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

nowhereman the RAINBOW RELAXATION APP!
  • replies: 2

Hi. Max here...i learned the rainbow relaxation technique decades ago.it was helpful. I believe theres a free app. Of it you can download. I recomend it.its calming.and a good tool for de stressing. ..also id like to share a saying my old case manage... View more

Hi. Max here...i learned the rainbow relaxation technique decades ago.it was helpful. I believe theres a free app. Of it you can download. I recomend it.its calming.and a good tool for de stressing. ..also id like to share a saying my old case manager told me..WHERE THERES A WAY IN...THERES USUALLY A WAY OUT....so be patient.a door will often open and remind you of a way out of your situations. Max.

FrankA Activities that fill the gap.
  • replies: 5

Hi BB contributor, I am not a person who likes labels. However, having a diagnosis to a particular set of symptoms increases the opportunities for recovery or at a minimum remission. I believe that I have a particular set of character traits that pre... View more

Hi BB contributor, I am not a person who likes labels. However, having a diagnosis to a particular set of symptoms increases the opportunities for recovery or at a minimum remission. I believe that I have a particular set of character traits that predisposed to developing dependencies and/or addictions. Due to my recent exposure to debilitating illness, I have been force to flip my lifestyle 180 degrees. You know what? If the outcome is to live a healthy lifestyle, then what do I have to complain about! So, the reason for this thread is to share the activities that you have added to your life to achieve your adrenaline rush or just for fun... I need to fill the gaps that remain from old lifestyle choices and the new normal. Any suggestions are welcome. BTW- For me, I am not currently healthy enough to take advantage of all activities. That is not to say I won't try them out when I am further down the road to recovery. Now share away. Franka x

Molly06 Interests?? Hobbies??
  • replies: 6

Hi All, i find I get asked this question a lot, what interests/hobbies do I have? I sometimes find myself making stuff up because I have none. Well not anymore. I used to love dancing and did singing lessons for a while. I like to read , but I'm seri... View more

Hi All, i find I get asked this question a lot, what interests/hobbies do I have? I sometimes find myself making stuff up because I have none. Well not anymore. I used to love dancing and did singing lessons for a while. I like to read , but I'm seriously lacking in this department. My life is consumed with my kids/husband now and there isn't really a me. Ive decided it's time to find something but the sad thing is I can't think of anything do. Can you tell some of your interests etc to give me some ideas ??

MoonWings Journaling.
  • replies: 3

Hello, I've been tossing around the idea of beginning journaling for a while now, but recently it was brought up in a session with my psychologist, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Does anyone have any experience with it? Pros / cons? I'm ... View more

Hello, I've been tossing around the idea of beginning journaling for a while now, but recently it was brought up in a session with my psychologist, and I still don't know how I feel about it. Does anyone have any experience with it? Pros / cons? I'm just really looking for some insight into the whole thing. Thanks so much for reading, Moon.

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