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Aaronsis HELP..Am I posting in the right section?
  • replies: 10

Welcome to those who are considering posting for the very first time, welcome. Thought I would repost part of the words that Chris B posted awhile ago, (2014) as I can hear that people are unsure if they are posting in the right section or worried th... View more

Welcome to those who are considering posting for the very first time, welcome. Thought I would repost part of the words that Chris B posted awhile ago, (2014) as I can hear that people are unsure if they are posting in the right section or worried that they are posting "the wrong thing". 1.A good title makes the difference Just like a headline in a newspaper, when scanning the dozens of threads to click into, it’s only natural that people will choose the ones that resonate with them most. A title that entices the reader, or asks a question, is likely to get a better result than something non-descriptive like “Depression” or “I don't know what to do”. If you think you’re not good at choosing titles, leave it till last. Spend time writing your post, then perhaps choose a sentence from what you’ve written as the title. 2.Join in threads that have already been posted We all have our own unique stories, but part of the reason for joining a forum like this one is because you know that you will have a lot in common with others who are posting. Before starting a new thread, have a look through the current topics being discussed and see if there’s a conversation you can join in with. It can be quite common to have a handful of very similar threads happening at any one time, with members seemingly unaware that there are others right there who are going through the same thing. Talking to other members on their threads is a great way of getting yourself known so that when you post a thread of your own, people may respond quicker because they recognize your name. 3.Choose the most appropriate section for your post Many people browse the forums looking for stories specifically to do with pregnancy and parenting, employment, grief, loss, separation etc. Going straight for the “Depression” section may seem like the easiest option, but this section is often the busiest, so your post is more likely to get lost among the threads. Making good use of the different forum sections not only helps keep the forum relevant, but you’re more likely to find others who are going through the same experiences as you. Also, if you're wanting to discuss issues of trauma, abuse, suicidal thoughts or self-harm, it's really important you post in the designated section to avoid triggering others who may not wish to read about these topics. Mostly..just come and chat, we are here for you. Our amazing wizards in the background will see your message ends up in the right spot. Sarah

Chris_B Introducing...the community champions
  • replies: 22

Hi everyone, Some of you may have noticed that a few of our members are labelled ‘Community champion’ and have a beyondblue National Roadshow bus badge, like this: This thread explains who these members are and what they do. Community champions are v... View more

Hi everyone, Some of you may have noticed that a few of our members are labelled ‘Community champion’ and have a beyondblue National Roadshow bus badge, like this: This thread explains who these members are and what they do. Community champions are volunteers within the forums who: Have the time, skills and empathy to support other members Make an effort to welcome new members Are regularly and actively engaged members that help set the tone of our community as a place of hope and recovery. Click here to find out more about how you can become a Community Champion! As this is a peer support community that includes members under the age of 18, it is important that we ensure our peer support community leaders have a current 'working with children' check as part of due diligence. In an online environment with anonymous posters, it also provides Beyond Blue (and the community) with some security as to the identity of who is posting as a community champion. We ask our community champions to spend at least 2-3 hours a week posting and responding in the forums, but in reality they go far above and beyond this. Like me, they’re not psychologists or counsellors, just regular folk like yourselves who have experience with anxiety and depression. I’ll leave it to our champion volunteers to reply below and let you know a bit about themselves. PS. If this is your first time on the forums and you'd like to introduce yourself, please start a new thread rather than replying in here.

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2635654 Hello
  • replies: 0

Good evening all, I am a 51 yr young woman, wife, Mother, teacher, daughter, sister and friend, and I live with anxiety, severely impacting my life at times, completely shutting me down and allowing a whole pile of health related issues to occur…… an... View more

