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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 here and totally alone..

replies: 6

This post could offend some segements of the community, so if you are a parent that is struggling at the moment, this might not be the post for you read- I'll try not be horrid though. OK. There is hardly no support for me. I am a woman who can't have children. Even when I hop on to a site like this, there are no groups, tips or anything for me. WHY? The only groups who deal with infertility (and its consequences which do leave a mark on the majority of people) are on IVF websites- and when youve come to the end of your journey with IVF, those places arent the place for you anymore. Our society in this country is so motherhood oreintated, it is such a difficult place to not be a mother- the judgement, the loneliness (because parents are uncomfortable) and the grief of seeing your dreams shattered (not to mention the financial and relationship strains on you and your partner). Where can I get help from people that actually understand???

Touching base intro

replies: 2

Just touching base as it's taken a long time to summon the courage to introduce myself. My journey through this haze now with hindsight has been the status quo since childhood of course now there is a name to make sense for this turmoil! The big 'D'. For me my crash had been building for a lifetime. I'm 54 grew up in Australia was married with 3 children living in Northern Europe for 28yrs, had worked hard and achieved recognition in my chosen occupation. Beautiful family, house on the face of it all perfect. However my feelings didn't reflect this reality. Always felt distant from everything. I became increasingly withdrawn, resentful etc. A constant inner turmoil the only respite being alcohol or when I was travelling on business and could be by myself and feel the pressure off. So suppressing all these feelings and focusing on results allowed me to achieve a great deal. However at the expense of my family and it breaks my heart how their experience must have been. Four years ago I had the crash. It destroyed life as I knew it. Unable to work let alone function I did manag e to get help. It was hard for my family and even harder for me. I left the family home after 6months to escape the northern winter and came back to australia just to be under a cobalt blue sky and feel the heat of the sun in my bones. It was the only way I knew to get myself together again. Leaving was devastating even though I was at rock bottom. It's been a long journey so far and I was foolish to think I was going to sort it out myself. Since then have built a great support network good GP who diagnosed correctly Pyrolle Disorder which has helped immensely correcting a chemical imbalance. My counsellor is a rock. It's been insightful and a relief to read others experiences and journey. And has given me solace in that my experiences are no different to others. As time rolls on the pain lessens, the guilt and feeling of letting down my family is always there. working towards finding inner peace. thanks pete

New, hx of depression and not really sure what's going on with me

replies: 5

Hey guys, I didn't know this forum existed until today so I'll give it a go. I feel guilty turning to strangers for support when I do have wonderful support in real life but I also feel guilty putting my problems on people. I'm so unhappy lately, I'm really hoping that coming here will help . BB is an amazing organisation that I have huge respect for. Hopefully when I figure out what's wrong I'll post for support soon. So yeah....hi!

Dairy farmers milk pricing crisis

replies: 4

Hi everyone, beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett has written in his weekly Herald Sun column this week about the milk pricing crisis currently affecting dairy farmers, and that our primary concern has to be for the welfare of farmers, their families and communities. beyondblue is working with the Victorian Government on this issue and welcomes its $1.5 million assistance package for dairy farmers’ support services. We are encouraging other state governments to also consider ways of supporting their primary producers. For those on our forums affected by this crisis, please look out for neighbours and friends who are doing it tough. Encourage open discussion with trusted family members, friends and community leaders, and please feel free also to use our forums here for peer support. Also available, as ever, is our 24 hour support service on 1300 22 46 36, who can provide information about mental health professionals and GPs if you are concerned for yourself, or anyone in your family or local community.

Dairy Industry Crisis...How You Can Help

replies: 7

Hello everyone! I have just heard some farmers on Fairfax 3AW. They are very emotional and sound it. They have asked the public for their support. They only ask that we buy 'Branded Milk' NOT the Supermarket generic brands. The farmers have said this will help them a great deal. I understand its dearer and some people cant afford to and thats fine. I have already bought some branded milk at full price to start helping What are you thoughts on this? Please let me know if you can make a difference and help the farmers by returning to full price milk. This is a crisis that effects many people in our community Kind Thoughts Paul

