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Sophie_M 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, remem... View more

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

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_Anachronism Pet Appreciation Thread
  • replies: 23

Good Morning All, I was watching my two cats this morning and realised just how much they have helped me. I have been in a low place for such a long time, that honestly a week or two ago, the only reason I could stand to wake up and get out of bed wa... View more

Good Morning All, I was watching my two cats this morning and realised just how much they have helped me. I have been in a low place for such a long time, that honestly a week or two ago, the only reason I could stand to wake up and get out of bed was because my two beautiful cats needed me to feed them, to love them. I would then go back to bed on the worst days. The only reason I didn't attempt to take my own life was the thought that they would need me tomorrow to do the same. I could go from unable to cry in despair to actually smiling and laughing at one of my cats chasing each other or jumping up on the bed for some love and attention. Since then I have another thing- a project I am working on to hold me here that I am actually enjoying. I haven't enjoyed something in months. So while I know that there are many aspects to recovering- health professionals, family, friends, these forums and medication. All of which I need to combine to get better. I am not that much better at the moment, but I am a little better. I wouldn't have been here to feel this, if it weren't for my beautiful cats. So this post is dedicated not only to my two furry friends, Sydney and Mayflower, but to all the pets out there, be they cats or dogs or rabbits or fish. When we feel at our lowest and we can't possibly talk to another human bieng, our pets come up to us and ask for nothing than to be in our company. Sometimes they save us from ourselves. GA

Guest_3072 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS???
  • replies: 40

Hey everyone, What do you guys think of new year's resolutions? Do you guys have any for 2017? ...I need ideas lol Gabby

Hey everyone, What do you guys think of new year's resolutions? Do you guys have any for 2017? ...I need ideas lol Gabby

happyannie 2 thoughts for the day
  • replies: 4

The struggle,youre in today Is developing the strength You need for tomorrow...... The world is full of Good people If you cant find one Be one! I would love to hear other peoples thoughts... Annie

The struggle,youre in today Is developing the strength You need for tomorrow...... The world is full of Good people If you cant find one Be one! I would love to hear other peoples thoughts... Annie

MarkJT No More Zero Days
  • replies: 2

So an idea was floated and i love it. It is called 'No more zero days". What does this mean? It means that to help you recover and to help keep yourself healthy, you make a practice of having no zero days. No zero days are the days where you do absol... View more

So an idea was floated and i love it. It is called 'No more zero days". What does this mean? It means that to help you recover and to help keep yourself healthy, you make a practice of having no zero days. No zero days are the days where you do absolutely nothing. Like lay in ed all day. This are obviously counter productive to recovery and self care. If you find yourself having one of these days, do one push up, walk around the block, cook something healthy, practice some mindfulness, something, anything, just dont do nothing, i.e. have a zero day. I am well advanced in my recovery from PTSD and i still have days where i want to do nothing but i at least have to achieve at least one thing on those days. I now have a name to apply to it...a no zero day. Perhaps make a list of things or activities you can do if you find yourseld in danger of having a zero day so you have an easy reference point. Good luck and lets all collectively have no zero days! Mark.

Kal08 Changing my mindset!
  • replies: 3

Recently I have felt negative, everything made me mad or annoyed, I felt as if something was always going wrong. I stepped back and tried to appreciate all the things that made me happy, and all the things I take for granted every day. I thought abou... View more

Recently I have felt negative, everything made me mad or annoyed, I felt as if something was always going wrong. I stepped back and tried to appreciate all the things that made me happy, and all the things I take for granted every day. I thought about how lucky I was in life and didnt focus on the things going wrong. Life is too short to focus on all the small things. I re prioritesed my focus and energy onto things that matter, Family, Friends, Uni, Work and things that make me happy. What are some small (or big) things in your life you appreciate day to day that you could easily take for granted? Or what is something you take for granted that you need to appreciate more of? Today I appreciated the smell of the fresh country air when I said goodbye to my fiance at our front door (even though it was 5am and I was tired) I also appreciated that I had I could go back inside, turn my tap on, fill up my kettle and sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. xxx

Just Sara '''Self trust''' - a path to recovery, or too difficult a task?
  • replies: 6

Hi all posters and readers; A recent situation occurred which proved valuable in learning to trust myself to be a better person for me, not 'them'. Many times I've read about people who say their trust has been eroded in everyone and everything in th... View more

Hi all posters and readers; A recent situation occurred which proved valuable in learning to trust myself to be a better person for me, not 'them'. Many times I've read about people who say their trust has been eroded in everyone and everything in the world; suffering with agoraphobia, or becoming a hermit by choice. I suffered a break-down and then anxiety/panic symptoms for yrs, but have had relief due to acting on my own behalf instead of relying on those around me to change, or pleasing them because they refuse to change. This meant I had to learn to trust 'my' judgement, motivation and skill in communicating what I wanted. It also meant learning to defend my position tactfully, without being swayed by emotional threats or fear of the same. When I first started doing this, albeit clumsily, others resented it, argued, ignored me or gave unpleasant looks. Yes, it was hard to say the least. But as I persevered, my skill and resolve improved. No, I still don't trust those around me to do right by me. However, 'they' are learning not to abuse me or my resolve now, and blow me down with a feather; they're changing! Standing up for me, without previous fear, gives a real sense of freedom and empowerment. How brave are you? Would you consider standing your ground with people you're scared of being yourself around? Could you trust yourself to do right by you; tactfully? Would you rather feel happy when you go home from a family gathering, or feel resentment and inadequacy while complaining to your spouse in the car afterwards? First time posters are welcome to respond too. Sara

blondguy GOOGLE: The Good and the Bad on Mental Health
  • replies: 6

Hi Everybody and New Posters! This isnt an anti Google Thread. Its only my experience after having chronic anxiety followed by depression since 1983. Google is an invaluable search tool and used daily by billions of people globally, however... When i... View more

