Welcome and Orientation

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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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I feel alone all the time

replies: 1

I have just been told I am manic depression does anyone know of groups in cairns that I can get some support

Hello From A New Member

replies: 3

Greetings to you all. My name is Silenus. I've been living an interesting life with bipolar. In fact, no, let's say an "interesting" life... For a few decades, I was undiagnosed. I worked an at-times high stress job, and would bounce around in what I now know was a hypomanic high. I would often take on too much at work, and there would be long hours and lots of deadlines. Which of course my hypomania would love, triggering it ever higher... Then, usually after about 2 years, I would fall into a major depression. Nasty stuff. It would last anywhere from a month or so to about 6 months typically. The worst one I ever had lasted about 2 years. That was also the one that led to the breakup of my marriage. I thought I was at rock bottom before that. Hah! I went into freefall... Finally, after so many years of ignorance and believing that I could just think or logic my way out of depression, I went to see a GP, who referred me to a psych. I was diagnosed with depression, and engaged in talk therapy for a while to help me past the current life events that were triggering me so very badly. It wasn't until a good while later that I had a big blowup with my father, and my moods started to rapid cycle. I went to see another psych, who diagnosed me with bipolar. Since then (about 3 years ago), I have been learning as much as I can about bipolar in general and how it manifests in me in particular. It's an important journey, and self knowledge and awareness is such a crucial part of that. Anyhoo, that's just a brief intro to my life journey so far. I look forward to meeting you, fellow forum members. Hugs and happy vibes beaming to you... I might try to post some poetry. I write a lot when my muse grabs me. Some of it may even be readable... hahaha...

Hi All :)

replies: 3

Hello Everyone! Hopefully I posting in the right area and not really sure how to start this either, I guess this is good way to try and get across what is going on in my head. I've previously been diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety over 4 years ago, main cause was bullying. Today I feel like my anxiety has grown out of control somewhat, I've been having more and more uncontrollable Panic attacks that leave me hating myself, everything I do or say I regret. I even find myself saying in my head over and over again "How am I going to do this" meaning how can I handle going through this one more time/right now. That all sounds pretty bad and I'm not saying my whole life is bad and that I'm even considering suicide, I having a loving fiance and she lets me know that she is always there for me and that I was the reason that she no longer has Depression and anxiety herself, she wishes what I've done for her, she can do for me. I want that too, but for some reason it's not working that way. I'm struggling in my head, I even sometimes think I'm going crazy, I get these pictures of me going completely insane in scenarios throughout the day during my anxiety moments. It's scary. Am I going crazy? Do I need to be seen just in case I go completely bonkers? I got a lot to talk about and I will be seeing a Psychologist soon hopefully, to talk about these issues but tonight I felt like I needed to go somewhere. Not sure if this is how an introduction is suppose to go. Thanks for readig! - Michael

Introducing myself - waves

replies: 3

Hi everyone While I'm new to this particular forum, I'm not new to depression. I'm in my 30s, female, married with fur-babies and have had depression and anxiety since my teens. In my early 20s I was diagnosed with bipolar type II. I'm still learning how to respond when different aspects of this illness arise, but I figure after 10 years of many different forms of treatment, I might be able to offer support to others and help share what I've learnt. I know I will continue to have dark days and there will be many times I will come here seeking advice. But, I wanted to make sure when I introduce myself that with me, it's a two-way street. I'm here to give advice as well as ask for it. Because I'm new, I may not jump into the conversations right away - I like to get the lay of the land before I put myself out there. But I just wanted to say hi and that I'm looking forward to being part of these very important conversations See you around! Lana

Tell me about your beyond blue name...

replies: 47

There are some great and creative names being used on beyond blue. I am really interested in getting to know some of the stories behind them and getting to know you the process. I thought I'd introduce myself through explaining my name. Gruffudd. It is Welsh and pronounced Griffith. I have found a sense of place and belonging in my Welsh background - it has always been there but I never really owned it or thought much of it until the last couple of years. Exploring it has helped me learn about my dad, and answered some of the questions about him like why he thinks and does some things. It is not my name, rather a family name from my grandmother's side. She was perhaps the biggest influence growing up, she had us kids after school and taught the fine traditions of making welsh cakes and was just the best listener, drank litres of tea.

