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Sophie_M 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 ... View more

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

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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Sammy Need support
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone I am new here! I’m soo grateful to find a community that cares and supports each other… Such a great place To introduce myself I am a Single Lady whose kids are grown up and now after a long journey with kids and meaningful life….. I am f... View more

Hi Everyone I am new here! I’m soo grateful to find a community that cares and supports each other… Such a great place To introduce myself I am a Single Lady whose kids are grown up and now after a long journey with kids and meaningful life….. I am finding myself a bit lost, sad and overwhelmed stressed and excited exhausted.I know there are people who are worse off … I know there is a lot to be greatful etc etcstill I am a human who feels alone and wants someone who cares loves me and supports me in this life journey I have been trying to find myself a best friend who I can share life with but I couldn’t soo far !day in and day out all by myself now I am at a point of despair…Trying to exercise, church and connect with friends still miss the close friend Mum narcissistic but I try to be reasonable with lovely sisters but they have their life.daughters who don’t enjoy time with me as I am not fun mum to be with as I would rather with my friends too I am going to become a grandmother which is exciting but I have to go to same place where I left after abusive marriage which freaks me out overall I am now feeling anxious to go to see my daughter to be with her as she is becoming a first time mumfeelings of nervousness is striking me as I have to go back to place of trauma.ex moved on and married and lives in the same city as my daughter Feeling more alone as I don’t have someone to share my feelings with.I try to stay positive looking after myself and put positive spin like blessings of grandchild, Atleast it’s only a month in the place where I escaped from and I have now built a safe life, no one to destroy my peace etc etc. Want someone supportive to go through this life withenough of being single and alone….Sorry for the long postThanks for taking the time to listen

Catto23 Hi new here, my experience with emotional wellbeing
  • replies: 10

Hi There,Sorry if I post anything not allowed in this post, but I'm happy to be here! happy to have this safe space to write down my thoughts about mental health, share experiences (and to low key vent). I found this forum a long time ago, a lurker a... View more

Hi There,Sorry if I post anything not allowed in this post, but I'm happy to be here! happy to have this safe space to write down my thoughts about mental health, share experiences (and to low key vent). I found this forum a long time ago, a lurker and I'm finally posting. I have had a long experience with mental health problems or looking after my emotional well-being I guess... I literally didn't know it was a thing, ... for the longest time. I guess growing up in an immigrant family. Pretty much bottled up my feelings of grief (loss of a caretaker) and breakup (that I didn't class as a breakup) that pretty much sent me off the tracks a lot. I am feeling much more open to sharing these now... and emotional care is quite important to me now. (I have anxiety, and had depression) For me, I have found finding a psychiatrist that listens and takes me seriously, and it has helped me greatly. She monitors my meds and has helped me direct me to see an appropriate psychologist (so many treatments out there, and varying types of psychologists! in my case cbt, schema therapy, ifs therapy etc). In my opinion fit is super important when it comes to matching with a psychologist. I guess what I'm working on now - and why I came to this forum, is that because of my life experiences I am I think experiencing distance from my emotions, maybe dissociation possibly? and unfortunately, it makes me feel like I am living a lie, cos I dissociated when I was 21 (and 10+ years have gone now). When I think of my emotions, gosh , how will I ever intergrate myself (my emotions and thoughts into one unit). I have a own life now, a boyfriend and trying to adult D:, but I have no idea if my emotions even know my boyfriend at all, hence the feeling like a lie bit, and hence the post Thanks for listening to that rant, appreciate the space that this is. I will lurk and be a slow replyier if there is any, thanks

Neeka I am not ok and scared of what too do
  • replies: 1

I’m new here and first time posting, typing this out with my eyes filled with tears.my story is a long one but not as bad as some of the things I have seen from other people.im 46 and married but im struggling with my head and my life.i have been on ... View more

