Welcome and Orientation

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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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Time to say hello

replies: 12

Hi Today I finally realised the importance of using my voice, so here I am. I live in a large regional city in NSW, and in my late 50s. I am widowed and have a grown up family and grandkids. I have a couple of friends who I could say are good friends, a small circle of acquaintances, a secure job and a secure roof over my head, and not living hand to mouth. My health isn't great but not too bad. But I have depression, anxiety and am a survivor of child sexual assault. I also have a sleep disorder and some other conditions that do tend to make life a bit frustrating at times. For most of my life, I have put my needs last. I have kept quiet and pretended I was okay when I wasn't. The number of people that have seen me cry could be counted on one hand. Whenever I talk even now about how I feel, the attention of the other person (except professionals of course) seems to wane half way through. Whereas I will listen to others for as long as they need. Conversely, I talk too much at times and come across as much more sociable than I really am. I'm hoping that I have found a safe space to be able to be myself, and share some common understanding. I'm pretty self aware and have ideas and plans but I find myself going off track quite easily. I do feel that a shared journey is sometimes smoother. So hello!

Oppositional Defiance Disorder ~ Child

replies: 4

Hello, My 10 year old daughter's therapist says she is exhibiting oppositional defiance disorder. I have tried the private pathway but all paediatric specialists and psychologists are booked out until 2022. I have CAMHS appointment for her in December this year. Is there any other pathway that I can use to get an earlier appointment anywhere, be it private or public? I have rung so many paediatric specialists~ everyone is not taking new patients or the earliest appointment is April 2022. My daughter is violent and I was told may need medication to balance her neurotransmitters. So does that mean I find a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist as they can prescribe medication? Which specialist should I be requesting an appointment with? Thank you for your help. Much appreciated. Anya

Childhood adversity and therapy

replies: 5

Hi there, I'm new here but have been dealing with anxiety and depression for many years. I guess to sum up my childhood, I was raised by a mother who was emotionally neglectful and my father was an addict who died when I was 6. My mother created her own little family with her new partner when I was 6 and I was pushed aside. I was never really shown love or support from either of them and this escalated into conflict as I got older. Having this start in life has really impacted the way I engage with the world and I have found myself in a bad place. Things have been getting worse over the years and it's becoming harder and harder to cope with new stressors. Because I've been dealing with this for so long and pushed so many people away, my support system is pretty much non existent but I am trying to fix this. Recently, I decided to give counselling another try. In the past, I've never been able to get past session two because I just don't like the psychologist. I think I've finally found a psychologist who seems to get it and communicates in a way that clicks with me. We've only had four sessions so far and we're getting into a lot of tricky stuff. I'm generally pretty good during the appointments, maybe a few tears here or there but I don't mind it much. What I'm finding hard is that my anxiety between appointments is getting really intense. I tend to over analayse everything, this is a common thing for me... I am usually able to cope with my day to day anxiety or at least distract myself from it if it gets a bit much. Right now, I just can't switch my brain off. I can't stop thinking... all the time... and it's not just one train of thought either, it's almost like there's a crowd of people in my head all talking at once. I find writing these things down helps me to focus a bit more but as soon as I'm done it starts again. Objectively I knew that this would be difficult to work through, but I didn't realise it would be this overwhelming. I am comfortable communicating these concerns with my psychologist and I trust that he will do what he can to help. I am curious to hear from people who have worked through foundational issues from their past. I know everyones experiences are different but I would be interested to know how other people handled counselling for childhood trauma/adversity. How long does it take to work through these kinds of issues? Was it really difficult for you? Are there ways you supported yourself while working through the hard stuff?

Just getting my mind/thoughts out there.

replies: 14

Hi all. First time poster and something I'd never thought I'd have to do at my age (48), but mental health never takes a break. If nothing else, this will help me get some thoughts out there. This last week has been fairly bad with regards depression. I've sort of managed to keep it at bay over the last 15-20 years (when i was last diagnosed) cause to excess work, however something snapped in me since this last lockdown ended (in Vic) and i've struggled to get a handle on it. I know that i can push the depression away eventually, but it's never a pleasant experience to have to deal with. And pushing the depression away doesn't solve my underlying issues. I live in a remote-ish area so not really had a chance to make friends out here. I've been here 11 years, but as always, i've always found it hard to make friends, even as a kid. I'm a natural loner. Generally as I had my work to keep my mind occupied, i never really noticed this problem. Additionally working in the office with others workers pre-Covid, i was able to ignored the issue. But even with lockdown ending, i still can't go back to the office, probably on a permanent basis. i got diagnosed with depression around 30yo by my psychiatrist. I only focused on the depression, however he did elude to the probability i had anxiety and possibly other things, but i brushed it off (i aint the quickest tool in the shed to put two and two together). It is only now that I've realised i never actually dealt with the anxiety/panic attacks, and now for some reason it's all come back to my mind and pushed me down a dark rabbit hole. Along with the loneliness and isolation, it has come as a punch in the stomach and i am struggling. My mind has been racing with 100s of thoughts ... and it wont keep quiet!! I will go back and get professional help, but with x-mas coming, it will take time to find somebody out my way. I thought i'd just put my thoughts here as a start to try and get my mind sorted somehow.

