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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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Blufftuff introduction to my life
  • replies: 13

Hi everyone I am new to this forum, I would like to share a bit about my life, I suffer epilepsy which is now medically controlled. I the past the seizures led to other major traumas in my life which I can share at a later date. This also led to peri... View more

Hi everyone I am new to this forum, I would like to share a bit about my life, I suffer epilepsy which is now medically controlled. I the past the seizures led to other major traumas in my life which I can share at a later date. This also led to periods of isolation, stress, and depression which I have had to learn how bounce back from. I would love to talk to those who have gone through similar and also can someone please help me maximise the use of this forum Thanks

Squires266 uphill struggle
  • replies: 1

why is life such a struggle? I came to this Country to make a better life for myself, and my family and it's just not happening. Over the past 18 years, I've lost count of the number of low paid, casual jobs I've found myself in, and out of, even tho... View more

why is life such a struggle? I came to this Country to make a better life for myself, and my family and it's just not happening. Over the past 18 years, I've lost count of the number of low paid, casual jobs I've found myself in, and out of, even though I have Master's degree. (a piece of paper so out of date now as I graduated in 2005). I've spent a lot of time and effort on trying to integrate and socialise with my peers through various school/social/sporting clubs over many years, but yet I still have no close friends. In fact, apart from my husband and 2 adult children, I have no external social life. I'm only invited to social get-togethers to make up numbers or to buy things, not to birthdays, engagements or even small social dinners. It's come to a head more-so since turning 50, a few of years ago. Since then, I've fought cancer, (clear 3yrs) been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (which halted my sporting life) and put on 8kg over the past year. My youngest adult child has high functioning autism and finding him a job has resulted in nothing in 5 years so far. My eldest, at uni and working casually has just announced his work is giving him less and less shifts, In fact, he received no shifts this month and was told he would still be expected to rely on covering other people if they can't make their shifts. I've told him to go to Centrelink and see if he can claim anything inbetween looking for alternative employment, but from past experience he'll probably get nothing. My husband works fulltime and my casual job, although both minimally paid and mine only part-time will probably be judged to be just above the cut off line. we've been turned down before when there was only my husband's wage coming into the household. What have I done wrong with my life? Some days I just sit around in my nightdress because I couldn't be bothered to make an effort. Nobody seems to care. I have tried, I know i have...

Chaoticgay Struggling with Gender Identity
  • replies: 3

I'm a fourteen year old (assigned female at birth) and I've been struggling with my gender identity for at least a year now. I'm nearly fifteen, and my parents have known about my struggle for 6 months. They said they accept me if I'm female or male ... View more

I'm a fourteen year old (assigned female at birth) and I've been struggling with my gender identity for at least a year now. I'm nearly fifteen, and my parents have known about my struggle for 6 months. They said they accept me if I'm female or male - but they hope I 'stay' female. I have clinical depression and anxiety, for which I've been for 6 months. I've recently switched to homeschooling, and it's definitely helped my mental health. I've thought for a long time that I'm FTM, but my parents won't use my pronouns (he/him) or my chosen name, nor do I have access to a binder or any kind of therapist that could help me with gender identity. They refuse to listen and I doubt I'll be able to transition until I'm 18, unless a professional steps in. My parents had a talk with me a few weeks ago about how 'depression and hormones affect your decision making' and they were saying that I'm probably wrong that I'm trans, and I've just been influenced by the people around me. Do you think this is possible? I'm struggling a lot. I'd really appreciate advice. Thank you.

Flowerchild07 Anger and Frustration
  • replies: 15

I've suffered from depression for around 30 years. I've managed to keep it under control with medication and therapy, however since I started my volunteer position about 5 months ago I have felt so much better. I volunteered in an aged care facility.... View more

I've suffered from depression for around 30 years. I've managed to keep it under control with medication and therapy, however since I started my volunteer position about 5 months ago I have felt so much better. I volunteered in an aged care facility. I felt I had a purpose, I was giving back to the community, it kept me occupied 3 days a week and I met some great people. I have now left the position because the family of one of the residents made a complaint about my becoming overly friendly with their loved one. A staff member also reported me for the same thing. I wasn't fired, but I was reprimanded because we are supposed to report to our superiors if and when we think a resident is becoming overly reliant on us. I didn't report it because I was his confidant, and I knew he really needed someone to talk to. Of course it was wrong of me, but the fact that I'm an empath clouded my judgement and I just wanted to help him. I made the decision to leave because I thought it was the best thing for the gentleman concerned. He still asks about me, I know he misses me and I feel guilty that I put him in this position. I miss him too. Anyway, my problem is that besides feeling depressed again, I am beginning to feel a lot of anger. I'm angry with life. I get angry and feel frustrated at things that go wrong. Even if it's just the smallest thing. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this and to be honest I don't have the will or energy to organise counselling sessions. Anyone else dealing with anger as part of the depression?

