Big Blue Table - Right here on the Forums!

[Sophie_M]

Hello to our wonderful forums community! 

We have decided to run an ongoing Big Blue Table thread ‘Forums Edition’ until the end of October! 🎉

What is a Big Blue Table? Big Blue Table is Beyond Blue's signature event held during October, Mental Health Month. Big Blue Table encourages people host a meal with their friends, family or colleagues while fighting the stigma that surrounds mental health.

So why are we running one here? The reason we are doing this is so people have an opportunity to connect with others and have the experience of sharing their thoughts and feelings over a meal, no matter where they are in Australia.

We know Mental Health Month can be a vulnerable time for many and believe this thread could be a safe space for people to be heard and learn from others’ experiences.

Our community champions will be here to support you along the way, and our moderation team will be around to answer any questions you may have, as well as to ensure the thread remains respectful and safe for everyone.

We encourage you to choose from the following questions to start a conversation:

• What do you do to look after your mental health?
• Are you comfortable sharing your feelings and emotions? If not, why?
• What are you passionate about, and why?
• Who would be your dream Big Blue Table guest, and why?
  

After you have shared your answers, we would love to hear about what you are eating or bringing to the table. You can even tell us a little bit about your setup and what you can see around you to really immerse us into your world. This is your opportunity to be as creative as you’d like! But remember, there is no pressure or ‘right’ response, whatever you bring to the table will be more than enough. 

💙

We hope this thread allows you to feel connected, supported, and a part of the Big Blue Table initiative. Now… get cooking! 

[Sophie_M]

Hi mmMekitty,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts so openly--it takes courage to express what you're going through, and it's clear you've been reflecting deeply. It's wonderful to see you finding ways to reconnect with music and moments that bring nostalgia and meaning. Your mention of taking steps toward improving your physical and mental well-being is inspiring, especially in the face of challenges.

The Big Blue Table is such a great space for these discussions, offering a supportive environment to explore feelings and experiences. Your voice adds so much value to the conversation, and I hope you continue to find strength and connection here. You're not alone, and your journey is important.

Hugzies right back!
Sophie_M

[Eagle Ray]

Hi MK, Sophie and All,

MK, I just want to say I love Courtney Act too. She’s such a great person! I was watching her on the Shaun Micallef show Eve of Destruction the other night which maybe is what you were watching? I love how she has her little comfort blankie thing called Fluffy that she’s had since she was a newborn baby that she’s kept all these years 🥰 I like the program that was on a while back where she interviewed people - One Plus One. She would be a great guest at the Big Blue Table.

I relate to what you say about being cautious revealing personal information from the past to people. I think the most understanding people I have found have generally been those who’ve been through similar experiences or happen to have a lot of empathy. They have to be the right people to share with otherwise sometimes it’s more beneficial not to open up certain vulnerabilities.

Thank you for all the lovely energy and thoughts you share here ☺️

Big Hugzies,

ER

[Sophie_M]

Hi ER,

Thank you for sharing such warm and thoughtful reflections. It's wonderful to see how much appreciation you have for people like Courtney Act, and how meaningful her presence has been for you. It's touching to hear about the comfort and nostalgia tied to her blanket story--those small, personal details really make such connections feel special.

I also really resonate with your perspective on sharing personal experiences and being cautious about vulnerabilities. It's true that finding the right people who empathize deeply or share similar experiences can make all the difference. Your insight into the balance between opening up and protecting oneself is so valuable and relatable.

Thank you for the positivity and encouragement you bring to this space. Your kindness and genuine energy shine through!

Big hugs,
Sophie_M

[Eagle Ray]

Thank you so kindly Sophie_M ☺️🙏

[indigo22]

Hi mmMekitty,

I haven't seen your name pop up for a while so just wanted to say hello and let you know you were right, I did need some more help after all. Have been seeing a local psychotherapist who does somatic work for about 12 months and now realise that much of the past is still stuck in the body. It's a process but better out than in so they say. Glad you are back posting.

Take care,

indigo 🌻

[quirkywords]

Hi all

just seen this thread. I have expressed my feelings in other posts.

Today is 5 years since my house and shop were burnt to ashes. I find the longer the time is the more I feel the grief and loss. Does anyone else feel like this.

I wish people the strength to express themselves and find their demons. 

[Eagle Ray]

Hello Quirky,

Anniversaries like that can be really hard. I do think that grief and loss is sometimes felt more over time because initially we are often in shock straight after a loss and so we are kind of numbed by it for a while. It then hits us more later. Losing your home like that is one of the most devastating losses and I can only imagine how hard it would have been.

I can relate to the experience of delayed grief in relation to a few losses in my life, especially losses that were sudden or ones that occurred close together or when a lot of other things were going on at the same time. I think we can only humanly process so much so some things get locked away for a while. I am finding the most helpful thing I’m learning to do with grief is to be really tender with it, to allow myself to feel it with as much gentleness and kindness as possible. I’m gradually starting to be able to do this now rather than feel so stuck and tormented by grief. It’s like it is beginning to move through and be less stuck. Even though I know it doesn’t completely go away I feel it’s changing form somewhat. I really hope for you Quirky that in time it will ease and be less painful. Sometimes it gets worse before it starts to improve. Sending you a comforting hug 💗

[mmMekitty]

Hello Indigo & everyone,

Although, I am happy to drop in over Xmas & New Year, I won't be posting regularly nor frequently from week to week or month to month. 

It pleases me to think you have found a local psychotherapist you can work with. As ER has said, being gentle with ourselves, treating ourselves with kindness, & the best of self-care is so very important. I imagine the somatic work will help you to listen to what your body needs, & in providing for your body's needs, you will be supporting your mental & emotional health.

& Quirky, it seems to me, such anniversaries, which occur in conjunction with a particular date or time of year, a memory might get branded in your mind but not readily processed. It is like how ER describes, that you've had to put processing the emotions 'on hold' while dealing with life moving on. It's okay to plan & take some time out to work through the loss you have been carrying.

Wave to SB & your creativity!

& Grandy, I also love the setting for the Big Blue Table you offer. It's beautiful.

& ER, Yeah, that was the programme I saw & I've seen One Plus One episodes, too. 

Happy New Year, to you all.

Hugzies,

mmMekitty