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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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dunno345 Failing at Life
  • replies: 2

Hi all, Im 43, in a well paid job, own a lovely home, 12 year relationship. Everything should be great, but i find feeling flat all the time, the only emotion I experience is anger and this is seriously affecting my relationship - my partner is ready... View more

Hi all, Im 43, in a well paid job, own a lovely home, 12 year relationship. Everything should be great, but i find feeling flat all the time, the only emotion I experience is anger and this is seriously affecting my relationship - my partner is ready to leave the relationship from constantly having to put up with my mood, I have always found it difficult to express my views without sounding arrogant or angry, so people tend to avoid conversation with me, and i usually end up talking in facts not feelings. With the exclusion of my partner I have 2 friends - one of whom has moved overseas, the other is interstate. I rarely speak to my family - my mum jokes if she speaks to me more than once every 2 months she thinks something is wrong. I cant start anything new, if i do i expect to be automatically excellent at it - and as is normal when im not, I stop. This has been going on so long now, i automatically dismiss new experiances or learning things as I know I will fail. I recognise this as depression as i have had episodes of this in the past. Im not good at talking about my feelings at the best of times, i get tounge tied and cant make people understand what im trying to say, i avoid eye contact and my face is often blank. I feel i wouldnt be missed if i wasnt around - my Facebook feed is more adverts than invites as is my email. I feel disappointed and angry at myself at feeling like this when there are homeless people, people who cant work etc and i have been lucky Im not sure what im trying to say here - I should go and see a doctor, and a psych but I dont know how much that will help, if i cant feel a feeling i cant challange it. I feel like runnning away - which makes me angry as im not a kid - dropping out of everyones life to stop them being hurt

running_girl hello
  • replies: 27

Hi I’m new here. I’m not really sure why I’m posting….the need to connect I guess. I have a longish history of anxiety and depression but it’s only in the last 5 years that I’ve admitted this to myself, sought professional help and started on SSRIs, ... View more

Hi I’m new here. I’m not really sure why I’m posting….the need to connect I guess. I have a longish history of anxiety and depression but it’s only in the last 5 years that I’ve admitted this to myself, sought professional help and started on SSRIs, etc. My dr and meds have helped save me a few times over I think. The last 12 months have been particularly rough, although I’m past the worst now. I split with my partner of 20+ years about a year ago and was not prepared for the emotional upheaval this would put me through. Although I wanted the separation, I have not handled being single with as much dignity and courage as I would’ve liked and, as a result, have put myself in situations where I’ve gotten hurt. The most recent being a friend who confessed he had feelings for me, and once I digested this information and started to respond in kind, he completely withdrew from me without any explanation whatsoever. It’s hard not to let this affect my sense of self-worth (and for the most part, I don’t, but on bad days…). I'm surprised at just how frightening I found it to suddenly become single again, although I'm starting to feel more comfortable with it these days. I have a few friends and some family but no one I feel really close to. My social life is pretty uneventful and the loneliness does get to me, especially on weekends. Also, ever since my separation, I haven’t been able to sit through a film or even a tv show. And reading, which has been my lifelong love, is virtually impossible. Has anyone else experienced this and did things go back to normal eventually? Anyway, thanks for listening – it feels better just having said this aloud (so to speak) to someone other than myself or my dr. Take care everyone, rg

Wanting_to_get_better Simply66
  • replies: 4

Hi i was wondering if there are actual support groups on Sunshine Coast for people struggling with depression loss of relationship home and belongings. Wanting to start again its very hard when you try to converse with non like minded people because ... View more

Hi i was wondering if there are actual support groups on Sunshine Coast for people struggling with depression loss of relationship home and belongings. Wanting to start again its very hard when you try to converse with non like minded people because all everyone talks about are their possessions. And I have lost them all and it would be good to talk to people with no judgement and genuinely want to listen and maybe provide any ideas they have experienced i'd be very greatful for any suggestions

kiwibird Hi, I'm new here
  • replies: 3

Hello Just wanting to connect with people going through depression like me. It's been 6 months now and I'm really struggling. I have two children and not much support. The mornings are terrible. I have started medication but after 6 weeks the depress... View more

Hello Just wanting to connect with people going through depression like me. It's been 6 months now and I'm really struggling. I have two children and not much support. The mornings are terrible. I have started medication but after 6 weeks the depression is worse so now coming off the meds. I'm normally a confident and happy person, but this has taken over my life and I find it hard to go to work and do normal things.

