Staying well

Pinned discussions

Sleep and Mental Health

replies: 0

Many of us have struggled with bouts of troubled sleep, and needless to say, these periods of nocturnal restlessness can be utterly overwhelming and exhausting. Sleeplessness can filter into every aspect of our lives: our ability to be present, remember things, regulate our emotions, or to feel excited and energised… it can change the way we think and feel in such a significant and impactful way. Whether it’s due to big life changes, global pandemics, financial or work stressors, health concerns (like menopause), how much ‘you’ time you have, or even unprocessed emotions you weren’t aware were there – so many things can impact how you sleep. All of this goes to show that not only do your daily habits, routines, and experiences play a huge role in maintaining healthy sleep cycles, but so does your mental health. And frustratingly enough, your sleep also impacts and informs your mental health and daily habits. Like most things, it’s a very easy cycle to fall into. So, it’s imperative that we are gentle and compassionate with ourselves on our journey to understanding what is making us so hypervigilant and unable to rest in the first place. Studies show that journaling or mindfulness practices throughout the day, healthy food, movement, sunshine, connection with loved ones, and support from health professionals can help us to feel more grounded and able to rest. But we are curious… what has worked for you? When do you notice that your sleep is most affected vs. when you get the best rest? And is there a way you could practice regulating your nervous system more throughout the day to help promote better sleep at night? We would love to hear your thoughts! Let us know if you have any questions and be sure to check out our page on ‘Sleep and Mental Health’ for more guidance and insight into a more supported and restful night’s sleep: Sleep and mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue Looking forward to hearing from you! Kind regards, Sophie M

A Bouquet for Pearls - share your appreciation for other members

replies: 715

Every now and then, members share a beautiful Pearl of Wisdom. How often do you think to yourself; "OMG that's great! I wish everyone could see this." Presenting someone with a bunch of flowers is a generous way of acknowledging their insightful words. I hope this thread stays active through members giving out praise regularly to people they feel deserving, and therefore keep generosity of spirit alive within the pages of BeyondBlue Forum. My bunch of Red Roses (my choice) goes to Wishful for the following sentence; 'Personally, I see no reason to be praised in me, but I'm learning that seeing through the eyes of others can be more accurate!!' I so hear you Wishful. Just beautiful... Try to keep your leading comments short to focus on 'their' words. Choose specific flowers (or a gift if you like) to present to them. Sign off respectfully and sincerely. I hope this takes off... Spreading the love...Sara

All discussions

Sorted by:

Start a discussion

i could really use some company

replies: 19

Right now id really like some company, jsut to sit with me. i dont like asking for help but tonight i really need it all of yesterday i spent with a sick horse trying to save her (vet treatements, mum ringing around for a vet yesterday, me ringing today and in less than 24 hr ive done over 7 hours walking- the condition she had can sometimes cure it) and today all morning since 5am until 12 today i was trying to save her again but despite the best efforts of myself, mum and the vets she sadly had to be put to sleep today. my mother couldnt handle it so i watched my horse be put to sleep stayed with her until the angels came for her and then get buried. im completely heartbroken and right now i really could use some company

Dyslexia and learning disabilities

replies: 16

Hi, I would like to hear what other people have to say about Dyslexia and learning disabilities? I am 45yr old,was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 38,stayed in hospital for 8 weeks, and I was put on medication for ADHD when I was 42. 6mths ago I discovered I have discovered that I am Dyslexic and or learning disabilities.(undiagnosed by professionals) I don't know a huge lot about and find I am going around in circles. What I'm struggling with is what to do about it, where to go for advice, is it common with mental health, other people's stories, This is all new to me any advice would be great Later

Feeling ok and the tide has turned

replies: 68

A year ago I was a mess and for 8 months I was in a dark dark place. Numerous hospital visits, medications, supportive family and lifestyle choices and I'm feeling ok.Being bipolar type 1 I tend to do things to extremes. I'm starting to string a number of good days together... I'm starting DBT in a few weeks which will test me somewhat. I'm putting one foot in front of another, not making any huge decisions and part of me is thinking I could be lulling myself into a false sense of security...I'm expecting a fall... I don't want to go where I was.. I don't know whether I could survive another bad episode.. It was scary and I was over it. I continue to have nightmares at night.. I sleep in some sort f medicated bliss but I have my moments. cheers Len

Overcoming depression, what worked for me.

