Members new and old, introduce yourselves here

[Chris_B]

Hi everyone,

This is (what will hopefully become) a mega-thread for members, new and old, to introduce themselves.  I'll kick off:

My name is Chris Banks and I’m the online communities manager at beyondblue. Basically, I’m here to help out, contribute to discussions, and answer any questions you may have about beyondblue. I work with a team of moderators behind-the-scenes who keep the forums running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I’m 37, originally from New Zealand, and have worked as a filmmaker, journalist, and musician.  I’ve spent a good chunk of time working in the mental health sector too. I have lived experience of bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, and have been living in Melbourne for nearly two years. In my spare time I enjoy movies, music, hanging out with mates, and I barrack for Hawthorn, much to the disgust of some of our regular members!

I’m not a psychologist or counsellor (although I have seen a fair few of them), so I can’t give medical advice. Like everyone else here, I can provide peer support only.
I really enjoy being part of the community and virtually meeting the many different people of all ages who come through everyday, even if they're not feeling the best when they arrive on the doorstep. Hopefully in your time here you'll feel less alone, and pick up some tips and encouragement for the journey.  

(passes on the talking stick)

PLEASE NOTE: This thread is for introductions only, if you have an issue you would like to discuss ongoing with the community, please start a new thread with your topic in the appropriate section.

[pipsy]

Hi Ian.  Pip here.  I totally agree with you about Meditation, Yoga Tai Chi, anything that helps you relax is good.  Because I attempted to end my life last year all medication was immediately ceased.   I have had to find other ways to relax.  Meditation etc doesn't work for me.   The best way for me is just staying up later, watching mindless t.v programs.  I have rejoined my local church, that's been wonderful, for me.

Keep in touch.

Pip.

[pipsy]

Hi Ian, nice to hear back from you.  I agree Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, anything that relaxes you is great.  I'm personally not 'into' any of the above, but I don't knock those who are.  I agree about hosp food being YUK, it's certainly not meant to be enjoyed.  Staying in hosp also means lack of sleep and rest.  Because I attempted suicide last year, all medication for me was ceased.  I've had to just 'work through' the no sleep situation.  I sleep okay now, most nights, anyway.  My thing has been my return to church.  I just hope you continue to mend and try to put what happened behind you.  Hard, I know, one day at a time.  I do admire you for the strength it took to share what happened.

All the best for your future.

Pipsy.

[Reallyisme]

Hi all,

I'm wade a 38 year old, I suffer from schizoaffective and have done for over 20 years. It sucks quite regularly I don't know if my thoughts and feelings are reality. I spend thousands every year on medication and doctors visits. I was in the mining industry for 12 years but now I am in aged care and am studying nursing, although I don't think I will do any good. I am going through a real tough time at the moment due to the feeling I am getting bullied at work( I don't know if I really am) and had some major conflict involving a sport I love but am considering leaving because of it. I also spent a week in hospital with rabdomylosis and am unable to train the way I had been. My mind is cruel and it hard to keep going. I'm struggling my biggest fear at the moment is being sent to hospital again so I am hesitant to go to my doc or to tell my wife how I really feel. I'm sorry my first post isn't a positive one but really I see no positive and haven't for months.

once again I am sorry

Wade

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

[Pixie15]

Hi Wade,

Welcome to the beyondblue forums. No need to apologize for your negativity. I would probably be a bit surprised if anyone wrote they had joined because they were having a really good day. Hopefully participating here and sharing your story will be a way to bring some more hope into your life.

I believe that I have seen some threads which dealt with workplace bullying so you might like to do a search to find those. I think that using your own search engine might be quicker than searching on the site here.

cheers,

Christine.

[Mr_anxious]

Hi all 🙂

I'm new to the forums My name is Shane I'm 27 and I've struggled a lot with anxiety/social anxiety and depression. I've had numerous bouts of depression which just seem to go away and then I get better. 

Im currently seeing a psychologist, I have been on depression meds before but they just made me even worse. 

At the moment whenever i go to leave the house I get very anxious and then can't do it. Afterwards I just feel worse about myself. I haven't been able to go to work the past few days because I get so anxious and agitated about what could happen I kind of psych myself out. Haven't got an official diagnoses yet so it leaves me a bit lost.

The only thing getting me through is my amazing partner who has directed me to this site. anyone else going through similar experiences?

[white knight]

Hi everyone,

Talking about bullying. I've written amny article on these pages and a few are about bullying. One was "So what are their mental illnesses". You would have a good chance to find it in google. It asks the question about bullyings, if they are on the left side of 'normal'.

I've been here for less than one year and as a champion volunteer its nearly a daily exercise answering posts. But on this journey comes knowledge from others that has helped me as well.

This forum has a huge amount of reading material to enhance your knowledge too. Tackling mental illness in my opinion needs a cocktail of approaches from your GP to medication from therapy to psychiatric care and from support to advice from champion volunteers. All are important to your recovery.

Champion Volunteers, as well as members here giving support and advice are assets to your recovery because most of us have "been there". That means all places from self harm to addictions, marriage breakups to separation from your children, medication woes to teenage confusion. And being anonymous we protect our identity so out time is for you and your reply is for us. That makes us a community...one that I personally refer to as "the love of humans". Cyber hugs.

Tony WK

[Rodjama]

Thanks 'white night' for that enlightening post and many thanks to pipsy for responding to my post from several days ago.. 🙂

If one has this condition via genetics, then it's obviously a lifelong battle like all genetic conditions. Having it 'run in the family' doesn't necessarily mean a lifetime of suffering in this day & age. The waters of knowledge are always being poured onto humanity... never give up!

[Kevin_leung]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kevin and I am 27 years old and i am suffering from lot of stress. i have recently joined this forum so i want some advice for the relaxation of stress.

[KimVic]

Hi and thanks for sharing. I am also new and I can emphasise with a lot of what you said.

Good luck with your new job I'm sure you will be able to handle it and these nerves are actually a good sign that you are being self aware.

[Racquel]

Hi All,

I am a 28 year old 'girl' traveling the world with my boyfriend. I have had diagnosed depression and anxiety for about 13 years and have recently started taking medication (again) which is finally helping. Since starting medication I am the happiest I have been in years but I am still having those down and out days, anxiety and panic attacks occasionally. It seems to help with the baseline of anxiety and depression but doesn't do much for the 'spikes' in between.

I have also been having vivid nightmares for as long as I can remember and now they are worse than ever, having them up to three or four times a night and me calling out in distress in my sleep. I personally think they are worse because of the antidepressant. I am wondering if anyone else has had the same issue and how you have dealt with it. It's my first time on a forum like this... It looks like a good place to vent and connect.