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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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claremortimer Recovering
  • replies: 5

I have been suffering depression and anxiety for about 5 years. 3 years ago, I couldn't take it anymore, I was sick of the nasty depressing thoughts that came over me, so I went to see a doctor. I had seen doctors and therapists in the past, but I fe... View more

I have been suffering depression and anxiety for about 5 years. 3 years ago, I couldn't take it anymore, I was sick of the nasty depressing thoughts that came over me, so I went to see a doctor. I had seen doctors and therapists in the past, but I felt like they made me worse so I didn't want to do anything or see anyone about it. My doctor last year was really really understanding, and listened to what I had to say. She put me on anti depressants. I have been taking those for 3 years now. Last year, I decided I didn't need them, and stopped taking them. which only threw me to the bottom. I suffered even worse, so quickly started taking them again. I still didn't feel like I was getting anywhere with recovery. I instead, looked into a more natural and healthy way of recovering. I STARTED TO EXERCISE & EAT HEALTHY!! I have never looked back since. I am still on medication, but I have never felt that sadness since then. I exercise daily, and it has improved my state of mind drastically. I cannot explain the difference it has made. I truly believe that exercising and eating right can help you mend your heart and mind, and try overcome whatever is dragging you down. I hope my story could help a little bit. remember, you are not the only one feeling like this.

white knight Mania, exhaustion or paranoia?
  • replies: 9

I've always been the same. Cant relax, always got a project on my mind and a couple planned for the future. 18 months ago I retired. Retirement really doesnt start straight away, sorry to disappoint. You have to do a few things like - paint that gabl... View more

I've always been the same. Cant relax, always got a project on my mind and a couple planned for the future. 18 months ago I retired. Retirement really doesnt start straight away, sorry to disappoint. You have to do a few things like - paint that gable that is starting to rot or it will need replacing, make that wood shed before autumn or your wood will get wet and electricity will cost more to heat your home and get your vegie patch going or you'll miss out on the summer crops. That's how its been for 18 months. Lately add to that my 6 year quest to get my customised vehicle on the road. It's now finished, ready for a trip up the mountains next week with our camper trailer and mini foxy. But it has all come at a cost in the last few days. I just cannot forecast when my endurance is about to run out. I think many people would, a week earlier, say to themselves....the machine can wait, I'm having a rest for a day or two. So two nights last week I worked on the project vehicle till 6 or 7am then crashed for 4 or 5 hours and into the project again. I enjoy my handy work, the end result and the journey to it. But it always comes at a cost. My moods swing, elevated for happy results, cheesed off if I'm taken away from the shed to attend things like shopping or even putting the bins out. = angry wife. I'm lucky. I know my mood and sleeplessness will subside. I can even feel it in the few days I've felt down. I dont know if its mania, paranoia, obsession or simply years or wanting to get to a point I'll be at next week- that trip, with the vehicle finished, the camper on the back and not a worry in the world. Of course they'll be the what if's, what if the new radiator springs a leak?, the new engine dies or the .....And I realise how negative I've been lately. I've written a number of threads on positivity, motivation and the like yet I struggle to carry out the very things I promote and recommend. In fact in hindsight, its easier for me to preach than act. I've done the cognitive thing, the relaxation, the therapies etc. I'm done trying to overcome this up and down motion of excitement down to despair. Then in an instant it will all revert back from despair to excitement again. It's coming, likely tomorrow or the next day. I just wished sometimes I was stable, boring, bland and uninteresting...then I wouldnt be on here writing this story. I suppose I'll just have to continue being the unstable, moody, smart, cool & wonderfully handsome guy I be...great-, its started!!!

