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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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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

SubduedBlues Light vs. Darkness
  • replies: 5

Dear BB Forum readers and posters, regulars and newbies: I really like volunteering and helping other people in need, but sometimes- here on the forums- I find it takes a lot of self control and refocusing to keep myself from going down that road aga... View more

Dear BB Forum readers and posters, regulars and newbies: I really like volunteering and helping other people in need, but sometimes- here on the forums- I find it takes a lot of self control and refocusing to keep myself from going down that road again. I mean, here I am reading through the post after post, and thread after thread, about how another person is having to deal with mental illness; and then someone posts something that hits oh so close to home. In these instances, sometimes I can't help but identify with the author as there is too much similarity between what they have posted and what has happened in my life. On one hand I really want to help jump in with both feet and these people, but on the other I am so afraid of following them down that path that I avoid the thread altogether. And I wonder: am I avoiding it because of my own limitations or am I just being selfish? It is easy to self justify it as the former, but really- in a way- isn't it the latter? Coping and dealing with that which happens to me is often within the realm of my influence and control; so if it gets bad there is no one to blame but me. However, when I am reading through all of the hardship, trials and tribulations that others have to go through, and I sometimes find myself powerless to prevent their pain, and as such I cannot help but for my heart to be saddened by the words within their posts. So my question is: How does you keep your beacon of light from being consumed by the darkness? SB

SourceShield ...Creativity Techniques...
  • replies: 4

Hey. I am a Creativity Technician - A technician can be defined in many ways, but for my job, Technician simply means one that uses and teaches a particular technique or techniques. As a means for me to give back to the BB community, I would like to ... View more

Hey. I am a Creativity Technician - A technician can be defined in many ways, but for my job, Technician simply means one that uses and teaches a particular technique or techniques. As a means for me to give back to the BB community, I would like to offer a few techniques, that I employ and coach others to use. I will post one at a time, and any questions you may have about that technique...ask away!. FYI - I write this because I am a natural-nerd, and 100% okay with that! I love sharing information. I was born with an IQ of 160 - which is rather high but it means I need constant intellectual-stimulation. Just like a natural athlete MUST move and stay active, my HFA brain MUST process and work through things...there are a few drawbacks and many advantages to having this kinda brain. And, I am now learning to bring balance to the mind&body&emotions, because IQ is only one part of who we are...we are a diamond of grand splendor!. The first technique is called --- THE A.I.D Technique. I run a few of my own micro-businesses, and will soon be opening a consultancy company in Melbourne. This technique has helped me to identify ways to find and secure the type of job and work that I really want to do! I know that there are a few people in our BB Community that have or have had issues with finding the 'right' job. This may help... A.I.D Technique -- A - Amplify your KEY SKILL SET. What are you good at? And, don't say "NOTHING". Give me 5mins, and I will show you what your KEY SKILL SET is, in fact we all have many! What is MOST EMPLOYABLE about you? I - Identify TRENDS - Trends in your employment and education history. This shows me where your interests and strengths may lie. And, Trends in the MARKET. How can we take your skills to get you the right and best job for you? D - Diversify INCOME STREAM. These days, we have to be really smart about how we use our time and energy. By Amplifying and Identifying, we can now create many ways for you to get the income that you want, need and deserve. If you'd like some advice about anything related to this technique, let me know. MuchLove&Support

Shell76 Music lyrics - songs that mean more than the words
  • replies: 9

Hey - I love music. All music. Its so universal. i am interested in the songs you love. post the lyrics or artist and song. Here is mine Tin Man - Miranda Lambert

Hey - I love music. All music. Its so universal. i am interested in the songs you love. post the lyrics or artist and song. Here is mine Tin Man - Miranda Lambert

CMF Something I'd like to share with everyone
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have been actively using the forums for a few weeks now. as I feel a little better I read other threads and try to help others. I have suggested a few things to others but feel I need to share this with as many people as possible who are suffer... View more

