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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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Guest_08277259 Struggling
  • replies: 2

I have always had depression and anxiety but just ignored it for a long time. I also block out certain painful things that happened in my life. Recently I am just so down and out. I just can’t do the basic things. Getting out of bed is a chore, showe... View more

I have always had depression and anxiety but just ignored it for a long time. I also block out certain painful things that happened in my life. Recently I am just so down and out. I just can’t do the basic things. Getting out of bed is a chore, showering, holding a conversation. I just feel like I am a failure and feel so alone. People around me think I am so strong and I’ll be alright. But I’m really not. I don’t no what to do any more. I recently quit my job as I just couldn’t do it. I feel so lost in life and that I am just floating through basic motions and no one is noticing that I’m drowning. I want to be happy I want to feel joy I want to live but nothing is helping. This can’t be all life is meant to be for me.

wez I think I'm failing at life...
  • replies: 1

Hey, just joined because I felt like I needed to get something off my chest. I need to tell someone. I'm failing at life, most days I don't even feel like a human being. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't speak, sometimes I can't even breathe. I can... View more

Hey, just joined because I felt like I needed to get something off my chest. I need to tell someone. I'm failing at life, most days I don't even feel like a human being. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't speak, sometimes I can't even breathe. I can't function, I can't live. Why am I like this? I'm so fortunate, I'm surrounded by family who love me, friends who will support me no matter what, I have a bed to sleep in and food to eat, but I can't do anything, I'm hopeless. I haven't been this bad in a while. I know I should call my therapist but I can't even pick up the phone let alone book an appointment. I can't even speak most the time, every sound, touch, and smell freak me out, and curling under my blankets in the dark just makes me think even more. They say journalling is supposed to help, telling people is supposed to help so why does acknowledging my incompetence feel so bad? I'll probably be better in a couple days, I'll pretend this didn't happen and continue masquerading as a functioning member of society but I know next time I crash like this it'll be even worse. I don't know how many more times I can handle crashing like this.

Kai 15 with chronic pain, and a life falling apart
  • replies: 3

Hi I’m 15 but was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when I was 11. It changed my life I went from being the most active and happy kid to depressed friendless and not being able to move. I had to change from face to face school to online. I... View more

Hi I’m 15 but was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when I was 11. It changed my life I went from being the most active and happy kid to depressed friendless and not being able to move. I had to change from face to face school to online. I also live really remotely on a farm so it’s hard to meet other people.I recently had a flair in my foot, resulting in two badly broken bones that require surgery. Thing is that the pain started 5 months ago. I have been walking on a broken foot for 5 months because doctors couldn’t be bothered to dig deeper to find out what’s wrong I’m now in and will be for the next 3-4 months in a wheelchair meaning the few things I do enjoy like motorbike riding I can’t do. im failing school. I can’t think through the pain anymore. Sometimes when I have to I can push the pain aside for a little while if it’s something important but it’s exhausting. I feel like my limbs weigh a ton each and my mind is jelly. my brothers don’t talk to me. I know one of them hates I’m a lesbian and the other I don’t know why he won’t talk to me. Me and my brothers have autism adhd and a bunch of other things and my mum has always helped us so much. I never realised just how much she does but now I see it’s crushing her but I don’t know how I can help her. My dad helps as much as he can but he also runs the farm and it’s been really hard the last couple years, drought, weeds, no crop. We had a station hand last year but she’s at uni now. Im 6 months clean of SH but each day is harder than the last. I’m failing school and my body is failing me, at my age my brother already knew what they wanted to do and had jobs as mechanics but I have no clue what I want and if my body will let me. im drowning in it all. I’ve tried multiple therapists but non of them helped nor have the anti depressants. I can’t put my mum under any more pressure but I can’t keep living like this. i know no one on here can help but I want my story out even if only a few see it.

dennagrace Awkward Orange
  • replies: 2

For some reason when the link opened to start a discussion, I remembered the awkward orange YouTube video and I can definitely relate to that video right now - I feel a bit awkward, and my face is probably a bit red/orange as I blush/flush when I fee... View more

