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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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gear_head Life's Little Journey
  • replies: 8

Hi all, 56 yo male here, diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic depression, anxiety & split personality some 25 years ago, truth of the matter is, it was there probably some 10-15 years before that. so the short version of my life, bullied at school for 4 ... View more

Hi all, 56 yo male here, diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic depression, anxiety & split personality some 25 years ago, truth of the matter is, it was there probably some 10-15 years before that. so the short version of my life, bullied at school for 4 years, lost my father at age 15 Industrial accident at age 20 failed relationship at 21 (engaged) substance abuse psychiatrists & psychologist involvement stopped communicating with my family around this time due to them not understanding my issues stopped taking medication after 5 years - due to them not doing anything suicidal thoughts & 2 attempts started gambling mid twenties as it cleared the head for a short period of time .. so after stopping the meds, i lost around 5 years or so trying to figure things out (unsuccessfully) lost friends etc, learned to live with myself, my thoughts, & my loneliness, managed to hold down a job all be it on & off over the years, have absolutely NO faith or trust in the medical system anymore on the whole i do ok, i have accepted this is my lot in life & thats ok, the issue i struggle with is, is my finances. i have just started a new job, having returned to my old state (vic) being away for some 10 years or so, went through a flood (lost everything) 12 mths ago, moved twice in a mth, started a new job, lost my mother the week before Xmas, buried her on the 23rd dec. but with all that going on its my finances that are the biggest issue, working 30-40 hours a week to throw it away at the end is so disheartening. for most part ive learnt to deal with all the other crap going on in my life, but struggling when it comes to money - finances .. curious to hear your imput .. thanks .

Doolhof Hi this is Doolhof, anyone want to chat?
  • replies: 30

Hi Everyone, This is an open discussion, sometimes it is comforting to just have a chat with someone. You might like to mention the weather in your area, a book you are reading, a new recipe, or just chat about your day and expectations for the futur... View more

Hi Everyone, This is an open discussion, sometimes it is comforting to just have a chat with someone. You might like to mention the weather in your area, a book you are reading, a new recipe, or just chat about your day and expectations for the future.Me, I would like a holiday somewhere near a beach where the water is warm enough to swim in, maybe a resort where all the food is organised and I don't have to do the dishes! A massage would be good, a shady place to sit and watch the ocean, fresh coconuts to drink and tropical fruits to enjoy.Maybe I can dream of this while I am at work, it might help the day go quicker. Here we have a grey sky, it is windy and about 6 degrees outside. I will just see who connects here, everyone is welcome. Regards to you all from Dools

GemL I don’t know how to be happy
  • replies: 3

Hi, Everyday I wake and try my best to be positive, however, my head is full of negative thoughts. I am always thinking about my problems or creating new ones in my head. I can acknowledge there are a lot of good things in my life, but I can’t get my... View more

Hi, Everyday I wake and try my best to be positive, however, my head is full of negative thoughts. I am always thinking about my problems or creating new ones in my head. I can acknowledge there are a lot of good things in my life, but I can’t get my brain to go along that path. I have a young daughter and try to be fun for her- but it’s an act. I keep on going for her. Sometimes I feel like I wish I would disappear, but I know I can’t because of my daughter and husband. I have to be there for them, they would suffer without me and I would destroy their lives. Deep down I am always worried about things. Things I have no control over. Maybe I am scared of being happy, because when you are, something/someone always brings you down.I have considered taking anti-depressants but have weighed out the negative side effects and have chosen not to. I used to be more fun/talkative when I was younger (however, I do remember getting gushes of depression every now and then and not knowing why). Now I find it hard to make conversation. I feel that I have become boring and dull. I don’t listen to music anymore. If I could understand why this is happening, maybe I could solve my problem. Thank you for listening,

Nayr Hi new, not sure where to get help.
  • replies: 4

Hi, 29 yo/male I've recently noticed that my catastrophic thinking has gotten quite bad, and I've just assumed the worst possible outcome is going to happen this has made me incredibly anxious and exacerbated a depressive period of time I've had rece... View more

Hi, 29 yo/male I've recently noticed that my catastrophic thinking has gotten quite bad, and I've just assumed the worst possible outcome is going to happen this has made me incredibly anxious and exacerbated a depressive period of time I've had recently. I want to get professional help ideally in person, is going to my GP and asking about a mental health plan the way to go about it? Thanks.

