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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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New to all this and not sure if this is the right thing to do and nervous

replies: 6

Honestly i dont know if writing any of this is going to help, and im very nervous whilst typing. I dont really know where to start. I really wanted to go see my family doctor but everytime i book an appointment i get way to nervous and cant physically bring myself to spit the words out. I know i need some help though but its very very hard for me to actually say those words to ANYONE! Im going to be 25 in 2 weeks and have a recently 6 year old daughter whos just gone on school holidays after finishing her first year ever at school. I have a partner who turned 30 in september weve been together for just over 7 years and weve dealt with ALOT over that time but recently had some legal issues which started when he was arrested out of the blue on september 23rd. Since then ive been struggling VERY badly as families SA got involved and alot of drastic major changes have happened or been forced upon me. I just honestly dont know who to turn to or who can help me, better yet HOW anyones suppose to.help me when i cant even bring myself to ask and i always push it all down and pretend everythings fine so i dont get judgement or questions and have to talk about it cause im worried theyll just think im crazy or something... its so hard to explain but i no somethings not right with me and i jst dont no what to do. Im sorry if this is not whats meant to be written or if i sound stupid or something So scared to even post this cause i dnt want to sound like an idiot!

New and nervous

replies: 3

Hi...i have untreated depression and anxiety....i cant go to any social gatherings and i cant communicate / talk to people. I dont have any friends (people i say hello to but no one who visits/rings me) my family dont even contact me..i feel like i am always making an effort to get people to "like me" but have no luck. I feel embarrassed to go to a dr...i got a mental health plan months ago...no direction given as to what to do with it so still unused...my husband is 'over it' and i dont have his support..in fact i have been told to keep it to myself..great hey...he can be supportive...on his terms. I do really love him and believe he loves me (although i wonder how anyone could) Cant blame him totally as my head has been messed up for years..my first time talking to anyone at all...

New here, trying to work out who to talk to or how to process the mess my life is.

replies: 2

Hi there, Have hit a pretty low ebb in life, not sure whether I am legitimately depressed. I don't even know where the line between anxiety and depression is, and for the most part what I feel is numb. I'm turning 45 on Monday, have 50/50 custody of my 17yo son who is awesome. His mum and I separated 10 years ago (my decision) and I have had a string of disastrous relationships since. My latest was to stupidly get involved with a married woman I worked with. Other staff found out and assumed I had sleazed onto her (she was very much the instigator), and I wore the heat for two years afterwards while she left the company. I was made redundant in June which was pretty traumatic and sudden, and I now find myself working night shifts alone 9 nights a fortnight. The married woman still lives with her husband, claims she ended the relationship two years ago which I don't believe at all.....but every time I try to extricate myself she loses the plot, has resorted to driving past my home in the middle of the night and calling and messaging me constantly. I feel trapped and alone. My friends and family have distanced themselves from me as a result of this mess and I don't really know where to turn these days. I am the first to own the mistake I made in getting involved here, but don't know how to recover my life, my feelings of worth or my self-respect. This woman now claims to have been diagnosed with MS and that lingering doubt still exists that she may be telling the truth.....turning my back seems a horrible thing to do if she is telling the truth. Feeling like a real idiot to be honest. Just punch drunk and not knowing who to talk to or how to process the mess my life is.

New and frankly feeling a little hopeless

replies: 9

Over the last 6 months I've been involved in a 5 car pile up ( my car was written off and I was injured) been part of a administration/liquidation and lost 21k in owed salary, leave, super and entitlements, Jane been unable to find work, and recently was told by my long term partner that she wasn't happy and she was leaving me that evening. Prior to these events I was already trying to overcome PTSD, depression and anxiety with exercise, mindfullness and social engagement with moderate success - off medication. Since the breakup I've been insular, hopeless and not sleeping, and it feels like these recent setbacks are just part of a snowball of several misfortunes that add up across the last 7 years. I haven't taken medication for many years but I'm feeling like I need to, as I'm both depressed and also having physical anxiety attacks. I'll be seeing my GP soon, but wondering if there is anyone who knows whether the SSRIs or related new drugs still have all the bad side effects they used to?