I’m new here and first time posting, typing this out with my eyes filled with tears.my story is a long one but not as bad as some of the things I have seen from other people.im 46 and married but im struggling with my head and my life.i have been on venlafaxine for a few years now but feeling so low.most of my day is spent in bed as i have no get up and go anymore.everything i used to be and like is gone.i know its bad now when I haven’t showered for a week or washed my hair for almost 2 weeks.i gave up working as my social anxiety has become overwhelming and o get chest pain just leaving the house.the thoughts i have in my head scare me to think like that but they just wont go away.I am no longer the happy person I once was. the last few years have been extremely stressful from one thing and another.i spent a month in the mental health unit for my own safety as i was pretty much having a breakdown.i did ok for a little while after that but no im at rock bottom.my GP doesn’t want to listen and tells me i will snap out of it.im scared at what i might do to myself

Messed-up I don't know where to post.
  • replies: 8

I honestly do not know why I am posting this as I am the one who has done wrong.I have cheated, I have lied, and my wife has left with my kids, I have lost my job, and I am about to lose my house with nowhere to go.I have burnt every bridge I have ev... View more

I honestly do not know why I am posting this as I am the one who has done wrong.I have cheated, I have lied, and my wife has left with my kids, I have lost my job, and I am about to lose my house with nowhere to go.I have burnt every bridge I have ever crossed. For many years I neglected my wife and my children. I had a temper and would yell and scream. I cheated for the most part of our marriage, never sexually, was emotional only, I know it's not any better.Over the past weeks I have done a lot of searching, a lot of self-thought and I believe I am now doing better and becoming a better person but not long ago I had a letter all written out saying my goodbyes to everyone and saying what to do with my belongings etc and in all honesty those thoughts keep coming up.I know I am doing better for myself and my wife and my kids, but she won't give me the chance to show her that I have changed for the better, I can't even see my kids.Look I get it, I know I have done badly in my life I just don't know what to do anymore.I honestly don't know what I will do if I lose my house or lose the chance to see my kids again. I don't know why I am spilling my guts here, not looking for sympathy.

3Beemee stop/reduce alcohol
  • replies: 1

Hiya, I'd be happy for any help on stopping/reducing alcohol. I have used it all my life to cope with anxiety I think and what I'm learning is possibly unrealized childhood trauma. I've been married twice, the first with children, and had a few relat... View more

Hiya, I'd be happy for any help on stopping/reducing alcohol. I have used it all my life to cope with anxiety I think and what I'm learning is possibly unrealized childhood trauma. I've been married twice, the first with children, and had a few relationships since, the most recent ending a few months ago. I think the end affected me more than I thought it would. I've been taking Mirtazapine of a night to help with depression and anxiety, but mixed with alcohol I think is causing foggy brain. I'm scared I have caused alcohol related brain impairment or is it the mixture of both. I'm bored with booze and sic of taking pills.

Guest_34916665 New year new me??
  • replies: 1

I’ve been feeling really down this entire past year. I’ve been with my partner for 12 years. We bought a house, it’s a house he hates apparently. He blames me for making him buy the house. We have 3 kids. He keeps changing jobs, placing all the finan... View more

I’ve been feeling really down this entire past year. I’ve been with my partner for 12 years. We bought a house, it’s a house he hates apparently. He blames me for making him buy the house. We have 3 kids. He keeps changing jobs, placing all the financial burdens onto me. When we fight he says he changes jobs all the time to punish me. I say he is irresponsible and unreliable to which he becomes immediately defensive that I called him a Bum (to him this is the worst insult). I have no friends. No family around. It’s just me and the kids. I’m so isolated. He’s moving out in 5 days, to another state, that’s how much he hates this house. I’m glad he’s leaving. But I’m riddled with anxiety. How can I do this alone? Will my kids be alright? I’m not good enough to raise 3 healthy and happy kids alone. I need him gone for my mental health though. I’m torn. Am I selfish for being happy he’s going?

