Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on February

[Sophie_M]

Hi Everyone! Here’s a recap of the forums for the month of February. Feel free to post your own reflections for the month under this thread!

Community Voices: What are people talking about?

Finding the right MH treatment/Professional

“I wanted to ask how do I go about finding a counsellor/psychologist who will see me with the mental health care plan? I am uncertain about the one the GP provided because of this experience. I want to find one that suits me but I don't know how to find one that will accept the MHCP.” – court8

“It took me quite some time to find and develop a good relationship with my therapist. Has anyone else found that process to be harder than it should be? I am aware and respect the rules of this forum in "no recommendations' but I wanted to see if anyone else out there thinks that finding the right therapy/therapist can sometimes cost too much time and money? I'm not disputing what therapy costs, just the cost of sitting through sessions before finding the right fit?” - Pedro75

Read more on this topic:

Bad experience with GP... Unsure how to commence MHCP?

Barriers to finding the right therapist.

Trouble with group GP practice & obtaining S8 medication - toxic practice?

Health Anxiety

“This morning I feel super dizzy, after resting I then felt better. Some days I feel okay. But every morning my first thought is that I hope I don't have a headache or feel lightheaded today. I'm only in my 20s, there's no history of brain tumours in my family. It's just very hard right now and I hate being so worried and obsessive about it.” - jemma09

“I have gone through every test with my doctor multiple times and I am completely healthy but I panic that I am going to have a heart attack if I elevate my heart rate with exercise. Has anyone experienced this and have any pointers on how to combat this issue?” - Number 86

Read more on this topic:

Health related anxiety.  

Health Anxiety - Strength Training

 Anxiety-fear of sickness/dying-heartattack

Staying well while starting a new job

“I panicked this morning while having a shower and started crying and hyperventilating and felt dizzy. I rang work and said my daughter was sick. I like the job it isn't stressful but I have a lot to learn, and I don't want to stuff up or not understand anything. I am putting a lot of pressure on myself to be a great employee.” - July26

“I want to be a nurse, I got good grades throughout university and I loved my clinical placements. This transition however is huge and I don’t know how I am going to get through it. Any nurses out there who have a similar experience?” – Romy

Read more on this topic:

Newbie - I'm not coping starting this new job. 

New nurse, crippling anxiety

High anxiety over new job, not feeling

Valued Contributor Award 

Our Valued Contributor for the month of February is Juliet_84 ! 

Juliet_84 has been on the forums for a number of years and while being open and vulnerable about her own mental health journey, Juliet has consistently demonstrated our community values. While being friendly and supportive towards other members on the forums Juliet has shown to listen without judgement and reflect people’s experiences in a way that acknowledges the feelings and opinions of others. 

Thank you Juliet_84!

New Champ Alert!

Please welcome our newest Community Champion uncut_gems (also known as Aaron)!

Aaron over a short period of time has immersed himself within our community, being positive and friendly towards new members and is eager to support others by sharing his own mental health journey and academic interests in e-mental health communities. To read more about uncut_gems and all our incredible community champs we encourage everyone to visit our thread ‘Introducing...the community champions’

BB News:

Focus on forums is a new series part of Beyond Blue’s Personal Best publications. This series specifically focuses on common conversations, questions/concerns and reflections from our online community over the last month. Check out last month’s article on motivation here. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/in-focus/focus-on-forums-motivation

Beyond Blue’s first podcast is in production and we want you to help us name it! We have a shortlist of three options so we want your help to choose the best one by voting for your favourite. For more information and to cast your vote please follow the link below! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBPC2020

Health Professional Reflection from Nurse Jenn

'Healthy Worry' Versus 'Health Anxiety'

Worry comes in all shapes and sizes and no one's worry is quite alike. A common post on the forum is one that is often called health anxiety.  Many people present to the forum with worries about their health which is normal, especially when a person is facing an unusual symptom or new diagnosis.  This is very common.  But with the rise of the internet, and using Dr. Google, a small symptom can become much bigger with only the touch of the button.

Paying attention to your health and how your body feels is important.  Seeing a GP or specialist can provide reassurance that everything is functioning within normal limits or that you have a plan to address physical health symptoms.  But sometimes, despite this, the worry continues and can even get worse and become more like symptoms of anxiety.

Some symptoms of anxiety include but are not limited to:

• Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy
• Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking
• Behavioural: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life

The symptoms of anxiety can actually feel like some physical illness symptoms and create even more stress.  You can see how the cycle can become difficult to manage.  Taking a proactive stance to addressing worry early can prevent it from becoming worse.  

Addressing both the mind and the body at the same time is using a 'whole of person' approach to healing.  This is often referred to as a holistic approach.  If you visit your GP or health professional and feel that you are worrying beyond what is normal, talk to them about how you are feeling.

Another place to start is on the forum or talking to someone you trust.  If you want to read more about other people’s experiences, use the search bar and look up health anxiety. You are not alone.