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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Realised I have an issue

replies: 4

Yesterday I had a bit of a realisation, I don't want to be clinically depressed, but probably could be and need to do something about it before I push my family away. I think I've been in denial for a long time. I Have been thinking about recent behaviour from another perspective and it became obvious. I've been having problems for a while and not wanting to admit that i could have a problem and not be a overly talkative person about my feeling. So here I am, Looking down probably long but hopefully successful journey.

out of my comfort zone

replies: 3

Hi all, I am new to this, so here goes.. for quite a few months now i have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety. It all started when I was a passenger in my partners car one day. I felt extremely nauseous but didn't think to much of it as it had never happened before.I thought I must have been feeling ill or coming down with something. As time went on it got worse to the point where I would be sitting as a passenger in a car and would make the driver pull over to the side of the road because my heart started to race and all I could think was " I'm going to be sick." Funny thing is no matter how nauseous I felt I never actually threw up. If that wasn't bad enough, overtime I would be laying in bed trying to sleep out of no where my heart would start to race again and the sickening feeling would come back. One night I felt my heart race that fast that I was struggling to breath, the nausea came back and I feel extremely weak to the point where I struggled to walk to the car so that my mum could take me to the hospital. I had blood test done that night at the hospital and they came back all clear. As days went on the symptoms would just come about when in a car weather it was me or someone else driving, I carried a vomit bag with me everywhere I went just incase. A few nights had past and the very same thing happened, I was admitted into the hospital. Has a scan done on my heart rate and an X-ray done. they came back fine but I was severely dehydrated due to not being able to swallow any fluids or eat anything for days. I was kept over night and on the drip. I went back to my local gp the next day and was given medicine to help with the nausea. its been a few months now and I would have my days. I am under a massive amount of stress due to financial difficulties and work duties. A week ago I was at a shopping centre getting lunch in the middle of a busy period and all of a sudden my legs nearly gave way, my body went numb and my heart was racing, I felt like I was going to be sick. I was scared because I was on my own at this point. I ran to the toilet and sat there trying to catch my breathe. I knew I had to leave so I did as quickly and calmly as I could. I notice that I feel like this when I'm surrounded by a lot of people. I have never had this problem before. I am scared that there is seriously something wrong. My next step is to go see my doctor tomorrow to find out what is really going on. any help would be appreciated. Thankyou

Helpless

replies: 3

so I'm new here took the quiz scored high but I already knew I would. I can not remember a time I was not depressed. Ive tried to get help correct n the past only to be told by the doctor that at my age I should know how to cope. Changed doctors but can't seem to bring it up again with the new doctor had my obgyn send a letter to current doctor saying I needed help with depression but my doctor has never bought it up so I doubt he ever read it. Think I'm at my wits end just so over everything wishing it would all just stop.

Hi I'm new and after support

replies: 3

Hi for a brief history 5 years ago i had my first panic attack and was put on medication that didn't agree with me so i got scared of trying anything else i am diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorder. I thought i was coping well until recently and the anxiety has flared up again I have the choice to medicate but I'm scared because my life is so busy that it can't be put on hold. I joined this forum for support for people maybe going through the same thing and can offer any advice. Thanks so much Lee

Howdy peoples first chat

replies: 2

Ok thanks l hope you get this thread as I am still navigating how this all works

Anxious and lonely mum and job-seeker

replies: 5

Hi, this is my first time here. I have joined because I have had problems with anxiety for about the last 7 years and it is getting worse and I need some advice on what to do. It's mainly social anxiety - I have always been shy and introverted and moving a lot as a kid and as an adult has not helped - but I get generalised anxiety too. I am nearly 40 and have moved 5 times in the last 7 years due to my husband's work. We moved again 6 months ago but my husband is working away and our kids are all at school so most of the time I am alone. I often feel highly stressed and like I want to cry. I get anxious about going out anywhere. I sit at home all day getting anxious about the fact that I haven't done anything with my day but I get so overwhelmed thinking about what I should do that I can't get motivated or focus on any task. I end up just watching TV because I don't know what to do with myself. Even something like ringing up to make an appointment with the hairdresser or physio gives me anxiety. I am looking for work but having only had short-term jobs off and on over the years I am finding it hard to find a job and just the process of looking at job ads on the internet causes my anxiety to flare up. I saw a counsellor a few times but she wanted me to go out to businesses and ask for work, which is something I just can't bring myself to do. I feel really useless and like I can't talk to anyone about this. My own mother has even commented "what do you have to be stressed about." I talk to my husband and he is supportive but he just doesn't really understand anxiety.

