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Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support

replies: 0

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be a distressing time for many of us to support one another. Recognising that the impacts of a natural disaster can occur both before, during and after, we have prepared some resources which we hope can be helpful: From the Queensland Government, Useful information to help you get ready for a cyclone:Home | Get Ready Queensland Emotional Preparedness: Prepare your mind | Australian Red Cross Three-steps-to-emotionally-prepare-for-the-disaster-season.pdf What now? Coping after the event: Coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress | Australian Red Cross Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross As always, if you wish to speak to a counsellor, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. Stay safe, everyone, and take good care of yourself during what can be a deeply challenging time. Kind regards 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 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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Hey guys my name is Olivia

replies: 4

I am 30 years old and live in Sydney, Australia. I love dancing, cooking and going to the gym. I have been depressed for 4 years, and am working with a therapist and going for daily exercise and eating healthier to try better my mental health. I will... View more

Back to forums after many years, anxiety and panic attacks are back

replies: 3

Hi everyone, I am back to the forums since 2017 when I had a nervous breakdown with anxiety, chronic pain and panic attacks. After so many years of feeling ok I think I felt on old habits like overwork, not listening to my body or mind myself in ongoing stressful work environments. A few weeks ago I injured my back playing with children at work. It was nothing major but I have been feeling exhausted and burn out at work for a couple of years now. On top of that my asthma was really bad these weeks and the usual treatment wasn’t working so I found myself with back pain, emotionally exhausted and having difficulty to breath so this has now developed into full anxiety and panic attacks. I am trying to recover and trying to stop these intrusive thoughts of doom like I am very sick or I may die or catch something terrible.

Hi I'm Abbie a first timer and a bit lost!

replies: 3

Is this where I post?

Overthinking

replies: 4

I know asking this might make me seem a bit silly, and I’m not sure if anyone else believes in things like fortune-telling the way I do. Two days ago, I did a Bazi (Chinese astrology) reading. The master who did it has over 20 years of experience. He told me that my boyfriend (we’ve been together for five months) might cheat when he turns 40+. He even said that after marriage, he might become abusive and emotionally unstable. Hearing this really upset me, and I started wondering whether I should continue being with him or leave. But when I’m with him, I actually feel really happy. Between the two of us, I’m the one who’s more emotional, not him, he will then encourage me to express my feelings. Sometimes when I play around with him, he pushes me away. Other than that, the only issue we have is occasional miscommunication since he’s a foreigner—his main language is English, while mine is Chinese. I talked to him about it today. He listened to me very seriously and said that these things shouldn’t be believed. He told me that not cheating is one of his principles, especially because his father made that mistake, and he knows it’s something that can never be undone. He also said he really appreciates me sharing my thoughts with him. This whole thing has been keeping me up for days—I haven’t been able to sleep well. I tend to overthink a lot. I just can’t control it. Please give me advice.

Finding it hard to support depressed, anxious, ADHD young adult living at home

replies: 4

My young adult child has depression, anxiety, ADHD and also eczema. From my observation, her staying up really late, sleeping through the day hasn't been helpful for her. I've tried to talk to her about getting treatment of her eczema with no success. She doesn't want to talk to me about her feelings because she says I don't understand. She sees a psychologist but neither I or my husband see any improvement in the last year. I despair because there doesn't seem to be a plan. When I try to talk to her about the importance of sleeping well, exercising or talking to her Dr to get treatment for her eczema, she gets aggressive and dismissive of me. When she was younger I had a treatment regime which included the use of steroids that worked. However when I suggest that she tries them again she blames me and the Drs for using steroids on her. My husband doesn't talk to her about those things because he says it's like talking to a brick wall. As she lives with us, is it too much to ask that she does her share of household chores and gets to bed at a reasonable time, so she can see the sun and re set her body clock? And do some gentle exercise for herself? Help herself? Otherwise she stays awake through the night picking away at her skin, playing on her phone, watching movies. I understand some of that is her coping mechanism but I'm getting to the end of my tolerance level. Can I tell her to take my suggestion to her psychologist so that they can discuss together? I sent my daughter a text asking her to ask her psychologist about trying mindfulness but was told the psychologist said later. Cynical me thinks - why wouldn't the psychologist recommend mindfulness/ because she might lose the patient. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks

Anyone else struggling with religious trauma?

replies: 3

Hi everyone, Does anyone else have experience with coming out of a religious cult and undoing the damage that it did and with struggling with religious trauma and complex ptsd? I came out of a religious cult 5 years ago while I was battling serious chronic illness (I was bedridden for two years) and its left me with a ton of trauma that impacts my life a lot. Everything to do with religion and God and all that is very painful and triggering. It's only over time that I've gradually become aware of the spiritual and emotional abuse, the brainwashing, the control, the lies, and everything else that goes with being in a religious cult. I was a kid, I was raised in it. That's 14 of the most formative years of my life. I gave up on my faith but even that is traumatising because its your whole world, community, identity, and everything. I am scared, tbh. And broken hearted. I feel so lonely and alone. Is there anyone else who has gone through something similar to this? Honestly, I really need people to talk to.

