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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

Aaaggghhh Upset and Angry
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Hi, in new to this and don’t know really where to start but I am obviously here for a reason. i have always throughout my whole life been a very chilled and relaxed person until ver recently. I unexpectedly lost my brother who was only 29- I don’t ha... View more

Hi, in new to this and don’t know really where to start but I am obviously here for a reason. i have always throughout my whole life been a very chilled and relaxed person until ver recently. I unexpectedly lost my brother who was only 29- I don’t have a close family and growing up my brother and I were closest in age so stuck together had a similar group of friends and had the same humour. My brother followed a path that lead him to drugs, Kai etc but I never judged him and loved him. I remember receiving the phone called that he had died- I did not cry at all I just fell nothing and carried on my day as normal and went to work the following day. i don’t have a close family but mum and my sister are very close. I found that in the 2 weeks leading up to the funeralum, dad and my sisters spent a lot time together- I was never invited. I just kept thinking it may have been because I had no reaction to my brothers death and they all did which made it awkward. After telling my partner that my brother had died his first response was “ oh we knew that was going to happen” and kept telling me that - your family isn’t that close but the reality My brother and I were the two youngest were close and we both knew more about each other and spoke all the time. I never mentioned much about him to my partner as he did not really get along or like him. The day of his funeral came and again I still did not cry but guess what my partner did so I was there to make sure he was ok. its been about 10 weeks and I just find that I get really any and frustrated at stuff and snap all the time. The last few week I have just completely cut people out of my life as I feel like I’m going to explode. Sometimes I walk at night around the streets to help calm down- I find that I want to cry but I don’t cry however I feel like I can’t breath. what is wrong with me???

lost_Alone_and_used Lost Alone and used
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I am a 62 year old lady that has spent my whole life doing for my family, but last year I had my family want the house we owned together for themselves, they bought me out and I had to move to an area away from everyone, that was because of cost. So ... View more

I am a 62 year old lady that has spent my whole life doing for my family, but last year I had my family want the house we owned together for themselves, they bought me out and I had to move to an area away from everyone, that was because of cost. So now I have no one around, no job, and go days to weeks not speaking to anyone, although they text sometimes. It really didn’t take long for all their promises to be broken. All my life I have been told how special I am, then I watch them treat the other parents better..they say that they know I understand ..I just agree because why argue.

Teg Newbie. HI
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone. I am new to this whole forum world, so its all a bit scary. I am a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker for a project that specialises in Personality Disorders. I have been in this role for about a month but previously done Peer Support ... View more

Hi everyone. I am new to this whole forum world, so its all a bit scary. I am a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker for a project that specialises in Personality Disorders. I have been in this role for about a month but previously done Peer Support Work for many years. I suppose I am here just to branch out, maybe have a place to vent or gather any info I can or pass on any skills or knowledge that may be on use. I am a mum of 3, love horse riding, motor bike riding, camping, anything outdoors really that's remote and off grid I'd love to hear if there are any other Peer Support Workers that have a lived experience of BPD? Cheers,

Marie_W Hi all
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone and happy Wednesday! I'm in my mid 20's and on placement at beyondblue for my masters in psychology. I grew up in Queensland and moved to Melbourne several years ago to pursue my dreams of studying psychology at university. In my spare ti... View more

Hi everyone and happy Wednesday! I'm in my mid 20's and on placement at beyondblue for my masters in psychology. I grew up in Queensland and moved to Melbourne several years ago to pursue my dreams of studying psychology at university. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with loved ones. I also really enjoy travelling (my favourite place so far has been Egypt!). I feel really honoured to have been given the opportunity to contribute to some of the forums here - thank you for having me here. I'm passionate about helping people and hope I can provide some support where possible. - Marie (:

LifeSux Where Have I Gone Wrong In Life
  • replies: 8

I don't know where to start. Im 47, introvert, lost my job in Feb, have heart issues and incredibly lonely. I haven't been in a relationship for over 5 years now and miss being with a women in an intermate relationship. I don't do one night stands as... View more

I don't know where to start. Im 47, introvert, lost my job in Feb, have heart issues and incredibly lonely. I haven't been in a relationship for over 5 years now and miss being with a women in an intermate relationship. I don't do one night stands as I need that emotional connection as well. I've tried every online dating site but the constant rejections are too overwhelming. People tell me to join a club etc but there's nothing that really motivates me. I see a shrink on a regular basis but unless they hand out girlfriends is there a point going there to discuss the same thing. If i had the choice on whether to wake up tomorrow it would be a big fat zero.

