Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on March

[Sophie_M]

Hi Everyone,

  Thank you for continuing the conversation within the Online Forums. We acknowledge that March may have brought several challenges, changes, and hardships to many and understand that reaching out on the forums may be the first step for people wishing to seek help, recover, and stay well. It’s important to remember that you do not need to be in crisis to reach out for support. In addition to writing on the forums or accessing the Beyond Blue Support Service you may also find the following support options to be helpful:

 Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service (CMWSS) – The CMWSS is available 24/7 and is operated by trained counsellors to assist with any concerns about your wellbeing in relation to COVID-19. This service is offered by phone at 1800 512 348 and via online chat: https://cmwssonline.beyondblue.org.au/#/chat/start

NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health coaching program for anyone feeling stressed or overwhelmed about everyday life issues, such as work, study, relationships, health or loneliness.

This program support Australians from 12 years old and is available in parts of ACT, NSW, QLD, and VIC. To see if New Access is available in your area, visit our webpage here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess/where-are-your-access-coaches-located

Community Voices: What are people talking about?

Challenges at uni

Lately I just have been feeling very overwhelmed and stressed with uni. I feel like I am just so behind and that I can't catch up on work. Assignments are also piling up so much that I don't even want to look at them. When I do I feel like I am going to have a panic attack. I have got extensions on some but honestly, I don't feel much better. – AUSLOVESLONDONGAL (Read more here) 

I moved states to attend uni to focus on my dream goal of doing art as a living. I moved into a sharehouse/boarding house almost and we live our own lives with little interaction. I sleep through the days, skipping uni classes and have racked up a heavy amount of work to catch up on. I've missed one deadline - my first assignment. I don't know what to do. I don't have any motivation to do anything -  Toughavocado33 (Read more here)

I’m current at uni and I just feel like everyone is so much far ahead than me and I just don’t think I have a purpose anymore I’m always ghe joke and always tend to fall behind I don’t know how to make it stop. I just want to leave everything and be by myself nothing makes me happy anymore and coming home is like a chore - Liz22063 (Read more here)

Depression and loneliness

For such a long time, I've had insufferable feelings of loneliness to the point where I feel depressed. I'm hesitant to use the word without a formal diagnosis, but my feelings and thoughts are very much in line with what a depressed individual would have. – Leyland (Read more here)  

Currently 6 weeks pregnant, through ivf and sperm donor, but now it's starting to hit me how alone I am. After a visit to the hospital due to cramps and bleeding, I messaged my best friend who said she'd be there for me, then fell asleep. I don't have any other friends, my family don't know I'm pregnant because theyve always told me I'd be a bad mother and shouldn't be a parent. I have noone on my life. Noone to share things with. – Starletbunny (Read more here) 

I recently spent 3 weeks in treatment for depression, anxiety and disordered eating and am now back home and am 'in recovery'. I have had a few relapses since being home (mostly around eating/food) and am generally finding recovery pretty hard. Every day is a struggle and while there are moments of joy, most days I feel sad and lonely. – girlonsafari (Read more here)

Strategies for staying well

Looking for help and ideas on how to get the best out of mindfulness and meditation. My pycologist gave me some mindfulness apps with exercises to help with my stress but I cannot get the hang of them and breathe in all the wrong places. Same with meditation I went along to a couple of groups followed the instructions but just could not get the hang of it. Is there any special techniques that people would like to share. – contrarymary (Read more here)   

Do you have a happy place? A place where you can exhale, and feel okay, if just for a moment? Is it your backyard, or a shed you work in? Is it at the gym? Do u breathe a sigh of relief when you close the door to your therapists office, knowing you can talk about ur life without inhibition? - Sleepy21 (Read more here) 

As sufferers we must find ways to make life for us and our family and friends more joyful and to do that one of those processes is to lower your stress and anxiety by balancing your workload on projects and avoiding tiredness by getting lots of sleep. - white knight (Read more here)

Valued Contributor Award

Our Valued Contributor for the month of March is Matchy69!

Matchy69 has been nominated for always approaching others in a welcoming and nonjudgmental manner. Matchy69 is also known for regularly checking in on others on the forums, ensuring community members feel comfortable, safe, and valued. Thank you Matchy69!

To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

New/Updated BB Resources

The 'COVID- normal' section of the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service has recently added the following new content:

Managing anxiety about having the COVID-19 vaccine

Adjusting to work in COVID-normal times

The following articles have also been updated under the Financial and mental wellbeing section:

Ways to promote a positive mindset if you lost your job during the COVID-19 pandemic

Looking after yourself through unemployment

The link between financial wellbeing and mental health

Financial counselling explained (and how it can help)

Living with financial stress – Michelle’s story

Financial hardship and mental health: messages of support from the community