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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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GemmaJones Feeling totally lost
  • replies: 7

Not sure where to begin... but history briefly is depression for many yrs, physical and sexual abuse as a child, narc ex and now anxiety has joined the team... it's becoming overwhelming as I don't know where to turn... hv had lots of therapy in the ... View more

Not sure where to begin... but history briefly is depression for many yrs, physical and sexual abuse as a child, narc ex and now anxiety has joined the team... it's becoming overwhelming as I don't know where to turn... hv had lots of therapy in the past but can't seem to find a reason to go on... that old favourite "what's the point" keeps coming up and I'm struggling to find an answer to it although in better times I know I've been able to. Lost my brother to cancer last year and it has truly gutted me... he was more like a father to me than my own father and now my world feels bleak and so completely sad. I've been able to pretend for many yrs - hold down a job, raise two children and appear reasonably well adjusted but the truth now is I can't see me to find the energy or motivation to continue. Does anyone else feel this way? And is so- where do u find a reason to keep going...? Thanks - wd appreciate any help or advice.

MusiKat Newly diagnosed woman with ADHD - after life of depression and anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, When I turned 40 I had a breakdown and was hospitalized. Whilst in there, my doctor diagnosed me with ADHD and said that it was most likely the reason for my memory loss, mood extremes and ups and downs. I have had depression and anxiety... View more

Hi everyone, When I turned 40 I had a breakdown and was hospitalized. Whilst in there, my doctor diagnosed me with ADHD and said that it was most likely the reason for my memory loss, mood extremes and ups and downs. I have had depression and anxiety since my teens and she put it down to undiagnosed ADHD. Also pop in some life events that caused upheavals etc. So I am trying now to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help myself. I think it is more helpful than CBT alone. But am currently in a very hard place at the moment and just wanted to say that to some people who I know will understand. If there are any other women out there who have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life (i.e., not in childhood) I would love to hear from you. Thanks, Kat

Confused30 Don't know where to even begin.
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm very nervous to post here, though I feel I need to reach out. I dont know where to start, I've always felt like my issues are unimportant and just bottle them away. Reading some of the other posts on here makes me feel awful for those people ... View more

Hi, I'm very nervous to post here, though I feel I need to reach out. I dont know where to start, I've always felt like my issues are unimportant and just bottle them away. Reading some of the other posts on here makes me feel awful for those people and one of my main issues I feel, is comparing myself to others. Which I know you shouldn't do but I can't help it. any pointers on how to even begin would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

Ren88 Feeling anxious and panicky
  • replies: 14

Hi first time on here. I have 2 yr old and 6 week old and feeling like I can't cope with them both. My 2 yr old is too much and I feel so nervous all the time especially at night knowing I won't sleep much due to waking up feeding baby and then havin... View more

Hi first time on here. I have 2 yr old and 6 week old and feeling like I can't cope with them both. My 2 yr old is too much and I feel so nervous all the time especially at night knowing I won't sleep much due to waking up feeding baby and then having to deal with them both the next day having severe anxiety

Phil64 Phillip new and grieving
  • replies: 4

Hi I am new to BB. I lost my wife of 30 years to cancer late last year. I cared for her at home till her death, this was both our whish. I am having problems controlling my emotions and next week is her birthday and our anniversary and I am worried h... View more

Hi I am new to BB. I lost my wife of 30 years to cancer late last year. I cared for her at home till her death, this was both our whish. I am having problems controlling my emotions and next week is her birthday and our anniversary and I am worried how I will cope with this, just writing this I start to lose it again.

MilkoMum Hi from Nervous Starter
  • replies: 3

I need some kind of support. I am overwhelmed and anxiety is critically high. I have lived with depression and mild anxiety for a decade. I have lows but have been able to manage it fairly independently. 2017 has really pushed me to a new level. I wa... View more

