Welcome and Orientation

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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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Hello there

replies: 3

Hi, 46yr old male here with over 20 year long history with depression and anxiety. Name a med or a type of counselling and chances are I've given it a shot! Things have been tough lately and despite being married with children, I am very alone. I figured it'd be good to participate here as it'll give me a space for open dialogue, something that I'm very much lacking at home and work. Cheers Pete

Absolute Joke

replies: 4

The beyond blue telephone helpline is an absolute joke. Getting essentially cut off by someone after 15 minutes every time I call with extremely serious problems. I wouldn't be calling otherwise.

HI

replies: 4

Here looking for something that's going to help a middle aged couple with 3 Kids that struggle with addiction anxiety and all the rest that goes with that. Thanks for accepting us and heres to 2021 being a kinder year for all

Does isolation make us want to withdraw more

replies: 4

I found I coped quite well during our states Isolation lockdowns, I’ve always liked my own space and I’m not super social. Now that things are getting more back to normal, I am apprehensive of leaving my house, going out or just having to talk to peo... View more

Ongoing job search & feeling helpless & hopeless

replies: 1

Hey guys, Like so many others out there, Covid times hit hard, some with their health but others another challenge, losing their jobs. I have been out of work now since Covid pretty much changed all our lives. Had i known i was going to be out of work this long i might have considered taking up a lengthier course. Nearly 12 months on i am feeling tired of being tired, looking, searching high & low for work through a computer. Im no computer whizz & don't have any huge qualifications but up til now was enough to secure a job. Could be worse i guess and i am trying to be strong, but just some days it gets overwhelming as Centrelink are helping financially to keep a roof over my head & my kids but i don't really feel the job people they send you onto, really want to help they just want to tick off their KPI's. Im pretty resilient normally, but this new norm right now is getting me down. Most jobs you apply for, don't reply or go for interview to no avail. I have to say my self esteem is really low the longer im shut away looking for work. Catch 22 is to do a course that you want to do, it costs you money, which i don't have. To be honest at 53 not sure what to really do but i refuse to take jobs just for the heck of it, which is what Centrelink would prefer one to do. I also won't take low wage & go backwards in life rather than where i was heading, to better myself, being a single mum & the main provider. What to do...

Ask a champ!

replies: 12

Hi everyone, This thread is for anyone who has any questions for our community champions- no question is too big or too small or too silly. For anyone who is not sure what a champ is or who a champ is- here's a post that explains it all > https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/welcome-and-orientation/community-champions and if anyone wants to be a champ, here's a post that tells you more > https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/join-our-online-community/become-an-online-community-champion Hopefully this is helpful- we're all looking forward to chatting more with you and answering your questions! rt

Separated from narcassistic partner

replies: 7

Hello my name is Jules. I am 9 months separated from a toxic relationship from a narcassistic partner and have just begun dating again which is bringing up a lot of emotions and feeling a little overwhelmed. Thought I had dealt with my feelings from previous relationship but now I’m not sure I have then. Not sure what to do. Maybe I just need to find a way to deal with my thoughts. Talk to someone maybe. Or maybe just see how things go in the new relationship and not get ahead of myself. At 51 would have thought I’d have had my life sorted out by now.

