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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
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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

Red_m My mum is dying of cancer and Im so angry
  • replies: 8

My mum (50) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere 2 months ago.we were told 4-6m.shes been so strong and being her oldest child I have tried so hard to keep it together for her and my own family.i can't process any feelings going on. ... View more

My mum (50) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer out of nowhere 2 months ago.we were told 4-6m.shes been so strong and being her oldest child I have tried so hard to keep it together for her and my own family.i can't process any feelings going on. I've done the denial part and now that I understand our new reality I'm just so angry all the time with little to no triggers and not myself at all. I can't seem to talk to anyone about it cause I don't know what to say.but now that my reaction to knowing she will pass soon is affecting my own family I have booked a docs appt. My gut turns st the thought of her not being here. Then I feel bad knowing so many people have it worse and I should be grateful she's still here

Marymag Thanks
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Hi, someone from BB called me earlier tonight in response to a distressing comment or a thread i started or etc. Im still trying to find my way in this site/page. im a but tech backwards. Im safe for now. Thanks Im just really struggling to get real ... View more

Hi, someone from BB called me earlier tonight in response to a distressing comment or a thread i started or etc. Im still trying to find my way in this site/page. im a but tech backwards. Im safe for now. Thanks Im just really struggling to get real ongoing help at the moment, my GP retired a yr ago and i havent found a new one im happy with, and my mental health has declined rapidly over the past few months, just lately its been especially bad so im in a bit of a tough spot. Im certain i need a meds review and to start back with a psyc or councellor, its just such and effort to get out of bed, let alone shower etc. Im sure my posting/writting will be fairly erratic for a while but its helping, im not somebody who diarises at all but im finding this very cathartic, esp when others relate, the saying “ a problem shared, is a problem halved” seems to apply here. Im grateful to all of you brave people who have written in these forums and feel I'm among my own kind, I'm also grateful for all who have commented. Im scared of how agitated and reactive i can get, its really distressing, ive never had this much trouble grounding myself, ive been practicing mindfullness for many years now and am drawing on every tool in the box with very little affect, so all your tips and reminders are appreciated. Thanks for letting me ramble n rant.

Nacrao Support group for people experiencing legal challenges
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Hi everyone, in addition to psychiatric help I am currently receiving, is there a forum or support group where I can connect with people who are facing legal challenges. It would help to share coping mechanisms.

Hi everyone, in addition to psychiatric help I am currently receiving, is there a forum or support group where I can connect with people who are facing legal challenges. It would help to share coping mechanisms.

___ I dunno.
  • replies: 2

I dunno where to begin-first post (I think). Forums amp me up because I want to help everyone but cant! Hurt my back three years ago at work, had to learn to walk again-haven't worked since. Done my best to get everything right. The NSW workers compe... View more

I dunno where to begin-first post (I think). Forums amp me up because I want to help everyone but cant! Hurt my back three years ago at work, had to learn to walk again-haven't worked since. Done my best to get everything right. The NSW workers compensation system is a disgustingly corrupt entity. I have many examples of their desire not to shovel me out the door with an adequate seltlement, but to shove me out the door dead. I need support from others in similar positions to me. I'm grateful for the state of my injury-it could be worse and I'm grateful for many things in my life-they could be worse too. But my life has had to change completely to adjust to the injury-all the while dealing with a system that needs a wrecking ball put through it.

Jack_Falco I'm enjoying these forums
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Hi everyone, I have been through such darkness this last couple of months and I find these online forums very supportive and helpful. People have been so kind. I was reluctant to write online about my trauma, but all the words that have been sent to ... View more

Hi everyone, I have been through such darkness this last couple of months and I find these online forums very supportive and helpful. People have been so kind. I was reluctant to write online about my trauma, but all the words that have been sent to me have been kind and caring.

steviewonder1987 Anxiety and going through difficult time with IVF. Reaching out
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Hey everyone. I have battle Anxiety all my life. Mostly its social anxiety. Shy when meeting new people. Sometimes hard interacting with new people and places. I have come a long way though. I am not healed by any means but i feel i manage now living... View more

Hey everyone. I have battle Anxiety all my life. Mostly its social anxiety. Shy when meeting new people. Sometimes hard interacting with new people and places. I have come a long way though. I am not healed by any means but i feel i manage now living with my anxiety and worries. However the last two years have really been difficult. My Fiance and I have been going through IVF to have a baby. We now gone through i would say maybe 6-7 cycles and theres been no luck. The hard part too in all this is its actually my fault. Theres issues with my sperm. So you can imagine just how i feel knowing that i feel like i am letting my partner down in our quest to have a baby. every set back we have had has hit me hard. I admit ive cried. Ive been in pain. My partner tells me not to dwell or worry but as someone who has always worried about things i cant let that dwell go. This last cycle we did just ended few days ago. I got upset again of course and i started having doubts and started of thinking of giving up on this dream to have a baby. Having a baby means everything to me and my partner. We have put our wedding on hold because of all this. my partner is now 37 so we dont have much longer time wise to indeed have a baby if you know they say best have a baby before your 40. But again every set back we are having is hurting me deeply. I feel like i just need to get it all out and seek help from somewhere so thats why i am here. I am hoping to get support here to where by talking to others who either going through hard times atm with their anxiety or more so ivf issues it might help me with what i am going through. So if anyone wants to send me a message of support or give me encouragement or want to know more of what going on with me and the whole ivf process i be willing to share all that with you all. Thank you all for your time. Take care

