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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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where_is_real_me_ Hiya! i am new to this....
  • replies: 9

I don't know what to do, I'm waiting on a diagnosis or more but feel like I'm wasting away.... I can't do things, I used to and now, my family and friends can't / won't, be able to understand me and what is going on.... So, nearly 25 years of life an... View more

I don't know what to do, I'm waiting on a diagnosis or more but feel like I'm wasting away.... I can't do things, I used to and now, my family and friends can't / won't, be able to understand me and what is going on.... So, nearly 25 years of life and been, treated as a "normal person" for 24 of those years, I've had no disability or mental health conditions, yet but my health isn't great, now family or friends thinking I'm doing all this to get attention from anybody but I am not.... I want to know what's gone wrong, I don't know how to feel, anymore so, and that's why I'm getting help but I hate, that my mind, body and soul is attacking me, every day and night, it always draining too, all of the time.

ImAllTalone Everyday is the same but worse
  • replies: 9

I just want to write here because it's anonymous and I don't want to share my struggle with people I know I keep making up fake scenarios of me in places where I want to be, I've always noticed I'm always in a place that isn't Australia, I've grown t... View more

I just want to write here because it's anonymous and I don't want to share my struggle with people I know I keep making up fake scenarios of me in places where I want to be, I've always noticed I'm always in a place that isn't Australia, I've grown tired of this monotonous life that even going to a country that doesn't even speak English (e.g South Korea) had actually sounded preferable to what I'm at It feels like I have everything I want in life and yet I'm missing so much, I have a PC, switch, and a bunch of other material stuff and yet I still feel sad, It may not apply to everyone but money genuinely did not buy me happiness as I'm always alone I've been a shut in all my life, The internet was always an escape for me for when I was feeling terrible for getting bullied by everyone. I was, and still am sort of a stereotypical nerd asian kid. Of course it's gotten better, I've started lifting weights to feel better and it's been working, but on the inside I'm still that shut in kid, I've counted and I've been pretty much invited to 0 hangouts from Year 7 - 11 Everyday is monotonous, I wake up, go to school, come home and play videogames til I fall asleep and I want to change it. Sometimes I wish I could ask my friends to invite me without having to ask and sounding desperate I don't want to give up and I never will however Thanks for reading through the whole post if you're still here

Patsygirl_ Emotions have done a runner.
  • replies: 4

Hi! A big Thankyou to everyone who takes a moment to read this. My emotions have left me.....A couple of weeks now. Pretty much just going through the motions. I'm tired, I don't want to even look at my boyfriend. I just feel dull. I don't want to go... View more

Hi! A big Thankyou to everyone who takes a moment to read this. My emotions have left me.....A couple of weeks now. Pretty much just going through the motions. I'm tired, I don't want to even look at my boyfriend. I just feel dull. I don't want to go to a Dr at this moment. I use to run years ago and felt amazing, going to drag myself out and get moving. Also put the woebot app on my phone. I'm nearly 49 so it's gonna be a slow journey back to atleast a jog. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

Jagz Anxiety Hell
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have never done this before but am in the midst of an anxiety attack and it’s too early to call my psychologist. I feel that getting this out there helps and knowing I am in good company. I find anxiety such a lonely place to be...especially wh... View more

Hi, I have never done this before but am in the midst of an anxiety attack and it’s too early to call my psychologist. I feel that getting this out there helps and knowing I am in good company. I find anxiety such a lonely place to be...especially when my rock, my husband, was admitted into hospital yesterday and I can’t visit him due to covid. Logically I know he is in the best place but all those anxiety symptoms don’t care...can’t eat, on edge, the all consuming fear, crying as if I am mourning. How do I shut down my mind?

Resal tired and scared
  • replies: 5

Hello, I'm not sure if I'm posting in right place. I have battled anxiety and depression for the last 25 years. I have seen many psychologists and counselors and have been on medication for at least 10 years. I am 52, married have three daughters - 1... View more

Hello, I'm not sure if I'm posting in right place. I have battled anxiety and depression for the last 25 years. I have seen many psychologists and counselors and have been on medication for at least 10 years. I am 52, married have three daughters - 14,11 and 8. I am a professional and work for government. I am typing this in my office. I have tears streaming down my face. I spent all yesterday in bed, paralysed. My girls started the new school year today, with one starting high school. She was very anxious as she is going to a school without any of her primary friends. I feel guilty I didn’t see them off or gave them a hug. I know Im rambling, sorry, I have had enough of these spirals into blackness. I feel so alone. When I get low my wife goes into shield the kids mode and self preservation. I understand this totally, but at the same time I am left to cope alone and in isolation. What is point of me being around when all I am is a burden. The girls and my wife manage best when I leave them to it. I have struggled for too long, I no longer remember what being happy or even content feels like or looks like. I’m filled with resentment and regret. Life seems to always be – once this happens – I’ll be happy, Once this is done – things will be ok. The truth is I’m just chasing mirages. Some people are tall some are short, some have light skin some have dark skin. Some people experience happiness and some never will.

