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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Brain zaps aren't always from withdrawal.

replies: 8

Hi, I'm new and have joined because I need help with brain zaps. I am on medication daily and I not withdrawing from them. I have been getting them on and off for about 8 or 9 months and I really can't see a pattern to them. 2 nights ago while out for an evening walk, every time I turned my head I got multiple brain zaps, which went right through my body all the way to my hands and feet. I also have tinnitus and this was also off the chart, with each zap being accompanied by a louder buzz. I have had a migraine ever since and this is not the 1st time it has happened like this. Given that I haven't changed my medication, and every google search centers around SSRI withdrawal Iam really struggling for a proper answer. Is this just something that isn't well understood? Any suggestions will be very appreciated.

The last 12 months

replies: 2

Hi! I'm turning 29, and the last 12 months have been difficult. It started when my aunty died, she was more of a mum to me than my actual mother. Her heart and lungs slowly deteriorated, was admitted and discharged from hospital repeatedly as she would refuse to stay in hospital. She eventually passed away, in her home...alone. I carry so much guilt about not being there for her enough in the end.Two months after her death I injured my back at work. A bulged disc in my L5 pressing on my sciatic nerve causing tingling and numbness in my legs, incredibly painful. After months of physio and a cortisone spinal injection a neurosurgeon performed spinal surgery and I was unable to work for 2 months. I recently returned to work, but I'm not back fulltime or at full physical capacity yet. I often have feelings of uselessness as there's been so much I've been unable to do and feel like a burden. Unsupportive co-workers make this even more challenging. One staff member in particular that has always had a disliking for me. She has made continuous complaints about me and my work, often gossiping with other staff about why I can't do certain tasks and I'm lying and faking it.One situation was when the staff member asked our manager to have me removed from the office as she was CSO that day and I had no reason to be present in office. My manager told her I was doing paperwork relating to my back injury and to focus on her own work. She later complained about why I could still take photos of the animals but could not lift and take out the heavy garbage bags to the big skin bins. She has even made complaints of me bullying her, other staff members supported me and told upper management that they were present and things did not go the way she had reported. I feel like she's unfairly targeting and harassing me in attempt to get me fired. Multiple other staff have reported her repeatedly for bullying & raised concerns regarding her work ethic.I love animals and am lucky enough to have a career working with them, I love my job. She won't drive me away from a job I love, but I feel stuck in a bad situation with her that will continue to get worse. My Aunty was my go to support person in times of need, without her I'm a little lost. Animals bring me joy and my pet cat is a big support for me. I often cry into his fur as I listen to his soothing purrs. Well that's been me for the last 12 months. Feels nice to write it all out and hope that someone else out there is listening.

Hey. New member here

replies: 2

Hi guys. I go by my chosen name, Filo, 28 living in Sydney for almost 6 years now. Moved to Australia with no family - till present. I had a fair share of good and bad moments down under. I came out to my family about 2 years ago after being in the closet until I decided to stop denying about my queerness. As someone who was born and raised to a very devoted Christian family, I’ve lived in fear in the household as there was no way I’ll be accepted as a gay child. My mental health hasn’t been very well and my network of support is very limited.

Broken

replies: 1

Hi i have recently turned 52. Mom to a ten yr old. Currently getting phone help from a mental health professional and decided to look for extra help online. Most of my anxiety is social based and Centrelink is the worst problem i have. Threats and blackmail of suspending payments if i dont jump when they say jump. Despite knowing full well i have physical and mental issues on going. I am old tired and broken and they are black and white and heartless. Just an email or phone call causes anxiety heart palpitations gastro nightmares insomnia stomach pain. I am so tired of having them run my life. I even wish for life threatening illnesses or accidents so they will leave me alone. I have a son i need to care for i can't get sick yet i still I wish i would so they will just leave me alone. They calles me on a sunday on mother's day completing ruining MY day. Weekends used to be my safe happy place because before they couldn't get to me. Now with emails and text they can get to me any time day or night weekends i live in fear and anxiety because of them

Hi everybody, new member here!

replies: 2

My name is Victor and I am 30 years of age. I am from AustraliaI have dealt with mental health issues for about 8 years now.I struggle with serious depression, anxiety and agoraphobia. I have joined this forum to seek help in overcoming these mental health issues, as well as meeting others who share similar struggles as me, so we can fight the battle together and feel less alone. My hobbies are lifting weights, boxing and mixed martial arts. Over the past 8 years, I have tried over 10 medications, 4 different therapists, testosterone therapy, meditation, journaling, spent thousands on supplements, vitamins etc and reaching out to others.I am starting to get into more daily exercise to better my mental health. I am currently forcing myself to go to the gym at least 3x a week, and going for walks regularly. I am also on my 13th day of eating healthier and hoping my symptoms of depression and anxiety improve.Hope you all have a great day

