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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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Looking for a new profile pic? Try these

replies: 5

Hi everyone, if you're looking for a new profile pic for posting on the forums (or if you've yet to choose one), have a look at these... From our Facebook page: “I want the badges to start a conversation, make everyone feel part of something and help them brave the path to ending stigma.” – Kat Selwyn Kat created #EndTheStigma ‘badges’ to remind people experiencing a mental health condition that they’re not alone. People all around the world have jumped on board sharing the badges and their incredible personal stories – helping to smash the stigma and show that mental health conditions don’t discriminate; they affect anyone, anywhere. We strongly support the idea of ‘calling out’ discrimination experienced by people affected by depression, anxiety and suicide so it is no longer ignored, expected or accepted.

Newbie to forum & proud to be feeling anxiety free for first time in six months!

replies: 5

Gday, Andrew here, 40 years old and been through the worst period of my life in the last 6 months. I have worked in a high pressure job for the last 10 years with minimal management support and ever increasing responsibilities. An erosion of confidence over this time has left me doubting my abilities to even do the most basic of lifes tasks and everything seemed a major effort. I got to the point 6 months ago of breaking down at work crying in the middle of the office and having to have one of my colleagues drive me home to my wife, which then ended up with me having non stop panic attacks, insomnia and a few of weeks of leave. This was the start of a process of understanding anxiety and working with my GP and Psychologist to gain the tools to combat this relentless beast. I have good days and bad days, but finally the good days are starting to outnumber the bad days and am starting to enjoy and value life again. The things that have really helped me have been exercise (I had previously not done any running but I now run about 30km a week), Mindful Meditation (Tara Brach is a favorite online resource), a book that was recommended to me call "Stopping The Noise In Your Head" by Reid Wilson really put perspective on some of my thoughts. I am hoping I can perhaps help others whom are struggling. Regards, Andrew

New and nervous

replies: 5

Hello to all. I've finally plucked up the courage to find a forum/online support group. I am currently in hospital, night 6 tonight, being treated for PND/PTSD. After a pretty epic breakdown last Wednesday night. I had been on medication, but to no avail. I had unraveled to the point of no return. I am 37 and a mum of 2 gorgeous Ivf babies. 2yo boy and 6 month old girl. I am married to a complex and somewhat narcissistic man. Whom I see as also having depression, but refuses to acknowledge it or seek help. I am under the care of some really great people here, but unfortunately where I'm located, mental health facilities and care are somewhat limited. And I'm in a general ward and have essentially been left to my own devices. Christmas/new year was such an inconvenient time to have a breakdown. So here I am. Seeking a friendly ear and someone that can relate and help me try and navigate my way out of this fog. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I do hope I've found a safe and helpful place.

LOST AND ALONE.... What's wrong with me?

replies: 2

I'm a young mother. I have an almost 4 year old and am 24 weeks pregnant with my second. I am in a relationship with the father of my children. It has been 5 years and we are still together, for the kids mainly. I feel so alone. Parenting our child and i feel alone in this pregnancy. I am actually a mess writing this right now... I know what's right from wrong.. I know what i should do. I just don't want to be the one to brake up our family home. I can't live like this, i am just so so sad. Please help me...

Chain smoking, pure rage, and other terrible tactics.

replies: 9

Ive been deliberating over posting something online, surfing the web and looking for answers, reading other peoples stories to hopefully find someone out there going through the same thing. Im not even sure ill hit post, but im going to type it out anyway and see what happens. It all started with school, I had a terrible run with all my schools. What the hell right I dont even live in a knarly place, but I was a different sorta kid so i suffered heavily. I had bouts of depression after my first girlfriend told me (lied) she was pregnant and i was only 16. She manipulated me against my family and I even hated my own mother for a long time. I got outta that unscathed some how. I felt that at this stage i was just waiting for something terrible to go wrong, like thats all i expected from life. In 2012, my best friend was killed. I cant tell you how good this dude was to so many people, he was truely the most wonderful person in the world to me. I wish you could have seen his funeral, it was at that stage i realised how many peoples hearts he had touched within his life. I think there was about 500 people there. I had never met most of them. About a year later I hit the deck rock climbing and dislocated my knee, then after recovering for a year or two I had a mountainbiking accident, hitting a tree and fracturing my spine in 7 places (traansverse processors, so im not paralysed) and it was the most physical agony ive ever been through, I was found face down not breathing by my mate luckily soon after the incident. After suffering from insomnia for the following 3 years all of my pain has "crescendo-ed". My partner through life, she has been with me for ten years (we met in high school) I have just married her. We have now been married since october 1st, and I came home an afternoon about a month ago to her in tears on my bed telling me that she has kissed another man, and still has feelings for him. To this day, I have never experienced so much pain mentally, socially and physically until my beloved shoveled this onto the floor in front of me. I really need to speak to someone. But not just anyone, someone who isnt going to hit me with text book bs. A serious pro in this field. Thank you to those who have read this.