Hi Everyone ~ yeah I love Trees :)

replies: 2

Bullying at work was the last thing I expected, or needed in early 2012. I'd never had a panic attack before then. Fortunately for me, I've a great clinic close to home, so I reached out for assistance early, and received great support from medical professionals. I still feel a bit fragile emotionally when I reflect on the last 4 years. Up until this intense phase with anxiety and depression, I thought if anyone was immune to mental illness... it was me. Suffice to say, I passed that denial phase a few years ago If sharing my experiences can help anyone, I'm glad to contribute.

fairly new here. but my sickness isnt

replies: 5

hi there. iv had this sickness for 12 to 13 yrs now. anxiety and depresion! but when i think about it its probably since i was in my 20,s.(53 now) sometimes it has disapeared for a year or 2 and i think, great im cured. at the moment iv never been worse. i havnt been able to work much because im so nervous and make mistakes and because of the meds i swet bad. so bad that it get dangerous. (im a roofer) constant shaking dosnt help. i go out and just seem to fall off a cliff in despair. one minute im fine then , bang im gone. people i dont know ask if im ok. my whole face changes.like im staring at death. i have to just walk to try to get it together. my friends are incredible with there suport but i know it gets them down also. that tears me apart. i cry about that the most. im so lucky that iv got a litle suport group who have got my back. but most people can pick im not ok and if they ask im just honest with them. if find that most people have incredible empathy! i went off the meds last week but no good that way. one friend is trying tough love and saying that its not just meds i need but to try and think positive. she,s right off course. (bless her) anyway went to center link and they were really good. trying new meds and a few $ will be great. at least i can eat. i hope you have as great people in your corner as me because i would stand a chance. neil

new member

replies: 2

Hey, I am 19 and a mother to a 2 year old. I have never felt a bond with my daughter and I don't like to be around her. Sometimes I wonder if it would be better if I gave her to my mum and never came back. I have bad anger issues and can't control ho... View more

Hello new and nervous

replies: 8

Hi all Here it goes: I am 33 years old with a 9year old daughter and 3 step children. I'm from Adelaide and I suffer depression. I'm unsure of how long for but the last 3 years have been the toughest. I have been in and out of hospital but seem to be not getting anywhere. I have joined hoping to find some light and some understanding I guess. My friends and family don't understand so it's a topic that is never discussed. I hide behind a happy face/life. Which is far from the truth. And also having a big busy family I just don't have the time to deal with anything- I don't get 5mins to myself. So really hoping to turn my life around. So hello from one negative nancy!!!

Hello from new member

replies: 12

Hi, I'm Janksie, I initially started with writing my problems down and now I feel I want to help everyone. I am currently a stay at home mum with a 10 month old boy. I have studied the diploma of counselling and also done a certificate of creative writing. Small achievements but big for me. Anyway, I have been suffering from depression for two years and also have post natal and perinatal depression. I am currently on medication to help me cope with daily life. I live in Brisbane with my husband and his family. We are a joint family. After coming on this site, I feel I want to help people talk about the way they feel and give as much support as I can. I would love to be part of this lovely community as I feel I belong here. looking forward to all of it take care

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

I feel alone all the time replies: 1

Hello From A New Member replies: 3

Hi All :) replies: 3

Introducing myself - *waves* replies: 3

Tell me about your beyond blue name... replies: 47

Hi Everyone ~ yeah I love Trees :) replies: 2

fairly new here. but my sickness isnt replies: 5

new member replies: 2

Hello new and nervous replies: 8

Hello from new member replies: 12