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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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Jobel Jobel
  • replies: 5

Hi Everyone,I’m new here. I’m not feeling so good so I’ve been awake since 4 am and I thought I’d look around and see what help was available for myself as I haven’t really been given any information by doctors or hospital.This page came up.J

Hi Everyone,I’m new here. I’m not feeling so good so I’ve been awake since 4 am and I thought I’d look around and see what help was available for myself as I haven’t really been given any information by doctors or hospital.This page came up.J

LeMac74 49 Soon And Sick Of The Black Dog
  • replies: 1

I’m a man, 48, turning 49 soon, I’ve got good things in my life such as a lovely 11 year old child, a non-stressful job that pays the bills and I have a secure roof over my head. Looking back on life, it’s been good overall, I’ve had the usual setbac... View more

I’m a man, 48, turning 49 soon, I’ve got good things in my life such as a lovely 11 year old child, a non-stressful job that pays the bills and I have a secure roof over my head. Looking back on life, it’s been good overall, I’ve had the usual setbacks (relationship breakdowns, changing careers etc). I’ve seen psychologist and taken medication over the years (and gone to Grow). I’ve also drank alcohol (yes, more than the standard daily amount) as it’s ‘helped’. Anyways, I’ve struggled through the last few years and my psychological well-being has waxed and wained. My father who I was close with passed away (relatively peacefully and quickly) in November 22, my mumis in good health at the moment but is getting older, she is the carer of my brother - she is making plans to put him in supported accommodation. Aunts and Uncles are getting ill, dying. I’ve always been aware of my mortality (early childhood existentialist crisis) and I’m in good physical health (and I’m not horrid to look at, I look 10 years younger than my age) but I feel like I’ve started to ‘circle the gurgler’ and it’s scaring me. I have things in my life I enjoy - time with my son, banter with workmates, talking cr@p with pub mates, but true friendship wise I don’t have any close friends anymore. Relationship wise - I go out and about and meet women but it’s getting to the point that it’s all quid pro quo with no real spark in 8 years. I’ve got plans to dive into activity groups and support groups to seek to make friends Typing this out has made me feel better but if anyone has any advice I’m all ears. Thank you.

Rose2021 My female housemate is being very manipulative
  • replies: 5

Hi, everyone I am looking for some advice on what I should do to stop my female housemate from posting rude things about my mum on social media. She is also being very manipulative to my mum. I no longer want to be in the same room as her let alone t... View more

Hi, everyone I am looking for some advice on what I should do to stop my female housemate from posting rude things about my mum on social media. She is also being very manipulative to my mum. I no longer want to be in the same room as her let alone the same house as her. She also said to my mum that having 2 weeks notice to leave the house is illegal when it isn’t illegal. I have no clue what to do.

Patches63 Struggling again
  • replies: 29

New to the forums and Beyond Blue but not to mental health issues. About 15 years ago I learnt that I have struggled on and off with mental health issues since I was 9yo, I was mid 40’s at that stage. I had been my mums carer for approx 6months. Coup... View more

New to the forums and Beyond Blue but not to mental health issues. About 15 years ago I learnt that I have struggled on and off with mental health issues since I was 9yo, I was mid 40’s at that stage. I had been my mums carer for approx 6months. Couple days prior to Christmas my mum had heart attack in my arms and was rushed to local hospital. She passed away before I got to say Goodbye. Not long after I had suicidal thoughts, was referred to psychologist who diagnosed depression and separation anxiety. About 11 years ago met the man who I married few years later. Just over 3 years ago he passed away following 6mth battle with cancer. Since then been various ‘unpleasant’ or distressing things that happened that have been gradually wearing me down mentally. I’m now having unwanted daytime flashbacks, panic attacks and wanting to withdraw from everyone.

Leolady23 Health anxiety and skipped heart beats
  • replies: 11

Over the past 6 months I’ve been having bouts of heart palpitations presenting as skipped beats. In the last week or so the palpitations have gotten much worse, but I feel like the more I concentrate on them the worst they get, sometimes with 5-6 ski... View more

Over the past 6 months I’ve been having bouts of heart palpitations presenting as skipped beats. In the last week or so the palpitations have gotten much worse, but I feel like the more I concentrate on them the worst they get, sometimes with 5-6 skipped beats a minute. I have had ecgs, holter monitor and echo test in the last 6 months all showing no major issues. In the last week though it tends to come in waves with intense anxiety as well, sometimes what feels like a panic attack without really feeling ‘anxious’ at the time it comes on… has anyone else experienced the same and what (if any) are some techniques to overcome?

