Why do I keep self imploding

[Kiwione]

Hi not sure what to write or say, I've suffered depression for many years, I thought I had it beat, but, alas not the case. Have finally made an appointment for counselling and have decided to be completely honest and forth-write. Time for all the skeletons to come out I guess. Are their support groups out there? I,m in the Blacktown area

[PamelaR]

Hello Kiwione

Awesome you've found your way here!! Welcome to Beyond Blue (forums). People are friendly, caring, supportive and respectful of privacy. We're not counsellors or therapist, just people who have experience with mental illness and willing to share.

BB doesn't have support groups as such, however, you might find BB forum threads and posts that are online useful. People post lots of strategies to help and manage mental health. Have a look at and even post if you want to. We're always welcoming to input from new people to the forums. I do recommend you read the pinned threads at the top of forums. Especially those that tell you how to get the most out of the forums.

There are about 14 different forums, 2 that are social and the rest related to mental health. Have a browse or a search if you have anything particular in mind.

Also, if you want more face to face, have a look at the BB home page for blueVoices and see if there's happening in the Blacktown area.

I should also let you know about telephone and online help, i.e.

• BB Support Service - Phone 1300 224 636 24hrs/7days a week
• BB Chat online - 3pm-12pm / 7days a week
• Lifeline - Phone 13 11 14

If there's anything you want to download now, feel free. You'll see a lot of people do that here on the forums. Just post back.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Laura17]

Hi Kiwione,

i am new here also, did you come across any support groups?

Cheers,

laura

[Andorig]

Hi Kiwione,

I have some experience with counselling and the only way that it works is if you can be totally honest. I've found my sessions with my most recent counsellor to be confronting and very difficult and tiring. I've had to front up to all the things that I have done that I hate, due to lack of energy or will, failing abilities etc and it is always hard to excuse the behaviours as part of your illness rather than a failing, I still struggle. If I can offer one more piece of advice it would be that counselling is useful but also a very personal thing. Someone that works for your friend won't necessarily work for you and they won't be offended if you tell them that you don't think they are the right person for you, the process works, you just have to let it work and put in that initial effort of getting the right person for you.

Thanks,

Andorig.