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.

[Hairtie]

Hi..... This is my first forum so I dont know if I am doing this right???? For now just call me Hairtie. I have OCD and Depression and have just successfully completed exposure therapy. I am hopeful it means an end to hospital stays but only time will tell. I hope I haven't done this wrong. 

[suzukigirl]

Hey guys,

 I just joined, straight out of the wrapper new....

I'm 36, I have had depression and anxiety since early childhood, I generally use humor to keep people at arms length because before now, I was ashamed of how my brain worked...or didn't.

Im here to learn how to integrate into the human race..as odd as that sounds, and help myself and others along the way.....if thats possible.

Thanks for being on here and reading my wee post, nice to meet all of you, when I do xx

[Mumma_bear]

Hi

my name is momma bear.

i am a survivor from 1997. I am currently finding it hard to get out of bed. I have 3 kids 12,15,16 and husband, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 lizards, 1 bird (dog killed one a week ago), fish, 1 rabbit, just moved house, paying 2 mortgages with no wage, had a gastric sleeve operation in January, lost 30kg's, hocking things to eat, haven't had meds for 3 days, might get them tomorrow, will have to hock jewelry, tired. 

Sorry for wingeing. But don't want to upset kids and husband. Bit stressful.

[Mumma_bear]

This is mumma bear

i forgot to mention I have a 23 year old 9hours away who just got engaged. She is from my ex husband who I left in 1998.

and I know no one in my new town

[kanga_brumby]

Welcome we are a friendly bunch here. Hop you get the advice you kneed when you kneed it. Have fun

[19Kat85]

There are lots of 12 step programs available. I was exposed to a lot of them working in a rehab and they were real little communities- people with similar stories who all share the one goal- getting sobriety. Have a look on Google as a starting point perhaps. 

[Mumma_bear]

I've just realised my husband and kids can live without me.

Move done nothing but lay in bed. Not a good mum. Not s good housewife. Not a good wife. 

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.

[Dear_Alex]

Hi,

I hope that I am doing this right. I have recently been diagnosed with Anxiety. Dear Alex is how I start all of my journal entries I find it easier to write as if I am writing to someone I know. Alex is a character from my favourite book.

I was trying to get more information and I found the Beyond Blue website and forums to be helpful. 

Dear Alex.

[choppa]

hi all

im new here trying to sort my world back out. i have been diagnosed with severe anxiety and depression. medication works but i still have rough days. i get massive panic attacks over the silly things and im slowly pushing my partner to breaking point because im constantly apologizing for what happens to me. he has been a complete gem but i feel like he is slowly slipping away and then that puts me in more of a panic. i hate all that happens to me. the thought of suicide has been so strong. but i think of my family and what it would do to them.

i just want to feel like me again. the girl who couldnt care less what the world through at her. i have now been dealing with this for 5years and im ready to get better now. im trying to get the best out of life and im hoping that this website will help

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 Mumma bear, welcome to the forums and sorry to hear you are struggling. It sounds like you could do with some support and talking with our members a bit more - please start a new thread to do this as your posts will get lost in here, this thread is just for introductions.