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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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Becwal Introduction
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have had anxiety for about 12 months and have been on medication to help with panic attacks for approx 6mths. At the moment I am stuck in a rut of anxiety, panic and worry. I see a psychologist currently once a month normally although in this h... View more

Hi, I have had anxiety for about 12 months and have been on medication to help with panic attacks for approx 6mths. At the moment I am stuck in a rut of anxiety, panic and worry. I see a psychologist currently once a month normally although in this has come back to fortnightly this month. I have spent the last 2 weeks in a constant state of worry and nausea, I have good days in between but it seems few and far between good and bad days. I work full time and have to kids and a husband that really try hard to support me but I just fèel so guilty about what I am putting them through. Recently a feeling of being desperate and helpless has settled and I can't seem to shake it. The Dr increased my anti depressants 2 days ago so I am hoping for some relief soon. Just wanted to reach out for some advice or tips that might help me in the meantime. Thanks

Helium_Anchors Hi I’m new
  • replies: 3

Hi my name is Soph, im a young adult who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 4 years ago. i can still live a normal functional life. I have been on and off medication and believe that it is possible to learn your triggers and medicate accordingl... View more

Hi my name is Soph, im a young adult who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder 4 years ago. i can still live a normal functional life. I have been on and off medication and believe that it is possible to learn your triggers and medicate accordingly. i am still learning about my mental disorder and how to live with it. I have had highs and lows, I have experienced mania, depression, however I have never been suicidal. i have lost a close friend to suicide and have had dealt with bipolar and depression within my immediate family. I would love to be able to help people deal with grief, learning to live peacefully with their mental disorders and assist them with feeling like they are not alone or different but unique and able to achieve their dreams. i have always loved people and talking so I hope being apart of the beyond blue community I can truly give something back to the people who need it. thanks for listening

tallshiphorizon Hello, everyone.
  • replies: 4

Hey all, 38-yo male here. Really running the gamut at the moment with depression and anxiety, and wanted to thank all of you for the stories you’ve shared. I’ve been reading on and off the past few weeks in my worst moments, and it has been helpful k... View more

Hey all, 38-yo male here. Really running the gamut at the moment with depression and anxiety, and wanted to thank all of you for the stories you’ve shared. I’ve been reading on and off the past few weeks in my worst moments, and it has been helpful knowing there are others out there who feel the same way I do. I might not be well at the moment, but I am doing my best. I hope you all stay well, and maybe one day I’ll be on my feet and able to offer support and advice as well. Best, Hamish

An_average_man Feeling lost
  • replies: 3

Me and my wife have been separated for the last 2 months and today I found out that she doesn't want to come back we have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and we've been together for 25 years I feel lost and I don't know what to do was wondering I woul... View more

Me and my wife have been separated for the last 2 months and today I found out that she doesn't want to come back we have 2 children and 4 grandchildren and we've been together for 25 years I feel lost and I don't know what to do was wondering I would the if other people have the same experience and what they did to overcome it I feel num and lost

unknownnnn struggling to make friends in a new town
  • replies: 1

next week is a year since my pop passed away he held my whole family together and when he died all hell broke lose, my sister moved accross the country to be with her boyfriend, my mum kicked me out and moved across the country aswell, i dropped out ... View more

next week is a year since my pop passed away he held my whole family together and when he died all hell broke lose, my sister moved accross the country to be with her boyfriend, my mum kicked me out and moved across the country aswell, i dropped out of school (year11) smoked and drank ALOT, moved across country aswell and back with my mum, lost contact with everyone in my family except my mum sister and brother, went back to school in the new town, made no friends and got slightly bullied taken advantage of while drunk. left school again got extremely depressed and moved to another town. and thats where i am now i feel so alone ive tried going back to school again and ive made "friends" but i get really anxious and overthink everything then end up pushing everyone away. i dont understand whats wrong with me. i used to have the best group of friends when i was younger but since pop died absolutely everything has been going down hill and nothing ends up right for me. everytime i hang out with people here ive organised it i never go out unless i ask people noone makes plans with me i feel like i dissapoint my mum and everyone around me. im trying so hard but i just feel like im annoying i dont message anyone anymore becuase i feel like they dont want to talk to me and im just a pain in the ass. i just wish someone would show to me that they want to be my friend and make an effort

Aeofe Insomnia and anxiety
  • replies: 9

I’ve been battling with anxiety and insomnia for a few months. Sleeping tablets made me feel worse and I have withdrawn from friends and activities. I am slowly getting better but finding it hard to get back to a happy life. I feel that anxiety is no... View more

I’ve been battling with anxiety and insomnia for a few months. Sleeping tablets made me feel worse and I have withdrawn from friends and activities. I am slowly getting better but finding it hard to get back to a happy life. I feel that anxiety is not understood and often feel unwell even though I know it is just in my mind. I have some minor health problems and concerns with my family. Friends have been patient but I believe would like me to get over it. There is no magic cure and it is a hard slog each day especially after a sleepless night. I think I am reaching out to others who are experiencing similar problems. My worries are not major but they concern me in a big way and I think that is sometimes the hardest thing. this is my first post so I’m not sure what happens. A big move for me to reach out.

