Immediate support
Immediate support

Staying well

Support each other to stay well, from mindfulness, sleep, diet and exercise to reducing drug and alcohol use and coping with difficult emotions.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Tradies National Health Month
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond... View more

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond Blue is hosting a special free webinar for our tradie community on Tuesday 12 August at 4.30pm which you can register for here. We know that Tradies can face unique stressors, with a culture of toughness and difficult job demands that can impact personal time and self-care. It can also be tough for partners and family members who aren’t sure how to support someone in a trade who may be showing signs that their mental health isn’t at its best. If you’re unsure where to start your conversation this is the space for you. Whether you want to share your own experiences, ask questions, or simply connect with others who understand what you're going through, you're in the right place. If you're seeking additional support, here are some resources: Hope Assistance Local Tradies: Home This Is A Conversation Starter: TIACS - This is a Conversation Starter Mates in Construction: MATES - Industry Based Suicide Prevention - MATES Don’t forget - our counsellors are always here for you on 1300 22 46 36. We’ll also use this space to post some of the questions and answers from the webinar discussion. Feel free to dive in and keep the conversation going. Thank you again for joining us — we’re glad you’re here.

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

KJJ In recovery - but feelings of loneliness and isolation
  • replies: 8

Hi, I suffered from an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety when I was a young adult. During this time I lost many of my dear friends, and pushed people away due to my depression, anxiety, and fear even though deep down I needed them around. I co... View more

Hi, I suffered from an eating disorder, depression, and anxiety when I was a young adult. During this time I lost many of my dear friends, and pushed people away due to my depression, anxiety, and fear even though deep down I needed them around. I continued on antidepressants for 15 years since to keep depression at bay. I am now married and have a beautiful child with hopes of more in the future. Now I am coming off my antidepressants with the help of my psychiatrist and have been surprised by feelings of sadness, loneliness, and grief for the friends that I have lost. My psychiatrist says that the return of these feelings is because the antidepressants have previously masked them - and are not symptoms of depression. But I don't want this loneliness to cause the depression to return. I don't have much family support, and my job is all done from home. I get out as much as I can but still feel these feelings of deep loneliness. Has anybody else experienced this? If so how did you cope? Also does anyone have any experience in mending self esteem issues caused by issues from childhood - this is something I'd like to work on further. Thank you

BP83 Getting myself sorted
  • replies: 4

3 years ago I was hit by a car and while my injuries were only minor, due to work cover, doctors, misdiagnosis and legal matters it meant that my personal health got put on hold. I couldn't exercise, found sleeping and moving difficult, couldn't play... View more

3 years ago I was hit by a car and while my injuries were only minor, due to work cover, doctors, misdiagnosis and legal matters it meant that my personal health got put on hold. I couldn't exercise, found sleeping and moving difficult, couldn't play with my pets or kids and generally lost all confidence in myself and my ability to cope. My family and work mates were exceptionally supportive, but in myself it was difficult as I had always been able to use physical activity and being active as outlets and coping strategies for stress. This meant that my self belief was exceptionally low and other techniques just did not assist me. I tried meditation, new hobbies, mindfulness and study just to name a few. Nothing helped and I was given an initial diagnosis of Depression and Anxiety. I will note that I work in a very stressful and high intensity industry which requires me to be 'on the ball' at all times. Just before Christmas I was given the all clear and for the first time in over 3 years I was able to start exercising again, only lightly, but the difference has been immediate for me. Just small amounts of exercise have resulted in me feeling more confident and in control, even when there are those very stressful days. The fact that I have confidence in my body (mostly) to act in the way i am asking it to has given me more self belief. For 18 months I was in a dark place, but it was amazing how old routines have returned some of my confidence to me and how that in turn has made me believe in my abilities again. I wanted to share this on this thread because I needed to share my story of how coping strategies are so important and if you can find what works for you (bike riding, playing with my dog and hitting golf balls for me), it can make an incredible difference. But for us to also be aware that what works for us does not work for everyone. Every person is an individual and we should always see this.