For some reason when the link opened to start a discussion, I remembered the awkward orange YouTube video and I can definitely relate to that video right now - I feel a bit awkward, and my face is probably a bit red/orange as I blush/flush when I feel anxious! But here's to making friends with my anxiety and feeling the fear and doing the thing anyway!!I'm so nervecited to be here! (Nervecited is a word I came up with to represent those times I feel both nervous and excited in life - which is a daily occurrence for me!!) It is really wonderful to see that a forum like this one exists and it looks like so many people are very active on it which I love!My lived experience consists of a trauma background, and I have been diagnosed with HSV2 and ADHD and co-morbid anxiety as an outcome of experiencing that trauma. I also want to note I have lived experience of both consumer and carer, although consumer is more prominent for me currently, especially since I work as a Lived Experience Worker with consumers in VIC.Recovery is a big part of how I manage daily, and I absolutely love creative outlets like writing, painting, Spoken Word and music, as well as nature. I incorporate these elements into my life to help me support myself to be as regulated as possible.One of the most beautiful learnings of my recovery journey so far has been learning that my ability to intentionally and safely share aspects of my lived experience can and does instil hope in others in their recovery journeys.What does recovery look like to you??~ Dee

Guest_9959 Depression and "bed rotting"
  • replies: 4

Hey all, new here and need to get my mental health back on track. I was today-years-old when I found out my depression/bad habit has a name, bed rotting. My depression has slowly been getting worse, and I've stopped meds...stopped all therapy, stoppe... View more

Hey all, new here and need to get my mental health back on track. I was today-years-old when I found out my depression/bad habit has a name, bed rotting. My depression has slowly been getting worse, and I've stopped meds...stopped all therapy, stopped seeing my psychiatrist... I honestly don't know where to start. Any help appreciated.

Guest_40404499 Struggling Son
  • replies: 1

My beautiful, kind, caring, funny, hard-working son is so lonely, and he is having thoughts of self-harm. He is on the spectrum, but high functioning. In fact, if you met him now as an adult you would hardly notice his quirky differences. He started ... View more

My beautiful, kind, caring, funny, hard-working son is so lonely, and he is having thoughts of self-harm. He is on the spectrum, but high functioning. In fact, if you met him now as an adult you would hardly notice his quirky differences. He started high school with a good group of friends from primary, but as time went by, they realised he was "different" and instead of supporting him, he became their target for bullying and ridicule. It went so far they even assaulted him. We thought he was lucky when he made a couple of new friends. However, post school, they have moved on with their own journeys and left him behind. He is now 20 and works very hard at a local club. He has pushed himself to build his confidence. He has taken care of himself by going to the gym, buying lovely clothes, catching public transport independently, going to concerts and other things, but he cannot seem to make friendship connections. He knows he has trust issues based on past experience, but he is still trying so hard, yet cannot find his tribe. I see him struggling and it is breaking my heart. He talks to me about his loneliness and I put forward ideas, but he can't seem to find his way to even try to do them. I offer to go with him, but he recognises that it's a bit lame to have his mum with him for some of these things. I am so concerned that depression is going to take hold of my son and I will lose him. My heart is breaking for him. If anyone has any ideas on how to help, please please please share. I desperately need help to help him. Thank you.

Hopebee Not coping with adult son going to prison
  • replies: 4

My adult son has battled with mental health issues for years .My partner and I have worked really hard over the years supporting him financially and emotionally through a difficult break up, covid, homelessness his many conspiracy theories etc .When ... View more

My adult son has battled with mental health issues for years .My partner and I have worked really hard over the years supporting him financially and emotionally through a difficult break up, covid, homelessness his many conspiracy theories etc .When 3 years ago he entered into a volatile relationship and had another child with someone with worse mental issues than him we felt exhausted we still supported him but backed away concentrating on maintaining our close relationship with his 3 children .5 weeks ago he came to our place after splitting up with his girlfriend .After a distressing time with him being out of control and suicidal I managed to get him into through the hospital system and for the first time into rehab only to find out he had lied to everyone and had committed a serioua crime which he was arrested for after crossing the border . Since then it has been a nightmare he was brought up with support and love and i feel i am grieving for someone that I never knew. He has impacted on so many lives and will lose his 4 kids because of this . He is still waiting to be sentenced and all i know is it will be a long one .I spoke to my daughter in law,today and he has asked her to be on his contact list which she won't do .I am supported by my wonderful partner and trying to look after myself. I am in my 60s and have experienced grief and trauma before but am struggling to see any light at the end of this very dark tunnel and would wellcome any advice.

