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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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Step-parenting and unresponsive spouse

replies: 2

Hi, I am currently in a relationship with my partner of 4 years and as of Jan 2020 his 2 kids from a previous relationship had decided they wanted to live with us, and my biological 4yr old son. Their decision. Backstory...Their biological mother is a heroine addict and very neglecting. Recently from the approval from their father, they have been able to spend time with their mother through DCP arranged and supervised visits. That's when the 11yrold girl has started acting out towards me. Saying very abusive curse words and lashing out. But only towards me. When her father is there though, nothing. Not a peep from her. We get along really well usually. But as soon as he leaves all she'll break loose with no prompting from myself or the other two boys. I have been told by my partners 12yr old boy, that his mother is behind it but I don't know if I believe that or not I'm not sure. She is violent towards my 4yr old. She writes disturbing letters of hatred to me and leaves them around so ill find them. She also tells me I've said horrible things towards her mother, which I have not, and throws things. If anyone is called to help me, ie grandparents, she plays victim and lies to them that I started it. I just want her to like me, and it's getting so hard, me and my partner have thought about separating. Its all recent behaviour. I know she is sad and confused, but she made the decision that living with her mum was toxic and also dangerous for them. I would like some insight into why she is lashing out at me and my son, and no one else.

This is my story.....

replies: 40

Hi everyone, For the past 34 months, my twinsister and I have endured a turbulent ride through life. We have faced tragic and traumatic events that have sadly fractured our relationship as twinsisters. The tragic passings of our late mother in Nov 2017 and much loved senior furbaby in Dec 2019 were heartbreaking and triggered the grief cycle. The stressful sale of our family home in Oct 2018 and our displacement due to not finding a new home to buy in Sydney. Being forced to live in temporary places of accommodation and rentals for the past 24months. This triggered our anxiety. The neighbourhood conflict we fell victim to due to toxic neighbours who racially targeted our family and home for 8years. This left us traumatised. We are also experiencing pre menopausal symptoms due to our age. My symptoms are mild, but my twinsister's symptoms are intense and trigger monthly emotional meltdowns/psychotic episodes. This has also triggered insomnia/sleeplessness. The COVID19 pandemic has contributed to our loss of employment, but we are fortunate to have funds to cover all personal and living expenses. It's obvious that our central nervous system and mental health have been negatively impacted by past events. Our battles with anxiety, depression and emotional stress are ongoing and have been triggered by: - Grief, displacement, pre menopause, trauma and unemployment. I'm the planner, problem solver and project manager. Assiming these roles and taking the lead has resulted in our survival thus far. However, I have ongoing struggles with my twjnsister due to her negative attitude, behaviour and mindset. As she uses me as an emotional scapegoat, which I believe is toxic to our relationship. I understand that we all have different coping mechanisms to deal with grief, stress and trauma, but my twinsister is really testing my patience and tolerance. Neither of us are taking medication, as we prefer natural supplements. We also listen to music, indulge in chocolate, watch comedic shows and heartwarming movies. But I also chat to people, draw/sketch, go on daily walks, pick flowers and do photography (food and floral) to keep me sain. However, my twinsister's reluctance to go on daily walks and chat to people have further aggravated her mental health and struggles with insomnia/sleepleesness. Please help. as we both feel alone and isolated. I also want my twinsister and I to end 2020 on a calmer and happier note. Kind regards.

Wits end

replies: 2

Everything about my life sucks. My family is dysfunctional and abusive, I was bullied at school, I've been bullied and fired from most jobs, so I'm now turning 40 completely unemployable and broke, I've spent most of my life in abusive relationships, the latest one is worse than the last. I get bullied by him but also his friends and family about my appearance, hygeine, sexuality, everything. Last night on Xmas Eve was the first time I've been out since I got fired last time , because I started working out because I was getting bullied about my weight, which increases after abusive relationships. I got invited to sit with a group of guys and they were drunk and really cruel to me, making fun of me then one exposed himself to me. I'm at wits end.

