New here, figuring out if these forums can help me

Fallfromgrace · ‎05-04-2018

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and figuring out if these forums can help me. I've been living with multiple mental illnesses, chronic pain, and other medical problems for 10 years now. Over the last two years I've spent seven months in a psychiatric hospital across six admissions. If you passed me on the street you might not know though; I'm only 36 years old and fit and have some semblance of a 'normal' life at times. I'm good at creating that illusion anyway, often to my detriment.

Currently I'm in hospital and I'll be going home soon. My treating team and I think I would benefit from more support, even though I already have extensive professional support when I'm home. I'm curious to see how I can get support from these forums.

Thanks everyone.

Tokoloshe · ‎05-04-2018

Hi fallfromgrace,

I am new here too. In fact this is my first interaction on the forums! I, too wonder how these forums may be a benefit...I decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. Others may be able to share how their experiences here online have benefited them.

I really wanted to say that reading what you have been through over a long period time and yet enduring and fighting on is quite something. I have had lifelong premenstrual dysphoric disorder and crippling social anxiety disorder and the last 3 years depression and chronic anxiety. Today was a really bad day, so I joined this forum to reach out a bit.

I hope you find some sense of, I don't know, camaraderie? Understanding? Hope? Or whatever it is you are seeking. All the very best on your journey.

romantic_thi3f · ‎06-04-2018

Hi Fallfromgrace and Tokoloshe,

Welcome both to the forums! I'm glad that you're here.

Hm, this is actually a good question! I think in a sense it depends what you're looking for as to how these forums can help.

These sections might interest you -

- The BB Social Zone. More of a lighthearted kind of section about being social, reading, movies, quotes etc - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone

- Staying Well. Threads on gratitude, books, victories, self care https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well

- Treatments, health professionals and therapists. Threads on types of therapy, if the therapy is helping etc https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies

People can come here to -

- Read other people's posts. It can be comforting to know that there are others who might be in a similar situation as you.

- Brainstorm better ways to cope.

- Meeting new people and a sense of friendship and support while keeping that anonymity.

- Getting more information about their diagnosis.

- Learning about types of therapy.

- Accountability.

- Being able to vent. Given that it's accessible 24/7 there's no limitations on how much you can write or when.

- Encouragement; either to go to see their Doctor, do more self-care or following through with any goals.

These are the only things I can think of but I'm sure there are more! Ultimately it depends on what you're looking for and what you might need right now.

Hope this helps,

romantic_thi3f · ‎06-04-2018

Hi!

Just another link that might be useful -

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/newbies-guide-5-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-the-forums-(updated)

Fallfromgrace · ‎10-04-2018

Thanks so much for laying out the different functions of the forum. It's quite clarifying when you see the information that way. Out of all of those functions for me the big one is venting. I think writing posts will help me to understand what's going on for me, and posting them will enable me to vent to others.

The other big support need for me is immediate support for when I am rapidly deteriorating. I am getting the sense that the forum is not the best place for this. I may need to use the helplines/crisis chat for this. I am familiar with the Suicide Call Back Service and Lifeline.

I'm aware that Beyond Blue had a helpline and a chat function. I haven't used them before because I often need to discuss suicide and self-harm and I got the impression that the Beyond Blue service is not for these issues. Is that correct or not?

Although could I use the Beyond Blue helpline or chat function for when I am struggling with anxiety and depression without suicide and self-harm?

Fallfromgrace · ‎10-04-2018

Hi Tokoloshe!

I am glad you wrote to me and especially since it was your first post. I figured the same - nothing ventured nothing gained.

It's interesting that others see me as a fighter. I feel so weak and disabled and pathetic. But it's true I've certainly done a lot of fighting. And it sounds like you have too. Depression, anxiety and social anxiety are big beasts to deal with day in and day out. I haven't heard of premenstrual dysphoric disorder but I imagine it means your mood significantly drops in the lead up to menstruation? Sounds like another burden which you don't need.

I hope you find what you are seeking too and I wish you all the best for your journey too X

Sophie_M · ‎11-04-2018

Hi Fallfromgrace,

You are welcome to call our support service, or use the webchat function, to speak with one of our professional counsellors about whatever is on your mind, including managing suicidal thoughts.

However, it can be difficult to assess how at risk you are when discussing suicidal thoughts over webchat, so counsellors may suggest that they speak to you on the phone instead. If you have a treating team, our service may also suggest that you check in with them as well.

If you're wanting to discuss managing suicidal thoughts, you may also wish to check out the Suicide Call Back Service: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Fallfromgrace · ‎11-04-2018

Thank you - very helpful.

romantic_thi3f · ‎12-04-2018

Hi Fallfromgrace,

Thank you for your post!

I'm really able that it was able to provide some clarity!

Your question about the support service was a great one so I forwarded it to the moderators offline! So now I've learned something too!

Personally though I have only used the Lifeline support service - they too have a online chat system which has been so helpful in the past.

Hope this helps!

SheWrites · ‎13-04-2018

Hi Fallfromgrace

I am new here too, but I wanted to say hello to you. I really identified with your comment that people passing you on the street might never guess at what you deal with because I am similar: I function really quite highly most of the time, even when desperately depressed.

I also wanted to let you know that I had an incredibly positive and validating experience with the Beyond Blue support line. I did not need LifeLine or a crisis services but was feeling so low and hopeless, and in need of encouragement to persevere with the journey through my latest episode of severe depression.

The mental health professional I spoke with was kind, calm, reassuring, knowledgeable and so helpful. I felt a hundred times better after speaking with him - and that day I had already had a GP and psychologist's appointment.

That call was just yesterday, but his suggestions and support have stayed with me and made a real impact for me.

Good on you for having the courage and strength to reach out to find support. I hope that you have some good days soon.