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.

[SimAly]

Hi all

My name is Simi, I haven't been here in a while. Back in 2011 I was diagnosed with PND, anxiety and depression, at the time I was seeing a counsellor but haven't been in 2 years now. My anxiety and depression started when I returned to work after maternity leave and my employer demoted me and bullied me until I resigned. I was also battling PND at the time and It all went downhill from there.I now have 2 beautiful children, but I still carry the burden of feeling worthless. I'm currently on maternity leave again and I don't believe I have PND this time around, but I'm starting to have the same emotions coming back as I'm due to return to work in the next couple of weeks. I'm constantly angry and negative and bitter.

[philosophia]

Hi, my name's Sophia. I'm 17 and I can't stop stressing about everything.

I feel like I'm wasting everyone's time crying out for attention like this but I have no one to talk to here. I have an amazing life compared to probably many people on earth and I know that. "You have no problems stop complaining, compare yourself to the starving children!" I hear that one a lot. I'm stressed over my school work, I'm in senior school and I feel so pressured to perform, I mean, my grades are pretty good I should be proud. I just feel so empty. Inadequate, negative. I haven't eaten properly in weeks. I don't have any motivation anymore, I'm putting the 4 assignments I currently have off. My 'best friend' just stabbed me in the back, actually she's been doing it for weeks, repetitively. I'm lost socially. I've never seen a professional about my mental health and I don't know who to turn to. I have to write like 12 000 words in the next 2 weeks and I can't do it. I really don't want to post this.

I'm sorry for wasting time and space on here, there's people out there dealing with so much more. 

[Faythe]

Hello everyone,

this is hard for me to do, I feel like I am not supposed to comment or introduce myself as I have not been diagnosed although I did see a gp today and have a referral. I think I have long term suppressed issues that have never been dealt with  but have recently surfaced with my currentgoing marital separation and it has just bought me to a very low, low. I am yet to make an appointment and hope after waiting to see the gp again in a few days I will still have the courage to do so.

good luck all, may we rise to happiness 

[Stinson13]

Hi all. My name is sam. I'm a functioning alcoholic at 29 with severe anxiety and a strange form of cognitive ocd.  I have a great job, family and girlfriend. Unfortunately alcohol is threatening these things despite all the support its only a matter of time before something gives. After a pretty horrendous two days I've finally book myself into a rehab clinic for a pretty intensive 3 week period. Just wanted to see if I was in the right place and wanted to hear experiences from other people. Cheers.

[Chris_B]

philosophia said:

Hi, my name's Sophia. I'm 17 and I can't stop stressing about everything.

Hi Sophia, thanks for posting an introduction. If you would to talk further with our members about what is going on for you, then please start a new thread in the Young People section.

[Chris_B]

Faythe said:

I feel like I am not supposed to comment or introduce myself as I have not been diagnosed although I did see a gp today and have a referral. 

Hi Faythe, welcome to the forums. You don't have to have been formally diagnosed to participate in the forums, we're here to talk with anyone who is struggling.  Hope you'll stay with us.

[Chris_B]

Stinson13 said:Hi all. My name is sam. I'm a functioning alcoholic at 29 with severe anxiety and a strange form of cognitive ocd.  

Hi Sam, welcome to the forums. Below are some threads you might find useful:

I'm an alcoholic

 Male, 30, husband, father & alcoholic

 Recently sober alcoholic struggling with self forgiveness

[Pidgeon]

Good afternoon Blue Voices,

 I hope this day finds you all well.  This is my first post and I am a newbie to the site.  I was diagnosed with MDD / GAD when I was 22.  I am now 38.  As I am sure you are all aware, this had been a very tumultuous and soul destroying experience in many ways.  I had to be completely broken down and allow myself to feel the pain to then be rebuilt into the stronger version of myself that I have become.  I consider myself an ongoing Work in Progress.  I attempted suicide twice.  I am happy to be here.  I want to be able to connect with others who have shared similar experiences with emotional despair and anxiety.  I also would love to be able to help and give back, because without all of the help and support I received and continue to receive, I would not be here today writing about my experiences.  There is a very strong genetic link in my family for people with mental illness. 7 of my maternal family members have been diagnosed with some form of illness or personality disorder.  Which made it difficult for me to understand if it was nature V nurture or both.  In my case it was both.  

 I look forward to conversing with you all.

 Cheers,

[A_wife]

Hi ime new to beyond blue and hoping it will help

ime married ( sometimes I don't know why ) have three great teenagers 

I was dignosed with depression a few years ago I went on medication but it made me feel sick then I was ok for a while but lately I started to feel depressed again I cry myself to sleep some night as my marriage isent the best and he doesent understand or believe in depression

I look forward to talking to people who have the same situation

😔 

[White_Rose]

Dear A Wife

Hello, welcome to Beyond Blue. Thank you for your story. There are many people here who have similar difficulties to yours. It is common for a spouse to not understand depression in their partner.  One way to tell your husband about depression is to read the information on Beyond Blue, ask for it to be sent to you and show it to your husband. Try clicking on Depression on the home page.

When you were taking antidepressants did you also talk to a counsellor or anyone else? It sounds as though you need a medication review and a review of your depression. Can you make an appointment to see your GP fairly soon. Have a chat about how you feel and whether your ADs need to be changed.

Also I suggest you read some of the other threads on the site and perhaps join in the conversations. Alternatively you could post on one of the forums such as Depression. That way all your posts and replies will be in one place. This thread is really just for introductions and any replies will get lost in the other posts.

Regards

Mary