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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A Reminder if You want to Contact Someone

replies: 7

hi All, I mainly look at New Posts where others go to All Posts and work their way to the section that interests them, while some go to My Threads and check to see if they need to reply to someone, however there maybe times when someone, in particular, responds to a comment you've made, but you may not be aware that they want to speak with you once again. This is where you can leave a message and ask them to reply back to you. I'm sure that I have missed replying to people, and I'm sorry for that. Geoff.

Terrified to open up

replies: 4

Hi everyone, As I write this I am shaking. I have been reading these forums for the past 24 hours after my girlfriend recommended them to me. The decision to register and write my first post is truly terrifying. Even though I am anonymous on this forum I want to try and connect with you over my mental health experience, as well as the experiences of the community. But this prospect is very scary. So far I am only comfortable with my girlfriend, my psychologist and my psychiatrist. I've been receiving treatment for depression and mild anxiety since mid 2015 but it is something I have struggled with my whole life. This week I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. I am not sure how much more of my story to tell you. I am struggling with every aspect of life at the moment. I hope trying to connect with this community will help. Although I am very nervous, I look forward to hearing from you. d

Greetings and Appreciatation for Community Champions

replies: 14

Hey everyone! Chris here and just want to say hi. I have been coping with depression for 16 years now and landed myself in hospital for a good 2 months to recover from that. Depression still hangs around, and I won't say it is so much of a battle but more coping with it. It has gotten dark sometimes when it rears it head, but never again in that abyss and chasm as before. Now that I am in a good headspace and have my defences and mechanisms, thought I would like to join in and contribute, help and volunteer for BB. Just browsing the forums make me realise the dark issues that people are facing everyday. And that most of the Community Champions are like many of us, having dealt with our own demons and fights. Yet, they have the mental strength and fortitude to tackle some of the darkest issues head on and try to help others. That is strength and courage and I really salute you all for doing that. Personally for me, I have volunteered to be in a mentor role in an organisation for LGBT folks. I anticipate I will be facing situations similar to what the CCs address on the forums. The depth of compassion and kindness, is nothing like I've encountered before. So my question is, how do you do it? What are your strategies to keep yourself going and at the same time help others facing their problems and lending a helping hand? Cheers to all of you champions. Chris

Mild Aspergers with Major Anxiety and Mild Depression - desperately seeking advice!

replies: 6

Hi everyone, This is the first time I've reached out for help on an online forum, but I'm really desperate and willing to find help anywhere. I'm a female in my early 20's, from Brisbane. I have mild Aspergers Syndrome, so I'm very analytical and a major over thinker. I've had anxiety my whole life, which usually came in bouts in my teenage years which I would kind of recover from, and live my life completely normally. I hit a peak nearly two years ago, and never really got better. I changed medications about a year ago, and that changeover was the worst experience of my life. I gradually went up on the dose until I found a point where I was coping better and I've been pretty good for about six months until plummeting again a few weeks ago. I would say I have Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, with a major fear of death/dying. My symptoms include mostly a huge sense of fear/doom/dread, elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, hot/cold sweats, as well as diarrhoea, vomiting, and difficulty eating and sleeping. The hard part is I don't seem to really have triggers; I don't know why I feel anxious most of the time, so there's nothing I'm fighting or particularly afraid of - it just hits. I don't really have any friends, at least not outside of work, but I'm happy that way. I get anxious going out some places, or just things scheduled for a specific date/time (doctors and shops usually okay). I pretty much can't RSVP to anything, I have to decide how I feel on the day. I always need to have an 'out' if I need it, but usually once I'm there I'm fine, it's just the process of it all. I have an incredible partner and mum who support me so much; I'd be lost without them. My mum suffers with anxiety, but not as extreme as I do. I don't really contact my dad much, but he/his family basically are the history of anxiety and depression. I'm really hoping to find coping methods that work for other people - anything that has changed your life and symptoms for the better. I tend to 'stim' a lot, a very autistic thing, I can't explain it but it helps in the moment - pacing around the house, shaking, rocking, moving in general. When it's mild/moderate, I find keeping busy helps, such as games on my iPad (such as sudoku and solitaire), doing puzzle books (crosswords, word searches etc.) and going to work, but when it's severe, nothing works and I've had to take time off work. Any support would be most appreciated!

Saying Hi :)

