Immediate support
Immediate support

Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

Sophie_M 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 Be... View more

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.

Aaronsis 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 th... View more

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Endtroducing New to BB and New(ish) to Oz - C-PTSD, BPD and Depression.
  • replies: 5

Good evening all, I'm Lyndsey from Sydney (originally from Manchester, England). I'm new to Beyond Blue and just got out of my first hospital admission yesterday. Could really use some company from people who understand this kind of stuff and this pl... View more

Good evening all, I'm Lyndsey from Sydney (originally from Manchester, England). I'm new to Beyond Blue and just got out of my first hospital admission yesterday. Could really use some company from people who understand this kind of stuff and this place seemed like a good place to drop by. Hope everyone is getting by okay xx

lower_case Greetings!!!! :-)
  • replies: 2

Hello all, i am new here. i spend a lot of time mulling over and stewing on things. So going to trying talking about stuff here online. See if that helps. Also hopefully listen and meet some new people, I called myself 'lower case' cause i always sub... View more

Hello all, i am new here. i spend a lot of time mulling over and stewing on things. So going to trying talking about stuff here online. See if that helps. Also hopefully listen and meet some new people, I called myself 'lower case' cause i always subconsciously use a lower case 'i' when referring to myself. I figure this says a lot about me. lol.. (not always but it happens quite a bit). Also would like to meet other people with LSE issues. Cheers!!!

scn New to the forum
  • replies: 1

Hello everybody, I've never been on a forum before, and I'm not very good with IT, so I will probably make many mistakes. I've had a quick look around, and feel that this is a good palce to be when you feel completely isolated and alone with your tho... View more

Hello everybody, I've never been on a forum before, and I'm not very good with IT, so I will probably make many mistakes. I've had a quick look around, and feel that this is a good palce to be when you feel completely isolated and alone with your thoughts and feelings. I'm looing forward to being part of a group that accepts me for who I am without judgement. I've had clinical depression on and off for most of my adult life, which started with post natal depression after my second child. I've been fighting this beast a long time with the help of my GP and Psychiatrist, but recently my GP suggested BB as I can't afford anymore therapy. This is the first time I've reached out to anybody else. Hoping I can gain and give out some comfort to the group.

Murseami Newbie
  • replies: 5

Hi guys just signed up .. 48 Yr F works as a nurse ... hoping to talk and listen to those that need it and maybe I can receive advice ... looking forward to this.

Hi guys just signed up .. 48 Yr F works as a nurse ... hoping to talk and listen to those that need it and maybe I can receive advice ... looking forward to this.

Charley60 Hi, desperation sets in.
  • replies: 4

I guess my story is the same as most on here. I have suffered depression and anxiety for a number of years now. I did all the right things, like going to my doc, seeing a psyche, going on pills, tried counselling, deep breathing etc etc. I'm afraid t... View more

I guess my story is the same as most on here. I have suffered depression and anxiety for a number of years now. I did all the right things, like going to my doc, seeing a psyche, going on pills, tried counselling, deep breathing etc etc. I'm afraid that I finally turned to alcohol. I'm not sure how I feel about anything. I'm tired and have no energy or inclination to do anything. I am a shift worker which doesn't help, but I feel so often that I've just had enough and it's too hard to keep going. I have so many good intentions about how I'm going to improve my life, but every morning I wake up feeling too worn out to try and change my life around. I have had a hard life, like most of us I guess, and it all just seems too hard.

Trying_to_smile I'm new to this
  • replies: 4

I'm 33 and suffering from generalized anxiety, which has resulted in me not leaving the house in over 4 months, I'm feeling depressed and my hope is slowly decreasing, I have 2 children which keep me going and giving my hope and reason. I have a husb... View more

I'm 33 and suffering from generalized anxiety, which has resulted in me not leaving the house in over 4 months, I'm feeling depressed and my hope is slowly decreasing, I have 2 children which keep me going and giving my hope and reason. I have a husband which I love with all my heart but is losing hope because this has been an on and off battle for 5 years, I get better and then this happens again, this is number four and is the longest time I have been at home with doing anything in the outside world.