Good evening all, I am a 51 yr young woman, wife, Mother, teacher, daughter, sister and friend, and I live with anxiety, severely impacting my life at times, completely shutting me down and allowing a whole pile of health related issues to occur…… and so the vicious cycle goes. A few weeks ago I raised a whited flag to anxiety, not to surrender, to stop the unproductive internal battle, get understanding, knowledge, acceptance so anxiety and I can become friends, and work with a peaceful respect toward a common goal. Now this doesn’t come easy as it requires lots of hard work even though exhaustion has taken over, trust/embracing the unknown, taking a leap of faith, accepting it is what it is and that’s different from what I expected and letting go (of false safety nets) including my great ability to mask, unrealistic self expectations, trusting myself and others, having courage to reach out for support, being brave enough to take those wobbly steps to make change….. giving it a go….. I fill my bucket with random acts of kindness, kindness rocks foundation, making a difference…….though have difficulty showing myself the same level of kindness. I am with each new day, trying, I’m not giving up though I’m tired, really tired and need a supportive community I can turn to as I have finally realised I can not do this alone anymore. I am worthy of being supported. I look forward to engaging with the community, not having to walk alone, being here receiving support and an empathetic connection. Hi I’m Tss.

Bethany223 The loss of my love
  • replies: 2

It’s almost his anniversary. Nearly one whole year. Feels like it’s been so much longer but no where near that long at the same time. To think it’s been nearly a year since I saw his smile, heard his laugh, touched him, smelled him. Since anything. B... View more

It’s almost his anniversary. Nearly one whole year. Feels like it’s been so much longer but no where near that long at the same time. To think it’s been nearly a year since I saw his smile, heard his laugh, touched him, smelled him. Since anything. Before he passed he’d only just come back to me. He went to jail for 5 months, he was out for one month. The worst month of our relationship. The readjustment was straight from a horror movie. Looking at the person you fell in love with but having no idea who the hell they are. He changed so much from the man I knew my love for him hadn’t changed but it was a very difficult time for both of us. I was always at work. Before, during and after jail, One of my biggest regrets. The day he died he was meant to be at my house. I set the room up, made the bed, lit a candle and wrote him a little letter. I came home for lunch and the candle was still lit. Called him and messaged him. No response. I get a call at work, it’s his sister. She thinks it was him but isn’t 100% sure. I pace around work for 20 minutes because my boss won’t let me leave unless we know for sure it’s him. Well his sister called back 20 minutes later. It was him. Died in a motorcycle accident. I believe that to this day I’m still in denial but it feels like it’s getting harder to live in my denial land. I find myself crashing everyday, thinking of ending everything to be with him once again. The desire to live just isn’t there anymore and I don’t know what to do because I honestly don’t want help. I don’t want to get better. But there’s a little voice inside of me begging to keep trying. Thanks for reading any advice is greatly appreciated

amd1953 Owed to Solitude
  • replies: 37

I owe a lot to my current situation in life. In fact, it's probably as close to heaven on earth that I will ever get. I've served my apprenticeship in the School of Hard Knocks. It was actually a life sentence with no time off for good behaviour. I t... View more

I owe a lot to my current situation in life. In fact, it's probably as close to heaven on earth that I will ever get. I've served my apprenticeship in the School of Hard Knocks. It was actually a life sentence with no time off for good behaviour. I think it was Mr. W. Shakespeare who said "All the world's a stage". And that is precisely what we are - actors on a stage. Some of us play our parts really well and fool the audience into actually believing what we say we are. Then there are those who find it impossible to be anything other than what they are. Not good actors at all. That's where I make my entrance. But I don't play to the audience any more because it is a complete and utter waste of time and effort. Now that I have settled into retirement, I can stop the acting and the pretence and be whatever I choose to be. It's a great pity that we have to spend the greater part of our lives playing to an audience. Some people get away with turning their backs on the bright lights and sink into blissful anonymity. This is what I am trying to do now so that I can gather a little happiness around me before I drop off the perch. When I think back, I seem to have spent so much time trying to keep everyone else happy and giving in to do things when I don't want to. I never had the nerve to say no so I guess I was a real pushover. I think it's time to turn the page on the script and write my own dialogue for a change. Or is that asking too much? I'm not really sure myself. Maybe I am expecting too much. Shame on me eh? But there will come a time when I run out of choices and that will be the end of it. The curtain comes down on another production. I only hope it doesn't come too soon. If we do what we want to when we want to do it, we are called selfish. I have nothing left to give. It's all gone. The audience have gone home and the stage is a dusty platform waiting for the next deception. Sorry, production.

