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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out of the blue

replies: 11

i find my self to burst into tears for no reason. has anyone ever felt like this and how did you deal with the crying. then the next day i can have a good day.

Hello and thank you for the link to MindSpot through Beyond Blue Organisation.

replies: 1

Hello, Just recently at ten days ago now, I had a silent but personally noticeable myocardial infarction. I wanted to die if that be the parting cause from this world at the age of nearly 46 years and due to the HotDoc app showing no availability at my doctors that I go to for six weeks, I took this option to explore Beyond Blue's available help. Hopefully, with the overwhelming complexity of my legitimate complaint and claims, I can see beyond blue to a love and zest for living life again.

Newbie

replies: 6

Hi, I am new here and still trying to learn my way around the site. A little about me. I have suffered with depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I have tried different medications over the years. I have had a lot of trauma in my life. This all became to much for me recently and i made an attempt just over 3 weeks ago. I am currently finding things very difficult. I am not very good at reaching out for help....obviously. I know everyone says call anytime day or night but for me it is not that easy. I know i have many who love me but sometimes it just feels so lonely and everyone is so busy with their own lives in these crazy times. I am hoping to be able to maybe chat or read others stories of how they have coped & been able to progress & move forward. What I have recently been through has been very confronting in some ways & I am also feeling a lot of guilt. I don't currently know how to talk about it or who to talk to. I have just started with a new psychologist so I am hoping that it a start.

Introducing myself: GTL

replies: 4

Hi all. Just reaching out to share my story and chat as much as I can. I believe in truth telling and honesty and have come a long way because of my depression. My long-time psychologist has helped me to accept my depression and understand that is has had some positive impacts upon who I am and what I've done. I've a long history of battling depression including a lot of success with exercise as therapy (cycling) as well as meditation and mindfulness to an extent, when I'm feeling strong, and medication most of the time because I'm only human. I have been treated for depression only in the last 10 years, but I've always had it and it's been triggered a great deal in the last decade and quite recently through COVID and associate family tension. I'm also a teacher, and have had quite a lot of success with photography (amateur) and writing two novels (yet to be published) while working full-time. I love to write and I plan to read as much as I can and interact with those with shared interests. I hope to meet a few people and share stories - I don't have an outlet for this at home and I'm excited by the prospect of meeting fellow humane humans :-)Thanks for reading!

I'm tired of the effects of mental, physical and sexual abuse as a child that still impact me as an adult

replies: 7

I know I'm not the only one dealing with this torment, but I feel so alone constantly. There is a certain amount of "help" available but it's just so draining to always be reminded that it's all up to me to make myself feel better after being brought up to believe I am worthless and have no support from friends (partly because I can't let anyone close) or family ( mostly because they gave me to an abusive family and don't want to deal with that on their conscience) which makes me feel it happened because I'm a difficult person. I know in my head that logically it's not true, but I'm just tired of trying to convince myself. Living feels like a battle almost every day. I know I should be thankful for the good stuff in my life, but I just find it hard sometimes to be every support person for myself, and feel jealous sometimes of others who are loved by many and yet have no appreciation for the people who support their every move, even when they mess up. I'm 47 now and just tired of being my only support. I hope someone else can relate to this

Awaiting on Appointment

replies: 4

New to this forum. I live in North QLD and I am on a waiting list ( over 40 days now ) to see a pyschologist and also a psychiatrist. I am not coping at all ( not suicidal ) however the wait is unbeatable waking up crying every morning to face the da... View more

Hi everyone

replies: 7

I just found this forum, I joined because I can't seem to keep a social media account. I am high functioning autistic, married 28 years, 53 years old, two kids, it's alleged I suffer depression although I've always felt I am rationally sad about the things in my life. I'm just hoping to find a community to be part of, really, because I work from home and my wife doesn't live with me and I lack any sort of social interaction. I've had a few friends in recent years but I lost them, one because I disagreed with his morals and one for reasons that would take another 2500 words to explain but basically she and I couldn't be friends without her looking to imply other levels of connection were intended that I was uncomfortable with. I have struggled with that more than once, and would just like a sense of support. I play guitar, I am in a band. I love to cook. I like reading (currently reading Hannah Gadsby, I adore her). I have a dog and I love to take her for walks. That's all I guess.

