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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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Not feeling well

replies: 3

Hi I'm on here because I'm really not feeling well and I didn't know what to do. Im in the midst of a severe anxiety attack and I feel so sick and scared and alone. I feel like I'm going crazy and that I honestly don't know what to do. I have seen pshycologists in the past and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. My anti depressants I stopped taking years ago (mirtazon I think) I gained a lot of weight. The cou culling was for childhood assault and domestic violence. I think I have undiagnosed personality disorder as i have many of the traits and my relationships always suffer. I have been with my partner for 5 years and known him for 10 years and it was love at first sight (for me) and when it's good it's great but when it's bad it's extremely hard to cope. he cheated at the start I put up with it but I can't forget Iv basically made him cut off everyone since because I feel when he goes out he'll cheat or meet somebody else. I have severe trust and jealousy issues. iv been slowly getting more and more unhappy in the relationship sometimes even bored so I'm very one sided I go out and do things but tell him he can't do anything. I always threaten to leave if I don't get my own way about something like him going out and then it turns into a mental breakdown and name calling it's truely horrible and I'm disgusted in myself as I write this. Tonight he went to a work party and was ment to come home 2 hours ago. I have called and texted threatening to leave and name calling. I seriously think Iv lost it I actually have pains in my chest I feel literally sick. Sometimes I think it's better if I left him for both our sakes but the thought of him moving on breaks my heart like it actually feels like I'm having a heart attack and I can't function and be a normal person just stay in bed and get up for toilet and to chain smoke. Sometimes I think I'm actually crazy but I guess I am I think it's taken a long time to admit that Iv tried to hide it so well. I don't want to be like this but I can't help it sometimes I just think I'm beyond help does anybody else have a similar issue or any advice I really don't know what to do thank you for reading

New to BB

replies: 6

Hi to all that read this i am new to this forum and thought it is time to get out of my comfort zone. My name is Adam and from victoria and 28yrs old i have recently been getting treatment for depression for the past 8weeks due to it putting too much strain on my relationship which didnt end up lasting unfortunately. Im just looking for some people to talk to, to start making friends as i dont really have any as it seems i pushed just about everyone out of my life without realizing i was doing it at the time. im not really sure what else to write but i hope this will do for now

First time doing this sort of thing

replies: 7

Hi everyone. A bit nervous about this whole posting thing. I suppose I should try and summarise. I've been dealing with anxiety and depression for a long time. My parents were never supportive, and we moved around a lot (like moving countries every 2 years). I had to leave home to be able to study as they didn't approve, so I loved in with my boyfriend. The relationship has always been rocky and when I decided to have a termination 2 years ago things got alot worse it's not abusive or anything but neither of us are happy. But I have no friends or family and nowhere to go. And now I've finished with ink I have no job. I studied film and Theatre so no jobs to be had but art is the only thing I'm any good at. Basically I'm reaching out because I feel so alone in this, I feel useless and hopeless.

Opening up a closed book

replies: 1

Hi all. I have been struggling with depression for as far back as I can remember. Until 20 years ago after my first major episode from relationship breakup I was ignorant that I had a problem. I suffered extreme anxiety and depression. I have had 2 major episodes with the latest being 2 years ago. Both have been triggered by relationship breakups, in the latest I have lost everything I have strived and worked for,wife, kids, home, dogs and myself. It has been a battle to keep my head above ground with nasty court battles, being denied seeing my daughter, my step son refuses to talk to me from loyalty to his mum and the court stuff is still lingering. Thankfully I have a good job, but I am away from home 2 weeks of every month. Recently that 2 weeks at work has become a hellish nightmare, because after the shift you're stuck in a room by yourself and the thoughts start flooding in. I find it extremely difficult to be on my own and confess I suffer from relationship addiction and am vulnerable to emotional abuse from partners, this is happening again with my new partner but I find it extremely hard to give up the addiction. As a result I have been suffering intense anxiety as I feel I am not measuring up to my partner and that my mental problems are getting in the way of a healthy relationship. When things are good they are great but I always seem to stuff things up, or so it seems, because of my reactions to the crap going on in my head. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for about 5 years and this has helped. I have also come across 2 amazing books which I believe have given me a complete new level of understanding – Ekhart Tolle The Power of Now and A New Earth. As helpful as all this stuff has been, I have found that talking to people is also amazingly helpful. I used to be a closed book that was too proud to admit I had a problem but somehow, over time, I have overcome that obstacle. There are still days where I just can't control my anxiety I have found that if it is not one thing I am worrying about it's another so I can't blame the cicumstances it is my reactions to the circumstances, the voices in my head that just completely take over. I am aware of this yet they still take over, awareness is the first step to recovery and I am not going to give up, I know I can beat this! Writing this I feel that I am getting a heap off my chest but I do not want pity or to be a seen as victim, I just want encouragement, answers, results.

