Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Unknown userMember
ive tried many different helplines and ive only actually been helped a few times
but most of the time they just say to keep using the distractions and coping strategies that ive been using and to speak to my psychologist
wow what a great help- if i was doing that and it was helping me i wouldnt have rung now would i?
wondering what others experiences are?
In response to: do helplines really help?
Unknown userMember
Ivana
Got your post,thanks for reply.In your comment to small town attitudes,I try to avoid people as much as possible,due to now my anxiety and my low self worth controlling my mind.If you want the truth I don't know if I am avoiding and running from them or running and avoiding myself.To me this keeps me safe but also I know harms me in the fight/flight response.
In regard to my own cleaning business,I don't believe the work is there and no the local paper costing 30 bucks for a ad was hopeless.I have considered putting it on gumtree.Thanks for the post.
In response to: do helplines really help?
ivanaSenior Contributor
I hope the Gumtree ad for the cleaning business provides you some more exposure:)
If it doesn't,would you consider another route such as creating logos and flyers for businesses,resume making service,running a class teaching older people how to use the internet, or even something such as a service pre-chopping vegetables for busy people (providing there is a market for this where you live)?
Or have you considered running a Jewellery business as sometimes they can have quite low overheads-depending on the type of jewellery-and particularly if you sell it from home,at the markets or through a Facebook store.
Is there a type of product,or clothing brand that is in high demand in your area but hard to find in the rural area that you live in?
Regarding your self worth -would you still feel this way about yourself if the people in your town didn't hold this negative prejudice?
In response to: Re: do helplines really help?
Unknown userMember
Hi Ivana
Got a second house to clean in the morning by the word of mouth by the client I have been cleaning for since just before Xmas.Took me a while to ring back from the message on messagebank due to my lack of confidence and the anxiety I have. I haven't yet put it on gumtree,takes me all I have to believe in myself.Had so much go wrong hard for me to believe anything is worth it.
I have always had low self-esteem,self worth,due to as mentioned on this site growing up as an obese child,"fatso"will always be there as well as other factors including my long term unemployment,failure in getting employment and suffering depression and anxiety.I went to the doctor today who wants me to "help me",I no longer believe in "help"as mentioned after the 4 years of therapy.He stated anxiety will always be there,never will go away.I cant tell or explain that I feel I'm not going to make it.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
