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.

[MissDreamer]

Hi,

I'm new here, 36yrs female who has had depression on/off for 10yrs. This year I've really struggled. Most friends and family do not understand depression especially when you have relative good health, a roof over your head, steady job etc. so I guess I'm just here to share, vent and learn new ways to cope!

[Tulip077]

I am trying to come to terms with losing my 22 year old daughter 3 months ago, every Sunday at 2.29pm I relive the traumatic time when I realised my daughter is no longer here. How do I deal with this void in my heart, I am empty I have a beautiful son who is trying his best to deal with the loss and proud to say is coping much better than me. I seem to go to work -deal with the stressful environment solving problems and yet I carry this heavy heart daily. I smile and chat with people but inside I am so sad. How do other parents survive. I am a private person and I do not want to burden people with how horrible I feel. To be honest I feel I am in denial as I refer to her in the present tense. I cannot see an end to feeling so lonely yet surrounded by people. 

I welcome your thoughts 

[Haze]

Hi all,

My name is Hayley, Im 32 yrs old from Perth WA. I have depression and anxiety which I am medicated. I had a rough year last year but on my way back up again.

I came to this site as I want to be able to help people with depression and anxiety with my experiences and advise if I can give it. I believe it is better to speak to people who have experienced it because they can relate and often give better advise  and tools too be able to cope then people who have never experienced it. 

So thanx for letting me be apart of this wonderful site. 

[2775]

Hello,  I'm a nervous first poster...

I have just recently turned 40 and can't believe I am doing this.  As i am coming to terms with the fact that im still struggling to deal with everyday life. 

Here goes... I have been diagnosed with Depression,  anxiety and ptsd with six different forms apparently. I also suffer chronic around the clock pain due to my body being overworked.  I know have impingement on my spinal cord in my neck in three places , mild scoliosis,  vacuum phenomenon in my lower back,  and am loosing feeling to my hands, toes and the back of my arms. My whole body shakes at times.  I shook constantly for seven hours recently.  Totally exhausting. Now im not allowed to work at all. Have made three appointments to see a specialist,  every time it gets to the date,  im either broke or crippled with anxiety and cancel it. 

I was sexually abused in my early teens by a family member. 

 One of my siblings and myself were left at a very young age resulting us to become wards of the state. I have seen councillors, therapist and psychiatrists on and off for most of my life. Which hasn't seemed to help me out much... I've been medicated on and off since I was about 22, when I was told i had depression,  anxiety and ocd. Suffered two nervous breakdowns in my mid 20's and refused to be hospitalised. My anxiety was so bad i would just pass out.  I was told i also did this when I was about two,  when I was first fostered out after being institutionalised.  

Anyway....Im still on the roller-coaster and extremely tired and feeling as useless as I have for most of my life. I have two beautiful children who are extremely smart and I feel like i let them down constantly.  If i didn't have them to focus on,  I don't know where I would be by now... 

Now im doing the best i can but, after just leaving another abusive relationship i feel im just failing everything in life again.. 

The mind chatter is never ending and drives me insane. The constant torment in my head and the pain in my body exhausts me so badly that I don't want to get out of bed. If i do i try and do things im supposed to do so and then pay for it in pain.  Its constant,  all of it. Im so tired of being like this. I am thankful that after a year of trying different pain medication that I have found some that take the edge off.

I hope some of this has made sense... 😕 

Im not sure which category i should post in, could you let me know please? 

Cheers BB 

[Chris_B]

Tulip077 said:

I am trying to come to terms with losing my 22 year old daughter 3 months ago, every Sunday at 2.29pm

Hi Tulip077, welcome to the forums, and deepest condolences on the loss of your daughter. Please have a look in the Grief and loss forum, you will find many people there who will understand what you're going through.

[Chris_B]

Leo ♌ said:

Im not sure which category i should post in, could you let me know please? 

Hi Leo, have a look at the Trauma and chronic physical illness forum.

[Chris_B]

Any Annie said:Hi, I'm not sure where to start... I've got a toddler and twin babies all close in age and the babies are not sleeping through the night yet so needless to say all of my emotions are heightened at the moment.  

Hi Any Annie, have a look in the Women's forum, there are quite a few threads in there that may resonate with you.

[Chris_B]

janazantar said:  Realise that the forum check has to occur so likely I won't get any feedback right now but maybe that doesn't matter.  

Hi janazantar, thanks for posting an introduction. If you'd like feedback from our members, please start a new thread in the Depression section. Hope to hear from you again soon.

[Widdershins]

Hi I am Widdershins,

I am new here please be patient with me. I am 50 and have suffered from anxiety most of my life. I am married to a long distance truck driver and have adult children and young grandchildren. I am currently experiencing unemployment after many years in the workforce although I volunteer at my local museum.

I enjoy fibre crafts - knitting and spinning and I participate in roller derby for exercise and stress relief.

I am hoping to be able to express my fear, frustration and isolation in a supportive environment as my friends and family do not seem to understand me at the moment and I know I over react to their well meaning advice.

 Thank you for providing this forum to discuss our difficulties.

[T_John]

Hi Catherine

Like you, I'm brand new to this site but far from brand new to depression. I'm into my 14th year of treatment however I've suffered for as long as I can remember.

This past week for me has been the lowest I've been in many years for various reasons. This damn depression has a mind of its' own but I'm doing my best to find the internal strength to keep fighting.

I guess I wanted to say congratulations for taking the first step in taking control of your situation and reaching out. Maybe I should give myself a pat on the back for doing the same.....

 Good luck and please don't give in. 🙂