Ollie95 Anxious in public !
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone, this is my first post and I’m really hoping that someone is/has experienced what I am, and can suggest what they did to manage or overcome it. I’ve been suffering from anxiety and depression for the last 2 years. My anxiety is mainly rel... View more

Hi Everyone, this is my first post and I’m really hoping that someone is/has experienced what I am, and can suggest what they did to manage or overcome it. I’ve been suffering from anxiety and depression for the last 2 years. My anxiety is mainly related to being in unfamiliar places / large crowded areas and so I avoid them at all costs. I’m writing this today out of all days as I’ve just had a panic attack in front of my wife and daughter about having to go to my wife’s grandfathers funeral. She’s been dealing with me and my particular needs regarding my anxiety for 2 years now but because of my irrational fear, I haven’t been able to take her to the movies, or out to dinner, or even out for walks. I’m terrified that today may have been the last straw. please someone help me, I’ve tried going to see a psychologist but honestly having to go out and see him triggered my anxiety so I had to stop that. I’ve tried mild calming lollies or chewing gum, breathing excercises, and although it helps for the smaller challenges, they do nothing for the big ones. Any advice is greatly appreciated

PJ_VF2 Need to start the healing somewhere (first time poster - long time reader)
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm not sure where to start or if I'm even eligble for help. I have been suffering since 2008 with varying degrees of the full gamit of mental health issues. I suppose tonight I am writing just to hear someone say it's going to be ok. I am in my ... View more

Hi, I'm not sure where to start or if I'm even eligble for help. I have been suffering since 2008 with varying degrees of the full gamit of mental health issues. I suppose tonight I am writing just to hear someone say it's going to be ok. I am in my late 30's, have 2 lovely young kids who I love more than life itself, and a very understanding/resilient wife. In 2008 at the age of 22 I was diagnosed with kidney disease which while technically not terminal (at least in the not short term), threw me for a 6 and was the beginning of my journey with depression which led to my relationship with the rest of the menatal health Issues. At the time I was diagnosed, i was transistioning from the best job i've ever had in the Victorian High Country , to one that was fairly soul destroying in the central QLD coalfields. One of the issues or coping mechanisims i have is thinking that life was so much better before my diagnosis and thus have a possible unhealthy desire to return to where i was before i was before i was diagnosed in the hope that all my pain and suffering will dissapear. I know it will not and will possibly destroy my positive cononatations of the High Country in return. This sort of sets the stage of my current thinking, just wanting to go home to make it all better, but in my rational brain i know it pobably wont work. After this I worked for a company who were conastanty changing plans as to where i would be working and living and other variouos things (i dont do change), and i developed an anxiety of telephones and people in general form this experience. At the same time i was a victim of a violent crime and although not formally dioagnosed, im sure i suffer/ed from some level of PTSD. I still have trouble walking in to some public places. Added to this, as a young child i think i may have been a victem of sexual assult over many years from a kid who was a few years older than me (not old enough to fit the sexual abuse criteria), and although i knew happened, i've kept it buried from myself and everone else until a friend of mine revealed he went though a similar thing. I got rejected from a very positive work (new career option) oppurtunity recently due to my kidney disease, and to be honest i feel horrendus, and have been on a downward spiral since... there are other t(job related - working underground) issues at too, but i feel very DONE with everything, and cannot get time off to see a Psycologist, I just need help

Ally1608 Introducing myself and looking for some guidance
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, my name is Ally and this is the first time I’ve posted on a beyond blue forum. I’m a little nervous sharing what I’m currently going through, but having read through some of the other threads it’s given me some confidence seeing the supp... View more

Hi everyone, my name is Ally and this is the first time I’ve posted on a beyond blue forum. I’m a little nervous sharing what I’m currently going through, but having read through some of the other threads it’s given me some confidence seeing the support and positivity and respect everyone shows each other. I have anxiety and depression, it was first diagnosed 3 years ago when I lost everyone in my family. At the moment I’m with my partner of 6 years, but I need to leave. He’s addicted to drugs (for some anonymity I’m not going to name which one in particular) and although he’d been doing great for a while he’s back on them. Because of this we can’t afford our rent, his behaviour is so manipulative and emotionally abusive that I just can’t do it anymore. The instability, mood swings, disappearing for days, letting me down constantly and excusing his drug use by blaming me for it. Recently he even said he planned and was going to kill himself after we had a fight, but got high instead and he said if I hadn’t put him in that state he wouldn’t have had to get high. I can’t keep doing this, I’ve been struggling for so long trying to help him but I can’t keep doing it anymore and I need to get out. But I’m so stuck, I don’t have enough money to leave and get my own place. He’s destroyed my credit rating so I can’t even get a loan to help me. I’ve tried multiple non profit organisations for a no interest loan to set myself but I’ve been knocked back everytime. Im starting to feel like there’s no way out. I don’t have family I can go to, my closest friends are living interstate and I’m terrified that I’ll be stuck here forever. if anyone has been in a similar situation and knows where I could find some help I would be so grateful. I just feel so lost and alone.

gherkins New and decided to ask for help
  • replies: 8

I'm not even sure what to say. I have problems and I'm just so tired of them. I have agoraphobia since the beginning of the pandemic. I'm diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and OCD. I take medication like I'm supposed to but I feel so numb. I have b... View more

I'm not even sure what to say. I have problems and I'm just so tired of them. I have agoraphobia since the beginning of the pandemic. I'm diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and OCD. I take medication like I'm supposed to but I feel so numb. I have been staying up all night insomnia which makes me feel worse. I think I'm binge eating. I need some type of help but I don't know where to begin. I just want to feel better.

Jane0987 Husband cheating
  • replies: 2

Hi I have just discovered my husband phone had texts messages asking how much for a full service and do you have any appointments today. . They have replied then I can't see any reply from him . When I checked his search history it was for brothels e... View more

Hi I have just discovered my husband phone had texts messages asking how much for a full service and do you have any appointments today. . They have replied then I can't see any reply from him . When I checked his search history it was for brothels escort those hook up sites. I am absolutely gutted. He says nothing happened but I don't believe him. He had even looked up brothels in another state before going there for work . We have 3 children and have been married for 22 years. I feel useless I can't eat if I do I feel sick . I haven't spoken to any of my friends about this as I can't seem to bring the words out of my mouth. I had to go on antidepressants and I'm seeing a psychologist this week.