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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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Becca8123 Anxiety & Partner
  • replies: 4

Hi, Sufferer of Anxiety and was wondering if there are other people out there who have partners that don't understand your anxiety and are not very supportive. Feel like my Anxiety is just a massive burden on him.

Hi, Sufferer of Anxiety and was wondering if there are other people out there who have partners that don't understand your anxiety and are not very supportive. Feel like my Anxiety is just a massive burden on him.

Miss_Megz Hi
  • replies: 6

Thought I'd try this out, struggling with recovery, come a long way. Still progressing though

Thought I'd try this out, struggling with recovery, come a long way. Still progressing though

Hope_777 New to Forum - Health
  • replies: 10

Hi Everyone, This is the first time I’ve ever participated in an online forum. I have great respect for Beyond Blue & look forward to participating. I have experienced significant health problems over the past few years & am struggling emotionally wi... View more

Hi Everyone, This is the first time I’ve ever participated in an online forum. I have great respect for Beyond Blue & look forward to participating. I have experienced significant health problems over the past few years & am struggling emotionally with this. I’m hoping to read the experiences of others who may share similar issues. Looking forward to participating Hope

Beaser The constant grind.
  • replies: 25

I sometimes get so tired from my constant battles at times its just so draining.Im 55 and i just want happines and have it last i just feel so tired at times. Im in a relationship that causes me so much anxiety at times as i dont know where i stand a... View more

I sometimes get so tired from my constant battles at times its just so draining.Im 55 and i just want happines and have it last i just feel so tired at times. Im in a relationship that causes me so much anxiety at times as i dont know where i stand as i get pushed away at times and i just want a partner that i can be with when i need company. My partner has her trust issues as she has been treated badly and hurt by her past and i just seem to be constantly questioning my role and what i should do or say. Im just so confused. I hope every one is well out there and wish everyone all the best, Beaser.

Alooshk Hi! New Here (and struggling mind you)
  • replies: 5

Hello! I've been diagnosed with GAD, Major Depressive Disorder and there's a possibility of ADHD being tinted in there too, as of late (last month I think I got diagnosed), but I've been dealing and suffering with it for the past 4 years of my life l... View more

Hello! I've been diagnosed with GAD, Major Depressive Disorder and there's a possibility of ADHD being tinted in there too, as of late (last month I think I got diagnosed), but I've been dealing and suffering with it for the past 4 years of my life largely alone and unspoken. I wanted to get on here because I guess I have some issues with my psychologist and didn't know if what was happening to me was normal and just kind of wondering what a bunch of others might think I struggled even getting on here and making my account because I was constantly telling myself (and even now) how this won't help at all and I'm just wasting my time. I think of that for a lot of things and I guess it's why I've spent so much of my life just rotting away. I sure hope this doesn't get left unposted! I feel as if my psychologist is a little judgemental. I'm not sure what it is that makes me think this but I guess it's the tone when he explains certain things about me feels like I'm being talked down too not so sure. He also barely responds to any of my emails I send him and I get the feeling a lot of the "thought diaries" which is meant to help me and also help him get a better idea of my issues AND the emails themselves he doesn't read. Sometimes he is spot on with issues with me but with some other cases I just feel like he is dead wrong and what sucks is that he keeps bringing up those problems I think are dead wrong as if it's something I'm struggling with or something we have to deal with. Feel like I'm a secondary priority, maybe not taking things seriously enough. After my second ever session he made me wait 3 weeks for the next one especially when I was feeling particular vulnerable. Those weeks felt like hell. I don't know I feel like I'm doubting myself a whole lot writing this down and second guessing whether any of this is correct or I'm just overexaggerating I'm not sure I don't feel certain of myself but this is it! My first post! (sorry if it's a bit of a whinge fest)

idkwho i have no idea how this words
  • replies: 4

hiii guys, im new here. i have literally no idea how this works but i remember a few years back we have some beyond blue volunteers talk at my school... and i realised maybe this would be a good volunteer thing to have written down. i heard this is a... View more

hiii guys, im new here. i have literally no idea how this works but i remember a few years back we have some beyond blue volunteers talk at my school... and i realised maybe this would be a good volunteer thing to have written down. i heard this is a safe space to just talk? i need some of that too, it gets a little tiring being the therapist friend when you're the one who needs therapy too lmfao. but yeah, this is all for my first post!

OldHeadNZ How to Navigate the Melbourne Mental Health System for Support
  • replies: 4

Hi Errbody, I'm currently going through a manic episode (diagnosed with bi-polar last episode). I was living along St Kilda Road in the City last time. I am now living out in the Western Suburbs. This episode, I have documented all my interactions. P... View more

Hi Errbody, I'm currently going through a manic episode (diagnosed with bi-polar last episode). I was living along St Kilda Road in the City last time. I am now living out in the Western Suburbs. This episode, I have documented all my interactions. Phone calls, texts, in-person conversations with Nurses/Doctors. I'm not sure If I'm allowed to be recording all these people without their permission, so please let me know if I should delete all this footage. It's kind of hard to focus on one task at the moment. But if there are people out there that are interested, please let me know.

