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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

Amuchbetterme Back Again
  • replies: 7

Hi All, I posted a bit earlier this year but starting again... this year has made me really start to reassess things. I've lost some weight and have significantly cut back my drinking. Was at a bottle of wine most days to now almost no drinking at al... View more

Hi All, I posted a bit earlier this year but starting again... this year has made me really start to reassess things. I've lost some weight and have significantly cut back my drinking. Was at a bottle of wine most days to now almost no drinking at all. That's been great but has really brought to the surface that I'm just not enjoying life right now. I have a great wife and amazing 2 boys yet I feel like my marriage is fizzling to us both very disconnected from each other, and my work is having far too much influence over my happiness affecting how truly present I am with my boys. I miss the younger "uni days" version of myself that thrived off having fun with people. Laughing every day any my study was something I just fitted in between everything else. Worst thing is I feel like I've been the luck one in so many aspects of my life so am almost angry at myself that I can't sort it myself. Anyway, I have a GP appointment this week and hope to get a mental health plan in place so I can get time with a psychologist to help really address things. I'm hopeful for a happier life - baby steps

choc37 Grandma feeling down
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Hi, Until recently I had my granddaughter living with me, now she is gone I'm feeling lost and alone. Can't sleep and have no friends to talk to. Feeling like my life is over, i've come on here hoping there is someone to chat to...thanks x View more

Hi, Until recently I had my granddaughter living with me, now she is gone I'm feeling lost and alone. Can't sleep and have no friends to talk to. Feeling like my life is over, i've come on here hoping there is someone to chat to...thanks x

ladybird22 Strategies to help me cope emotionally with my adult daughter with mental health and suicidal ideation.
  • replies: 15

Hi there Not sure if I'm in the right place, but maybe someone can refer me to some help please. For the past 10 years I've been in a type of "grieving" state of living. My daughter in her 40's is at rock bottom. She had a good husband, child, home a... View more

Hi there Not sure if I'm in the right place, but maybe someone can refer me to some help please. For the past 10 years I've been in a type of "grieving" state of living. My daughter in her 40's is at rock bottom. She had a good husband, child, home and much to look forward to, then she went off the rails. She was always a sensitive loving child and I've noticed over the years she has struggled to fit into the world, first I noticed she became addicted to "OTC medications:.. Her life spiralled downwards quickly and over 10 years later she has lost basically everything including her child. She is being evicted from her rental & so will be homeless. She doesn't have a car and unfortunately has addictions.. She has had suicide attempts a few years ago and is struggling with that again. I've tried everything over the years to help her, but have had to stop as I can't do any more as I was just enabling her. She has a number of mental illnesses but for some reason unknown to me hasn't been able to access the help she badly needs. The reason I'm writing here is I'm deteriorating as its breaking my heart as I'm now totally helpless and have to watch her become homeless in winter.. Not sure how I can get through this myself, any ideas?

Manalone Need a friend
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Hi. I’m a 79 year old guy who finds it so hard to make friends that I’m virtually alone despite being married. I am very quiet and shy and don’t do any of the usual ‘blokey’ things. Would love to have someone to talk with online. Any takers?

Hi. I’m a 79 year old guy who finds it so hard to make friends that I’m virtually alone despite being married. I am very quiet and shy and don’t do any of the usual ‘blokey’ things. Would love to have someone to talk with online. Any takers?

JayHasit New & looking for advice - anxious mums post?
  • replies: 7

Hi, I’ve never used these forums before but I have quite a wait until I can see my psychologist and would love for some perspective to get me through… I find myself a failure this evening.. I have two young children, a preschooler and a baby who is e... View more

