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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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breaking bad news to someone with depression

replies: 4

My brother has severe depression and has not been at work for over six months. I’m really the only support he has. He lives alone, has a couple of friends but has not had any contact for quite some time. He is getting some help from mental health and psychology services. I speak to him on the phone a couple of times per week, SMS in between. We catch up in person maybe once every 1 to 2 weeks.I’ve been offered a job in another state which is also close to where my adult child & grandchild lives. For me, this is an amazing opportunity, but I have no idea how to break the news to my brother, and to somehow minimise any long-term damage or distress it might cause him, Especially as abandonment is a major theme in his life.I can see him just shutting down, and his depression getting worse.Any thoughts, suggestions, insights would be appreciated.

Feeling stuck

replies: 4

Hi to anyone who might read this. I'm a new member here and must admit that I feel a little anxious about posting. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for most of my life, stemmed from emotional abuse growing up. I have found myself struggling with my depression a great deal this year. I'm getting older and feel so behind for my age. I have struggled to figure out what I have wanted to do for a career, and have no relationship experience. I never go anywhere other than study and work commitments, as I only have two friends and these are not close relationships. I've never travelled and rarely explore new places or activities. I feel like over the past 10 years I have tried so hard to figure it all out - to fix things. But I'm in the exact same spot. I'm exhausted from trying only to feel like I haven't progressed at all. I'm scared things will never change. I look around at other people my age and long for what they have. I would love to have passions, friendships and a partner. I have been working so hard with my self talk and have been much more patient and kinder to myself in the past 2 years. This has helped some. But I still struggle with many negative beliefs about myself and life. I feel like I haven't really moved forward and there is no joy in my life. Truth is I'm very lonely and deep down I believe that I will always be alone. Today in particular has been a really tough one and I just needed to get this off my chest.

disassociating rage caused by my neighbors constant noise

replies: 14

Hi, Thank you for listening to me. I am ay my wits end. I live alone but been sharing my life with with my complicated mental health issues including Ptsd and Schizoaffective bipolar disorder. It has been a difficult few years as I have lived through the loss of my family and 2 very dear friends and I have been struggling big time. I have been in and out of Hospital and it is extremely hard to try to get through this incredibly dark and heavy time. 4 years back new neighbors from hell moved in next door, they make the most unbearable noise constantly stomping around when they walk my house vibrates from the impact noise and it is unbearable. Even with ear plugs in I can hear and feel their footsteps. They have been renovating their house as well, he is the home renovator from hell, every spare moment he's doing something to the house with his music blaring. He has not put decent flooring down to stop the impact noise, the home owner also demolished outside asbestos walls without the proper safety precautions in place. I have tried to talk to them, but it hasn't helped, it has made the situation worse! They get up early and go to bed late and the noise is constant. I have contacted Council, Epa have written to the building certifier about the flooring and impact noise and illegal asbestos removal but I have just been given the run around. I guess that's what happens to you when you are living alone the whole world can just ignore you and bully you in to a total mental breakdown and make you feel completely worthless as a member of society. I have gotten so distressed and triggered by the noise I disassociate and react inappropriately by going out side and screaming at them to stop it. I hate what is happening to me and how I react. I know I should control myself, but I don't even realize I'm outside screaming until its over when I am a shaking vomiting mess losing it. I feel so alone and unworthy I really don't know what to do anymore. I am getting sicker and sicker and I hate that I'm having episodes of dissociation where I am not in control and that they are constantly in my space grinding me down with their noise. My poor worn down body and brain cant stand this constant mental torture. Has anybody else had problems with noise causing disassociating episodes? Thank you for letting me write this down and share, this as helped calm me down. Take care

A Bi-Polar manic's journey

replies: 4

Were all here for alot of different reasons but the curse stays the same in varying amounts with us all im diagnosed as bi_polar manic BPD (borderline personality disorder) anxiety moderate/high and a few minor things slight ocd social anxiety,ect just the normal things that makes up the day only fully corrected diagnosed later in life, psychiatrist psychologist doctors been there done that last 20 years all meds and remedies,journals all failed me in different ways so i sit here 20 years later with no answers to my above problems witch can cause chaos havoc in my life and others at times im now well aware of it..... before i get to my question this is a rough path of my last 15 years in fighting the dread..im hoping this will help someone or me in trying to get answers to the unknown bi-polar manic meds and professional therapy, tried them all last 15 years side effects were too great or nothing at all that stabilizes my mood swings and everything else that come with BP and BPD i have researched on mood stabilizers and have come accross alot of info on how alternative medication helps people with these issues im no doctor but im done with meds and pycho babble......has anyone here in aust tried alternative therapy for mood stabilizers? as i see online i may have one more option before i give up and know my reality is my prison.....