LPW_ Anxious about the covid-19 vaccine
  • replies: 4

Hello, i am anxious about getting the vaccine (I have PTSD and Anxiety with phobias), i also have many auto immune conditions. In the past i have reacted badly to the flu vaccine and really don't want to get the covid-19 vaccine. I feel like i am bei... View more

Hello, i am anxious about getting the vaccine (I have PTSD and Anxiety with phobias), i also have many auto immune conditions. In the past i have reacted badly to the flu vaccine and really don't want to get the covid-19 vaccine. I feel like i am being pressured into getting by businesses saying they wont let you in if you aren't vaccinated, also media is constantly talking about it it seems that all that is being talked about is the vaccine. I want to get a medical exemption but can't find anyone in South Australia that will give me one. My anxiety is off the scale at the moment i am not sleeping, i am afraid to go outside, my stomach is constantly sore with the worry. I am looking for help please.

Athenry Work anxiety
  • replies: 9

I have a pretty stressful full time job, and a busy life with two little kids. I enjoy my job, it’s one that a lot of people would love to have. I feel like I’ve become a bit bitter towards some people I work with because my journey to get this role ... View more

I have a pretty stressful full time job, and a busy life with two little kids. I enjoy my job, it’s one that a lot of people would love to have. I feel like I’ve become a bit bitter towards some people I work with because my journey to get this role has been much harder than theirs, my experience is above theirs, and they’ve just been able to waltz in and have been given the same role as me, after I was kind of in charge of operations unofficially for six months. I get that I was overworked and had too much on my plate, so now my tasks can be shared out, but it feels to me that there’s no acknowledgement that I decided XYZ needed doing and did it. Now there are so many opinions on everything, all we seem to do is waste time in meetings and it feels like my opinions aren’t ,being listened to as much. This has made me so frustrated because there’s actual work to be done and it gets confusing when everyone weighs in on everything. I think I made a mistake in confiding in a colleague about how I’m feeling and yesterday in my end of year conversation with my boss she said a couple of things that made me suspect this colleague has told her what I’ve said. I mean, I got a glowing report but I can’t shake this feeling that she knows I’m miserable and angry about a few things and it’s bringing out the worst in me. I didn’t say anything really nasty to this colleague that would get me in trouble, just a lot of venting that would make me seem like a total princess who doesn’t play nicely with others. Heck, this post probably makes me sound like a princess. This behaviour isn’t like me and I constantly feel now that everyone is rolling their eyes in my direction. anyway… so today is my day off and I’ve been unable to stop fretting about it since yesterday. Feel so crappy. Worst bit is there’s a chance I’m being completely paranoid and none of this is even happening but I can’t shake this feeling and I’m hating myself for venting to that colleague and now I don’t know if I can trust her or not.

Scapegoated Hi Just got out of the hospital, and trying to deal with being locked in with a Narcissist
  • replies: 11

Being trapped with my mother is what landed me in the hospital. I cannot stand the way she devalues people. No one has any value unless they are "pretty." She never can laugh with me about things unless it is to put someone else down. I don't find th... View more

Being trapped with my mother is what landed me in the hospital. I cannot stand the way she devalues people. No one has any value unless they are "pretty." She never can laugh with me about things unless it is to put someone else down. I don't find that fun; I find it really depressing because she does that and did that to me my whole life. I don't think I am going to survive another lockdown. I have to go to school and my friends' houses and get away from her. So, I guess what I am asking people is to give me some ideas on how to have fun by myself in my room. I love to write. I like to create characters who are funny& nice. I VALUE them and they aren't pretty. It makes me feel good to read my stories so I guess I can do that but sometimes my body dysmorphia literally gets in the way of that. WHat it is, is obsessing , having intrusive negative thoughts that you can't seem to get away from about how you look. They loop around and around in my head-and i am not vain at all-it is just the opposite. People who have this are attractive but we think we look like monsters. It would be funny if it weren't so painful because i look back on what I thought when I was six and it was so far from reality it actually is funny but the disorder isn't. It falls on the OCD spectrum and it is Very distressing. I have to be honest with everyone here-I am not okay with the fights going on about Covid-19 and i know how psychopathic people can be because of my mother and I know that people in power are just like her and this is extremely stressful. ignorance is bliss I suppose if I did not have a sociopath for a mother i wouldn't know what those in power in the world are capable of. People like my mother have no conscience. She cannot FEEL anything for me. She does not FEEL anything for the people she laughs at and mocks. It is a terrifying time with these mask mandates, social distancing etc. I'd prefer to get the virus seriously. This was the first time I ever did anything bad and ended up in ICU. I need to find a way to make my world happy even though she is outside. So here is what I have done so far. I asked my father if i could sign up for a yoga teacher training-I thought this would force me to exercise and help me relax. he said he would think about it so in the meantime i have signed up for a free 7 day trial what do you think? I am going to write a new character after I complete this post to cheer me up too. any ideas are welcome. Thanks.