Welcome and orientation

Welcome! If you’re not sure where to start, that’s OK. We’re keen to know more about you and what you’re looking for on our Forums.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

I_N Feeling anxious most of the time
  • replies: 2

Hi all I am new here, well actually have joined this forum long ago but doubted whether to post anything or not :). I have been feeling anxious for the past year and I have found it very difficult so much so that I struggle to get by each day. No mat... View more

Hi all I am new here, well actually have joined this forum long ago but doubted whether to post anything or not :). I have been feeling anxious for the past year and I have found it very difficult so much so that I struggle to get by each day. No matter what I do it feels worse every day. I find it very difficult to open up and talk about how I feel so hopefully i can chat with someone that is feeling the same or going through similar thing as me. Irena

Todder Tired and bored with myself
  • replies: 1

Hi Just wondering if anyone has some tools to help me get past what I have been feeling for the past 12 months. I have an empty nest and I am 59 years of age, with few friends or family and I am tired of trying to make friends. I work alone, but am r... View more

Hi Just wondering if anyone has some tools to help me get past what I have been feeling for the past 12 months. I have an empty nest and I am 59 years of age, with few friends or family and I am tired of trying to make friends. I work alone, but am reasonably paid for what I do and instead of facing my loneliness, fears, unhappiness, I gamble and that takes my focus off the real issues. Because I can continue on the hamster wheel of life. I have lost my way and need help to get myself back on track, but as I said I am stuck and even though I know nothing will change unless I change it,I do nothing. Why I do not know?Just tired of trying, I have joined so many groups and been to meet ups and not found a connection. But I see no other alternatives because sitting home every night ain't going to cut it either! I live in Darwin and I like the sound of your 6 week course, can you do it online? First step putting it out there, thanks for your time - Todder

Kimbers New member
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, I am a new member and it actually took me a while to come here. Just to let you know a bit about me. I had a TIA (mini stroke) on 11/10 at school (where I am a primary teacher - year 2). I now fine myself very anxious about being by myse... View more

Hi everyone, I am a new member and it actually took me a while to come here. Just to let you know a bit about me. I had a TIA (mini stroke) on 11/10 at school (where I am a primary teacher - year 2). I now fine myself very anxious about being by myself in case I have another TIA or being at school teaching in case I have another one in front of the kids, taking painkillers as I took two before I had the TIA (even though I know the TIA wasn't caused by the asprin), letting my work colleagues down because I am taking time off work etc. I have had one appt with a clinical pyschcologist which I did not find helpful so have decided to see if I can find any type of coping strategies online so I can get back to being me.

Ariel875 Just trying to survive
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm new and I don't know how this works but I'm definitely having hard times. Feeling lonely, depressed and fear for useless things. I'm trying to figure out me and trying to get away from all this mess but I don't know-how.

Hi, I'm new and I don't know how this works but I'm definitely having hard times. Feeling lonely, depressed and fear for useless things. I'm trying to figure out me and trying to get away from all this mess but I don't know-how.

BexStar1993 Newbie Member - Looking for Support with Social Anxiety/General Anxiety/Touching/Intimacy Phobia's.
  • replies: 7

Hey Humans!! I'm a 26 year old Female, Originally from Sydney; Currently living in Rural Western Australia. I've lived here for roughly 6 years now. *The town I live in has approx 1/2 my year 12 class in the whole town & I enjoy the small community f... View more

Hey Humans!! I'm a 26 year old Female, Originally from Sydney; Currently living in Rural Western Australia. I've lived here for roughly 6 years now. *The town I live in has approx 1/2 my year 12 class in the whole town & I enjoy the small community feeling as I was bullied heavily in my school years (walked the playgrounds Alone/was repeatedly Physically Harmed on a Regular Basis), I'm not so used to people being so caring. * As a result of my issues within school - I have severe Social Anxiety/General Anxiety. - I also have developed irrational phobias regarding Touching or Physical/Emotional Intimacy. I live alone with my Beagle Puppy (8 years old), I enjoy the beach, music, & most sports however being situated where I am means there is little option to relish in any of the things I take enjoyment from. * Looking to make new friends* -Willing to offer support & too hopefully feel/receive support as well.

Rella I'm the best at dishing out the silent treatment.. I need help with dealing with emotions.
  • replies: 8

Hi I am needing advice on how I can change myself. I do not like bullying, gossip and I don't tolerate people who control others or micromanage people in the workplace but instead of communicating my dislike to these people, I always give lots of sil... View more