Hi, I’ve never used these forums before but I have quite a wait until I can see my psychologist and would love for some perspective to get me through… I find myself a failure this evening.. I have two young children, a preschooler and a baby who is exclusively breastfed and won’t take a bottle. I find myself cornered at the moment between my rising anxiety and the unfortunate fact that my baby has refused the bottle so most things I could take to get a reprieve from my symptoms have either an unknown or negative impact on her. Ive spoken to my gp who was quite useless unfortunately, I was hoping for something herbal to start taking the edge off that is unlikely to have major symptoms on the baby but rather than opine on any of that he just offers me anxiety medication like it was an m&m… I have found myself overwhelmed by my symptoms yet again this evening and underwhelmed by my coping strategies. I am completely fine, until I am not, and then an anxious mess. Fight response my typical go to, desperately controlled and only just held back by my burning desire to not have to pick up the pieces of my husband and kids after they feel the wrath of my temporary outburst. I don’t know if there is a thread for the postnatal period somewhere or mums? My baby doesn’t sleep well and my preschooler doesn’t sleep during the day and I just feel trapped and that my body is at its limit. I am so on edge my body doesn’t have the willpower to fight myself and my thought patterns. The worthlessness roles in. I just want the internal critic to calm down.I know a good portion of our stress is a time of life fact. But I am so afraid that if I take the medication I will become addicted to the feeling of not fighting myself, yet be a mulled out marshmallow version of myself. im not even sure what I’m looking for here to be honest. Personal experiences or PNA perhaps. Definitely any recommendations for herbal anxiety supplements while breastfeeding. The GP (under pressure to give my a name of anything at all) did just tell me to try a few different things, so apparently I’m free to explore haha the risk vs benefit here is an anxious mum vs babies side effects … it’s pretty hard to not feel like a failure when your options are to expose your developing infant to any chemical, natural or otherwise, that might impact their development, or continue to be and anxious version of yourself, and likely not be the best version of a mother for them. anything to help me cope this next week?

kingzen69 Feeling sad, lonely, stressed and anxious...
  • replies: 7

Hi, I'm not really the type to talk about my feelings to people, so this is like the first time doing this. So, I don't know when it all started, maybe after high school going into uni... but I've noticed a big change in my emotions. I guess I've jus... View more

Hi, I'm not really the type to talk about my feelings to people, so this is like the first time doing this. So, I don't know when it all started, maybe after high school going into uni... but I've noticed a big change in my emotions. I guess I've just been a lot lonelier and regretful of how things kinda turned out, like not experiencing much about relationships. My friends and I hang out sometimes, watching movies and going out drinking, but other than that just pretty much on my own, working and studying, and doing my hobbies which makes me happy most times. Not sure how recent, but I think I've cried a lot more. I don't know, sometimes my mood just changes, and different thoughts just pop in my head. I know I'm also a lot more stressed and anxious because I'm about to finish my degree and I have to determine what I'll be doing for the rest of my life. I guess that's just a normal thing? Anyway, yeah, I just break down crying most nights to the point I just cry myself to sleep, just thinking about stuff and feeling sorry for myself mostly. I don't know, I think there's a part of me that likes feeling sorry for myself, or maybe I'm just an emotional person. I do sometimes wish I had someone to talk about my feelings to. I normally don't talk about these things to my family cause I think they'd think of me differently. They know I'm a shy and introverted person, but I guess I don't want them to think I got a problem, and I'm sad or whatever. I guess I just don't wanna add my problems to their problems… if that makes sense, I don't know. Well, that's pretty much it I guess.

belleroses Social struggle...no clear friends...exhaustion and isolation because of school. Anyone else feel the same?
  • replies: 5

I'm about 10 minutes new to this forum system, and to even being signed up with beyond blue. I've started unpacking some deep stuff with a therapist recently about some past trauma's and relationship abuse that has affected the way I relate to others... View more