Guest_10025 Taxi owner/driver
  • replies: 1

(57M 167cm 107kg) taxi driver, headbanger, into team sports. I have been struggling with my gender association all my life. I've tried the straight way, and the gay way but each way I felt I forced myself and felt uncomfortable. From a young age thro... View more

(57M 167cm 107kg) taxi driver, headbanger, into team sports. I have been struggling with my gender association all my life. I've tried the straight way, and the gay way but each way I felt I forced myself and felt uncomfortable. From a young age through adulthood, I tried both, it felt like something was off. I feel groused out with kissing and feeling romantic, I think I may have a past trauma or something unbalanced in my head. Deep down I felt torn between male and female thoughts, someone suggested I may be trans, not long ago. I have no attraction to either sex, but admiration towards women, not in a stalker way but fantasizing I was them, as for guys I think differently, either as friends with sexual desires or them having their way with me.I'm a mixture of madness. Some days that dreaded black dog makes me think crazy things, but that's when my mind imagines ideas and I write stories about them. There are other things about me I choose not to print, it might be creepy to some. Now I have found a new sexuality and it fits most boxes of my make-up but not all. Autosexuality. I have lived more for a sexual imagination and fantasy rather than human contact, throughout my life. I've even written sexual stories in some forums in the past, and I imagine I am what I'm writing about. One thing Autosexual people do that I don't is, I'm not in love with myself.I'm not suicidal anymore but still confused.Where the hell do I fit in this world, and will I find out before my time comes to an end?

Laney-BB1234 im an awful person
  • replies: 2

this is probably the most honest im ever gonna get with anyone, and i am fully expecting rlly mean replies cause its what i deserve. i cant stop lying to people, and about the most awful things. i dont really know why i do it maybe i like the pity an... View more

this is probably the most honest im ever gonna get with anyone, and i am fully expecting rlly mean replies cause its what i deserve. i cant stop lying to people, and about the most awful things. i dont really know why i do it maybe i like the pity and care i get from people? i think im just gonna say what ive been doing. ig it started with online friends, people i really cared about, it started with little lies like with hobbies i do and stuff and the first instance of a horrible lie i told was to one of my online friends where i said i was s exually assaulted before. they were really nice and opened up about one of their own experiences, which i comforted them on. i didnt feel guilty, instead i liked the attention and lied about... that to more online friends, usually changing up the story slightly, and i got pity and comfort from them too. i want to make it clear, nothing like that has ever happened to me at all. again even after those lies i still didnt really feel guilty. it got worse when i told one of my friends (irl) that i was self harming (id never done that at that point), and had a conversation with her where it was the assault thing again. i told details (that i completely made up) and told her i was talking about it all with my therapist (ive only ever went to one therapy session) and a few weeks ago i told her i had a mental disorder (i probably do but im not diagnosed with anything). its all been comfort from her, and i didnt feel guilt. I mean sometimes id think 'im an awful person' but those feelings dont really reside in me. it got even worse when i went on holidays and the whole time what i was thinking was 'im going to harm myself and hope my friends see it when we hang out' it got even more worse when i actually did self harm on sunday just because i wanted to see if i had the guts ig? and i wanted to see if anyone would notice and my family didnt notice, and some of my friends didnt or at least didnt bring it up and i was disappointed in a sense. i dont know whats wrong with me, and im scared even when i type this i feel mostly apethetic its like i know what im doing is wrong but i dont feel its wrong. i feel like a psychopath but i feel empathy. i constantly feel really bad for people and wanna help them, im an emotional person all the time but its just this whole thing that i feel nothing. ill answer any questions anyone asks i just want to stop being like this.

ExPomPhil Thinking about therapy, but don't know where to start
  • replies: 2

Hi all, Not sure if this is the right forum to be posting in, but the subject says it all. I am thinking about seeing a therapist, but don't know where to start. I've been feeling stuck for a long time. I have no friends, I'm unmotivated, tired. Ever... View more

Hi all, Not sure if this is the right forum to be posting in, but the subject says it all. I am thinking about seeing a therapist, but don't know where to start. I've been feeling stuck for a long time. I have no friends, I'm unmotivated, tired. Everything just feels difficult. I thought recent diagnosis of diabetes was an answer to a few things about how I'm feeling, but it seems not. So don't know where to start with things really - psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor. I don't really know what I need. Does anyone have any pointers of where to start? I had a few sessions before with my work's Employee Assistance Program a while back, but it didn't really amount to much.