Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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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New to this. Trying to start something new.

replies: 2

I am currently fighting depression and anxiety, and I was thinking maybe sharing some diary journals of mine would help me. 1. Could be a new outlet to let people around the world read them? 2. Gets me more support and help. However I'm worried about... View more

Orientation! New member :)

replies: 3

Hi all, My name is Chanae. I'm actually here for a good reason. I've known about these types of websites but never really looked into them properly. So, I've been writing poems based on depression and other subjects. I shared two with a friend and she advised me to share it with the beyondblue community forums. So, I'm hoping this isn't offensive in any way and others can read and/or relate to what I've written. I hope you all enjoy! It's okay to feel down Everyone has those days The feeling won't last forever It eventually goes away. All the feelings inside Are slowly tearing apart You want it all to go away But this is where you start. It all feels so slow now Waking up knowing what to expect You start losing interest in things And slowly start to neglect. You're always isolating yourself To hide from the world Shutting all rays of light out Huddled in a ball, motionless, torn, and curled. You wonder all the questions Why this exists? Why it happens? Small talk with everyone around Your heart feels almost flattened. Your happiness, hobbies and friends Eventually becomes an old memory Your body feels weak and drained Sucking out all your energy. Is this my now, future and forever? Feeling alone, depressed, and dark? I really try for happiness I get nothing, not even a spark.

Feeling limited in life

replies: 2

Hi everyone, New member. Fellow sufferer of anxiety and depression. I have ASD and social anxiety as well. I’m 25 and live at home with my dad. He also has ASD. To be quite frank, I'm deeply unhappy. I’m fed up with projecting this happy image to people who ask “How are you?”. It's exhausting. I want things to change within myself and my lifestyle. There’s only so much I can do. I’m unemployed, and have had great difficulty finding suitable work. I would love for someone to give me a chance in life without being discriminated against. I recently went for my learner licence as I've been reliant on public transport forever. Still not confident in driving and feeling very discouraged. But I am determined to keep going with it. I see a psychologist about once a month. This is really the only time I get to air my grievances and check up on my mental health. It’s hard to say if therapy has been beneficial. Anxiety and depression have plagued me for a long time. If I trace back my family history I can see a history of depression and anxiety on both sides. I don’t have much of a social life. I used to hang with a group of people by regularly going to gatherings, but all they seem to do is hang around pubs drinking and gambling (and posting stupid photos on Facebook). I do have a couple of closer friends but they aren't very understanding when it comes to mental illness so I tend not to talk about it. It's so frustrating when not a soul wants to sit there and talk to you about stuff like this. I want friends I can hang out with on a weekly basis, not once every two months on their terms. I would honestly just love to find new friends, and maybe even a romantic partner. I yearn for a soul mate/companion. But I’ve come to accept being single. All my romantic relationships failed and over time I grew sick of being disappointed or having my heart broken. My last relationship I ended because my partner was controlling and abusive. Every day I wake up I’m reminded constantly that I failed in life and this is why I’ve ended up nowhere. Without any real friends, or a romantic partner, bickering with my father. What a life. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I’m just so over myself. I know I should be grateful for the things I already have in life (and I am). But I still want more. I did not envision my 25 year old self to be in this situation. I thought life was meant to be better than this. Thanks for reading. I feel a bit better now.

New member /full time working woman

replies: 5

Hi all, I joined the forum tonight. Back story: I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time. I lost a parent when I was a child and since his passing I have always battled with my emotions. I have also struggled with my weight which lead to my entire childhood being bullied. In my teens and early adulthood I was suicidal. However I have sorted my life out ALOT in the last several years. I lost 20+ kgs, I'm married and have held down a full time job, - but I struggle with self doubt and self criticism. I have a terrible case of imposter sydrome and let my harmful thoughts get to me, dragging my self esteem right down. I will often crave praise and recognition and get jealous when others around me are excelling as I feel I am failing if I'm not the best. When I do get good feedback, I am taken back and will often quickly brush the compliment off, and act as though it was a fake compliment and that people have a strong dislike of me. Issue is I am sarcastic by nature and outspoken and open about my views and opinions,so people see me as someone else when really inside I am crippled by idea that I don't fit in. I have good days, then ok days and then horrible days and I am really influenced by how I feel at work, so when I'm down and feel like a burden I carry it with me home. I wish I could get over this and care less about how I present myself in my professional life and how others think of me.

