Immediate support
Immediate support

Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Guest_128 Acronyms please info
  • replies: 6

Could someone please give me a list of acronyms because I don't know them and it makes it hard for me. Thanks Later

Could someone please give me a list of acronyms because I don't know them and it makes it hard for me. Thanks Later

Alter New member saying hi!
  • replies: 2

Hi there, I just found this forum while trying to find out the reasons I've been feeling the way I do lately. I'm a 40yr old sparky from Brisbane, and am reluctant to say I've struggled my whole life with depression, or something like it. As a teenag... View more

Hi there, I just found this forum while trying to find out the reasons I've been feeling the way I do lately. I'm a 40yr old sparky from Brisbane, and am reluctant to say I've struggled my whole life with depression, or something like it. As a teenager I was a guinea pig for pharmaceuticals, and am reluctant to go there again. I'm looking for a reason to go on, hopefully i'll find something here to inspire me. Regards Matt

Unsure2017 Unsure
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm very unsure what's going on, I'm not suicidal by all means but I do get low and find it hard to get back into a good mood, I often get anxious if I don't get invited to things even though I know I can't always be invited to things. I get anxi... View more

Hi, I'm very unsure what's going on, I'm not suicidal by all means but I do get low and find it hard to get back into a good mood, I often get anxious if I don't get invited to things even though I know I can't always be invited to things. I get anxious to make plans due to not wanting to miss out on things because I feel fun times at home with my housemates (or plans to go out) are often made when I have already got plans meaning I feel like I'm the odd one out. I often express my opinions and get told you're over thinking it or you're just depressed( I don't any official diagnosis) even if it is an often occurrence. What should I do?

SpudGirl New job and subject to Racism :(
  • replies: 1

Hey there first post thought I would share as I feel I can't say anything at work yet due to having a 3 month probation period. Very disappointed in myself when I got asked to fill in a conflict of interest form for working a second job and then the ... View more

Hey there first post thought I would share as I feel I can't say anything at work yet due to having a 3 month probation period. Very disappointed in myself when I got asked to fill in a conflict of interest form for working a second job and then the manager said and don't forget to put your Aboriginal community activities on there. What the ... so I did the form as I felt pressured and who wants to disappoint a new boss/workplace. I stated that" I coach sport teams, run water for sports, cooking, planting trees, first aid trainer for sports on weekends with the family" I don't do any work within my job that works with any Aboriginal communities or Aboriginal people. I feel I have let myself down and my people. I look at the activities and are they any different to what other people do ? Do they have to do a conflict form ? A Chinese guy in my office didn't do a form he does things in his community and didn't do a form but heard the conversation and was horrified, so was the Australian guy that volunteers at the CFA and he has never done a form and apologised for the behavior of the manager .. It's Reconciliation Week and racism still exists ...

Sparkles183 Thank You for These Forums
  • replies: 4

I just want to take the opportunity to thank beyondblue for these forums. These forums has been very helpful to me in the last couple of months when I been going through some of my darkest moments, and the Amazing community on these forums has been a... View more

I just want to take the opportunity to thank beyondblue for these forums. These forums has been very helpful to me in the last couple of months when I been going through some of my darkest moments, and the Amazing community on these forums has been a great help and has been very supportive to me and I relay do Appreciate you all. I also like to thank the Amazing Moderators for your very encouraging emails you have sent me they have helped me through a lot of my struggles, and it amazing how everyone is still offering me continuing support. I don’t where I be without the support of these forums. Please Keep up the Good work the community here does appreciate the hard work you all do at beyondblue Sparkles

Soloview Brick walls
  • replies: 3

I find myself desperate and with no way out of this situation. I am on anti-depressants but although they do help, at the moment I am still struggling because of lifestyle challenges. I am 60 years old and live on acreage in the country with my husba... View more

