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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

That Other Guy Hi everyone
  • replies: 7

I just found this forum, I joined because I can't seem to keep a social media account. I am high functioning autistic, married 28 years, 53 years old, two kids, it's alleged I suffer depression although I've always felt I am rationally sad about the ... View more

I just found this forum, I joined because I can't seem to keep a social media account. I am high functioning autistic, married 28 years, 53 years old, two kids, it's alleged I suffer depression although I've always felt I am rationally sad about the things in my life. I'm just hoping to find a community to be part of, really, because I work from home and my wife doesn't live with me and I lack any sort of social interaction. I've had a few friends in recent years but I lost them, one because I disagreed with his morals and one for reasons that would take another 2500 words to explain but basically she and I couldn't be friends without her looking to imply other levels of connection were intended that I was uncomfortable with. I have struggled with that more than once, and would just like a sense of support. I play guitar, I am in a band. I love to cook. I like reading (currently reading Hannah Gadsby, I adore her). I have a dog and I love to take her for walks. That's all I guess.

Shannon123 I’ve completely lost my way
  • replies: 5

Hi my name is Shannon and I am 49yo male. I’ve suffered with mental health for many years, but all of my 40’s it’s really gone off the rails. I’ve been in and out of a few mental hospitals and seen so many doctors and psychiatrists in my years and be... View more

Hi my name is Shannon and I am 49yo male. I’ve suffered with mental health for many years, but all of my 40’s it’s really gone off the rails. I’ve been in and out of a few mental hospitals and seen so many doctors and psychiatrists in my years and been on countless medications. I was an athlete most of my years and have represented Qld and Australia in sport. I’m a published songwriter, published poet and multi award winning photographer. But I have completely lost my way and now pushed everyone away for the past 2 months as I now live alone in a van and go no where or do nothing. It’s really eating me away and yes I’m scared of where my life has ended up! The biggest problem you face when your in such a deep dark hole, is trust! Trusting people, I have been lead down so many dead end roads and faulse promises or lack of help that I trust no one anymore and with that I’m falling deeper and deeper and seriously frightened that I will never get out. Every single day now is just a constant blur. Your thoughts, your vision and your fight for life are all thrown into a uncomfortable feeling of despair and self unworthyness. I have tried everything and completely lost on what to even do next or how to get out of this huge mess. All you ever wanna do is wake up and it was just a bad dream, but then the realisation of it all is it’s no dream, it is reailty. It is so hard to explain it to total strangers and people have there own opinion’s and judgment, which leaves you very fragile. Which will then put my mental illness into instant fright and flight mode and I go straight back into hiding… I hate it, I hate everything about it…. It’s torture, it’s cruel, it’s unfair and so very debilitating. Through all these years suffering I’ve been diagnosed with a few things. PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder and Bi Polar. And when you read up about them, yes I am all these things. But Why? I need honest and approachable guidence, but where do you go where there is trust and real guidance! The mental health system is a major let down and the hospitals are only there to save you if your suicidal. If you even front up there they make you feel worse and belittled and unworthy. That is fact as I have been in and out of the system for the passed 10 years, but yet I’m left feeling worse! I do not what to lose the battle, I am worth fighting for and I’m down on my knees begging for serious help! Please I am begging for honest guidance and serious help… Shannon

Darby88 Introduction
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I am reaching out because I am hoping I will feel less alone. I take care of my mental health in terms of regularly seeing psychiatrist and therapy. But this last stint of depression and mild psychosis is wearing me out. I have had hallucinat... View more

Hi all, I am reaching out because I am hoping I will feel less alone. I take care of my mental health in terms of regularly seeing psychiatrist and therapy. But this last stint of depression and mild psychosis is wearing me out. I have had hallucinations, treatment resistant depression, hypomania and delusions, and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I am turning 50 years old in June and my first hallucinations started before 10 years old. I have learned to live with hallucinations and they no longer frighten me as they did as a child. These last years they have been pretty innocuous. I self medicated with drugs and alcohol through my late teens and twenties but have been clean and sober for nearly 20 years. I have had periods where the depression has been fairly tame. I have a teenage son, who has multiple disabilities but is well adjusted, happy and doing well in all areas of his life. I coparent with his dad and step mother and it is a friendly and drama free arrangement. I will never seek out suicide because of my son. It is off the table completely and I am medicated enough that I am rational and do not have to be concerned that I will impulsively act out on my suicidal thoughts. but I wish I didn’t want to be dead. living like this is so difficult. I have a meaningful and satisfying job in the field in which I just completed my masters degree. I adore my animals. but I am losing friendships; of which there weren’t many to start with, as it is too exhausting being around people when I have spent my whole day working or parenting with a front on that all is okay. I have written this out before I head off to work. thanks. I feel a little okay that I have put some action in. Go well people

SSR Adult Son- psychotic episode
  • replies: 11

Hi All, my adult son (26) has been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and is on the Autism Spectrum and has been seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist for the last 12 months and is currently on his 4th type of anti-depressant together with anti... View more

Hi All, my adult son (26) has been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and is on the Autism Spectrum and has been seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist for the last 12 months and is currently on his 4th type of anti-depressant together with anti-psychotic medication and nothing seems to be working. Also, his girlfriend left him yesterday (she's great and has tried very hard to help him). He had a terrible episode yesterday and we had to call an ambulance. He waited in A&E for 4 hours and the doctor eventually said she thinks is also has OCD, that the medication he is now on seems fine and sent him home. He stayed with us last night but has now gone home to an empty house and thinks his girlfriend is coming home in a couple of days - which she is not. We are all at our wits-end and don't know where to go from here. Please help if you can.

