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Sophie_M 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 ... View more

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

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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ChildHeart Online chat and call counselling
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, sorry to be posting this here, but I have a question about a post I wish to make and need to know if it would even be appropriate, allowed or what section I could even post it in?Would it be allowed to post a topic on peoples general (no nam... View more

Hi guys, sorry to be posting this here, but I have a question about a post I wish to make and need to know if it would even be appropriate, allowed or what section I could even post it in?Would it be allowed to post a topic on peoples general (no naming counsellors and things or anything of course) experiences with the online chat and call counselling service? I’ve been using it recently and would love to chat with other members here on the forum about their overall experiences? However I understand if it wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss. Thoughts? Thank you.

AmaraA HELP PLEASE REGARDING THE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR 8 VOLUNTEER SUPPORT WORKERS ON CHATS
  • replies: 1

Good Morning Everyone, I was in that hope for someone who may lead me in the right direction. I am looking to establish and build up my online voices profile to eventually apply for the 8 volunteer blue voices position that beyond blue is reaching ou... View more

Good Morning Everyone, I was in that hope for someone who may lead me in the right direction. I am looking to establish and build up my online voices profile to eventually apply for the 8 volunteer blue voices position that beyond blue is reaching out for. I received the notification via my email a couple of days ago, although I am not working at the moment I enjoy helping others and hearing them out I am a good listener and it is in my nature and character to provide empathy to others who may be struggling or have gone through similar situations as to what I have been thru and still going thru. I hope to inspire others I have a few of my own personal distractions and therapies that I attend to at times as intervention if iIfeel as though my mental health is about to slip a little , these distractions and acitvities i partake in prevent me from falling into a rut and save me allot of pain mentally and physically , in saying so i hope to encourage and use my personal practices in inspiring those they too can feell better again. nothing feels beeter then providing happines to others by enriching their lifestyle and leading them on a much happier healthier life path ( THERE MOST DEFINATELY IS A WHITE LIGHT AT THE END OF THAT TUNNEL WE ALL CALL DARKNESS, I KNOW THERE IS I HAVE SEEN IT MYSELF. ) I must help people in order for me to get better also if that makes any sense . some say the saying YOU CANT HELP OTHERS IF YOU CANT HELP YOURSELF , i believe that is not a very plausable and accurate quote "I BELIVE WHY NOT REHABILITATE ONESELF AND RECEIVE YOUR THERAPY AT THE SAME TIME AS VOLUNTEERING AND HELPING OTHERS OVERCOME THEIR DEMONS ALSO i think some of the best leaders , inspiration profiles , and even teachers of the world find that their best advice is always given in time of learning. all of my advice is purely from my general life experience in batteling Severe Depression , Anxiety Bipolar and Pyschosis for just over 15 years now , and still till this day I battle with my mental health , i just no how to manage it more so now then what i use to. anyways it reads in the email that to be able to apply for the position for 8 volunteers blue voices you have to build up a profile by chatting on forums firstly before you can actually speak to people who are in seek of support and wanting to chat. ALL ADVICE AND HELP IS APPRECIATED KiND REGARDS & BLESSINGSAmara xxx

Benficaslb Side affects
  • replies: 5

Hi,I started taking antidepressants for anxiety. On my first day after a few hours of taking the medicine I started feeling very dizzy, with shortness of breath and end up fainting.I was unconscious for 2 minutes. Now i am scared that it can happen a... View more

Hi,I started taking antidepressants for anxiety. On my first day after a few hours of taking the medicine I started feeling very dizzy, with shortness of breath and end up fainting.I was unconscious for 2 minutes. Now i am scared that it can happen again.

Sociocracy Burnout
  • replies: 4

Hi folks..listening to the radio (ABC) the other day, I was introduced to a line of enquiry, regarding why so many people are feeling exhausted and finding it SO hard to do basics. Little own broader social engagement. BURNOUT. Fair Dinkum I’m so poo... View more

Hi folks..listening to the radio (ABC) the other day, I was introduced to a line of enquiry, regarding why so many people are feeling exhausted and finding it SO hard to do basics. Little own broader social engagement. BURNOUT. Fair Dinkum I’m so pooped. There’s so many things I could and need to do, (like brush my teeth) that’s so hard. Feel like I’m dragging around 40 kilos. I curse the smallest stuff and the biggest. Very negative view. It’s a bit like symptoms of depression..But I’m worn out by circumstance…over time.