New to forum male in 30's wants to help and connect

replies: 7

Hello all, I would first like to introduce myself before posting in the forums and give a description of who I am and why I am here. I have experienced episodes of depression since adolescence. In the last few years (going into my 30's) the severity of these depressive episodes became more severe and began having a very negative impact on day to day life. It was only during the last couple of years that I acknowledged that I was secretly struggling with depression. Previously, I thought that my low moods were normal, and everyone felt this way. I began to realize that my own coping strategies, which were frantic attempts at trying to help myself, were only making my situation worse. I was becoming very tired of the continued unsuccessful attempts, and I was guided by a loved one to seek professional help. One of the important aspects of seeking help, was acknowledging that I was experiencing an illness; my struggles were not personal weaknesses but common symptoms shared by others. If I had not acknowledged my illness and sought help, I would still be in a figurative pit of despair, continuing to dig the hole instead of learning how to properly climb out. I have undergone CBT and MBCT, plus drastically modified my behaviors. With much apprehension I also started on a SSRI roughly 6 months ago. I have discovered that there is no silver bullet; mood disorder's are very complex illnesses. I have found that the recent addition of the SSRI has been very helpful. I am currently going through a divorce, moving cities, and leaving what could be a rewarding career. I am trying to re-engineer my lifestyle, fostering behaviours and thought processes that give me vitality. Progress is very very slow, but for the first time in years I am feeling optimistic. I have decided to join this forum because I am ready to make connections with others struggling with the similar issues as me. I want to offer advice and guidance. I am looking for new ideas for moving forward: personal accounts of useful literature, therapies, and personal experiences. We are all in this together and we unknowingly share similar secrets. Ultimately, I am seeking an answer to this: how do we each craft our own anti-depressant lifestyle so we can live a vital life? All the best.

McKenzie

replies: 2

Hello people its Mckenzie here Ive just joined beyond blue and look forward to chatting with many of you.

Newbie

replies: 2

Hi, I'm new to the forums and just wanted to say hi i've been struggling recently with a lot of symptoms of depression which can come on with no notice at all and leave me feeling miserable for days. I'm isolating myself from others and my family and have no interest in things anymore. Everything I used to find fun is now just a chore and I just want to spend my day in bed. i also experience some OCD tendencies, mainly at night which though not severe are disruptive and make me worried why I have rituals. In addition, I binge eat often, I think to make myself feel happy or at least feel something but ends up having the opposite effect. I am self conscious of myself and obsessive about food (although I am working on this). i haven't told anyone about my struggles, mainly because I don't think they are serious enough and I don't want to be looked down upon by others ( I live in a supportive household) but I feel that admitting these issues would make me appear weak. As such, I don't quite feel comfortable going to a doctor or psychologist, but my parents would have to know as i live at home. if anyone as any advice or tips I would love to hear it thank you for reading! x

Early 30s, female, new chapter

replies: 10

Hi everyone, I'm not sure how to start this but here we go... I'm in my early 30s and have made a lot of mistakes. I hope that I get a second chance. Wish I can do better. Want to do better. I feel like I've screwed up so badly by my own hand. Not that it's an excuse but I never had bad intentions, just dysfunctional and stupid ways of coping. Avid music lover, paradoxically troubled yet privileged childhood. Childhood scars seep into my relationships and I constantly screw up. Time and time again. Still don't know how to be in functional relationships without either abruptly cutting people out of my life or else, I don't stay but keep almost everything to myself. "I'm fine" is my favourite line. I've blocked more people from my phone than I care to count (some justified and others less so). At a crossroads. Hoping for redemption and a chance to be a better person. Trying to start a new chapter in my life and be less of a crappy person. Pepper

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Realised I have an issue replies: 4

out of my comfort zone replies: 3

Helpless replies: 3

Hi I'm new and after support replies: 3

Howdy peoples first chat replies: 2

Anxious and lonely mum and job-seeker replies: 5

New to forum male in 30's wants to help and connect replies: 7

McKenzie replies: 2

Newbie replies: 2

Early 30s, female, new chapter replies: 10