Hi Everybody and New Posters! This isnt an anti Google Thread. Its only my experience after having chronic anxiety followed by depression since 1983. Google is an invaluable search tool and used daily by billions of people globally, however... When it comes to researching mental health it has flaws and there are many. When a person is trying to 'self heal' or 'self diagnose' it can sometimes make us feel worse or even exacerbate any existing symptoms that we have. Sure we may learn something about our symptoms but to a 'tired' mind it can become bewildering, confusing not to mention depressing due to the tonnage of information available The Beyond Blue Anxiety/Depression Checklist may save you a lot of frustration/anguish prior to using Google www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10 If you have had success or frustration using Google to self diagnose or even just check on a symptom please post and let us know your views my kind thoughts Paul

white knight Forgiveness and forgeting. The two "F's" for love
  • replies: 6

The two F's, my own idea of maintaining an ability to overcome so many hurtful situations. I've listened to friends and acquaintances talk about how they "draw the line" with their spouse when it came to splitting up. "he rubbished my son and that wa... View more

The two F's, my own idea of maintaining an ability to overcome so many hurtful situations. I've listened to friends and acquaintances talk about how they "draw the line" with their spouse when it came to splitting up. "he rubbished my son and that was the end of the line"..."she brought up my previous marriage and I knew then that was the end of us" -these words can be decisive in ones action to leave their partner. But are they only words? I mean actions are a different story. Affairs,gambling, incompatibility, bashings etc are in my mind far more substantial as reasons to leave your partner. What of the rare argument/slanging match whereby you yell and scream over domestic issues? Yes, we all do have our "line" we draw but I ask you...when does pride overtake wisdom? Pride overtake love? Where does the act of forgiveness have its place? And where does forgetting come into its own? During our worse arguments we are not ourselves.If we arent ourselves then is being out of control acceptable? Post argument it can all come down to regret, asking forgiveness and most importantly...moving on successfully. Moving on depends on your ability to put the words and minor actions behind you. Not drag them up even in your own mind. I had a friend. He and his wife had an argument.During the height of the 'war' she threw mince meat at the guys face. He was stunned. The argument was over her not leaving the kitchen while he baked sausage rolls for her ladies group the next day. Her almost obsession with cleaning took over and she was placing items he was using in the dishwasher. It became unworkable and he snapped. She yelled, he yelled, then she threw the mince. Initially he was so stunned he yelled "that's it, nobody assaults me in that manner, its over".30 minutes later she returned to the kitchen distressed. She asked forgiveness. She pleaded he not leave her.She was totally distraught. He sat her down and told her that his love extends so far that he would forgive her and then told her, "I will also never recall that you threw mince at my face, that is part of my act of forgiveness- for I love you". It was assault, it was demeaning, it was stupid and unnecessary. His kindness for her was at the time in cooking something for her group.She knew it. But he also knew that she meant well by cleaning up. Turns out she was having a change of life. We all have arguments but love can extend far further than you think. After all, its only words....and a bit of mince...

gld Keeping on track
  • replies: 4

Finally you reach the conclusion you have concord the beasts causing you grief. Then in a brief moment you relax and let your guard down suddenly realising that it knocking at the door again. Has anyone out there got some good suggestions to hold the... View more

Finally you reach the conclusion you have concord the beasts causing you grief. Then in a brief moment you relax and let your guard down suddenly realising that it knocking at the door again. Has anyone out there got some good suggestions to hold them back and hold on to the good habits and develop new desirable habits? I feel that the undesirable habits have been around so long that it is so easy for them to come back as they make you feel comfortable. Even though you know they are dragging you down. Keen to learn some new tools to better myself. Gen

gwoolste Self Acceptance of Your Mental Illness
  • replies: 3

Today I was reading about the passing of Carrie Fisher, a long time support of mental health. In reading of an interview with Dianne Sawyer (American journalist) Carrie famously said: " She was not ashamed" of her mental illness, or the treatment she... View more

Today I was reading about the passing of Carrie Fisher, a long time support of mental health. In reading of an interview with Dianne Sawyer (American journalist) Carrie famously said: " She was not ashamed" of her mental illness, or the treatment she sought for it."I am mentally ill. I can say that. I am not ashamed of that," she said. "I survived that, I'm still surviving it, but bring it on. Better me than you." I know that at times it feels like society makes it feel that Mental illness is shameful. However, I too like Carrie Fisher admit I am mentally ill and will more than likely be so for the rest of my life. I do however, have some really good times that go with some really challenging moments. I feel its important to let others know this, and I take opportunities to speak to groups, or individuals about my illness, what has helped me to manage it better and what is in my toolkit. I encourage all with a mental illness to not be ashamed and remember some of those with mental illness have made some of the greatest contributions to mankind.