Hi, I have been actively using the forums for a few weeks now. as I feel a little better I read other threads and try to help others. I have suggested a few things to others but feel I need to share this with as many people as possible who are suffering anxiety and/or depression. I understand some cases are more sever and require medication so you may need to check with your doctor but for anyone wanting to try a natural therapy I have two things to recommend which work for me. I would love for people to read up and find out more to see if it may work for them. Please note that I do not take any medications for my anxiety/depression. I try and walk regularly but the I use the 2 things below and they seem to help me. I hope they can help others in particluar the first one 1. Inositol - this is a natural 'sugar' found in foods such as cantaloupe and oranges. it can be purchased at health food stores or from "my chemist" It can treat depression and mood swings. The way inositol benefits depression, mood swings and to a lesser extent, bipolar disorder is very promising as well. Research has shown that those with low levels of inositol in their body have a higher chance of suffering any of these mental illnesses. Also, inositol is known to participate in the action of serotonin production in the brain and nerve systems that responds well to mood stabilizers. Put these together and you have a pretty great, natural antidepressant. 2.Dandelion tea The B vitamin family in particular helps stabilize moods and is often recommended to those suffering from depression. Dandelion root is a high source of B complex vitamins.

Marley Feeling Positive
  • replies: 1

I haven't posted in such a long time and I've had some really serious dark moments but I feel like I've come out the other side. I've told my doctor I'm sick of being on different meds as I don't feel they are even helping me. I also suffer 3 auto im... View more

I haven't posted in such a long time and I've had some really serious dark moments but I feel like I've come out the other side. I've told my doctor I'm sick of being on different meds as I don't feel they are even helping me. I also suffer 3 auto immune conditions. Has anyone successfully come off anti depressants and stayed well? I want to try and eliminate most of my medication Id like to hear from some people who are well enough not to take medication now

SourceShield ...Tourette Syndrome...
  • replies: 7

Hi. I wrote a post awhile back extending my hand in help for any folks that may have Autism inc/ HFA and Aspergers. I would like to do the same to day with anyone out here that may have or know someone that lives with Tourette Syndrome - TS. Quite of... View more

Hi. I wrote a post awhile back extending my hand in help for any folks that may have Autism inc/ HFA and Aspergers. I would like to do the same to day with anyone out here that may have or know someone that lives with Tourette Syndrome - TS. Quite often those of us on the spectrum will also have to live with other conditions as well i.e. OCD, ADHD and/or TS. Having an HFA brain, I too have had to live with TS - oddly enough it is the TS that I find most difficult to explain to people because most people have seen the stuff on comedy shows or movies, of people swearing their nut off...some of us are like that, but its just not like that for all, of course. I do have 'sweary' moments! Its like the brain just overloads and you cant control what comes out - I grew up in a home where every second word I heard was a choice 'french' one! My first word was a swear word! At my first day at school I got so confused I just let rip and went completely beserker at the teacher. She thought that I was possessed! But, TS is more so acknowledged by two main factors - 1) Motor tics --- which are repetitive non-rhythmic movements 2) Phonic tics --- what are known as utterances Oddly enough though some of us can develop atypical responses as well - I dont have the tics instead I have what I call... The Claw! The muscles in my had will become tense and my fingers will curl...to look like a claw! But, if you look closer - you would see that I am kinda 'ticking' within that movement as well. And, not all TS sufferers swear which is technically called 'Coprolalia' - but some will just repeat the same word, over and over and over again - which is referred to as 'Palilalia'. For some of us it'll come on when we 'feel' uncomfortable or misunderstood and judged. TBH - there is actually NO same identical case of TS - this is because once the 'nurture' process kicks in, which is just about how things are at home, the TS sufferer will simply display behaviour that befits their environment. i.e. I grew up in a home where swearing happened all the time, every day...so I normalised the swearing. But, in the same respect - some TS sufferers have been known to suffer with Coprolalia - even when there was no swearing at home! Which supports the theory that there is no one size fits all with this syndrome. I feel that I dont need to get too sciency with all this really, but more-so, offer my support to others out here. I am here for you. There is no shame!

Gruffudd World AIDS day
  • replies: 2

I went to the unfolding of the AIDS quilt in my little country town tonight. We don't do this every year now. As sad and hard as it is to remember I think it is worth it. When I first arrived here in the 1990's as a young gay boy from the city it was... View more

I went to the unfolding of the AIDS quilt in my little country town tonight. We don't do this every year now. As sad and hard as it is to remember I think it is worth it. When I first arrived here in the 1990's as a young gay boy from the city it was a real challenge, I met a few others and that made life here possible. We lost about half of the community here through that time and in the next few years, some of them were friends. So I'm dealing with some big feelings, it was a little confronting that as I took part in the unfolding there on the corner was a panel for someone who shared my name. What keeps me well is the change that has happened over the last 20 years and that now we don't have to hide which is what those friends and I used to dream of back then. The change gives me hope.