Welcome and Orientation

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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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Just wanted to say hi

replies: 4

Hello, I'm new on here, I've just been reading a few posts and already I feel a bit better. So nice to know that I am not the only one that feels low for no apparent reason. I have suffered depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. But it wasn't until last year that I made the connection that how and what I was experiencing was a mental illness. I just always thought I was weird and a bit of a sook. The anxiety connection came from a work colleague who was very open with her anxiety and what it did to her and how she coped with that. I made the connection with a big 'Oh my goodness, I do that'. In many ways it was very freeing. Beyond that I normally floated between a state of manic highs, normal steadiness and crushing lows. The lows soon out weighed the highs and I was in a pit of despair. I went to see my doctor and I eventually started on some medication, from there the dose was increased and increased. There were days even weeks where it felt like it was helping but then there were those outbursts where I wanted to escape myself. Things increasingly worsened after a night out mixing alcohol and my prescription meds. I had a psychotic episode and ended up in the psych ward. I was so embarrassed and grateful all at once. I hurt my partner deeply by what I had done to myself. Even without alcohol the medication seemed to be making me feel worse than better. After this point I eventually weaned off the prescription medication and alcohol under the very strict guidance of my GP and Psychiatrist . Currently, I occasionally take something for the anxiety and a sleep aid medication. I was doing well for around a month and now I feel like I have hit a familiar brick wall. One of complete despair, its painful to breathe. So I find myself here talking to you guys. I have a great support network but sometimes I just feel like I'm too much to deal with and that I'm simply not worth the effort. At least I know that in reality, that is not the case but that's how it feels which in turn drives the emotions. Anyway, nice to be in this community. (Really said more than just Hi )

Father of two young kids, suffering depression/anxiety

replies: 5

Hi all, I am a father of two ( both under 5 ) and have suffered depression ,i believe, since i was a child. Financially we are going week to week with mortgage and bills, i have a good job but the pressure is sometimes extreme. I have tried medication, counselling with not a lot of improvement. I love my kids with all my heart and i want to get better for them more than anything. My energy levels are erratic, this is easily disguised because i work shift. My mood is erratic, i am not aggressive but i do get angry and upset easily and it takes me sometimes days to recover from trivial encounters which is i guess all part of this. As far as friends, i have them but work and life has us all separated to an extent as all adults are i guess. Some of them have/are suffering from similar illness although they have different symptoms. We barely talk about it though. Family wise, although not close either geographically or emotionally, we do talk. I know my illness is not uncommon in my family which also bothers me for my childrens sake. Not really sure where this goes from here but would sure like to speak with other Dads dealing with depression i guess to start with. Thankyou

Hello, I'm New here and on edge of relapse

replies: 9

Hello everyone, How is everyone day? I'm Chloe and new to all of this. I have suffered depression for about half my life and have been good for the past few years but all of a sudden, everything has crashed down. I feel like I am back to where I once was in life. It is not fun at all. Has anyone else felt this way? Sometimes I do feel so alone and that no one understands but I know I'm not. It a struggle with reality at the moment and it gets me so upset. I have come out the other end of countless issues but now it is like I am going back to that dark place I have once been in. I hope I can chat in these forums to not feel so alone.

New to BB

replies: 1

Hey all. I have been battling with depression, anxiety, paranoia and constant tiredness for about 20 years now. I am now 30, married, been with my partner for almost 15yrs, we have a house, pets, a great family and group of friends - so why do I find it hard to be happy?? I am constantly tired, I never want to leave the house yet I hate being alone, then I feel alone when I am surrounded by people. I am moody, irritable, my sex drive is basically none existent and I find myself being engrossed in online gaming when I should be active and enjoying life. I have also used alcohol to either boost my mood (which only makes it worse) or to get me through the day. Recently my husband and I have been trying to conceive and all I can think of is that it is my fault we haven't yet. We all know how much your brain can effect the rest of your body and this just makes my depression worse. I need help to try and get my brain back to normal, but after 20yrs, is it really that easy? My childhood wasn't great, so that has been a huge factor. I have tried psychologists, they didn't work. Medication just masked the problems and also made me pretty ill, and given we are trying for a baby, my doctors have advised me not to go on medication. I guess I don't really know where to start.

New to the forum

replies: 2

Hi I'm in my twenties and recently moved to Australia as I thought it would make me happier. Before I came here I was so miserable, for a long time. Already away from family and friends at this point, living somewhere for work. Work was not much fun either. I thought I'd come to australia my dream, and focused all my energy on that. I thought I have already lived 3 years miserably and alone, I'll take the leap move to the other side of the world for a year. At first it was fun whilst travelling around, although I felt awkward at times andknew I was still struggling, feeling I was a boring person and finding it hard to make the connections with others I could see others doing. Now I am here for work, which is spaarce. I'm far away from home, I feel I don't have 1 person here who cares properly for me. I don't have anything to say when I speak to my mum on the phone and neither does she as I'm just quiet and irritable. I haven't the motivation to look for different work, feel I can't travel as I don't have the funds anymore but don't want to go home as I'll have wasted the opportunity and feel I don't have much to go back for as I quit my job and don't feel like I have any close friends. I haven't been to a doctor and just don't want to even talk aloud or feel I even have the energy to explain my self to someone in person.

