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.

[Pink_elephant]

Hi  Just been diagnosed with PTSD.  Anyone else out there with this challenge

[White_Rose]

Dear Pink Elephant

Hello and welcome to Beyond Blue. Goof to have you on board. There are a number of posts about PTSD in the various forums. This link will take you to some information about PTSD. 

Other links are https://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/online-forums/trauma-and-chronic-physical-illness/...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/online-forums/trauma-and-chronic-physical-illness/...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/online-forums/staying-well/ptsd

These are just a couple of links to people posting about PTSD which you may be interested in joining. Just click on the link.

You can start your own thread on the subject if you prefer. It's better to start your own thread or join in with one of the already started threads than get answers on the Introductory page as your posts and the replies will get lost in all the other posts.

Most of the PTSD posts seem to be in Trauma and Chronic Illness although there are one or two in Anxiety or Depression.

It's great to have a discussion with those who have been there.

Cheers

Mary

[jamsandwiches]

Hi all, I hope I'm posting in the right place! I'm 24 and currently in the process of dealing with whatever I have. I've lived with depression/anxiety and ED symptoms on and off for the past 10 years or so. It's only now that I'm doing something about it before it's too late cause I'm tired of living this way. I rang the people here at BeyondBlue the night before last and felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders, they were so understanding! Seeing my GP tomorrow and sorting out a mental health plan, hoping to see a counsellor at headspace at some point. I'm really nervous however as the last few times I'd spoken to GPs about it they'd belittled me or given me a prescription on the first appt (which I'd only want as a last resort). So I guess I'm here to talk to others going through similar things! I don't really talk to anyone about this in my everyday life and I'm more than willing to help anyone in anyway I can! Here to listen and chat. So yeah, hello!

[pimmento]

Hi, I am 'pimmento' and have been a carer of person with a mental illness and another with an intellectual disability (related).  My experience was intense for three years, our love and unity took us to where we needed to be.  The aftershock for me was to experiencing anxiety and sometimes depression.  I have my own remedies as I can understand myself, what I want, how I would like it to be.  I have committed myself to life long learning and volunteer for homeless and visit lonely, elderly people.  I was lucky in my upbringing, we were taught to understand that illness is what it is, whether it is a mental illness or a disability, or a physical illness, people deserve respect.  I was surprised to find that people in positions on 'customer service desks' did not comprehend and I was lucky enough to experience the prejudice in the way they proceeded with their work.  Something I will remember to eternity, something also that I will never become.  My experiences changed my life style and the way that I see a lot of things.  

[pimmento]

Hi Fed up Mum, I have been looking at what you are saying, backaches and headaches that do not get better.  I was just thinking to myself today that I feel better, I have had backaches, neckaches, no headaches just dizziness, I went to the doctor and he gave stematol for the dizziness, I thought what will this do and sure enough, 4 days later I was able to do my housework.  Of course the mopping and and vacuuming made my back ache but just going to the doctor was the thing.....another thing that I have done, booked in for remedial massage.  Deep muscle therapy which I had about 10 years ago that helped with the pain.  There are also masseurs that cost less, they help you relax and use essential oils, I have one that charges $20 for 20 minutes.  May be you could look into this if you think you would like to go that way....look after yourself and the rest will fall into place...you take care and maybe visit your GP for some advice...

[Triskel]

Hi  my name is Kel and I have had depression since November last year. I have seen my GP and am on medication and seeing a Psycologist. I still have trouble going out anywhere as I get all tied up in knots. The psyc keeps telling me the same things over and over again, but they don't seem to do much good. I am trying to be active but can't live like this forever. It is hard living behind a false mask all the time. The most part is that a lot of people don't understand why or whats happening to me.

[OWP]

Good morning to all,

My name is Penny  I would love to support commit to help those who are in need of much needed support. I am very well and have been so for 15 years now, although I slept for 10  years!. I come with first hand experience of a mental illness and would love to share my experience, thoughts, idea and help those in need when most needed.

[Phrag]

Hi everyone, My name's Beau.

I've been battling depression and anxiety for several years and struggle to seek help for it. Coming here, I hope, will help me find the confidence to talk about my problems. It took me a good few hours to get the nerve up to reply here. Even anonymity doesn't make me feel safe as it once did.

But it certainly feels good knowing that I can relate to so many people who share similar worries.

[Chris_B]

Hi Kel, welcome and thanks for posting. It sounds like you could do with talking further about what's going on for you - please post a new thread in the Depression section and you'll get some replies.

[lt-miles]

hey guys, this is all new to me, so i hope i'm getting this right.

My name is Elena, i was born a girl. However, i want to be called Miles and i am actually a boy. If you find this confusing to put it simply, i feel like a boy in a girl's body... and i hate it... I am 15 nearly 16, i hit puberty later then other girls so i am luckily very underdeveloped for a women body! (yes!!!) I have a mother that gets upset everytime i go to get my hair cut cause i get boy hairstyles, my clothing is all male apart from what she herself wants me to buy, or buys for me. I have two younger brother who treat me and see me as an older brother. I am a very physical person and do a lot of sport and enjoy it a lot. i rough and tumble with my brother and (more understanding then my mother) father. Growing up i was a tomboy but that has daristacally changed and i now fully identify myself as male. I am bisexual, my friends sometimes called me 'he' my guy friends all think i should get a sex change when I'm older cause they say it would be good for me, and my girl friends all agree. I am on here because i am struggling and confused and incredibly guilty.

My mum has always wanted a daughter, and i try my best but it's not me. and my dad too wants a daughter.

Their both getting three sons.

I apologize to my parents.