Elizabeth CP Finding worthwhile/enjoyable things to do even when alone
  • replies: 10

Many of us have difficulty finding things which we enjoy. My psych must feel like a broken record as he tries to encourage me to find things I enjoy. Changed circumstances, finances, anxiety & depression can create barriers which are hard to break th... View more

Many of us have difficulty finding things which we enjoy. My psych must feel like a broken record as he tries to encourage me to find things I enjoy. Changed circumstances, finances, anxiety & depression can create barriers which are hard to break through. The lack of doing enjoyable activities leads to further mental health problems. I thought it would be helpful if we shared ideas of suitable activities. Since we are all different there is no right or wrong suggestion as the reader needs to decide for themself what they want to do. Hopefully the ideas can provide inspiration. I have been married for many years & have 5 adult children. For decades my life was based on doing things as a family. We enjoyed camping,swimming, exploring bushwalking etc. More recently my children have grown up & left home. My husband has developed a degenerative condition & is now blind so I am his carer. This means the things we used to enjoy are more difficult or impossible. Illness & injuries have also created barriers getting us out of the habit of going out & doing fun things. My psych keeps reminding me that I need to be learning to do things on my own because I need the respite & at some point my husband will no longer be able to do the things he can now. Going out on my own leads to guilt feelings but not doing it means the times I do have away from my husband I waste. I need to learn to enjoy myself when I'm on my own & welcome any suggestions for me & for other readers

white knight At others mercy?
  • replies: 1

Why is this mental illness thing so hard? Why do we feel worthless (one of the most commonly used words on beyondblue) a burden or disrespected? Among all of our ill feelings we do share one common feeling with those with physical disabilities. ..a f... View more

Why is this mental illness thing so hard? Why do we feel worthless (one of the most commonly used words on beyondblue) a burden or disrespected? Among all of our ill feelings we do share one common feeling with those with physical disabilities. ..a feeling that we are at the mercy of other people. Unless we choose to live a hermit life alone, we are at their mercy to understand us otherwise we have to "carry our own cross" and that is difficult for us. Why is this? Having a mental illness robs us of some basic human abilities like normal sleep patterns and sleep quality, mental or emotional strength to face society, robustness to counter the evil of people from watching them on TV or to your spouse, ability to handle personal finances or just to function as a typical member of society. Lets face it, we need people. But more often than others we need the right kind of people to surround ourselves with to survive in peace. Once we've done that we are then at their mercy because they will know you value them, rely on them highly. That's all ok. Let us accept that that is how things are. But are those of which you lean on so much...are they fully happy.? Some people when relying on others, begin to expect such support ongoing and it wouldnt be abnormal to slip into this support in a prolonged manner of expectation. We might be at anothers mercy, but we should always respect their commitment and try even in tokenism, to balance such generosity. My wife and l often have picnics. She has depression, me bipolar and depression. I take the opportunity to thank here for her patience and understanding. She'll thank me for being a good man. However, its sad to hear from some friends that such gestures never happens in their relationship. Its dangerous to judge others. Every couple has their own way of showing love and appreciation. If you dont show it- do so. Being at someones mercy can be repaid with a garden flower with a note. Yes it isnt our fault for being emotionally challenged but it isnt their fault they carry the bags of rocks of which is your burden. How do you show gratitude to your partner/friend/carer?. Tony WK

Infinite_Faith Pride, meaningful, moving forward.
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I thougth I would run this idea I have by you guys to get a reaction. Let me start with a short speach? If you've been you for long enough, you will know if you have a mental illness or not. Call it what you like. I suffer from the 3, common ... View more

Hi all, I thougth I would run this idea I have by you guys to get a reaction. Let me start with a short speach? If you've been you for long enough, you will know if you have a mental illness or not. Call it what you like. I suffer from the 3, common ones. They are Panic/Anxiety and the best of all Depression. (Depression sucks) Anyway, this post, has nothing to do with what you might suffer from its about how you see yourself living with your illness in everyday life. Would you wear a T'shirt that said "I'm mentally Ill" on the front to "but I'm not dangerous on the back". I find that I am ashamed and embarrassed about my illness. I don't tell anyone. Why should I be ashamed of something that I didnt ask for. The term 'mentally ill' is bad enough. Just the way it is. IF

SourceShield --->>> OTT --- Old Thought Thoughts! <<<---
  • replies: 303

Greetings! This post is about LIMITING-BELIEFS, or as me and my brother Matt now call them, Old Thought Thoughts - OTT. --- This post will most likely not appeal to many people, because I am writing about our beliefs that we have about life and ourse... View more