Izabella Hi I'm new here
  • replies: 4

Last year was pretty shitty, ngl. I was incredibly unproductive because I neglected my mental health and it got in the way of my life. Of course, there were other issues such as miscommunication or difficulty in opening up to people or the fact that ... View more

Last year was pretty shitty, ngl. I was incredibly unproductive because I neglected my mental health and it got in the way of my life. Of course, there were other issues such as miscommunication or difficulty in opening up to people or the fact that I had only just moved to Australia- and knew no one...But I'm determined to make mental health my number 1 priority this time and am hopeful that 2023 will be a better year.

teejayy dark
  • replies: 3

i need an escape i need to get out of my head, my throat constantly hurts from screaming, my chest and shoulders hurt from feeling like the world is on my shoulders, meanwhile i feel numb breathless like im drowning in nothingness i know there are pe... View more

i need an escape i need to get out of my head, my throat constantly hurts from screaming, my chest and shoulders hurt from feeling like the world is on my shoulders, meanwhile i feel numb breathless like im drowning in nothingness i know there are people out there worse off them me but i cant escape my feelings and the urges just to give up.

L123 on the verge of family breakdown, again. Is it me?
  • replies: 4

Hi, It's my first time posting so thanks to anyone that responds. My direct family involves a loving wife, who has supported me greatly through my mental health improvement. It also involves a daughter from my first relationship, who came and went as... View more

Hi, It's my first time posting so thanks to anyone that responds. My direct family involves a loving wife, who has supported me greatly through my mental health improvement. It also involves a daughter from my first relationship, who came and went as a kid. Sometimes wanting our help and support, sometimes longing for her real mother and going to live with her. shes now an adult and has a child, my grandson. And it involves my wifes child who I met at 2 years old, she calls me Dad and I love that, I'm her Dad and love her equally to my own biological child. My girls are 27 and 23. The worst thing for me is my own Mum, physically sexually verbally and emotionally abusive. But despite all of that I love her to. What happens is that every few years things start to break down. When my biological daughter expressed wanting to live with her Mum at 16 my own Mum blamed me for her leaving and didn't speak to me or my wife or other daughter for a year until I stepped in and confronted her abuse. Now just recently my Mum, Biological daughter, grandson, my brother, his wife and kids all went to the Zoo without me. I expressed my hurt politely via text and Man! It's caused an rift again. My daughter is blaming me for hurting my Mum, my Mum wont talk to me. My daughter won't let me see my grandson etc. I've been to a great psychologist over the years. So I have coping strategies. But they don't. It's all scapegoating, tears, being ignored, treated like the black sheep. They know I have had mental challenges and I called it out acouple of years ago. I asked my daughter and mum to connect, ask me how I'm going, talk openly about my therapy. But now we are back to square one. Them blaming me for their own insecurities, regrets, inability to face emotional honest fact based discussions. Now my daughter wont let me take my grandson to a concert tomorrow night and says it's because I hurt her. My Mum is not speaking to me again. Do I just cut the ties? It gets really tiring going through this cycles every couple of years. Thanks all!

Atleigh New years blues and procrastination
  • replies: 4

I go back to work tomorrow after the holiday break and I am dreading it. Its a strange feeling as I don't dislike my job or my colleagues, work is fine. It seems to be more a feeling of procrastination and avoidance. 2022 was not a good year in my pe... View more