Starre Alcohol
  • replies: 16

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone else had the same issue as me. The thing is, I need alcohol to feel like other people, such as feeling happy, motivated, being empathetic, making plans, thinking about goals etc, literally everything. I use... View more

Hi everyone. I was just wondering if anyone else had the same issue as me. The thing is, I need alcohol to feel like other people, such as feeling happy, motivated, being empathetic, making plans, thinking about goals etc, literally everything. I used to be depressed but I'm not now as I take antidepressants which has totally turned my life around, so I don't drink because I'm depressed. I don't know how to feel this good and motivated and like everyone else without drinking. Has anyone had this issue and how do I feel good like everyone else naturally?? I stress though, I am no longer depressed, so this is not the issue.

MM_ Help with partners controlling adult daughter
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Long term partner who lives away has a controlling adult daughter who does not approve me. We also haven’t been public with relationship due ex wife. She previously threatened her own safety and tried turn partners kids against him for years. He stay... View more

Long term partner who lives away has a controlling adult daughter who does not approve me. We also haven’t been public with relationship due ex wife. She previously threatened her own safety and tried turn partners kids against him for years. He stayed until finally had enough and kids were grown. Ex wife is alcoholic who everyone is very careful not upset as threatens harm self in and out mental health and rehabilitation faculties for 10 years. Escalating now again. I was blamed for the marriage breakup and issues as other woman. Issues there prior to knowing partner she had drinking problem since teenager which was hidden until divorce. Was very controlling and abusive. We have spent years over 10 being careful so we don’t make situation worse. I finally had enough secrecy and asked partner tell daughter who is now saying if he sees me she will cut contact including grand child. We have loved each other for a very long time but went separate ways for years trying to not inflame situation. I have always respected situation and kept private from all but very close family. Partner’s daughter only just been officially told that my partner wants move life on. Daughter saying if that me then she will never support this. This is a brief overview of background. My partner is now questioning if we can ever be together as he doesn’t want to lose contact daughter and granddaughter which I can understand. I know he loves me deeply and torn being asked choose. No one ever says no to daughter including her father as cut off or punished by not talking for a time if challenged. her husband will go along with this to support his wife and not argue I am seen as the cause of these family problems by daughter as mothers problems were hidden by all to protect her only other family members can see the bigger problems that are not my doing and support us this relationship is everything to both us. We are very practical and stable otherwise and were planning a life together in future my partner is very hurt by this on going turmoil and says he just wants peace I don’t know what to do I need some impartial advise please I’m am very distressed as I would never want to be the cause more hurt. i can’t bring myself to walk away due to the deep love we have. Thank you in advance

Kazzam3310 I’m Lost, I don’t want to live anymore
  • replies: 4

I hate myself typing these words. I have been seeing a psychologist for over two years have seen a psychiatrist had my medication changed. I go okay for a little while then I’m struggling with not wanting to live. I have a history of childhood abuse.... View more

I hate myself typing these words. I have been seeing a psychologist for over two years have seen a psychiatrist had my medication changed. I go okay for a little while then I’m struggling with not wanting to live. I have a history of childhood abuse. Recently I’ve had confirmation of other family members being abused as well, I have had nightmares and I don’t know whether anything happened but the feelings these nightmares leave are terrifying. I feel selfish feeling that I want to end my life, I feel that talking about it is a band aid affect, everything is okay for a little while but the problem is still there. I have 3 beautiful children and 4 gorgeous grandchildren this should be enough for me to want to live. I sleep the majority of the time, I don’t eat because I can’t stand the thought of food, don’t shower for days on end, I know it’s not good, yes I know that I should get out of the house, go for a walk, everything is too much effort. I tell myself I’m so lazy.

michiru_maeda Never thought I would be here
  • replies: 7

I kept seeing Beyond Blue posters on the back of public toilet door stall. I always have those little 'noises' inside my head. But hey, who doesn't? I thought I was strong and normal. life goes ups and downs. This is just the cycle of life. My mental... View more

I kept seeing Beyond Blue posters on the back of public toilet door stall. I always have those little 'noises' inside my head. But hey, who doesn't? I thought I was strong and normal. life goes ups and downs. This is just the cycle of life. My mental support came in a form of a stray cat. She lived under my house. Took her in. Took her to the vet. They took her away from me. Sent the cat to RSPCA for identification and relocating the owner. Fair enough. After 8 days, if no one comes forward, I could formally adopt her, they said. 8 days have passed but they haven't returned the cat to me. I miss her dearly, the cat gave me hope. I had something to look forward to after work. Now my house is a sad place to live. Who would have thought a cat brought me here. Thank you for reading. Nice to meet you and wish to connect. Cheers!

Gracie63 Lurking in the background
  • replies: 11

Im a newbie here and have been reading lots of other’s stories about anxiety and I have been really reassured that I am not alone with this debilitating disorder. Anxiety has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember and at different times ... View more

Im a newbie here and have been reading lots of other’s stories about anxiety and I have been really reassured that I am not alone with this debilitating disorder. Anxiety has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember and at different times I’ve used medication to deal with it and have had some good years where I seem to have managed It but I guess it’s always been lurking in the background because it’s back with a vengeance and my anxiety has now hit me with an all time high .The last six months are now so bad that It feels like it’s in my heart , my chest, my throat and of course I immediately think I have some major health issues but have had lots of tests that come back with all is fine . I can not work or even leave the house sometimes. It freaks me out because it’s like it just has taken over me and of course every little twinge gets my mind going in to overload and it takes forever to shut it up. I am so grateful to finding these forums as It really does help to ease my mind and body.