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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 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.

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 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

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First discussion

replies: 2

Hi, I'm 75, male, and have suffered anxiety/depression on and off for over 30 years. Have seen doctors and psychologists and take medication. I have been reasonably ok for the last 10 years but a recent situation has caused me to hit rock bottom. I thought this would never happen again, especially at my age. Every day is hard, waking up with butterflies in my stomach and reluctant to get out of bed. I worry about everything, lack concentration, misplace things. Recently had a minor car crash and also backed the car into a gate, both due to lack of concentration. Cannot seem to be positive about anything. At this stage I cannot see how I can get back to normal.I have seen the doc and he will prepare another mental health plan, then the psychologist whom I have seen previously will take it from there.I am currently very introverted and have trouble carrying on a discussion with other people, especially in a crowd. Fortunately my wife is very supportive, without her my situation would be far worse.It would be great to get some feedback and encouragement from you good people out there.All the best to everyone.

Owed to Solitude

replies: 460

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.

Really struggling with life, feeling completely stuck

replies: 2

Hi, I'm 33/M turning 34 this month. I graduated with a University Degree in Creative Arts for basically concept art for video games, animation, storyboarding. That sort of thing. I really struggled through university but finally graduated last year. Anyway, I got kicked out of my rental because I was staying with a friend and his wife but they were having a baby and needed me to leave, that's fine but I couldn't find anywhere else and had to move back in with my parents. I struggled to find employment after completing my studies and had to take a job on a sheep farm (my father also works there). My father and me have a bit of a strained relationship so it makes it harder. I've been stuck at this job for almost a year now and it's driving me crazy having to live and work with my parents. I have completely lost confidence, my self-esteem is at an all time low, I feel like a teenager again. I try to work on my art and skills in my free time but this job and environment is very draining physically, mentally, emotionally... I look for other jobs but it all feels so pointless, I've entertained the thought of moving out but everything is so expensive right now and I need to find another job when I move and that seems impossible. I feel like such a failure, it hurts seeing my friends moving on with their lives and I'm stuck in this nightmarish situation with very little hope for the future. I just don't see myself ever getting a decent job, owning my own living space or getting a girlfriend. Thanks for reading.

Hi

replies: 1

I've never posted on something like this - Im 28, f and work as a primary teacher. I guess i'm writing this because i've been feeling pretty low for a while now. I'm a pretty social person at heart, and because of my job i'm constantly talking to people during the day... but i've never felt more lonely. I was in a relationship for years, but since that ended (3 years ago), I havn't even hooked up with anyone - let alone been in an actual relationship. Sometimes I just really wish there was someone to give me a cuddle after a long day. I've got good friends ... not many, but the ones I do have are great. I've been getting more stressed out with work lately as well. It sort of feels like I shouldn't complain because my life isn't that bad... but I can't help this weird anxious/ empty feeling I keep getting. Not sure what to do about it.I'm into music (collect vinyl records), watching tv series and movies and playing games on the switch (pretty solitary activities). I've not built up the confidence yet to try meeting people on apps or groups.. so i guess nothings gonna change? Makes me feel really frustrated with myself.Anyways... not really sure what to do with myself. Starting to wonder how bad this feeling is going to get ... I'm worried if it gets much worse i'm gonna have a complete breakdown.

I am 66 yrs old and feeling absolutely hopeless with life

replies: 9

Hi everyone...I'm Liz, 65 years old, mother and grandmother. My family all live in different cities and i am left here alone with my husband of 42 years (who i really don't want around anymore). In the past I have suffered many many episodes of Depression & Anxiety and I am spiralilng down again right now. I have had many things happen to me in the last year which have finally explained alot and I've realised I have taken Medication in the past hoping of changing some of this (umm no)...I just can't go down this path anymore. Medication (I'm on none yet) will just subdue me and make it easier to accept my lot. I am sick of being so passive, sad, hopeless, no confidence, trapped and unable to make decisions regarding my future (possibly on my own). During COVID I abused alcohol and relationships with my family suffered. I no longer drink now. My husnamd during this time spoke BEHIND my back to my kids about me and my behaviour and because of this they think he is wonderful and I am not. He is a covert narcissist and I never knew. I just don't know what to do next. I have not gone to the Doctor for a Mental Health Plan again. I don't think anyone can help me. I've seen a Psychiatrist and many Psychologists over the years but now I think I need someone who can help me to take the steps forward to free myself. I do not work as I can't be around people. I am not yet of Pension Age. Financial reasons is the main reason I am still with my Husband. I think of suicide (briefly mostly) nearly every day. This stage of my life I am not enjoying in the least...there is no joy except when I visit family or they visit here. Thank you for any guidance or similar experiences please.

Anxiety

replies: 1

Hi, I am a 71 year old female who has been a victim of domestic violence and even though I haven't been in that situation for many years some things still trigger me and I become light headed and fumble with my words and don't seem to get my point ac... View more

Mr magoo

replies: 7

Hi everyone I just joined and am not very good at computer stuff so bear with me.I get depression and anxiety.It sucks.I think talking to other people will help

Introduction

replies: 7

I am male, 20 years old. I have been friendless and socially isolated for the past five or so years, which has made me feel rather depressed. I have been unable to get a job, besides an unpaid volunteer one.

Its my 20th birthday today

replies: 4

Hi all,It’s my 20th birthday today. Spent the entire day crying. I’ve been reflecting on my life and everything I’ve done so far, but honestly, I can’t think of anything I truly feel proud of. Even today, I don’t have any close friends to share these feelings with or anyone I genuinely want to spend the day with. At home, birthdays have never really felt special, there’s usually low effort around them and the same thing each year, and when I ‘compare’ it to how my friends celebrate, it stings a little more. I know I sound ungrateful or even bratty for saying that. feel grateful for the things I do have. I am grateful for my family, for the opportunities I’ve had, and for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s just I dont know why I feel really down. I think I just expected that by 20, I’d feel more settled, somewhat more sure of myself, more surrounded by people who get me. Instead I feel so lost and unworthy.

slipprey slope

replies: 3

I went to work on friday,feeling like i really didn't want to be there.Thats not unusual but when you are not well its worse.I called my wife at smoko and told her how i felt,she was great.I didn't want to go home because i think once i start it's too easy to just go home when things are getting to me.Anyway i got through the day and probably was happier i stayed.Felt like i had a win.The boys had beers after work but i usually don't because drinking alcohol is something that im avoiding for all sorts of reasons.Maybe the day will come when i have to knock off work early or have the odd day off but at this stage i'm ok.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

First discussion replies: 2

Owed to Solitude replies: 460

Really struggling with life, feeling completely stuck replies: 2

Hi replies: 1

I am 66 yrs old and feeling absolutely hopeless with life replies: 9

Anxiety replies: 1

Mr magoo replies: 7

Introduction replies: 7

Its my 20th birthday today replies: 4

slipprey slope replies: 3