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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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Anonnnn DSP Rejection
  • replies: 4

We're all hopefully aware that the DSP is allocated not due to the necessity of one according to need, but rather due to budgetary or political restraints. As such due to my rejection, despite medical recommendation. Why shouldn't I just go mental an... View more

We're all hopefully aware that the DSP is allocated not due to the necessity of one according to need, but rather due to budgetary or political restraints. As such due to my rejection, despite medical recommendation. Why shouldn't I just go mental and start causing more damage monetarily than it would take to kick me to a corner and pay for my rent and food. That's all I want, to subsist at least. Is it so much to ask to exist?

Jtaime I feel frozen
  • replies: 3

Hi...This is scarey. I've never allowed myself to verbalise how frozenI feel inside. When I'm with others I can perform without anyone knowing inside I'm dying. I've always had to be the strong one but now that there is no-one to be strong for any mo... View more

Hi...This is scarey. I've never allowed myself to verbalise how frozenI feel inside. When I'm with others I can perform without anyone knowing inside I'm dying. I've always had to be the strong one but now that there is no-one to be strong for any more , I don't know how to carry on. I'm avoiding people if I can. I get panicky at the thought of bumping into someoneI might

Badger_Badger_Mushroom 28/M been suffering from persistent depressive disorder for almost 10 years and my untreated ADHD makes it worse.
  • replies: 3

So when I was a child (8yo) living in South Africa, I was diagnosed with ADD. Started taking medication but can't really remember the effects on me except making me sleepy. I moved to Australia when I was 12yo and my parents never continued to treat ... View more

So when I was a child (8yo) living in South Africa, I was diagnosed with ADD. Started taking medication but can't really remember the effects on me except making me sleepy. I moved to Australia when I was 12yo and my parents never continued to treat my ADHD. Naturally I started slipping up at school, it affected my relationships with family, friends and partners. It affected my work and studies. Basically anything that requires time and maintenance, it all would fall apart or be done to a very poor and minimal effort. In the last 2 years my depression has been even more awful due to personal life and I can't help but think my ADHD makes it worse (it definitely doesn't benefit me). I've tried treating my depression with medication nothing seemed to work. The only time I was truly happy was when I was eating healthy and exercising but thanks to my ADHD that only last a solid 2-3 months and started going downhill gradually till I just gave up. Recently I've been off depression medication and seeing a psychiatrist to get treated for my ADHD, but because of other health concerns and my depression and mood, my psychiatrist wants me to get it under control first before I can start any stimulants for my ADHD. What I am trying to get to is, if my ADHD is treated will things start getting better? I having a loving partner of 1 year now, a 2 year old daughter and have long life goals and career goals I'd like to complete. But my biggest worry is that eventually I will just give up on it all and just slip back into old depressive habits. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to help keep me motivated and patient to the progress? Currently I am supposed to be kick starting my healthy eating and exercise plans but I'm really not feeling it right now, and if I can't even kick start this simple thin, what's going to happen with my future plans?

Frangepani My life Experiences
  • replies: 7

Hi my names Leigh and im recently new here. I just wanted to introduce myself. Im not sure bout this but im putting myself out there in the hope I can meet other like minded people like myself. Anyway ill leave it there for now I would really love to... View more

Hi my names Leigh and im recently new here. I just wanted to introduce myself. Im not sure bout this but im putting myself out there in the hope I can meet other like minded people like myself. Anyway ill leave it there for now I would really love to meet new people.

jacl wondering if this happens to others?
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm new to this but am curious if this happens to others. Most of the time I feel fine and have no reason to feel otherwise. I have good health, own my home and things are pretty much ok. I did lose my husband 7 years ago and that sucks but I don'... View more

Hi I'm new to this but am curious if this happens to others. Most of the time I feel fine and have no reason to feel otherwise. I have good health, own my home and things are pretty much ok. I did lose my husband 7 years ago and that sucks but I don't wake up every day thinking about it. But sometimes I just feel so low, don't feel like getting out of bed and find it hard to cheer up. What gets me is that is goes on for a few days and then it passes and I'm good for quite a while. So I'm guessing it's not depression or it would be more constant. Or maybe not or I wouldn't be on this website or asking the question. Any thoughts???