Swan_13 Introducing myself!
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself as a new member on the forums! A bit about me - I'm a 24 year old female student finishing off my studies in the mental health field. I've always lived in Melbourne and haven't really travelled much. I als... View more

Hi everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself as a new member on the forums! A bit about me - I'm a 24 year old female student finishing off my studies in the mental health field. I've always lived in Melbourne and haven't really travelled much. I also enjoy staying in most nights and cooking! I'm hoping to support and listen to anyone posting here that's going through a difficult time at the moment. I know how important it is to feel heard and really like the fact that people can do so in an anonymous way here if they choose to! I'm really looking forward to connecting with people and getting to know you all... Talk soon

MelissaPG New member introduction
  • replies: 3

Good morning, I am new to Forum's, thanks for having me . About me... I am a 48 year old woman living in Central West NSW. I am married & have 3 children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. I have suffered since my late teens with Depression but wasn'... View more

Good morning, I am new to Forum's, thanks for having me . About me... I am a 48 year old woman living in Central West NSW. I am married & have 3 children ranging from 9 to 14 years of age. I have suffered since my late teens with Depression but wasn't diagnosed until 1995. I have had a few major traumatic experiences over the years, lost our little boy who lived just 9 hours in 2006. A bad experience with family after my daughter was born in 2010. And finally my mum became critically I'll in 2017 the same day we handed back a foster child (after being bullied by the company supporting us.. sure) then 3 days later my mum passed away. I have come a long way in my healing but have been sad for so long I don't know how to be happy. Thanks for reading

LOL2 present / absent
  • replies: 2

Hello BB My first post, joined just moments ago. I've joined as I find myself increasingly drifting into isolation: alone in my ongoing unemployment, alone within my family + friends who say "oh, things'll turn around", isolated in my industry / comm... View more

Hello BB My first post, joined just moments ago. I've joined as I find myself increasingly drifting into isolation: alone in my ongoing unemployment, alone within my family + friends who say "oh, things'll turn around", isolated in my industry / community which I've inhabited passionately for most of my adult life. I seem to have become invisible. I saw a therapist for a few sessions some time ago and in response to a question I replied, "I wonder who'll come to my funeral". Not quite sure where to turn, where to place myself, how to fill in empty days... nor am I sure even where this forum may take me, but, well, am open for the trip! Thx!

blueguy71 Feel completely overwhelmed
  • replies: 30

Hi all I have just joined the forums. My short story is: I have been through an immense amount of change in the past few months and and feeling completely overwhelmed, and have developed what I feel is some quite severe depression. My wife and I made... View more

Hi all I have just joined the forums. My short story is: I have been through an immense amount of change in the past few months and and feeling completely overwhelmed, and have developed what I feel is some quite severe depression. My wife and I made the decision to separate about 8 months ago but it was only two months ago that she moved out. About the time that we decided to separate I had a car accident and the combination of that and the separation led to me deciding to resign from my job where I had been for ten years. Whilst I have been doing some contract work in the past couple of months it hasn’t been the most stable situation and I have been having to work by myself a lot. I am still living in our family home (where we’ve been for more than ten years) although have sold it and will be moving out in about a month. Our separation was quite amicable but our three kids are doing it bit tough as well. I start a new role in a couple of months but am feeling very anxious about it and am not at all confident I will be able to be successful. And am very worried about what I’ll do if that doesn’t work out. So I have a great deal of time by myself, caught up inside my head, and am having a lot of very negative thoughts. Guilt, lack of self confidence, worry about the future, worry about financial security are all at play. I am noticing many depressive symptoms including low energy, poor sleep, lack of appetite, low motivation, inability to make decisions amongst others. At times it is all feeling so incredibly overwhelming. It is good to be able to write all this down and from the little I have seen there are some wonderful supportive people on these forums so thank you for reading and I hope to be able to do what I can to contribute to others’ situations too.