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Sophie_M Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support
  • replies: 1

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be ... View more

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be a distressing time for many of us to support one another. Recognising that the impacts of a natural disaster can occur both before, during and after, we have prepared some resources which we hope can be helpful: From the Queensland Government, Useful information to help you get ready for a cyclone:Home | Get Ready Queensland Emotional Preparedness: Prepare your mind | Australian Red Cross Three-steps-to-emotionally-prepare-for-the-disaster-season.pdf What now? Coping after the event: Coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress | Australian Red Cross Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross As always, if you wish to speak to a counsellor, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. Stay safe, everyone, and take good care of yourself during what can be a deeply challenging time. Kind regards Sophie M

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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Stagnated Traumatised
  • replies: 2

Good evening Three years ago whilst on holidays, my house was burgled. Jewellery that was to be passed down to my children was stolen, along with other items. I have very little to give my children and I prided myself at being able to, over the years... View more

Good evening Three years ago whilst on holidays, my house was burgled. Jewellery that was to be passed down to my children was stolen, along with other items. I have very little to give my children and I prided myself at being able to, over the years, work for and accumulate jewellery that held emotional value. I was hoping to start a tradition, to leave a legacy, that I myself was never afforded by my parents, even though my siblings were. I’ve never gotten over the emotional shock, violation, betrayal and the absolute pain and distressed caused by the theft. So much so, I suffered a heart attack. To this day even the slightest thought or anything about jewellery brings tears and the welling up of churning emotions. I feel helpless, angry, outraged, shattered and have no closure. Throughout my life, I’ve suffered both physical and psychological abuse. Then I have this violation happen. How does one get over trauma.It was more than materialistic items to me, it was my love of wanting to leave a legacy my children can see, touch and enjoy.I feel sick to the stomach.I am not coping even after all these years.

Jafar the Barmecide Starting over at 51
  • replies: 42

Ok, this is take 2 of my first post, I was wisely advised to edit it as I probably gave too much detail and risked doxxing myself and went into triggering territory so here is the revised post- Sometime ago (redacted to summarise) I had legal issues,... View more

Ok, this is take 2 of my first post, I was wisely advised to edit it as I probably gave too much detail and risked doxxing myself and went into triggering territory so here is the revised post- Sometime ago (redacted to summarise) I had legal issues, and as a result I lost my job, my car, my license, the respect of my family, friends and colleagues, my dignity, my house and eventually, my freedom. I was in a dark place, that is allI can probably say The journey from there to where I am now is why I am here. I have been through a hell of a lot more than 2500 characters can describe and there is still a long way to go. I am now homeless and unemployed with a conviction that is proving to be a barrier to progress. I have to start over, I have to find a reason to live, some spark that gets me up in the morning. If I can get myself through this, I will be well placed to help others who find themselves starting over, whether they have just been released from prison or newly sober and commited to remaining that way or need help navigating the courts and justice department, I now have experience to share in all these areas and if that can make a difference in even one person's life, then I have found my spark, my reason to live. My goal is to get to a place where I am comfortable enough to turn around and reach out to people on the same path, learning how to use the systems and services put in place to help people in the most effective way possible by using those services. Beyond Blue is one of those services. I'm here to learn and share and try to stay focussed in the face of the daunting task of starting over at 51.

Dawn123 Psychologist dilemma
  • replies: 4

I used to see a psychologist around ten years ago and when I felt that we were not getting anywhere due to a lack of connection left that clinic. I will now be returning to that clinic to see a different psychologist, will my previous records be avai... View more

I used to see a psychologist around ten years ago and when I felt that we were not getting anywhere due to a lack of connection left that clinic. I will now be returning to that clinic to see a different psychologist, will my previous records be available to the new psychologist or does my new psychologist start a new record. Also how long are the old psychologist records kept for after leaving a clinic, are they archived or destroyed after a period of time.

roomtempnoodles Possible bipolar and/or BPD?
  • replies: 6

Recently i've been unwell and started noticing unusual changes in my mood. I'm 19 and i've been having violent mood swings + severe episodes of panic attacks / anger / anxiety / depression. it's been affecting relationships with my family + friends +... View more

Recently i've been unwell and started noticing unusual changes in my mood. I'm 19 and i've been having violent mood swings + severe episodes of panic attacks / anger / anxiety / depression. it's been affecting relationships with my family + friends + current love interest to the point where i've been locking myself in my wardrobe as a sense of comfort and isolation. Most days staying in bed is all i can do because of how mentally exhausted i've been. i've stopped doing things i enjoy doing and i haven't been leaving the house. i have an overwhelming feeling of shame + worthlessness + and not being good enough. i just feel empty and i don't know how to cope with it or control it.

Scampa looking for some direction
  • replies: 9

Hi , all , lve been a member for a while now but decided to reach out for some help , not sure exactly what to say or where to start but I can no longer stand the pain Im in or function as I would normally like . my mental health is suffering badly a... View more

Hi , all , lve been a member for a while now but decided to reach out for some help , not sure exactly what to say or where to start but I can no longer stand the pain Im in or function as I would normally like . my mental health is suffering badly as is my marriage , work , drug and alcohol abuse , , Ive booked in to see a doctor tomorrow to discuss counseling options in my area and really just needed to release the thoughts of this from my headspace , Thanks

Cookiebelle Feel I Am Falling Apart
  • replies: 10

HiI have come here because I feel my life is out of control. I am an older single mother with an 18 year old son. I have no support from anyone and never had. I suffer from anxiety and depression and I am trying to find a nice place inside now he is ... View more

