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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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Guest_322 Tips on balancing uni, work and just life in general
  • replies: 12

Hi, I haven't been in the best state of mind recently- mostly feeling down but sometimes it's up and down in short periods of time. I'm at uni full-time and work part-time. I want and need to do well academically (my course requires maintaining certa... View more

Hi, I haven't been in the best state of mind recently- mostly feeling down but sometimes it's up and down in short periods of time. I'm at uni full-time and work part-time. I want and need to do well academically (my course requires maintaining certain grades). But I have found that trying to achieving those grades can take its toll on my mental health. So I guess what I'm trying to ask is does anyone have tips for doing well academically AND taking care of your mental health at the same time? Like how to balance the 2? Thank you!

Zeal Keeping things simple...by simply not keeping all your things!
  • replies: 9

Hey everyone, I've been thinking of starting this thread for a while now, especially as there isn't one on "decluttering" (which doesn't surprise me!)​ I must confess that not many people share my love of decluttering! Having a thorough and relaxed b... View more

Hey everyone, I've been thinking of starting this thread for a while now, especially as there isn't one on "decluttering" (which doesn't surprise me!)​ I must confess that not many people share my love of decluttering! Having a thorough and relaxed bedroom clean-out is something I enjoy during uni breaks, and something I did from early high school. Having too many possessions can end up being stressful, especially if it results in losing items or avoiding having guests. Clutter can be emotionally frustrating, makes it more tedious to move house or pack for a holiday, and creates more distractions. It is psychologically healthier to live in an uncluttered, tidy and simpler home or space. Charity stores appreciate donations of items such as clothes and books, so decluttering has a greater purpose! I live with my parents and sister still, so I usually just declutter my own bedroom. I have decluttered my family's pantry, bookshelves and "games cupboard" though. Getting rid of unnecessary items is a good project, and can be done at your own pace and at a time that suits you. Never try to declutter your entire house (or even a whole room) in one day though, because that is overwhelming for anyone! In a bedroom for instance, you could work on your desk one day, your chest of drawers the next, and so on. It helps to have plastic containers or cardboard boxes with the labels "Keep", "Chuck out" and "Donate". A maybe box is okay too, though overusing it may be a problem for people who struggle to part with possessions. Here are some great sites on decluttering: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/the-simple-guide-to-a-clutter-free-home/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/things-in-your-home-to-get-rid-of_n_4748455 https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_less_stuff_more_happiness?language=en​ If anyone here has recently decluttered or wants to start, share your story (or tips)! All the best, SM

positivity Not sure what my next step should be?
  • replies: 9

Hi guys, for the past 1.5-2years I have suffered with very low mood, lack of enjoyment of activities & hobbies, I work and then study full time, waking up in the mornings will be the death of me, I could liturslly stay in bed and sleep all day and th... View more

Hi guys, for the past 1.5-2years I have suffered with very low mood, lack of enjoyment of activities & hobbies, I work and then study full time, waking up in the mornings will be the death of me, I could liturslly stay in bed and sleep all day and that exactly what I do on the weekend. On the weekend I could sleep in till about 11am, even though the night before I could fall asleep at 9pm. I would wake up at 11am do something for a few hours and then go back to bed because I'm exhausted. i have reserved myself from friends, family and my partner. I'm very anxious, stressed and very unhappy. I have started to develop anxiety type symptoms and it seems to be increasing, last week at work I ended up crying infront of patients ( I work as a medical receptionist) and I ended crying myself into a panic attack infront of the doctors, it took myself a long time to calm down. I have never experience this type of episode in my life. I also have developed my hand shaking or twitching vigorsly- when this happens I don't consciously know I'm doing this to my hands or fingers. I only know about it when my partner tells me to stop it or I need to relax. ive gone and seen my doctors about my issues and they send me to get my bloods checked, everything comes back normal. They then suggest more exercise and a healthy diet. I'm currently studying to be a dietician and practise what I preach, I used to exercise 5-7days a week, currently not so much as it drains the life of me these days. I have taken the doctors general advice, but nothing improved i feel my symptoms are increasing. I feel like I'm screaming for help and everyones just seems to be sending me for blood tests which come back normal. I'm feel very hopeless, unhappy and I have noticed I'm crying everyday and I prefer to cry by myself as I don't want to burden anyone. I just don't really know what to do? I know I need to start seeking help, but it hard to when everyone seems to not be taking it seriously. I feel abit worried It's gonna get A lot more severe for me. ugh just feeling really sad, lonely and stuck.

