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.

[Chris_B]

Tina m said:Hi my names Tina and I'm new to this. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years now. But lately I've been feeling like I'm just waking up and doing the same thing over over again and I'm constantly thinking about everything and not sure where my life is going. is there anyone here who can relate????

Hi Tina, there will be lots of people here who can relate. Welcome and thanks for introducing yourself. Have a look through the threads in the Depression and Anxiety forums and feel free to contribute to those conversations, or you can start your own if you'd like a response to your question.

[Chris_B]

Comet said:

Hi Sach. I really liked your post. You are doing a good job but I can't do what you are doing, that is making myself do something and get out of the house. I keep thinking about what I am going to do but I usually don't do it. I just mooch about the house or go back to sleep. Sometimes I can do it especially when I am going to meet someone or got to someone's house.

So what are your strategies for making yourself do things? Can you share them with me?

 PS I introduced myself on this thread a couple of days ago if you want to read it.

Hi Comet, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately this thread is just for introductions, if you would like answers to questions then it's best to start a new thread. We already have some threads on finding motivation and self help tips for anxiety below if you'd like to look through them:

What keeps you motivated?

Simple things to keep you going

How do you manage staying well?

[Chris_B]

Beatrix said:

 Plus it would be really nice to hear from others who also support someone with depression and schizophrenia, especially at those moments when I feel like I have given all that I can and it's still not enough, or when I run out of patience and feel guilty about it. 

Hi Beatrix, welcome to the forums. Have a look in the Supporting Family & Friends section, you'll find lots of carers you can chat with about these feelings.

[Chris_B]

MissKerri said:

About me: I'm 34, an employment consultant working in mental health

Hi MissKerri, if you feel up to it, we could really use your expertise in the Employment and workplaces forum. We have a number of new members coming through struggling with managing their mental health in the workplace and I imagine you have some really useful insights.

[bluesurvivor76]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with depression 12 years ago while serving in the Air Force. Given the culture at the time it was seen as weakness to have a mental illness, so I refused medication and suffered in silence. Shortly after this I left the Air Force but stayed in the industry which did nothing to help my depression. The result was many years of suffering and lots of angry outbursts at work and at home.

I have a wife and 5 kids and my depression has impacted on them over the years. Earlier this year I became so unwell that I sought treatment, which has changed my outlook on life.

I am hoping to find some additional support mechanisms here and hoping I can return the favour through advice, motivation and sharing inspiring experiences.

[scigwen]

Hi, I'm new. I have struggled with anxiety and depression since my early teens (now 27). I have been diagnosed with BPD and I also have OCD.

 I'm on this forum for the first time seeking hope. I had ECT a few months ago and it really helped me a lot despite the cognitive side-effects (epic memory loss etc). But now I see myself returning to my old ways of thinking with psychosis and thoughts of suicide. I feel overwhelmed and as though there might be no possible way to create a life worth living.

I am also crippled by social anxiety, so I hope that interacting online will help. I hope I can share my experiences in a way that is helpful.

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.

[greekfreak101]

Hi, I am a 17 year old female and I am currently completing my HSC. I had depression for 8 or so years and anxiety for 10 and this for two years went away. At the start of this year, I had issues with both family and friends and anxiety came back. But it is minor and I believe I also have PTSD. Hope everyone gets the support they need.

[Lxcr]

Hi, I'm 25 and have been suffering with anxiety and depression for several years. First timer with all of this.. Desperate really. Gps can give you meds but they don't get rid of those horrible feelings, they numb them temporality.. I feel like I'm not good enough.. For myself, for my partner and for my family and friends. Being judged by others is my biggest fear and I'm constantly thinking the worst in every situation. I do try to see the positives in everything and approach life with a grateful heart and portray myself as being fun and positive.. but deep down I am a mess. I cry a lot (when I'm alone) and I feel like no one around me really understands that 'sadness'. D&A has controlled my life, I avoid social events, meeting my partners family (I've been with my partner for 8 years now) and I'm unemployed because I am so scared of 'stuffing up' And being judged.. Even though I am capable. The mind is a powerful thing and I wish I could have control. Reading some posts have made me feel that I'm not alone and it saddens me that so many people are suffering with this, I would give all you guys a huge hug right now if I could.. It sucks and no one should ever have to feel like this. 

[thisaquarian]

Hi everyone just to let you know I've had a change in name - MissKerri to thisaquarian... I just want to be a little more anonymous.

scigwen: welcome to the BB forums. I've been here a little while now and this is a lovely supportive place to be. I don't know much about ECT but I have heard about the side effects, one of them being memory loss - that must be so frustrating for you. You are here, helping yourself, so you are creating possibilities for yourself. I have anxiety and PTSD, and I find that checking in here really helps me. Have a look around the other boards - theres some great tips and techniques you may not have tried.

[Dust_Bunny]

Hello

I'm a newbie here and not feeling that great..I'm in the process of losing my job of ten years and my sadness is suffocating..I have sort medical help and my doctor is great but it's the idea of not going to the place I love, my second family, that is so hard.

You know.. The old story - out with the old and in with the new, new management blah, blah.

I do have a wonder support network friends and family, which I am so grateful for I just imagine my day not working there anymore. Just sad.