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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My Situation, work and stuff

replies: 1

Hello everyone, I'm currently experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression on my work situation. I have gone through so many jobs and nothing has stuck for me or appealed long term. I have either been let off or resigned. I'm confused about what I want to do and am currently unemployed with no income. I had a couple of jobs in the past which have lasted for over 10 and 3 years, I however grew sick of these roles and felt like I never had the opportunity to progress anywhere. My passion has been in printing and design but have never been able to pursue this as I have made wrong career choices in the past that have steered me in a direction that I don't want to go down (blue collar labouring). I wanted a job in digital design or IT which is what I studied in the past but whenever I apply for these roles I'm considered to be inexperienced, which has frustrated me to the point of wanting to give up. I don't want to give up but am finding it hard to stay positive and optimistic on my future endeavors given whats happened to me in the past. I feel completely lost and this has been negatively effecting my personal life, unable to get a girlfriend, move out of my parents house, save enough money for a place of my own etc. It's pushing me to engage in destructive behaviour. I realise that this will get me nowhere but I believe that I need an outlet for my frustration. I play sport and exercise frequently so that helps. I'm currently 29 years old nearly 30 in January. I have friends but most I never hang out with on the weekends and only chat online once every so often. Have my own car so thats handy for getting to places. I have three job prospects on the horizon yet to hear back on. I really want to change my life around and experience what I've missed out on. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone!

replies: 3

Hi everyone. I'm new here and thought I should introduce myself. I'm Georgia, and in my twenties. I've been dealing with severe anxiety, depression and OCD for ten years now. The last five years have been horrible. I've been unable to work because of it, unable to go out and socialise and really had a hard time making friends. There were many times I didn't want to keep living as well. I couldn't answer phone calls or make them. I couldn't even answer the door or even walk down the road. It had gotten so bad that my family had their eyes on me round the clock. I started going to therapy last year after finally being fed up with my life and decided to try medication as well. It's changed me for the better. I managed to start studying this year which was a huge step for me, I've made my first phone calls and I can now answer the door. I'm taking my next big step and decided to make a claim for the jobseeker payment. I'm incredibly nervous about this. I really want to work, but as we all know with depression, stepping into the unknown is terrifying. I know that I'm going to be placed with a disability job provider and that they will be conscious of my condition when finding me work. I was just hoping to know if anyone else had experience with finding work and what the whole process looks like. I'm trying not to get worked up, but my thoughts are racing.

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on September & October

replies: 0

Hi Everyone We acknowledge as communities across Australia experience an easing of lockdown restrictions this can bring about overwhelming feeling and emotions for some. Please know there is support available to work through any difficult moments. It’s likely that others here may be going through something similar, so feel free to join in and connect across the different forum sections. Community Voices: What are people talking about? Family Conflict/Breakdown Hi everyone, has anyone else had a difficult time connecting with their spouse's family? Or any advice appreciated. I have been with my partner for almost 2 years and its great but I don't feel loved by their family. They are never intentionally rude to me nor have they said anything directly to me to upset me, but I get the feeling they just don't care or want to make an effort to get to know me. - w1nn1e (Read more here) The last week has been rough for me. I've been constantly thinking about the future for myself and my family. I'm just an average 18 year old and my life cycle repeats itself everyday - attending online lectures for Uni, chatting with friends and doing what I enjoy. Recently I woke up to my parents having a massive argument in the backyard, I could overhear some of the things they were saying, including my mum telling my dad to move out. My parents argue a lot, but most of the time it's only over small things... so I guess that day was just overbearing for the both of them. - Xenoviah (Read more here) Health Anxiety I thought I had my health anxiety under control, but over the past month I've gone into the doctors maybe 10 or so times for various reasons, and honestly, if I could go in everyday, I would. – 44Max44 (Read more here) I have been suffering health anxiety on and off for over 30 years. Currently going through a rough patch again and waiting to have an ultrasound. My anxiety is very high at the moment and my mind will not slow down thinking all negative thoughts. - Tugboat (Read more here) Coping During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Vaccines I'm getting my 1st Covid Vaccination today and its causing major anxiety, I'm actually not as worried about myself but I'm seriously having anxiety about my 17 year old daughter, I left the decision up to her if she wanted to take it as she is 6 months off 18 and figured it should be a decision she makes, and now I wish she had decided not to have it, recently the Dr put me on medication to help with the anxiety but these feelings Im having about my daughter are so overwhelming I can't stop worrying about her having it. - Rainbowpolly (Read more here) I’ve recently begun having panic attacks I’m slowly learning to de escalate myself from them. I’d love some insight on fearing the fear or living in a state of apprehension as this is how I can best describe my anxiety at the moment. I think subconsciously as I’m not always aware what I was thinking when it happens that I may be sort of stuck in this state of anticipation of something happening. My anxiety was centred mostly around the vaccine oddly it peaked after having it and I started fixating on the physical symptoms of what I assume is the anxiety… - Moonchild 11:11 (Read more here) Meet Beyond Blue’s Newest Community Champions! Mk2692 Stui Mark Z. chadicha Adalaide Baljit Ric65 Read more about the Community Champion's team HERE Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributors for the months of September and October are ‘mmMekitty’ and ‘On The Road’! mmMekitty has been nominated for creating a friendly space across the forums for others to join in and share their journey. mmMekitty also makes sure that others feel validated as well as appreciated for their contributions on the forums. On The Road has been nominated for always checking in on other community members and approaching conversations with a high level of empathy, while offering honest insights about how they coped with their own mental health challenges. Thank you mmMekitty and On The Road ! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support BB News/Resources Join Coastrek 2022! Coastrek is a fitness team trekking challenge with the aim to get more women moving in nature with Wild Women On Top. Register for events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide online today! How to support a healthcare worker during the coronavirus Australia’s healthcare workers are playing a vital role in slowing the coronavirus but many are reporting increased levels of stress and anxiety. How to check in with someone during the coronavirus pandemic We’re all currently facing unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, and one of the most important things we can do is check in with each other. Strategies for transitioning back into the workplace after coronavirus As we move towards COVID normal, it’s important to have strategies that will help you manage your mental health as you transition back into the physical workplace. Managing social anxiety after lockdown If you experience social anxiety, adapting back to normal life may feel hard. Here are some tips on how to manage social anxiety in the moment. Apple Podcasts: My inner critic: Nobody is harder on me than me Beyond Blue's podcast, Not Alone, aims to connect people across Australia by sharing relatable mental health stories.