Just Sara Remembering the bad/good ole days
  • replies: 29

Recently I posted about how life was growing up and the hardships my family and I faced. (See-saw, Marjorie door..Staying well) Although the younger generation might role their eyes or tell how things have changed and not to dwell, I've found comfort... View more

Recently I posted about how life was growing up and the hardships my family and I faced. (See-saw, Marjorie door..Staying well) Although the younger generation might role their eyes or tell how things have changed and not to dwell, I've found comfort in remembering how the simple pleasures in life can be the most enjoyable. We place so much pressure on ourselves trying to live up to social standards and forget just how uncomplicated life can be without those constraints. When I was little, I lived in a busy prominent street where all the neighbours knew who and where people in our area were. I walked out of my home down the street naked as a toddler and was bought back by someone over a block away. My parents invited them in, shared a simple meal and played cards till late while they talked and laughed about me 'touring' the neighbourhood. We didn't have a phone or a TV, but managed to find things to do. Music and hourly news would fill the air most of the time and 'playing' meant enjoying whatever was laying around the yard or house. As I grew older, tinkering in our shed became an exercise in exploration and adventure. Ooh...so much junk!! Do you have stories that reflect how spoiled we've become in society and how life 'was' in opposition to now? Please share...Dizzy xo

Just Sara Random Acts of Kindness
  • replies: 2

This month is the 2nd anniversary of my breakdown. It happened at work. A few hrs before, I parked the car and sat alone on a bench in a very small park area in the CBD. I began to sob and couldn't stop. I looked up and watched as an elderly woman ho... View more

This month is the 2nd anniversary of my breakdown. It happened at work. A few hrs before, I parked the car and sat alone on a bench in a very small park area in the CBD. I began to sob and couldn't stop. I looked up and watched as an elderly woman hobbled over and sat beside me. I tried to compose myself but was overcome with sadness and grief. I didn't want to look at her as she sat patiently gazing my way. Then she slowly took my hand in hers and said very softly; "I can see you're having quite a hard time of it. Is there anything I can do dear?" I covered my mouth and held back an impulse to wail out loud, and managed to answer, albeit with shuddering and shaking; "Oh, don't worry about me, I'm fine." She rubbed my hand gently and replied; "No you're not. If there's anything I can get you, tell me now; please" I wiped my face with my hands and gave an oh so painful smile; "It's nice to know there's still people who care...that's lovely, thankyou" She sighed and stood up. "You take care of yourself my dear. I'm heading off to church in a moment, so I'll say a special prayer for you while I'm there. Everything will turn out; you'll see" She walked back to her car and drove away. I held my breath until she was gone, and broke down in a fit of uncontrollable tears. What a beautiful and kind woman. My heart felt warm, but at the same time I felt broken. Why did this genteel old lady afford me so much compassion? I didn't feel worthy. For some reason, today I remembered this random act of kindness for the first time since it happened. That day I was touched by an angel. How precious a soul she was to pray for a complete stranger on the street. I soon remembered many situations where I was helped by people wanting nothing more in return than a thankyou or smile, and to know they could assist in some way to make my life just a little bit better. Please share your experiences of 'receiving' random acts of kindness from strangers. First time posters are very welcome to contribute. It's certainly humbling to think my life has been enhanced through an offer of prayer. There 'is' such good in this world, we just need to remember. Warm and kind thoughts...Dizzy xoxo

All_things_green Penny dropper- Anger issues
  • replies: 3

so I've been told I have anger issues...for the first time the penny dropped and I now actually agree. I thought I knew myself better than that...but I obviously don't. I realise I am a very prideful person and have a lot of fear around failing or lo... View more

so I've been told I have anger issues...for the first time the penny dropped and I now actually agree. I thought I knew myself better than that...but I obviously don't. I realise I am a very prideful person and have a lot of fear around failing or looking bad. That is why I am highly strung and pedantic about things..getting things right or whatever that means. I thought I was a great communicator, but I'm actually quite a on surface talker and connector. People warm to me a lot but it's obviously not for my depth and ability to connect. I actually am so surface with the way I process things I have been told by my family I am like a robot. I actually thought I was quite a warm and caring person to my husband and older kids. The embarrassing thing is I work in a white collar industry, & appear to be very together and quite successful. Shame on me! This ain't all that when you don't have people around you that you love and they love you unconditionally. Maybe I love and like people with too many conditions??? Big question mark? I just need help to figure this one out? I have no idea how to look in the mirror truthfully and make changes. I need to make change. Any thoughts people in the real world?

lookingforme Tough Mudder Chronicles - Looking to Soak in Some Support
  • replies: 48

Hi All, I very recently signed up for a Tough Mudder event in December while on a temporary high from getting some good news. Now it has become glaringly obvious that I stopped believing I can do it, mainly because I haven't slept at all well in the ... View more

