Members new and old, introduce yourselves here

Chris_B · ‎01-07-2014

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.

pipsy · ‎15-04-2015

Hi, welcome to the forum. I would like to share a bit about me to let you know, you are not alone. While I've never had Agrophobia, I was with someone years ago who did. It took several visits to different Dr's but he eventually found one who listened. There are medications to help cope with this. The anxiety you experience is not helped by the agrophobia. Once you get that under control, then start learning as much as you can about what's triggering the anxiety. Agrophobia is usually brought on by 'fear' of the outdoors, isn't it? Your hospital experience would've been frightening enough, this probably helped bring on the agrophobia. I suffered mainly with depression, brought about by dysfunctional family life. I've been married 3 times, I now have just realized my in-laws have NPD, how lucky can you get? I keep my distance. Your husband sounds as though he's fairly supportive, but getting annoyed because he doesn't understand your problems. He can't, till you do. Try keeping a diary of your feelings, write down when you are feeling bad, try writing what you feel might have triggered the feeling. Once you do this, the anxiety might ease. I'm not saying it will, I still feel you need medication to control the agrophobia. Once you 'get in touch' with your feelings, try a new Dr/councilor. I don't think psychiatrists are much help, till you can tell them exactly what the problem is. If you have a good Dr, he may be able to help you find a councilor. You need to talk to someone who listens properly.

Good luck. BB is also marvelous. Keep in touch.

Hope I've been of some help.

Regards Pipsy.

lillipilli · ‎15-04-2015

Hello all from Lillipilli. I am very interested in and use Homeopathy. Find it a great help in anxiety and depression.

Has anyone any experience of its use

Pixie15 · ‎15-04-2015

Hi Mollymoo,

Welcome to the bb forums. From what I know it will take a while for the positive effects of the antidepressants to be felt. It is necessary for you to have support in the first couple of weeks in case you have a negative effect. I hope that you have some support at home. If you would like some online support you could start a thread in the depression forums. If you need to talk to someone please call the helpline or try the chat which are also available on this site.

Thanks,

Pixie.

shimmerone · ‎15-04-2015

Hi Eveyone, I just joined up to the beyond blue forum today - I've never done this before...i have anxiety and depression. I am looking forward to chatting with others who understand 🙂

Mollymoo53 · ‎15-04-2015

My son has moved back home to keep an eye on me. Which I am grateful for. I had another bad day today, however, this evening not so bad. Went out and saw a play with a friend which is probably what I needed. Trying to stay positive and get through one day at a time. I do find it helps if I can keep busy doing things and not left to my own devices. I think the medication is starting to work, had a tough day with the Therapist yesterday which could be why I felt so low last night.

toobs · ‎15-04-2015

Hi. I'm new to this forum and not a big forum writer, but I have 'recovered' from 7yrs+ of deep depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder. I've worked through my issues and I am either fully recovered or have learnt to manage it well.

I thought I'd join on here to see if I can help others to get through their issues. I am 41 and have been 'free' from depression for 10yrs. I still have tough days but have learnt what helps and what prevents me from getting deeper into trouble with my feelings. Probably what has helped with dealing with SAD was interesting winter activities, plus the pressure of running my own business has kept me busy. This has probably helped both my depression and SAD.

Anyway, I hope to browse the forum and help where I can. I have a soft spot for depression sufferers as I feel the best people to help are the ones who have been through it, or the ones that 'really' understand. UNDERSTAND being the most powerful word I can think of when helping others. I understand how they feel. My biggest threat when i was suffering was the fact I felt others didn't understand, and it was this feeling that led me to the edge and the feeling I needed to end my life to 'prove' to others how bad I felt. It was one special lady at work who did understand and got me back on track one step at a time.

Thank you BeyondBlue for what you do and I hope I can help in some way or form.

Chris_B · ‎16-04-2015

lillipilli said:
Hello all from Lillipilli. I am very interested in and use Homeopathy. Find it a great help in anxiety and depression.

Has anyone any experience of its use

Hi lillipilli, welcome to the forums!

I'd recommend starting up a thread in the Treatments forum on this, you are more likely to get some answers that way.

Chris_B · ‎16-04-2015

BBee said:
Hi Glinda

so happy to find your post, I too was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD about 4 months ago. Have you tried any type of group therapy and did it help ?

Bee xo

Hi BBee, welcome to the forums.

If you'd like to find out more about members' experiences of group therapy, I'd recommend starting up a thread in the Treatments forum.

This is an anonymous forum, however, so you won't be able to share contact details or get recommendations on specific groups in specific locations. For that please call our support service on 1300 22 4636.

Mollymoo53 · ‎16-04-2015

Still not good, no one wants to know me Saturday night which is when I need to be busy. Have a great night planned for tomorrow night, however, everyone has rejected me for Saturday night so feeling very sad. The same tonight, and my ex said he didn't want to know. Why does he send me text messages if he doesn't care. Drives me crazy. I am still slightly suicidal and can see me doing something stupid
Saturday if no one takes any notice. I know that is so childish however, that is how I feel at the moment.

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.

Pixie15 · ‎17-04-2015

Hi Mollymoo53,

If you would like to start your own thread on one of the forums your will be able to get some support for your particular situation.

It may feel more difficult being left home alone on a Saturday night because it was traditionally the big night out for the week. I think this has changed now for a lot of people who maybe work weekends.

Have you tried thinking about some things to keep yourself busy. I like to read, watch movies, catch up on some television shows I have missed or do crafts like knitting or needlework if I have extra time on your hands.

Please do not give in to the negative thoughts.

thanks,

Pixie.