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Sophie_M 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 Be... View more

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.

Aaronsis 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 th... View more

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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Need_hope Rock bottom
  • replies: 6

How mamy times can you hit rock bottom? I have alcohol and gambling addictions which i have battling for over 30 years i have tried everything to stop. The self loathing and hatred of myself is endless. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. An... View more

How mamy times can you hit rock bottom? I have alcohol and gambling addictions which i have battling for over 30 years i have tried everything to stop. The self loathing and hatred of myself is endless. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Any advice on how to overcome this illness?

Sophie_M Why is my display name (or someone elses) looking a bit different?
  • replies: 3

Hello everyone and thank you for being a part of this wonderful community, You may notice your display name has changed a little bit recently, this is because as we update our Forums some character types are no longer available. Your name may have ch... View more

Hello everyone and thank you for being a part of this wonderful community, You may notice your display name has changed a little bit recently, this is because as we update our Forums some character types are no longer available. Your name may have changed slightly if you joined while we were using some older technology. If your username has updated and you want to chat with us about changing it please contact modsupport@beyondblue.org.au. The following characters are allowed : alphanumeric (a-z, A-Z, 0-9), dashes and underscores Thanks again for all of your support and for making this space the kind, open and helpful place that it is! Kind regards, Sophie M

RainbowCuddle Rough moments
  • replies: 4

Hi there, The past month has been rough as ! My car needed repairing in late May and is finally being attended to so me and my 2 kids have relied on walking, public transport and putting things on hold. I have had to ask for help for lifts from frien... View more

Hi there, The past month has been rough as ! My car needed repairing in late May and is finally being attended to so me and my 2 kids have relied on walking, public transport and putting things on hold. I have had to ask for help for lifts from friends but not very often because I am a people pleaser and absolutely hate asking for help. My mobile phone stopped charging and I am still waiting for Telstra to send a replacement yet a friend lent me her broken screen one in the meantime. I lost contacts and pics but at least I can still communicate if need be, especially with my parents that live overseas. I also broke one of the arms off my prescription glasses so relying on daily disposable contact lenses and an old pair that isn't the right prescription. I also contracted Covid19 after being so careful with my hygiene and what I do. This is Day 5. I am due to go back to work next month after mat leave but I am not ready with all this ****. I have a GP appointment tomorrow over the phone. I have suffered anxiety and depression for a while now. I feel I need some light at the end of the tunnel. I will go back to my exercises and walks after this isolation period is over. Any advice?

Miranda_ Constantly trying to Fill the Void
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I’m new here. My partner and I, had our first abortion this year, and I am struggling mentally since. It was my first pregnancy and I feel deep regret and sadness. I have been struggling with depression for almost 10 years now and apart ... View more

Hi everyone, I’m new here. My partner and I, had our first abortion this year, and I am struggling mentally since. It was my first pregnancy and I feel deep regret and sadness. I have been struggling with depression for almost 10 years now and apart from that, this experience has really affected my heart. I am 22 and I work in the mines as an electrician and I have no family or friends for hours away. This is the first year of my life 22 years of life that I haven’t got a single girlfriend. I have forgotten how to socialise and be a normal human. I am terribly lonely, and just need a girlfriend to grab coffee with

Sophie_M Share your experience - Research project needs volunteers
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, Beyond Blue are joining forces with researchers from Swinburne University, the University of Tasmania and James Cook University who are keen to learn about your experiences using the online forums. So, who can take part? They are looking... View more

Hi everyone, Beyond Blue are joining forces with researchers from Swinburne University, the University of Tasmania and James Cook University who are keen to learn about your experiences using the online forums. So, who can take part? They are looking for people to take part in a research interview who are over 18 years old, live in rural or remote areas, so places outside of the major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, and all other major cities. By taking part, you’ll be helping us to get a better understanding of how the online forums work for people in rural areas. What’s involved? The university researchers would like to chat for about 40 minutes by a phone call or Zoom call, whichever you prefer! Once you’ve spoken to them, you will also receive a Giftpay e-voucher of $50 as a thank you for your time. All responses will be confidential and they won’t use your real name when reporting their findings. If you’re keen to help out and share your experience using the online forums, click HERE Then, they’ll work with you to set up a convenient date and time for a conversation. Thank you!

Anonymous_mum How to deal with my husbands porn addiction
  • replies: 4

I don’t really know how to write this, I am so lost. I wouldn’t normally reach out to strangers but I can’t talk to family or friends due to wanting to protect my husband and how people might view him and also embarrassment. I thought we were wonderf... View more

I don’t really know how to write this, I am so lost. I wouldn’t normally reach out to strangers but I can’t talk to family or friends due to wanting to protect my husband and how people might view him and also embarrassment. I thought we were wonderful. We have been together for 6 years and we fell head over heals for each other and never fell apart until just after Our first little bub was born nearly two years ago I found out about 7 months after her birth that my husband had a porn addiction and had one from the start of our relationship. I was heart broken, he said it would stop then a month later I found out it was continuing. We have slowly been getting through it and working on my trust but now, 3 months after my second bub is born, I found out he never stopped. i feel like he has taken everything away from me, my memories of him, enjoying being a mother and a family. I am breaking, please.

