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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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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.

Hi guys

replies: 4

Hi, I'm new here. I am a 28 year old female student from Melbourne. Currently living with my parents and sister. so I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when I was 20, and diagnosed with depression and anxiety at age 25. I hope to share my (so... View more

Lost, Lonely & Isolated

replies: 11

Hi! I am new at this so please bear with me. I have always suffered from depressive illness, however the last 18 months have been the most difficult of my life. I was hospitalised for day surgery on my knee and having had the procedure done several times previously, I had no concerns. I ended up with a staph infection at the wound site and as result I have spent a total of 8 months in hospital, the longest period being from Oct last year to April this year. During this period of time I had 8 operations on my knee plus heaps of antibiotics and other drugs and also picked up two other infections which were very difficult to treat. I had to stay in bed for 6 months as the original knee prosthesis that I had implanted had to be removed until there was no sign of any infection in my knee. It was replaced just prior to me being discharged and I had to learn to walk again. I somehow managed to cope in hospital although towards the end of my hospital stay I became extremely depressed. I have been home 6 months now and in some ways I feel worse than I was in hospital. I am traumatised by the number of operations I have had and I have also been told that I will never have a normal knee again. apart from the pain, my knee is very disfigured. I haven't driven in 18 months so I have to wait for my daughter or husband to take me anywhere and I hate the loss of my independence. I want to try to drive again, but everyone is always too busy to go driving with me til I get some confidence back again. All my friends work full time and as I am unable to work at this stage, I am very lonely. I can't seem to get my family to understand what I went through mentally in hospital and how it has affected me now that I am home. I cry a lot and try to talk to family about how sad and lonely I feel, but to no avail. I just wish someone would try to listen to what I have to say and not be judgemental. At the moment I feel like such a failure, mainly because I'm not working and not contributing to our financial situation and I hate the fact that I have drawn my family into this situation where I am so dependant on them. Sometimes I wish I could be struck by lightning!! I hate the way I feel/am and I just want my old life back. I know I should be grateful that i'm alive and that there are people out there worse off than me, but it doesn't make me feel any better. I don't know what to do. I am seeing a psychologist and she is great, but I wish I could see her every day

Hi everyone

replies: 4

Hi all, am definitely not new to anxiety, but new to this overwhelming feeling that it's never going to leave! I was diagnosed with anxiety and mild depression about 10 years ago at the end of a volatile marriage. My counsellor was fantastic and we worked out some good coping and management skills which have helped me out immensely....until now. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. My partner was a wonderful support and actually planned our wedding to happen sooner rather than later so that I could go into hospital for treatment as his wife, he was there with me every step of the way. A year ago I was declared cancer free, but still required 3 monthly checks. My last check came back as suspicious. My husband I know is concerned, but unlike last time, he seems distant and not supportive at all. My dear mum passed away in June, due to family issues with my dad, I hadn't seen her for about 8 years. We resumed contact at my wedding, but by then it was too late, she was hospitalised soon after and never came good. I feel such guilt over this. I have been to see my GP to get an appointment with a counsellor, I know I am heading downhill fast. I can't get into our local one (I live in a small country town) until 28th November. I'm lost. It feels like my brain is going to overload and shut down soon. Anyways sorry for the rambling, not sure if all of this needed to go into my introduction spiel haha...but this is me, warts and all! Hi!!

My Intro

replies: 37

Hello. I am new here although I have been reading a number of posts over the past week or so. I think I've got this right, and am posting in the right place? These forums look like a pretty supportive place to be with what looks like many good people offering a lot of support to others over a long period of time. I think this is so important, so I decided to take the plunge and post here too. I figure it could only benefit me over the long term to have a bit of support from like minded people. A little about myself - I am on the 'wrong' side of 50 years of age, female, married, no children. I experience bouts of depression and anxiety. Sometimes the depressive times come with thoughts of 'putting an end to things'. I have been seeing a psychologist for a couple of years, and am taking ADs. I am lucky that I have an understanding and helpful GP. But my partner is not at all supportive. Taurus

