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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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Hello to everyone

replies: 49

Hi. I would like to talk to people who suffer with anxiety. I have never spoken to someone with this problem before just doctors and phycologists. I have had a setback due to my dumb brain I stopped taking my meds and that was a mistake. I’m now dealing with anxiety most of the time and it is very hard. Life becomes unbearable when you are scared all the time. I’m waiting on some help from the anxiety disorder clinic but I just wanted to reach out to anyone who would like to chat and maybe give me some hope that one day I will live a better life. Thanks

First timer - anxiety, depression, health guilt and work stress.

replies: 2

Hello… I’m new here, and don’t quite know how to begin. Classic Anxiety, I’m already worried I’m taking up space I shouldn’t and am being obnoxious. But here goes. I guess to introduce myself I could give a roundup of why I’m here today. It’s been a tough year or two for us all… even for the “neurotypical”. The biggest drivers toward desperation for me right now are social isolation bordering on agoraphobic tendencies, physical manifestations of my mental health state, and a fear of my work. there are projects that are still unfinished months after they should have been. I’ve not been or felt able to work full time since around May, but I try hard to keep the fires burning. I haven’t worked more than an hour or two for over a week now, or even left the house, and the financial stress and fear for my position is growing to a sort of crippling weight. The only things I seem able to address are short turn around items, or immediate assistance to some one who is also stressed. im physically weaker than I’ve ever been, and the physical symptoms of my “stuff” and the pain it brings have drained my energy reserves - and of course I’m incredibly guilty and ashamed about my lack of capacity. im kinda choking up sharing this because my social circle has dwindled since working from home started in 2020, and my closest friends are now overseas. In fact, the closest and most immediate form of emotional support available to me (apart from my once a month therapist) is my Ex partner - which is obviously fraught territory… Anyway. while I don’t seem to have much of anything left in the tank right now, I hope to be able to become a contriving and supportive member of the community here. x

Another Learner forumener

replies: 5

Hey everyone here in Beyond Bluesonline forums.,I feel like I have so much to say and get off my chest,The main cause of my anxiety at this very time is All my fault,my ex was saying this person's name while she was asleep near me ,then the followi g night,I just had these strong psyhic visions and my gut feeling was convincing me that they were together ,So I foolishly sent her text messages and was alluding to her saying that I know about the two of them being together. Funnily enough I still I have this weird gut feeling that they have been together and it doesn't really matter because we technically work together anymore but we were enjoying our good friendship but we had and I just feel like I've completely destroyed it or any chance of still being friends by what I said in the text messages I really regret it and I've said to I am sincerely sorry for the brain snap. Where does one begin to try and rectify this with her does anyone have any. Anyway these problems of mine are really just selfish concerns of myself.

Interstate Move

replies: 6

Hi First post here, thanks in advance for reading. im full of anxiety. My husband has been offered a new job to start at end of the year. The destination hasn’t been set yet, we are hoping he can stay at his current office, however there is a big chance it will be based interstate. if it is we have two options. We all move we have two teenagers, or he is away for a few nights minimum a week but then possibly more as he has other commitments. we would be leaving all our family and friends behind but I feel we should be there to support him. I’m so torn. We haven’t told our kids yet. many advice or anyone done this?

First time posting. Been struggling with depression

replies: 4

Hi all, I think I'm just trying to get some thoughts out here more than anything else but I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has. I'm a 36 year old man and have been struggling with depression anxiety since I was a teenager. I've managed to handle it with varying success over the years, but the last two years have been particularly bad. Covid certainly was a contributing factor, but it was certainly not the cause. The last two years I have worked really hard to improve my situation. I journal, practice mindfulness, I'm on medication, have cut out almost all alcohol, I have good career prospects and have embraced a healthy diet and exercise regime which I actually enjoy. I also see a counselor but it's very difficult to get an appointment these days. My problem is with all this hard work I just seem to be spiralling further down. I have good friends and loving parents whom I have spoken to about this, but I feel like I am alienating myself from them because I am finding it very very difficult to have fun around them and it's hard to talk about anything except how I feel because it's becoming so all consuming. I just can't escape these feelings of depression. I really just feel like I hate myself and everyone hates me. I can function at work and people tell me Im a smart funny guy, but inside I just feel so empty, alone and sad. Ive never been in a romantic relationship because I just have no confidence in who I am and just can't believe anyone else would ever love me. It's not the root cause of my sadness but it definitely plays a part. THese thoughts have been with me my whole life, but have gotten so much worse the last couple of years. Im really at a loss as to where I can go and what I can do. I've been with different counselors over many years and don't feel like it's helped much. I've tried all of the advice they've offered and it seems to do less. Thanks for taking the time to read, I'm not really expecting any magic solution, I just felt like I need to reach out and at least get my thoughts together. Thanks

I have borderline personality disorder. Needing support from others suffering with the same illness.

replies: 3

Hi there, I'm new to this a slightly nervous as I don't want to be judged but I have borderline personality disorder... I am newly. diagnosed so I am still learning about my illness and I am very scared for my life. I often feel very empty and have a lot of fear of abandonment. Can anyone share some light on this disorder or throw some insight. Any help would be a great big help, many thanks!

New Here !!!

replies: 6

Hello Everyone, Im new to this... Not sure if im doing this right and this is a big step for me but i would like to say Hello and introduce myself

Newbie anxious nurse

replies: 4

Hello all, New to online forums. I have recently started to see a psychologist for my anxiety-something i feel i always have struggled with but has become a lot worse recently. Moving towns-regional to melbs and then straight into a lockdown. I moved away from friends and career of 14 years to start a new career as a registered nurse at the age of 34. Started my graduate year as a nurse, which is a hard year as it is, then with the pandemic on top of it has been a challenge. This life change has not been easy. A lot of changes and new things which i struggle with. Social anxiety means i have not made any friends yet in melbs and general anxiety and overthinking is making my thoughts/beliefs in my mind very strong. I am very good at hiding it with avoiding and keeping it to myself, which i thought was helpful but got the courage to go to my GP and started seeing a psychologist.-one of the hardest things i have done. But talking about my beliefs in my mind and struggles i think is the start of getting somewhere to understanding my mind, anxiety and loneliness. Looking forward to chatting, listening and learning from you all.

Thanks for having me

replies: 8

Hi, I’m e e, and I just wanted to say hi. Having a few issues at the moment, but I’m coping ok. During Covid I’ve been talking a lot to a couple of single friends every day. But it’s wearing me down and I have to start setting boundaries. Any suggest... View more

Sleeping too much and lack of motivation

replies: 7

I am a 70yr old retired female. I have never been a morning person or an outgoing type. When I retired 4.5 years ago I started sleeping longer and longer. Unless i really have to go somewhere I struggle to get up. I have sleep apnea and use CPAP and have been diagnosed with major depression but I don’t have depressing thoughts or feelings. I just want to have the ability to get up in the morning and the motivation to do things. I live by myself so have no one to answer to. When I am away staying with family I can get up and be “normal”. I realise that the longer I go on like this even the smallest exertion will be impossible. Is anyone out there suffering the same symptoms. Any ideas on how to motivate myself.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hello to everyone replies: 49

First timer - anxiety, depression, health guilt and work stress. replies: 2

Another Learner forumener replies: 5

Interstate Move replies: 6

First time posting. Been struggling with depression replies: 4

I have borderline personality disorder. Needing support from others suffering with the same illness. replies: 3

New Here !!! replies: 6

Newbie anxious nurse replies: 4

Thanks for having me replies: 8

Sleeping too much and lack of motivation replies: 7