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Sophie_M Money stress? You are not alone!
  • replies: 4

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we al... View more

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we all seem to be experiencing a greater amount of stress surrounding money than we have in the past. And it’s impacting our ability to show up fully for the things we love. It’s not uncommon for us to experience shame and fear around expressing our financial challenges; it can be hard and somewhat taboo to openly discuss money matters. However, we believe this conversation is incredibly important and beneficial to have. Like all challenges, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, so let’s help each other out. Of course, discussions about the economy and how to manage our money during inflation are a much larger (and frustrating!) conversation… but what we would really love to know is what your personal experience around money is. Are you feeling the pinch too? How is added financial pressure impacting your wellbeing? When was the last time things felt even slightly easier? And if you have struggled with money in the past but come out the other side, what suggestions do you have for others who might still be finding their feet? This is an opportunity to share openly and honestly about your experience in a judgement-free space. There are no wrong answers, and we encourage you to share all the things that you might be finding hard to express in your every day life. Looking forward to your answers! Abundant hugs from yours truly, Sophie M.

Just Sara 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 word... View more

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

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girl_interrupted Can anyone recommend any self help books etc for motivation/setting goals?
  • replies: 31

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I figured it fits into the category of staying well/what works for others. So I'm wondering, does anyone have some advice/books/forums/site suggestions on building confidence, time management and goal setting? Co... View more

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I figured it fits into the category of staying well/what works for others. So I'm wondering, does anyone have some advice/books/forums/site suggestions on building confidence, time management and goal setting? Coz frankly I suck at all three (among other things). I have tried a number of different websites and books/techniques but I figure some of you have some ideas that might be better than what I've already tried. I guess a part of it is wanting to change and doing what's necessary to make those changes. Change is really hard! I'm open to suggestions. Thanks guys

jack57 Feeling like crap
  • replies: 5

I hate this time of year. Im just about done, never gets any better i dont believe there is any way out. Too many years gone by, wasted life. Its just passed me buy. Like ive woken up and missed all that most people have, friends and family.

I hate this time of year. Im just about done, never gets any better i dont believe there is any way out. Too many years gone by, wasted life. Its just passed me buy. Like ive woken up and missed all that most people have, friends and family.

Guest_FAC0BB92 How I beat off the black and blues
  • replies: 0

In June or July this year I was feeling very dispirited, it was winter and I was feeling my full 64 years of age. It seemed that there was not much more to happen in my life, I was drinking more red wine than was good for me, staying in bed longer th... View more

In June or July this year I was feeling very dispirited, it was winter and I was feeling my full 64 years of age. It seemed that there was not much more to happen in my life, I was drinking more red wine than was good for me, staying in bed longer than was good for me and sitting down watching television for too many hours a day. I knew all of this was shortening my life. I also knew from a previous bout of depression that I was not far away from a repeat session. Fortunately I knew I was only dispirited and I had a thought that even as my body was aging that I could still use my mind. So I started saying to myself "inspire me" and I found a response in my body. So I kept at it especially in the shower in the morning to kick start my day. Slowly I was getting better and becoming more open to other possibilities. then the Western Bulldogs won the premiership and the next day the Cronulla Sharks so I started thinking that anything is possible. Sometime later I read in the newspaper that the Western Bulldogs read "The Salty Dog" so I bought the book online and recommended was "The Passion Test" so I ordered it as well. Well I read "The Salty Dog" and enjoyed it and yet wasn't overly inspired and I was waiting sometime until October 24 when "The Passion Test" arrived. It as a game changer for me, within two weeks I was at my accountants office announcing that I was returning to the Coaching and Training business that had flopped at in 2008 sending me into depression. Now I am in business with international connections and ambitions, I have developed a coaching for change model that is really efficient and I am a trained Passion Test Facilitator. I am ready to change the world for the better and I KNOW I WILL.

nowhereman the RAINBOW RELAXATION APP!
  • replies: 2

Hi. Max here...i learned the rainbow relaxation technique decades ago.it was helpful. I believe theres a free app. Of it you can download. I recomend it.its calming.and a good tool for de stressing. ..also id like to share a saying my old case manage... View more

Hi. Max here...i learned the rainbow relaxation technique decades ago.it was helpful. I believe theres a free app. Of it you can download. I recomend it.its calming.and a good tool for de stressing. ..also id like to share a saying my old case manager told me..WHERE THERES A WAY IN...THERES USUALLY A WAY OUT....so be patient.a door will often open and remind you of a way out of your situations. Max.

