Immediate support
Immediate support

Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

SueMac46 worried about my adult son who has bipolar and manic depression
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I have signed few years ago, but never got around to introducing myself and what worries me and my feelings. So here I am. it all started many years earlier, my son needed to talk to me about his problems he was experiencing which was that in... View more

Hi all, I have signed few years ago, but never got around to introducing myself and what worries me and my feelings. So here I am. it all started many years earlier, my son needed to talk to me about his problems he was experiencing which was that in his words "I feel weird in my head and my body, I don't know what's happening to me?". I just said your hormone is off and is trying to adjust as you are becoming a man in with time. that I told him he'll be fine. Within 4 months to starting high school, his behavior started to change, as to my thought it was something to do with teenager thing etc. by the time he was 15/16 he was constantly asked for money, I mean lots of money... we argued, fight just about all the time. that I haven't seen him in 4 years soon to be 5 years since May 1st 2017 was the last time I've seen him. I love him crazy, he finally told me messaging through Facebook saying he won't ask me anymore for money because if I gave it to him I won't see it anymore and he respects me a lot. His father, even since as a child he was given anything he wants, that went on to adulthood and still now his father would give him money. In with time I got help with my mental health etc. As soon I did research, walked in his shoes etc. I began to understand him how painful it must be, the confusion, depression all because he doesn't understand exactly what's happening to himself. he had tried to commit suicide 3 times... stupid hospital let him home after 12 hours stay... that was three times, I was totally disgusted after just recovering myself, and I was amess in the end I had to tell him and his girlfriend at the time (2016) to get out!!! either he was trying to get attention, but he was trying to over take my place as if it was his, the whole thing. I couldn't believe he lied. Yet, even today I forgive him (for me to let go and move on) but doesn't always take that pain away. I just wanted to know if anyone experience similar, would help me benefit knowing I am not alone and crazy! Sue.

Danos99 Mental Health or Social Health
  • replies: 1

Hi Everyone, Firstly I want to say how proud I am to be among you warriors. I have nothing but love and respect for all of you. Today I want to pose a question to you all and see how you all feel and respond to my take on mental health vs social heal... View more

Hi Everyone, Firstly I want to say how proud I am to be among you warriors. I have nothing but love and respect for all of you. Today I want to pose a question to you all and see how you all feel and respond to my take on mental health vs social health. See, one reoccuring factor that has me question today's categorisation of mental health is that it seems to be (in the majority of cases) individuals from minorities are more likely to suffer with such things due to SOCIAL FACTORS like bullying, discrimination and exclusion. And here's the thing... Doesn't that mean the society is sick? Why are we calling individuals sick when it's their society that made them suffer? My PTSD was put there by my rapists, that Aboriginals girls anxiety and poor self esteem was put there by ignorant peers, that gay man killed himself because his family abandoned him. Do you see what I'm saying? Why are we labelled as sick when it was our social environment that made us so? I find it reductive and it places ZERO blame or responsibility on offenders of human rights and the human condition. What do you guys think?

Teewah Life
  • replies: 3

Hi There New on here and just wanted to say hi

Hi There New on here and just wanted to say hi

BBriony New here!
  • replies: 2

Finding today a little bit tough and somehow stumbled into this site. I’m in my late 30s and my Dad passed away in November and then my dog died the week before Christmas. I found out today that I now have to work from home until February due to CoVI... View more

Finding today a little bit tough and somehow stumbled into this site. I’m in my late 30s and my Dad passed away in November and then my dog died the week before Christmas. I found out today that I now have to work from home until February due to CoVID and it all just feels like a lot. My dog had always been such a companion through prior lockdowns and now I don’t know how to manage. The loneliness and isolation I now feel is just a bit more than I had prepared myself for this year. I am sure there are plenty of people in a similar situation but it just feels a bit crappy at the moment and I can’t see any silver linings

Rhianen Respect
  • replies: 5

Why Do I Feel not Respected in my family?

Why Do I Feel not Respected in my family?

Fallen_Angel_83 Hello I have bipolar and feel lost
  • replies: 2

Hello. I am new here. I have bipolar along with anxiety, narcolepsy and physical disabilities that make life hard. I lost my psychologist in 2018 when the government decided they didn't need so many of them. Recently I discovered through someone spec... View more