Introducing Myself :)

replies: 43

Hi everyone My name is Demi, I am 18 years old and currently on Study Vacation before commencing my HSC Examinations. I love reading in my free time, and spending time with friends; usually on an unusual adventure such as going on bushwalking or getting up at 4:30am to watch the sunrise.If you asked me six months ago what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer would constantly change. It varied from artist, to photographer, to teacher, journalist; even author. But, recently I experienced a series of events that allowed me to recognise my strength is listening/ supporting others. Due to this I have decided to strive for a ridiculously high ATAR and hopefully study Psychology at University next year. The events leading to this decision, although confronting and traumatic, have allowed me to adapt my lifestyle and mindset into one that is purely positive. I am lucky, that with medication and the constant support from my psychologist/GP and friends that I can reflect upon what happened and seek out the positives. It is difficult at times but being able to do that has kept me going through the challenging days.I hope that through this chatroom I am able to help others reflect on their own experiences and develop a mindset that will give them comfort when times are tough, and everything around them seems negative. I hope that I can help you find light in the darkness, and provide you with the support you deserve.I know we've never met but I am so thankful for all of you, taking the step to sign up and create an amazing support network for everyone here/ every future member in BB It was nice to meet you guys.DemiP.S more than happy to talk about my experiences in detail- just wanted to keep this introduction short and sweet

Greetings All

replies: 4

Greetings to you all, this is my first post. I'm a male in my mid 40's and have been battling Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety for over 8 years. My disorder almost took everything away from me, my marriage, my employment & my life. Early 2012 I made the greatist decision of my life, I spoke to a trusted person and finally admitted I was not well and needed help. That person referred me to a GP he knew well and from that moment I commenced continued engagement with my GP, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Occupational Therapist's and close family and friends. There have been a few major setbacks along the way but the past 5 months have been the best quality of life I have experienced in over 8 years. Being open about my battles and updating my highs and lows has made my family, friends, work mates and sporting groups feel more comfortable discussing mental illness around me. I'd like to be a role model to others who have experienced similar issues. Great to meet you all.

Hello hello. Just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.

replies: 3

Hello. My name is Betty.. I have been meaning to sign up to beyondblue's forum.. So here I am.. I have been turning to the online world for some support and just to have people to talk to.. My story... I was diagnosed with depression nearly 11yrs ago, at age 20.. I have managed ok.. I got to a place where I was able to manage my depression on my own.. It was really good.. But unfortunately 3 years ago I started to struggle with life and depression again.. And it feels very different this time.. A bit like the depression is deeper.. Hard to explain.. This past May I was also diagnosed with severe anxiety.. That is very hard for me to manage.. At this point in time I struggle alot.. It's a comfort to know I am not alone and that other people understand what I am going through. It's great that there are these online forums for people to reach out for support and to connect with others. Betty.

No counsellors, no meds, just good friends. My story.

replies: 1

hi everyone, my reason for registering here is to try and ease the load on people i care about. as my title suggests it's only my family and friends that keep my head above water. before you ask, i have no interest in finding a counsellor. had a few, didn't work out, i have no intention of paying a new person to be unavailable once medicare limits are met. You may have got the impression i am an angry person. you're not wrong. sometimes i think I'll exhaust myself being angry at the past. another reason i avoid counsellors. Basically i believe that i was born to be ugly. this is part of my karmic cycle and there's a place for ugly people in this world and if i can focus on doing good things it doesn't matter what my reflection looks like. My mother was an alcoholic, as was my sister. my dad was so scared of losing any of his relationships that he never pulled anyone up on anything. my step mother was extremely emotionally abusive. Ive been diagnosed with PND. i read articles, I'm on mothers forums. i have good friends. I'm going to watch a movie now with my husband. this is wasting happy time.

I feel that I can't manage my emotion well

replies: 2

Hi Not sure how to begin. Lately I feel that I can't manage my emotion well. I used to be able to tackle life challenges well, cope with stress (actually I rarely felt stressed in early life) but now I often feel anxious, and fearful. I couldn't get myself to relax. There were times i just got upset and angry 'unreasonably'. At this point, i could not quite elaborate my feelings, guess im not used to reveal and express myself. All i know is i often and easily get confused, unhappy, upset, angry and depressed, a kaleidoscope of negative emotions. I dont know exactly where these emotions stem from, I think it all started from years of working in a toxic and unsupportive working environment that I didnt know how to get out of, and now have no courage to leave. That may have impacted on my confidence and self-worth, hence anxiety and depression amongst other. I just dont know who I should approach or what can be done.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Post natal depression first time admitting it replies: 2

Hi guys replies: 4

Lost, Lonely & Isolated replies: 11

Hi everyone replies: 4

My Intro replies: 37

Introducing Myself :) replies: 43

Greetings All replies: 4

Hello hello. Just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. replies: 3

No counsellors, no meds, just good friends. My story. replies: 1

I feel that I can't manage my emotion well replies: 2