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 member. Introduction

replies: 4

Hi, I'd rather not use my real name as it is quite unique, even though I've put up a profile picture. Go figure. 43 year old male, suffering from mild depression and extreme anxiety. Just thought joining this forum might help somehow.

Hard to breath anxiety

replies: 9

Hi everyone I'm new to this and not sure where to start but here it goes. I'm a 30 year old man that has been suffering anxiety (mostly by myself without telling anyone) for honestly my entire adulthood. I have had all types of symptoms over the years such as feeling uneasy and on edge to full blown panic attacks, disassociation etc.. I can manage most of them but my worst is when I struggle to breath.. well feel like I constantly need to take a deep breath and always concentrate on my breathing it's so debilitating, I had it pretty bad around 6 or 7 years ago and took myself to ED thinking I was dying, which they found nothing wrong after several tests and sent me home. The last week or so I'm having the same breathless feeling/ conscious of every breath and it's really upsetting me. I work in a hospital and always find time to put a sats prob on my finger to see if my oxygen is ok it's ridiculous. Is anyone else suffering/has suffered with this horrible feeling and is there anything you have done that has helped you through it? Thank you!

New Member. Introduction.

replies: 4

Hello all, Been reading through your Forum and you all seem like a great bunch. Never been a big fan of opening up, nor 'bothering' others with my issues, though I think this is probably the right time. 28 year old Male. Happy, loving guy. Have had a more than excellent life so far, great friends, perfect family, awesome adventures. Although 2.5 months ago I had my first ever panic attack come out of no where, which was followed by another 2 weeks later whilst driving. I had been living overseas for on and off 4 years travelling, having the time of my life, meeting the love of my life. (Whom which I have just recently bought an engagement ring for) I've always been a bit of a worrier, but this has NEVER stopped me doing anything, nor have I thought of it anymore than just good old natural worries. These past 2 months with Anxiety have been pretty debilitating. I can't drive a car by myself, and am not totally 100% when driving with someone. Public places are a struggle. Just basic activities that I'd do without thinking, have now become a total struggle. I've been home for 1 month now. The whole thing is frustrating me more than anything. I want to get on with what plans I had 2.5 months ago. I still can't work up the courage to apply for jobs, seeing as though I'm not comfortable in any situation bar a familiar one, nor can I drive. I've had one session with a counselor though I'm not sure if I click with this one. I understand that they have a difficult job, though I feel as though they are focusing on something that I feel isn't, and has never been an issue or a worry for me; my future. Not after any answers. Just thought I'd put the feelers out and say hello. To be honest, I've never even thought of mental health, not once. Not in a good, nor bad way, just never crossed my mind. Boy has this perception changed. Thanks a tone for listening, and I wish everyone else the best!

I'm new and I can't get out of bed

replies: 9

It's a bit longer than I intended, but here it is... Hi, I'm new to Beyond Blue, and so grateful that I can participate. I have been living with a mish mash of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder for 20 years, though I wasn't diagnosed for the first 10 years (Hindsight is a wonderful thing), I just thought I was going crazy and talking about it to anyone would make them see I'm crazy. I'm 10 years into therapy, medication, regular dr visits and I'm feeling worse today than ever. To be really honest if I was to go back further, I probably started having mental health issues in my late teens, I’m 55 now. I only leave the house for doctors and therapists appointments, I don't go shopping, to the movies, I make excuses not to attend social events, and it's so tough because I know once I can "get over" myself, I'll have a great time, because I love people, I love socialising, I just can't do it now. I'm now at the point where I can hardly get out of bed. Everything scares me. I'm so scared of everything that "might" happen I'm not able to enjoy the now moments. My biggest fear is death. I've had so much death of friends and parents in the past two years, topped up with losing my beautiful Dad last Christmas. I can't get my mind off it, sometimes it's all I can think about. My husband is an amazing support, and keeps reassuring me that it will pass, and it doesn't matter how long it takes (I wonder when did he get so wise). Today I got up, made the bed, dressed (no shower) went down to the kitchen, emptied the dishwasher and reloaded it, and now I'm back on my bed, feeling like the walls are closing in, but I can't find my way out. I take medications, though they made me fat, which doesn't improve my mood. I'm stuck.I cry. I think too much. I’m overwhelmed with life.What next I often think? How can I move forward if I can’t even get of the bed?