I’ve completely lost my way

replies: 5

Hi my name is Shannon and I am 49yo male. I’ve suffered with mental health for many years, but all of my 40’s it’s really gone off the rails. I’ve been in and out of a few mental hospitals and seen so many doctors and psychiatrists in my years and been on countless medications. I was an athlete most of my years and have represented Qld and Australia in sport. I’m a published songwriter, published poet and multi award winning photographer. But I have completely lost my way and now pushed everyone away for the past 2 months as I now live alone in a van and go no where or do nothing. It’s really eating me away and yes I’m scared of where my life has ended up! The biggest problem you face when your in such a deep dark hole, is trust! Trusting people, I have been lead down so many dead end roads and faulse promises or lack of help that I trust no one anymore and with that I’m falling deeper and deeper and seriously frightened that I will never get out. Every single day now is just a constant blur. Your thoughts, your vision and your fight for life are all thrown into a uncomfortable feeling of despair and self unworthyness. I have tried everything and completely lost on what to even do next or how to get out of this huge mess. All you ever wanna do is wake up and it was just a bad dream, but then the realisation of it all is it’s no dream, it is reailty. It is so hard to explain it to total strangers and people have there own opinion’s and judgment, which leaves you very fragile. Which will then put my mental illness into instant fright and flight mode and I go straight back into hiding… I hate it, I hate everything about it…. It’s torture, it’s cruel, it’s unfair and so very debilitating. Through all these years suffering I’ve been diagnosed with a few things. PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bi Polar. And when you read up about them, yes I am all these things. But Why? I need honest and approachable guidence, but where do you go where there is trust and real guidance! The mental health system is a major let down and the hospitals are only there to save you if your suicidal. If you even front up there they make you feel worse and belittled and unworthy. That is fact as I have been in and out of the system for the passed 10 years, but yet I’m left feeling worse! I do not what to lose the battle, I am worth fighting for and I’m down on my knees begging for serious help! Please I am begging for honest guidance and serious help… Shannon

Introduction

replies: 2

Hi all, I am reaching out because I am hoping I will feel less alone. I take care of my mental health in terms of regularly seeing psychiatrist and therapy. But this last stint of depression and mild psychosis is wearing me out. I have had hallucinations, treatment resistant depression, hypomania and delusions, and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I am turning 50 years old in June and my first hallucinations started before 10 years old. I have learned to live with hallucinations and they no longer frighten me as they did as a child. These last years they have been pretty innocuous. I self medicated with drugs and alcohol through my late teens and twenties but have been clean and sober for nearly 20 years. I have had periods where the depression has been fairly tame. I have a teenage son, who has multiple disabilities but is well adjusted, happy and doing well in all areas of his life. I coparent with his dad and step mother and it is a friendly and drama free arrangement. I will never seek out suicide because of my son. It is off the table completely and I am medicated enough that I am rational and do not have to be concerned that I will impulsively act out on my suicidal thoughts. but I wish I didn’t want to be dead. living like this is so difficult. I have a meaningful and satisfying job in the field in which I just completed my masters degree. I adore my animals. but I am losing friendships; of which there weren’t many to start with, as it is too exhausting being around people when I have spent my whole day working or parenting with a front on that all is okay. I have written this out before I head off to work. thanks. I feel a little okay that I have put some action in. Go well people

Adult Son- psychotic episode

replies: 11

Hi All, my adult son (26) has been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and is on the Autism Spectrum and has been seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist for the last 12 months and is currently on his 4th type of anti-depressant together with anti-psychotic medication and nothing seems to be working. Also, his girlfriend left him yesterday (she's great and has tried very hard to help him). He had a terrible episode yesterday and we had to call an ambulance. He waited in A&E for 4 hours and the doctor eventually said she thinks is also has OCD, that the medication he is now on seems fine and sent him home. He stayed with us last night but has now gone home to an empty house and thinks his girlfriend is coming home in a couple of days - which she is not. We are all at our wits-end and don't know where to go from here. Please help if you can.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

out of the blue replies: 11

Hello and thank you for the link to MindSpot through Beyond Blue Organisation. replies: 1

Newbie replies: 6

Introducing myself: GTL replies: 4

I'm tired of the effects of mental, physical and sexual abuse as a child that still impact me as an adult replies: 7

Awaiting on Appointment replies: 4

Hi everyone replies: 7

I’ve completely lost my way replies: 5

Introduction replies: 2

Adult Son- psychotic episode replies: 11