FrankA Activities that fill the gap.
  • replies: 5

Hi BB contributor, I am not a person who likes labels. However, having a diagnosis to a particular set of symptoms increases the opportunities for recovery or at a minimum remission. I believe that I have a particular set of character traits that pre... View more

Hi BB contributor, I am not a person who likes labels. However, having a diagnosis to a particular set of symptoms increases the opportunities for recovery or at a minimum remission. I believe that I have a particular set of character traits that predisposed to developing dependencies and/or addictions. Due to my recent exposure to debilitating illness, I have been force to flip my lifestyle 180 degrees. You know what? If the outcome is to live a healthy lifestyle, then what do I have to complain about! So, the reason for this thread is to share the activities that you have added to your life to achieve your adrenaline rush or just for fun... I need to fill the gaps that remain from old lifestyle choices and the new normal. Any suggestions are welcome. BTW- For me, I am not currently healthy enough to take advantage of all activities. That is not to say I won't try them out when I am further down the road to recovery. Now share away. Franka x

Molly06 Interests?? Hobbies??
  • replies: 6

Hi All, i find I get asked this question a lot, what interests/hobbies do I have? I sometimes find myself making stuff up because I have none. Well not anymore. I used to love dancing and did singing lessons for a while. I like to read , but I'm seri... View more

Hi All, i find I get asked this question a lot, what interests/hobbies do I have? I sometimes find myself making stuff up because I have none. Well not anymore. I used to love dancing and did singing lessons for a while. I like to read , but I'm seriously lacking in this department. My life is consumed with my kids/husband now and there isn't really a me. Ive decided it's time to find something but the sad thing is I can't think of anything do. Can you tell some of your interests etc to give me some ideas ??

MoonWings Journaling.
  • replies: 3

Hello, I've been tossing around the idea of beginning journaling for a while now, but recently it was brought up in a session with my psychologist, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Does anyone have any experience with it? Pros / cons? I'm ... View more

Hello, I've been tossing around the idea of beginning journaling for a while now, but recently it was brought up in a session with my psychologist, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Does anyone have any experience with it? Pros / cons? I'm just really looking for some insight into the whole thing. Thanks so much for reading, Moon.

Switchoff Positive music playlist
  • replies: 6

Ok team so I'm a gym junkie which I guess is a good thing but most of the time while there I listen to dark angry music, which I guess is not very beneficial to my mental health. Any suggestions of songs I can add to my new and empty "positive playli... View more

Ok team so I'm a gym junkie which I guess is a good thing but most of the time while there I listen to dark angry music, which I guess is not very beneficial to my mental health. Any suggestions of songs I can add to my new and empty "positive playlist"

Yoga_has_changed_my_life I'm #risingstrong and being #brave but I think I'll need some support over the next few months
  • replies: 9

Hi community I've sort of decided I may take action against a bank and insurance company as my claim has not been approved and is most likely going to be declined. My husband is managing most of it for me now but it's going to take a lot of my energy... View more

Hi community I've sort of decided I may take action against a bank and insurance company as my claim has not been approved and is most likely going to be declined. My husband is managing most of it for me now but it's going to take a lot of my energy.... is is it worth it??? I'm torn the being brave rising strong voice is saying go for it! But the common sense more educated voice about mental health is saying slow down. I dont want to 'give up' as I want to drive mental health awareness and education in the community but I don't want to further put undue pressure on myself. Any suggestion? Cheers Yoga

T_1 Coping Mechanisms/Distractions
  • replies: 2

I myself have never suffered from depression or anxiety but, I have a close friend that has been suffering from depression for a while now. During a conversation, she explained to me that in order to manage her depression, she has coping mechanisms/d... View more

I myself have never suffered from depression or anxiety but, I have a close friend that has been suffering from depression for a while now. During a conversation, she explained to me that in order to manage her depression, she has coping mechanisms/distractions that help her get through the hardship of depression. Whenever she "feels down", she usually engages in exercises such as yoga, long walks around her neighborhood with her roommates and short runs. She is also a painter and always finds herself painting whatever comes to her mind. She explained that expressing herself is very important when trying to cope with her depression and painting is the best way she can express herself. Although she still suffers from depression from time to time, her coping mechanisms prepare her for what's to come and has repeatedly distracted her and stopped her from potentially harming herself. I hope this is somewhat helpful to some people. Feel free to leave some feedback. Theo