Libbei Newbie & a little bit confused. Introduction :-)
  • replies: 2

Apologies if this is the wrong place to introduce myself. I'm new to this and a little bit confused on how to navigate. My name is Libbie, i'm 19 and i've struggled with major depressive disorder for the past 6 or 7 years or so. A large portion of my... View more

Apologies if this is the wrong place to introduce myself. I'm new to this and a little bit confused on how to navigate. My name is Libbie, i'm 19 and i've struggled with major depressive disorder for the past 6 or 7 years or so. A large portion of my life, anyway, which started from an event in late primary school. This year, particularly this last month have been difficult for me and i'm currently in the middle of a pretty gnarly depressive episode. Trying to adjust to life out of school was hard & I had what can best be described as an existential crisis. Not long after that my cousin/friend ended his own life which furthered my depression. There were times when I thought I could understand why he left, like theres nothing good in the world. I was angry a lot, sad a lot, easily irritated and generally didn't want to be around. I believe this put a big strain on my relationship with my then boyfriend. This last month has been hard for me when he unexpectedly dumped me. I do miss him, he was my best friend. I feel a lot of self loathing, like it was my fault. like a failure. Like i'm too difficult to be around. It would be easy to blame my illness but I think it's just me. I tried very hard to be a good girlfriend but in the end I just wasn't good enough. Too much & not enough all at the same time. Those are some feelings I'm working through. I also don't feel like a real person. it's hard to describe. I feel like i've always built my identity on the people around me, and now I have no idea who I am. Or what I enjoy. Anyway, i'm on here to hopefully get/provide some support with some likeminded peeps. I tend to get worked up & sad at night time, so i'd love to hear suggestions on how you guys calm yourselves down when you feel a panic attack/depression session coming on. lol. So yeah. That's me.

Snuz Newbie and anxious.
  • replies: 3

Hi. Im Suzie and i have been diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. I was offically diagnosed 6 years ago but its always been there since i can remember and now i am 29. I have gone through a lot of different strategies to help myself an... View more

Hi. Im Suzie and i have been diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. I was offically diagnosed 6 years ago but its always been there since i can remember and now i am 29. I have gone through a lot of different strategies to help myself and sometimes im better but lately i havent improved. Im a single mum of a beautiful 5 year old and i try so hard not to have attacks in front of him. He is my world. Depression, anxiety and things like alcoholism run heavily in my dads side of the family quiet far back. My dad has been in hospital and had shock treatment and so has my auntie. After i had my son i got worse but i dont know why. Everything in my life was great. I have so much support from family yet i still feel empty. After trially lots of theatpies and medication, i found two tablets that completely stopped me from having either attacks and doing gardening. Last year i decided to go and study. I did very well and i passed my diploma and got a job. It was all going so well but then the bitchiness started, i started feeling small and useless and i didnt want to go back so i quiet. Every since then i have felt different. I dont have anxiety but its like im not happy anymore about anything. I feel like im useless and i have racing thoughts or im in a fog. Everytime i try to talk about how i feel weather it be to family, friends or doctor i burst out crying and i feel like i dont want to talk about it. I dont feel right abd i dont know why. Everyone just tells me to get over it but i really really cant get out of this feeling and it distroys my motivation. I have been on benzodiazepenes for 5 years, my short term memory is bad and my communication is all over the place. I dont feel right.

Julian1 Hi - I'm Julian and I have Dysthymia
  • replies: 1

Hi everyoneMy name is Julian and as of 2 days ago I shared my story of being diagnosed with Dysthymia. I get medical help and some good drugs as well as family support as well. I felt that sharing my story was a step in the right direction and the re... View more

Hi everyoneMy name is Julian and as of 2 days ago I shared my story of being diagnosed with Dysthymia. I get medical help and some good drugs as well as family support as well. I felt that sharing my story was a step in the right direction and the response has been overwhelming. It would seem that a lot of people don't know about Dysthymia and it seems to fit into a lot of peoples lives.I look forward to talking with more of you over time and I am happy for anyone to share my story and bring awareness to Dysthymia

SDW Hello - New to forum
  • replies: 4

Hello, I am having a bad day today and I'm reaching out for more assistance with current anxiety and depression due to a relationship breakup. I have consulted my GP and currently on a mental health plan in which I have already had two counselling se... View more

Hello, I am having a bad day today and I'm reaching out for more assistance with current anxiety and depression due to a relationship breakup. I have consulted my GP and currently on a mental health plan in which I have already had two counselling sessions. I have family who support me but it's so hard to talk to them about everything, I don't want to let them down or start crying, they don't need to be dealing with my stuff. I have lonely days when I just want someone to talk to or check on me, today is one of these. I have a full time job that isn't fantastic, very boring and lonely at times. I am trying to study online and this has added pressure, I had deferred for the last two months and now need to get back on track. I have pushed away friends for the sake of the relationship I have been in over the 3 years which was fresh off a marriage breakup. It was his decision to end it, I had little idea it was this bad for him. All my thoughts are about him, I can't get him out of my head. Just typing these words and thinking it makes me so tense and helpless. Having a sad day today.