New Member - Hello!

replies: 3

Hi all, My name is Ally and I'm new to this forum. Recently I have found my mental health has deteriorated and really begun to affect aspects of my life it hadn't before to the point where I'm not sure what to do, if it will ever get better, and whether or not it's even worth trying to make myself better. I have been diagnosed with GAD and depression, however part of me feels like that doesn't really account for all the issues I have and I suspect I may have a different diagnosis if I see another psych as I didn't quite "click" with the one that diagnosed me and I don't feel she truly understood what I was saying or feeling. I've had these issues for at least 10 years, have been to therapists and been on medication, neither of which seemed to make any lasting positive effects on me. I've found no matter what is happening in my life good or bad I am progressively getting worse in my anxiety and depression and I'm not sure how to turn things around because I feel like trying is hopeless. I'm hoping being in this community might help. Thanks for your time

Just joined. Change of medication challenge

replies: 5

Hello. Need to off load to others who understand this illness. Frustrated by the ongoing recurring nature of depression and anxiety. im struggling getting thru each day waiting for change of medication to reach therapeutic levels. I wish now I'd not changed medication as I am more unwell now. I have to consciously nip my negative thinking in the bud. I dissolve into tears at the slightest thing. 8 weeks on new meds. One week at doubled dose. Waiting waiting. This illness has stripped my self confidence. In that viscous cycle of not being able to do things that might help me like going for a walk. Its very hard to accept this illness. I have to work so hard not to get really hard on myself thinking I should be able to "rise above it". Remind self , if I could , I would. I joined forum because it's very hard for others to understand this illness unless they experience it themselves. I get self conscious about talking to friends and family about how I am feeling because it is just so ongoing. 6 years now of being really unwell. Thanks for listening.

Feeling so down

replies: 5

Hi guys my name is Mel, I am new to this thread and have decided to join as I am feeling so down. Lately I have experienced alot of online bullying and while I try to brush it off, it really affecting my selfesteem. I originally turned to social media as I was already feeling down about myself and liked interacting with other adults. I have been very socially isolated and had a relationship that was falling apart, social networking was my escape. At first it was great, I really liked the positive attention I was getting at first eg compliments etc but now things have taken a negative turn. I have really bad anxiety and feel that everyone hates me and I am so depressed, I wont go out and leave the house! I usto be a bubbly, outgoing girl with a great sense of humour, now that part of me is gone! I am just hoping there is someone out there, who is willing to listen!

Looking for answers

replies: 1

Hi, I'm hoping to connect with others who understand my story and can offer me some hope! I come from a family of three siblings and consider myself to come from a very dysfunctional family. I grew up with a depressed father, who worked very hard to provide but, wasn't there for us in the way a father should be. My mother was verbally abused from him throughout their marriage and I suppose you could've has viewed them as an odd couple. The dynamics have caused quite a few arguments throughout the family over the years and we all now just tend to do our own thing and, live our own lives. I admit I try to stay as much away from the family and see my parents on the odd occasion, avoiding family dinners and special occasions. In the last year, to say my world has turned upside down is an understatement. My husband has suffered a catastrophic injury at work, which has resulted in him losing his independence and, may result in him not being able to work in his industry again. He's also not able to drive and not sure if he ever will. I've have watched this incident result in loss of friendships, lack of trust, feelings of helplessness and isolation. I have re-evaluated every single person I called our friends, and feel saddened by the lack of humanity and support. I am a mother to three children and feel that I haven't been able to be a proper mother since the accident. I've driven my husband to and from appointments, at times up to four times a week. I'm saddened that not one person has had any compassion for me as a human and at times, I feel so exhausted Id be happy to just not wake up. The most hardest part of this whole situation, is accepting things have now changed and the least you expect from friends and family, the less disappointed you'll be. Right now, I am just surviving putting one foot in front of the other and go to bed trying to sort out how out situation is going to get better. As parents we had plans for the future, now we fear what's ahead. My husband has had therapy but is now showing symptoms of PTSD and I can see the effects it's had on my children. A smile can hide the pain but the heart breaks slowly in pieces every day watching my husband, who was once a strong healthy man, turn into a recluse. I do often ask, "Where is my happily ever after?". I have no answers right now and hoping you can share your experiences with me. I look forward to it.

A Friendship Hub

replies: 40

I’ve been observing members, including myself, trying to form friendships and connections with each other on our BeyondBlue Forum. This trend is evolving and as such, doesn’t have a format to provide space for people to develop these associations. Each thread has a topic which can and has progressed into long term support which is fabulous; some, including me, are finding it difficult to keep to topic as well as nurture this growing desire for a closer connection. Another issue is of course anonymity/privacy and how this important aspect supports the sites reputation as a safe haven for sufferers of mental health disorders and related concerns. As this site can have up to 70,000 views per month, it might be interesting to create a simple (one off) user survey. Information and statistics gathered could encourage BB to further develop its value to the community. An added bonus is the consultative process itself. Users who fill out the survey are providing information as a holistic approach, that’s inclusive and representative of individuals having a voice that matters. Identifying trends/gaps could be useful in supporting a new type of forum structure or a whole different section of BB, allowing members to converse similarly to a chat room; or at the least, have a forum ‘hub’ where members can create their own space to request time with specific users for instance. I’d like to hear (read) what members and moderators think of these suggestions. Please submit your thoughts as they are valued and worthy of recognition. New members are very welcome to add to this thread as well. Kind Regards…Just Sara Definitions User: Anyone who views the BB site for information as well as forum participants Member: Read-only forum users or those contributing to forum threads. Moderators: ChrisB and Sophie_M

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Looking for a new profile pic? Try these replies: 5

Newbie to forum & proud to be feeling anxiety free for first time in six months! replies: 5

New and nervous replies: 5

LOST AND ALONE.... What's wrong with me? replies: 2

Chain smoking, pure rage, and other terrible tactics. replies: 9

New Member - Hello! replies: 3

Just joined. Change of medication challenge replies: 5

Feeling so down replies: 5

Looking for answers replies: 1

A Friendship Hub replies: 40