Greetings! This post is about LIMITING-BELIEFS, or as me and my brother Matt now call them, Old Thought Thoughts - OTT. --- This post will most likely not appeal to many people, because I am writing about our beliefs that we have about life and ourselves, that we all have had for much of our life. Our beliefs are personal, and yet oddly the 'same' as well. --- There is a school of thought that teaches us that when we identify the OTT i.e. I am unlovable. Relate to the OTT, rather than from it. We can then release the attachment to the OTT, as well as the aversion to the OTT. For example - A child is told that they are no good, useless and worthless, every other day. -sadly, this is a story often told, by many. As this child grows a set of OTT have been programmed into the mind-body of the now grown adult-child. I am no good. I am useless. I am worthless. etc etc etc The adult-child now has an attachment to the OTT. But also you would see an aversion to those OTT as well. I am no good <- the attachment. And, I hate that I am no good <- the aversion. The judgement for having the OTT in the first place, keeps us attached to the OTT. --- Not all beliefs are limiting. All beliefs are fluid. They are mutable - liable to change, as all things in existence are! But... How do we release the OTT? Thats what we're most interested in!. I am going to share a few things of how I am learning to release all of the OTT that once ruled my life, and would love to read yours as well!. 1) Refer to the OTT being in the past. If we keep on affirming the OTT in the present moment, it stays in the present moment. By writing and talking about the OTT being in the past, youre correcting the memory. REWIRE! 2) I AUGMENT positive memories. Whatever they are, whenever they happened. This is why I actively look for things to be thankful and grateful for. Appreciation, heals! And thats now science...if youre interested in the research about this, let me know! 3) I have learned to ask for help, and to RECEIVE it graciously, whenever it comes to me. And, it always does. 4) I SMILE and LAUGH more. Theres research for this too! 5) I have changed my eating habits. I EAT WELL now. I am now on the Guts and Psychology Syndrome foodplan GAPS. I used to be obese. No more. 6) I EXPRESS in healthy ways - dance, music, write.. 7) I take time out to LOVE - my family, friends, my dog bundy, nature.. REMEMBERING to LOVE is a biggie!. And, whatta 'bout you?...

Just Sara Confusication!
  • replies: 12

Confused Communication; I sent my mum a msg today saying; "I'm getting some lunch and will be out afterwards" When I walked thru the door, she asked where her lunch was. "Umm..." We had a laugh about it while I made her a sandwich. Miscommunication a... View more

Confused Communication; I sent my mum a msg today saying; "I'm getting some lunch and will be out afterwards" When I walked thru the door, she asked where her lunch was. "Umm..." We had a laugh about it while I made her a sandwich. Miscommunication and misunderstandings are common with texting and msg's, especially with the amount of new mobile short-cut language now and gestures of smiley faces and the like. Emoticons are easier to identify but still may confuse people. Writing here on BB can also be misconstrued or misinterpreted and cause some uncomfortable feelings; it's not easy to read between the lines. Of course this happens face to face too, and can turn into an argument or disagreement when one person is trying to get something across and the other is confused. Anger, suspicion, fear or emotional hurt may follow. I recently msg'd someone with a playful gesture and was responded to with a distant overtone. It upset me and made me wonder what I'd said to receive such an indifferent reply. This person gained my trust thru positive gestures, words and phrases that gave me a sense of safety and trust. My msg was meant to engage in a non serious and playful manner, very different from previous msg's. It was my way of saying I felt more at ease, safe and relieved within our new found connection. Men and women can communicate very differently, so 'confusications' between the sexes can erupt into all sorts of mis-read interpretations. After thinking about my playful words and gesture, it seemed it could've been interpreted as a proposal of becoming closer; more intimate. (Not sure actually) Time will tell. Due to dealing with issues of anxiety and depression for instance, gestures and words can turn into the 'what ifs' very quickly. Panic about how to deal with such misunderstandings can escalate into major problem solving mode to confuse things even further. Then, collateral damage. My son replied to me one day with; "ok..woteva" I rang him immediately. He told me he spoke like this to all his friends. I told him I found it disrespectful and hurtful, and not to use this language with me again. Has anyone had any similar experiences like these?

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