Welcome and Orientation

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Meet your community champions!

replies: 13

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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Another newbie!

replies: 10

Hi all, I'm not really sure where to start, just decided to join this forum finally (after a lot of procrastinating) I was diagnosed with anxiety and stress approximately 5 years ago now. My anxiety was to the point where I was having seizures. I was initially diagnosed with a mild form of epilepsy however later on was told that I don't actually have epilepsy.. My anxiety and stress was at such a high point that it appeared that way on an EEG. I was basically told that I had to learn to manage the stress and anxiety for the seizures to stop. it has been a struggle to say the least as I've had a lot happen in my life since then. I was also diagnosed with post natal depression almost 3 years ago. I saw my doctor and I take medication for it. I also see a Psychologist (although admittedly I haven't been for a while). I have 3 kids, 2 from a past relationship (which broke down after I was diagnosed with stress and anxiety) and 1 with my current partner of approx. 4 years. I had a custody battle over my two sons and due to the diagnosis of depression and anxiety, I only have them every second weekend. I have lost touch with my family and friends and although I have my partner and children who I love dearly, I often feel really alone and I'm not sure how else to put this but I just don't feel normal or at all positive about myself in all aspects of my life. I struggle to make friends and to have conversations but it would be really good to have someone to talk to who understands how I feel. It has been good to read everyone else's posts. They have made me feel like I am not so alone. Thanks for reading.

New member reaching out

replies: 3

Hello, and thank you because you have chosen to read this. I'm reaching out tonight because I am finding myself overwhelmed by sad and shocking happenings in our world. I find that when I have quiet time, my thoughts go to things like child abuse, violence against powerless people and animal cruelty and tragedy. I just feel so devastated by the pain and suffering in the world and then I feel so angry and lost when I see that people don't appear to care. People who drive flashy cars and use their money to buy products which have been tested on animals and clothes that have been made by sweat shop workers etc etc. How do people live their lives and turn a blind eye to all that is wrong? It haunts me often. I don't watch the news but sometimes I hear something on the radio or see something on the front page of the paper. It is the stories about innocent children having horrible experiences and the enormity of factory farming and ill treatment of animals which get me the most. And what can I do about it? Only my little bit. I volunteer with abused and neglected kids and I am vegan. I try to tread gently on the earth and be kind. I know what I do helps a little bit. Sometimes it is only that and knowing that my three kids need me that helps me to want to stay in this world. I am grateful for this forum and I truly hope that everyone who has posted tonight can feel a little bit of relief from their pain. I am hoping for you.

Newbie

replies: 2

Hi, I have been seeing a counsellor for feelings of depression. At the moment I am having a low period that has lasted a few months. I often go through cycles of feeling well and feeling low. My counsellor also suggested that I have issues with anxiety that I was quite surprised about. I then realised that I haven't been in a social situation since before Christmas cause I talk myself out of going. Meeting new people is hard for me because I feel that they can see I am not totally together inside my mind. Just writing on this forum has taken many attempts and many re-writes. I am hoping to get some strategies to help with my issues, I don't really want to have to take medication. I have been trying deep breathing and mindfulness, but I tend to forget to do that when I really need it!

New to anxiety and these boards

replies: 6

Hi I just joined these boards a few hours ago and have been reading through many posts. I'm fairly new to this whole anxiety thing, although have suffered from anxiety before travelling for quite a few years. It started with just feeling a bit anxious the night before, and morning of travelling. Recently this has been getting worse, and seems to be not just travel related, but many day to day things. For instance it was my birthday last weekend and my partner bought me tickets to see Ghost the musical. On the morning we were going I woke up feeling so anxious that I started vomiting. We made it to the show, but it was a difficult day for me. Im going on a cruise tomorrow, and all week have been feeling very anxious (feeling hot and sweaty, then freezing cold, an uneasy feeling in my chest, lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, waking at 3am). I'm also going yo Europe in June and this is causing lots of stress I've been to a psychologist twice and he has given me some strategies to use ( mindfulness, CBT), but right now nothing seems to be working. anyway, I've probably raved a bit too long for my first post, but just wanted to introduce myself. i can see by reading through posts that's there plenty of people having a much harder time than I am. Carmen