I find myself desperate and with no way out of this situation. I am on anti-depressants but although they do help, at the moment I am still struggling because of lifestyle challenges. I am 60 years old and live on acreage in the country with my husband who 72 and is retired. I lost my job (which I loved) a couple of years ago due to my employer downsizing. Due to the isolation of where I live I have to travel long distances (one and half hours) to shop and there is absolutely no chance of any work around here. We have had the property on the market for the last couple of years but rural acreage is difficult to sell in the current economy. We don't have a lot of money - my husband is a pensioner- so can't get away to visit family very often. I know I have to be patient and wait until we sell to truly have the freedom to make changes, but lately I find myself not wanting to get out of bed in the morning. I sleep at every opportunity and am putting on weight. I wish I cared! I feel as though I am in prison and nothing will ever change. I have always read books and listened to music but lately I can't even be bothered doing that. I can't force myself to even go for a walk, or cook decent meals or do anything. I just don't care. My husband is wonderful and understands but he is a very quiet person and doesn't talk much. We have a couple of old dogs and I even resent them because they rely on me for food and I don't want to be tied down to do anything like feeding them or walking them. I seem to have lost interest in everything and have no passion or enthusiasm left. I have spoken to my GP but he just tells me I have to exercise and lose weight. He doesn't seem to understand that I can't make myself do these things. I try to change my thinking but it's just one more "have to" in a sea of daily chores. Do you have any recommendations for pulling myself out of this vacuum? There seems to be a brick wall every way I turn.

liannajayde New here and feeling stuck!
  • replies: 2

Hi I feel like I need somewhere to just let out how I feel, where like minded people will understand. I've been suffering from both depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember, some days worse then others. I can't find a reason why I would f... View more

Hi I feel like I need somewhere to just let out how I feel, where like minded people will understand. I've been suffering from both depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember, some days worse then others. I can't find a reason why I would feel the way I do. It can be very hard for for my loved ones who don't suffer from depression or anxiety to comprehend. I've seen psychologists and I've been put on a low dose anti-depressant. I found the talking helped in some ways, and at first the tablets worked, now they just make me feel emotionally numb. My husband and I moved back closer to home recently to our friends and family to see if that helps. Although now I just feel alone, even though my family invites me to outings I feel like I'm just in the corner. It's not their fault its just how I feel. I also feel like I can't have a normal conversation anymore with my siblings, as I don't know what to talk about anymore. I feel like I'm pushing myself away from my own family. I'm also very slow at responding to messages from them or even remembering birthdays which has caused some issues. I have anxiety about all kinds of things. If I see people talking to themselves I instantly think they are talking about me, I find I can't browse in stores by myself as I worry about being awkward. I also completed a course in Children's Services years ago hoping to get a job in childcare, then my anxiety kicked in and I started worrying about caring for other parent's children and whether I would do a good enough job. So that didn't work in the end. I'm currently studying graphic design at uni online and I'm finding keeping up with the work demand hard. I have the time, but I find some days I'm just sitting there for hours not getting anything done. I also just feel mentally numb, not feeling anything. I lack motivation to do things I enjoy. I often sit at home doing nothing then depression hits at the end of hit because I feel down for not doing anything. Its a vicious cycle.. I just feel stuck at the moment. If I'm on my tablets, I feel numb, no depression, but also I don't feel happy.. I don't feel anything. I just feel blank. If I go off them, I find It's the opposite. I have extreme highs and lows. Nothing really between. I enjoy horse riding but the effort of leaving the house to see my horses is often too much. I find myself regretting things I didn't do in the day bring on a bout of depression. Just wanting a balance in my life. Regards, Lianna

Ant71 Not sure
  • replies: 3

Hi not sure if I should be here? I am not suicidal but I have been low on and off for the last few months. I feel like I am in a funk and I can't get out of it. Every time I think things are getting better something else just piles up on top of every... View more

Hi not sure if I should be here? I am not suicidal but I have been low on and off for the last few months. I feel like I am in a funk and I can't get out of it. Every time I think things are getting better something else just piles up on top of everything else. I feel like I shouldn't have any problems my life seems great but I feel like I am going backwards literally and metaphorically and I don't know how to stop it. Thanks for reading.

EMMEK I don't know
  • replies: 17

Hello, I feel like my stock pile of hope is running out. The older I get the less I think there is another better life in the future. This might just be it. I feel like I just want to stop/have a break, but I can't have one, and it probably wouldn't ... View more

Hello, I feel like my stock pile of hope is running out. The older I get the less I think there is another better life in the future. This might just be it. I feel like I just want to stop/have a break, but I can't have one, and it probably wouldn't be helpful anyway. If I stop moving I may not start again. I'm already heading towards doing the bare minimum. As hard as it is I need to keep going, at least for my children's sake. ​I'm letting down all the people who I love the most. I wish they had better. I wish I was better.