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on February

replies: 0

Hi Everyone, Welcome those who may have just made their way here on the forums and wave to all who continue to support the community in being a safe and non-judgmental space to talk about one’s mental health journey A reminder that if you’re currently experiencing thoughts and feelings that are intense, overwhelming or impacting your daily life, we’d encourage you to speak with a GP or mental health professional. If you’d like some support with finding a suitable health professional in your area, visit our ‘find a professional’ page on our website or check-in with one of our professional mental health counsellors at our Support Service who can point you in the right direction - 1300 22 4636 / https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support for online chat (1pm-12am AEDT) & email (responses within 24 hours) Community Voices: What are people talking about? Talking to loved ones about your mental health I've been a part of these forums for a few days now, but I feel already its making a huge difference in my management and recovery of severe depression, stress and anxiety. Without rambling or going in depth of my own issues which isn't my aim of this thread I guess, I was wondering what opinions, advice, and/or experience all of you have had in regards to talking to friends, family, and loved ones about your mental health? - Jack2021 (Read more here) i feel like I’ve exhausted all my support options and this is my last resort. I’m bipolar and my relationship is in crisis because of this. We have a 2 year son and He’s in daycare twice a week but I just can’t cope knowing my partner is unhappy and that we might get separated – Feeldeatroyed (Read more here) I tried to explain to my partner that my GP referred me to a phycologist and he went mad saying it was all in my head, snap out of it, no one he knows is mentally ill. It doesn't help that the subject can't be discussed at home – contrarymary (Read more here) Social Anxiety A few years ago I was diagnosed with social anxiety and have been managing it with counselling top-up sessions when needed. However I've noticed in the last year or so I've become panicky/stressed out after having chats with friends or family in public settings whether it's the same day as the outing or it hits me out of nowhere within 3 days of the interaction. – Guest_6720 (Read more here) Hey, I am new here. I have a 7 month old baby and I get very overwhelmed leaving the house with him. I love my son so much and want him to have the best life but I just can't seem to get past feeling terrified of people judging me and my parenting. – Sharkgirl (Read more here) I start year 11 today. Anxious all night. Can’t sleep. My dog woke up coughing for a long time. She’s almost 10. She has previously been diagnosed with a heart murmur, and she is licking a lot anxious. I am thinking the worst which I should never do. I might have to take a taxi from the vet later by myself to get to school. I have social anxiety and freaking out. I honestly feel scared and stressed. Any ideas how to cope? – Mudcakes (Read more here) Medication (Is it helpful?/ Potential side effects) Upon the suggestion of my psychiatrist, I have just started a second line treatment in addition to my regular antidepressant. As per the rules I can't name it here but it's a supplement with good scientific evidence showing its effectiveness against depression. I trust his professional judgement in suggesting it to me. I started it six days ago and I've had varying results. On the plus I'm seeing signs of improved mood at times but it's still intermittent and unstable. – Rod_NR93 (Read more here) I’m looking for a little guidance from people who have had experience with medication to help their depression. I have been struggling with Depression mostly with some anxiety and stress for quite well over a year now and it’s been never ending. I haven’t really had a long period of time where I have been feeling good. I have been to my doctor for bloods which are normal and also seeing a psychiatrist who has been trying to give me some CBT tips but they don’t seem to help. – Dube96 (Read more here) Ok so my doctor prescribed me a dosage when I first saw her, and I was on that dose for 3.5 weeks - when I saw her again she upped the dosage as it wasn’t having the desired affect. It’s now been over 1.5 weeks at the new dose and I don’t think anything has changed yet.. does anyone know how long it will take for them to work properly? Or should I be going back to my doc soon? – MamaL (Read more here) Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of February is Elizabeth CP! Elizabeth CP has been nominated for often engaging in very insightful discussions as well as initiating relevant, supportive and practical threads across the forums about how to manage various mental heath challenges and or issues. Thank you for all your contributions Elizabeth CP! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support BB News/Resources Name the Beyond Blue community van! With the support of our partner, Australia Post, we will soon be able to drive a new community van! As a proud partner, Australia Post is working with Beyond Blue to lead a positive change in the way we talk about mental health and help build stronger, more connected communities. To help us achieve this goal, Australia Post is generously supporting Beyond Blue's big, blue community van. Beyond Blue will be driving the big blue van to community events around Australia to create a safe space for people to share their experiences and learn more about our programs and services. Beyond Blue and Australia Post want to give the van a name, and are looking to you, the community, to help us. If you have an idea for a name to be displayed on the community van, please complete the form on our webpage by Thursday 11 March 2021, 11.59pm AEST.

im new here

replies: 4

hi i am new i haveno friends since 2011 my only friend in ten years ghosted me overnight nice to meet you thats why im suicidal

Putting myself down and worrying endlessly

replies: 4

hey there, I've never used a forum or community like this before, but after a couple months of just lurking in the background reading other people's posts and experiences, I feel I'm ready to join in and be a part of this. Okay so here's my deal. I'm 16 soonish, and my boyfriend is 1 and a half years younger than me. First up is that a problem?? He sometimes says that the age gap worries him but as there's nothing we can do about that we just leave it. No point worrying about something you can't change, right? My view on this is that since we're in a committed relationship, once we're like 20 and 22 it won't be as big a problem- we will both be fully biologically developed, and so pretty much the same mentally-wise. Long distance relationships suck a lot. It's really, really really REALLY hard. I miss him all the time, every day, I'm obsessed with him. We've been together since June, 2020, and before that were best friends for around 5 months. He was there for me through a vulnerable time including nasty girls, dumping me from their friend group. I don't want to talk about that, I'm teetering on the edge of 'over it'. We had each other through a season where we needed it most, and if that's all we get out of the relationship then it's pretty good still. The first time he said he loved me I was ecstatic. It means a lot to say that. Especially coming from someone who knows me so well, through my cranky PMS days and all. Currently the only thing making me anxious is something I said to him, and another girl.. Women. We get cranky, we get nasty and tired and we want to blob around. My boyfriend was being perfectly lovely to me and I was nasty back, and it hurt him a lot. We haven't been quite the same since, but we're healing. I apologised and did everything I could to make it right- making sure he knew what I said I did not mean at all. We're better. But I'm anxious about a friend of his, who has caught feelings for him, and vice versa. He told me about this, and so I'm not too worried- If he was open about it, it means he trusts me.. I think. He said he chooses me over anyone, and so that's relieving. But still, I worry. Yes, it's just a crush, but with him being so far away what if something happens, and she's better than me? With this circling my mind, I've been putting myself down a lot. 'I'm not worthy of him anyway. I was nasty and I will be for a week every month, and I can't help it. I'm always depressed around people. He deserves someone better.'

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Hello there replies: 3

Absolute Joke replies: 4

HI replies: 4

Does isolation make us want to withdraw more replies: 4

Ongoing job search & feeling helpless & hopeless replies: 1

Ask a champ! replies: 12

Separated from narcassistic partner replies: 7

Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting back on February replies: 0

im new here replies: 4

Putting myself down and worrying endlessly replies: 4