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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

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R_J_H Dealing with anxiety/depression thoughts
  • replies: 7

Hi Everyone, this is my first time reaching out to anyone while I’ve been dealing with some anxiety, depression and bad thoughts. I haven’t truly felt like anyone is able to understand what I’ve been going through so I’d thought I would try here. I f... View more

Hi Everyone, this is my first time reaching out to anyone while I’ve been dealing with some anxiety, depression and bad thoughts. I haven’t truly felt like anyone is able to understand what I’ve been going through so I’d thought I would try here. I feel like friends and family won’t truly take it serious or understand my thoughts. I don’t feel comfortable sharing too much right now but this is what I feel is necessary at this time. For a couple months now I’ve been battling with the feelings of loneliness, no one truly caring for me, the lack of interest in my life and the inability to have someone there for me when I need someone. I’ve been having troubles sleeping and having bad dreams due to my anxieties even though I’ve tried meditating at night and the headspace app, however this does not truly help me. I do have good days but for the last week or so I’ve been having more bad days than good. Just wanting to reach out to anyone who has been through/going through the same things and if they have any advice to try and deal with these issues. thank you to anyone who can help and for listening/reading as well. R.

D5N New member
  • replies: 3

Hi all I am new here and not sure if this is what I need. My 23 years employment with a local government employer was terminated in late 2018 because of my concerns with the public’s safety and well-being as well of my own fears concerning the unroad... View more

Hi all I am new here and not sure if this is what I need. My 23 years employment with a local government employer was terminated in late 2018 because of my concerns with the public’s safety and well-being as well of my own fears concerning the unroadworthy Heavy Vehicle that I had driven and the employer’s lack of duty to maintain the truck to proper Heavy Vehicle National Compliance Laws. Instead the employer made allegations against me and had forced me to be evaluated by 2 doctors for mental illness, rather than addressing the workplace safety concerns that were so evident, bad steering and later brake issues. For a long time the termination of my employment consumed my life with seeking Industrial support to which in the end i was offered a small sum of money under an agreement to also keep my mouth shut about the issues, further losing contact with my family and find my relationship with my partner very difficult. I care very much about my family but according to them I have interfered in their life so much so that they don’t want to know me with my daughter not allowing my grand children to see me. I feel that because the local government employer had made allegations against me, my family believes the allegations to be true despite the evidence I have and myself losing their respect of me. I have a casual position now as a HR Truck Driver but have gone weeks without work. Feeling angry, lost and alone.

ghostcrab15 Seeking help when you don't feel important
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, Today is my first time on the Beyond Blue forum - and perhaps the first time I have properly acknowledged that I feel helpless and restless very often. I have a problem with asking for help from anyone because I don't feel like I will be... View more

Hi everyone, Today is my first time on the Beyond Blue forum - and perhaps the first time I have properly acknowledged that I feel helpless and restless very often. I have a problem with asking for help from anyone because I don't feel like I will be heard. I also find myself feeling embarrassed about the fact that everyone else around me seems to be coping with daily life and I'm not. Feeling alone has been hard, but looking through this forum has helped today. I probably need to seek help from a GP or a professional of some kind, but I can't help but feel like there are other people that need help more than me. I guess what I struggle with is feeling like I'm important enough to take up someone else's time to talk about my problems. I also doubt myself because I'm prone to over-thinking things. Nothing feels serious enough to seek help for, even in times when I can't function properly, because of the possibility that I'm over-reacting. Does anyone else feel this way? Thank you to all of the people that have posted in this forum - you've helped me today and I'm sure you've helped many others as well. Opening up can be really hard, and the fact that you all have is very admirable. All best

Arion New here
  • replies: 10

Hi all, I'm new here, I am a naturally introverted person and I think I suffer from anxiety and social anxiety and maybe depression. I often feel anxious about things and worrisome about the slightest stressful thing. However I am not sure how to go ... View more

Hi all, I'm new here, I am a naturally introverted person and I think I suffer from anxiety and social anxiety and maybe depression. I often feel anxious about things and worrisome about the slightest stressful thing. However I am not sure how to go about solving this entirely. I have tried various self help methods with some success, but I want to fully be able to cope with or reduce the anxiousness. Just wanted to introduce myself.

Himm new to this
  • replies: 3

Hi very new to this, thought i mite give it a go can't make things any werse, basicly need help

Hi very new to this, thought i mite give it a go can't make things any werse, basicly need help

Gardenergeek Newbie introduction
  • replies: 3

Hi im a long term sufferer of anxiety and previous depression who has had a Good run of stability since quitting my high stress job a few years ,to focus on creating my own art, but after the year long lockdown(no work) and a 2 week quarantine recent... View more

Hi im a long term sufferer of anxiety and previous depression who has had a Good run of stability since quitting my high stress job a few years ,to focus on creating my own art, but after the year long lockdown(no work) and a 2 week quarantine recently im finding it dfficult and very stressful transitioning back into work this month before jobseeker ends and its causing a palpable sense of unease and anxiety that im having trouble shaking. Im finding the world a very angry and inconsiderate place that I am tentative to want to be involved in at the moment.

hopeless101 Please Help
  • replies: 3

It's gone on too long. I have done all of the things that are suggested to a person with this illness, and I am still in immeasurable pain. The guilt of not wanting to existing and what it will do to my family and friends is nearly gone. I can't see ... View more

It's gone on too long. I have done all of the things that are suggested to a person with this illness, and I am still in immeasurable pain. The guilt of not wanting to existing and what it will do to my family and friends is nearly gone. I can't see a reason for waking up tomorrow, and I haven't for over two decades. I have seen my GP over 50 times and am in no better position. GP number I don't even know. Medication number I can't keep track of. I've called triple zero a number of times for desperate help. I've been to hospital. I spent money that I didn't really have, and am still paying off, for a mental health retreat. This is no ones problem but my own, but if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Cloud79 Hi. BB newbie
  • replies: 1

Hi, im 41 and have been having a tough time with my husband. He was diagnosed with bipolar a couple of years back. I’ve had my own mental health issues with depression but have been managing quite well for the last year with the help of my gp and a t... View more

Hi, im 41 and have been having a tough time with my husband. He was diagnosed with bipolar a couple of years back. I’ve had my own mental health issues with depression but have been managing quite well for the last year with the help of my gp and a therapist (after my husband pushed me to get help). I love him but there are times when he makes it so difficult for me too. We have been together for 8 years and have a 3 yr old. It’s a constant rollercoaster and can be so exhausting. I guess what I’m looking for is help/ advice on managing the bipolar as well as somewhere I can vent once in awhile:) I don’t talk about him or what he’s like with anyone and it’s getting to the point where I feel frustrated all the time cause I’m just holding it all in.

crh That GP
  • replies: 3

Hi, I just wanted to post a my recent experience with my long term and now ex-GP. Feeling at my lowest and my anxiety on overdrive, I somehow found a tiny amount of energy to go to my GP for help. What did he say when I was sitting there facing him? ... View more

Hi, I just wanted to post a my recent experience with my long term and now ex-GP. Feeling at my lowest and my anxiety on overdrive, I somehow found a tiny amount of energy to go to my GP for help. What did he say when I was sitting there facing him? Here's a list of what he said: Dr: "Look at me, I have all these patients, I don't get anxiety" Me: I need something help me sleep Dr: (does scroll through- eneey meeny miney mo) says "here take this and this, i shouldn't give you this, but take it" (a sleeping medication) Me: Could i please have a mental health care plan? Dr: "no, they take too long to write, come back and see me next time". How is it that a person who has been trusted to save lives, almost crushed mine? GPs like this should be reprimanded in some way?