Need to talk

replies: 7

I’ve never talked about stuff it’s been really hard first time I spoke up to my sister last night and told her I’ve been like this but hid it. For years I’ve struggled over past things I’ve done that I can’t change I just have to try to live with it ... View more

Introducing........MINT! (me)

replies: 3

Name(s): Mint/fresh Pronouns: xe/xim/xet/xets/neo/neos Age: 13 Nationality: australia Triggers: feminine compliments/puberty Interests: music (lemon demon, will wood, korn, red hot chilli peppers, lovejoy, wilbur soot, video game soundtracks)

I'm not sure if I have depression, and I can't get it diagnosed either.

replies: 5

Halfway through lockdown began, I've started to notice signs of depression. I've always kind of ridiculed people who reach out, as I originally thought they were only looking for attention, but I guess I'm also doing this now. Everything has become a massive effort to do, I feel like I have 1% of the energy I used to have, I am always in "depression", I don't feel worth very much, I find myself comparing myself with everyone better than me. I took the Beyond Blue test, and it says there could be a high chance I could have depression. I cannot get diagnosed as my parents don't believe that I have any sort of depression, and they just credit it to me being lazy. Is there any way to talk to a GP without needing my parents permission? I think I am old enough to realise that I could have depression, but I cannot get diagnosed as I am not the age yet. What can I do?

New and Confused (Non-binary parent)

replies: 2

This is my first time posting, so please be gentle. I'm actually on here as my husband thought it might help me to know others who feel how I do. I'm River (not legal name). I'm a 29-year-old Non-binary parent. I was born a girl, so I have always presented as a girl, but not felt quite like one entirely. I'm on here because I have always struggled with identity, but could never put it into words. Yesterday: I did. For the first time I could vocalise my feelings of not being a woman, but not quite a man either. I accepted that I was Non-binary. I don't wish to lose my identity that I've made as a woman, but I am very much a "masculine" person on the inside. My biggest issue is parenthood. I want to know if there are others who feel as I do, and how you cope. I hated my body during pregnancy. It felt "wrong" to be pregnant. But, I was over the moon to know I was going to be a parent. Breastfeeding was a struggle, but my daughter stopped latching after 6 months, to my relief. I now feel like I'm a great parent, but that I might be letting her down because I'm not a good "mother". So, I have fears that she will become distant. I don't want that at all. How do you (if you are out there) cope with feeling like you aren't enough as a parent while struggling to adjust to your own identity? Thank you so much for reading, and I hope there might be someone I can talk to.

Deeply Honest

replies: 9

This is how I'm feeling.Im a newbie online and am reaching out for help Cruel Accusations Scream out My Name, ''Notice me, notice me," or "I'm enough, I Am" Deception and Truth side by side, one vying for attention, the other awaits the 'Knowing' to guide. Wisdom longs to filter through the lies Love to confront the hate unlocking the padlocks of fear & shame swinging wide the gate calling me into a wide open space a freedom to explore to venture into places where I've never been before. Then Voices condemn, crying unworthiness, draggjng chains, that pull me back with cruel accusations that scream out my name, listing all of the qualities I lack. They kick me spitefully to the ground, over & over, they tear me apart their sneering curses crippling me as they rip open my broken heart. Exhausted I lie bloodied & bruised unable even to lift my head, I long to shut the noises out I wish that I was dead. All alone, I weep the tears that only God can see & wonder why healing passes me by and why I cannot Be all that I desire that's good and kind and free & why after all my trying miracles don't happen to me .

Hi! This is my first ever post

replies: 10

As mentioned in the title, this is my first ever post, and I’m a bit lost on this forum, to be honest. I haven’t used many forums before, and aren’t entirely sure how they work, but I’m just looking for some assurance as to if I’m in the right place? This is sort of my first ever reach out for support, I’ve never been diagnosed with anything, and I’m not sure how good my advice is. I just decided that I wanted some assurance, or orientation even on my feelings, how common are the issues I’m dealing with? Do I need more professional help or do I just need to talk to someone for a bit? I’ve never really talked to anyone and it thought this could be a starting point, so my question is: is this the right place to begin to look for support and advice? (Also, sorry if my post is in the wrong spot or anything I’m horribly new to this. And thanks for reading, I guess.)

First Post!

replies: 10

Hey everyone! This is my first post ever! I just joined the Beyond Blue volunteering community today and I feel so grateful to be apart of such a valuable team! I hope I get to know you all and help out in whatever ways possible! Stay safe everyone!

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

My Situation, work and stuff replies: 1

Hi everyone! replies: 3

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on September & October replies: 0

Need to talk replies: 7

Introducing........MINT! (me) replies: 3

I'm not sure if I have depression, and I can't get it diagnosed either. replies: 5

New and Confused (Non-binary parent) replies: 2

Deeply Honest replies: 9

Hi! This is my first ever post replies: 10

First Post! replies: 10