Corr I'm new
  • replies: 4

Hi, I just joined and I'm not sure if this is for me but I thought I would give it a go. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and I've gone through a break up of a long term relationship recently. I've found I don't really have much support beyond m... View more

Hi, I just joined and I'm not sure if this is for me but I thought I would give it a go. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and I've gone through a break up of a long term relationship recently. I've found I don't really have much support beyond my immediate family and I'm struggling with loneliness as well as finding ways to cope with my anxiety so I can meet new people and try to build a support network of sorts. Thanks for having me!

Stagnated Anxious lost
  • replies: 8

Hello It appears that I find myself once again reaching out in time of need. Anxiety and self doubt plagues me during the night and I wake to overwhelming feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. My emotions churning at the base of my throat and on... View more

Hello It appears that I find myself once again reaching out in time of need. Anxiety and self doubt plagues me during the night and I wake to overwhelming feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. My emotions churning at the base of my throat and on the brink of tears. You see, I self loathe. Even in my 60’s and a Grandparent I am unable to shake the feeling of worthlessness. Divorce many a moons a-go, left me ostracised by my Ex’s family. A family I tried for many years to prove my worthiness, and tried to adopt, where I had none. I just wanted to be loved and have a family I can be apart of. Yet due to my Ex marrying outside of his race, I was always reminded my acceptance was purely to please a cherished Son and I was to behave as a good wife! At that time, I was a broken physically abused teenager, wanting out from a horrible home existence, who foolishly and naively married to get away from Hell. Only to jump back in. I was made to stay home and as a result had no career or made outside lasting friendships. Marriage over, children have grown, and have a family and I still find myself without a career or the skill set to making friends. My children see their father near each week, I only once every 3 months or so. I take it that I cannot offer them anything they need like Networking, people in the know, etc. I don’t have connections they can use in the outside world. I am useless and pathetic. Boredom kills me, I have way too much time on hand to think. I’ve studied over the years, gained my degrees or certificates but due to circumstances beyond my control ( yes the Ex after 12 yrs still has my finances under his control) I am unable to work. I hate myself and ever single time I fight to move forward, make friends, join groups, I get no where. Whatever little friends I have rarely call because their priorities have changed. I am invisible, worthless and have no value and it hurts so much. So very much.

Red_m My mum is dying of cancer and Im so angry
  • replies: 8

My mum (50) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere 2 months ago.we were told 4-6m.shes been so strong and being her oldest child I have tried so hard to keep it together for her and my own family.i can't process any feelings going on. ... View more

My mum (50) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere 2 months ago.we were told 4-6m.shes been so strong and being her oldest child I have tried so hard to keep it together for her and my own family.i can't process any feelings going on. I've done the denial part and now that I understand our new reality I'm just so angry all the time with little to no triggers and not myself at all. I can't seem to talk to anyone about it cause I don't know what to say.but now that my reaction to knowing she will pass soon is affecting my own family I have booked a docs appt. My gut turns st the thought of her not being here. Then I feel bad knowing so many people have it worse and I should be grateful she's still here

Marymag Thanks
  • replies: 4

Hi, someone from BB called me earlier tonight in response to a distressing comment or a thread i started or etc. Im still trying to find my way in this site/page. im a but tech backwards. Im safe for now. Thanks Im just really struggling to get real ... View more

Hi, someone from BB called me earlier tonight in response to a distressing comment or a thread i started or etc. Im still trying to find my way in this site/page. im a but tech backwards. Im safe for now. Thanks Im just really struggling to get real ongoing help at the moment, my GP retired a yr ago and i havent found a new one im happy with, and my mental health has declined rapidly over the past few months, just lately its been especially bad so im in a bit of a tough spot. Im certain i need a meds review and to start back with a psyc or councellor, its just such and effort to get out of bed, let alone shower etc. Im sure my posting/writting will be fairly erratic for a while but its helping, im not somebody who diarises at all but im finding this very cathartic, esp when others relate, the saying “ a problem shared, is a problem halved” seems to apply here. Im grateful to all of you brave people who have written in these forums and feel I'm among my own kind, I'm also grateful for all who have commented. Im scared of how agitated and reactive i can get, its really distressing, ive never had this much trouble grounding myself, ive been practicing mindfullness for many years now and am drawing on every tool in the box with very little affect, so all your tips and reminders are appreciated. Thanks for letting me ramble n rant.