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on February
  • replies: 0

Hi Everyone! Here’s a recap of the forums for the month of February. Feel free to post your own reflections for the month under this thread! Community Voices: What are people talking about? Finding the right MH treatment/Professional “I wanted to ask... View more

Hi Everyone! Here’s a recap of the forums for the month of February. Feel free to post your own reflections for the month under this thread! Community Voices: What are people talking about? Finding the right MH treatment/Professional “I wanted to ask how do I go about finding a counsellor/psychologist who will see me with the mental health care plan? I am uncertain about the one the GP provided because of this experience. I want to find one that suits me but I don't know how to find one that will accept the MHCP.” – court8 “It took me quite some time to find and develop a good relationship with my therapist. Has anyone else found that process to be harder than it should be? I am aware and respect the rules of this forum in "no recommendations' but I wanted to see if anyone else out there thinks that finding the right therapy/therapist can sometimes cost too much time and money? I'm not disputing what therapy costs, just the cost of sitting through sessions before finding the right fit?” - Pedro75 Read more on this topic: Bad experience with GP... Unsure how to commence MHCP? Barriers to finding the right therapist. Trouble with group GP practice & obtaining S8 medication - toxic practice? Health Anxiety “This morning I feel super dizzy, after resting I then felt better. Some days I feel okay. But every morning my first thought is that I hope I don't have a headache or feel lightheaded today. I'm only in my 20s, there's no history of brain tumours in my family. It's just very hard right now and I hate being so worried and obsessive about it.” - jemma09 “I have gone through every test with my doctor multiple times and I am completely healthy but I panic that I am going to have a heart attack if I elevate my heart rate with exercise. Has anyone experienced this and have any pointers on how to combat this issue?” - Number 86 Read more on this topic: Health related anxiety. Health Anxiety - Strength Training Anxiety-fear of sickness/dying-heartattack Staying well while starting a new job “I panicked this morning while having a shower and started crying and hyperventilating and felt dizzy. I rang work and said my daughter was sick. I like the job it isn't stressful but I have a lot to learn, and I don't want to stuff up or not understand anything. I am putting a lot of pressure on myself to be a great employee.” - July26 “I want to be a nurse, I got good grades throughout university and I loved my clinical placements. This transition however is huge and I don’t know how I am going to get through it. Any nurses out there who have a similar experience?” – Romy Read more on this topic: Newbie - I'm not coping starting this new job. New nurse, crippling anxiety High anxiety over new job, not feeling Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of February is Juliet_84 ! Juliet_84 has been on the forums for a number of years and while being open and vulnerable about her own mental health journey, Juliet has consistently demonstrated our community values. While being friendly and supportive towards other members on the forums Juliet has shown to listen without judgement and reflect people’s experiences in a way that acknowledges the feelings and opinions of others. Thank you Juliet_84! New Champ Alert! Please welcome our newest Community Champion uncut_gems (also known as Aaron)! Aaron over a short period of time has immersed himself within our community, being positive and friendly towards new members and is eager to support others by sharing his own mental health journey and academic interests in e-mental health communities. To read more about uncut_gems and all our incredible community champs we encourage everyone to visit our thread ‘Introducing...the community champions’ BB News: Focus on forums is a new series part of Beyond Blue’s Personal Best publications. This series specifically focuses on common conversations, questions/concerns and reflections from our online community over the last month. Check out last month’s article on motivation here. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/in-focus/focus-on-forums-motivation Beyond Blue’s first podcast is in production and we want you to help us name it! We have a shortlist of three options so we want your help to choose the best one by voting for your favourite. For more information and to cast your vote please follow the link below! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBPC2020 Health Professional Reflection from Nurse Jenn 'Healthy Worry' Versus 'Health Anxiety' Worry comes in all shapes and sizes and no one's worry is quite alike. A common post on the forum is one that is often called health anxiety. Many people present to the forum with worries about their health which is normal, especially when a person is facing an unusual symptom or new diagnosis. This is very common. But with the rise of the internet, and using Dr. Google, a small symptom can become much bigger with only the touch of the button. Paying attention to your health and how your body feels is important. Seeing a GP or specialist can provide reassurance that everything is functioning within normal limits or that you have a plan to address physical health symptoms. But sometimes, despite this, the worry continues and can even get worse and become more like symptoms of anxiety. Some symptoms of anxiety include but are not limited to: Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking Behavioural: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life The symptoms of anxiety can actually feel like some physical illness symptoms and create even more stress. You can see how the cycle can become difficult to manage. Taking a proactive stance to addressing worry early can prevent it from becoming worse. Addressing both the mind and the body at the same time is using a 'whole of person' approach to healing. This is often referred to as a holistic approach. If you visit your GP or health professional and feel that you are worrying beyond what is normal, talk to them about how you are feeling. Another place to start is on the forum or talking to someone you trust. If you want to read more about other people’s experiences, use the search bar and look up health anxiety. You are not alone.

