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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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Stu1 New member, looking to make a difference
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a 33 year old guy from the UK who has moved to Australia permanently. I've been pretty lucky with my life, well educated, sporty, have a decent job, but i also suffer with crippling bouts of anxiety which come and go on a monthly basis. It wa... View more

Hi, I'm a 33 year old guy from the UK who has moved to Australia permanently. I've been pretty lucky with my life, well educated, sporty, have a decent job, but i also suffer with crippling bouts of anxiety which come and go on a monthly basis. It was something i never spoke about and was able to hide pretty successfully for about 10 years, and i managed the symptoms through drinking and using certain drugs, nothing too extreme but enough to balance me out at social gatherings (which used to be a trigger, funny though because i was a pretty social guy!) I think i am a pretty highly functioning sufferer, i still force myself as much as i can to do normal stuff when i'm having bouts of anxiety, and i think this is borne from not wanting to admit to people i have a problem. I eventually told my fiancee about it after we were together for a while. She helped me to get help, and i was treated with medication for about a year before coming off the medicine, which was a horrible experience. I still get bouts of anxiety now, it hasn't gone away. But it is better. Rather than a constant, daily fear that follows me around i now get affected once a month or so, but the effects last for maybe a week which is long enough for me to forget what normal feels like. Then suddenly its gone again. I read that suicide from depression is the leading cause of death for young men, and i can totally believe it. There is still a stigma that admitting you have anxiety or depression means you are mentally weak, and it is something i am not quite ready to openly admit myself to friends and family, but i'm getting there. I talk more now with my missus about how i'm feeling but it's hard showing that side of me, because i spent so long trying to hide it. But through all of this i realised that it can't just be me feeling like this. And i want to make a difference. What i want is to help other people who have issues like me. I will not let anxiety define who i am. I may never be rid of it, but i can and will live with it, and if i can help other people get to the same place then more power to them. I live in Tasmania now, and if there are any events that need volunteers i would be more than happy to help. In fact if there's anything that needs doing please get in touch. Like i said i want to make a difference, and maybe get the strength to be more open about my own issues. Thanks

The_Possum Removing myself from a thread
  • replies: 2

Is there a way to remove myself from a thread so I don't keep getting the updates to it in 'my threads'? Thank you

Is there a way to remove myself from a thread so I don't keep getting the updates to it in 'my threads'? Thank you

Alex27 Becoming Desperate
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone. My name's Alex and I'm a 21 year old male from Sydney. I've suffered from major depression and anxiety for about 8 years now and its recently got much worse than usual. I quit my uni degree in primary teaching earlier this year due to a ... View more

Hi everyone. My name's Alex and I'm a 21 year old male from Sydney. I've suffered from major depression and anxiety for about 8 years now and its recently got much worse than usual. I quit my uni degree in primary teaching earlier this year due to a loss of passion and I've been unemployed now for about 2 months with nothing to do and no idea of where my life is heading. I haven't even had the desire to look for a job and I probably drink too much a bit too often (only when out with friends, not alone). My girlfriend of almost 18 months had warned me about 2 weeks ago that our relationship can't continue if I don't make an effort to get a job and find a purpose to my life (I don't blame her, she's been very patient and also suffers from a mental illness). Yesterday, I drunk called my girlfriend on a night out with uni mates and obviously disappointed that I was not taking my issues seriously, she has decided to hold off on our relationship until I get my life sorted. I'm extremely upset and disappointed in myself so today I thought it was about time that I made a real effort to change. Only problem is, I don't really know were to start and I can't seem to find any jobs available that have minimal contact with other people (I have extreme social anxiety). If anyone has any advice, even simple things, that would mean a lot to me. Thanks, Alex.

Leo__ Why do I feel the way I do for ??
  • replies: 5

Hi my name is "Leo" and I'm totally new here, I'll make it short, my question is.... why do I feel the way I do for ?? I'm not sure if I'm feeling down because of one thing or a number of things but I do know I'm not happy, when I should be. Thanks f... View more

Hi my name is "Leo" and I'm totally new here, I'll make it short, my question is.... why do I feel the way I do for ?? I'm not sure if I'm feeling down because of one thing or a number of things but I do know I'm not happy, when I should be. Thanks for reading...