CauseUnknown New member checking in - Hi all!
  • replies: 2

Checking in as I’ve been lurking but I need to take some action with my mental health & look forward to interacting with you all. A little about me, Im an almost 40, married man with two teenage kids. I work full-time (at least when anxiety doesn't w... View more

Checking in as I’ve been lurking but I need to take some action with my mental health & look forward to interacting with you all. A little about me, Im an almost 40, married man with two teenage kids. I work full-time (at least when anxiety doesn't win) in a middle management position. I don’t have any hobbies, but I do like tatting around in my shed, spending time with my family & occasionally going out with friends. I'm not too sure when my mental health issues began, probably around the time we moved into our current house which we are buying. At the same time that my career started developing. Financially we are ok, I don't have any savings, but the bills are paid on time & we have enough to go on holiday now & again. I think that was when I started to feel a bit lost with no real long-term goals. Short term managed by diving into something new for a short period eg. Holiday planning, rearranging the shed, veggie garden, gym. These only last a few months & then I wander until the next thing. I think my mental health manifests into physical issues at times. 2 years ago I got pins & needles in my face & after seeing a neuro no cause could be found. I finally broke down with my GP & was put on a small dose of anti-depressant for 12 months. I saw a psychiatrist during this time but besides some insight into my values I didn’t find it very useful. Having come off the anti-depressant over the last 6 weeks (4 weeks clear) Ive found the depression aspect is much better, I no longer feel numbness like before. I’m however facing worse anxiety than I had before that is impacting my work & to a lesser extent my marriage. 2-3 times a week I wake up feeling ill which only goes away at work, or after I call in “sick” if I can’t face it. Logically all I need to do is get up & go but at the time I do not have the strength to push past it. I feel disconnected between the logical & emotional thoughts, especially in hindsight. My wife is the type of person that soldiers on during any times of illness. While she is a loving partner she doesn’t understand that people can’t “get over it” like she seems to. Wow, I just wanted to say hi & give a bit of background, I didn’t intend to write down all of this. Thanks for listening if you have got this far, I hope that I can return the support! I see my GP in a week & will see what she recommends. I don’t really want to go onto anti-depressants again (my transition on was tough) but I need to deal with my anxiety if I’m to keep my job & sanity!

Ghosty Newbie :Introducing me.
  • replies: 3

Hello all. It is good to find a website/forum where one can discuss mental health issues without fear or judgement. Me: I am a middle aged female who has lived with episodic (endogenous) major depression since my early 20's. Some episodes I endured u... View more

Hello all. It is good to find a website/forum where one can discuss mental health issues without fear or judgement. Me: I am a middle aged female who has lived with episodic (endogenous) major depression since my early 20's. Some episodes I endured untreated others via medication through a psychiatrist or gp etc...... Have never been hospitalised for it though - touch wood! I guess after having lived with it for such a long time I am well aware of the 'monster' I have been dealing with too well. I hope I can be a support to some people in the way of understanding too. Life has been good to me over the last 2 years and I have no real complaints. My only issue is surviving the 'morning horrors'. I'm in a relatively new job where I need to awake at 3.30am to get there. What I mean by 'morning horrors' is waking up desiring death and being in the foulest of moods etc....... Any way I know I cannot change my shift or change jobs else will have to find another job and risk being unemployed (my employer is not that flexible & understanding). I also know that this dark morning mood can/has been triggered by an unusual daily sleep pattern. My mood usually improves by around 11am. Any ideas on how to deal with this without having to risking a worsening mood and possible unemployment? With thanks & appreciation.

Lisa1990 I thought I was normal...
  • replies: 2

Hey guys, im new to this group. It's hard writing this because even I'm having anxiety in doing so. Thinking... is it going to benefit me? What if it doesn't? What if someone I know sees this post? I recently got diagnosed with anxiety and depression... View more

Hey guys, im new to this group. It's hard writing this because even I'm having anxiety in doing so. Thinking... is it going to benefit me? What if it doesn't? What if someone I know sees this post? I recently got diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Along with that I have a lot of health issues so I mainly thought it was normal to feel down, worry about daily tasks, over think everything, cleaning obsessively and making sure everything is in it's place. i honestly thought I'm organised and it's good to be this way. Writing lists for my fortnightly budget and checking my lists and bank account a lot. The hard thing is feeling like such a burden to your partner all the time and not knowing why to feel like this.. and having arguments because you feel frustrated and physically exhausted. I really hope this website can help. It has so far. Thanks for reading

