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Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support

replies: 1

Hey everyone, We acknowledge that many of our Forums members here are currently facing the impacts of Cyclone Alfred and might be feeling uncertain, afraid and overwhelmed. We wanted to create a separate post here to come together during what may be a distressing time for many of us to support one another. Recognising that the impacts of a natural disaster can occur both before, during and after, we have prepared some resources which we hope can be helpful: From the Queensland Government, Useful information to help you get ready for a cyclone:Home | Get Ready Queensland Emotional Preparedness: Prepare your mind | Australian Red Cross Three-steps-to-emotionally-prepare-for-the-disaster-season.pdf What now? Coping after the event: Coping after a crisis | Australian Red Cross Maintaining wellbeing in the face of long-term stress | Australian Red Cross Emergency preparedness guide | Australian Red Cross As always, if you wish to speak to a counsellor, the Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. Stay safe, everyone, and take good care of yourself during what can be a deeply challenging time. Kind regards 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 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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Newbie

replies: 5

Hi guys just signed up .. 48 Yr F works as a nurse ... hoping to talk and listen to those that need it and maybe I can receive advice ... looking forward to this.

Hi, desperation sets in.

replies: 4

I guess my story is the same as most on here. I have suffered depression and anxiety for a number of years now. I did all the right things, like going to my doc, seeing a psyche, going on pills, tried counselling, deep breathing etc etc. I'm afraid that I finally turned to alcohol. I'm not sure how I feel about anything. I'm tired and have no energy or inclination to do anything. I am a shift worker which doesn't help, but I feel so often that I've just had enough and it's too hard to keep going. I have so many good intentions about how I'm going to improve my life, but every morning I wake up feeling too worn out to try and change my life around. I have had a hard life, like most of us I guess, and it all just seems too hard.

I'm new to this

replies: 4

I'm 33 and suffering from generalized anxiety, which has resulted in me not leaving the house in over 4 months, I'm feeling depressed and my hope is slowly decreasing, I have 2 children which keep me going and giving my hope and reason. I have a husband which I love with all my heart but is losing hope because this has been an on and off battle for 5 years, I get better and then this happens again, this is number four and is the longest time I have been at home with doing anything in the outside world.

Newbie & a little bit confused. Introduction :-)

replies: 2

Apologies if this is the wrong place to introduce myself. I'm new to this and a little bit confused on how to navigate. My name is Libbie, i'm 19 and i've struggled with major depressive disorder for the past 6 or 7 years or so. A large portion of my life, anyway, which started from an event in late primary school. This year, particularly this last month have been difficult for me and i'm currently in the middle of a pretty gnarly depressive episode. Trying to adjust to life out of school was hard & I had what can best be described as an existential crisis. Not long after that my cousin/friend ended his own life which furthered my depression. There were times when I thought I could understand why he left, like theres nothing good in the world. I was angry a lot, sad a lot, easily irritated and generally didn't want to be around. I believe this put a big strain on my relationship with my then boyfriend. This last month has been hard for me when he unexpectedly dumped me. I do miss him, he was my best friend. I feel a lot of self loathing, like it was my fault. like a failure. Like i'm too difficult to be around. It would be easy to blame my illness but I think it's just me. I tried very hard to be a good girlfriend but in the end I just wasn't good enough. Too much & not enough all at the same time. Those are some feelings I'm working through. I also don't feel like a real person. it's hard to describe. I feel like i've always built my identity on the people around me, and now I have no idea who I am. Or what I enjoy. Anyway, i'm on here to hopefully get/provide some support with some likeminded peeps. I tend to get worked up & sad at night time, so i'd love to hear suggestions on how you guys calm yourselves down when you feel a panic attack/depression session coming on. lol. So yeah. That's me.

Newbie and anxious.

replies: 3

Hi. Im Suzie and i have been diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety disorder. I was offically diagnosed 6 years ago but its always been there since i can remember and now i am 29. I have gone through a lot of different strategies to help myself and sometimes im better but lately i havent improved. Im a single mum of a beautiful 5 year old and i try so hard not to have attacks in front of him. He is my world. Depression, anxiety and things like alcoholism run heavily in my dads side of the family quiet far back. My dad has been in hospital and had shock treatment and so has my auntie. After i had my son i got worse but i dont know why. Everything in my life was great. I have so much support from family yet i still feel empty. After trially lots of theatpies and medication, i found two tablets that completely stopped me from having either attacks and doing gardening. Last year i decided to go and study. I did very well and i passed my diploma and got a job. It was all going so well but then the bitchiness started, i started feeling small and useless and i didnt want to go back so i quiet. Every since then i have felt different. I dont have anxiety but its like im not happy anymore about anything. I feel like im useless and i have racing thoughts or im in a fog. Everytime i try to talk about how i feel weather it be to family, friends or doctor i burst out crying and i feel like i dont want to talk about it. I dont feel right abd i dont know why. Everyone just tells me to get over it but i really really cant get out of this feeling and it distroys my motivation. I have been on benzodiazepenes for 5 years, my short term memory is bad and my communication is all over the place. I dont feel right.