AbsoluteAe Joining the chorus
  • replies: 7

Hello, I haven't posted on here in years, I've somehow grown older yet still in the same place. Recently I had a go at online dating, which seems to have triggered all sorts of negative feels to resurface, desperation and loneliness are not attractiv... View more

Hello, I haven't posted on here in years, I've somehow grown older yet still in the same place. Recently I had a go at online dating, which seems to have triggered all sorts of negative feels to resurface, desperation and loneliness are not attractive aspects to share and even after getting to know people I struggle to keep things down and conversely online chat can be horrible to get to know people even after meeting in person, detached and asynchronous. I don't think I want to go into details but I've messed up with two people in particular, I'm trying not to beat myself up over it but it's reminded me of drowning and that need to latch onto anything around me just to stay afloat. Work: I'm doing reasonable wellSocial: I work from home full time so my social circles have shrunk as I don't go out as much naturally and rely on either suggestions or reaching out to people which takes a bit out of meLove: Nothing of note I've scheduled a GP visit for next week and will likely go back on meds + seek counselling but I really don't want to go through them again but I'm failing to see options, I can't work or pay myself out of this hole and just need to work towards change. Thanks for reading.

Emotions26 Being me
  • replies: 11

I cannot work out how to see all of the discussionsHow can I read all responses?Confused and lost before coming hereWho do I ask and how for help? The above was written last night - day 2 of joining BB I have responded to several posters and received... View more

I cannot work out how to see all of the discussionsHow can I read all responses?Confused and lost before coming hereWho do I ask and how for help? The above was written last night - day 2 of joining BB I have responded to several posters and received some lovely replies. I have also responded to a post written by a member a while back expressing confusion about new set up here. Now I feel that I might have intruded upon that person's personal space. So I went searching.Somewhere found the suggestion start with introduce yourself - have no idea now where that is - no matter - I am here now Then I thought.I will start a thread or post or page myself.Possibly nobody will reply and it will sit and collect dust. If I don't try, I will never know. So I have come to this place BB to extend my practising being me which I have commenced in real life. Not an easy exercise and most people who know me are not particularly enthralled with the emerging of the new me - no surprise really as I have spent far too long listening to everyone else's egotistical chatter. I found by chance, yes, a thread or passage by someone writing about an analogy of their life being a performance on stage.I wanted to reply as the words intrigued me and I would love to be able to converse with that person.I too am extremely deep.Well, I could not work out how the page seemed different again! So being me is proving to be as difficult an exercise in the virtual world as it is in the real world. Any thoughts.Should anyone find this; read this and want to continue the conversation.It would be nice to hear from members who are replying because they want to as much as support from champions and other titles is appreciated. Thank you if you have read this far.

Izbee New member - anxiety, complex PTSD, misophonia
  • replies: 13

Hi everyone, I joined the Forums because I’ve felt like an outsider, a weirdo, my whole life (I’m 59) because of my strange symptoms. I’m guess I’m hoping to find some reassurance that I’m not alone, and to hear how other people cope with similar sym... View more

Hi everyone, I joined the Forums because I’ve felt like an outsider, a weirdo, my whole life (I’m 59) because of my strange symptoms. I’m guess I’m hoping to find some reassurance that I’m not alone, and to hear how other people cope with similar symptoms. My condition is kind of hard to describe, but I’ll try by listing some of the main symptoms. I completely freak out when I have to be in places where there are other people - restaurants, cinemas, planes, waiting rooms, queues, gym, etc. I have to sit with my back to the wall, get as far away as I can. I feel trapped and terrified and furiously angry. I can’t stand people being behind me. I am absolutely enraged by other people’s noises - eating, breathing, etc, but also music, talking, traffic, lawnmowers, dogs, children - anything that signals the presence of other people. I depend on my headphones/music for sanity. I go to extremes to avoid such situations. I can be very rude to people who get in my space. I ruminate on what a total failure and fool I am, all my mistakes and flaws. I constantly feel that I should do/be better, that I haven’t achieved anything. I have an excruciating and sickening sense of doom every night as I try to go to sleep - it’s so severe it’s physically debilitating. I worry excessively about what other people think of me. I’ve lived like this since I was a very small child - over 50 years.There’s more, but that’s probably enough for now!! Does anyone else feel like this? Thanks so much.