Want To Know More

replies: 3

Hello all, I’ve been confused with myself and curious about my behaviours. I’ve been aware of it for a long time but never received any clinical help nor have I been diagnosed. There are times when I experience intense emotions to the point it can cause headaches or evoke a sense of euphoria. In this mindset, my empathy for others is deep. I am able to understand their emotions and can easily put myself into their shoe. However I get moody easily or for no reason at all. But there are times when I feel….robotic-like. If you get what I mean. I’m not quite sure what the words are but when I feel like this, I can’t connect with others emotionally. I become expressionless and tend to display anti-social behaviours. My quietness would often be understood as a silent treatment, though I’d have to say it was intentional sometimes. The problem is that I shift between the two unpredictably. This is why I am often misunderstood. I’ve always changed my personality based on the atmosphere I’m reading, perhaps it is a result of that.

First time here

replies: 4

Hi there I don't really know where to begin as this is a new thing for me as I've been told growing up to keep things to myself but here we go. I'm in my 20's and have a full time job and also studying to further myself in my career. But the last few we I don't have the motivation to go to work or keep up with my studies and the only thoughts in my head are I'm so tired, just stop with studies, you can't do it. And in the last week or two at work it has just been crazy in a rush to get stuff done and blame seems to get put on me rather than equally through the team. Also another thing, I've never been comfortable talking around money with anyone (even my partner) but that's all she seems to care about at the moment and every bit of money I spend on myself for the house she loses her mind over. It might not seem like much but to me it's alot and it's just to much some days

Hi

replies: 5

Hello I’m new to this but I really want to get help

Getting to know someone new

replies: 3

I've never been in a same sex relantionship before. Although I don't see gender as I'm Pansexual. This woman that I've started talking to we have so much in common. We laugh about so much stuff and have deep and menainfuls But I'm afraid She is starting to have doubts about her sexuality as she isn't flirting as much with me as she did in the beginning.Unless of course I'm imagining things. I've never felt this way about anyone before I am really connected to her and attracted and I really don't want to get my hopes dashed. It may be too late for that.

Hello to everyone

replies: 49

Hi. I would like to talk to people who suffer with anxiety. I have never spoken to someone with this problem before just doctors and phycologists. I have had a setback due to my dumb brain I stopped taking my meds and that was a mistake. I’m now dealing with anxiety most of the time and it is very hard. Life becomes unbearable when you are scared all the time. I’m waiting on some help from the anxiety disorder clinic but I just wanted to reach out to anyone who would like to chat and maybe give me some hope that one day I will live a better life. Thanks

First timer - anxiety, depression, health guilt and work stress.

replies: 2

Hello… I’m new here, and don’t quite know how to begin. Classic Anxiety, I’m already worried I’m taking up space I shouldn’t and am being obnoxious. But here goes. I guess to introduce myself I could give a roundup of why I’m here today. It’s been a tough year or two for us all… even for the “neurotypical”. The biggest drivers toward desperation for me right now are social isolation bordering on agoraphobic tendencies, physical manifestations of my mental health state, and a fear of my work. there are projects that are still unfinished months after they should have been. I’ve not been or felt able to work full time since around May, but I try hard to keep the fires burning. I haven’t worked more than an hour or two for over a week now, or even left the house, and the financial stress and fear for my position is growing to a sort of crippling weight. The only things I seem able to address are short turn around items, or immediate assistance to some one who is also stressed. im physically weaker than I’ve ever been, and the physical symptoms of my “stuff” and the pain it brings have drained my energy reserves - and of course I’m incredibly guilty and ashamed about my lack of capacity. im kinda choking up sharing this because my social circle has dwindled since working from home started in 2020, and my closest friends are now overseas. In fact, the closest and most immediate form of emotional support available to me (apart from my once a month therapist) is my Ex partner - which is obviously fraught territory… Anyway. while I don’t seem to have much of anything left in the tank right now, I hope to be able to become a contriving and supportive member of the community here. x

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Time to say hello replies: 12

Oppositional Defiance Disorder ~ Child replies: 4

Childhood adversity and therapy replies: 5

Just getting my mind/thoughts out there. replies: 14

Want To Know More replies: 3

First time here replies: 4

Hi replies: 5

Getting to know someone new replies: 3

Hello to everyone replies: 49

First timer - anxiety, depression, health guilt and work stress. replies: 2