Hi - I'm Julian and I have Dysthymia

replies: 1

Hi everyoneMy name is Julian and as of 2 days ago I shared my story of being diagnosed with Dysthymia. I get medical help and some good drugs as well as family support as well. I felt that sharing my story was a step in the right direction and the response has been overwhelming. It would seem that a lot of people don't know about Dysthymia and it seems to fit into a lot of peoples lives.I look forward to talking with more of you over time and I am happy for anyone to share my story and bring awareness to Dysthymia

Hello - New to forum

replies: 4

Hello, I am having a bad day today and I'm reaching out for more assistance with current anxiety and depression due to a relationship breakup. I have consulted my GP and currently on a mental health plan in which I have already had two counselling sessions. I have family who support me but it's so hard to talk to them about everything, I don't want to let them down or start crying, they don't need to be dealing with my stuff. I have lonely days when I just want someone to talk to or check on me, today is one of these. I have a full time job that isn't fantastic, very boring and lonely at times. I am trying to study online and this has added pressure, I had deferred for the last two months and now need to get back on track. I have pushed away friends for the sake of the relationship I have been in over the 3 years which was fresh off a marriage breakup. It was his decision to end it, I had little idea it was this bad for him. All my thoughts are about him, I can't get him out of my head. Just typing these words and thinking it makes me so tense and helpless. Having a sad day today.

Newbie - Lost and Wondering

replies: 19

I'm a Forum First Timer looking for Answers to Many Questions, Most of which just seem Impossible to be Answered. Most of my life I'm just a Stuff-Up to My Family, Friends, Anyone I have Met; I've just Pushed them Away. So far away that I don't Communicate with anyone anymore. I've sought Professional help when I've been at my lowest so many times I've lost count, I've just can't keep up anymore. I've resorted to many levels including drugs, alcohol, violence when I've felt there was no other way than walking or running away to try and forget my past, but it just keeps bighting me back. I've done Rehab to fix those I could but there was Always A Single Card Shown to me, That My Problem was with me, inside me, and so was the Answers, Being That I have Emotional Problems more than anything. Not many people know how to help me with these because it was always hard to find someone who was Qualified enough to Help. I've also had to resort to living on the streets at my lowest, and on top of this along, Medical Problems, both Physically and Mentally. Some of the Physical setbacks are treated by Meds, and some are Incurable, but it's My Mental Health I see that taking a flogging, which in turn affects my weight gain, lack of confidence and even though GP's, Psych's, and Specialists can only do so much, I feel I've already run out of options, but one thing I've never let go is my ability to keep searching. Who knows, I may never find the answers, but I'd like to know I've come here to share My Ventures. I Hope You don't Mind? Living on the Public System is Not a Benefit, It's a Nightmare, as well as Lack of Public Health Disappearing too, that has made it so much harder. I think I did have a life once but I was drowned out by the Extreme Lack of Support from my Family since Childhood and Medical Help. I want to share more and hopefully, maybe in time here, I can? I putting myself out into this Internet World for everyone to see. Thank You!

Newbie

replies: 1

Hi guys!I'm new here, looking to make some friends who understand what this rollercoaster is all about!a bit about me - I'm F/22/Melbourne - I'm engaged to a beautiful woman.I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalised & social anxiety disorder, BPD and UFED. There have been mentions of adult ADHD but no formal diagnosis. Physically, I have fibromyalgia and PCOS which both affect me on a daily basis.I work full time - which is hard and i'm really struggling with at the moment.I have zero friends in Melbourne beyond my partner and would love to have contact with anyone who'd like to chat more and get to know each other.anyway, that's a bit about me - tell me about you!

Introducing myself

replies: 3

Hi, My name is Tim and I'm 28. I've decided to join Beyond Blue to offer my ear and any advice I can to people struggling with any form of depression/social anxiety. I have been through both, numerous times. We all know how hard it can be, how lonely it can be, and how frustrating it can be. I believe we will aways 'suffer' from it in some respect, but I also believe with the right help and strategies you can live a very productive and happy life. I would absolutely love to be able to offer my ear, pass on some strategies and advice that has worked for me, as well as help develop strategies for others to get through their battle. Look forward to chatting with you, Tim.

Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support replies: 1

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Newbie replies: 5

Hi, desperation sets in. replies: 4

I'm new to this replies: 4

Newbie & a little bit confused. Introduction :-) replies: 2

Newbie and anxious. replies: 3

Hi - I'm Julian and I have Dysthymia replies: 1

Hello - New to forum replies: 4

Newbie - Lost and Wondering replies: 19

Newbie replies: 1

Introducing myself replies: 3