GregJ Income protection and mental health
  • replies: 4

Hi, I have been back and forth to my GP for depression and anxiety for 2 years now. I have my second psychologist appointment this week. The main causes of my issues are work and homesickness. I have been hesitant to take time off due to loss of inco... View more

Hi, I have been back and forth to my GP for depression and anxiety for 2 years now. I have my second psychologist appointment this week. The main causes of my issues are work and homesickness. I have been hesitant to take time off due to loss of income but I have recently found out that I have income protection (been paying through my super for past 5 years) Does anybody have any experience in claiming income protection for mental illness? Is it difficult or straight forward? Thannks

okadoka Sleep issues - I can count the number of times I have seen a rising sun (Max 10 times I guess- I'm 25yo)
  • replies: 8

There is so much to write about myself. I have been going through immensely bad times. At one point everything was happening all at once - university study load - concentration problems, fear of people, fear of future , social anxiety, sexuality, nig... View more

There is so much to write about myself. I have been going through immensely bad times. At one point everything was happening all at once - university study load - concentration problems, fear of people, fear of future , social anxiety, sexuality, night terror attacks, Hyperhidrosis, depression, GAD, Problems with house mates which lead to accommodation problems,and failure to find a job. But, with support of family and university counselors I made through that nerve breaking time. Some issues never seems to go - such as my chronic hyperhidrosis (Excessive sweating in various parts of body and extreme anxiety and embarrassment it causes) and sleep issues (regardless of what time I sleep - I wake up only after 12 hours), so if I fall asleep at 7.30 am, I'll wake up at 8 pm or sometimes even later. When I wake up I just don't like the feeling that I woke up in dark and that my routine is so weird. When everyone out there is commuting to work in morning I'm preparing to go to sleep and when everyone is heading home from work I wake up from sleep in agony. I've moved multiple times, now I've a private room again (because of sleep terror attack and also I generally do not have good relationship with room mates). So, I'm currently unaware if I'm getting night terror attacks but I do get weird dreams - it was of snakes when I woke up this evening. I do not do any physical exercise specifically, so I walk to supermarket every other day, that's a total 3km walk from and back home. When I go out I generally make sure that I'm looking immaculately good, it takes a lot of time during night when I'm awake. When I'm outside for grocery shopping I do not make eye contact with anyone. Head down, pick my stuff up, scan, tap and run. When I used to live other house mates, I used to cook and was always appreciated for my cooking, but when I cook for myself it always turns out bad - but I still eat it as I don't like food waste. I think I'm getting in too much details here. I would like to get suggestions for improving my sleep pattern, hyperhidrosis (Although I have lost all hopes on this one - as I don't believe in pausing the sweat for some days), tips for finding a part time job - I don't get replies ( I only have volunteering experience in university) and lastly how to go to a gym when you have social anxiety. Thanks.

Ashes_ Newbie Alert!!
  • replies: 3

Hello all! my name is Ashes_:) and I'm a 17 yr old high school senior who has been and is struggling with the transition from childhood to adulthood. The stress of not being able to find a job, getting my licence and achieving decent grades to set me... View more

Hello all! my name is Ashes_:) and I'm a 17 yr old high school senior who has been and is struggling with the transition from childhood to adulthood. The stress of not being able to find a job, getting my licence and achieving decent grades to set me up for my future has been eating at me for months. Mix this with the hormones of a teenager and you're looking for trouble! All of this stress is starting to chip away at my mental well being, as I tend to worry about not succeeding as an adult. I've been feeling really down in the dumps lately with no motivation to do anything I've noticed a change in my eating patterns and sleep schedule. This change in my behavior has been getting worse over this past few weeks. I had similar behavioral patterns when i was younger than i am now, probably around the age of 12 when I was just starting high school but that was as damaging as what I'm experiencing at the moment. I'm assuming its brought on but massive changes in my life. My school has been blasting this website at us for years if we needed someone to talk to so I thought it would be best to give it a shot. Any words of wisdom, advice or tips to help me to move through this rough patch would be amazing. Thanks guys.