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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Hey

replies: 2

Hi guys completely new to the whole forum idea. I just wanted to stop by and say Hi. How is everyone coping in this lockdown society we now seem to call normal? I'm going a little stircrazy for some sort of social outlet, which is really weird for me... View more

Hey!

replies: 7

First time posting so just testing first...

Fake

replies: 5

Some people would think I have this awesome life with cool job, boyfriend, nice house, fit etc...but I would almost give it all up to be happier or just be a different person sometimes. The faking that I'm happy all the time is so mentally draining. The faking that I'm ok at work, the attempting to fit in with everyone else when it's such a struggle. I hate complaining and I know things like lying in bed all day and not exercising, drinking alcohol etc would make it worse so i force myself to get up and fake a smile but like I said it's so mentally draining just pretending that I've got my shit together when I've got that stress inside me thinking negative thoughts like im not good enough to do that or people will bitch about me etc. Lately at work I've really lacked confidence and shut myself out more from people; would rather try and work on my own; Things like failing an exam but im not lazy an worked really hard for it. I've struggled for years trying to be as good as everyone else, but i feel so dumb, seriously lack self esteem and confidence, the stress of trying to do something I feel like people look at me and think why is she so stressed when I'd do anything to shut it off and just be normal. I shut people out because i don't want them to find out the bad side of me so would rather sit at home after work where I can let loose rather than trying to make friends and fake making an effort and acting like I'm this awesome person and friend. It's just such a struggle to tell myself be positive, that I'm not dumb, I'm a great person when I honestly don't believe it most of the time. Does anyone else feel like this or have any idea what it is or what I should do? Thanks heaps xx

Hello

replies: 8

Hi, i am new here and feeling like i just needed to chat. A lot of things going on in my mind and hoping to connect and maybe seek the help i need. Thank you

Mobile/Desktop site

replies: 1

So im navigating this frustratingly via mobile, will there be any update to the site to make it more mobile friendly.. another problem im having is being unable to update my profile pic- it lets me choose but wont upload at all.. -Chris

New to this

replies: 1

Have depression for over 20 years sometimes it’s really hard especially with my kids, I’m a single father of four kids, hello to everyone here

Confused

replies: 4

I was diagnosed with ptsd a few years ago as well as depression and anxiety. Mostly I am doing really well but in times of stress I find I just don't cope. These covid lockdowns are getting really tough. I'm grateful to be tucked away safe and sound but trying to keep my mental health in check is a challenge. It doesn't help at all the my husband just doesn't understand. He is supportive in all other ways but when it comes to understanding my mental health concerns he just turns off or gets cranky about it. I feel guilty when I feel like this knowing others are doing it much harder than I am. I'm just not sure how to get out of this funk.

Anxiety fearfulness

replies: 1

Hi I'm new today, I've had anxiety off and on in my life , conflict triggers it. It's a horrible feeling of guilt fear and l get very physical symptoms, can't eat don't want to do anything l gesse that's where the depression hits in. I've just had family conflict with my sister and dad who is 90 this Sunday l voiced my concerns and now l don't think me and my sister will resolve. We were nt really close ,but nether the less l have to deal with that l have hurt her feelings, l don't understand why l react in such a debilitating way over conflicts

Living with sufferers of Borderline Personality Disorder

replies: 2

Hi, My adolescent has just been diagnosed with BPD. She has also just attempted suicide. I've been having trouble finding a support community and feel very much at a loss to cope with everything. Any tips? Thanks in advance, LisC.

Just joined

replies: 3

Hi all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Heather and I am writing this from my hospital bed, waiting to go to surgery for the insertion of a Peritoneal Catheter for Kidney Failure. I will have this for the rest of my life. I am not coping with this massive change, even though I've known for years it was coming. I have a wonderful Social Worker who suggested this forum as a way of connecting with people who will understand. I am keen to talk to anyone who has been through this and can answer questions about the procedure, ongoing care, how long the anxiety and depression lasts and what you did to cope. Thank you

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hey replies: 2

Hey! replies: 7

Fake replies: 5

Hello replies: 8

Mobile/Desktop site replies: 1

New to this replies: 1

Confused replies: 4

Anxiety fearfulness replies: 1

Living with sufferers of Borderline Personality Disorder replies: 2

Just joined replies: 3