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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Introducing me

replies: 2

Hi! I figured this was the right place to start. I'm 42 female and really struggling at the moment. I was in a really good place before changes in the workplace (not COVID related) made a lovely place to work really hard. I now have a pretty awful time at work. I took some time off last year due to depression and came back and was doing really well and drawing boundaries. But drawing those boundaries does come at a cost - strange how saying no to unreasonable requests (that other - male - colleagues get away with saying no to, on the rare occassions they are asked) suddenly makes me the problem. I think I really need to leave the job and it would need to be a career change because of the nature/availability of the work. But that's such a frightening prospect given my financial commitments and the years I put into developing a career.I've booked in to see the counsellor I saw last year who was really helpful, but in the meantime I thought I'd pop in here given its late at night and I'm looking to another sleepless night!

Joining the chorus

replies: 9

Hello, I haven't posted on here in years, I've somehow grown older yet still in the same place. Recently I had a go at online dating, which seems to have triggered all sorts of negative feels to resurface, desperation and loneliness are not attractive aspects to share and even after getting to know people I struggle to keep things down and conversely online chat can be horrible to get to know people even after meeting in person, detached and asynchronous. I don't think I want to go into details but I've messed up with two people in particular, I'm trying not to beat myself up over it but it's reminded me of drowning and that need to latch onto anything around me just to stay afloat. Work: I'm doing reasonable wellSocial: I work from home full time so my social circles have shrunk as I don't go out as much naturally and rely on either suggestions or reaching out to people which takes a bit out of meLove: Nothing of note I've scheduled a GP visit for next week and will likely go back on meds + seek counselling but I really don't want to go through them again but I'm failing to see options, I can't work or pay myself out of this hole and just need to work towards change. Thanks for reading.

Introduction

replies: 8

Hi, I am a middle-aged 60+ gay woman. I have lived with dysthymia, anxiety, and PTSD for most of my life. I have recently broken up a 31-year relationship with a wonderful woman, because I feel we have drifted apart, we are living separate lives and no longer have the close and loving relationship we had as younger people. I am feeling a bit lost. We are still living together as neither of us can afford to rent and even selling up our shared home is problematic and in the uncertain housing market, i don't hold much hope of finding a unit I could afford by myself and I am not a fit person to live with anyone else. I have very few friends, as I am an introvert and don't tend to socialise face to face, I feel most comfortable with online friends and this type of format. I have many pets, birds, dogs, cats, poultry, and I clean people's houses to make money to support us all. I was retired but went back to work when my superannuation ran out. Anyway not much else I can say for now, thanks for reading. Cheers Lee

New here.. hope it's the right area..

replies: 3

Hi all.. I've been struggling with life all over at the moment and now I've actually been paying attention me ... and I'm concerned. I have anxiety that leads into depression onto paranoia (yeah.. fun times). I take meds that do help, however after looking after my parents (triple bypass and smashed wrist) my downtime has been to chill with is drink. I'm still responsible.. but my anxiety and overthinking has gone over the top in the past few months (so much so I'd rather not talk because I'm constantly apologising) and I don't know how to deal with it. I'm apologising for apologising and it continues. So, although I am talking to someone through work (health system) and have a super supportive partner I am hoping to make contact with people that may have been in my position before... and how to come out the other side. I do have days where I feel "life would be easier....." but I haven't gone yet. Nor have I tempted.. I'm really sorry if this doesn't make sense.. I'm just trying to reach out...

Hello

replies: 3

Good evening all, I am a 51 yr young woman, wife, Mother, teacher, daughter, sister and friend, and I live with anxiety, severely impacting my life at times, completely shutting me down and allowing a whole pile of health related issues to occur…… and so the vicious cycle goes. A few weeks ago I raised a whited flag to anxiety, not to surrender, to stop the unproductive internal battle, get understanding, knowledge, acceptance so anxiety and I can become friends, and work with a peaceful respect toward a common goal. Now this doesn’t come easy as it requires lots of hard work even though exhaustion has taken over, trust/embracing the unknown, taking a leap of faith, accepting it is what it is and that’s different from what I expected and letting go (of false safety nets) including my great ability to mask, unrealistic self expectations, trusting myself and others, having courage to reach out for support, being brave enough to take those wobbly steps to make change….. giving it a go….. I fill my bucket with random acts of kindness, kindness rocks foundation, making a difference…….though have difficulty showing myself the same level of kindness. I am with each new day, trying, I’m not giving up though I’m tired, really tired and need a supportive community I can turn to as I have finally realised I can not do this alone anymore. I am worthy of being supported. I look forward to engaging with the community, not having to walk alone, being here receiving support and an empathetic connection. Hi I’m Tss.

