Hi! I am new to Beyond Blue online.

[NetDog]

I have finally taken the plunge and joined the online forum. It hasn't been an easy decision as I am quite shy and don't like discussing my problems or asking for help. But I feel I have no other options available.

My hubby and I work and manage a sheep and cattle farm. We run Angus cattle and Merino sheep.

We have a wonderful daughter who just started high school this year. She is a horse enthusiast like myself.

I have suffered from Mental Health for over 20 years, and have had tried many medications, was hospitalised twice in 2011, undergone Somatic psychotherapy from 2011-2013, and have had no end of trouble with my mental health. Self isolation due to covid 19 has been really hard as I can't work as I am home schooling our daughter. At her school year 7-10 boarding students may not return to school until Term 3.

We also got pretty much burnt out during the fire in November 2019. Our house and animals were saved. Before that we went through the worst drought in living memory. So life certainly hasn't been easy going at all.

[Sophie_M]

Hi there,

Welcome to the Beyond Blue forums, we're so glad you decided to join our welcoming online community. We understand it can be difficult to do this for the first time, and we are so grateful that you had the courage. We're so sorry to hear about what you have been going through. It does sound as though life hasn't been easy going and we empathise with how difficult this must be Please know that our community is here to support you and we will get through this.  If you feel it might be useful, we'd encourage you to visit our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. This is inclusive of a 24/7 telephone counselling service.
  Many of our members have felt similar, hopefully a few of them will pop by with some kind words. We hope you'll find our valued forums community helpful as this is a safe, non-judgmental and supportive place.

[quirkywords]

Netdog

welcome to the forum and well done for making your first post.

am sorry yo hear of your struggles and about your recent troubles.

I lost my home and business in the NYE bush fires down the south coast amd I have been living with bipolar for over 40 years.

This forum is very supportive and helpful.

I feel that the drought and bushfires have been forgotten because of covid.do you have any friends and family to support here.

You are not alone and there is support here. Please feel to post here as much as you want, I am interested in learning more about you and your struggles.

How are you finding schooling your daughter at home?

Take care

[James_C65]

Hi, just signed up, and I will fixed the icon pic as soon as I know how to upload pic!

Late last year I was found to have moderate anxiety and exhibit depression sign, I have start taking steps as much as I can to ease the problems. (ie appointment with doctor etc) . I'm an engineer, but started from 2 years ago, I noticed I started to under perform, lost concentration, no longer pay attention to detail, get tired easily, I have become a very slow learner-as opposed to what I used to be, my productivity gone down as well. Lost interests in many things. Took a long time to figured out my issues with anxiety and depression. Further diagnose I noticed the anxiety might be running in the family as my dad, mum all known to be "worrier "

Fast forward to recently, the under performance made me about to lose my job. I fully understand it's not the best time to lose job. While looking around for random things, I came across Beyond Blue, and signed up for the forum. This will be my first step hopefully for the better, anyway, hi all!

[quirkywords]

James welcome the forum and welldone for making your first post .

his is a supportive and nonjudgmental place.

am glad you have started step to help yourself. You have insights into your patterns of behaviour.

If you browse through different threads on the forum or if you type in words like anxiety worried into search engine at top of page, you may find useful information.

Welcome again

Quirky

[ecomama]

Hi Netdog and welcome to BB forums

We'd love to know more about you, please share if you're willing.

I'll be honest and say it's no surprise that you're finding things difficult! Drought, fire, now covid and the unusual occupation of home schooling is maybe what some people could experience over the span of a lifetime, not in 6 months. It's a huge impact by anyone's measure.

You have the forums here to let out any thing, any time.
I highly recommend the 24/7 helplines.

You mentioned previous MH concerns. Do you have ongoing support there?
Now would be the perfect time to have a telehealth appointment with your GP to talk about your feelings.
You may get a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a counsellor. Most of these appts are over the phone now for a while. Good and bad for you I suppose?

If you can dip into the Wellbeing forum and have a look at self-care, I think you need some of that.

Alternatively, as restrictions are lifted, you could think of taking your daughter to visit family or friends.
It doesn't matter where she does her schooling as long as she does it all, right?
If you are unable to lend a hand on the farm anyway then a few days away might help.
Even knowing we have choices can lighten our mood somewhat.

EM