HiI have come here because I feel my life is out of control. I am an older single mother with an 18 year old son. I have no support from anyone and never had. I suffer from anxiety and depression and I am trying to find a nice place inside now he is at University and working. I think because I have had so much drama, grief and trauma over the years I now feel totally dead inside. I only want to sleep/eat/drink...repeat. I have no partner, no social life, no anything other than cleaning the house and still running around after my son. He is great but he has been molly coddled by me all of his life and I am still having to ensure he is doing the right thing with Uni and getting up and getting ready for work (and taking him there as he is yet to get his licence).I have just started a job which I think is going to be good for me if I can find the confidence and gain the skills required. It is a very responsible role and I am suffering major anxiety thinking I will not be good enough. That then makes me feel I have to resign and go back to my lonely miserable existence. Which I really don't want to do!I am not sure what I expect out of this post. I can assure you all that I have tried everything...every medical professional under the sun..exercise..diet..meditation etc. I just feel totally hollow and unless I am stuffing myself full of food or alcohol I don't feel right. It is a terrible way to be. Now I have written this I am sensing that this entire situation is around the fact that I have been everything to my son for 18 years and I truly do not know what to do with myself. I have lost myself. I am a shadow of the beautiful woman I used to be. I am old, fat ugly and haggard. I hate myself. I am also very sad that the person I used to be has been reduced to what I am now. Due to my mental health issues (unresolved..not from lack of trying)..lack of family support (indeed dealing with very mean and awful people) and giving everything to my son. Whom I love and adore do not get me wrong. Now he is 18 he is almost independent; which is what I have wanted for so long. But I now feel I am nothing to him. I feel very used by a lot of people and I struggle to make sense of life. The situations we face nowadays certainly does not help. I think that the future is very grim for everyone. Sorry to be a wet blanket and I thank anyone who reads this and can help me in any small way.

Tony 24 Afraid for my wife
  • replies: 51

First timer, Hi Everyone, I'm 84 and my wife had her left lung removed last year, she is struggling and I help her 24/7 but I am getting panic attacks and anxiety attacks, Just seeing her suffering before my eyes, this is my trigger, I cannot get awa... View more

First timer, Hi Everyone, I'm 84 and my wife had her left lung removed last year, she is struggling and I help her 24/7 but I am getting panic attacks and anxiety attacks, Just seeing her suffering before my eyes, this is my trigger, I cannot get away from it. I am seeing a professional next week and have started to take Natures own Calming tablets, I dont want to see my GP and go on anti depression medication, too many side effects. I have this overwhelming fear for her and me being left alone, I have read all I can and go to darts and meet friends, and go for walks. but what happens in the future when you go home to an empty house, how will I survive mentally, I feel I am going mad, have great trouble sleeping , its always on my mind, I try to live in the moment, At my worst I question my worth.

GigiGoogles How are you going, really
  • replies: 11

Hi, Recently things have been pretty chaotic. We’ve been through a pandemic, a tsunami, mass flooding and war. On top of that, we all have lives that can be pretty messy and complicated at times.This is a lot for anyone to process in only a few years... View more

Hi, Recently things have been pretty chaotic. We’ve been through a pandemic, a tsunami, mass flooding and war. On top of that, we all have lives that can be pretty messy and complicated at times.This is a lot for anyone to process in only a few years. So, I just wanted to ask how people are feeling. I know this is a very broad question, but how are you doing?

Gravcyc breaking bad news to someone with depression
  • replies: 4

My brother has severe depression and has not been at work for over six months. I’m really the only support he has. He lives alone, has a couple of friends but has not had any contact for quite some time. He is getting some help from mental health and... View more

My brother has severe depression and has not been at work for over six months. I’m really the only support he has. He lives alone, has a couple of friends but has not had any contact for quite some time. He is getting some help from mental health and psychology services. I speak to him on the phone a couple of times per week, SMS in between. We catch up in person maybe once every 1 to 2 weeks.I’ve been offered a job in another state which is also close to where my adult child & grandchild lives. For me, this is an amazing opportunity, but I have no idea how to break the news to my brother, and to somehow minimise any long-term damage or distress it might cause him, Especially as abandonment is a major theme in his life.I can see him just shutting down, and his depression getting worse.Any thoughts, suggestions, insights would be appreciated.

Sahas Feeling stuck
  • replies: 4

Hi to anyone who might read this. I'm a new member here and must admit that I feel a little anxious about posting. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for most of my life, stemmed from emotional abuse growing up. I have found myself struggling ... View more

Hi to anyone who might read this. I'm a new member here and must admit that I feel a little anxious about posting. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for most of my life, stemmed from emotional abuse growing up. I have found myself struggling with my depression a great deal this year. I'm getting older and feel so behind for my age. I have struggled to figure out what I have wanted to do for a career, and have no relationship experience. I never go anywhere other than study and work commitments, as I only have two friends and these are not close relationships. I've never travelled and rarely explore new places or activities. I feel like over the past 10 years I have tried so hard to figure it all out - to fix things. But I'm in the exact same spot. I'm exhausted from trying only to feel like I haven't progressed at all. I'm scared things will never change. I look around at other people my age and long for what they have. I would love to have passions, friendships and a partner. I have been working so hard with my self talk and have been much more patient and kinder to myself in the past 2 years. This has helped some. But I still struggle with many negative beliefs about myself and life. I feel like I haven't really moved forward and there is no joy in my life. Truth is I'm very lonely and deep down I believe that I will always be alone. Today in particular has been a really tough one and I just needed to get this off my chest.