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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Alcohol

replies: 16

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone else had the same issue as me. The thing is, I need alcohol to feel like other people, such as feeling happy, motivated, being empathetic, making plans, thinking about goals etc, literally everything. I used to be depressed but I'm not now as I take antidepressants which has totally turned my life around, so I don't drink because I'm depressed. I don't know how to feel this good and motivated and like everyone else without drinking. Has anyone had this issue and how do I feel good like everyone else naturally?? I stress though, I am no longer depressed, so this is not the issue.

Help with partners controlling adult daughter

replies: 3

Long term partner who lives away has a controlling adult daughter who does not approve me. We also haven’t been public with relationship due ex wife. She previously threatened her own safety and tried turn partners kids against him for years. He stayed until finally had enough and kids were grown. Ex wife is alcoholic who everyone is very careful not upset as threatens harm self in and out mental health and rehabilitation faculties for 10 years. Escalating now again. I was blamed for the marriage breakup and issues as other woman. Issues there prior to knowing partner she had drinking problem since teenager which was hidden until divorce. Was very controlling and abusive. We have spent years over 10 being careful so we don’t make situation worse. I finally had enough secrecy and asked partner tell daughter who is now saying if he sees me she will cut contact including grand child. We have loved each other for a very long time but went separate ways for years trying to not inflame situation. I have always respected situation and kept private from all but very close family. Partner’s daughter only just been officially told that my partner wants move life on. Daughter saying if that me then she will never support this. This is a brief overview of background. My partner is now questioning if we can ever be together as he doesn’t want to lose contact daughter and granddaughter which I can understand. I know he loves me deeply and torn being asked choose. No one ever says no to daughter including her father as cut off or punished by not talking for a time if challenged. her husband will go along with this to support his wife and not argue I am seen as the cause of these family problems by daughter as mothers problems were hidden by all to protect her only other family members can see the bigger problems that are not my doing and support us this relationship is everything to both us. We are very practical and stable otherwise and were planning a life together in future my partner is very hurt by this on going turmoil and says he just wants peace I don’t know what to do I need some impartial advise please I’m am very distressed as I would never want to be the cause more hurt. i can’t bring myself to walk away due to the deep love we have. Thank you in advance

Stilldreamin

replies: 5

Hello

I’m Lost, I don’t want to live anymore

replies: 4

I hate myself typing these words. I have been seeing a psychologist for over two years have seen a psychiatrist had my medication changed. I go okay for a little while then I’m struggling with not wanting to live. I have a history of childhood abuse. Recently I’ve had confirmation of other family members being abused as well, I have had nightmares and I don’t know whether anything happened but the feelings these nightmares leave are terrifying. I feel selfish feeling that I want to end my life, I feel that talking about it is a band aid affect, everything is okay for a little while but the problem is still there. I have 3 beautiful children and 4 gorgeous grandchildren this should be enough for me to want to live. I sleep the majority of the time, I don’t eat because I can’t stand the thought of food, don’t shower for days on end, I know it’s not good, yes I know that I should get out of the house, go for a walk, everything is too much effort. I tell myself I’m so lazy.

Never thought I would be here

replies: 7

I kept seeing Beyond Blue posters on the back of public toilet door stall. I always have those little 'noises' inside my head. But hey, who doesn't? I thought I was strong and normal. life goes ups and downs. This is just the cycle of life. My mental support came in a form of a stray cat. She lived under my house. Took her in. Took her to the vet. They took her away from me. Sent the cat to RSPCA for identification and relocating the owner. Fair enough. After 8 days, if no one comes forward, I could formally adopt her, they said. 8 days have passed but they haven't returned the cat to me. I miss her dearly, the cat gave me hope. I had something to look forward to after work. Now my house is a sad place to live. Who would have thought a cat brought me here. Thank you for reading. Nice to meet you and wish to connect. Cheers!

Lurking in the background

replies: 11

Im a newbie here and have been reading lots of other’s stories about anxiety and I have been really reassured that I am not alone with this debilitating disorder. Anxiety has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember and at different times I’ve used medication to deal with it and have had some good years where I seem to have managed It but I guess it’s always been lurking in the background because it’s back with a vengeance and my anxiety has now hit me with an all time high .The last six months are now so bad that It feels like it’s in my heart , my chest, my throat and of course I immediately think I have some major health issues but have had lots of tests that come back with all is fine . I can not work or even leave the house sometimes. It freaks me out because it’s like it just has taken over me and of course every little twinge gets my mind going in to overload and it takes forever to shut it up. I am so grateful to finding these forums as It really does help to ease my mind and body.