Anxiety

replies: 1

Hi . I am very new to this and a little nervous but here goes . I am 58 years old and have been suffering from generalised anixety for many years now. I have let my anxiety rob me of the joys of life with avoidance and excuses and now am finding it harder to find the joy in the hobbies and interests I used to have . I have a beautiful wife , a wonderful son and grandson but I am struggling with the day to day grind of my Anxiety. I find it sucks the pleasure out of life . I have had antidepressant medication prescribed to help with this but i have an allergy to these so i am unable to take them . I do exercise abd mindfulness nearly everyday but i am still struggling with anxious days and nights. Is there anyone who has had the same problems with medication that has some answers on what else is available to help . Thanks

Take that step. You will be helping many

replies: 1

I am a male in my forties and I totally understand when you feel like you have nothing to give.. I have had a few "hiccups" along the way and sometimes those reoccurring thoughts that I am sure the majority of people on this chat has felt. I am very new to this sort of discussion groups but I would like to make connections with people. When looking back on my childhood as a 17 yr old bloke and I can't just go up to his mates and say I have depression and dark feelings. And that trip to the GP the first time is an episode to remeber. If you would like to talk to me or anyone else about these issues, I believe we can all relate to some, if not all of them. I would like to discuss, open up, and vent to people who would really have an understanding of what it feels like. And to keep everyone going in the right direction, but sometimes it slips and thats what we are here for. Just remember a small victory is still a victory.

Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts

replies: 1

Hi everyone,I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Each year, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia; a heart-breaking statistic. To honour those lives and bring attention to the importance of mental health, I’m thinking of running 3,000 km over the span of a year - 1km for each life lost. I am eager to take on this physical and mental challenge to serve as a platform to talk about the struggles many of us face and break the stigma around mental health.Here’s the general idea:The Challenge: Run 3,000 km in one year.Purpose:Raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.Fundraise for mental health organisations.Community Involvement: I’d love to involve others by:Inviting people to join me virtually or in person for parts of the runs.Sharing mental health tips, resources, and personal stories along the way.Encouraging people to donate or sponsor specific distances.I believe this extreme challenge can serve as a powerful reminder that no one should struggle alone and that there’s strength in reaching out and supporting one another. Do you think this is a good way to raise awareness? Any other ideas to make this campaign more impactful? Mental health is such an important issue, and I want this challenge to make a real difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’d appreciate any feedback, ideas or encouragement you can offer. Regards, Oscar

New Dad and Struggling with Relationship

replies: 7

I’m so glad I’ve found an Avenue where I can get this out of my system as I’m waiting to see my psychologist. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child and it has been a turbulent six weeks to say the least. Our son struggled with weight gain and then my wife struggled mentally and we were in and out of hospital trying to get things right. He was feeling ill last week and through some doctors discussions she is now avoiding dairy. After a good couple of weeks it has gone downhill again. And I’ve had enough. I cannot help someone any longer that refuses to help themselves. I have suggested many times that she seek help as her mental health has not been good lately. This is met with resistance and aggression in the form of verbal abuse. This is then twisted back onto me and about how all of the problems are my fault and I am the reason she is upset. I challenge this and attempt to suggest alternate viewpoints and stand up for myself. However, I am forced to concede to her viewpoint just to end the discussion. I freely admit that I am not perfect and maybe I could be a little more proactive and attentive but the reaction I get is completely over the top. I then appear distant and disconnected as I am a sure how to communicate after such events. She acts as if nothing has happened and wonders why I feel this way. This has been a similar pattern for years now. I thought it might settle down after our son was born but it has gotten more frequent and ever more scathing in her assessment of me. As a result, I am constantly in a state of angst and second guessing every decision I make regarding our son. Something just as simple as swaddling before bed or getting the AC temperature right becomes incredibly stressful. I am honestly at a loss. She needs help with her temper and her state of mind. Trying to suggest this will only end in another argument and I’m not sure I have anything left in the tank. I feel the same would occur if I tried to stage something of an intervention with family or friends. I can feel our relationship is at breaking point but I can’t just leave my son. Either way I lose as I know if I do walk away there will be little point in being a part of his life as I will still be told that I am not good enough as a man or a father. I can’t take this any more and could use some other viewpoints. thanks in advance.

Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support replies: 0

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hey guys my name is Olivia replies: 4

Back to forums after many years, anxiety and panic attacks are back replies: 3

Hi I'm Abbie a first timer and a bit lost! replies: 3

Overthinking replies: 4

Finding it hard to support depressed, anxious, ADHD young adult living at home replies: 4

Anyone else struggling with religious trauma? replies: 3

Anxiety replies: 1

Take that step. You will be helping many replies: 1

Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts replies: 1

New Dad and Struggling with Relationship replies: 7