Hi All, I very recently signed up for a Tough Mudder event in December while on a temporary high from getting some good news. Now it has become glaringly obvious that I stopped believing I can do it, mainly because I haven't slept at all well in the last 7 days, which has made me skip training, let alone the last....well there's a whole chunk of time where this has been an issue but at least before, I got up and did stuff. I do know that I still want to do it, if only not to regret pulling out (may not be the best reason, but still is a reason I can understand - one less regret). I suppose what I could do with is some support from the mental health support team that's around here in all of you. I already have the support system in another social network, but rather than constantly reminding me that they, or we are all team no excuses, get it done, maybe a little more sensitivity on the days where I couldn't get up, and am already hard on myself. And who knows, maybe my chronicles will help inspire also? That's me. What do you think? Joelle out.

lookingforme Positive Reinforcement Maybe.
  • replies: 11

So, my psychologist has pointed out to me that when I comment on my life, I don't comment on anything good that may have happened, along with the bad I feel. It all seems to get overwhelmed. I have also been told that I don't necessarily celebrate my... View more

So, my psychologist has pointed out to me that when I comment on my life, I don't comment on anything good that may have happened, along with the bad I feel. It all seems to get overwhelmed. I have also been told that I don't necessarily celebrate my achievements. I deem it useless, but apparently it's good for me (who knew?). If do look at what I have achieved, it is the same as noting facts in a history book. This happened, yes, because I did this, so what? That is what I think. Mostly, I think it because I go through such mental turmoil to achieve that to think back on the process hurts me too much. This was true when I did my Honours year - up until the end of last year I could not, not cry when I thought of that year. Graduation from uni was a shambles, I ended up going to a shopping center and cried in a corner somewhere away from anyone I knew. Anyway, I think that's the reason, the struggle is too painful to remember, and never forgotten. Someone on these forums (*Cough* Carol *Cough) suggested that I come up with a good thing in my day everyday on here, for people who I know actually care about me to see, and somehow the fact that yes, I have done good, will be reinforced. I say this all with cynicism (but in no way reject the suggestion) because I have been programmed to think that anything good about myself should indeed be squashed, and all my faults should be highlighted, because how else am I supposed to be better, and if I bragged, I will get complacent and somehow lose respect for people and things and become selfish. In fact, apparently, I am all of those things. I spaced out after that sentence... Anyway, fighting against my nature here, I am trying. This may not happen everyday (covering myself here). First one: Got a Tough Mudder event coming up and with the greatest difficulty I made a training plan. What do you think?

StaticRose51 Moving forward through the good years
  • replies: 3

Hi All, I recently had another session with my shrink as I have Anxiety. She was pleased with the work i've done on myself, however she would like me to keep making an effort to keep the balance right for the next couple of years. So she is sending m... View more

Hi All, I recently had another session with my shrink as I have Anxiety. She was pleased with the work i've done on myself, however she would like me to keep making an effort to keep the balance right for the next couple of years. So she is sending me some more resources by mail. My question is this, What else helps when you are an outgoing introvert?

Zeal Women's Health Week : body image
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, As a woman, I know firsthand that many of us tend to be body-conscious. While this is true for many men too, this week is Women's Health Week (sorry guys) I thought we could start a friendly discussion here about body image: how we view ... View more

Hi everyone, As a woman, I know firsthand that many of us tend to be body-conscious. While this is true for many men too, this week is Women's Health Week (sorry guys) I thought we could start a friendly discussion here about body image: how we view ourselves, what impacts body image, and even share some personal experiences. I'll start off by speaking about my own personal experiences with body image. As a child and teen, I was always slim and lanky. This was what people complimented me on, and as I had low self-esteem, I placed high value on this physical aspect of myself. I had a healthy appetite, and would eat like a teen boy when I came home from rowing trainings in my early-to-mid teens! I put on a little bit of weight at about 16, and found this hard. I had recently quit rowing, and was much more inactive. At 17 (in Year 12), I would emotionally eat when anxious, and I ended up actually losing weight from stress. My skin was pale, I was constantly tired, and I was my own worst critic when it came to my appearance, schoolwork, and other areas. At 19, I suffered from an eating disorder, which put my life on hold for about two years. Now, at 23, I have a much healthier relationship with food I eat healthily (generally), and have a variety of different foods. I don't binge eat anymore, and I also don't cut out certain foods. Moderation is the key. I tend not to read magazines or diet info, as this can have a negative impact psychologically. An area I know I need to work on is physical activity. I enjoy walking and do household chores, but that is my only form of exercise. It would be great to hear experiences from others, and personal insights Talk soon, SM