Tonkatuff Uncertain
  • replies: 8

Hi I'm new not only to this site but the entire chat thing. I thought I should see if any one can help me depression is putting it mildly why do I feel like this and is the any way out

Hi I'm new not only to this site but the entire chat thing. I thought I should see if any one can help me depression is putting it mildly why do I feel like this and is the any way out

StephR Newbie!
  • replies: 2

Heya, My name is Steph- Just coming through the tail end of some seriously scary turbulent times with PTSD and depression. Trying to find my way in this big scary world. Thought I would check out these forums and say g'day to other people who might b... View more

Heya, My name is Steph- Just coming through the tail end of some seriously scary turbulent times with PTSD and depression. Trying to find my way in this big scary world. Thought I would check out these forums and say g'day to other people who might be taking it one day at a time like I am!

Lozzie90 Help
  • replies: 3

I feel so stupid and so alone I don't want to anymore

I feel so stupid and so alone I don't want to anymore

thecharadegirl New to this. Trying to start something new.
  • replies: 2

I am currently fighting depression and anxiety, and I was thinking maybe sharing some diary journals of mine would help me. 1. Could be a new outlet to let people around the world read them? 2. Gets me more support and help. However I'm worried about... View more

I am currently fighting depression and anxiety, and I was thinking maybe sharing some diary journals of mine would help me. 1. Could be a new outlet to let people around the world read them? 2. Gets me more support and help. However I'm worried about the consequences of social media. Can someone tell me if it's a good or bad idea please..??

Nae_Ryan Orientation! New member :)
  • replies: 3

Hi all, My name is Chanae. I'm actually here for a good reason. I've known about these types of websites but never really looked into them properly. So, I've been writing poems based on depression and other subjects. I shared two with a friend and sh... View more

Hi all, My name is Chanae. I'm actually here for a good reason. I've known about these types of websites but never really looked into them properly. So, I've been writing poems based on depression and other subjects. I shared two with a friend and she advised me to share it with the beyondblue community forums. So, I'm hoping this isn't offensive in any way and others can read and/or relate to what I've written. I hope you all enjoy! It's okay to feel down Everyone has those days The feeling won't last forever It eventually goes away. All the feelings inside Are slowly tearing apart You want it all to go away But this is where you start. It all feels so slow now Waking up knowing what to expect You start losing interest in things And slowly start to neglect. You're always isolating yourself To hide from the world Shutting all rays of light out Huddled in a ball, motionless, torn, and curled. You wonder all the questions Why this exists? Why it happens? Small talk with everyone around Your heart feels almost flattened. Your happiness, hobbies and friends Eventually becomes an old memory Your body feels weak and drained Sucking out all your energy. Is this my now, future and forever? Feeling alone, depressed, and dark? I really try for happiness I get nothing, not even a spark.

whitewinter Feeling limited in life
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, New member. Fellow sufferer of anxiety and depression. I have ASD and social anxiety as well. I’m 25 and live at home with my dad. He also has ASD. To be quite frank, I'm deeply unhappy. I’m fed up with projecting this happy image to peo... View more

Hi everyone, New member. Fellow sufferer of anxiety and depression. I have ASD and social anxiety as well. I’m 25 and live at home with my dad. He also has ASD. To be quite frank, I'm deeply unhappy. I’m fed up with projecting this happy image to people who ask “How are you?”. It's exhausting. I want things to change within myself and my lifestyle. There’s only so much I can do. I’m unemployed, and have had great difficulty finding suitable work. I would love for someone to give me a chance in life without being discriminated against. I recently went for my learner licence as I've been reliant on public transport forever. Still not confident in driving and feeling very discouraged. But I am determined to keep going with it. I see a psychologist about once a month. This is really the only time I get to air my grievances and check up on my mental health. It’s hard to say if therapy has been beneficial. Anxiety and depression have plagued me for a long time. If I trace back my family history I can see a history of depression and anxiety on both sides. I don’t have much of a social life. I used to hang with a group of people by regularly going to gatherings, but all they seem to do is hang around pubs drinking and gambling (and posting stupid photos on Facebook). I do have a couple of closer friends but they aren't very understanding when it comes to mental illness so I tend not to talk about it. It's so frustrating when not a soul wants to sit there and talk to you about stuff like this. I want friends I can hang out with on a weekly basis, not once every two months on their terms. I would honestly just love to find new friends, and maybe even a romantic partner. I yearn for a soul mate/companion. But I’ve come to accept being single. All my romantic relationships failed and over time I grew sick of being disappointed or having my heart broken. My last relationship I ended because my partner was controlling and abusive. Every day I wake up I’m reminded constantly that I failed in life and this is why I’ve ended up nowhere. Without any real friends, or a romantic partner, bickering with my father. What a life. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’m just so over myself. I know I should be grateful for the things I already have in life (and I am). But I still want more. I did not envision my 25 year old self to be in this situation. I thought life was meant to be better than this. Thanks for reading. I feel a bit better now.