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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Dr Brian Ironwood - Man Therapy ads ...

replies: 0

Dear all I don't know how many of you have seen the latest ads on the teev for depression and mental related illnesses for men - there is a link with Beyond Blue to it - and the character who does the short, sharp ad is a man called "Dr Brian Ironwood" - it's a really 'get you in' kind of ad. I believe done very well. I hope that it can bring out of the woodwork anyone who is suffering in silence to come forward and seek help. To those people behind this initiative, WELL DONE. Neil

Newbie

replies: 2

Hey all, Newbie here I was very hesistant about signing up. I was thinking of just joining looking reading and helping you all and not post, as I am a person that don't like expressing my feelings or letting people know what's wrong! and I think I need to stop tricking myself and get advice," help" if u want to call it that! I am a mumov3 girls, from Tasmania! I have suffered anxiety and depression since 2006- have had my ups and most definately downs. x

Another Newby

replies: 2

Hello I have been advised to notify of my recent decision to register with this forum. I am keen to stay in touch with these online forums to help me with my depression/anxiety as I do not want my relationship with my amazing partner to suffer for it... View more

Hi, new to forum, but not new to depression

replies: 2

Hi All Just introducing myself. New to the forum, hoping to get support and help others. First became ill with clinical depression and anxiety at about 21 years old. I am now 36 years old. The anxiety seems to have been treated but I am still struggl... View more

New to the forum

replies: 1

Hello all, I'm new here and just letting of some steam. I am on meds for my on going depression and trying to stay positive. Being unemployed does not help and I've been looking for work for a while now. Going through endless job lists on the internet and finding nothing! At this rate it wont be long before I lose my house! I am 50 and I am not getting any younger the competition for jobs is unbelievable, I don't have much hope for the future how can anyone enjoy life without having enough funds in the bank? I don't know what I am going to do....suppose on until I cant go on any more. Thank you for taking the time to listen.

New Kid On The Block

replies: 15

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I am hoping it could be an outlet for me and perhaps I may be of some assistance to others. Depression first hit me when I was around 30 in the shape of a virus that wouldn't go away. Things worsened till I had a breakdown in 1991. I was diagnosed with Major Depression and Melancholia. I made a good recovery only to get sick again when I went off medication. Since then I have struggled with my illness but all the time believe I have been improving. Anyway, that's my story in a nutshell. I sincerely wish everyone dealing with this illness the best for the future.

howdy folks..

replies: 1

g'day everyone, I won't go into great detail about my history (just yet), only wanted to say hi and introduce myself around. I guess like all of you here, i didn't wander into the Bb message board by accident. I've been living with anxiety and depression for maybe 25 years or so and i've experienced some pretty low lows.. over the last ten years or so my worldview and inner monologue waver between bleak and horrific. self-hatred, shame and thoughts of.. mortality have become pretty routine. I'm often completely overcome by despair, sometimes for months, sometimes several times a day. I've been (or am) addicted to pretty much everything, although cigarettes are probably my nastiest vice atm. I'm deeply isolated. For a long time, as a teenager, i fantasised about being a proper hermit.. in a cave, wearing rags and speaking only to myself and my animal friends. Well i have almost realised my dream lol, but not finding it quite the utopia I'd imagined.. Time to try turning it around. I've sought "treatment" in a dozen or so fits and spurts over the years but with very few positive outcomes, many negative ones. As a result I spend a lot of time "self-counselling" but i realise that can only get you so far, like chasing your own tail, or asking the answer to life, the universe and everything (42) it kills time but ultimately pretty unfulfilling. So i was intrigued to see an e-community forming, full of people like myself, but who were brave enough to share their feelings and stories. courageous enough to create a community where our darkest fears can be brought to light without fear of the reprisal and embarassment that dogs us in our daily lives. I had to become a part of it. I hope i can bring some tiny positives to your wonderful group, and thank you all for having me here. Well I'm very keen to get some discussion happening and have sso many questions, so hope to see you in future threads. Lee.

I am so grateful!

replies: 12

I am so grateful to have found the Beyond Blue forums. I am so grateful to Beyond Blue and also to all the wonderful people I have met here via posts. This is a forum of hope. Thank you to you all - cheers xx

beyondblue statement on Ian Thorpe

replies: 11

Following reports this morning that Ian Thorpe has sought treatment for depression and alcohol issues, beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO has made a short statement.“If these reports are correct, it is a very brave move from Ian and I commend him for it,” she said.“Far too many people, and particularly men, never take action to get appropriate treatment for depression and can spend their whole lives battling it alone.“Also, far too many people self-medicate with alcohol, which may provide temporary relief, but can do enormous damage to a person’s wellbeing in the long-run.“As one of the world’s greatest swimmers, Ian showed enormous strength, resilience and tenacity, and we all adored him for it.“Australians loved and supported him when he was winning and he needs our love and support again now.“Ian has shown enormous courage in the past by talking about his struggle with depression and this courage is again on display.“Seeking support for depression takes guts and the first step is often the hardest, but most people make a full recovery once they receive the appropriate treatment.“I know that in the past Ian’s story has inspired other people to take action to get treatment for their own battles and I hope this morning’s reports have the same effect.“If you or someone you care about may be depressed, beyondblue’s mental health professionals are readily available to provide confidential support.“To access the beyondblue Support Service, people can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours a day seven days a week, they can use the online chat service between 4pm and 10pm each night at www.beyondblue.org.au or they can send an email via the website.“I wish Ian all the best in his recovery and know that the bravery he has shown in seeking support will hold him in good stead as he tackles this latest challenge.”

New to beyondblue

replies: 18

Hi all i am new to beyond blue and yes i suffer depression i am slowly finding my space at home getting smaller, would love to connect with people before i wind up in the wardrobe hiding from the world . I am a social person by nature and would hate ... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Dr Brian Ironwood - Man Therapy ads ... replies: 0

Newbie replies: 2

Another Newby replies: 2

Hi, new to forum, but not new to depression replies: 2

New to the forum replies: 1

New Kid On The Block replies: 15

howdy folks.. replies: 1

I am so grateful! replies: 12

beyondblue statement on Ian Thorpe replies: 11

New to beyondblue replies: 18