New here- looking for some avice and support

replies: 2

Hi everyone, As the title says I'm new here, have looked at the board before but finally decided to sign up today. here is some background to my story: I have been suffering form depression and anxiety for quite a few years now, I always brushed it off because as stupid as it sounds I didn't want to accept it because I felt weak or accept it as I have 3 kids to care for as well. I was always a quiet child and had some social anxiety growing up. It got worse when I was with my partner (we were together 13 years) towards the end of our relationship he was verbally abusive, I started getting anxiety attacks one which ended me up in hospital because I couldn't breathe and thought I was having a heart attack. We had a very bad break up and later on I found out that he was on drugs for the past 5 years, made perfect sense because that's when things got pretty bad. fast forward 5 years to today and I still get anxious and very emotional at times but have finally booked myself in to see a psychologist soon. What I'm really looking for is some advice on how to support my current partner who also has a long history of anxiety and depression. We have been together for 6 months, he was very open and honest with me about how he gets sometimes so I knew abit right at the start. I just don't know how to deal when he is down or what to say so I usually go quiet and most of the time we will just sit in silence with our arms around each other. He is amazing when I'm feeling down but I don't know if I'm doing that good of a job when he is. he can sometimes be pretty emotionless but never cold if that makes sense. I care for him dearly and I know from experience that you cant fix anybody but I just want to know what some things are that I can do to show him that I'm there for him as well as things that I shouldn't be doing. I could go on and on but I probably wont make any sense, if anyone wants to ask more questions please go ahead. The same goes with any advice, it would be much appreciated. I'd just like to thank everybody in advance for taking the time to read this and look forward to hopefully hearing back from you.

Newbie. I feel like it's all piling on again

replies: 3

Hi everyone im new here. I've suffered depression on and off as an adult, mainly after my babies have been born. Last year I was at my lowest, while at my lowest I had to fight (figuratively) For my right to return to my permanent job as a teacher as the person covering my maternity leave decided to take ownership over her temporary placement. Other staff at my workplace backed this person to the point that a parent teacher meeting I had with her (my child was also in the class) was turned into a mediation set up. My rights as a parent were completely overlooked. This person has gone now but I can start to feel the same feelings creeping back, I distrust the other staff and feel unsupported by admin. I don't know how to put this aside. Feel helpless most of the time as I am pushed to have only my teacher hat on.

No Shame In A Journey

replies: 3

Hello all, I have been reading through some threads, reading about people who have conquered depression, and those who are still in its grip. My heart goes out to you all; you are never alone. My depression started when I was young - 6 years old. Twenty years later, I can finally say that I am not ashamed of my journey or my story, as it lead me here. To a better place. With hope and lightness. With a fiancé, hyperactive tabby kitten and a herb garden. It wasn't an easy journey; it never is. There were days when I felt I had a cannon ball attached to my ankles in the raging sea, fighting to stay afloat. It was difficult to survive every day with no sense of purpose, identification or connection. But I'm finally at a point in my life where I can say "everything happens for a reason", and there's no shame in my journey. There is no shame in a tale of survival. It is mighty and courageous. I feel a sense of responsibility to reassure people who suffer with Depression that life can be good again. Because, when I was at my worst, the numbness and emptiness consumed any hope of getting better. But gradually, my universe started shifting; the grip of Depression started to loosen; the sunlight streaked through cracked walls in my mind. With the love and support of those around me, finally, I can stand here 20 years later and say "I survived Depression".

FOR DUMMIES LIKE ME How to navigate around this forum

replies: 2

Ok,I'm not being negative I just want to learn how,when,where,maybe what to respond,post.ect when finding something of interest where should you start it comes up in the middle of thread. Some seem to be like private convos and it would be rude to make a comment. Im trying to get used to the rules of what I can say but can't find a road map to show me how to work this. sorry if I haven't found the post/thread I'm after. could some kind person steer me in the right direction please.

Sinking under the pressure

replies: 3

Hi, I'm new and am just about at the end of my tether My darling husband of 36 yrs suffers from depression This was not always the case in 2000 he was medically retired (airline pilot) for a DVT and in the same year we nursed his farther with terminal cancer. From there our life has been senseless we have seen 4 psychiatrist and he had been on many many many drugs and hospital stints I have coped BUT last year I injured my shoulder which has stopped me doing my job and things around the house it's on the mend now but I have found my tolerance is zero I guess I'm just worn out and feel bad that I'm not supporting him better He has no interest in trying to find a purpose and I'm getting to the stage where I just don't want to go home Feeling very disappointed in the medical world as its like "try this drug and come back next month" the problem here is I have to deal with the day yo day which can be heartbreaking Any thoughts would be much appreciated Cheers

Nervous to post..

replies: 11

Hi all! Ok so I've taken the first step (again) first time on forums was 2 years ago. I posted once then chickened out! I feel so silly reading so many truly heartbreaking stories and I'm over here thinking I have no right to feel the way I do. I hav... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

New to this. Trying to start something new. replies: 2

Orientation! New member :) replies: 3

Feeling limited in life replies: 2

New member /full time working woman replies: 5

New here- looking for some avice and support replies: 2

Newbie. I feel like it's all piling on again replies: 3

No Shame In A Journey replies: 3

FOR DUMMIES LIKE ME How to navigate around this forum replies: 2

Sinking under the pressure replies: 3

Nervous to post.. replies: 11