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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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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.

Catsandcomics New member /full time working woman
  • replies: 5

Hi all, ​I joined the forum tonight. ​Back story: ​I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time. I lost a parent when I was a child and since his passing I have always battled with my emotions. I have also struggled with my weight... View more

Hi all, ​I joined the forum tonight. ​Back story: ​I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time. I lost a parent when I was a child and since his passing I have always battled with my emotions. I have also struggled with my weight which lead to my entire childhood being bullied. In my teens and early adulthood I was suicidal. However I have sorted my life out ALOT in the last several years. I lost 20+ kgs, I'm married and have held down a full time job, - but I struggle with self doubt and self criticism. ​I have a terrible case of imposter sydrome and let my harmful thoughts get to me, dragging my self esteem right down. I will often crave praise and recognition and get jealous when others around me are excelling as I feel I am failing if I'm not the best. When I do get good feedback, I am taken back and will often quickly brush the compliment off, and act as though it was a fake compliment and that people have a strong dislike of me. Issue is I am sarcastic by nature and outspoken and open about my views and opinions,so people see me as someone else when really inside I am crippled by idea that I don't fit in. I have good days, then ok days and then horrible days and I am really influenced by how I feel at work, so when I'm down and feel like a burden I carry it with me home. I wish I could get over this and care less about how I present myself in my professional life and how others think of me.

love_of_baking New here- looking for some avice and support
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, As the title says I'm new here, have looked at the board before but finally decided to sign up today. here is some background to my story: I have been suffering form depression and anxiety for quite a few years now, I always brushed it o... View more

Hi everyone, As the title says I'm new here, have looked at the board before but finally decided to sign up today. here is some background to my story: I have been suffering form depression and anxiety for quite a few years now, I always brushed it off because as stupid as it sounds I didn't want to accept it because I felt weak or accept it as I have 3 kids to care for as well. I was always a quiet child and had some social anxiety growing up. It got worse when I was with my partner (we were together 13 years) towards the end of our relationship he was verbally abusive, I started getting anxiety attacks one which ended me up in hospital because I couldn't breathe and thought I was having a heart attack. We had a very bad break up and later on I found out that he was on drugs for the past 5 years, made perfect sense because that's when things got pretty bad. fast forward 5 years to today and I still get anxious and very emotional at times but have finally booked myself in to see a psychologist soon. What I'm really looking for is some advice on how to support my current partner who also has a long history of anxiety and depression. We have been together for 6 months, he was very open and honest with me about how he gets sometimes so I knew abit right at the start. I just don't know how to deal when he is down or what to say so I usually go quiet and most of the time we will just sit in silence with our arms around each other. He is amazing when I'm feeling down but I don't know if I'm doing that good of a job when he is. he can sometimes be pretty emotionless but never cold if that makes sense. I care for him dearly and I know from experience that you cant fix anybody but I just want to know what some things are that I can do to show him that I'm there for him as well as things that I shouldn't be doing. I could go on and on but I probably wont make any sense, if anyone wants to ask more questions please go ahead. The same goes with any advice, it would be much appreciated. I'd just like to thank everybody in advance for taking the time to read this and look forward to hopefully hearing back from you.