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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 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

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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Anxiety

replies: 3

Hi I’m new here. For the past couple of weeks I’ve been having issues with anxiety. My family has been nervous to go into supermarkets because most covid cases happen at coles and Woolworths. So we all agreed to do click and collect orders instead of going inside supermarkets. For the past few weeks I haven’t been motivated to order groceries for myself. I’ve only been ordering food for my family and sometimes I can’t be motivated to eat anything. At night I wake up around 12am and 2am if I forget to do the dishes because I feel guilty if I forget the dishes. My boyfriend has been worried about me. The other day I watched a comedy show with him called mrs browns boys and he was concerned because I wasn’t laughing at the funny scenes. ps I have been diagnosed with anxiety and white coat syndrome

Hi Everyone

replies: 5

Starting here 'from scratch' ie setting up my profile and information. So here's a short intro. Have been in business as sole trader for 6 years (the years before that are 'history' Survived the Covid crisis in 2020 only to lose my beautiful Mum in Oct after a tumultuous year with her health and my own Came back in 2021 still in the throws of grief and a struggling business. We are implementing a succession plan and a little bit of pivoting to strengthen our business however for various reasons we are not growing beyond break even (and sometimes less) Very thankful for Covid19 resources and funding and suspect the Beyond Blue resources will also be right where I need them at this stage of 'almost giving up' on my vision/s. I continue to reflect and use my support networks but sometimes it's nice to be anonymous and 'say it how it is' especially when on the downslide. Look forward to using these forums, hopefully for a mutually supportive experience. Take care everyone

Burnt Out

replies: 11

Hi, First time seeking support. I’ve been feeling empty and sad for a number of years, some days are fine and other days I am completely stressed out and overwhelmed and break down crying. I have just had my fifth baby, which was unplanned but I still love her to bits. Most days I don’t get a minute to myself until all the kids are asleep and then I’m so tired I just want to watch TV and go to bed. I have no desire to be intimate with my husband which makes me feel guilty and upset. I know I need to find ‘me’ time but even when I try to do things for myself, it’s very infrequent and doesn’t really cheer me up that much. I don’t have anything to look forward to other than returning to my job in a few months, which I love. I don’t have any close friends to talk to, only people I ‘hang out with’ because of my kids. I just don’t know where to start and how to feel better. Some days I just feel like walking out of my house and not coming back, but I could never do that to my family - it’s just the thoughts I have. Have I got post-natal depression? I think I do.. if I bring up how I’m feeling with my husband he tries to support me but I don’t think he understands how hard things are every day for me. Just need someone to listen really and I know I need to seek help but again I don’t have the time, and I put everything and everyone else before my own needs.

Just can't seem to get through this tunnel

replies: 31

Good morning, I am so inspired by the posts of everyone and thank you all for sharing your stories and journeys. I loved the stories of those of you who have made it through to the other side of this darkness. I hope I can get there too. I have some wonderful things in my life to be grateful for but feel so lonely and in such a dark place. This has gone on for many years on and off and I can remember these feelings when I was younger too. I have managed to get through them with keeping busy I guess; and had always prided myself of seeing the positives in any situation. I am struggling to do this for myself though at the moment emotionally. I now have a chronic illness which means I can't work and can't over exert physically. This has impacted greatly on my mental health and I struggle with this daily. I am feeling more and more often that I would prefer not to be here. I know many of you understand this feeling. I have a daughter and feel confident that I wouldn't take action on these thoughts but they are consuming me more and more. A more general feeling that if I was to die that I would be ok with that. I know this would cause her great trauma and I would never want to do this but the feelings are still there and very strong. I know others would be sad for my passing but they would move on as we all do. I have been through trauma and illness and all of this has impacted on my current mental health. I feel like my spirit has been broken. So many of us are born with such love and kindness and through years of unkindness and abuse this dwindles into nothingness. I guess this is where I am at the moment. I have an overwhelming sense of nothingness. I have a good medical team, some good friends, a great brother and cousin and have just joined a wonderful group of women for support. I have had to let go of people who I thought were friends but turned out not to be which was painful, have a strained relationship with my sister who was once one of my closest people and have been single for over 10 years because single parenting and supporting family has consumed my world. I miss being in a relationship. I would love to see more sunshine rather than darkness. Thank you for reading through this if you have made it to here.