Difficulty concentrating, focussing and feeling foggy

replies: 3

Hi all, Last year I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Thankfully, I am now almost 12 months in remission and back working and living a pretty normal life. I often have flashbacks of difficult conversations with specialists, flashbacks on being in hospital and feel emotionally exhausted with what I've gone through over the last 18 months. The most challenging and difficult part of this now is having trouble concentrating, focussing and feeling foggy which makes work and everyday life activities extremely difficult. I feel like I'm 'not really there'. I feel like no body fully understands what I am experiencing, which makes me feel a little lost and helpless. I have wonderful support from friends and family, and a fiance - but strangely enough, I still feel like I am battling this alone.

Functioning with anxiety

replies: 3

Hello, I can see there is a lot of young people struggling. I'm 47 and had anxiety and depression all my life, no one called it that, I was a "sensitive, shy" child. I've been to the place of "it's just not worth it", and what am I hear for. This world isn't for me, I don't fit, cause I am just so different to most people. Thing is everyone here is similar to me, you aren't alone, and who cares if you don't fit. Don't get me wrong, every day I have to get over my fear, pack my lunch bag and go to work. I've worked since I was 15. These days you guys can take a mental health day, if you need it. I want to hide, people are awful and I wish I wouldn't have to face them every day but I need to live, pay my mortgage and put food on the table. I'm a functional anxietist. If you ask yourself what your purpose in life is, don't look at your friends and those huge dreams, look at the day to day stuff, the little things, cause those little things, really do make big things grow. I realised that what I wanted was a house, some land, a horse, dogs, not too far from the ocean and enough money to not struggle. I have all that. Please realise, even with medication you will be dealing with this ALL your life. You have great days and then there are the really black ones, but you come out of it, maybe not stronger, but wiser, with new ways of dealing with it, or the realisation that you can deal with those days. Suicide isn't the answer, it is an easy way out for you, but your actions will destroy the people close to you, no matter how few there are. I've seen it, I've experienced it, it's not a solution. I've seen counsellors and I've taken medication, I've grown and I understand my parents now and why they did what they did. It's easy to "blame" others for how you may be, but we do have to take responsibility and make peace. Making peace is the most important thing. "Fighting" this isn't the answer, accepting it and working with it as best as you can, is the only way. Seek help, got to the gym, go for a walk every day. You do have to put the hard work in, it's not easy, nothing ever is, I don't know how I do it most days and most days I don't want to,but I do. Try to not listen to the negative people, try not to care what others think of you. Don't use your condition as a reason to not try, EVERYONE has their demons. Learn to live with them. Chin up, smile, let the sun shine on you and become that functioning person, that tries to make a good day for themselves every day.

Feeling lost, but no idea why.

replies: 3

To anybody looking in I have a relatively good life. A roof over my head, a decent job and I am in good health, I have friends and family who love me. But for as long as I can remember now that I know what it is, I have been depressed, anxious and stressed. I’ve always felt guilty about it because I feel like I have no good reason to feel the way I do, and think there is always someone worse off. In recent years it has gotten worse, to the point where I no longer know how to manage it. I have been seeking the help of a councillor, making sure I socialise with family and friends, exercise and eat right. I play social sport and do yoga every week. And recently have gotten a second job in a field I am truly passionate about. I feel that I am taking all the right steps, or at least trying to take them to achieve my goals and keep me distracted. But I feel it’s all just that, a distraction. Even on my best days I still find myself wondering what it’s all for and why. On my worst days these thoughts turn a lot more sinister. I am just so tired and exhausted from constantly feeling like I don’t belong here, in this life, but trying to hide it and act “normal”. Even as I write this I can’t shake the guilt I feel knowing that I really don’t have it bad. So why do I feel this way? I don’t really know what I even hope to achieve from writing here, I am just so lost.