Hi I am needing advice on how I can change myself. I do not like bullying, gossip and I don't tolerate people who control others or micromanage people in the workplace but instead of communicating my dislike to these people, I always give lots of silent treatment to them, so I am no different to those bullies and gossipers who I so detest.. I never stand up for myself because I don't know how.. I get angry and then go all silent and won't talk to some people for days or weeks.. A girl I work with has copped the silent treatment for two weeks and my work locker is right next to hers..its awkward.. But I can't stand how she micromanages me and others but I don't know how to stand up to her.. I have been that childish that I have stopped talking to her, I snap at her if she speaks to me and even deleted her off my facebook friends list.. I am a very empathetic person mostly out of the workplace but I must have narcissistic tendencies if i regularly give the silent treatment. I have on a few occasions done it to my husband and daughter also. I've always just seen the issue is with the other person but doing some self seeking it's actually me who is making everyone else miserable by not communicating my thoughts It's just been a big smack in the face to me today to realise that giving the silent treatment is a form or emotional abuse after finding a post talking about it on your facebook page.. I don't want to do that to other people but I get so frustrated with some that I don't know how to manage my feelings. To me in my own head I do it because I don't know how to effectively communicate at all with people when I'm criticised, judged, spoken down too or taken advantage of. Where do I find help in dealing with this. It's becoming so bad that my work life is miserable and im becoming more and more withdrawn in life and depressed. Thanks

Monkey_mama Why is my teenager daughter always angry?
  • replies: 5

Hi all, My teenager daughter sounds angry all the time. Last night her anger went to extreme. We were about to take the dog for a walk last night. The dog on leash got excited & jumped on me when my daughter pulled the leash, so the dog backfliped an... View more

Hi all, My teenager daughter sounds angry all the time. Last night her anger went to extreme. We were about to take the dog for a walk last night. The dog on leash got excited & jumped on me when my daughter pulled the leash, so the dog backfliped and landed on the floor. Both my hubby and I saw it and told my daughter that she shouldn’t pull the dog like that. To our surprise she denied that she pulled the dog and stormed off to the garage. My husband got angry too and started saying idiot or no brain things like that. Then we heard the dog was screaming. I went to the garage and asked if she was hitting the dog. She said yes. My husband confronted her and went close to her. She suddenly jumped back and started screaming and kicking the garage door as if a hysterical episode. we were shocked and stunned. She continued to kick and scream for 2-3 mins. After that, I couldn’t get close to her. I offered drinks and told her to calm down, nothing worked. 3 hours later, I asked her to go to her bedroom and she did. Today she is better but still angry & not saying a word. I don’t know what just happened last night? Should I be worried that she has a mental problem? look forward to hearing your opinion. many thanks

Tempie Hi, seeking some advices
  • replies: 1

Hi guys, I go by the name Tempie here, after my fav character temperance brennan in Bones. I like those rational people, such as Sherlock Holmes, as emotion is simply too much for me, too much. Growing up, I have alway been alone for more than 25 yea... View more

Hi guys, I go by the name Tempie here, after my fav character temperance brennan in Bones. I like those rational people, such as Sherlock Holmes, as emotion is simply too much for me, too much. Growing up, I have alway been alone for more than 25 years. From getting beaten by my parents, to getting bullied at school, to getting abused in my first and only relationship (already ended). And then there is a very bleak future waiting for me. I don't have friends - people stop messaging me after some time for whatever reason. I used to like current affairs/politics stuff and I joined online FB group, but I lost interest in them, and lost interest in many things that I used to like, such as tv shows, movies etc. There is this one guy that I like (& we had some happy memories) and probably the one person that I talk outside work (I have to adopt an entire different persona at work so that I can complete tasks), but I know we will never be together (unless there is some kind of miracle) - because both of us have mental health issues and there are other reasons (which are impossible to resolve - trust me in that). I like (or liked) him a lot, but I feel I am losing interest in him too... but he is the only person I have, he is everything I have... I don't have purpose in life, & happiness is rare growing up, I don't know what to think, I don't know what to do... & I am just so so tired...

FeelingSad Hi I'm new
  • replies: 3

Hi this is my first post I'm new here. I feel overwhelmingly sad and stressed out so. Today I feel so flat and overwhelmed with everything. I moved here for a better life but everything seems so hard. I feel sick when I think about what I should do. ... View more

Hi this is my first post I'm new here. I feel overwhelmingly sad and stressed out so. Today I feel so flat and overwhelmed with everything. I moved here for a better life but everything seems so hard. I feel sick when I think about what I should do. My husband is about as empathetic as a slate. I have a 4 year old and I'm always tired. We never have any money and he has lied about debts he said he paid off but it now turns out he hasn't. I have been trying to get a job with no luck. I've turned 40 this year and I can't understand why my friends or my husband didn't have a celebration for me. I know I shouldn't but I look on social media and see everyone looking happy and successful and I think shit is this really it for me. All those things I wanted to do and will never actually do.

Angela25 Newbie at large
  • replies: 8

I am very new to post on a forum. I haven’t done it before. For the first time in my life I am struggling with really bad anxiety and depression. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer. Had an operation to remove it and everything was looking good. Th... View more

I am very new to post on a forum. I haven’t done it before. For the first time in my life I am struggling with really bad anxiety and depression. Last year I was diagnosed with cancer. Had an operation to remove it and everything was looking good. Then in March my Lymph nodes popped up and I’ve been under diagnostic tests since then to see if I have Lymphoma. One specialist says yes and one says no! With my first cancer diagnosis they said no initially as well. Then it turn out to be cancer. The stress is literally changing who I am as a person. I no longer find joy in all the things I used to, reading, sewing, playing computer games, writing. I feel so scared and drained of energy all the time. I’ve seen my GP and we have some medication in the works and I start one on one counselling in a couple of days. But I just want to wake up and be me again.