Wiltingdaisy 30 Year Old, Life Lacking Meaning
  • replies: 7

Hi I'm El.I'm posting on here as I'm too poor to afford therapy at the moment and I don't know what else to do.I don't want to come across ungrateful for all the good things in my life, of which there are many...but I have not yet been able to find a... View more

Hi I'm El.I'm posting on here as I'm too poor to afford therapy at the moment and I don't know what else to do.I don't want to come across ungrateful for all the good things in my life, of which there are many...but I have not yet been able to find a job or hobby that makes me feel like I belong.I've had many different jobs, been to Uni & Tafe, but it has not lead me to anything I enjoy. I understand not everyone is able to find a job they love, I've accepted that. What I'm upset about is that, I haven't been able to feel fulfilled even in my hobbies. I have moments when I'm caught up in obsession with something, and I get excited. but I don't know how to continue that passion. I was brought up Atheist, but I find myself really interested in Spirituality. Things like the paranormal, near death experiences, mediums etc. There is nobody in my life I can talk to about these passions that either could entertain the thought of it, or don't make fun of me for believing in things. It makes me feel isolated.There is also a side of me that recognises I'm only interested in things pertaining to spirituality as my life is lacking meaning. Anyways, I find myself crying often, disassociating in conversations and thinking often about death (to be clear I'm not suicidal, it's more so I feel so sad that I understand why some people feel suicidal and often wonder if the afterlife is a peaceful place). I get social anxiety and often feel out of place in most group settings, so I hope this is a safe space where I can find some sense of belonging. Any advice or a simple "I feel the same" would be appreciated.

Stephanie_D How to avoid avoiding Step kids?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm a stepmother with 2x step kids, 11 yrs & 9 yrs. I have been with my partner for 4 years & we recently got married. I never wanted children though was open to being with someone who did, not fully knowing or understanding what it entailed. The... View more

Hi, I'm a stepmother with 2x step kids, 11 yrs & 9 yrs. I have been with my partner for 4 years & we recently got married. I never wanted children though was open to being with someone who did, not fully knowing or understanding what it entailed. The kids are really sweet & we get along however that natural connection isn't there for me. I work 42+ hours a week in a highly extroverted role & my home is my sanctuary where I can recharge, find peace & be introverted. I find it difficult to share my home as the kids are kids, they're noisy, messy & generally running around the house making their presence known. We have the kids every Tuesday & Thursday each week & Friday - late Saturday every fortnight.I was recently advised that we'll now be extending our custody with the kids & have them an one extra day every fortnight: Thursday - late Sunday afternoon. This news has come as a burden & I realised how important it is having the weekend to wind down on a Saturday night/Sunday & reconnect with my husband as well as clean the house & re-establish our home. A wave of sadness has overcome me with the realisation that I have now lost an entire weekend every fortnight. Being early days I have shut myself off from my household locking myself in my bedroom to read, listen to music & have my own downtime. Alternatively, I leave the house as a means of avoidance to pass time & escape the kids. I know this is not sustainable long-term for my mental health as well as the kids & my relationship.I'm internalising my thoughts & feelings as I understand it's taboo to verbalise how I'm coping in fear of sounding selfish or presenting myself as an evil step mum. Custody decisions are made without my consent & I simply have to smile, agree & say okay to any change. These changes do however impact my life. My husband is a proactive parent & does everything for the kids. I have little to no involvement with the kids because of my inability to naturally connect & my lack of wanting to be involved. My husband is also understanding & supportive though I don't want to escalate a situation where our marriage is compromised & he feels stuck or I feel trapped. I'm open to any support or advice about how to cope & better manage myself in this situation. How do I navigate through this change & what do I need to do to regain a feeling of home & have a shared space that works for everyone when we have the kids?