I need some kind of support. I am overwhelmed and anxiety is critically high. I have lived with depression and mild anxiety for a decade. I have lows but have been able to manage it fairly independently. 2017 has really pushed me to a new level. I was diagnosed with early stage endometrial cancer on 6 March. I am going to see a gynaecological oncologist to get a plan which will include a complete hysterectomy and 6 weeks off work, not being able to do anything. In July 2016 our house was destroyed by fire. We are in the process of rebuilding and I can say that it is an extremely stressful and expensive and is a constant source of worry. We will be homeless again in July. In July 2009 my sister died. We took her 2 boys into our family. We already had 2 children. Her partner damaged the eldest child and we have been in a 7 year process with Care and Protection Services to become the boys forever family. In January 2009 my mum died of breast cancer after a 5 year journey. I was her primary carer, she was a single parent and was my everything. I know it is not rational but I feel completely cursed. Everything I touch turns to shit. I feel terrible that I have brought this misery into my family's life. I just feel so alone and have a constant sense of foreboding that something is going to go wrong. I feel like no one else understands that is in my life. They get sad and get over it. I feel like I am the pill in their lives that is hard to swallow. I have no energy, I cannot concentrate, I don’t care about anything, I only do things to make other people happy because they expect me to cope because I pretend so well. All I want to do is sleep, because sleep is peaceful and I am not consciously in my life anymore. I hear things but I don’t listen anymore. I am not present as a parent and I hate myself for it. I am overweight – probably the reason I got the cancer in the first place and feel like eating is the only way I can make myself feel better. Today is a bad day and this will pass but the bad days and bad moments seem to be getting closer together and I am exhausted. I know there is reason for feeling overwhelmed but it has just gotten so much bigger than me and I don’t know how to help myself. I am so sad and lonely in my grief. I wanted to reach out and hope there might be some other kind of high-functioning, don’t want to give up, but just not coping at the moment type of person out there. xxx

Kay_roe Want to be active and sleep better
  • replies: 2

Hey I have been having depression and anxiety off and on for the past 2 years . Before I had it I used to go for a run everyday and go for a bike ride and go to the gym , I used to have a lot of energy . But now I am always tired during the day I alw... View more

Hey I have been having depression and anxiety off and on for the past 2 years . Before I had it I used to go for a run everyday and go for a bike ride and go to the gym , I used to have a lot of energy . But now I am always tired during the day I always feel lazy and at night time I can't sleep , I've always had something wrong with my sleep I always go to bed late at 2-3 am in the morning and then I sleep in till around 10am-11am everyday , I just really want me energy back . Last year I took a massage course and I'm now qualified , I want to start up a home business so clients can come over , but I don't know why , I just don't want to set it up but I do , I know it doesn't make any sense but I think I'm not motivated to do it .

JeffF1 What should I do first?
  • replies: 5

Of course I'm one of you and that's why I'm here. Recently had a lot problems. I started doing over on whatever I do such as over thinking, over eating, over spending, over drinking and so on. My main concern is over spending... now I have few debts ... View more

Of course I'm one of you and that's why I'm here. Recently had a lot problems. I started doing over on whatever I do such as over thinking, over eating, over spending, over drinking and so on. My main concern is over spending... now I have few debts and I need some urgent money as well for my kids. Should I go to mental counselling or my GP or financial counselling? Appreciate your kind advise. I'll need some money for my kids, then repaying debts. I am working but not enough. I want someone help who can guide me through my financial problems including my mental issue. I believe my financial issue is due to my mental issue (anxiey + depression). Thank you.

lobstereyes I'm new here!
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone! Thought I'd give this a go because I'm a bit all over the place these days, I sometimes feel like my meds are actually laughing at me. I'm from Scotland, I started off as a backpacker until I met someone in 2015 and I've been in Melbourn... View more

Hi everyone! Thought I'd give this a go because I'm a bit all over the place these days, I sometimes feel like my meds are actually laughing at me. I'm from Scotland, I started off as a backpacker until I met someone in 2015 and I've been in Melbourne ever since. I've had episodes of depression since I was 13 when I was bullied at school. I saw a psychiatrist briefly under hospital orders and refused to cooperate and let myself get help (adults were the enemy!), and I've now been on various different medications since the age of 16. That's almost 10 years! It's 2017, has no one invented a magic wand yet?! When I first got to Australia in early 2015 I started getting this weird, annoying, scared feeling whenever I left the house or had to speak to people I had never met yet. Going to the supermarket was a nightmare, having to walk somewhere in front of traffic was a nightmare, I had no idea what it was. Then BAM my friend who also suffers from depression suggested it might (probably, definitely) be anxiety. So now I have that too. It's great. I am loving life. I honestly can't remember the last time I woke up and felt good. My joints ache throughout the day, I have headaches, I have no patience for rude customers (I work in a bar), I hate everything, and then when I get home my partner just doesn't get it. He suffers from anxiety too, but just lacks the whole "be there" thing that I so often crave. So I guess I'm here to get virtual hugs and reassurance that I'm not alone. I would also mostly like to help other people, I think that's probably what I'm supposed to do. Yknow how we're all meant to have a "thing" in life? I'm now in my mid-twenties and don't have a career or "thing" so I think that's probably it. I'd like to study again and get some qualifications in counselling so that I can help kids going through the same shit I did, and young adults who haven't found their path in life yet while juggling mental illnesses. I'm rambling. TL;DR I'm Laura, I'm here to offer help and advice and also use your help and advice when I'm having a dark period.