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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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MarkJT Positivity - how much is to much?
  • replies: 5

I know from my experience that being and in lower times trying to be positive is part of every day activities. I have a great support crew around me that help me by being positive but have you ever got to a point that others, that mean well, but get ... View more

I know from my experience that being and in lower times trying to be positive is part of every day activities. I have a great support crew around me that help me by being positive but have you ever got to a point that others, that mean well, but get annoying with it? I'm not talking about the "just think happy thoughts" people, but you are caught in the middle as you know they mean well but generally have little understanding what it is like living in the darkness. Positivity is such a crucial part to recovery and continual well being but when does it become to much? How do you handle those people that are like that? How do you stay positive? How do you flip a negative into a positive?

MarkJT Self Worth - when you lose it.
  • replies: 7

In early 2013 i was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety. I had lost all of my of resilience and self worth. I distinctly remember having this horrible physical feeling in my chest at this time. I have never been able to adequately describe ho... View more

In early 2013 i was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety. I had lost all of my of resilience and self worth. I distinctly remember having this horrible physical feeling in my chest at this time. I have never been able to adequately describe how bad a feeling was other than it was like the devils own butterflies in my chest. I had it for a few weeks and then it subsided....thankfully!! Has anyone experienced this type of feeling? How long did it last for? Can you describe it better than what i can?

blondguy What Do You Miss in Your Life? Go For It...New Posters Welcome!
  • replies: 35

Hello Everybody Being human we all miss something..This is not a negative/serious thread.Just a post for reflection. Whether 1, 2 , 3 or more please share Its always healthy to have a little vent I miss..... Companionship/Holding Hands Using my Tasma... View more

Hello Everybody Being human we all miss something..This is not a negative/serious thread.Just a post for reflection. Whether 1, 2 , 3 or more please share Its always healthy to have a little vent I miss..... Companionship/Holding Hands Using my Tasmanian Blackwood dining table for a family lunch/dinner....its been over 10 years Disco/12" Extended Vinyl Mixes and playing them My Parents when they were happy together My years when Depression/Anxiety didn't exist My Childhood Even if you have just one part of your life you miss...please feel free to share...whether its humorous or serious is fine Kind thoughts Paul

Doolhof Encouragement for weight loss and healthy eating
  • replies: 96

Hi Everyone. I am just going to put this title out there and see what happens. Later on I will try to add old thread titles relating to this issue. People may have wonderful weight loss stories to share, ideas on exercises that are beneficial, reduci... View more

Hi Everyone. I am just going to put this title out there and see what happens. Later on I will try to add old thread titles relating to this issue. People may have wonderful weight loss stories to share, ideas on exercises that are beneficial, reducing binge eating tips etc. Healthy recipes will also be welcome. Maybe even healthy foods you enjoy but your family consider to be rabbit food! Ha. Ha. Unfortunately for depression sometimes means binge eating and comfort foods. A carrot just is not comfort food to my brain! I need to find ways to rechannel that way of thinking! All ideas and thoughts are welcome here! Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

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?