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.

[Mal32]

Thankyou Sawyer, found Jasons thread and yeah some great comments, can relate to him so much....I realise i have to look after myself physically and emotionally for me and the kids...not sure where to begin though...i have to handle all this at the same time work and do other things, don t have time to think of me...its tough...doctors today and hoping for referal to councilor and adjust meds to help me a bit..i want the pain to disappear but i know it wont..i have been treated so unfair and even though she has an illness it doesnt make it any easier...i cant imagine life without her but feel like i have to plan just in case....thankyou to everyone for comments, like i said im new here i hope i can draw strength from others.... xx

[Chris_B]

Hi Kaza, welcome to the forums and thanks for posting an introduction. Have a look through the Anxiety and Relationship and family issues forums, you will find many people experiencing similar feelings you can reach out to.  You can also start your own thread there to get replies from our members.

[Simona]

Thank-you Pipsy and Crowded But Alone

I think I will start my own thread because I feel I will type too much here. Today I feel exceptionally sorry for myself and just BLAH in the head. Good thing : it is school holidays and I will soon be sitting in a dark theatre and I won't have to move or speak......much. That's after I survive the line up for tickets and food and the uncomfortable chin nods/small talk of the people I know but who are not actually friends to me.  These people actually make me break out in a cold sweat

[Simona]

Oh just quickly - I just want to point out that I am not people hater or anything like that 🙂  I love people and people watching. They intrigue and scare me at the same time.   I am former chat room junkie and I can rattle off about 14 usernames who made me feel complete and so happy.  I'm just scared to go back into that scene because when we have internet connection problems I have really bad meltdowns because I miss my friends and I get awful depressed

[Comet]

Hi peeps! This is my first message on the BB forum so it can hardly be reply!
So what's with the Post this reply stuff at the bottom?

I suffer from mainly depression and I think sometimes some anxiety. It has been a long period of suffering and I think, looking back, that if I had had some effective treatment much earlier then I would be in a much better place in my life today. Unfortunately, I did not recognise the depression for what it was when it first came on about 9 years ago. I was put on medication which helped but no one suggested counselling or any other forms of treatment. At that time I was living overseas and that may be one reason why I didn't get treatment. I was living in a different culture.

Now that I am in Melbourne again, I am getting treatment. I had almost a year's pretty intensive counselling last year and am not on medication, which helps. I feel that I am now ready to take on a different form of treatment such as BT or CT which will give me some strategies and practical steps on how to help myself get better.

My biggest fear is that because I have been struggling with depression for so long, i will continue to be affected for a long time or maybe even for the rest of my life. I have read that it is eposodic in many people but often can be reoccuring 

 . In my case, it is just ongoing, sometimes a bit better and sometimes now so good. I worry that I will be stuck with it for good but I will try not to let that stop me from trying to improve.

Cheers all! Hope to talk further as time goes by.

PS Chris. I can see the 3 tips for using the forums anywhere but perhaps I don't need to read them after all.

[arialgk]

Hi to all

I have been living with demons since forever. For a long time I have struggled to understand and overcome them. I have had breakthroughs over the years which have helped. Though it is only recently that I have found answers to what my deep, deep problems are. The ones that are the driving force behind my actions and thoughts in daily life.  For a long time I have felt like people would not understand and felt very alone.  

I now feel that some people are not capable of understanding. Some just don't want to know. I have found that you have to choose carefully when you ask for help. That is why this website is so good. I am thankful that people had the strength, bravery and passion to make this website a reality.

 Thank you

I am new and hope that I can encourage others as I get encouragement from you.

[Fed_up_mum]

Hello everyone

 I am a 35 year old mother of 3. I have been very angry of late. My kids drive me insane. I have struggled with depression, anxiety and anger for many years now. i constantly suffer migraines and backaches that never get any better. I am definitely struggling lately but don't want to go back onto mess that don't help.

[pipsy]

Hi Fed up mum.  I get the message, you are so stressed out.  You are quite young with 3 dependant children.  Obviously little or no support from the father (if he's there).  When you're stressed like you are, the least little thing sends you into a rage.  The kids fighting, I suppose they're home on holidays.  The backaches, migraines are stress related.  You need to see a G.P (fast) for some relaxation advise.  Could you arrange for the kids to go on holiday with a friend/sister/brother while you take some much needed 'time out'.  I think the depression is also because you feel guilty for how you are feeling about your kids.  Believe it or not, you're normal.  You don't need to worry about meds 'messing' your head, all meds will do is relax you.  You are on an emotional roller coaster.  Try and get some 'time out'.  Maybe their school has an after school care system that you could get them into.  Some schools have a 'holiday' programme for kids who's parents can't afford a lot.  Movies are dear, most Theme parks are dear too.  Churches also have programmes for kids on holidays so parents can have a rest.

Hope some of these suggestions help.

[tatemymate]

HI Mark,

I feel for you. I am in the same place as you, however still in the job. I have been assessed by the PMO as unfit due to the recent diagnosis of ADHD. I am being medicated for it, but my job is hanging by a thread while the appeal is being lodged. I find it discriminatory that i was stood down because of my diagnosis. I want to be the police officer that i always dreamed of. Ive only been in the job for 5 years, but don't feel like i am being given a fair go because of this.

Hang in there, and i hope you find some answers soon too.

[phelan]

Hi my name is  Phelan iam 55 5 kids life has been sheading me for such a long time  the catch is I don't know why all I know why I live a great life travel home car its all there but iam finding harder to battle this thought that says time to go I use every coping skill I know ant i just isn't working any more antidepressants dont work just an over whelming feeling