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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New and facing my fears

replies: 3

I'm in my 40's and have lived my whole life with anxiety and worry. It's made it so I couldn't drive a car. It made it so I stayed in a marriage where my husband was seeing other women. It made me eat away the pain til my clothes stopped fitting. But one day it dawned on me that things had to change. I started walking every day, eating less, skipping the fatty foods and focused on my health. I got strong enough to say enough is enough and left my husband. But now I'm living with my parents and my son lives with his dad and my mother has a failing heart. I'm also in a long distance relationship, facing a huge move and learning to drive. I've added so many more worries. Sometimes I don't know how to keep juggling everything and let people down. I stress about my relationships so much, but fear talking about them because I'm scared I'll end up alone. I don't do so well alone. I try to stay optimistic but it's hard when I'm drowning in other peoples negative.

Partners who work away

replies: 4

I’m just wondering what people do to help make things easier when their partners are away? My partner works away for about 8 months of the year and has done for a few years. The last year I feel like I get to almost breaking point and crying so easily and getting angry that he is never here especially when things go wrong and I have no one to assure me everything is going to be ok. I can’t talk to friends or family as they don’t understand and they just say oh I did it once (and when I ask about it, it’s often that their partner worked away for a month and that’s it, hardly the same!). I just wish I had more understanding instead of people trying to make it seem like nothing. I honestly think I do pretty well but when I do have my moments and to hear people downplay it makes my feelings feel unjustified and not normal. Be interested to see if others find the same and how they get the understanding and help they need to stay strong while our men are just doing it to help us in the future.

hi everyone

replies: 22

its hard on your own most of the time. going into detox in 8 days time not looking forward it but will go went to a group session today mostly men swearing.am I the only one who gets upset and I am expecting the detox will be the same. my problem is ... View more

Hi All, newbie looking for support, PTSD and depression

replies: 6

Hi Everyone, I guess realistically I've been suffering since I was released from a remand centre 3years ago. I was arrested and charged for a serious assault that didn't happen. Charges were dropped after I spent 89 days inside. I've been speaking to a pysch on and off since but a recent hospitalisation and a frank discussion with my cardiologist has made me realise my head still isn't right. Since my release from remand I've had 2 heart operations and now have 2 stents. High cholesterol is to blame and it's hereditary. RecentlyI had an extreme adverse reaction to my heart medication which caused a car accident. 6 months later after a police investigation and court I've lost my driver's licence for 6 months. Driving my kids to school as a stay at home dad was my remaining sole purpose in life. Remanddestroyed my small business and affected my ability to problem solve in the workplace. I've been on the dole and then supporting parents payments since. My wife works full-time and she finds it a struggle. It's even harder for her since I lost my licence as I used to do most of the driving. I did drive for uber for a while but haven't since the heart issues. I didn't really do it for the income, although it was useful. I did it to feel useful and get over my anxiety. I guess I've come here for support and may some guidance to finding a better pysch.

Do I need help?

replies: 6

I have been going through cycles of emotions and experiences that I cant figure out. Im just wanting to know if all these warrants seeking professional help or is it something I'll get over with. Here's what's happening: - I've been single for 3 yrs after going through a nasty breakup. Since then I've felt emotionally numb thinking ill never be able to be in another relationship. I've kept to myself and also reduced my engagement with friends/families. - I find comfort in other people's misery. I can not feel joy for anyone who is happy. - I go through episodes of rage where for a minute I lose control of my actions to the point I get physically violent (has happened twice in 3 yrs). I start to shake and heart starts to race. It happens in a blur. I've gotten enraged on both occasions from the need to be in control. Once it happens, I feel instant regret but at that point I cant stop myself. - I don't sleep well, my mind is racing. When I lie on my stomach, I feel my heart pounding against the bed. I also go through sleep paralysis. - I'm spending longer time to complete my work because I cannot focus. I procrastinate to the point where it makes me sad cos I do have creative hobbies that im left no time to assign to. - Im always uncomfortable. My heart starts beating in a social scene where I need to talk, I panic (shake) chasing deadlines. - I feel paranoid at night, thinking someone is breaking in and walking in the house. - And recently I've been watching a lot of videos on suicide, murders etc. Just trying to make sense of everything. I've never had suicidal thoughts myself but I used to self harm years ago. I'm just trying to figure out - are these normal life emotions in 30s or should I seek professional help? Thank you to anyone who listened.

