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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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Hello! Not sure where to post...

replies: 2

/waves ...I'm not sure how to word this, but I have a fairly specific issue I want to ask about and no idea which subforum to post it in. The gist of it is that I have anxiety and depression, but I also have ADHD (combined type) and possibly Aspergers (it was brought up by the doctor I saw at a particularly low point of the depression but the other stuff was a more pressing concern). Naturally these all exacerbate each other in plenty of ... fun... ways, one of which I am having zero luck dealing with on my own. Without elaborating too much, I have trouble dealing with the mental fallout when I make mistakes; the RSD (rejection-sensitive dysphoria) from the ADHD makes it a) feel even worse and b)spontaneous, so I haven't been able to catch it before it starts. Specifically I can't seem to get past the notion that mistakes are things I have to punish myself for, because otherwise why would they be counted as mistakes and hkgjhkfdhhkhgrrr- So then every time that happens it drops me straight into a depressive spiral (which I can get out of with varying degrees of success) and heightens my anxiety, but that's best left for another post. Thing is I don't really know where to ask about that, or even how to search for help with it; I've been able to find general help articles for the anxiety/depression/RSD parts seperately but I just can't move past that one block. I know this probably isn't even the right website to go to but I haven't had much luck finding help, and I can't afford to physically travel to seek help in person. (And I seem to be very bad at searching.) This got really long, sorry...

Hello From WA...

replies: 1

Hi...I am a 43 year old male based in Perth WA. Great to meet you all. I don't know where to start. I've suffered from some form of depression most of my adult life. Alcohol has mostly masked the gloomy feelings and self doubt. In the last 5 years I've gone through a lot what with me and my wife emigrating to Australia and also the birth of our first child. I recently went to a doctor who prescribed me with medication - which has improved things a little. I am looking for guidance who I can go and see to talk about my problems. I've seen people in the past but I've struggled to articulate my feelings and to be honest not really found it helpful. I'm wondering if anyone knows of like minded guys groups in Perth that meetup regularly? Thanks for listening.

Feeling better

replies: 4

Hello everyone, My name is Stewart. I called the BeyondBlue help line, spoke with a very helpful professional, felt better straight away. I had a look at the website and decided to register for BlueVoices, read some threads in Forum, replied to a few, felt a little better yet again. Thanks to everyone on here who has shared there stories and situations. It has helped me to reach out, I will post more over time now I have broken the ice. Stewart

Insurance Discrimination

replies: 6

Hi I have recently bern rejected by two insurance companies for life insurance. Has anyone else had this experienced? Has anyone had any luck getting insurance recently with a particular insurance company?

Appreciating the irony of being anxious about posting a thread about anxiety.....

replies: 14

Hi all I've been reading the boards for a few months now whilst working up the courage to post myself. Reading the forums has helped to erode the sense of isolation which often accompanies mental illness. You get to read the contributions of others who are going through or have been through the same experiences as you. I've suffered from anxiety my whole life, though up until 18 months ago I'd always managed to deal with it. At this point a few issues in my life (family illness and difficulties at work mainly) caused the anxiety to spiral and after trying to manage it on my own I eventually sought counselling about this time last year. I undertook a course of CBT, made some changes in my life and now practice Mindfulness every day. I exercise regularly including a cheeky bit of yoga from time to time. I have a beautiful and supportive wife who is my rock. I still have bad days and I doubt the anxious thoughts will ever pass completely however, it does get better. The Beyondblue website gave me the confidence to seek help. It made me realize that I wasn't a freak. I'll always be thankful Beyondblue.

New to all this.....

replies: 3

Hi Im new to the site..not always an easy thing to do this is it???!!!! Been feeling so low and everything is such a chore and hard work in life lately...even making myself a cuppa or doing the laundry....or washing up just makes me feel so frustrated and wanting to cry....I could curl up and carry on hiding myself away and deal with it...or try to...or come and see who feels like this too so I dont feel so inadequately stupid or down suffering alone....

