Greetings and Appreciatation for Community Champions

[cleews]

Hey everyone!

Chris here and just want to say hi. I have been coping with depression for 16 years now and landed myself in hospital for a good 2 months to recover from that. Depression still hangs around, and I won't say it is so much of a battle but more coping with it. It has gotten dark sometimes when it rears it head, but never again in that abyss and chasm as before. Now that I am in a good headspace and have my defences and mechanisms, thought I would like to join in and contribute, help and volunteer for BB.

Just browsing the forums make me realise the dark issues that people are facing everyday. And that most of the Community Champions are like many of us, having dealt with our own demons and fights. Yet, they have the mental strength and fortitude to tackle some of the darkest issues head on and try to help others. That is strength and courage and I really salute you all for doing that. Personally for me, I have volunteered to be in a mentor role in an organisation for LGBT folks. I anticipate I will be facing situations similar to what the CCs address on the forums.

The depth of compassion and kindness, is nothing like I've encountered before. So my question is, how do you do it? What are your strategies to keep yourself going and at the same time help others facing their problems and lending a helping hand?

Cheers to all of you champions.

Chris

[Starwolf]

Good to meet you Chris. Thank you for your kind words of support.

Kudos for volunteering. In spite of all you have been through, you have built up an inner necessity to make a difference. A gift that gives twice as it serves to turn our own dark moments into positive support for others.

Good to have you on board.

[cleews]

Makes me so happy to see so many wonderful people responding and welcoming! Thank you all for your kind words and personally for me, since I am in a good position now, I always believe it's a duty of mine to help others. As Kevin Spacey, an actor that I really admire said, "if you've done well in the business, it's your obligation to send the elevator back down." And that is exactly what Community Champions like you guys are doing.

So thank you.

[demonblaster]

Cleews I'm hoping you don't mind if I add all the Bluevoice including yourself of course to this

Thankyou so much & too all the others that also support others when they're struggling too.

Great bunch here

Thx again for a lovely thread Cleews

[blondguy]

Hey Cleews....(and Demonblaster)

Thankyou so much not only for your great thread but taking the time to reply too 🙂

Cleews mentioned......"As Kevin Spacey, an actor that I really admire said, "if you've done well in the business, it's your obligation to send the elevator back down."What a great quote! You are also a member of Blue Voices too!

Your enthusiasm is gift to the forums...Your input is no different to anyone elses on the forums..including mine.

Great to have you here as part of the Beyond Blue Forums Cleews (and DB and everybody of course :-))

Any input you wish to contribute is more than welcome. (if you wish of course)

My Best

Paul

[demonblaster]

(( )) Blond 🙂

What Blond said Cleews, and Kevin Spacey yeah that's good re the elevator, shows a good heart and wanting to help others which is the right way aye.

He's a good actor, deserves to be up there amongst the best