Hello everyone

replies: 10

Hi! I am a young adult currently studying psychology and wanting to connect with others.Personally, I have suffered from swings of anxiety and depression all through adolescence and am still on my journey to better mental health. Sometimes people don't understand me for wanting to become a psychologist with my history of mental health struggles but I think it will make me all the more understanding of the client. I am particularly interested in working with young people in all areas. I am looking forward to being more active on this forum and getting to know others.

Just saying hello on here.

replies: 11

Hey. I'm in my forties, male. Just ended up here. Saw there is a lot of other people coming on here talking about their situations. Don't like talking about myself. Like to talk about other stuff. I will say I have had a lot of problems in my life. And seem to have gotten to a point where things are looking positive. Really don't know how I'm alive and functioning. I believe it is God had some purpose for me, he wanted me to experience the bad in life and live to help someone else get through it. I think I am in a permanent state of denial of how bad my situation is. I broke up with my girlfriend about five years ago. I have had break ups before but this time haven't been able to recover for too many years. I tried my very best but it wasn't meant to be. I know I was getting played from day one. Just don't understand how stupid I was. Yeah just thought I'd try to talk to somebody on here. Not very good at talking to people on the internet. Yeah I've looked all over for some kind of help. Can't seem to find any. But that's ok. I think I'm gonna make it. There is too much I need to do in my life, and it feels as though I haven't started living a normal life yet. I've lived my whole life in fear. Finally I am able to stand up for myself and try to do the right thing. Sorry don't know how much sense I am making. But still think it is worth a try to talk on here. Yeah a lot of problems going on I was going to these meetings for support but decided to stop a fair while ago. And quit taking medication. Now I just study and do some exercise as much as I can. Yeah one thing I know is how bad this world can be. But I have overcome the bad and am ready for the good. Yeah feel free to say hello to me on here but sorry in advance for my poor internet conversation skills, I guess talking online is something I am afraid of.

Hi, just a new member who wants to chat to someone

replies: 8

Hi everyone,Just feeling a little bit of pressure and feeling a bit down and looking for someone to chat to. Am I in the right place? Sorry if I am not. If not, can someone point me in the right direction?

Hi

replies: 6

I am really struggling with life. I see it as easier to finish things now than continue. Alit has happened in the last year where my wife wanted an open relationship which I agreed to reluctantly. It only lasted for 2 weekends but I have never recovered and continually have moments of depression with flashbacks. I have contemplated suicide on 4 occasions and just see it as a way to finish the ongoing pain and depression. My wife has been good asking to talk about it and advised it was a fase she went through last year and loves me very much but I think it's just easier to get rid of the pain and depression and let her move forward.

Pension

replies: 3

Hi I'm not sure if my question belongs here but here goes. I'm 59 and on NDIS. I have a medical condition which will result in me not being able to work shortly (Wheel chair bound). Am I able to claim disability support pension as well as topping thi... View more

Testing round 2.... 🙄

replies: 4

Hi all, so I had written a post before and unsure if it posted or I deleted it ? I have been reading posts from others and I happy to know I'm not alone , well we are not alone. I had a mega panic attack last year and since have been very anxious with a few full on attacks during the past months. I'm not sure is I have depression (or is that hand in hand with anxiety?) I have had high and low periods lately,where lows are numb feeling almost nothing is exciting or makes me laugh..I have to force it at times. My overthinking chatter worries and annoys me , this can be frustrating and exhausting at times. Most of all since my panic attack is that I'm scared to drive far or on busy roads . Any tips to overcome the driving anxiety ( my panic attack happened when driving, unsure why it happened) I have always been a confident go getter type person, untill now. Now I'm not so sure .

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

breaking bad news to someone with depression replies: 4

Feeling stuck replies: 4

disassociating rage caused by my neighbors constant noise replies: 14

A Bi-Polar manic's journey replies: 4

Hello everyone replies: 10

Just saying hello on here. replies: 11

Hi, just a new member who wants to chat to someone replies: 8

Hi replies: 6

Pension replies: 3

Testing round 2.... 🙄 replies: 4