ElaB Wanting Change
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone,Firstly I want to acknowledge how great it is to have a platform like this to seek support and a huge thanks to the mentors and volunteers.I'm a woman in my early 40s who suffered from major depression and anxiety for most of my life. I a... View more

Hi everyone,Firstly I want to acknowledge how great it is to have a platform like this to seek support and a huge thanks to the mentors and volunteers.I'm a woman in my early 40s who suffered from major depression and anxiety for most of my life. I also have problems with addiction and have been in and out of rehab for the last couple of years but unfortunately have not managed to get on top of things. I'm currently in a relationship but things aren't going great because of my issues with codependency. It's so bad that when he's not home I suffer from horrible anxiety and when he is home I just put ridiculous pressure on him due to my neediness. Some friends are suggesting I try rehab again and the time away from my partner would be good too. My questions are has anybody got strategies for my codependency issues? Also, I'm starting to loose hope that I won't get on top of my issues with addiction and wander if anyone that has felt the same has some words of wisdom moving forward. Thanks everyone

Werty678- 64 YO Mother of 4 grown boys
  • replies: 2

I am having trouble getting myself out of a major low. My 4 grown boys all have partners and are starting families of their own. All good in that respect and involved with them all. I have been on antidepressants for over 20 years since my ex husband... View more

I am having trouble getting myself out of a major low. My 4 grown boys all have partners and are starting families of their own. All good in that respect and involved with them all. I have been on antidepressants for over 20 years since my ex husband was diagnosed with personality disorder . He conned his whole family out of their life savings including me and his children. This is long gone but lately I find myself in a terrible low thinking everyones life could go on better without me. I would never commit suicide but I need help with how to go forward and get myself out of this cave. Can someone please tell me where to begin to regain myself and my life.

63off Brain zaps aren't always from withdrawal.
  • replies: 7

Hi, I'm new and have joined because I need help with brain zaps. I am on medication daily and I not withdrawing from them. I have been getting them on and off for about 8 or 9 months and I really can't see a pattern to them. 2 nights ago while out fo... View more

Hi, I'm new and have joined because I need help with brain zaps. I am on medication daily and I not withdrawing from them. I have been getting them on and off for about 8 or 9 months and I really can't see a pattern to them. 2 nights ago while out for an evening walk, every time I turned my head I got multiple brain zaps, which went right through my body all the way to my hands and feet. I also have tinnitus and this was also off the chart, with each zap being accompanied by a louder buzz. I have had a migraine ever since and this is not the 1st time it has happened like this. Given that I haven't changed my medication, and every google search centers around SSRI withdrawal Iam really struggling for a proper answer. Is this just something that isn't well understood? Any suggestions will be very appreciated.

DPC30 Depression and addiction
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone first off thanks for letting me be a part of the community and letting me vent. I have read a lot of the posts and I really appreciate everyone sharing their stories. About me I have been suffering severe depression for about 18 months af... View more

Hi everyone first off thanks for letting me be a part of the community and letting me vent. I have read a lot of the posts and I really appreciate everyone sharing their stories. About me I have been suffering severe depression for about 18 months after losing a large sum of money in a bad investment I went to a psychologist and went on antidepressants for about 8 months but didn't like the numbness that they make you feel and ended up turning to illicit drugs. I ended up overdosing and had a very bad experience in front of my wife and children. At the time I swore I would never do that again. I stopped all the drugs including the antidepressants. 6 months have gone past I am doing great I have lost weight I am training regularly my mood is good. But a good friend bucks party is coming up and I think to myself I can go I will get some gear and hold onto it till the event and i will have a good time just like I used to when I was in my early 20s. Well it didn't go well I took all the drugs straight away my wife found out again and I have compromised my job. I am suffering terrible withdrawals and my depression is back with a vengeance but not just depression full blown anxiety attacks and suicidal thoughts. I realise now the trigger and that I cannot attend these kind of events anymore but the shame I feel right now because of all the people I have disappointed is just so crushing. I am now seeking professional help for the depression and the addiction with the support of my wife who is staying with me bless her. Hopefully I can get my life back on track.