I'm about 10 minutes new to this forum system, and to even being signed up with beyond blue. I've started unpacking some deep stuff with a therapist recently about some past trauma's and relationship abuse that has affected the way I relate to others. I'm 17, going on 18 very soon, slowly moving through the high-pressure last year of highschool. I don't have friends. I really couldn't be more straight forward with it. I have people i talk to at school, but it's not the same as FRIENDS, do we agree? Friendship is more important that just someone being a communication touchpoint, or someone you can go to to make you feel less uncomfortable being alone. I was isolated from school social groups pretty early on into highschool and have struggled to establish deeper connections with people - it's always been surface level, if you understand what i mean. It hasn't ever developed into something that i can rely on, or someone i can go out with on the weekends and so on. That's only been in the past few years. Everything seemed pretty peachy keen before then. Now i'm back at school, after an extended break and exams, and i realise just how little confidence i have in the peers around me. i'm never IN the group, never IN the friendship, and it hurts. Feels like then no ones truly there for me, or follows me up, or wants to connect. I have no one here during recess or lunch breaks. No one to sit with. And it has filled me with a certain degree of shame over the cumulative years. I have so much support, and so much love in my life, it just seems that school is such a difficult place to be. With no camaraderie, no ease. I think the resultant feeling is that i feel like im doing something wrong, that it isn't normal and that it should be different all the time. That never lets me relax, or release. That just keeps me insecure. I want to know if other people have the same thing...desperately. Cheers

Mishy29 First post
  • replies: 4

I am completely new here and I don't really know what to post. I have been struggling with mental health issues for a while now, but I was only officially diagnosed this week. I was previously told that I have a mixed anxiety depression disorder. As ... View more

I am completely new here and I don't really know what to post. I have been struggling with mental health issues for a while now, but I was only officially diagnosed this week. I was previously told that I have a mixed anxiety depression disorder. As of a few days ago, I was diagnosed (by a psychiatrist) with the following: -Generalised Anxiety disorder (also causing low mood and caused by complex trauma) -Complicated Grief disorder -Likely Autism Spectrum Disorder (further assessment recommended) I have been trying so hard over the past couple of years to deal with everything and I have tried a number of things to help including a few recovery programs, psychotherapy (ongoing psychology sessions), relaxation techniques, exercise, deep breathing exercises, meditation, caffeine reduction, journaling and medications (and probably other things that I haven't listed). I still though can't shake the feeling that I don't really know why I am here or what the point of it all is (but I also know that this is the illness talking and not reality). I feel incredibly grateful and lucky for what I have in my life, but I feel guilty that despite knowing that I am incredibly lucky, that I often feel miserable. I do have some days that are better than others and I can also see that I have made some progress since my journey started. I am still determined though to get through all of this and find a way to have a meaningful and good quality of life. I am particularly struggling at the moment with separating my work and personal life and I find that work stress is not as easy for me to deal with compared to the past (some of my traumas come from work situations). It also doesn't help that I deal with several chronic illnesses on a daily basis. I think though that given what I have had to deal with, I should give myself some credit for how I have managed things and how I have kept going no matter what. I will aim to read others posts over the coming days and hopefully I will also be able to contribute to some of these posts.

Kat_1 Hey 😊
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I’m Kat. just a quick question please! what happens or is it just a different or new add on to your already clinical depression, if your watching your whole world just crumble all around you, not being able to do anything about it, realise yep it is ... View more

I’m Kat. just a quick question please! what happens or is it just a different or new add on to your already clinical depression, if your watching your whole world just crumble all around you, not being able to do anything about it, realise yep it is actually happening, and then become weirdly happy? Even though inside your not but just saying that it doesn’t feel right. I feel so happy inside and out!

saga Happy to be here
  • replies: 12

Well, this is new for me and I won't lie - I don't really know what to say. It's been years since I've contributed to a forum and certainly never one around mental health. Anyway, this year is the first year I've decided I'm going to do something con... View more

Well, this is new for me and I won't lie - I don't really know what to say. It's been years since I've contributed to a forum and certainly never one around mental health. Anyway, this year is the first year I've decided I'm going to do something concrete about my depression, which I've had for a very long time. I am seeing a counsellor and talking to my GP, and am also starting medication. For the first time in living memory, I'm starting to feel hopeful. My life is getting rocky and things are not going well in terms of work and relationships. But I'm still hopeful for the first time in ages, and I'm looking forward to chatting to everyone here.