I go back to work tomorrow after the holiday break and I am dreading it. Its a strange feeling as I don't dislike my job or my colleagues, work is fine. It seems to be more a feeling of procrastination and avoidance. 2022 was not a good year in my personal life, while my job was fine there were a number of family and pet deaths across the year, some very unexpected. Emotionally the year punched hard. While I have been on leave I haven't done much and its like everything has just stopped for a bit, going back to work feels like going back to reality and having to be back on show, being professional and getting things done. Im not even really sure what im worried about, 2023 being a crap year still, failing at work, not liking my work any more, having to see ppl, ppl judging me, finding out that really no one likes me at work or thinks i do a good job- they were just being nice because i was dealing with so much in 2022?? I dont know, i only know i can feel the anxiety is just there on the far edge of my thinking and i hope it doesnt creep up any further.

azzland I don't feel valued
  • replies: 2

I'm 37. I am in a never ending decade ling career rut. Spent several years at uni to get a STEM bachelors degree but stuck in a never ending cycle of low skilled manual labour work. I completed a Grad Diploma and Grad Certificate in STEM fields I enj... View more

I'm 37. I am in a never ending decade ling career rut. Spent several years at uni to get a STEM bachelors degree but stuck in a never ending cycle of low skilled manual labour work. I completed a Grad Diploma and Grad Certificate in STEM fields I enjoy more but nothing. I spent 18 months teaching English abroad but that came to an abrupt unexpected halt in April 2020. I have been at a complete loss what to do since. I am going through cycles of bad social anxiety and depression. I don't think I'm worth shit as a person and I can't put myself out in public to strangers in conversations and small talk. I have always been suspicious about having Aspergers. I had a bad arm flapping problem as a kid and I got bullied over it. With no support from family and friends. This was the 1990s. I had big problems making friends in high school and often spent time outside school bored. I was crap at sport and I got ostracised over that. I had a bad acne condition as a teenager and got bullied at a school I went to for one semester in year 8. I was also shy and nerdy and became an easy target. I always had good academic brain. I won Dux in Year 12. However I spent the first few years chopping and changing courses at uni because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and I pigeon-holed myself into engineering. After 7 years, a few failed units many shit grades I came out with a Bachelors Degree in a fairly nichey enginerring field that is more a science field than engineering. The first two years were great for employment (I even relocated interstate after getting headhunted) but I got made redundant at the end of 2012. It's been shit since. I dreaded my days as a teenager but hoped my talents would see me do well as an adult. I was wrong. I thought after all that bullying and struggling to make friends as a teenager things would get better. They really haven't. I have a strong interest in geography, maps qnd data. But it doesn't matter because I know I'm not valued in an employment sense.

Johnny_ Glandular Fever.
  • replies: 22

Hello everyone, Firstly I’d like to say thankyou for the stories you have all shared on this site which have helped so many people get through the days, weeks, months and years. Recently i too have read your stories as I too didn’t know where to turn... View more

Hello everyone, Firstly I’d like to say thankyou for the stories you have all shared on this site which have helped so many people get through the days, weeks, months and years. Recently i too have read your stories as I too didn’t know where to turn. I am a fit an active person who is always on the go and have lived a healthy lifestyle. About 12 weeks ago, I had a ear/throat infection that cleared up within two weeks while taking antibiotics. About 6 weeks ago, I suddenly felt tired during a gym workout. I went home and rested for the remainder of the day thinking I was just tired however I woke up in the morning exhausted and with a little to no appetite. I had muscle aches and was just fatigued. I rested the next day too and since I was not getting better I went to the doctor the following day. After numerous tests (bloods/ecg/xrays) blood tests showed I recently had glandular fever. (Possibly about 12 weeks ago when I was sick) and was advised to rest rest rest. Since then I have very slowly had a little bit of energy to do the normal domestic duties around home and walk for 20min twice a day. In the last week I managed to return to work on light duties however today I crashed...like I am back to square one! I just want to cry and it feels like I am not getting better. i look at the changes in my body and it just upsets me...the weight I’ve lost is shocking and I don’t know what to do. over this time I’ve experienced anxiety which was scary and relied on your stories to get me through and advise me on how to cope...and .it worked so I saythankyou. i guess if anyone has a glandular fever success story, it be great to hear it. I’m hoping this isn’t chronic fatigue syndrome as I’m scared it is as I don’t know how I’d financially support myself. I’d like to go back to work as I enjoy it. thankyou for reading my post.