Overthinking everything

replies: 4

Hi Everyone. i have been reading your posts for some time now and take comfort in knowing I am not alone. I like to read them when my daughter is asleep and the house is quiet. I have found that noise and chatter is overwhelming and makes me anxious. Likely that I cant hear myself think. And over thinking is what I do best. I have depression and anxiety that is generally under control. But when it is not - then i struggle. I have alot of self worth issues. I am seeing a Psycologist (2yrs - 4yrs ago and I am back there again) . i have a good relationship with him and we worked through my past present and future. But now I feel that i have been given the tools, and there is no other help for me. I advised him that i am on medication, and he said I didn't need it as I am not crying in his office. I have been over thinking this statement and now left with this feeling that he doesnt get me, although he wants to continue to see me. If only i new where the off switch was? I just go round in circles and get angry at myself for over thinking and angry that I am still overthinking. Thanks for reading Michelle

finding it very hard

replies: 8

Hi all like most of us im no stranger to my problems. Im a long suffering member of the severe anxiety and depression group. This year has been very hard and has seen my mental health take a big nose dive. I have had 2 vists to the mental health ward already and my medication increased to over 200mg wich is leaving me in a constant state of tiredness. For years i have fought with my anxiety and depression alone ultimately ruining my marrige and resulting in numerous trips to the hospital. The last atack lasted for 2 days straight and has left me with problems including dissociative dissorder and nerve damage leaving me with shaking in my hands and teeth. im really beginning to get very frightened as i losse all control and memory during my atacks. After my last atack my doctors placed me in the maximum bracket for anxiety and depression and check up on me everyday to make sure im not feeling suicidal ( we all no those questions off by heart ). Now i feel like theres no where left for me to go. Im just hoping there is an end to this as i carnt seem to pull myself out of this downwards spiral. I have been to councilors psychologists and numerous help groups but nothing seems to be working. I guess im just looking for a way out?

Hi I am new to Forum

replies: 2

This is the first time I have written in a forum but I have had spouts of depression and struggle with anxiety most of my life. I have chosen to seek like minded people as I am struggling at the moment. My anxiety is manageable but I am finding that I am a little down as I am spending a lot of time by my self recently. My husband and I have bought a house a year ago which has been a source of sanctuary from family issues. However now I am finding that I am alone a lot more which allows the thoughts to fester. I have been crafting but in the last couple of weeks can not keep my mind on something. I just thought talking to people with the same struggles may help. I am planning to find a social group but everyone is rapping up for the year so that is why I have decided to try this.

neese07

replies: 4

hi first day here. i suffer from depression anxiety and panic.depression for 18yrs diagnosed and the strong anxiety and panic in the past couple of years. having a rough time of it at the moment ! so here i am. looking forward to some support and inf... View more

Partner looking for support

replies: 2

Hi, I'm the wife of someone with depression, who gets taken by extremely dark moods. I find this really hard and signed up here looking for somewhere to talk about it! I have two small children and we have recently moved to the country. Hope to get t... View more

Post natal depression first time admitting it

replies: 2

I'm on medication and I have been seeing a counsellor and yet it still feels like I am all alone with everything. I have started to withdraw from counselloring but still taking my medication but something is missing and I think it is meeting up with other women who are experiencing it so that i know that I am not alone and that I can voice how my days are and see how they days are. Does anyone know of any post natal support groups in nsw for goodness sake, if I need to I will make one myself so that there is a place for people to just open up and stop feeling like they are alone.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Not feeling well replies: 3

New to BB replies: 6

First time doing this sort of thing replies: 7

Opening up a closed book replies: 1

Overthinking everything replies: 4

finding it very hard replies: 8

Hi I am new to Forum replies: 2

neese07 replies: 4

Partner looking for support replies: 2

Post natal depression first time admitting it replies: 2