Bailey3 Support Group
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I would love to join a support group where we catch up in person about anxiety/panic disorder?! located in Western Australia. thankyou

Hi everyone, I would love to join a support group where we catch up in person about anxiety/panic disorder?! located in Western Australia. thankyou

Zazzah Lost disconnected lonely
  • replies: 4

really suffering last couple of weeks. Seems to have compounded to my not being able to drive anymore and retiring. Feeling so closed off and the future seems so overwhelming right now. Can't seem to shake feelings of being alone, even when I'm not. ... View more

really suffering last couple of weeks. Seems to have compounded to my not being able to drive anymore and retiring. Feeling so closed off and the future seems so overwhelming right now. Can't seem to shake feelings of being alone, even when I'm not. Scared of aging and not knowing what to do

Zarora Struggling mentally after a car accident
  • replies: 5

This is my first step admitting I am struggling. Instead of crawling into bed and sleeping in the middle of the day; like I would rather do... I am writing this. I have always been a careful driver. Never been in a car accident before. That was until... View more

This is my first step admitting I am struggling. Instead of crawling into bed and sleeping in the middle of the day; like I would rather do... I am writing this. I have always been a careful driver. Never been in a car accident before. That was until 3 weeks to this day. I was driving the same route, I always go to drop my two kids off at primary school. Short story is... I was stationary and my hatchback hit in the back by a van going 100km. I dont remember anything, didn't see them coming. Just hearing my kids screaming at the back.. I got myself and them out safely.. but its all a blur. People talking to me faces and questions, I barely remember anything. We went to the hospital and physically we were okay. Just bruises thankfully. Since the accident all I have had to do was report injuries to the police, my partner dealt with our insurance (all been finalised and paid) and I put in a claim for myself and my kids for TAC... just incase. I have been struggling with anxiety when it comes to being in the car and worse with driving. I see potential accidents everywhere. I get nervous when a car is behind us, I keep thinking they will crash into us. I contantly check the side mirror. I have had some panic attacks (worst I have had in my life) but I am slowly getting there. I drove on a actual road with other cars yesterday, it wasn't easy, but I did it. Since I can't drive, I have to rely on others to drive my kids to and from school and me to and from work. I feel useless and could stop feeling the way I do. Wish I wasn't such a burden on people. With all this going on.. today was hard... because I had to talk to the TAC about our claim. Just when I think its all finalised, theres more steps, calls and I am tired and confused. Constant reminders of what happened, when I am struggling to get back to my normal. The process is leaving me drained, so much I was going to just cancel it. My partner said we should continue just incase for my kids and I. So I did. My call with TAC today ended with ... we will call soon, within the week. I am so done, especially since this is all just in case. I just want to skip to the part where its all finished and I feel normal.

lala_lily Overthinking and overwhelming
  • replies: 3

Has anyone ever felt so stressed and overwhelmed out of the blue? Well I do because I tend to overthink too much about what mistakes I do and I feel nauseous and wanted to just throw up. I realised I have anxiety and nervous all the time and I breakd... View more

Has anyone ever felt so stressed and overwhelmed out of the blue? Well I do because I tend to overthink too much about what mistakes I do and I feel nauseous and wanted to just throw up. I realised I have anxiety and nervous all the time and I breakdown in silence as if my soul just left my body. I couldn't think straight and focus or hear anyone talking or calling to me. At times my flashbacks and nightmares is playing up and I have trouble sleeping as I overthink way too much. Maybe I need help? Everytime I seek for help I don't know why I started to cry, maybe I just haven't told anyone how I feel? I just never learn how to express how I feel or share my own pain. I been carrying this heavy pain for quite long now and I have thought of quitting my own life and just slowly wanted to run away and disappear from everyone. Please I just want to know what everyone's thoughts about this and what I can do to overcome this kind of fear that is eating me away?

amd1953 Sharing the Hope
  • replies: 3

It wasn't until I began reading some of the posts on here that I realised how many people are going through such terrible pain. It sort of pales your own problems into insignificance as you read their words. I was an aged and disability carer for a f... View more

It wasn't until I began reading some of the posts on here that I realised how many people are going through such terrible pain. It sort of pales your own problems into insignificance as you read their words. I was an aged and disability carer for a few years before problems with my back forced me to give up something I loved doing and it breaks my heart to find so many people expressing their fears. I know that takes a great deal of resolve and inner strength to make it public but it is also nothing to be ashamed of. We are all human beings and as such our emotions define us as we go through our life journeys. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions that simply overwhelm us and we turn to others for advice and support. This is by far the best thing we can do rather than keep it locked up inside which can only make things worse in the long run. For so long, I shied away from asking for help when I really needed it because I didn't want to burden anyone else with my problems but when the system is in place to offer some kind of support then surely, we would be wise to reach out for a lifeline to get us back on course. Even if the improvement isn't immediate, it is reassuring to know that there are ways of improving our lives to enable us to make things better for ourselves.

Overit2389 Is anyone else overwhelmed by Society Noise (I mean hooning, motorbikes)
  • replies: 2

Hi It seems I suffer from misophonia, a recent discovery bought about by more than 10 years of belligerent people who think it's perfectly OK to use public roads for their personal racetracks! And it seems nobody cares to stop them. Constant loud car... View more

Hi It seems I suffer from misophonia, a recent discovery bought about by more than 10 years of belligerent people who think it's perfectly OK to use public roads for their personal racetracks! And it seems nobody cares to stop them. Constant loud cars and idiotic motorbike riders using verges near my home every single day since we moved here. It's driving me INSANE and I wish I had a way to block them out or put a stop to it entirely! If anyone has ideas I'm literally all ears!