I was searching on the internet for someway I could participate in a fundraising event for mental health when beyond blue popped up. I had heard of Beyond Blue but actually thought it was for men with depression. I was so surprised, and relieved that there are these forums. I have recently had a number of crisis that nearly cost me my life, my job and it did cost separating from my fiancee. I work in the health industry (emergency services) and have been so disillusioned by the mental health support. I am usually the one on the other side. Resources, communication, access in rural areas and basically stigma surprises me more than ever. I cannot believe for one that this resource was never available to me or even suggested to me.  So many days, nights I would have done anything just to talk to someone who not just empathised with me but "really" knew what pain and distress I was going through. Someone that could not just "understand" but understand.  Fortunately I have huge support from my family, friends/colleagues that have been with me day and night when I thought I could not possibly go on. I have never been afraid of dying, I guess as I am surrounded by death each day and see at times the peace in a person when the are deceased. I have so much to live for and to be grateful for that each day gets that little easier. Not to say there are going to be bad days and maybe even relapse, but I have hope. Thank you.

Welcome. Yes, been there and done that, so can totally agree that you will find empathy here. Love the www, it certainly makes life easier for me, in the sense that if I take time to surf the web, I can find lots of information and join in various differentdiscussion groups. Although, one has to be quite discriminating about processing information, lots of little gems here and there but lots of 'rubbish' as well. That is not to downplay BB. BB is an absolute gem in terms of being professionally managed. There are moderators here to screen postings to ensure information adds value rather than distract.

Cheers

 MG

Hi Nella,

Welcome to the forum!

Thank you for your post – it was interesting to read and also quite positive :)

I’m glad you’ve found beyond blue. I joined the site once I had mostly recovered from a bad bout of mental illness. I felt as though I wanted to connect with others.

I’m really sorry to hear about your job loss and parting from your fiancé, as well as having your life threatened. It sounds like you have always been the one helping others, especially by doing your job. I can imagine it would be harder to focus on your own health, when you are constantly faced with the health needs of others, and are working to help them improve their own health.

I’m relieved to hear that you have great support from family, friends and colleagues. Having a number of people who care about you and your wellbeing is such an important part of life. Whenever you feel vulnerable, you can find relief in the support of a loved one. So long as you are there to support them too, when you are able to, you will always have support from others.

It’s great that you are seeing gradual improvement, and that you recognize the value in yourself and your life.

Regularly seeing your GP to keep on track would be beneficial.

Good luck with everything!


Best wishes,

SM

dear Nella, by participating in these forums is definitely a great way for anyone to help in fund raising but in another way.

There are so many people who are asking us for help, advice and possible suggestions as to how they can cope with their own problems, which no one outside their family/friends are able to do this, so by replying is a terrific way to help in a voluntary way.

Even if you yourself are feeling depressed then sometimes helping someone else is a good way in itself to make you think of another direction to head towards. Geoff.