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Sophie_M Meet your community champions!
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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?
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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

Jet08 First Time Poster - Long Time Sufferer
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Hi All, thought it was time to reach out, put my hand up and say 'I'm tired, I'm not coping and I'm scared'. I have been diagnosed with major depression and just recently added anxiety to the list, I've been on different medications for 10 years but ... View more

Hi All, thought it was time to reach out, put my hand up and say 'I'm tired, I'm not coping and I'm scared'. I have been diagnosed with major depression and just recently added anxiety to the list, I've been on different medications for 10 years but still struggle. I recently started a new job that is slowly progressing well, I have moved away from a farm that I thought was home for 11 years and I feel like my relationship has come to a natural end. I sent my partner a message early this morning, after not speaking to each other for over a week, I reached out to him and said that I was struggling and not coping - but got nothing back. In my head that tells me he just doesn't care. I am struggling financially and truth be told I have always struggled with money and not been smart over the years. I don't want much I just want security and contentment. I am just so tired, I have no energy or drive to do anything and I know that is part of depression but it's killing me inside. I want to active I want to move and I want to feel happy, I just don't know what to do to feel that way again. I guessed this was a good place to start. Thanks for listening/reading

Sophie_M Monthly Forums Update: Reflecting Back on June
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Hi Everyone We appreciate all who have dropped by the forums and welcome those who may have written their first post, as well as members of the community who may have just started reading along. We hope you feel a sense of connection and belonging by... View more

Hi Everyone We appreciate all who have dropped by the forums and welcome those who may have written their first post, as well as members of the community who may have just started reading along. We hope you feel a sense of connection and belonging by navigating the different forums here and know that you are not alone in your journey. At this time we also acknowledge members of the community that may be currently impacted by recent COVID-19 restrictions. The Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service continues to provide up to date information and resources or call 1800 512 348 check in with our trained counsellors who are available 24/7. Community Voices: What are people talking about? Struggling with self-worth I had an entire 24 hours filled with shear panic and tears and I didn’t think any of my friends could understand what’s happening..In those moments I fail to see my self worth. I know I am a capable adult, I have a secure job, I pay my bills, car it’s payed for - mortgage on track and super just the same... But the thought of having to share all those sides of me with a new person … and the fact that he is not quite as “in touch” with being in touch as I am scares the living light out of me. - Ali A (Read more here) The last time we had any form of intimacy was in early April, and I'm finding myself more and more depressed, and hating my body more (I know it's a viscous cycle, but I feel so unattractive). My partner knows my thoughts on this, and how it makes me feel. I've tried talking with him about this numerous times, but it ends up going nowhere. - Firefly112 (Read more here) I’ve been on two dates now with this amazing guy that I met through a dating app. So far he has shown that he is the kind of person I would actually want a relationship with. I don’t have strong self-esteem/sense of self worth and these feelings of him being way out of my league are starting to creep in. - Von is lost (Read more here) Sexuality and Gender Identity So my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years told me that he thinks he might be Bisexual. It's a big 'thinks' and he's still figuring it out. I'm the only person he had told so far. As far as I can tell, he isn't wanting to jump into a relationship with someone else.. I'm really happy, honestly, that he told me. I'm just wondering how I can support him moving forwards, especially if he determines this is definitely his sexual identity. - Willowtree_21 (Read more here) So, for the past month I've had a few strange things happen to me that has made me question whether my sexuality is what I always thought it was... It all started when I began having intense dreams and fantasies about men, I thought if I were going to have anything like that it would be with a woman. Along with a few other things I found myself being leaning towards men than women, which is confusing me to no end. – IAMTHEONE (Read more here) I think I’m bi. But I’m scared I’m wrong. I’ve never dated anyone so how would I even know. But I see girls and I want to kiss them. Bit like what if I am wrong. Then I would have to go to anybody who knows and tell them that I was wrong. – Lucette (Read more here) Experiencing Grief/Loss After Ending a Relationship So I have just found out my ex has resigned from his job, we work together and I'm not sure how I am feeling. He has at least told me so I don't here through the grapevine. Part of me is relieved as I find it awkward when i have to be near him, but part of me is sad. Once he leaves I may never see him again and that thought just breaks my heart. - bubbles85 (Read more here) I found out my ex-partner (lovely person btw) is expecting a baby with their new partner. I am happy for them but is this sense of loss and envy, that I'm feeling, normal? How do I come to terms with it and move on? – Gelati (Read more here) I just can’t move on. I’m seeing a counsellor, and it helps a bit. But I’m still grieving. After mixed messages from him. I have asked for no contact to heal. He can’t seem to leave me though. He wants contact wants to see the kids, they love catching up, but it’s too hard me. – Mlkl (Read more here) Valued Contributor Award Our Valued Contributor for the month of June is jtjt_4862! jtjt_4862 has been nominated for their continuous efforts to check in with community members while engaging with others in a friendly and respectful manner. Thank you for taking the time to connect and support others! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread Nominate a Valued Contributor here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support BB News/Resources A reminder that along with the wonderful peer community here Beyond Blue has several supportive resources, articles, and podcasts available that you may connect with or may wish to share with a mate/loved one: What works for anxiety? What works for depression? Sexuality and self-acceptance: I’m tired of hiding the real me Coping with a relationship breakdown How to maintain your healthy lockdown habits in the ‘new normal’