Hello. I am new here. I have bipolar along with anxiety, narcolepsy and physical disabilities that make life hard. I lost my psychologist in 2018 when the government decided they didn't need so many of them. Recently I discovered through someone special to me that my bipolar is not as well managed as I thought. After a major manic episode I went to the doctor and have been waiting to be seen by a psychologist and psychiatrist. Being in the bush there is little support here. Having an extremely abusive daughter and ending a relationship with an alcoholic who I knew for 23 years and being played by someone I've helped alot, 2 surgeries, loosing 2 cats to cancer and almost loosing my grandmother has taken its toll. Lost, lonely, no clue what to do. I'm broken. I have 1 friend in this small town, and another in a town 100km away. Finances are bad so travelling is hard. My family are in the city. To be able to talk to people who understand this illness and can give me advice would be great. I look forward to meeting new people here. Thank you

ElCereza Welcome to my World, I promise it's better than it sounds.
  • replies: 3

Hi there. I'm feeling pretty lost and stuck at the moment. Isolated and undersupported. A friend made a joke about how the challenges that I've faced in life are me travelling through 9 layers of hell. It felt rather apt at the time, and gave hope th... View more

Hi there. I'm feeling pretty lost and stuck at the moment. Isolated and undersupported. A friend made a joke about how the challenges that I've faced in life are me travelling through 9 layers of hell. It felt rather apt at the time, and gave hope that there might eventually be an end to the struggle. I know that's not really the case, that the fight doesn't end; it merely morphs into a different battle. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, complex emotional trauma- the list goes on. My latest struggle is finding a new home after being sexually assaulted and having my partner of 6 years leave me for cheating in the aftermath. Money is tight, stress is high, and I don't feel like I'm making any headway. I've never lived on my own, don't feel prepared to do so, but moving back in with my parents isn't an option. It's terrifying. I'm in pretty bad shape to be starting such a journey. I want someone to hold my hand, encourage me, believe in me and help me push through it all. I just don't know how to become that person. How do you build yourself up when your own mind works against you?

Dobbygirl Husband has left should I be angry or worried?
  • replies: 2

Hi, thanks for the join. Hope I can get some help as so confused. husband of 26 years has suffered depression for a few years. Since he set up his own business this year and me being overseas for 4 months, he has hit rock bottom. he moved out October... View more

Hi, thanks for the join. Hope I can get some help as so confused. husband of 26 years has suffered depression for a few years. Since he set up his own business this year and me being overseas for 4 months, he has hit rock bottom. he moved out October to stay with friend as he said me and adult son and the house made him feel trapped. We have not trapped him at all. Christmas week we found out he had fell out with friend and was sleeping in car. He came back home. He said he’d not been in contact with me, his sons or our new granddaughter as he’d contemplated suicide and didn’t want to get close to us. he stayed here for a week and went for a drink with friend on Thursday and said he was staying over. I texted and rang him as was worried as how he is, couldn’t imagine him conversation with anybody or drink. He was really off on the phone so an hour later I texted r u seeing someone. No answer but following afternoon he texted yes I am sorry. I’ve met with him and he said he’s known her a few months but only seeing her 2 weeks. He’s moved in with her.sleep in same bed but done nothing as he can’t perform and hasn’t been able for a few years. he said she has had mental health in the past and he can talk to her. she knows he’s married. should I be angry or worried about him. He’s chosen a woman he can’t perform with over his family.had us all worried about ending his life. so sorry for the long post x

Guest_1573 Down the Rabbit Hole...Again....
  • replies: 13

Hi I suffer from severe anxiety and depression and health anxiety. Over the last three months I have been sure I have had some awful condition due to multiple symptoms. Initially started as chest pain. Had xray which was clear. Then the pain began in... View more

Hi I suffer from severe anxiety and depression and health anxiety. Over the last three months I have been sure I have had some awful condition due to multiple symptoms. Initially started as chest pain. Had xray which was clear. Then the pain began in my neck and throat. I have seen two doctors WEEKLY since October and they have checked me thoroughly and stated my throat is fine and there are no swollen lymph nodes. I have had a full blood count which came back unremarkable. I am just back from yet another embarrassing doctors visit whereby I again burst into tears and stated that I feel bad as I can't believe they are correct as the symptoms are crucifying. Today my GP actually wrote a letter to me to read when I freak out...stating that he has seen me weekly for five weeks and checked everything and in his opinion there is nothing physically wrong but that I am suffering major anxiety. He has prescribed some medication for me. I am in such a state. I barely sleep and I feel almost dissociated from life as every waking second is concerned with the multiple awful feelings I have...which are relentless! Pain in upper back, neck, ear, throat, behind ear, around eye socket....I have been 'diagnosed' in the past with Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia; Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction and now to add to the list...Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome! I believe all the doctors are thoroughly sick to death of me and I don't blame them; I am sick to death of me too. I spend all day stretching, taking remedy rescue and covering myself in tiger balm and lavender oil...drinking gallons of water to try to quell the dry mouth and throat...googling remedies for all of my supposed conditions.....I am at my wit's end. If anyone can help me I will be very grateful.