donmcgon New Member
  • replies: 2

Hi I have just joined and think that the forum will be a great place to seek advice and maybe even give a little too. I have been suffering from Anxiety, Major Depression and PTSD for many, many years. Like most I have good days and bad days. I can t... View more

Hi I have just joined and think that the forum will be a great place to seek advice and maybe even give a little too. I have been suffering from Anxiety, Major Depression and PTSD for many, many years. Like most I have good days and bad days. I can tell you that 20 years ago the stigma associated with anyone with mental illness was horrendous. I was told that i was lazy, weak and even the I was "Off with the Fairies". I eventually left my employment as I was basically a pariah and treated with contempt. I have come a long way since then and have many more good days than bad.

indigo22 New to the Forums
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, have just signed up and introducing myself. I am a woman in my 60's and have pretty much been through the works. I grew up in a dysfunctional family. Have been dealing with Dysthymic Disorder and Major Depression since my teenage years. ... View more

Hi everyone, have just signed up and introducing myself. I am a woman in my 60's and have pretty much been through the works. I grew up in a dysfunctional family. Have been dealing with Dysthymic Disorder and Major Depression since my teenage years. Have lost 3 family members to cancer, one family member and a best friend in road accidents, and another best friend to a rare disease. Have been married, separated and divorced (no children). Have had and recovered from a rare cancer. Have one sibling left who is a narcissist and has resented me from the day I was born, needless to say when I moved, I gave no indication of where I was going. I was already struggling emotionally when I started caring for family members during their cancers, my father died first but when my mother died just 10 weeks after my brother, I felt completely broken (like humpty-dumpty). My Major Depression progressed to Chronic status and had suicidal ideation for the next few years. I moved more than 300kms away to leave it all behind but after 1 year found out I had cancer in 2016. I am glad to say that I am doing much better these days and would like to put my many years of experience into helping other people not make the same mistakes that I made.

SarahBluee Introducing myself
  • replies: 2

Hey everyone, I have just registered to volunteer as a lived experienced person within Beyond Blue and I just wanted to come on here and introduce myself. In the past, I have primarily struggled with social anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicida... View more

Hey everyone, I have just registered to volunteer as a lived experienced person within Beyond Blue and I just wanted to come on here and introduce myself. In the past, I have primarily struggled with social anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. It was a long journey but I have finally gotten better at managing these feelings and actions. I still struggle every now and then but I am proud of my progression I wanted to volunteer as a lived experienced person to help in the development of mental health services, policies and programs thankyou

Tash601 Need help understanding Misophonia
  • replies: 9

Hi, I have Misophonia and find that the more I try to block out people making noises while they eat the more it seems to be amplified. This is getting worse and I end up getting so very irritated. I love my family but it gets to the point of me wanti... View more

Hi, I have Misophonia and find that the more I try to block out people making noises while they eat the more it seems to be amplified. This is getting worse and I end up getting so very irritated. I love my family but it gets to the point of me wanting to eat on my own. I feel that they don't seem to understand and say comments like its me and that I am just being annoying or picky. I have gotten to the point of not wanting conversation at the dinner table or any time when food is involved as sometimes they eat and talk with their mouth open. Even if this is brief I can't seem to block it out, even when people drink it seem like they are dying of thirst and feel the need to gulp. I know this is putting such a strain on our family times and i am trying but i don't understand why these noises are so amplified. This is really starting to get me down as I feel like the abnormal one. Please any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.