Finally worked out how to post!!!

replies: 9

HELP!!!! I don't know where to start I don't know what has caused my anxiety exactly I just want it to go away I'm sick of feeling like the worst is going to happen or the worst is happening to me!!! I have a really great life my husband is awesome we have two beautiful healthy children we have a succeful business which we got handed to us I feel like I'm bragging but I'm not. I didn't have the best child hood actually it was one of those really crap ones and even through my younger years I was always the mum to my siblings which there are 6 of us all together I'm the oldest. I also have another three which are on my fathers side which I'm also the oldest of and they are really normal to an extent as in they have never needed to be so dependant on me the others I have stopped doing it with and I am actually good with the decision I have made. One of my sisters suffers from a mental illness where she has delusions that she has made up in her own head and believes it is real when they are not, she has two children and thinks there is nothing wrong with her. I am now at the stage where I think I have sleeping problems which I don't because I have always been a night owl and have always had irregular sleep patterns. Before kids I worked nights in a pub then after kids it was just typical mum sleep. I could go on but I won't, I'm just over feeling like this....

Newbie, looking for support and willing to give some.

replies: 5

Hi all .. as the title suggests. Firstly, thanks to BB for being here. I've phoned before, but sometimes writing thoughts, and feelings, are better than words. Not wanting to bore you with "all" that grieves me, I would rather just say at this point is that I need some support with some issues that BB deals with. I suffer from anxiety, badly (to the point of being carted off to hospital by Ambulance a few times), taking medication in the mornings seems to settle it, and I self medicate after work with alcohol. (Yeah, I know) This affliction, the anxiety, is affecting my home life, which makes me sad. I am seeing a psychologist, randomly (due to work and a few other issues) which isn't really helping (the Psych visits that is) in any way, bar, making me delve into my mind and memory for triggers. But this thing seems to be a monster that just rears itself, at almost any given time and circumstance. The only time I seem to be able to hide from it is in solitude. In fact, solitude is where I seem happiest at the moment. When I mentioned the idea of taking some "me time" the Psych said it would be interesting to see if anything changed. I shipped my motorbike (my other affliction) overseas, took some long service leave and picked up my bike overseas and rented a small apartment by my myself for 10 days. Those 10 days were bliss. No work, doing what I wanted, when I wanted and exploring parts of the world I'd never been before on my motorbike. No need to please anyone but myself ........ selfish? Maybe. I then met up with some mates, and spent a couple of weeks with them, partially in solitude, as we rode motorcycles around Europe together. But returning to reality, and the daily routine, has hit with a blow and I want to run from both. I hear the monster coming back again.

Daily struggles of mental illness

replies: 3

Hello, I'm 27 and have been suffering from anxiety and depression for most of my life but the last 4 years have been the worst. I also have some level of PTSD from childhood trauma. I have seen psychologists and psychiatrists. I am medicated however still struggle daily. I can barely work, I'm antisocial and indifferent. (I used to be bubbly) My whole body hurts, headaches, back pain, leg aches etc. My medication isn't controlling my symptoms, and I have tried many types. Constant symptoms daily are too much to handle. I need help or guidance on how to improve my quality of life.

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

New member. Introduction replies: 4

Hard to breath anxiety replies: 9

New Member. Introduction. replies: 4

I'm new and I can't get out of bed replies: 9

Difficulty concentrating, focussing and feeling foggy replies: 3

Functioning with anxiety replies: 3

Feeling lost, but no idea why. replies: 3

Finally worked out how to post!!! replies: 9

Newbie, looking for support and willing to give some. replies: 5

Daily struggles of mental illness replies: 3