Welcome and Orientation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Sorted by:

Start a discussion

27 years of depression

replies: 2

I (27f) have been living with major depression, anxiety, stress, borderline personality disorder and pre menstrual dysphoric disorder for as long as I can remember. I have done all the things you think someone with these issues would do, both good and bad. unfortunately like many I have seen the point of no return too many times, with endless professionals turning me away because it is difficult to treat, my organs don’t absorb medication right, and my work hours go down, then pay, then I have no therapy at all. I feel I am dealing with this completely in my own just like I did 15 years ago. I am nearly 30 and those kind of actions aren’t acceptable as I am supposed to know better, and I do. It just starts a horrible cycle. I feel there is no advice I haven’t considered or taken on board. Every resource has been exhausted. Hospitals let me go home. don’t get me wrong, I have a support system and many things to be grateful for.

Short intro

replies: 5

Hello, my name is Merricat. I am a woman in my 60's who lives happily on my own. I have no formal diagnosis to share with you but my Dr of 35 years said that I show signs of ASD. I do not want a formal diagnosis as it's not important to me. For the time being I am just going to read the posts on this forum. Maybe when I feel more comfortable I will post a thread to explain why I am so frightened at the moment. Thank you.Merricat

First Post. Just Struggling. Need Advise

replies: 3

First post here so apologies if I am in the incorrect area. I'm a 31 year old Male and I've bottled up a lot of this over my life but recently it all came crashing down. I am single, have been all my life. It recently hit me that I am going to die alone if I don't do anything about it. This is what triggered my mental breakdown and why over the last couple of days I've basically eaten nothing, slept, done nothing productive and of course crying to myself. The problem is, 99% of people my age have at least had previous relationships they've learnt from. I am petrified of starting on the dating apps. The fear of not getting a match and validating that I don't deserve happiness stops me from doing it and me being extremely shy, socially awkward and introverted also doesn't help. I also hate taking photo's of myself as I despise how I look in photo's so I don't have anything to add to my profile. The most recent photo I have that I like is from 5 years ago. Add on top of this I'm still a virgin so I'm terrified of disappointing someone on my first time. I don't think I am afraid of dating itself, it's the fear that no one will actually want to give me a shot. Plus I actually just don't know how to meet people and I don't really hear much good news about the dating apps. I don't necessarily hate myself but I more hate the fact that I am unable to actually commit to fixing myself. What can I do to gain some confidence in myself? I am petrified of putting myself out there and every time I convince myself to try I setup my dating profile and when it comes to adding pictures I freeze. Appreciate any help. I don't really have anyone I'm confident in talking to.

Janine

replies: 2

Hi Everyone,Thank you BB for all that you do and allowing me to become a part of this amazing forum.I am a Mental Health Support Mentor with 'Lived Experience' of mental health and recovery.Previously working as a Peer Support Worker (family & friends)I research and study in my quiet time and work in the community, and I am very passionate about all mental health and well being.

I am 66 yrs old and feeling absolutely hopeless with life

replies: 7

Hi everyone...I'm Liz, 65 years old, mother and grandmother. My family all live in different cities and i am left here alone with my husband of 42 years (who i really don't want around anymore). In the past I have suffered many many episodes of Depression & Anxiety and I am spiralilng down again right now. I have had many things happen to me in the last year which have finally explained alot and I've realised I have taken Medication in the past hoping of changing some of this (umm no)...I just can't go down this path anymore. Medication (I'm on none yet) will just subdue me and make it easier to accept my lot. I am sick of being so passive, sad, hopeless, no confidence, trapped and unable to make decisions regarding my future (possibly on my own). During COVID I abused alcohol and relationships with my family suffered. I no longer drink now. My husnamd during this time spoke BEHIND my back to my kids about me and my behaviour and because of this they think he is wonderful and I am not. He is a covert narcissist and I never knew. I just don't know what to do next. I have not gone to the Doctor for a Mental Health Plan again. I don't think anyone can help me. I've seen a Psychiatrist and many Psychologists over the years but now I think I need someone who can help me to take the steps forward to free myself. I do not work as I can't be around people. I am not yet of Pension Age. Financial reasons is the main reason I am still with my Husband. I think of suicide (briefly mostly) nearly every day. This stage of my life I am not enjoying in the least...there is no joy except when I visit family or they visit here. Thank you for any guidance or similar experiences please.