Hi

replies: 3

Hi all It's been a while since I've needed to reach out for support. After an extended period of work and general life stress my body and mind are starting to rebel - morning nausea, worry, lack of focus, low self-esteem... I've been fortunate to be able sleep very well and quite a bit in recent times but other symptoms have started since catching up on rest and it can be a little daunting. Hopefully this board will help me to work through what is happening to my body and to keep my mind calm. Cheers

Feeling a bit unmotivated, depressed and still full of Christmas turkey

replies: 2

Hi there! I am trying motivated to do some of an online course, which needs urgent attention and really I can't afford to put it off any longer than I have been doing. The weather is not helping today as it is thundering and raining. Usually I would go for a walk and this would improve my mood vastly (walking off the Christmas turkey), but I am stuck in the house with my dog who is suffering from separation anxiety. I have schizophrenia and various forms of tardive dyskinesia. I am tired of having this illness. I first got this illness when I was 19 and now I am 38. I had an aunt also with this illness and she killed herself at 36 years of age. I remember my mum's reaction to hearing about her death when I was a teenager and it was just terrible. I just wish sometimes I had a bit more luck, but I do know of others who have it much worse. I do however have a wonderful supportive family and friends, but there is always a bit more baggage to carry around with this illness and that little bird that wanted so much just so much to be totally free, was limited somewhat and sometimes she feels very sad about that.

New here and feel the need to share

replies: 17

Well, where do I start. Leading up to Christmas it's a real struggle for me. This year is the worst ever! I'm a dad and in my 40s, so it should be a time in my life where I've got something to show for the work I've been doing. Unfortunately, I've lost pretty much everything. In the last 5 years I've lost my house, been retrenched, been fired, lost my uncle, moved in with parents in law who then kicked me out, sold my car to pay bills and while I'm working now I need to find a new job soon; I've not been having much luck so far. Let's just say life's not exactly been a bed of roses lately. On the upside I'm getting treatment, but at the moment it's really hit me hard. Christmas is really difficult for me, I lost my mum 20 years ago to cancer and my dad died of a heart problem soon after my daughter was born. Last year I went to the in laws and was clearly not welcome by my father in law. This year I told my partner I'm not going. BTW she still lives with her parents with my daughter and I'm renting a room somewhere else. I've got no family left except for a brother who lives in another state. You know things aren't great when professionals talk to you about stressful life events that trigger depression and you tick almost every box, some more than once. Oh! I have anxiety problems as well. I'm hoping sharing will help and I could really use some kind words right now. Cheers.

Frustrated and tired

replies: 1

Hi so yesterday I got rejected for a job that id been really gunning for. Getting shortlisted and then being the last two candidates. Like I know that's great but I've been really putting myself out and it always comes down to not quite being enough. I have also had hectic friendship and romantic relationships and I don't really keep in contact with my family. i suppose I don't know what to do next. How do you make new friends, especially when you feel depressed and tired and you work too much to survive. just feeling very isolated and I thought I'd reach out anyway

Feeling scared

replies: 3

Hi this site is new to me . 26 years ago I had a nervous break down and was seeing the mental health team up until I had my son 21 years ago. I have up and downs during this period but never to the effect I was before my son was born. I have recently been having anxiety attacks and some horrible thoughts about things, and I am becoming really scared that I am getting ill again . I have held off going to the Doctor hoping that it will just pass and I will be back to old myself . I used to take medication prior to my son being born. I live in australia alone with no friends here and have no one to talk to. I am scared to talk to my dad as he will be really worried that I will do something silly. It crazy because I am a nurse and know am being silly.

I really need help

replies: 1

Hi out there. I have hadn't the greatest up bringing and ive been able to just accept that, but the last two years have been too much for me, i am really struggling and i have nobody to turn to. 2016 ended and i feel like i ended with it, I am at the end of my rope and struggling for reasons to continue, i'm not seeking attention, i just really need someone to help me filter my thoughts and help me process everything because i am struggling, i have reached for help so many times and i have fallen short so this is my last attempt at trying to find help for myself. If anyone can help me, i would really appreciate it, more than i will ever be able to expree

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New to all this and not sure if this is the right thing to do and nervous replies: 6

New and nervous replies: 3

New here, trying to work out who to talk to or how to process the mess my life is. replies: 2

New and frankly feeling a little hopeless replies: 9

Hi replies: 3

Feeling a bit unmotivated, depressed and still full of Christmas turkey replies: 2

New here and feel the need to share replies: 17

Frustrated and tired replies: 1

Feeling scared replies: 3

I really need help replies: 1