Hi, New here

replies: 5

Hi everyone, I have just recently signed up to be a part of beyond blue and just wanted to come on here and introduce myself. In the past i have struggled with social anxiety and severe stress from academic commitments. I have been doing much better recently however i thought it would also be helpful to read about other peoples experiences and thought i would be able to offer my experience with others who are experiencing the same issues and maybe provide some tips i used to help get me through. Thanks

1st time poster

replies: 2

hi all. this is my 1st post I'm 64 years old and have begun having severe panic attacks. I hope to gain some help and information from other members regarding their experiences and how to manage the symptoms that have presented. Particularly the nausea and sleep disruptions. I'm finding them both really hard to get on top of. Thank you all for any help you may have to offer

Hello newbie Here

replies: 3

Hello. I'm new and have no idea what or why I'm here. I guess it's because I genuinely know I need support. And just not sure where to turn to. It's as if I'm always helping others but completely forgot myself. I suffer misphonia. Crippling and debilitating disorder of extreme sensitivity to sound. Particularly for me the sound of howling wind but other noises too. It sends me into a state where I struggle to get out of. I feel alone and sad.The motivation is so little. My misphonia is not getting any better and I worry about myself. The way I act is like a react to sound response. I can handle sound for awhile then suddenly I feel like my whole body is moving but my brain is cationic. I don't know if that makes sense. I get depressed and just want to hide. My interest become zero and I know it's getting worse so I just thought I'd come here for support. I can't keep living life in a suffering bubble. I know I need help. Thanks for listening everyone.

The loss of my love

replies: 2

It’s almost his anniversary. Nearly one whole year. Feels like it’s been so much longer but no where near that long at the same time. To think it’s been nearly a year since I saw his smile, heard his laugh, touched him, smelled him. Since anything. Before he passed he’d only just come back to me. He went to jail for 5 months, he was out for one month. The worst month of our relationship. The readjustment was straight from a horror movie. Looking at the person you fell in love with but having no idea who the hell they are. He changed so much from the man I knew my love for him hadn’t changed but it was a very difficult time for both of us. I was always at work. Before, during and after jail, One of my biggest regrets. The day he died he was meant to be at my house. I set the room up, made the bed, lit a candle and wrote him a little letter. I came home for lunch and the candle was still lit. Called him and messaged him. No response. I get a call at work, it’s his sister. She thinks it was him but isn’t 100% sure. I pace around work for 20 minutes because my boss won’t let me leave unless we know for sure it’s him. Well his sister called back 20 minutes later. It was him. Died in a motorcycle accident. I believe that to this day I’m still in denial but it feels like it’s getting harder to live in my denial land. I find myself crashing everyday, thinking of ending everything to be with him once again. The desire to live just isn’t there anymore and I don’t know what to do because I honestly don’t want help. I don’t want to get better. But there’s a little voice inside of me begging to keep trying. Thanks for reading any advice is greatly appreciated

New member - anxiety, complex PTSD, misophonia

replies: 13

Hi everyone, I joined the Forums because I’ve felt like an outsider, a weirdo, my whole life (I’m 59) because of my strange symptoms. I’m guess I’m hoping to find some reassurance that I’m not alone, and to hear how other people cope with similar symptoms. My condition is kind of hard to describe, but I’ll try by listing some of the main symptoms. I completely freak out when I have to be in places where there are other people - restaurants, cinemas, planes, waiting rooms, queues, gym, etc. I have to sit with my back to the wall, get as far away as I can. I feel trapped and terrified and furiously angry. I can’t stand people being behind me. I am absolutely enraged by other people’s noises - eating, breathing, etc, but also music, talking, traffic, lawnmowers, dogs, children - anything that signals the presence of other people. I depend on my headphones/music for sanity. I go to extremes to avoid such situations. I can be very rude to people who get in my space. I ruminate on what a total failure and fool I am, all my mistakes and flaws. I constantly feel that I should do/be better, that I haven’t achieved anything. I have an excruciating and sickening sense of doom every night as I try to go to sleep - it’s so severe it’s physically debilitating. I worry excessively about what other people think of me. I’ve lived like this since I was a very small child - over 50 years.There’s more, but that’s probably enough for now!! Does anyone else feel like this? Thanks so much.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Introducing me replies: 2

Joining the chorus replies: 9

Introduction replies: 8

New here.. hope it's the right area.. replies: 3

Hello replies: 3

Hi, New here replies: 5

1st time poster replies: 2

Hello newbie Here replies: 3

The loss of my love replies: 2

New member - anxiety, complex PTSD, misophonia replies: 13