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.

[Gerbra]

Hi, this is my first post.

I have been managing my depression and anxiety with the help of a great Dr and Psychologist for about 6 yrs now. I find Mindfulness and yoga helpful.

Part of my recovery required me to estrange myself from certain family members. One of them was my mother.

My son, who recently married cannot seem to cope with this. I think he is embarressed. He is very angry with me.

I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

[Chris_B]

Hi Gerbra,

Welcome to the forums. Below are links to a few threads you may find helpful, from members who have had to cut ties with family members over their illness, but the best thing I can suggest if you're wanting feedback from the community is to start your own thread in the Supporting Family & Friends forum. This thread is just for introductions.

EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL- likely extreme BPD?

Withdrawn and angry

[Illythian]

Hi

Your sense of smell is a primary perception that can confirm or extinguish negative feelings.  I suggest finding something you love to smell and placing it near you all day.  Don't try to be clever and get additional benefits such as cures for various ailments.  Simply enjoy the amazing sense of smell you have created.  Let me know how you go.

Cheers and have a great day.

[Tilly3]

Hiya everyone, I am new to this, I've never been part of online forums but I thought why not try to connect with others for some support. I have depression and anxiety...often strangely simultaneous. Very few people know I struggle everyday, I hold a full time job and am always the strong one. Today I've been down for no particular reason, I just shut the world out and keep thinking I just can't go on anymore, so tired and no energy. Do others feel this way? Get so tired even if you're sleeping at night...fatigued in the day.

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.

[littlemisspippa]

Hi Scarlett,

I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder around 3 years ago. I  also experienced depression too. I consider myself a very lucky person as l believe that no matter what life throws at me l have the strength to get through it. 

 All humans will go through tough times - that's what life is. There are so much in this world l can't explain and it's hard to comprehend. Just accept what feelings you have (eg. Anger) and that's all you can do. On the other side there are so much wonderful things in this world. Use all your senses. Try to accept your life is yours - so there's no use comparing to others. 

 focus on what you have control of. 

Just accept you have feelings and thoughts. You're human so that's normal.  Identify any unhelpful thinking styles, challenge any negative self talk (Brain: "You're so silly!" Me: "Cheers for that thought Brain!"). Focus on what you're doing right now rather than thinking about the past or the future. 

 if it helps, I don't think l really ever wrote down my feelings very much so don't be disheartened if you feel like you can't. My psychologist was amazing and gave me this advice: "breathe, eat well, sleep, exercise and do at least 1 enjoyable thing each day!"  Focus on this and you'll be well placed to work through things. If you are good at drawing, maybe draw what you're feeling? 

 i also would recommend reading "the happiness trap".

at the end of the day focus on what works for you.

kind regards,

philippa

[littlemisspippa]

Hi Gebra,

My advice is to accept what you can't change or control. Focus on what you can. 

No one can control or change how someone thinks or feel - we can certainly influence but really only they can. Accept your son is angry.

In reality, we can only control how we choose behave in the current moment - we can't control or change what we feel or think, we can't change the past or control the future (time travel is yet to be available alas!).

Kind regards.

philippa 

[TJ94]

Hi all, I don't even know where to start I never thought I would be doing this. I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety back in August last year. I had just started studying at WAAPA for Bachelor of Music. I guess once everything started piling on top of me I cracked and fell apart after studying and working 6-7 days a week. Ive tried various medications which have greatly helped me but now I'm feeling Im not getting the same effect. The main issue I have at the moment is the amount of weight I have gained due to overeating and my medications I have gone from a side 10-12 to a size 18-20 within 7 months. This hardly makes me want to get out of bed in the morning. Does anyone have any tips or any thoughts on the medication/process that worked for you? Thank you 

[laaenbai]

Hi,

I am Peter, I support my wife who has mental health issues. she has been diagnosed with depression and takes medication. It has caused us significant problems, enough that anyone who actually knew would likely say you don't have to continue to put up with it.

Why do I do it, for my kids first and foremost to protect them, although I am not always sure that it does. I haven't always done the right thing in my approach to various events around our family. This lead to financial issues. I have now got a handle on that through using myBudget, recommend them thoroughly.

So around 10 years of dealing with it since diagnosis, initially it wasn't as I was travelling and really never understood what it meant to live with someone so close. Really funny that as I now believe that my father suffered mental health problems, cured with alcohol. I guess the problem was projected differently because of that.

Anyway, that is my story, in brief. As you can imagine there is probably near a great movie plot in there somewhere, certainly a lot of challenges.

Cheers

Peter

[gnillehcs]

Hi I'm new to this forum...I wasn't suggested to use it I just figured I'd give it a go.

I'm a 20 year old female living in Brisbane, I've been struggling with depression/anxiety since I'd say around 12 years old. I only sought professional help when I turned 19 because I couldn't take living in constant sadness anymore and had helped myself without outside help for as long as I could. I'm too scared to write anything else haha so hello everyone I have sorta introduced myself 🙂

[TJ94]

Hi gnillehcs

I just made an account yesterday. I also have been suffering with depression/anxiety. If you ever want to chat about it all I am here to talk and to share thoughts on treatment ect.

Hope you are doing well.