BelleG I'm new here and wondering if I belong?
  • replies: 14

Hi. This feels like a big step for me but an important one. I'm here because feel adrift and emotionally exhausted. Maybe it is time to reach out and find out how other people cope? This isn't easy for an introvert like me but maybe it will help to k... View more

Hi. This feels like a big step for me but an important one. I'm here because feel adrift and emotionally exhausted. Maybe it is time to reach out and find out how other people cope? This isn't easy for an introvert like me but maybe it will help to know I am not as alone as I feel; maybe there are other people in the same boat as me? The thing is, I've been getting messages from the people around me that I am my own worst enemy, or I'm just feeling sorry for myself. But am I? I truly feel as if everyone relies on me, but no one actually asks 'How are you coping??'

Shanthan Coping with Depression
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Hello, My name is Shanthan. I'm currently living in Victoria. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with Severe Anxiety and Depression. Since then, I have tried to fight my disorder by choosing all the wrong paths, such as Alcohol abuse. I only did it as I... View more

Hello, My name is Shanthan. I'm currently living in Victoria. Six months ago, I was diagnosed with Severe Anxiety and Depression. Since then, I have tried to fight my disorder by choosing all the wrong paths, such as Alcohol abuse. I only did it as I couldn't afford therapy. Eventually, I became an addict, which gave me a new reason to hate myself. I'm trying to take everything step by step and make myself do better. This issue is global, but we should spread a lot of awareness. Every person I tried to explain my situation has not taken it seriously. I can't blame them as they have no idea what it feels like, or maybe they do, but they are good at creating walls to avoid opening up. I suggest anyone going through with this take action towards your health first instead of focusing on losing something else. Thank you.

Damaged000 Introduction
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Hi I’m new obviously! I’ve suffered all my life with mental health and I’m still struggling after a relationship breakdown with a narcissistic partner 5 years ago

Hi I’m new obviously! I’ve suffered all my life with mental health and I’m still struggling after a relationship breakdown with a narcissistic partner 5 years ago

Suncloud How much longer?
  • replies: 9

I'm tired. All my life I've had recurrent periods of low mood and a sense of pointlessness, from about age 8 or 10 . I remember the first one, it struck me so hard I had to sit down. I think the medical term is cyclothymia. After these episodes I wou... View more

I'm tired. All my life I've had recurrent periods of low mood and a sense of pointlessness, from about age 8 or 10 . I remember the first one, it struck me so hard I had to sit down. I think the medical term is cyclothymia. After these episodes I would doggedly go on with the normal activities required by life but the dark cloud always came back, 'the Nothing' I used to call it. I used to distract myself with reading, and I reckon I spent a total of ten years of my life reading just to avoid 'the Nothing'. Being older now, with the main tasks of life behind me I thought this would be the time to dive deeper into the spiritual areas that have always interested me and I could find a way to peace. Maybe I could, if not for these relentless intrusive thoughts about a relationship that ended about 8 months ago and nearly destroyed me. Tbh I don't know yet if I'll survive it. This morning I cried and thought I can't live with these memories. It was six years of drama on and off, and we reunited a year ago with great belief on my part that it would be forever, because he appeared to have changed in positive ways and got his life in order, and we talked about healing each other, and other noble aims, but once we were together he hadn't changed. He was controlling, paranoid and disrespectful and I couldn't cope with it eventually. It ended explosively with him threatening my life, based on some false accusations. That's all over, firmly no contact, but now I'm in a cycle of grief that keeps circling back, and anything can trigger it. I had some EMDR for trauma which helped at the time, but the memories and images haunt me. That, with the periods of nil motivation, and I have to wonder, How long can I go on like this? I have a good son and daughter, both with kids. I help them out where I can. I have a supportive sister and ex. But few people I can talk to about either the depression or the aftermath of the relationship. It seems to have damaged me, - my self image has changed, I don't think I have much to offer anyone anymore, I feel old and washed up. I used to work in mental health and aged care.. I used to paint pictures and was selling some. I don't work now, there's no motivation to look for a job although I need the money. I don't paint. I'm tired of the day to day struggle, pretending I'm okay, that I'm normal, that things are okay. I long for a deep connection with someone, a friend or partner, I feel so alone.