replies: 2

One of the feelings that keeps you stuck in depression is feeling overwhelmed. Everything is just too much. You've got so much on your mind. Especially thoughts about what you should be doing with your life...a job, a partner, a house, a family, etc. One of the ways I learned to combat feeling overwhelmed was to shrink my domain. This is a process that goes on in your head. A process of pruning your thoughts and sharpening your focus to concentrate on getting through each task you set for yourself. You might sit around in your pyjamas feeling lost and swamped by life and this saps your self confidence, your ability to cope. But by taking on one task at a time you slowly rebuild your sense of self by having achieved small accomplishments like preparing a meal, tending to your grooming by showering and wearing clean clothes, paying a bill, etc. You have to think small so you can slowly master your domain in terms that are manageable, that are within your ability at the time. Gradually you build confidence and ability to cope. You eventually find that you can run your life and cope with challenges. All this takes patience and time. Maybe even years. The road to recovery is slow. Give yourself credit for each success. Don't diminish it with thoughts about what you ought to be doing. Do what you can, one step at a time. Sandra.

GAPS diet - heard of it? Tried it? Thoughts?

replies: 6

Hi all, I've recently started reading about Gut and Psychology Syndrome. It's intriguing. I'm wondering if anyone has tried the diet, and whether it had any effect on your mental health? Fi

My Wellbeing Course Journey.

replies: 43

Hello Everyone, Some of you may know I have been struggling, with no luck, to find a bulk billing psychologist in my area. The other week some helpful members from this very forum suggest I try getting in contact with the MindSopt Clinic -- a free service for Australian adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression and low mood. After completing an online test on the MindSpot website I received a phone call from a psychologist who talked about my results, asked me further questions, and offered me a place in an online course for people with depression, low mood, and anxiety. This week I enrolled and started The Wellbeing Course online. The course aims to provide information and teach skills for managing symptoms and keeping our emotional well-being within the healthy range. I would like to share my journey through this week by week course, mainly regarding what I am learning. I hope that some of the information I share may be helpful, interesting, to some of you or even inspire a conversation. Sharing will also, I believe, help me install the lessons I am learning. Feel free to ask me any questions and I will try my best to answer.

working and finding jobs

replies: 13

Hey been on this thread for a while but decided to start up a new post about work and jobs and what works for each person. I think mental illness has the potential to hold you back from employment (certainly something that has happened to me). I'm on the mend and I'm just wondering what it is people do for work. How'd you get to where you are now? What worked and didn't work? etc. Thanks

life after hospital

replies: 3

Hi guys ive just spent the last week in hospital in the MH ward. Im having trouble finding my feet and adjusting back to life outside the ward Can anyone give me some tips?

What is your biggest (non mental health condition) achievement?

replies: 86

Was watching, "The Voice" last night and there was a young lass who didn't leave the house for two years because of panic attacks, how here she is on National TV singing in front of four judges. I sat back and thought that even if no one turns around and picks her, she has already won - what a brilliant achievement that was. What is your biggest achievement? Mine is overcoming PTSD and functioning quite well but the mental health conditions aside, I would have to say completing my first marathon. A pure punishment of the mind and body and I completed this in the early days of my recovery when i was quite wounded and struggling. To be able to push myself to complete it gave me a massive burst of confidence that I can overcome the PTSD beast and get on with life. Mark

The Power of Prayer

replies: 4

Hi everyone I know it's a strange topic to raise and per the 2016 Census the most popular religion is in fact.. No religion! But for those that do have a religion, regardless of what that may be, I'm curious if when you are struggling do you fine yourself turning away from your faith? Or more strongly towards your faith? My belief structure is both Catholic and Buddhist (yes I know, strange mix but it works for me). I found that last year when I was deeply in the throws of bipolar depression I turned away from my faith and sought solace in other things such as photography and bush walking. Once my condition became more stable I turned back to my faith and now although I'm in another bipolar depression it's controlled and more manageable and I find myself praying and meditating quite regular. This not only provides solace but I find myself stronger and with greater courage. This of course may be placebo, but the fact remains it is having a positive impact. I'd love to know others thoughts and if so, who and what your prayers consist of. Peace x

Sleep and Mental Health replies: 0

A Bouquet for Pearls - share your appreciation for other members replies: 715

i could really use some company replies: 19

Dyslexia and learning disabilities replies: 16

Feeling ok and the tide has turned replies: 68

Overcoming depression, what worked for me. replies: 2

GAPS diet - heard of it? Tried it? Thoughts? replies: 6

My Wellbeing Course Journey. replies: 43

working and finding jobs replies: 13

life after hospital replies: 3

What is your biggest (non mental health condition) achievement? replies: 86

The Power of Prayer replies: 4