Everleigh want to chat had a tough day
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got people dont even know saying shit about my appearance which I cant help because I was born with a disiese plastic surgery is in 2 weeks that's how much I suffer from my appearance. im13 btw

got people dont even know saying shit about my appearance which I cant help because I was born with a disiese plastic surgery is in 2 weeks that's how much I suffer from my appearance. im13 btw

Roy_B The Curse of Sensitivity
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I am 58 year old male. I am also an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). Some may not appreciate the true connotation of such a label so please let me elaborate. I grew up, raised in three countries (excluding Australia), lived in 20 homes and went to 10 s... View more

I am 58 year old male. I am also an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). Some may not appreciate the true connotation of such a label so please let me elaborate. I grew up, raised in three countries (excluding Australia), lived in 20 homes and went to 10 schools. My parents had a propensity to keep moving hence I knew little of my wider family, and retained no long-term friends. My parents were never loving towards me. I found comfort in nature - plants and animals. I am a social misfit in many senses. In 2018 I ended an 18 year marriage because I didn't feel loved or valued. I walked into another relationship and loved the woman dearly. I thought of her as my soul-mate. But that relationship was troubled from the outset because I was having to deal with the emotions associated with my failed marriage and I was also having to deal with a new partner (and a set of associated living conditions) who was very dominant, controlling and destructive to my self-esteem. She gas-lighted me. But I loved her more than anything. That relationship crashed and burned at the beginning of 2020 and I walked into a relationship with a Chinese lady almost immediately. We were married in October. I am aware of the damage that prior relationship did to me but I lament - from the heart - that it took the turn it did. I admit that I now cry every day and often feel that my life hangs on a thread; that I will never again know happiness. My new wife speaks limited English so we don't communicate as much as I want. Not a problem except for the fact that my sadness pulls me into a daily state of melancholy and I struggle to remain positive in the present. If this makes any kind of sense. I'm tired of crying. I'm tired of feeling like I'd be better off simply living under a leaf. My intentions have always been good. I rage only ever because I might have hurt others though I never intended it to be so. I feel sometimes that I am a curse.

Flimbot A quick summary of me
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I’m sure everybody struggles with giving a summary of who they are, but here we go… I'm a 30ish year old single male who grew up in a big country town, moved to interstate for 8 years and then moved back to the country town at the end of 2019 (just b... View more

