Support
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 conversation

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 conversation

Pinned discussions

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 conversation

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.

She_Sings Singing my way forward
  • replies: 1

My journey has about twenty years long. After my daughter was born I started getting anxious, after my son was born I was diagnosed with depression, but the treatment (medication) turned me into a zombie so I gave it up and there was no follow up. I ... View more

My journey has about twenty years long. After my daughter was born I started getting anxious, after my son was born I was diagnosed with depression, but the treatment (medication) turned me into a zombie so I gave it up and there was no follow up. I was just trying to push through. fifteen years later I broke down into a mess one day after are you OK day and listening to a podcast about other people's experiences with depression I realised that I really did need treatment. I couldn't keep on going. So I did the scariest bravest thing ever and went to my dr. I have been having treatment and feeling great for about 5 years. and soon I celebrate with a solo concert, my first in six years, about my journey. Singing, exercise, family, medication, meditation. Monthly dr visits keeping me on track. This work for me. My son has just been diagnosed at 18 and my heart breaks for him. he started treatment on the weekend. I just say, there is light at the end of the tunnel. My concert is called BRAVE! because just admitting I needed help was the bravest thing I have ever done. When I have been really black I don't feel like singing. I do it anyway, because i am a teacher and it is my job, and for me it has helped me come through. So has being honest. Whilst I have met some professional discrimination, which has been enormously discouraging, there is something powerful when someone whispers to you about their anxiety and depression (it is so common) and I an whisper back "me too". When the days of tears arrive (and they still do) or the days of "I am just going to bed this afternoon" (much less often now!) I am kind enough to myself to know that I am looking after me. Self kindness has been a revelation. I may be broken, a little, but that is part of my whole and I accept it. Websites like Beyond Blue helped me get help. Thank you.

SourceShield --->>> Psychopaths&Pathological Liars <<<---
  • replies: 76

Hey, I'm taking a break from my studies for the moment, by sharing what I am studying and researching at the moment. Keen for opinions, and reflections. At the moment we are looking at Pathological Liars. What do you know of this condition? Can you u... View more

Hey, I'm taking a break from my studies for the moment, by sharing what I am studying and researching at the moment. Keen for opinions, and reflections. At the moment we are looking at Pathological Liars. What do you know of this condition? Can you understand how we would see this as a condition? In the past, we have punished "the liar"! And perhaps...rightfully so?!? Who gets to be judge, and jury? And why? Do you understand the anatomy of a lie? Lets discuss. In my home, we learned that telling lies, sometimes kept us safe. Sometimes, telling the truth, still got me a hiding! So telling lies, became a negative-positive phenomena. In other words, lies - the negative, kept us safe - the positive. Have you ever experienced something like this in your life? If the act of telling lies is normalised it can become a condition - a pathological condition! The Cure...well for me anyway! Just start telling the truth...start with oneself, and people that one trusts - Could be many, could be just one trusted friend. My friend, Tricia, once told me that...You Only Need At Least One Friend In This World. And, I believe that too!. More is nice. But trust is the key. The door is ones soul. We are the guardians of the Soul - The Mind, and the home of the Spirit - The Body. Now, Im getting a bit metaphysical...are you into that? I am. But, that can be rather intense for many... ...because it involves looking at the whole picture - The Holistic Self. We consider this to be the TRUE WAY to complete health. Just stop me if this is of no interest to you though... ...I could write about this stuff... ...forever... ...and ever... Amen. What do you know about psychopaths? Did you know that......they only make up 5% of the population... ...but actually contribute to 50% of the crime in this world? Thats why I am doing what I am doing - in terms of my studies and research. Not completely but a big part of it. My research has 4 main branches. I'll discuss that at another time. But - Psychopaths, cost us all a lot of money! Did you know that? But...they are sick. Some say incurable. I am autistic. They say that is incurable. Some autistics are high functional, some are not. Some psychopaths are 'functional', and 'some' are not...at all!!!. We, as a society must address this in a serious way...lets discuss! Or, not...'cause I'm gonna study the stuff anyway. But I enjoy healthy intellectual-debate and conversation. Peace. MuchLove.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map