Hi Everyone

replies: 5

Hi, i don't know where to start i know i have anxiety it's coming to the point where it's wearing me down and making me feel tired, i always have had arguments with my fiancé since the first day we met, i don't think she understands how crippling anxiety be for the person suffering with it which is me, when i try to explain things to her i get confused its not because I'm hiding anything or lieing its because of my anxiety than she gets all angry and questioning me, like are you really where you say you are or whats on your mind and half of the time i dont even know, i hate feeling like this on a day to day basest, with my anxiety she doesnt know when to back off she just keeps coming at me like her anger is from the pits of hell, i have excepted her and her children why cant she except me for who i am it hardly seems fair she says because i get confused it makes her confused i told her that if i get confused, its me that deals with it i have all my life, it like she treats this as an off switch which it isnt, i have gotten help with her but they always go on her side she always pays attattion to people out side of the realtionship when they say oh if his acting like that it means his cheating on you or if his not paying attattion it means his not intrested in you and seeing someone else, im a down to earth relaxed type of guy things dont bother me except fo my anxiety, she asked me the other day why i dont question her and i said becuase i repect you and trust you 100% why should i question you there isnt anything out of the ordernary hope to hear from someone soon

Newbie

replies: 5

Hello everyone Im new to this forum. Have been reading some of the post and can relate. So i thought why not put myself out there. In time i will get the courage to talk about things in my life, but for now im just saying hi.

Young mother who’s lost herself

replies: 5

What do YOU do for you? I feel like since I have become a mother, I’ve completely forgotten who I am and have just become a shell of a human. I feel like I’m “just a Mum” and “just a partner”. I love my daughter, I love my partner and I love the home and life we have created together, I just don’t feel like an individual anymore and it’s actually terrifying because I worked so hard to find myself after 15 years of depression, anxiety and trauma. I can’t remember the last time I did something for myself and in the 2 years of being a mother I haven’t had time off to hang with friends or do something as simple as get a pedicure or a haircut. I wake up at 5am when the other half goes to work, which wakes our daughter up (because he hates his job and ensures he tells me 35 times before he walks out the door) and so my day is full swing from that moment. Partner gets home at 3pm, I’m usually off to work at 3:30pm and don’t finish until anywhere from 9pm til midnight (depending on how busy we are as I’m a supervisor so need to count cash and balance registers) I guess I’m just struggling in multiple ways and I really don’t want to spiral into a deep depression because it’s something I have struggled with for almost half my life. It’s also something that took me a long time to recover from and I don’t want to end up back there.

Heading back to work today after having Covid. (New to the forum).

replies: 9

Hi Heading back to work today after having had Covid. It’s aggravated my decades long ‘phobias’ of saying I’m unwell in any way, interacting with medical personnel, taking sick leave, and potentially being the cause of harm to others. (I’ve have had intrusive ‘harm to others’ thoughts for decades). I would never knowingly act on them. I wish I could reset my body’s stress/anxiety/shame reactions around all of these. I wish I could not doubt symptoms that don’t have very observable and unequivocal proof. (I’ll take sick leave for gastro, though even then I experience the weight of guilt. Stupid!) I wish I could trust medical personnel to believe I am a truthful, genuine person who downplays any medical problem. I wish I didn’t come across as a neurotic mess when in the position of having to interact with medical personnel. I wish medical personnel didn’t leave me ‘quaking in my boots’. This has been a problem for over 30 years and I am so very worn down by it. I hope everyone has periods of calm and contentment this week. Thanks for ‘listening’.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Alcohol replies: 16

Help with partners controlling adult daughter replies: 3

Stilldreamin replies: 5

I’m Lost, I don’t want to live anymore replies: 4

Never thought I would be here replies: 7

Lurking in the background replies: 11

Hi Everyone replies: 5

Newbie replies: 5

Young mother who’s lost herself replies: 5

Heading back to work today after having Covid. (New to the forum). replies: 9