replies: 4

Thought I’d introduce myself. Have been lurking for a few weeks. I live with PTSD and subsequent anxiety/depression. My PTSD came from a life threatening event which happened 15 years ago. At the time I was doing a PhD, something that I failed to complete, as anxiety makes me an unlikely candidate for complex thinking. My PhD was math based, I found it difficult to have the attention span to do the computational programming required. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time working on the trauma issue, so I’m knowledgeable about how I deal with stuff. I now work in one of the big green tin sheds, I’ve always liked problem solving, DIY and renovating. I have enjoyed this job immensely, until an incident last year caused me to no longer feel safe. Just before RUOK Day, I did a mental health check (@BB) because I was feeling like rubbish, and wanted to confirm that I was genuinely feeling like rubbish. By feeling like rubbish, mean difficulty getting out of bed, not much motivation to do stuff, and even sadder, don’t want to participate in the activity that I’m passionate about. I also struggle to go to work. I have an appointment to see my Psych in 3 weeks time. I genuinely do not know what to do about my work situation. However, I know that what happened at work is the reason that I’ve slipped back into a v. poor depression/anxiety state over the last 18 months. I’ve been there for over 9 years, I’m female, 61yo and single - so looking for another job is probably not an option, and of course, I now lack any kind of self confidence to even pursue that option. Besides, as an older female I don’t have sufficient super, so it was always my plan to retire when I could qualify for the pension and continue working for 10 hours a week as a supplement, because I enjoy working, not just for the $$, but the interaction with people. Working retail on a “flexible” roster, makes it hard to participate in local support groups that might be useful. I’ve been a user of online forums for my recreational interests for quite sometime, so it seems a good fit to choose to participate in an online forum for my mental health. I’d like to offer support where I can. I’m also a member of the LGBTI community and work with quite a few young folk from this community, so I feel I may have something to offer there as well. That’s me in <2500 chars, thanks for listening

New member lonely in battle in a busy world

replies: 6

Hi All. Before creating my own intro thread read through a few introductions and straight away realised the amount of support that exists and made me want to get posting straight away to be apart of the community and share in the benefits. Depression has been part of my life for a long time now and at the stage of my life where finding myself more and more on my own in the battle with next to no support for what limited friends and family i have. The part I struggle with most is being able to confidently say i have no one in my life that tries to be there for me when they must all be it hard to understand for them see what i go through. I have always done lots for everyone if i can help someone and the more and more I see that this is not returned the harder it is to want to continue to be there for others when i am so alone in my battles. Looking forward to meeting new people with similar situations and being part of something that I help will help myself and others.

Hi I'm new to this and need some help

replies: 7

For a while now my wife says that I can't communicate my emotions which causes conflict between us and I become frustrated easily whether it be the kids fighting or traffic or whatever. Often I tend to lose my temper and take it out on inanimate objects ie punch a wall or throw something but my worst problem is regarding my kids when I yell at them when they misbehave. I feel terrible for doing it but lack the patience and know how to stop myself. When I was 9 my younger brother was killed in front of me when he ran out in front of a 4wd as we crossed the road to catch the school bus. I always blamed myself for his death and even though it happened 32 years ago I still get emotional when I visit his grave and think of the man he could have been now. I have also seen a lot of trauma in my role as a volunteer firefighter. From fatalities, to friends losing their house to fire, and myself being trapped in a grassfire in a paddock just last year. I constantly feel tired and have trouble getting a good night sleep. I'm always checking the clock and awaken at the slightest noise. The constant stresses of life seem to pile up along with trying to keep strong for my wife and kids as she battles her 3rd bout of cancer and her ever increasing self doubt. I suppose I would like to know if anyone has any ways to help as I lack the funds to see a professional and my wife would love for me to stop being emotionally numb. Thanks in advance.

Sad

replies: 5

Hi i have anxiety but cant afford treatment, i feel isolated,sad,worthless and it goes on and on. My partner used to be so supportive but now he just dkesnt seem to care. I have no friends,no family support and live on a rural property, please help m... View more

New Member Introduction

replies: 4

Hello, Michael here from Brisbane, have aspergers and PTSD. Decided to join up as was more private than Facebook groups. Mainly on for support. Biggest issue is lack of friends being childless at 52 and very worried if can ever go back to work seeing as 'oldies' are so hated in society. Can't believe such attitudes exist. Socially but, I can't reconcile wanting friends and wanting to be alone, it's an odd feeling. However, I have had years of therapy of different types and it has worked overall, so it is good to reap the rewards. One example is don't have chronic OCD anymore. Just one thing don't understand when joining the site how it goes don't use your first name but many have. I really don't see anything wrong with using it but anyway. Thanks to BB and those that run the board. While it's not always nice to read the comments and see what people are going through, having common issues and the ability to discuss them and work on solutions is valuable. Thank you.

dont know where to start

replies: 2

hi everyone Im a mum of 3 kids and have been stuck in a black hole for some time now. I feel like im stuck and cant get out. I feel so alone like noone care. i have no friends, my family dont seem to care anymore and when they do its constant put downs that make me feel like i have failed them. I hate myself, i dont wear make up anymore, my hair gets put straight up in a bun. I dont look in the mirror anymore. I wake up every day and fake smile and pretened everything is okey for my kids and the outside world. does life ever get better?

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

A Reminder if You want to Contact Someone replies: 7

Terrified to open up replies: 4

Greetings and Appreciatation for Community Champions replies: 14

Mild Aspergers with Major Anxiety and Mild Depression - desperately seeking advice! replies: 6

Saying Hi :) replies: 4

New member lonely in battle in a busy world replies: 6

Hi I'm new to this and need some help replies: 7

Sad replies: 5

New Member Introduction replies: 4

dont know where to start replies: 2