I’m sure everybody struggles with giving a summary of who they are, but here we go… I'm a 30ish year old single male who grew up in a big country town, moved to interstate for 8 years and then moved back to the country town at the end of 2019 (just before bushfires, covid, etc) I grew up in a hardworking family. Everybody got along and we did things even in an extended family often. There were no traumatic events which I recall. I think due to my parents influence I've always been somebody who could save money and live within my means, so that’s not been an issue. I moved interstate for a change, moving from the area and living somewhere else had been on my mind for a while until that point. I moved back because I was always aware that my parents are getting older and didn't want to live so far away when they would need me (still a while off yet) I have daily struggle with identity and finding what makes me happy. I have a history of depression and anxiety, going through various psychologists and under different medications since my teens. Several years ago, I gave that drinking, focusing rather on going to the gym and yoga. I started becoming content but as I got used to it, felt like I was just treading water. Since moving back I've been slowly sliding back into old habits. I haven’t started drinking too heavily yet, but I am drinking. I don’t exercise and am not motivated for it at all. On top of that I thought that I wanted a house, to settle down in the area. I bought a house as a deceased estate and started panicking as it was going through probate. It needed renovation, but I sold it as soon as it was renovated. There is more to my property story but I’ll leave that for another time. I'm finding that I’m far less resilient and panic easily. I’m always tired. I’ve started medication again and had started seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist but work being too busy I haven’t had time lately. I am in a constant struggle from what I think I want and what I think I should do. I think I've developed some separation anxiety after living with my parents again for almost 2 years, something I'd never planned or expected as an adult. I'm moving to my own place soon and hoping to rebuild my life closer to how it was interstate. I'm looking for somewhere I can get support during this time

Lily_H Hi I’m new here and am wanting to connect with others who struggle with psychosis
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I have been struggling a lot lately as I believe ppl are trying to hurt and kill me. This makes it hard to trust ppl and reach out for help. The other night I had a bad panic attack and was yelling for help bc I thought ppl killed my brothers (I stil... View more

I have been struggling a lot lately as I believe ppl are trying to hurt and kill me. This makes it hard to trust ppl and reach out for help. The other night I had a bad panic attack and was yelling for help bc I thought ppl killed my brothers (I still think that). I now can’t sleep in my bed bc it reminds me of that. I am particularly scared of my family but I find being around people in general very frightening. It is difficult to leave my house and make friends as I believe they will kill me. I am here bc I want to be able to share my experiences and hear about others as well so I know I’m not alone.

Ratz Hi I'm new here. Need support
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My heart just feels heavy and my chest aches so much. I feel I have nobody who will listen to me and m holding back tears. I feel nobody understands me. not even my partner. I feel so lost and heartbroken. Please tell me it will be ok.

My heart just feels heavy and my chest aches so much. I feel I have nobody who will listen to me and m holding back tears. I feel nobody understands me. not even my partner. I feel so lost and heartbroken. Please tell me it will be ok.

David_C1 Hi, everyone. My name is David & I'm new.
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I'm hoping to get some support and advice for my anxiety/panic attacks/depression as I contemplate suicide almost on a daily basis. I'm at the end of my tether.

I'm hoping to get some support and advice for my anxiety/panic attacks/depression as I contemplate suicide almost on a daily basis. I'm at the end of my tether.

Scapegoated Hi. New Here. I just can't today. I just can;t stop crying over the narcissistic abuse I ave survived.
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I just can't today. I can't write without emotion. I am completely connected to the abuse that happened to me and this is a good thing, only when you write about this-I want to self-publish an ebook-they expect you to be rational and unemotional. I c... View more

I just can't today. I can't write without emotion. I am completely connected to the abuse that happened to me and this is a good thing, only when you write about this-I want to self-publish an ebook-they expect you to be rational and unemotional. I cannot be uneotional how can anyone who has been tortured be unemotional. I feel so much pressure to write as though nothing has happened. ON Amazon people write books and none of them are emotional. But I FEEL what happened to me. A counselor said this si good, and that people who do not become emotional are disconnected or compartmentalizing. But when I read Quora and see people who have gone through NArc abuse by a mother and elder sibling and they are totally disconnected i forget what the counselor told me-that they are either Asperger people, or disconnected. Anyway. i am crying right now as I write this because it hurts what my mother did to me. I wrote about my abuse but my post was removed. Sorry if there is no context to this post but suffice to say I have been tortured by several narcissists. scapegoated, sleep deprived, starved and gaslit.