Daps Lived Experience
  • replies: 9

Hello all Daps here. I've just signed up as a volunteer and I am looking forward to contribute to and help all those people who have been through rough times with their illness, or even with maintaining their health. I've climbed out of the downward ... View more

Hello all Daps here. I've just signed up as a volunteer and I am looking forward to contribute to and help all those people who have been through rough times with their illness, or even with maintaining their health. I've climbed out of the downward pressure of having a mental illness, and have made a success of my life through hard work, perseverance, whilst utilising my lived experience as motivation. I've recently completed my Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, and I am still moving forward with further studies. I hope to bring experience and some wisdom and insights to the table with my education and experience during lifelong recovery, education and hard work. I believe all of us have the spirit within us to succeed, and for those who have lived experience and survived intact still need peer support in times of need. Check back for future insights. Daps.

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

TwoHeads Introductions
  • replies: 14

hey guys. R here, aka TwoHeads. i'm a terribly succesful and terribly depressed man in his 40's. i hate being broken and struggle living with this reality. thought i'd reach out and try and find some like-minded people to get some useful tips on deal... View more

hey guys. R here, aka TwoHeads. i'm a terribly succesful and terribly depressed man in his 40's. i hate being broken and struggle living with this reality. thought i'd reach out and try and find some like-minded people to get some useful tips on dealing with an "anxiety-fueled depression". I was abused as a kid and suffered a fair whack of violence (pardon the pun) during my younger years. I lived with constant criticism and learnt that i was never going to be good enough. Life became a game of being outstanding to distract people from the brokeness - "nothing to see here". i struggle accepting encouragement and help, but they are artefacts that help me protect myself. i think often of how good it will be to finally die and leave this all behind, but never about killing myself. I have an amazing wife of >25 years and three marvelous kids who are a constant source of strength and frustration. Life is a peak and trough thing for me, with more troughs of longer duration and less peaks than the average bear. Please say hi - would be good to connect with others in similar situations. have a good day.

lonely_lady New here
  • replies: 10

Hi I am a mature 60+ lady struggling to balance work and some newly diagnosed chronic health issues. This past few months I have also developed mild depression, anxiety and ptsd but feel that these are increasing in intensity. My GP is now recommendi... View more

Hi I am a mature 60+ lady struggling to balance work and some newly diagnosed chronic health issues. This past few months I have also developed mild depression, anxiety and ptsd but feel that these are increasing in intensity. My GP is now recommending a mental health care plan and I have no idea what I need. I have no family or friends for support and my partner doesn't really 'get' what I need. Am reaching out to this group to make some connections and hopefully find some friends. I am the type of person who always appears positive, strong and capable and always there for others but am finding now when I need support, there is no one there for me. Reach out and say hello

Matthew_loves_retro_gamin Introduction about my Mental Health journey and how I started my podcast on Mental Health
  • replies: 8

Hi my name is Matthew, I lost my older brother named Daniel in 2019 from his condition which was Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and I was in my final year of high school. It was hard on my family and especially myself as I lost my best friend. I'm so ha... View more

Hi my name is Matthew, I lost my older brother named Daniel in 2019 from his condition which was Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and I was in my final year of high school. It was hard on my family and especially myself as I lost my best friend. I'm so happy I reached out though and spoke to firstly Beyond Blue who told me to speak to my GP which I did and I feel my depression dark cloud has shrunk down then what it was when I lost my brother Daniel. I currently do a podcast on a community radio station which I love doing each week and I've done 5 episodes and since I've lost my brother I had this gut feeling to be doing something more than what I was currently doing and I'm glad I've found where I want to be which is talking to others about their Mental Health journey and spreading the important message to get the ball rolling on that discussion of Mental Health. I miss my brother every day but he definitely motivates me and pushes me to keep doing my podcast. Thanks very much for listening to my journey. Stay Safe Have a great week. Regards, Matthew