Steven_90256 There is Hope. You will Feel Better
  • replies: 1

Hi all, My beautiful sister recently went through a severe episode of Psychotic Depression that lasted 6 months. We were all shocked as we thought she would be the last person to suffer from this illness. She has now recovered and she tells her story... View more

Hi all, My beautiful sister recently went through a severe episode of Psychotic Depression that lasted 6 months. We were all shocked as we thought she would be the last person to suffer from this illness. She has now recovered and she tells her story here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biEduK9G23M) . She wants everyone to know there is hope and you will get better. Getting the right support is essential and this forum does an amazing job in doing so. Best Steven

Blue_Bagger Ongoing Issues at Work
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Hi all, I suffer from depression and anxiety. I was suspended from work for 8 months because of allegations of misconduct, they was no truth in the allegations, and as such the investigation into all allegations was unsubstantiated. I work for the go... View more

Hi all, I suffer from depression and anxiety. I was suspended from work for 8 months because of allegations of misconduct, they was no truth in the allegations, and as such the investigation into all allegations was unsubstantiated. I work for the government and was not returned to my ongoing role, because “it’s easier to move me than the people that don’t like you”. I have since been placed on short term non ongoing roles in another department. I still hold my ongoing role but there is a restructure happening anyway long story short, I’m really anxious about my future. I went to my doctor as I am having dreams about my old workplace all the time. The doctor told me he thought I had PTSD. I have not been sleeping and drinking everyday. I feel like my life is getting out of control. I went back to the doctor and told him I wanted to put in a workcover claim, he told me it was too hard for him? So I went back to work but I just feel numb when I am there. So I have an appointment with another doctor this afternoon. Has anyone else been through a similar situation? Cheers Blue Bagger

Miss_Mary Sad
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So so sad all the time, Just can't snap out of it. Done all the right things, Drs, meds, counselling. I'm losing this battle. I just haven't got the energy or mindset to fight anymore I don't want to be like this but nothing is helping Signed Miss Ma... View more

So so sad all the time, Just can't snap out of it. Done all the right things, Drs, meds, counselling. I'm losing this battle. I just haven't got the energy or mindset to fight anymore I don't want to be like this but nothing is helping Signed Miss Mary

Batesy work pressures
  • replies: 5

Hi All, first time user here just reading a few post i suffer from Anxiety and take some medication.my work gives me a huge amount of pressure from a boss i have now suffered anxiety for around 2 years but i can not leave as i live in a country town ... View more

Hi All, first time user here just reading a few post i suffer from Anxiety and take some medication.my work gives me a huge amount of pressure from a boss i have now suffered anxiety for around 2 years but i can not leave as i live in a country town and there is not a lot of jobs.i feel lost a lot of the time only a few people know my condition as i hide it all the time.

tntomo Overwhelmed with anxiety! Feeling tired and weak trying to fight it all the time.
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Hello, my introduction... I’am a GAD anxiety sufferer. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I don’t know what to do? Everything gets to me, I’m so tired trying to fight this illness all the time. I have so many fears and thoughts that it sca... View more

Hello, my introduction... I’am a GAD anxiety sufferer. I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately and I don’t know what to do? Everything gets to me, I’m so tired trying to fight this illness all the time. I have so many fears and thoughts that it scares me. I don’t sleep well these days. I went through a traumatic event 10 years ago which my GP believes that is where my anxiety started from. I’ve come to beyond blue for help and guidance.