Support

replies: 5

Hello everyone, I'm new here but I've looked on this site a few times previously, I'm struggling with my depression and anxiety which I'm fairly sure I've had since I was a teenager after yet another relationship breakdown, I have my ok days and I'm ... View more

New member needing help

replies: 21

Hi im very new this and have not been to see a doctor or any help as yet. Ive been through alot over the last 30 years and now Im at a point where I am just not coping. After reading about depression I believe that this is what is happening (or admitting) to me. To cut a long story short, Im 50 in a few months. When I was 23 I went into early menopause causing 9 years of infertility the upside I have a beautiful daughter, i was diagnosed with hashimotis thyroiditis hypothyroidism, my husband I worked with was difficult we were together for 23 years, mum died 2003, my 3 elderly cats died and my cockatoo Id had for 43 yrs died too, my divorce was a long 4 year Battle 07 -2011 and now share care 50/50 with a difficult ex, my dad died 2013, my close aunt died, my siblings arent close anymore since my parents died. I was always saving my older sister but 2 years ago I just didnt have the energy to help her anymore and I've lost contact with her now from talking everyday to nothing we were very close. Feeling exhausted in 2014 I left my full time job and sold my house I owned. Im trying to run my business and because Im exhausted Ive been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. Although MY holistic GP changed my diet which has helped me physically my mind and mood is no better. I hybernate at home, dont find happiness In anything any more. I used to be so energetic and full of enthusiasm but now I dont care and waste my days on the lounge. Ive not been to the beach for 10 years and its 5 mins from my house. The only thing that I love is travel but I cant always do that I have work and responsibilities. I feel trapped, I hate where I live but I have to stay as my daughter has 3 years till end of yr 12 to go. Yesterday I had a melt down, I upset my daughter cause I said Id be better off dead, although Id not do anything to myself, I know its not right to say this. But I just dont know how to keep going and as Ive no one to help me or support me or talk too. I do have friends but they arent close and the image I portray is a successful independent woman, I dont show any weakness. I just feel I cant cope with life as it is any more Im struggling to do the simplest of house work or cook. Im caught in a vicious circle - Im to tired to work full-time but Im sabotaging my own business and financially going backwards. I know I have to do something but what.. thanks for listening

So flat.My depression has taken over

replies: 7

Hi there i have suffered depression most of my life.Im on medication but i dont think its helping much now.Im so flat and tired all the time.I think negative all the time.I cant pick myself up.I have 3 kids and im struggling.Most of the time i feel alone and the only person i can talk to is the voice in my head.Most days i wish i was dead but i keep going for my kids.Please help what can i do to change my way of thinking and give me motervation.kimba..

very lost /sad /

replies: 1

Greetings i guess / male 50 here (i sound so old) // depression diagnosed / but as i grow older my episodes of depression are much longer and much deeper, (am sick of smiling and making people smile)medication just makes me fuzzy ,so am not happy or sad// deep down i hate these thoughts // everything is dulled , // really i hate this life, is ironic in my profession i care for dying and aged people , but can smile any more//

I do not know what is wrong with me

replies: 3

Hi..I am not sure what is wrong with me..i think am depressed... i think I was born that way.. I recall how i was a sad child..every night i think why am alive.. am 42 years old mother of two beautiful boys and a wife to a good husband.. moved to australia a couple of years ago..though i had an excellent career..a bunch of loving friends and family..i think i moved because i thought a new life might make me happy.. but no..nothing is working.. job is too bad..i figured out from searching the internet that i have anxiety and panic attacks probably.. my heart keeps racing..my stomach cramps..that happens in the job i had to work here to pay the bills..a call center..with every call drops those are the feelings.. scared ..i do not want to argue or fight with anyone..pls stay away..my heart will stop ..my hands are shaking and sweating... i hate myself when that happens.. i feel worthless.. am not a good mom i think.. sometimes i feel am uninvolved with my kids..as if am a guest or a stranger.. am not making any sense i think

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Just wanted to say hi replies: 4

Father of two young kids, suffering depression/anxiety replies: 5

Hello, I'm New here and on edge of relapse replies: 9

New to BB replies: 1

New to the forum replies: 2

Support replies: 5

New member needing help replies: 21

So flat.My depression has taken over replies: 7

very lost /sad / replies: 1

I do not know what is wrong with me replies: 3