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.

[White_Rose]

Dear Gnillehcs

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. It's good you have found your way here and I hope we can help and support you.

Twelve years old is very young to struggle with depression on your own. Was anyone aware of your struggles? Parents, teachers, friends? I am so sad you have been alone for so long with this illness.

What sort of help do you have now? Psychologist, doctor? It is good to get professional help. I hope you are making some progress in taming the Black Dog.

Would you like to tell us more about yourself? What sort of activities do you like? What sort of work do you do?

It may be helpful for you to explore the Beyond Blue web site. Check out the tabs at the top of the page. BB has heaps of information about depression and anxiety which you can download or have sent to you. The more informed you are the better able you can be to fight this.

Would love to hear from you again.

Mary

[Oodie]

Hi ,

My first bout of depression was in 1996. I'd had numerous changes- dad died, just married, moved to new state, 1st job out of uni. I imagine some people could cope but I didn't and had a huge breakdown. I was put on a tricyclic medication and it absolutely pulled me out of the hole. The following years I was on a off it. Any change or stressful event(even a disagreement with someone) would send me plummeting.) I am by nature a perfectionist, very giving and kind. I hate asking people for help as I feel like a failure. When I'm well I am very organised and efficient. Now 20 years on I am low again. I was put on a medication recently which made me suicudal ( quickly realised that wasn't right) . Now I just feel sad and I don't know why? I am supposed to try yet another medication soon but I'm very worried it won't work. I am 46 and thinking my sadness may also be due to hormones. I so hate this illness. Happy to chat!

Oodie 

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.

[Chris_B]

Hi TJ94,

Welcome to the forums. Weight gain as a side effect of medication can be quite common, and we have a number of threads on it. Try having a look at these, and feel free to contribute:

Weight gain by ThousandMiles

Weight gain by Ashtay

Weight gain on meds by Missmuppet

Have a look also through the Treatments and Staying Well forums for some other good threads.

[Iamme]

HI...I joined so I could speak...and be heard...I am in a relationship with a hubby who they say has metal issues. He does manipulate a lot with the doctors he tols me.and has had issues with his mother...who has past.and me being a woman and his wife...come under the banner as being a mother figure...so intimacy is a big issue in our relationship...he instantly reacts to things i say and do....with a negative and demeaning responses...I am internally so exhausted....and getting to the point of saying I am fed up...have put up with enough...But the words of marriage say till death do we part...and my father says put up shut up. or leave...so I tend to shut up and put up....but in saying all this...I love the guy....it's only moments and times that he is the way he is...and so am I the way I am....but with no intimacy for over 15 years none even on our wedding day....and with every excuse that is made....what am I to do...I even say to him that a hug that lasts over 2 minutes it is therapeutic...he dismisses it and walks away from me wining under his breath...leavening me to feel...like I don't know what....in the olden days a guy like that would have been slapped in the face....if i were to do that he would hit back...he reminds me of a spoilt child who got away with what he wanted until he was confronted with his mother.....who was abusive...so obviously he fights back...and I am sick of him trying to start fights over nothing...I will continue to be numb....shut up and put up....so exhausted.

[Chris_B]

Hi Iamme, welcome to the forums and congratulations on making a first post.

That sounds like quite a situation you have there, as this thread is just for introductions, I'd suggest you start a new thread in the Supporting Family & Friends or Grief, Loss & Separation forums with your story, that way members can respond to you specifically on your issues, rather than getting lost in here.

[Chris_B]

Hi Oodie,

Glad you've come to the forums, not so glad to hear you've hit a rough patch again. Depression can come and go throughout life, unfortunately, so try not to be too rough on yourself about the return of the black dog.  You'll get through this time as you did before.

Below are a handful of threads from other members discussing hormonal imbalances and depression that you might find of interest, please feel free to post in them.  Welcome in.

Depressive episodes and hormonal cycle by Sweetdreams

Hormonal imbalance & depression by dasz

Hormone imbalance by lissyloo

[ed64]

Well... G'day, I am new to posting on forums, but not so new to Beyond Blue, I have been an Ambassador for them for nearly 5 years now, they have sent me to a variety of places during this time and I have met some wonderful people while sharing my story. I have been a farmer for most of my life, and my speaking events have been largely in front of similar audiences to myself, although sharing a long history of mental illness that was diagnosed over 20 years ago now, I feel that my story is one that most can relate to.

Recovery and management of chronic depression and severe anxiety has given me a strong platform to connect with others and the telling of such a journey is something that I believe can help, because nothing teaches like personal experience and displaying resilience is one way to do this.

Working with Beyond Blue over the years has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life to date, and no matter where I have met a staff member whether it be in a shearing shed in the back of beyond or in a capital city, the professionalism of the people in the team has always shone through, so if anyone who reads this is thinking of becoming involved with Beyond Blue in anyway, do it!

You will only be richer for the experience. 

Thank you

[tonya2]

Hi All

I am new to this forum. I am not suffering from anxiety or depression although I believe I have in the past. I have joined these forums with knowledge that people suffer in different ways. Recently I have been in conflict with a colleague in an effort to get things done in a voluntary organisation. Since then I understand she suffers. I am/ will be seeking advice on how I can best behave. Not as a carer, but as a colleague with a difference of approach that still cares. I neither want to patronise, exclude or load her with responsibility. Some words and actions have been sharp but I don't wish to hurt or be hampered by her. Any advice?

[White_Rose]

Dear Tonya

Welcome to BB.  Glad you made it on site.  I think your post is a great idea. I wish more people showed a similar concern for their workmates.

Before I start commenting and discussing your post I want to suggest you start another thread under Supporting Family and Friends or under Employment and Workplaces.  That way any responses will be kept on one thread and not lost amongst the new member posts.

If you post a reply to yourself or me you can indicate where you have started the new post so that others will not reply here. You can also ask the moderator to lock off this post so you are not getting two sets of replies.

I would love to continue this discussion with you.

Regards

Mary

[Dreamer89]

Hello Everyone

My name is Emanuel, I am 25, I work full time as a car cleaner, I live with my mother (who is really difficult to live with). My interests are drawing and recording music. I get really nervous when talking to people, especially in groups so I don't have any friends. I often get ignored at work. I feel like no one understands me and no one tries to, I have always felt different than other people, like I don't belong here. Lately I have been getting very depressed and even little things are enough to make me emotional. I am feeling really lonely and wish I had someone to talk to.