my new life with good social life, and planning to go back to uni for my Bachelor degree. I am more than happy to volunteer and share my stories, experiences with anyone who likes to hear them and might be helpful to get some ideas. thanks again

Looking for help with anxiety.

replies: 2

Hello. This is the first time I've ever posted on a forum. I need help to manage my anxiety please. It is trying to take control of my life again. It's not that I have anything to be overly anxious about. But my body is being taken over by that crawling feeling through my legs and arms. It makes me feel physically ill morning and night so that I have to lie down. I am on medication but it isn't helping right now. I know meditation works for me but I am struggling to even do the breathing properly as my chest feels tight. I can't sleep at night. I know exercise will help but I am just getting over being sick and can't get out and about just yet. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this feeling go away right now? Thank you.

Hey there! An introduction and some questions about helping out

replies: 4

Hello, I'm a young adult that went through a very rough patch of depression and anxiety from mid 2013 to the end of 2016. I cut off contact with old friends, refused all commitments and lived off money my parents were sending me for studying interstate. I was attending university and have since suspended my course since the start of this year because of my condition. I returned home to family during this suspension, took medication, attended therapy and really took some time to think things through. I think that while I haven't completely recovered, I definitely improved much since my darkest days. Right now I find myself with some spare time in the day as I'm only working during the early hours of the morning. I'd really like to get involved with the community of people supporting mental health and help those who are going through an experience similar to what I went through. I heard from a family acquaintance about her experience with BeyondBlue so I would like to see what I can do to help here. I see opportunities some for volunteering at events, but unfortunately I live in the ACT which is probably too small for anything really. I have some recollection of people talking about volunteering their time operating the telephone helpline, forum or the chatroom? Am I just talking out of my ass or is this true? If so how can I lend a hand there? Is there anything else that I can do? As a side note, I'm wondering if anyone could check if I have registered for blueVoices. I signed up yesterday, but I can't really see anything to show any results of this and when I go to the blueVoices page it asks me to register again. Confusing!

Bi polar type 2 jaw clencher relief!

replies: 1

Hello crew, I've had bi polar type 2 most of my life. Due to recent memories of trauma my body has been responding by clenching my jaw. It has caused dental problems and gets so bad I talk through unconsciously clenched teeth. However! I have found immediate relief through pressure point massaging! The condition is called TMJ, which can be easily remembered as 'The Mouth Joint'. This will not cause you any harm, instead, hopefully some relief Stay as strong as you can crew. But remember pausing to reflect shows strength too.

Newbie saying hello

replies: 1

Hi everyone, I've joined today and have popped in here to say hi. I've been on an emotional and anxiety laden rollercoaster since July... around the time I decided to go off my meds which was a baaaad idea. I thought I was doing fine but as it turns out, not so much. I'm back on the meds but now on a lower dose as it was making me pretty much zombified (which is why I thought to go off them) I've got pretty extreme anxiety - general, I'm ok in social situations - and am figuring out the things that trigger the attacks. I guess all I need now is with coping methods on how to keep the attacks at bay. Hoping to chat with you all soon Vx

Hi, I'm new here

replies: 5

Hi, Im after some advice if that's okay. Last month I found out I'm going through menopause early at 27 and won't be able to have kids and then also found out I had a brain tumour. I am lucky that the tumour looks like it has stopped growing but my moods have been all over the place since. I can't quite describe it, I'm fine one minute then the next I'm having trouble breathing and thinking and I just start crying and shaking. Some days I'll crying for hours on end. It's getting more and more common and I'm having trouble telling anyone about it. I've seen my doctor a few times but we just end up talking about other things. I keep trying to tell her but I just can't. I'm after any suggestions or guidance for what I should do next

My First Thread

replies: 2

Hi My name is XRSW, i just want to be known by that name. I'm actually a very happy young man, but because of my sexuality, it makes my world crumble down and dark. I knew I had been gay for a reasonable amount of time now, but I have been scared and hurting inside, ever since my brother found out about me. He was older, much manlier brother, and rather homophobic person. When I was still in high school, my brother found a chat of me and my then boyfriend, and he questioned me about it. He asked me to pray to god, to make sure I didn't end up in hell for what I am. When I wanted to come out to my parents, he gave me a talk of how they would be sad and ashamed of me, which led me to not come out to my parents up till today. Coming from an Asian family, this is not normal. From what my older brother made me think, I am a disgrace to the family if I were ever to show my sexuality, and would rather I mask it in tons and tons of sadness and hatred. But my saving grace is my oldest sister, who accepted me immediately once I came out to her. She is still my point of where I talk to in order to keep me sane and know that I am not doing anything wrong and I should not be ashamed of myself. Besides my brother and family, my love life has rocked my relationships with many of my very close friend. I had a very close friend who was "cool" with what I am once I had confessed to him, but never reply to any of my messages or calls ever again. Just like that, many years of friendship was over. But what led me to become depressed is that the add-ons of death of family members, friends and stress from University makes me need to talk to people, to allow me to share about my problems. One of my close friends passed away. It made me sad that even though I wasn't as close to her, but once she is gone, you would only remember the good times you had with her. She was sort of my older sister when I was doing cheer-leading in High-school. And to top it all of, the death of my grandparents sort of set it all of, as my grandmother was the sweetest person you can ever talk to, cooking homemade noodles and caring about others before herself. When all of these add up, my heart sank, so deep I thought it was not even salvageable, but when I had people to talk to, it made it tolerable. But for now, everything is not too bad, but its not good either.

New to online forums a bit nervous

replies: 7

Hi im new to this feeling a bit nervous about where to start. I have had depression for a number of years and all was under control until recently. I had a few distressing things happen to me in my work place that caused my depression to become worse. I also now get very anxious about a lot of things that never use to bother me and i find this very hard to deal with was hoping for a little advice.

Hello - I'm new to the forums

replies: 1

Hello, I am new to the forums. I'm a woman, 55 years old, and in May this year I underwent bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy). Since surgery I have experienced fatigue and just recently I've had a major depressive episode. This episode has taken me from being a high achieving PhD student and professional in the public service, to being unable to study or work. I have had so much time off work that my boss is getting sick of me. I am currently off antidepressants and will start a new type of antidepressant later this week. I am on a waiting list to see a local and trusted psychologist.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Struggling to come out replies: 5

Introduction of my depressed story replies: 3

Looking for help with anxiety. replies: 2

Hey there! An introduction and some questions about helping out replies: 4

Bi polar type 2 jaw clencher relief! replies: 1

Newbie saying hello replies: 1

Hi, I'm new here replies: 5

My First Thread replies: 2

New to online forums a bit nervous replies: 7

Hello - I'm new to the forums replies: 1