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.

[Lonely73]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Andrew and I am 41 years old.I have done things back to front.  I have already posted a thread under men. I feel my situation is not as bad as other threads I have read. The friends I do have probably  don't know how I am feeling. I have never opened up had a deep and meaningful one on one conversation with anyone. Every time I am out with people, they seem to have a one on one conversation with themselves and I feel like I am pushed to one side, even if I am talking to one of them first. They probably don't realise their doing it. This contributes to my self esteem and self confidence.  I just wanted to get this and my other post off my chest. Should I ask a friend/s I trust to listen to me and allow my to get stuff off my chest which has built up over my life. My biggest fear is when I find a partner, she will not accept me. Sorry to rant on. Just expressing how I am feeling at the moment.

[delwin11]

Hello

I am delwin

I am new on beyondblue.org.au

thanks

[roxyanne]

Hi guys,roxyanne here...again hope im posting in right place. I have batteled borderline personality disorder and all that goes with it for years and life has not been easy for me...would have left many times but for the responsibility i feel towards my kids has kept me here.Anyway now at 64 through searching for ages have found alternative treatments which are currently helping me. I dont sleep much and came across youtube which has absolutely everything you could want on it to help. EG: sleep hypnosis for depression,anxiety and emotional healing by jody whiteley which goes for 8 hrs and i just snooze and listen to this through the night. This is just the beginning of many ...meditations,yoga,lying down and eckhart tolle's excellent teachings which have been a big help to me...anything you want is there...just type in your problem ,lie back and listen.I still battle many mood swings etc, but have been able to stop antipsychotics just recently and am learning to live without them.Thought i'd join up with beyond blue as i get extremely lonely and still have bouts of bab depression...when as you know you need someone. Looking forward to making some friends here...i live on the gold coast,have a housemate but we don't share much.I have 3 kids and 7 grandkids who i dont see much and MISS so much.Of course theres more but look forward to sharing and hearing other peoples strories and experiences,as i get to know you all.blessings to all ...Roxyanne 

[644Amy]

Hi Guys n Girls n Everyone in between.

Im Amy,

im a recent transitioning transgirl living in western sydney.

I was going to put my story here but there is so much pain here already i will just say hope everyone has a great christmas.xx

[644Amy]

Hi Andrew

My name is also andrew and im also 41.im transgender hence i call myself Amy.

I feel the same that my friends dont hear what i say to them,it makes it very hard to trust people with your deepest feelings.And being accepted for being who i am is also an issue for me.

I think the best thing is to talk about things, it doesnt have to be a close friend, i find it much easier to talk to friends online than my actual friends.but thats just me.take care andrew. Amyxx

[Emlove10]

Hi Im Emma,

Im studying part time at uni and working 3 days a week in a childcare centre. I have been told in the past that I have major Depression and social anxiety. I think the depression is a result of feeling anxious around others and so not having many friends. I have also developed an Eating disorder as a way to "cope" with the anxiety and low mood.

As i find it hard to develop close/real friendships in my life it was suggested that i join this forum as it might help me to feel less alone and isolated. 

[Emlove10]

Hi Polaris,

I also have social anxiety which started in school. Im studying at uni too. What have you found helps you to manage your social anxiety?

[Caroline123]

Hi Everyone,

I'm Caroline, I'm new on beyongblue. I'm happy to join this organisation and willing to give help to anyone who needs. Hope everybody has a happy Xmas 🙂

[Sarah_Jane]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on here I joined today, my name is Sarah I'm 31 from Perth.

since my teens I have had depression & anxiety but no one around me would know.

over the years I have felt easily betrayed by family & friend and so have pushed  people away. 

I have a beautiful 3yr old daughter & a loving partner whom I told tonight for the first time that I have been having increasing self harm thoughts but he dismisses it and does not understand, so I push him away too.

i have never felt more alone.

i don' t know what to do, xmas has become a loathed time of year for me but my one joy is watching my daughter, I don't want her to see me like this.
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.

 

[Sharon68]

hi I am Sharon 46, and for some reason this week I have crashed, I guess it has alot to do with not being allowed to see my one year old grand daughter he father is also not allowed to see her and leans on me for support but I feel I dont have any left to give, If I tell any one I feel like a true failure as a parent, both my kids have bipolar and I have had depression for over 10 years, I have just had my medication reviewed and increased but I am dreading christmas day as I feel I will have let every one down, something will go wrong how do I stop this feeling