Depression looming

replies: 6

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I’m grateful to be here on this website. Over the past month roughly things have taken a turn for the worst for me. I don’t have the words to express it. Once the days got shorter, the nights longer every thing changed. I have Bipolar type 1 so I can’t take antidepressants from bad experiences. This scares me a lot. I keep giving myself a hard time with a huge inner critic. On the bright side, I have a son who is in preschool I try keep strong for him. I’m a full time uni student and I have been at it for 4 years (part time) when my little guy was younger. Still have 2 years to go… it feels like forever to go still. I feel like there is a pressure on my chest, my jaw is often clenched. I am a mess right now! I have told my mum a bit about what’s going on- she’s supportive but there is not much I can do to help myself. I practice mindfulness, I walk when I can, I see a psychologist , I take my meds and try to be positive. Any suggestions for this exhausted soul are greatly welcomed. Thank you if you read this.

Lonely and scared

replies: 5

Hello Im 65 and due to have major surgery soon. Its a little risky for me. All my family is interstate and we dont talk a lot anyway. I have a 19 yo son here but he is living his own life and I really dont want to stress him. Hes a great guy and I love him dearly. I have extreme social anxiety so have no friends. I am just feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Would love to lnow how to overcome this loneliness.

LONELY

replies: 4

I've just turned 87 and spend a lot of time at home alone. I've got a plethora of health problems that necessitate continual visits to hospitals, and doctors and undergoing medical procedures.I had a best friend who passed away just before Christmas and I've really felt his passing.I'm a gay man so there are not many clubs that I can join to meet other men my age. As each day rolls into the next I get down-hearted and sad.I try to be positive but it's hard if you're alone. My only outlet is in writing, but I can't do that all day long. I want to chat with people about anything and everything.Well, here's hoping.

Washing Machine of Emotions

replies: 2

Hello Apologies if posting in wrong section.I am unable to deal or accept my mistake in judgement I had a comfortable good life, but threw it away due to pride and thinking I was standing up for myself. I should have forgiven, instead I took the high road and ended up regretting my decision. How does one live with regret! Time hasn’t healed nor has therapy. I am literally being eaten away by remorse. I want what I once had, but it’s way too late. I was wrong and truly can not forgive myself. I’ve lost in life. How does one deal with utter regret and self loathing?

Just saying Hi, introduction time :-)

replies: 2

Hi all whom come across this, my name is Possum I'm a 27-year-old queer disabled artist from WAI am new to this so please be gentle and patient. I have experienced Mental health issues my whole life, i grew up in a domestic violence home my father was a drug addict whom was very heavy handed to my mother and i saw it all, he died when i was 6 of an overdose, after that my mum whom has her own issues didn't really know how to raise me, we never properly bonded i and as i got older she sort of grew to hate me as i reminded her of my dad. She met my step dad the year my father died, once my mum started to resent me we fought everyday about everything she was violent to me until i got big enough to fight back, she ended up having two other children and putting all of her attention into them as i (had had enough attention) i became the black sheep, the fighting between us was nonstop and i often would run away but have nowhere to go as she didn't speak to any of her family and she gate kept me from my dad's family after his death, i would be threatened with boarding school or even adoption blah blah blah after high school she kicked me out, i didn't see her or my stepdad or siblings for eight years. when covid hit i found myself in a psychosis and homeless i ran back to mummy, whom was a completely different person but i knew she was still the same, i remained there in pieces as she tried to fix me and accused me of doing drugs as MH is not real and its (all in my head) her old ways quickly came back, since then iv moved in and out multiple times because I've gone to rehab, or had to leave where i was living, she's always let me back BUT Shes a complete narcissist and will not take any ownership over her part in my childhood, she won't help me get MH help because she thinks ill fall into the system of just being on drugs (which i get but like) c'mon Mother. Anyways I'm trying figure out how people with struggles like live a normal life, when parents have such high expectations on us and don't understand us at all, I've been diagnosed with literally everything Pda Autism,ADHD,Dyslexia,GAD,OCD,BPD,DEPRESSION,BIPOLAR.So, I'm keen to talk about all of that as well as addiction, self-harm, Disassociation, Gender, Sexuality, Trauma, Autism, Cost of living, how fucked the world is, Relationships, Abandonment. open book pls help

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Brain zaps aren't always from withdrawal. replies: 8

The last 12 months replies: 2

Hey. New member here replies: 2

Broken replies: 1

Hi everybody, new member here! replies: 2

Depression looming replies: 6

Lonely and scared replies: 5

LONELY replies: 4

Washing Machine of Emotions replies: 2

Just saying Hi, introduction time :-) replies: 2