The Benefits Of Posting on BB

[blondguy]

Hello everybody, whether new or still hesitant about posting, I hope this post will provide some comfort and re assurance so you can

I have had severe anxiety and then depression (for many years) and was very hesitant (scared) about posting when I found the BB website

I am a volunteer/poster on the forums and not a staff member. Joining BB as a poster 10 months ago has given me hope and a valuable support network I have never had before. The kind people on the forums have provided me with the support I needed to enable me to improve and rebuild my mental health (my life)

So Far Beyond Blue have helped me.....

• help myself without judgement
  

• assist my self esteem and confidence in my day to day life
  
• to really trust others and believe that I am not alone with this awful illness called depression/anxiety
  
• realise that I was living in my own protective 'bubble' and didnt let anyone in

I never would have opened my heart like this10 months ago when I joined. If you want some support or even just a chat please post 🙂

The forums are a judgement free zone and rock solid secure to ensure your privacy. If you have any questions about my thread please ask....there is no such thing as a dumb question on the forums!

Thanks for reading my post. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by posting if and when you wish of course

Be Gentle to yourselves

Paul

[geoff]

dear Paul, thanks so much for posting your comment, and it's never easy for anyone to post because they may feel as though it's an intrusion into their personal life, well that maybe so, but it's a good way for them to reach out to other people who can understand what you are saying, because they too have been through exactly the same circumstances and have suffered for so long themselves, so with a little bit of help, guidance and much encouragement this maybe able to pull you through, and that's certainly the aim of this site.
The forum has been going for a number of years but each day, week or even year, the improvement has been monumental in every way possible, and it will always be growing to help those involved with depression.
A good post Paul. Geoff.

[blondguy]

Hello Geoff, and thankyou for replying. I have noticed so many people that have difficulty posting.....as I did...I was scared to post. I really appreciate you understanding why this topic had to be posted from a sufferer of depression to assist anyone that is having a hard time reaching out. (with respect to BB management for their efforts of course)

My Best, Paul

[Guest_322]

Hi Paul,

This is a very reassuring post from which many hesitant potential posters can benefit. As they always say, the first step (or the first post in this instance) is always the hardest.

I agree that the forum is an amazing place of connection; many support networks have been built over time.

Whatever you're going through, there is bound to be at least one other person (usually more) who can empathise.

Wonderful thread, Paul!

Dottie x

[blondguy]

Thankyou Dottie...Your response (and the high quality help you provide to many others) is greatly appreciated...Thankyou so much, Paul x

[Guest_322]

Aw thanks Paul 😊 Likewise, my friend. Likewise.

Dottie x

[greywolf2]

I've already written some stuff somewhere else, but after reading this I'm still a little hesitant to spill my proverbial guts.

It's hard to trust people. I can't remember a time when I fully did. I mean, these are just words aren't they? Anyone can say anything. Lies, made up stories or claim to be my saviour. I don't know what's the truth and what's not.

Yeah, I'm suspicious.

Grey

[blondguy]

Hi Grey, thanks for replying...its always good to have a response. This topic took me approx 2 hours to write as I didnt really want to put my whole history on a public forum. I hear you though...

I joined on the 5th Jan this year after being made redundant...I didnt even post a thread..I just clicked on depression and did what you are doing now as I was very suspicious....and then some.

The moderators pick up liars and BS artists early on and they are booted off pretty quickly. I am not staff or salaried...I take my small dosage of AD everyday...(20 years this year) and a small anti anxiety med before bed.

There are posters here that leave me for dead....If you check above Dottie only joined recently and she has a heap more clarity than I do as she is a uni student and young. I am only here because I was out of work and spent last Christmas with my rescued dog..which is okay but BB doesnt have ads in the forums and their are people here like me...I needed to talk to people that were going through the same crap as I was

Yes Grey, they are only words..you are right but at 2:28am on a Saturday I would rather be watching foxtel or a movie thats for sure 🙂

My first mega anxiety attack was when I was 23 and there was Zero help available...even from the doctors....Im just here to share years of experience with this awful illness with people that are stuck and scared with their symptoms. When I can I try to help out other new posters on the Suicide threads or physical abuse..

This does get tiring but when I cant post or reply here Im out of here....I do dog rescue and look after some old folks when Im not on here.

No one here can be your savior....I just try to help people help themselves. Even just offer basic support and re-assurance I guess.

Thanks Grey for speaking your mind....you are always welcome to post...this is a non profit site that is Australia wide....You could be in Perth or Darwin or Melbourne...we dont really care. We are just here to help...

You dont have spill your guts here anyway....I didnt...Some people just post a sentence...with a single question and we still try to help...so no worries..Have a stickybeak around....there are heaps of people just like yourself on here just seeing whats happening...

Im not a huge footy fan but will be barracking for the doggies today...(I prefer the V8Supercar Championhip but I have to wait until October for Bathurst)

Have a good weekend anyway Grey and thanks for posting too!

Paul

[Just Sara]

Hi Paul;

Such a relevant thread! Your story depicts so many of us..it is uncanny how we do have much in common. Your above post relays a nearly identical situation for me too. I take an AD each day, and use an anti anxiety small dose med PRN, mostly to sleep. It's 20 yrs for me this year since my PTSD rose it's horrible head. I wish I'd had BB back then to ward off what was to come. But, I'm here now and that's what counts.

Welcome Grey; I don't know how you came across this site or why you felt like posting, but I'm happy you did. Our stories may differ in specifics, but the underlying intent is usually to find help. Our caring members try to instil confidence in people to share their pain, and in doing so actually assist others to come out from behind their computers to do the same. Kudos for being brave enough to contribute. It all starts with one sentence. Well done!

As I've said before, when posting my first time, I could never have imagined getting to over 400 posts; it's still growing. In the beginning I was desperate to find hope and clarity for my confused mind. By persevering, I not only learned about me, but in helping others, I regained some self worth and value so missed.

Yes Paul, the benefits of posting are many...lovely

Dizzy xoxo

[Just Sara]

Paul..I just want to add;

Due to you opening your heart as you have, I and others have benefited in so many beautiful ways my friend.

Apart from our weary brains, our hearts are so precious. Emotionally wounded and scarred hearts can physically hurt, and to reach out and risk your heart for others is one of the most commendable and courageous acts...

I'm so proud of you Paul, so very proud..

And...so very grateful you've reached out to me..

Warmest wishes...Dizzy xoxo