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.

[scared_male]

Hi All,

I am a 44 year old male, My ex wife called an end to our marriage (3 years ago) which was a total shock to me as the week before we went away for our 14th wedding anniversary and planning a long future together and for our two boys (7 and 14), she admitted to not letting me know anything was wrong and living the happy life I thought we had together.

This was a woman that I loved truly and deeply every day (I can say that with my hand on my heart).

I get really sad and depressed as I see what she got out of the marriage (all material) and I am struggling day to day to just pay bills, I had to move back in with my parents as I can't afford anything to rent or buy as I got $0 out of the divorce.

I feel so helpless and useless as a man and a father, I give my boys what they want/need but I rarely get anything for myself.

I feel so alone and put on a brave face to all my friends and family, they see the smiling happy go lucky person where inside I have contemplated the worst outcome numerous times the only thing stopping me is seeing my two boys faces.

I show up to work but I really can't be bothered with anything.

I feel really embarrassed about posting here, I don't know why.

[LittleSquee]

Hi I'm new here,

31 female in Melbourne. Recently diagnosed with BPD.. long term depression/anxiety/GAD feeling quite lonely lately after a good friend stopped talking to me 3 months ago.. apart from a few acquaintances and a nice housemate and partner I don't have any friends. Anyway that's me thought i'd have a look here in the forums hopefully connect with people again that can understand me?

[LittleSquee]

Hi CD I thought I would write as I recently received the BPD diagnosis also.. just wondering how you are going with it all? I'm starting to look into DBT but not sure I can afford it (am a student).

[Ash24]

Hi everyone!

well im 15 and i have been dealing with severe depression and anxiety for 2 years now. I just wanted to say that if you put effort in to making yourself feel better youre already 50% down the road to recovery, it will be a bumpy road full of relapses but theyre there to help you learn and grow from them. 

Life can be real cruel unfortunatley but always look up, never look down

[reeanna]

Hi. Im a mum of 3 of my own and a stepson who recently moved in. My husband has been diagnosed with PTSD and depression. We love him, but it can get a but tough to deal with. If any other's have found themselves careers of partners with these issue's let me know. Maybe we can vent! Lol

[Chris_B]

Hi everyone, thanks for your contributions - this thread is now closed. Please start a new thread if you would like to introduce yourself.