Needing some advice on marriage

replies: 7

Hi, I came to beyond blue to come for some guidance about marriage. Fights happen. I get it, as a couple we need to learn how to fight 'well'. I believe my wife is under quite alot of stress being apart of allied health as a sole business owner (and the only person managing the business). She is taking more work than she can handle and I believe the constant stress about work is getting her bogged down. From my life experiences, I suspect that she is getting burnt out and I would be receiving the back end of the consequences. She actually had gotten violent last night (rare occasion). I immediately left the room because I did not want to provoke her any further because I was tired too. Truth is, I was like that too. burnt out, getting anger outbursts. When I was struggling my was wife was not being very supportive. She was blaming me for being angry and how I was acting. She could not understand that I was having a hard time. This was before I was able to have resolve my internal issues with the help of my counsellor. So now the roles have reversed. I want to be supportive, I want to be the better person. instead of pointing out the hypocrisy and being a hypocrite myself. How do I start that conversation with my wife without lighting the fuse? She's not a good listener. I had been encouraging and giving her work advice, warned her of the challenges that would have prevented her situation, even helped to ease off the workload. (I can't just say I told you so, no matter how tempting that is) I too am working for the community, I won't specify, but I do tend to bring alot of work home with me but I been more so preoccupied rather than stressed. Exhausted shall I say. How do I help someone who does not listen to me? I would appreciate anyone's comments.

Hi everyone, yes am new, off work dues to illness and injury and feeling lost and not sure now what to do.

replies: 2

I am only 55 years old, so not ready for Retirement, due to illness I am forced to take time off, yep feeling sad and useless due to early onset osteo, but also having Rheumatoid arthrisis, Wow sorry if this is not how things are done, but life has b... View more

So a have BPD , Trauma , Major Depression and SH

replies: 14

I have been suffering for over 3 years now , but the last few weeks have been the worst for me .. I have been self sabotaging everything l do and possibly treatment resistant . I have been seeing alot of specialist and still hitting the brick wall of frustration . I feel l am not being heard , seen and ignored. I have hurt myself and l am left with scars that are a reminder always. I want to move forward . but feel l am stepping backwards always. The struggle is real , the fear is real and the l am not sure where to go from here.

How do you get a correct diagnosis

replies: 3

Hi and thanks for reading. I have been not right for many years and have been considered shy, outgoing, alcoholic, caring, depressed, anxious depending on what day you ask someone. I haven't had alcohol in years because I was told my conditions would clear up if I stopped drinking and took antidepressants but TADA! No they didn't. I've been told I have major depression, acute anxiety, PTSD and only recently bipolar 2 however on reading, I think more likely to be Cyclothymia? I have been on a certain medication for years and it only really brought out hypo's mainly as well as some depression relief. How do you get a proper diagnosis when it appears Australian psychiatrists (including Lancet published specialists) can't seem to agree with what's wrong? Tanzi Bee

Suicide loss

replies: 3

I thought there was a suicide loss forum on this site but cant find it?

Hi All, Sharing my story

replies: 5

Hi All, I just joined and thought I share my story here. I am 45-year-old father of 2 kids, 13 and 11 who moved to Australia 25 years ago. Last December after years of marriage issues I left home and was living off a suitcase at different places. And in April this year my mum who lives overseas suddenly passed away from leukemia. I was very close to her, and her sudden death was a huge shock to me. At the same time my small business that I worked so hard over 5 years to build is facing a court battle for a wrong thing a former director did. Its like my perfect life has suddenly collapsed and since Last December I have battled depression and anxiety and depended heavily on alcohol to kill the pain. I have received helped but nothing has really worked so it’s a ongoing daily battle for me I have 2 court cases coming up this week and next week for my business and separation. Last 2 weeks my depression and anxiety has skyrocketed with the unknown factor. Feels like if things don’t go in favour of me with the court cases there is no point of living. Last few days I have had suicidal thoughts but been hanging on. I just pray everyday hopping things will get better for me.

Cyclone Alfred - Mental Health Support replies: 1

Meet your community champions! replies: 10

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

Anxiety replies: 3

Hi Everyone replies: 5

Burnt Out replies: 11

Just can't seem to get through this tunnel replies: 31

Needing some advice on marriage replies: 7

Hi everyone, yes am new, off work dues to illness and injury and feeling lost and not sure now what to do. replies: 2

So a have BPD , Trauma , Major Depression and SH replies: 14

How do you get a correct diagnosis replies: 3

Suicide loss replies: 3

Hi All, Sharing my story replies: 5