Struggling stay at home mum.

replies: 3

Hi there. I'm new to this. Not sure where I'm posting or if I'm doing it right. I'm a stay at home mum of two beautiful babies, 3 y/o and 5 m/o. I don't have any friends I can talk to and I don't like worrying my family when I do get a chance to see them, so I thought maybe I'd try this. and now I'm lost for words and not sure what to say... I guess I'm a bit sad and stressed and feeling guilty. I want what is best for my babies and having a sad and grumpy mum isn't what I want to be, so I want to try feel better but I'm not sure where to start... ?

Feeling old and wasted my life with little joy in life

replies: 2

Hi, I'm new here. I'm not sure I'm depressed but have been feeling unhappy, sad, lacking in energy and motivation. Hoping to get some help from others on coping and moving forward. I'm married and have a wonderful son but I've been feeling that I'm getting older and have wasted away my life and haven't achieved much in my career or life. At work my peers have moved on to better things whilst I've been in the same role for 15 years and I'm not sure I can move on whilst I have financial responsibilities for the family. I'm also lacking in confidence that I deserve better. Outside of work, our family has been trying to build a home for a few years with a number of problems including legal and financial with no end in sight. This has added to stress and arguments at home often in front of our son. This appears to have affected his behaviour at home and school. My wife can see I'm unhappy but she's not offered to talk about it. She keeps saying to stop complaining and do something about it including seeing a professional. I wish she can talk and empathise with me and give me a hug. It's not much but at least I feel I matter. I don't know who to talk to. I want to be happy and be filled with joy again especially for the sake of my son.

My journey continues

replies: 4

It's so hard as a lot of you are aware living with a chronic mental health condition. I have Bipolar II , personality disorder and PTSD. Yesterday I was discharged from another mental health clinic. I have had problems with mental health since my childhood, I am now 39 years old but feel like I've lived a thousand lifetimes and then some. My last Episode left me hospitalized for almost two weeks. So now comes the steps of recovery.... This is never easy for me and can take years. I've recently set up my blog online and I'm hoping that by doing this it can help me in my recovery, and hope that in some way can help others just knowing that they are not the only one living with such chronic mental health disorders, I want to share my experiences, ups and downs and daily struggles with everyone and not hide me anymore, the me who Yes has bipolar because it is apart of me and always will be.

Supporting a partner with a startup business

replies: 2

Hi there, I am with the most amazing man who i have been with for nearly a year. Since day one he has been an entrepreneur and have learnt how to support his needs with being in the start up phase. To get there he has been through many challenges and stresses which have desensitized a lot of day to day emotion. I absolutely adore and admire him. Recently things have not been going well for him. He is unhappy with where the business is, the lack of money and the sacrifice he has put in and is chasing the constant light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday said that its not working and wants to end our relationship as i am annoying him with minor things that i know not to take personally. ( Such as not being bale to roll me over during sleep) I have said I will give space and have said that he is unable to think straight and is trying to rationalize his emotion on to me and our relationship ( Which is actually such a great relationship we have ). I see it that he is unable to provide for me and support me as a man thinks they should, even though I constantly reassure and tell him I understand. Let alone all the business factors that are constantly draining him. We now have not spoken in a few days and I am just genuinely worried about him. He doesn't have family or friends here and need him to realize that I am there for him. I dont see ending the relationship as a solution nor what i want. What would you do to help? He also has no time or money to go see a GP to discuss mental health plans and we have spoken about it in the past, also we are in a period of no contact. Need more advice on support for start up businesses as this is a growing market for young adults and a really mentally challenging space. Thanks for the help

How dod I start a new thread under the right forum?

replies: 7

Hello, I've posted before on this thread under anxiety and would like to post something new not anxiety related but I must be dumb or something, I can't find the new thread button under the appropriate forum? Am I missing something or has something c... View more

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New and facing my fears replies: 3

Partners who work away replies: 4

hi everyone replies: 22

Hi All, newbie looking for support, PTSD and depression replies: 6

Do I need help? replies: 6

Struggling stay at home mum. replies: 3

Feeling old and wasted my life with little joy in life replies: 2

My journey continues replies: 4

Supporting a partner with a startup business replies: 2

How dod I start a new thread under the right forum? replies: 7