Abdu

replies: 1

Hi,I am about to have my house cleaned professionally. It's in severe squalor. I was wondering if anyone else had been through the process could give any warnings or tips. I'm the owner, It's a Unit, in Brisbane.I have a mental health care plan and anxiety medication. It's been really difficult to fins help from any agency or the Council despite many websites expressing the theories of my condition being a recognised disorder. I can usually work but this cleanup means both health wise and time wise I can't so I'm also in the process of getting paid through sick leave and super insurance.I get very confused at times as I try to research and plan for this so progress is slow. I am being helped by family.Thank you A

Confused and lonely

replies: 2

Hi. I'm a 38 year old mum and this past year has been so hard. My partner is always belittling me, calling me names and anything he does wrong he blames me for. I've found out some shocking truths about him that's made me feel sick. He constantly lies and takes no responsibility for anything. My eldest daughter a few months back became unconscious and I had to perform cpr. I already have ptsd from my own life threatening asthma attacks and this was even worse as it's my baby. My life already feels overwhelming sometimes and now to make things worse we've been kicked out of our house. Apparently my partner owes $17,000 that I didn't know about and now he's once again trying to pin it on me. It's my fault because he has to buy food every week for our family so he reckons he can't afford it. I feel depressed all the time. I was in coles the other day and just about broke down. I feel like nothing is going to get better despite the fact I know that's not true. I just feel helpless and lost right now.

First post, increased worry and helplessness

replies: 3

Hello this is my first post and I'm not really sure what I'm doing but thought writing might help. I'm 47, married with 2 adult children who have both moved back home in the last 12 months due to relationship breakdowns. They both suffer mental illness, both smoke cannabis and drink, and neither work. I worry so much about them as well as my elderly mum, for whom I am carer. I find myself laying awake, listening through the night for crying or other sounds of distress. When I first wake up my heart starts racing and again, I listen to who's up and what mood they're in. I take on their problems and feelings like they're my own, crying when I'm alone but smiling when they're around so they don't know and to keep their moods high. I'm exhausted. My husband worries for me, and tells me if I don't stop I'll die from worry. I find myself dreading going home, dreading going to my mum's (she lives in a retirement village) and without any real place of rest and solitude. I love them all so much and can't bear the thought of any one in distress and want to make everything ok for them. I worry if I don't they will think I don't care. That they'll then harm themselves or something. It's unbearable. I want to know how to switch off from it all. I suffer terrible stomach pains, shoulder and neck pain and have chronic health conditions myself that I am neglecting. I often make Drs appointments for myself that I end up cancelling because someone else's problems become more important, or in the kids cases I give them my appointment because our family Dr is hard to get into spontaneously. I'm so tired.

Support Resources

replies: 1

Hi, I’m not sure if this post is okay but I’m compiling a list of resources for myself, working in the community service sector for resources. We have many clients who come in with all kinds of problems and it would be great to have places I feel confident to send them for the help and support they need. If anyone has any experiences with organisations that have helped out in the Melbourne south east areas I would love to hear about them.

Hello -first time poster

replies: 2

Hello All. I’m 40 f and I am all over the shop. My other half and I have been together for over 20yrs (not married) we have a 9yr old - thx to IVf . I have endometriosis and adneymosis and looking at a partial hysto. my other half - i love him- but he just beats me down - not physically - more like mentally / emotionally. He got really mad at me for dinner tonight andi overcooked the veges so I had to re cook them. If I showed him I was upset/ tears he will get mad and tell meto stop carrying on . He then later on as we went to bed - wanted me todo something- I have no drive and i said nonot Tonite please - he got allsooky and grabbed my hand .. down there and then guided me I didn’t cry - in my head I was - I didn’t say no -I just did it … and he was happy went tosleep and I’m now wide awake at 1am. Still reeling and trying notto cry - he thinks this hysto will solve all my libido problems - he thinks my anxiety is in my Head. He has strong opinions on mental health so I dont open up. He puts our son down with his sport - as like ajoke - but I can tell it starting to eat at him … he makes gay jokes and homophobia and he knows how strongly view is as my cousin whom I love and are very close too has a long term gf—— and my best friend is gay … so he doesn’t understand how much ithurts me . I don’t know - I’m lost / I have no one to talk too.. can’t talk to anyone … I’m walking on eggshells …. I keep my thoughts to myself . — thank you for listening

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

27 years of depression replies: 2

Short intro replies: 5

First Post. Just Struggling. Need Advise replies: 3

Janine replies: 2

I am 66 yrs old and feeling absolutely hopeless with life replies: 7

Abdu replies: 1

Confused and lonely replies: 2

First post, increased worry and helplessness replies: 3

Support Resources replies: 1

Hello -first time poster replies: 2