Newbie with Bipolar - Also isolated/friendless

replies: 7

Hi, another newbie needing understanding and communication… I’ve been having isolation and social anxiety problems for quite some time, along with great need to be listed to and heard and understood, so I’ll “try” try keep this short. I’m 37 year old female, 3rd marriage that is also at times pretty rocky and uncertain how long it’ll last considering how hard I am to live with and put up with. I don’t know if I’m ready to give up on my perfectionist, extremely old fashioned husband or if he’s ready to give up on my double mixed moods/anxiety etc. I lived with what I thought was depression since mid high school and was diagnosed several years ago with bipolar (unsure which one was actually diagnosed but I think bipolar 2 as my symptoms don't seem as bad as what i’ve read for bipolar 1, no real psychosis/hallucinations etc). I had a lot more to vent etc, will post in Bipolar section as I'm trying to keep this one short. I really feel isolated/friendless also like some other people here. Family/friends that do say want to spend time with me all live more then an hr away and of course e everyone has their own lives/problems to deal with so I hardly get to see anyone besides, hubby, our son (toddler doesn't talk) and my parents. CraftyDivaz

Hi I'm new

replies: 2

First time on

First time forum user. Recently diagnosed with bipolar.

replies: 2

Hi, my name is nathan. I have been diagnosed with bipolar over the last month. I am looking for new ways to communicate with fellow people. I don't know anyone who has this.

G'day from the Whitsundays!

replies: 9

I go by the name of Bob . I AM 64 years old and have been dancing with depression since 1984. I AM now living my dream and I AM Content and I believe if I can do it, anyone can. From my own experience of healing the most important element has been talking about the problem in a safe, non judgemental and non advice giving scenario. The most beneficial qualities I have enjoyed on my journey have simply been acceptance and validation. Looking back over my life I now see depression as a gift for it provided the incentive to heal myself!. There is a growing movement now globally that recognises depression not as an illness of the mind but a wound of the soul and I AM part of that.Cheers Bob!

heĺlo

replies: 3

Hi. I'm kind of lost and found this forum. I hope i can contribute in some way and hopefully find a little support that i definitely need right now. I'm pretty shy but I'll do my best.

Hello all - I'm new here... Not new to the 'Black Dog'.

replies: 10

Hello all, I'm new here, although, I am not new to the scourge that it depression and anxiety. I completed 22 years in the Australian Army and was diagnosed with depression in 2006. I attempted a variety of treatments within the ADF, and dealt with it the best way I could for the final eight years of my career. In the end (2014), it became all too much and I left of my own volition. I accept that things have improved within Defence over the past few years - but my experience was traumatic. I have never felt so small or unwanted in my life. On many occasions, I was forced to bury what I was feeling in order to 'fit in'. It angers me when Defence officials state that they are doing 'all they can' in the treatment of mental illness within Defence. It might be a priority to the senior leadership group, but there is a significant stigma still attached at unit level. Things spiralled out of control when I left the Army. Although I appeared calm on the outside, I was at war with myself internally. Several times I considered ending it all. In the past, these thoughts frightened me, but during these occasions, suicide seemed a perfectly valid option. It was time to seek help. After a couple of false starts, I luckily stumbled upon one of the most caring people I have ever met. He assessed and diagnosed me with PTSD. The world changed for me (that was a year ago). I see this man twice a week and while I have a long way to go, I am in a better place. I am married and have two daughters. My wife and daughters are my rock and my reason for existing. Their love and patience has forced me to try and improve my lot in life. I was directionless when I left the ADF. I was angry and bitter - my long service wasn't acknowledged and the regular platitudes not issued. I know now that false praise is unnecessary and that I don't need it in my life. Photography has become my saviour. If I don't shoot for a while, I become quite depressed, but my soul is lifted after a day of shooting. I focus on the process - in fact, I become mindful when shooting a scene and I have found that I have improved dramatically. So much so, that, maybe there is another career in the offering. I come to Beyond Blue with the hope that I can help people. Perhaps people can find solace in art, and perhaps in creating something beautiful, find hope within themselves. Thanks for reading. Mick.

Meet your community champions! replies: 13

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

Another newbie! replies: 10

New member reaching out replies: 3

Newbie replies: 2

New to anxiety and these boards replies: 6

Newbie with Bipolar - Also isolated/friendless replies: 7

Hi I'm new replies: 2

First time forum user. Recently diagnosed with bipolar. replies: 2

G'day from the Whitsundays! replies: 9

heĺlo replies: 3

Hello all - I'm new here... Not new to the 'Black Dog'. replies: 10