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.

[geoff]

dear All that have posted not only on page 14 and well before,  but on page 15 and page 16 I beg for each of you to please start your individual post.

I say this because each of our continual constituents could spend our whole time on this 'Members New and Old', which we would love to do, but then you won't have any other replies from people who have had similar circumstances and want to reply back to you.

Each post needs support, so please I implore and encourage each of you to come to the main page. Geoff.

[Chris_B]

Hi Goldie22, welcome to the forums. I'd suggest having a browse through the Staying Well forum, as there are a number of threads in there that fit this bill. Well done on reaching out to make some positive changes.

[Chris_B]

Hi Elizabeth, welcome to the forums, and sorry to hear things are so rough at the moment. If you go through to our Grief, Loss & Separation forum you will find many other members who have been through or are going through similar circumstances. Please reach out to other members in those threads, or feel free to start one of your own.

[shakira]

Hello everyone i am shakira im new to this website i think not having anyone to talk is finally taking its toll on me

[HA1]

Hi Shakira & welcome to BeyondBlue.

Many of us tend to lock ourself away when we most need support for others.  So congratulations on reaching out, it is always difficult.

Could I request that, if you are up to it, please start your own thread to tell us a little bit more about yourself.  In the All Posts section choose the category that bests suits your situation (eg depression).

Look forward to hearing from you.

K

[Elle26]

Hi,

I'm really not sure what to say or even how to start.  It's taken me a very long time to admit that I suffer from depression.  Something that began at such a young age and has had repercussions ever since.  Some day’s I'm good, I'm happy & funny and it's like there is no weight on my shoulders and others I feel alone, sad and emotional. Most of time I'm not sure what triggers it but when it does I retreat from the world.  I don't talk about it, my friends don't know about it. I normally just open a bottle of wine and stay in bed, I just feel the need to escape. I immerse myself in TV series and then after a while I go back to being happy and social and proactive until it happens all over again.  Sometimes randomly for example when I’m out for dinner I’ll be happy & talkative the next I just want to go home and talk to no one. I really don’t know what to say I’m not an open person.  I don’t really know how to talk about this but I suppose it’s a start.  I think gradually, over time, here is a place I can talk about it. 

[HelpfulHusband_]

Hi all,

My wife has recently told me she has depression, something I suspected for a while and never knew how to approach, what to do or say. 

I am looking at it as a positive that she has told me, which I knew was a huge thing for her. She has also been seeing some doctors which I know is a good thing. At the moment she is saying no to medication but I think she is changing her mind.

I know over the past few weeks I really haven't been helpful as I have been absolutely swamped with work and exhausted myself. But I feel I am letting her down and just don't know what to do or how to help. I have been doing some reading recently and learnt a few things. One thing that jumped out to me was talking with people about it (one reason I am here) but she is adamant she doesn't want friends to know?

Guess I am a bit lost and wanting to be helpful but feeling the opposite of late.

Cheers

[pipsy]

Dear HelpfulHusband.  The most important thing you can do, you've already done.  You listened to her without judging.  I think she probably realizes how tired you are, but knowing she has your complete support is very important.  If she knows she can turn to you, she will relax.  Admitting to having depression is scary because of the stigma attached to 'mental illness'.  People who don't have it or understand it, treat it as 'snap out of it'.  Let her be the one to tell people if and when she's ready.  Again your support is paramount.  If you tell someone, even for a 'sounding board', for you, this will be, to her, a complete betrayal.  The fact you posted here means you're willing to learn as much as you can.  Does she know you posted?  If you told her or, more importantly, asked her permission and she granted, that's also a positive.  BB doesn't discriminate or judge, but she has to have confidence in you to agree to your posting.  Can you visit her G.P with her if she requests?  This would help her tremendously.  If not, she still knows she has your support.  BB will help you as well.

Good on you, HelpfulHusband.  You're one in a million.

Cheers Pipsy.

[HelpfulHusband_]

Thanks Pipsy,

Wouldn't say I have done much at all yet! I haven't told her about being on here. Didn't think of telling her before hand. I shall definitely take the advice about telling people!

I will ask her if she would like me to attend the doctors with her. I can't imagine it will be a yes as she is incredibly independent and strong willed!

I shall still leave that ? after my name for now.

Thanks for the reply

[Hatethefeeling]

Evening,

 I am a mother of 3, almost grown, children. DD-22, DS-17, DD-15. I have been married for 25yrs and until 6yrs ago thought my world was complete. Then it all fell apart. Im not sure why or how but all I know is it's a mess and i struggle day to day.

 There are many many factors in this and I find most days a struggle.

 Anyway, thats me, well some of me