Hi guys

replies: 10

Hi guys, I am new here, (obviously). I have had OCD and seen a psychiatrist for as long as i can remember. I do not really do the rituals any more, however i really obsess over things sometimes. About 9 months ago my wife convinced me to stop taking my SSRI's so after discussion with my psychiatrist i stopped. However the pressure of university, my wedding and work built up and i decided to start taking them again after a few months. Fast forward to 3 months ago and I decided to stop again, because i really want to know what life is like not on medication. Everything was not too bad but i do tend to obsess, first it was over moving house and changing careers, which i got over, then it was uni results. But worst is over the last few days it has been over weather i am a good person and a good husband and good enough for my wife. I obsess over mistakes i have made in the past, like being rude etc. Over weather i am to grumpy with her. Over many things, i will dissect things over and over and over again in my head, all day and all night, the same thing, until i can't think of anything else, and want to cry. Over the last few days i felt suicidal. I will never do it, but i just felt like i have no worth, that if i died the repetition would stop and that i would be better off dead.I have thought about the same mistakes in the past and when in a sound frame of mind laughed to myself that why i would get upset over such trivial things. But at times like this it feels like the end of the world. I could talk to my wife but she doesn't understand. I have an appointment for my doctor in two weeks so hopefully I will calm down before then. Many years ago i was active on an online anxiety support forum and found it a rewarding experience, hopefully i can get that from here too. I am also keen to hear from people who have stopped their medication for an extended period to see if it does make a difference in their lives.

How and Where do you Communicate to the Forums?

replies: 27

Hello Everyone.....New posters too! Its more of a lighter topic for a change from me. I am currently using a 2006 Hewlett Packard Micro tower using the obsolete Windows XP Professional platform.I use my study looking out to my gorgeous garden whilst I am 'on the air'. I am curious what other people use ..whether a cell phone....laptop....PC....Apple...a tablet....an ipad maybe? And where in your home you are comfortable doing so I am just trying to 'paint a mental picture' of what tool people use and where they post from in their home. The lounge room...in front of their television.....in the garden..home theater...in the car on a mobile phone? Help me paint a picture of where you are coming from so I can 'see' you Just curious and thankyou for reading my thread too Kind Thoughts Paul

New here just a short introduction

replies: 9

Hi just dropping in to introduce myself I have been struggling with depression on and off for most of my life, I am not really sure if it has ever gone away or whether I have just been in control for periods of time. This run would have to have be the hardest time I have had in a long time trying to get the dog behind me, and move forward. A bit about me I'm racing close to fifty and doctors have suggested that my depression may have started as young as 16 I have worked in various jobs and my last psychiatrist even went as far as to say that nearly all my employment history has had me putting myself in high risk positions. I will keep this short for now but will be looking around the boards and will post some questions when I work out how to phrase them in away that's not to confusing for me and readers thanks in advance and keep up the good work

Hi I'm new and need help while I'm waiting to be assessed for bipolar

replies: 1

I'm new, a mum, struggled with depression since a teen... Always thought my highs n lows were normal... A little bigger then others but normal. It's been getting worse... N my colleagues asked me to seek further help ... And to mention my highs. Drs have never asked me about highs before. So I've been treated for depression n anxiety for years with antidepressants n psychology. Hmmmm I came here tonight because I'm T really not coping right now and my lows are getting worse each time.

Introducing myself, New member, First post, Looking for guidance and support with my relationship

replies: 3

Hi guys, Mana89 here, Iv officially become a registered beyondblue member as of today and this is my first post! Im very grateful to have a caring close friend who has referred me to this group as i am looking for some guidance and support regarding the nature of anxiety & depression to help steer me in the right direction to help save my relationship. Iv been reading through some posts and im loving the safe welcoming community environment that this place has to offer. Im extremely sensitive about posting my story as im nervous about being judged but i need help and i thought this would be the best place to start. xx

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New here and totally alone.. replies: 6

Touching base intro replies: 2

New, hx of depression and not really sure what's going on with me replies: 5

Dairy farmers milk pricing crisis replies: 4

Dairy Industry Crisis...How You Can Help replies: 7

Hi guys replies: 10

How and Where do you Communicate to the Forums? replies: 27

New here just a short introduction replies: 9

Hi I'm new and need help while I'm waiting to be assessed for bipolar replies: 1

Introducing myself, New member, First post, Looking for guidance and support with my relationship replies: 3