Hi, looking for reassurance

replies: 1

Hi so at New Years I got a gastro bug and I've always been scared of being sick but after that I haven't been the same, I stared getting anxiety and getting panic attacks randomly or when I thought I felt sick. I saw my gp and he gave me a blocker to slow my heart rate down to help me calm down which works when I have attacks. But recently I've stared to feel tired and feel nothingness in my head like I can't do anything and it triggers on and off. I am getting a blood test cause I am prone to having low iron but it scares me because my life was perfect before all this happened and I didn't have anything to be worried or scared about and I just want that back. Will I ever go back to my normal self. Thank you

Hi I'm shaun

replies: 20

Hi there I'm shaun I work in an okay job I wouldn't say I'm thrilled to go to work everyday but to be honest I'm to afraid of change to even want to change jobs. I have a few friends and really struggle to make any new ones, and even the friends I have if I don't contact them I could go weeks maybe months without hearing from them. I guess I'm not interesting enough or I dunno to want to keep in touch with I guess Some days I don't want to leave my house or see anyone, it's really hard cause when people at work talk to me none of this shows I seem outgoing and good to talk to but inside I'm always worried and always knowing that none of these people care, there just talking to me because I'm there. I have a really small family which is good. Usually nothing happens and it's just quiet and peaceful until this week my parents have split up, it does not make me feel worried about anything just makes me feel like more is wrong with me. My life does not seem to really go anywhere I gamble a lot when I can and always leave myself with no money which never helps. Always make me feel sad and jealous to see people at work with their friends, always going out in groups and never getting invited or thought of. I haven't been in a relationship in over 5 years, and my last one I wouldn't even call it a relationship was just I dunno close friends always together? No girl has ever come up to me and said hi, and I've never done the same, I just see no value in myself so I could never imagine a girl seeing anything in me so I just always save myself the embarrassment or the girls time I guess. I mean I don't even drive a car I walk everywhere, I'm not that interesting I spend most of my time in my room watching movies or playing games, i don't study I don't do anything I just work and do nothing. Sorry for the long rant it's mainly just thoughts...

The person who helps everyone, needs help themselves

replies: 4

Hi everyone, I have been battling depression and anxiety for over 20 years, riding the rollercoaster which never seems to truly end. Over time I have become an expert in hiding my issues and have become a beacon for other people with issues to find comfort in speaking to me. This is great however it does slowly wear you down. I am very lucky to have a beautiful family and have recently gone back to study embarking on a new career, something that I have always wanted to do and something that sits true to my heart. While studying online, I am still working 30 hours a week in a job that is slowly driving me into the ground. The conundrum is that the job offers me the hours I want, it just seems to tie me back to a place I don't want to be in. I have considered quitting my job however I have done this before and regretted the decision. I keep questioning myself and reminding myself on priorities in life however something holds me back. I am now at the point of experiencing panic attacks at work however I keep persisting for the betterment of my family, even when my wife supports a move elsewhere. Why do I persist? Dealing with mental illness has taught me many lessons in life, good and bad, however now I know I need to put myself first. Something that is foreign to me and something I am incredibly scared to do. I am hoping that going back to seek help in the right places will help in clearing the clouds and align my priorities in life. Thanks for reading.

Hi just joined

replies: 3

Hi everyone My name's Jo and I've suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my life.. Biggest feat of my life other than having 4 beautiful daughters is getting through everything that life has thrown at me.. My loves are my family and friends... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

Hello! Not sure where to post... replies: 2

Hello From WA... replies: 1

Feeling better replies: 4

Insurance Discrimination replies: 6

Appreciating the irony of being anxious about posting a thread about anxiety..... replies: 14

New to all this..... replies: 3

Hi, looking for reassurance replies: 1

Hi I'm shaun replies: 20

The person who helps everyone, needs help themselves replies: 4

Hi just joined replies: 3