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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Oppurtunity to join a Research Project!

replies: 3

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!

Hi from a new member

replies: 4

Hi Just want to talk to someone that I can be open. Being anonymous might allow me to be open more compared to talking to family and friends.

Introducing myself

replies: 4

Hi there, I'm not really sure how to start this, or what to bring up. I know what I want to say, but can't think of an order and I don't want it all to just spill out at once. Ever since I left university 7 years ago from feeling homesick, I've gone deeper and deeper into a shell. No career, no experience, no friends to see, scared of everything even just talking. I spend most of my days in my room, feeling like a burden for my parents who look after me even though they have their jobs. What's worse is feeling guilty for all of it. The regret of not doing what I should have when younger. To be so far inside my own head that escape seems impossible. That now I'm in my 30's and have achieved absolutely nothing in life except consuming time and media. It's hard trying to contain it all, and that's what I have to do because any sort of change puts me on edge. Not being able to get the help I need because of limitations of resources is the cherry on top of the pain sundae I eat everyday. But I know I'm not the only one who feels this, so maybe that's why I'm crying while writing this. I've never been able to follow things as is, so if anyone has any tips I'd be appreciative. I don't want to give up on this, but it's getting increasingly more difficult finding my identity and worth, and not wanting to be a burden anymore.

hi! I am new here...

replies: 4

Hi, saw this website when I googled depression and tried to understand myself. I am ok most of the times, but there are just days when overwhelming emotions that I can't contain just came rushing over me and I feel crazy trying to understand while trying to pinpoint memories when I was a kid as a culprit, hurting over something that it's not even a big deal if I have to be logical about it. It makes me crazy trying to figure out the WHYs of how I am feeling... anger over something trivial , sadness , helplessness, or a feeling that I don't even have a word for it. Talking to family about it doesn't seem to be a good idea, the last time I attempted, I was at the peak of feeling of frustration and I was interpreted as someone who is disrespectful and ungrateful and I am still in the process of accepting that they won't be able to understand me. All the more now, I am scared to be judged on why I feel what I feel so i normally resort to suppressing these feelings over the last few years.

Busy life not enough hours in a day

replies: 8

Hi all, Reaching out due to heightened anxiety and pressures related to struggles finding a daily time balance. Anxiety and expectations are impacting my focus and sleep. Juggling a young family, children and my own extracurricular activities, household tasks, renovations and work is weighing me down and I'm finding I've got not much left in the tank to be truely present for my children and husband. Of an evening I'm looking to alcohol to take edge off anxiety and slow down but this is making me feel guilty as I know it's not healthy. Alcohol is a big social habit with my friends and family, 'lets meet up for a drink & chat etc' hard to avoid even though its often under 3 drinks it feels like a weakness that I indulge in. I believe my anxiety is feeding self doubt, lowering my motivation and impacting my ability to handle daily tasks at home or at work Any tips on how to help, reduce as anxiety and self pressures, prioritise family relationships but also complete workloads at home and at work? Not asking much lol I think I'm seeking someone to resonate with so I feel less overwhelmed.

Life is to hard

replies: 7

Hi, for over 5 years I wanted to leave my husband due to narcissism and accusations he wouldn’t constantly make if he thought I would be cheating on him. I stayed with him as we have kids together, as my oldest daughter was badly bullied, and the other excelled I was so exhausted, I continued to build career, keep study and managed to support myself. I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression as my husband is demanding, it’s my youngest last year of school and I thought things were going to be ok, but my oldest attempted last week.This has shattered all of us. I’m trying to be strong for everyone, yet have no support as my dad had quadruple bypass and I am unable to tell him as his too weak. I just don’t know what todo anymore? how do we stay strong. How do I do this?

Seeking help

replies: 4

Hey, I’m seeking help for what’s happening to me right now. I’ve been taking medication for anxiety for year now, but I’m starting to become frustrated and irritable at work. I’m worried I may be disaplined if I have another bad day.

My mind: A half-way house

replies: 2

Hello to all, Im 32 and feeling so lost with myself that i am ashamed. I have had a moderately successful life, i have two degrees, am a lawyer, i have a house, a car, friends, a family. But underneath the success is a little bubbling brook of fear, anxiety, depression and recently some thoughts of hopelessness that thankfully, have not furthered into dark thoughts. Being a successful person reaching middle age makes me feel so much guilt for being mentally ill when so many others have things far worse. I have a lot to be grateful for yet here i am. I named this thread thus so, as i feel that i am in a half-way situation with my mental battle. I have already identified previous feelings of PTSD. Previous issues with my mum and have seen multiple psychologists. I have worked through most of my previous issues to the point where i feel 'half-way' cured but, the skills, tools and self-awareness just seem to not be enough. I am that person who walks into a room and hides it and feels the dread of anxiety which leaves me feeling lonely and isolated. I am single with so much love to give and can't seem to find someone who values me for me. I feel rejected, like there is something wrong with me and at times, that i may never have someone to share my love with. I am prone to overthinking social things like whether someone likes me based on my instincts. The negative thought spirals are endless. Right now i am also at a crossroad with my career. i no longer want to practice law but do not know what my next step is and how to reach that next step. I am stuck, lost, lonely, anxious and therefore, depressed about my situation. I have reached out to friends and i can read them well...they are worried about me so i thought it best to take some steps to help myself which is why im here. i would like just one day where i feel at peace. no hum of anxiety, no depressive thoughts. just one day.

help me please

replies: 4

I am a mum to a 6 and 8 year old, with no support and I have had enough.

Wondering what’s the point?

replies: 6

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting on here, so I’m not really sure where to start… I’ve been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and OCD, and have been told by a shrink that I’m pretty well on the borderline of having bipolar. I’ve also recently been told by my new boss, who used to be a nurse, that she’d be surprised if I wasn’t on the autism spectrum, at the high-functioning end. I guess you could say I drew the short straw on a lot of things in life. Lately I’ve just really been struggling, wondering what the point is of continuing. I have a great family who love me and I’ve started a new job a couple of months ago, but I’m really struggling to see any purpose, any light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not sure where else to turn.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Oppurtunity to join a Research Project! replies: 3

Hi from a new member replies: 4

Introducing myself replies: 4

hi! I am new here... replies: 4

Busy life not enough hours in a day replies: 8

Life is to hard replies: 7

Seeking help replies: 4

My mind: A half-way house replies: 2

help me please replies: 4

Wondering what’s the point? replies: 6