Nat1905 Hi all, first time user here
  • replies: 2

I was diagnosed with depression 2 years ago by my local GP due to stress & anxiety. I sought help after a few months & saw a psychologist but I didn’t return after the first session (just a tad expensive). My anxiety gets triggered off easily & I can... View more

I was diagnosed with depression 2 years ago by my local GP due to stress & anxiety. I sought help after a few months & saw a psychologist but I didn’t return after the first session (just a tad expensive). My anxiety gets triggered off easily & I can be really good one day & then a mess for weeks on end. Today is a not so great day. My partner has been telling me for a while now that I need to exercise. I know this will somewhat help me, especially to shed a few Kgs, but I just don’t have the drive & motivation anymore to do anything that I once loved & enjoyed doing. He told me (in the nicest way possible), that if I want to be with him for many years to come, if I don’t exercise now, I will end up getting cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The truth is, he correct. Today I admitted to him that I have no motivation because I have depression. First time I have actually said it out loud. First time I have properly acknowledged that I am suffering with it. That’s a step in the right direction right? There are many things that have contributed to my depression. Main one I don’t want to mention. Not til I’m ready. I am reaching out to others for support & help. To know that I’m not alone & that there is light at the end of my tunnel

Display_name_is_required Tpd claim
  • replies: 3

Hi there, i am new here an dhave religiously been reading these forums for a while now, but most of the stuff is quite old so I thought I might reach out and see if there is any new current cases ect and some of those older posters outcomes. i am on ... View more

Hi there, i am new here an dhave religiously been reading these forums for a while now, but most of the stuff is quite old so I thought I might reach out and see if there is any new current cases ect and some of those older posters outcomes. i am on income Protection currently and have put in a TPD claim and I am very stressed about it all, I am thinking I have people following me all the time and they always try to trick me up with what I say, they have all my medicine info and have also 5 different doctors reports and I just don’t know where it is all at, I am scared to call them as it makes me really anxious as the write down everything I say I can here my case manager typing flat out every word I speak. if I don’t get this tpd I will have to sell my house. After reading all the info about IME that freaks me out too because they will just try and discredit me and trick me, the thought of that process is already maxing me anxious and they haven’t even asked me or see an IME yet

Healing heart Ongoing issues
  • replies: 2

I have been in domestic violence realationship and got out. It's still ongoing and had to move a couple of times. Needing somewhere to post. I have good and bad days. highly effecting work, housing, family life and inner peace and safety. I'm in coun... View more

I have been in domestic violence realationship and got out. It's still ongoing and had to move a couple of times. Needing somewhere to post. I have good and bad days. highly effecting work, housing, family life and inner peace and safety. I'm in counselling. Thanks

Ranger1 where do I start?
  • replies: 2

I have no idea what I'm doing so here goes. I have anxiety... I think. I know why, I just don't know how to deal with it. Up until 2 years ago I would have considered myself a very grounded person. Everyone else was the weirdo - not me. First my dog ... View more

I have no idea what I'm doing so here goes. I have anxiety... I think. I know why, I just don't know how to deal with it. Up until 2 years ago I would have considered myself a very grounded person. Everyone else was the weirdo - not me. First my dog of 16 years had to be put down which was difficult..but a part of life, then my Grandma dies a few months short of her 100th birthday...also another part of normal life. Then my mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and is rapidly declining. My Dad who is looking after her gets diagnosed with terminal cancer. So I stop work to look after Dad, take him to his chemo and to spend some quality time with him which was priceless. ( I can't thank work enough for allowing me that time). That was over a year ago. There was a lot of financial stress with finding somewhere for mum, trying to sell their house to pay for it all and to keep working full time. Its all sorted now and life is back to normal and things are looking more positive. BUT.....when I was looking after Dad he was often awake during the night in immense pain, so I was getting up a lot in his final weeks to give him meds etc. I still can't sleep properly, everything makes me anxious, like everything...I freaked out just getting in my car yesterday. The heart rate goes up, I get sweaty and just can't deal with it. Normally I would talk to my Dad about such issues, but he's gone. I can't talk to my mum about this kind of thing due to her condition. I feel like my whole family left in one hit and its just me versus the world now. It was such a shock to the system. I also have this immense feeling of guilt. I live in Australia, my life is great compared to what other people in the world are going thru..yet I'm so depressed. I know I shouldn't be this way, but I'am. Its exhausting !

Honey_Badger Long term mental health issues.
  • replies: 2

Hi. Long term sufferer of depression. It has destroyed my relationships, crippled my career and has been slowly degrading my health. I lie to everyone I speak to about myself because I'm too ashamed of everything I have and haven't done. I am nervous... View more

Hi. Long term sufferer of depression. It has destroyed my relationships, crippled my career and has been slowly degrading my health. I lie to everyone I speak to about myself because I'm too ashamed of everything I have and haven't done. I am nervous posting this as this is the most open I've been for 9 years. I would like to think this post is a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed.