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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, We wanted to share with you the way that our wonderful Community Champions are here to support you. You may have noticed that a few of our Forums members are labelled ‘Community Champion’. Community Champions are volunteers within the Be... View more

Hi everyone, We wanted to share with you the way that our wonderful Community Champions are here to support you. You may have noticed that a few of our Forums members are labelled ‘Community Champion’. Community Champions are volunteers within the Beyond Blue Forums who: have the time, skills and empathy to support other members regularly; help to welcome new members; are actively engaged members that help set the tone of our community. Our Community Champions are regular contributors to many conversations across the forums. They are a consistent and friendly voice that have committed to sharing their experience and expertise with this community. They are not health care professionals or clinicians. Like you, they have an experience with a mental health challenge or diagnosis – either for themselves or someone they care for. This forum is for people who understand what it feels like and have a lived and living experience of mental health challenges. Our Community Champions help everyone feel comfortable and confident by demonstrating what excellent peer support is all about. Click here to find out more about how you can become a Community Champion! This incredible team are excited to introduce themselves below, and we are sure you’ll see them around the forums in conversations important to you.

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

All discussions

amd1953 Owed to Solitude
  • replies: 439

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.

Not so whimsy At my wits end. I need to vent.
  • replies: 3

Hi there, This is my first post. I have contemplated posting but always thought against it.Well tonight just got the better of me a I was triggered to tears, I’ve had a gut full and feel like I’m just going round in circles. I need to vent.I try to b... View more

Hi there, This is my first post. I have contemplated posting but always thought against it.Well tonight just got the better of me a I was triggered to tears, I’ve had a gut full and feel like I’m just going round in circles. I need to vent.I try to break the negativity cycle, it just keeps going I’m so exhausted. I feel sad, used, walked over, unheard and ragged on almost on a daily basis. Here’s just a couple of things: I have been trying to get a promotion consistently for the last 3-4 years and keep getting knocked back. As I want to improve my family lifestyle. I train people that end up getting promoted over me again and again. (Found out another colleague got promoted today and in both cases I gave them certificates of appreciation for their work and contributions, when I was their supervisor).🥺 Come home to a husband that disagrees/combative and negative towards women, I never know what mood he’ll be in so I do what I do listen to gripes that end up being my fault. (He was pulling the blind down and got it hooked on the door and mumbles “Only happens when she’s home”)I just saw tonight that my sister and brother in law that live interstate just put their second rental house up for residents. I cook something quick and simple for tea. (Tick, that was good) Go to have a shower after tidying up only to find one of my cats had shat in my pjs. I just cried in the shower. At least I’m glad to say that I think my son was happy to see me.I know that these examples are nothing compared to what others deal with and I’m thankful for that.But I ask myself is this all me, what the hell is wrong with you. thanks for listening

Broken79 NumB
  • replies: 7

Firstly. Thankyou if your taking your time to read this.It's been a while since I've been here. I haven't been feeling any good of late...well, this is the thing, I feel...nothing. My weights almost at 130kgs and my skin is falling and whats most wor... View more

Firstly. Thankyou if your taking your time to read this.It's been a while since I've been here. I haven't been feeling any good of late...well, this is the thing, I feel...nothing. My weights almost at 130kgs and my skin is falling and whats most worrying is that i don't care.I've withdrawn from my kids and family, I'm snappy, I rave on and on about the same stuff to my teenagers.I'm tired and everything's an effort, that I don't understand the meaning of.I'm so alone.I often do think, it'd be better for everyone, if I just stayed out of the way (permanently) And here's the kicker. I'm a social worker ...

waffle_puppy Nice to meet you 👋
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for reading this. My name is Waffle for short, and I enjoy reading, playing games, collecting figures, vinyls, CDs, comics, and spending time with my dog. Some of my favorite games are Pikmin 4, and the older games,... View more

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for reading this. My name is Waffle for short, and I enjoy reading, playing games, collecting figures, vinyls, CDs, comics, and spending time with my dog. Some of my favorite games are Pikmin 4, and the older games, along with games that are on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS/DS. (I’m so sorry if this is all jumbled or confusing to read by the way ) Some of my favorite foods are waffles, pancakes, crepes, and sweet pies. I really love animals and nature as well, with some of my favorite animals being dogs, wolves, foxes, penguins, and snow leopards; my favorite subjects in school are music and art because I was inspired by a few famous bands to become a famous singer and bassist in the future! Well, as for the other subjects… I don’t really like them because they’re boring for me but it’s 100% okay if someone else likes it, that’s their choice after all. I guess that’s all for now, thank you so much for reading this; and I hope that you can have a good day/night/evening

Sportcustard Any vegans in here?
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Hi everyone. I am currently struggling with the apathy of people regarding animal cruelty, and how frustrated I am about people not making that connection or being willing to change their actions to avoid participating. I would like to talk to some o... View more

Hi everyone. I am currently struggling with the apathy of people regarding animal cruelty, and how frustrated I am about people not making that connection or being willing to change their actions to avoid participating. I would like to talk to some other vegans about this and how to both cope and make meaningful change. Please don't reply with trolling and stuff, right now I really just want to discuss this with likeminded people and not have to hold my tongue. Much appreciated. Thanks everyone, have a good night.

Morph Back after a long break
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I joined BB 10 years ago and have returned after a long break. I always found reading about others and their experiences both sad and inspiring. I think sometimes people just need to tell their stories in a safe environment and not everyone is lookin... View more

I joined BB 10 years ago and have returned after a long break. I always found reading about others and their experiences both sad and inspiring. I think sometimes people just need to tell their stories in a safe environment and not everyone is looking for answers but just a listener. As for me since I was last on, I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD mainly as a result of childhood trauma and military service. I also have dyspraxia and ADHD which answered a lot of questions about myself and why I am who I am. I have been living with PNE (Primary/Persistent Nocturnal Enuresis) or bedwetting my whole life which was made worse by alcohol misuse when I joined the navy aged 16 and the reason why I had to discharge. Continued alcohol misuse combined with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) has led to me developing an acquired neurological condition and daytime incontinence and am currently under the care of a Urologist to hopefully resolve. I'm looking forward to contributing to discussions and supporting others where I can. More than happy to answer questions if I can.

Guest_24853902 Mrs
  • replies: 1

Hi i am mother of 2Living with my husband unfortunately. We being not together for while but we dont talk . I am so unhappy I do everything for the kids and the house and he just complaind about working monday to friday and pays the rent and electric... View more

Hi i am mother of 2Living with my husband unfortunately. We being not together for while but we dont talk . I am so unhappy I do everything for the kids and the house and he just complaind about working monday to friday and pays the rent and electricity. I am support worker and work.40 hours over 7 days . I pay everything else. I am just so tired I just like to have my own space. Some days I feel like to leave my kids with him to runaway or just go to sleep and never wake up. I cant find anything in my price range and I dont know where to start. I feel lonely my family is in Germany so have no support.

Wishtobefree feeli like the system fails us
  • replies: 10

Hi, I feel like I've given up hope in life and our medical system. I'm just laying around the house and just waiting, waiting forever for appointments. I've had a long history, since childhood of depression and trauma. From growing up without a mum, ... View more

Hi, I feel like I've given up hope in life and our medical system. I'm just laying around the house and just waiting, waiting forever for appointments. I've had a long history, since childhood of depression and trauma. From growing up without a mum, to childhood abuse, and neglect, and a major loss at 25 of my sister and Nephew in a road accident, then my only support person, my dad moving to Perth. Along with lots of other things, too many to go into. I was also diagnosed with osteo arthritis and bone degeneration in my spine, hips and neck in my late twenties. Over the years I've worked in many jobs, including my main job which was as a personal care worker for over ten years. I cared for a man for over 4 of those years and then became unwell again. I have always been unwell but had it kind of manageable until then.I was a single mum of a teenage boy at the time. Had to quit my job and the last 9 years have been a constant struggle. My son left, I became homeless because couldn't afford my rent. Cut a long story short after lots of moving around, finally got a housing trust unit and after dealing with two and a half years of constant stress while living there, dealing with drunken people out the front of my unit constantly and all that goes with that, dealing with junkies, and eopke jumping my fences, being bashed twice while there, and numerous letters to council, HT and contacting police. I succumbed to the stress and gave my unit up. I also have CPTSD, fibro, CFS, osteo arthritis, and other ailments. Depression, anxiety, and I've been trying to get help for all this for over about 3 or so years. It's been a nightmare to say the least. I've had to apply for my second exemption for centerlink so I don't have to deal with all their bullshit. I've had at least 6 jobs in the last three years and every time I've had to leave either due to stress or chronic pain. Not to mention the chronic fatigue I suffer all the time. I was trying to get my last DR to help me to do the things I need to apply for the DSP but after her total lack of incompetence, I left there feeling deflated and so depressed I just gave up. Over several appointments trying to explain to her what I needed her to do and feeling like she's got dementia or something because she can't remember one thing from another between appointments. I honestly felt like life was a waste of time.I've tried to Pur in a complaint about her but had no response. I've found a new DR who seems nice but now I'm waiting for appointments. I've been referred to a pain clinic at the hospital which is different to the pain course they recommend you do which I've already done. They sent me a questionnaire which I answered the 1 to 5 questions with the highest rating for everything because that's how I feel. Thinking they would see how depressed I am that they would be in touch soon. After a few weeks of no response I called them to find out I had to wait because there in the middle of moving. It's been a couple if weeks since then. I feel like all these systems they have in place that are supposed to help people with depression and pain are useless. I pretty much have no family except my son, who is 23 and struggling with his own issues. I am in so much pain 247. I have constant numbness in my arms, feet and pain everywhere. I've gone to the hospital before and been sent away. I've called lifeline and felt completely dismissed and was told to call my DR????? What a joke that is. So sunk back into complete despair. I feel like our systems are a complete joke and wonder why there is so many people committing suicide because when you need help it's that hard to get it that hope flies out the door like a bird. I've pretty much given up all hope for my life improving because really no one listens anyway. You get a ten minute slot to try explain it to your DR, which I have to pay a $35 gap everytime. When your on jobserker payment that's almost that hard to have. I feel so sad all the time, don't even want to get out of bed most days..I don't see the point. I feel like no one really cares and our medical system is a joke. I hate life right now and can't see an end to all this any time soon. So just laying around wallowing. Our systems are laughable and I wish I could run away and be a nomad in the bush. It would be more enjoyable than this!

Flora25 No motivation
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Hi, this is my first entry on any forum! I'm struggling to get out of bed, not showering, not interested in food, no cooking, no cleaning and lost all purpose. Yes, I know about strategies, yes, I see a psychologist, yes, I'm on medication but I can'... View more

Hi, this is my first entry on any forum! I'm struggling to get out of bed, not showering, not interested in food, no cooking, no cleaning and lost all purpose. Yes, I know about strategies, yes, I see a psychologist, yes, I'm on medication but I can't get motivated to do anything...