What happening to my mind.

replies: 2

For many years now Ive never know why I have no memory of my childhood from 6 up to the age of around 14 probably. I’ve always looked at the good side of people and tried to make the best out of things but I didn’t have the best upbringing with my parents divorcing at 5Yrs old ,a lot of alcohol ,drunkenness, marijuana , being pretty poor, not keeping in contact with my dad , but always had a roof over my head and didn’t starve, But my mum was preoccupied with her new husband and I was left to figure out life with little guidance from a young age. I can’t remember anything stories my sisters talk about and nothing except what I’ve been told. Recently my stepsister has told us out about One of her family members ( so my step family) and a close family friend had sex with her when she was 9 and they were around 14/15. Now all the sudden I’m getting these what I’m calling “clips” of certain senarios / a house / in a car / a hallway which make me feel kind of sick or uncomfortable I’m my stomach. They seem to just loop the same clip over and over. After a couple of weeks and a couple of conversations I’ve now worked out these “clips” involve the same family member and the family friend she has said molested her. My “clips” only take me to a certain point then stop at the same spot every time and won’t let me see what happenes next or why I am feel so uncomfortable. Is it just my mind just trying to figure out if I was also a target or is it playing tricks on me because I know it happened to her or am I just worried it’s possible cause I dont remember and going through all the times I spent with these people to try and remember now that My step sister has said it happened to her. My step sister is 1 yr older then me and it happened when she was 9. So I was 8 im 34 now and this would of being 20yrs ago , I’m sure I would of known something by now if anything happened to me also or had a feeling before she said anything. im going crazy With these clips and feel embarrassed to say anything because i have no actual memories of this time or anything bad happening. i don’t want to talk to my family until I know for sure incase it’s all in my head! I have no idea how to stop these 4 clips and don’t want to talk to my family. I’m sorry this is so much but I have no where Else to turn to figure this out right now and it’s driving me nuts. Any ideas ? Thanks in advance

Returning

replies: 22

Hi, Ive come back to BB as feeling so low. Struggling with daily tasks. There have been a lot of major difficulties in my family, which although ok atm are ongoing. Its hard to get up in the morning. Ive tried counselling and medications. Now trying remedial massage, accupuncture and self help, including exercise. Tough year 2020 and Im reaching out to hopefully get some ideas and motivation. New year tomorow it mustbe better...

Newbie and nervous

replies: 4

Hi, this is my first forum attempt. I suffer from anxiety and OCD. I am mainly fine, but recently after a stressful time at work and then stopping for 2 weeks off work, my mind kicked over and I'm not great. Seeing a doctor today. Just thought I'd pu... View more

Coping with seperation

replies: 1

Trying to cope with seperation and that loss of family life hurt and loneliness

No longer feel alone

replies: 1

I would just like to say that I have only just joined blue yonder .I didn't know how many people felt the same as I do feeling with panic attacks and anxiety.I no longer feel alone

Support need new here

replies: 21

Hello good people, I am new here. I am just looking for some help and a chat.

Suggestions for group therapy?

replies: 2

Hi, I'm new to this site. I am struggling with depression/anxiety, but my main struggle at the moment is feeling alone with it. I don't have any friends who are either available for me to talk to, or who i feel comfortable to talk to. I feel very lonely in my experience and disconnected from others. I would really love a close friend who understands my experience and who i could connect with. I feel like that's a bit of a big ask though, to just find a close friend like that. So i've been thinking about going to some kind of group therapy and i'm wondering any of you guys have experience with that kind of thing, any recommendations? So far i've only come across Grow. I'm going to give it a go but it doesn't start up again for another week or so.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Step-parenting and unresponsive spouse replies: 2

This is my story..... replies: 40

Wits end replies: 2

What happening to my mind. replies: 2

Returning replies: 22

Newbie and nervous replies: 4

Coping with seperation replies: 1

No longer feel alone replies: 1

Support need new here replies: 21

Suggestions for group therapy? replies: 2