Beltane People who inspire us (especially people who have mental illnesses)
  • replies: 2

Hiya again. Though of another nice topic to start. When living with a mental illness, sometimes we feel its very hard- or even that we won't achieve our dreams because of our illnesses. So I thought we could talk about the people who inspire us, espe... View more

Hiya again. Though of another nice topic to start. When living with a mental illness, sometimes we feel its very hard- or even that we won't achieve our dreams because of our illnesses. So I thought we could talk about the people who inspire us, especially those who have overcome mental illness (but you can talk about anyone inspirational). Whether its a celebrity (living or dead), a musician or author, a famous figure, or even a person you know in your own life. Even a book you read that inspired you! Who inspires you? (On a side note... what did Buzz Aldrin, Mozart and Einstein all have in common? They all have/ had mental illnesses! Buzz (alcoholism), Mozart (depression) and Einstein (bipolar). What did they also have in common? They were super awesome! Buzz (famous astronaut), Mozart (famous musician), Einstein (famous inventor and scientist). Just goes to prove that we don't have to be limited by our illnesses- we can still be super awesome in the ways we want to be! The people who inspire me... Ajahn Brahm. He is a Buddhist monk who writes books full of lovely life lessons and wise stories- my favourite (so far) is "Opening the Door of your Heart- and other Buddhist Tales of Happiness." My aunt. When i was first diagnosed, she was my rock, and shes always been there for me along my journey to wellness. She is someone who's lived with a significant mental illness (a lifelong one) but has learned to overcome it to go on to have a happy long marriage (20 years and counting), a lovely home, her own business, and lovely kids. She has taught me how to cope with the ups and downs of living with a lifelong mental illness, and to achieve all my dreams and hopes anyway. Most of all, she has given me hope to hang on to.... If she can overcome the troubles her illness caused, and go on to achieve all those wonderful things- then I can too!. My mum. Single mum, always there for me, always the first to go out of her way to land a hand and help anyone out. Has worked her bottom off to provide her kids with a good life, and always helps us kids out of a spot of bother. What a legend. Lets hear about your inspirational people!

RimeMariner29 Overcoming mental illness
  • replies: 9

Hey folks! Hope your all doing just fine. I was kinda struggling for few days so thought I should join these forums and see if I could get any good advise. I have been clinically diagnosed with "Schizophrenia" over 8 months ago. I was suicidal at the... View more

Hey folks! Hope your all doing just fine. I was kinda struggling for few days so thought I should join these forums and see if I could get any good advise. I have been clinically diagnosed with "Schizophrenia" over 8 months ago. I was suicidal at the time. Was lucky my friends noticed my behavior and told me seek help and i did. Never done drugs in my life, the Pysch says its hereditary. My grandfather had mental illness and somehow i got it. So have been on meds ever since. Overtime I come to realise that i was really ill and needed to keep taking the medications.The doctor says I have "stabilized" and in recovery. I still struggle with hearing "voices" as they are all nasty in nature. Its like I am on the streets on a leisurely walk and these random people call me a freak or disgusting etc. I used to wonder perhaps everyone heard these voices and we just had to learn to develop "thick skin". Meds are helping though so. The Psych told me meds wont take away all the voices. I called the hospital the other day. They said you could start working on improving your self esteem. I am also very self critical by nature so I am known to be very hard on myself. I joined the Gym and been working out heaps but wherever i go the voices remain. These voices can be very discouraging. Its like you vs world all the time. What would you do if you were in my shoes? I am just looking for change of perspective. I have begun looking for work. Some days I am full of energy wanna achieve things and other days it overwhelms me! I know mental illness is work in progress, you go one day at a time. I am grateful though overtime was able to overcome the victim mentality which was the suicidal part of me. If you folks got any advise for me on how to approach things differently please let me know. I am willing to do whatever it takes to overcome mental illness. I am still young and life's too short anyway.

Stitch Things pets do to make you laugh
  • replies: 12

Hi everyone, I often look at my 2 cats & think how much I love them, how much they make me laugh & how they are the only reason I'm still on this earth. I'm interested in hearing about other people's pets & the positive impact they have on our lives,... View more

Hi everyone, I often look at my 2 cats & think how much I love them, how much they make me laugh & how they are the only reason I'm still on this earth. I'm interested in hearing about other people's pets & the positive impact they have on our lives, especially in times of distress. I have been the happy "employee" (dogs have owners & cats have staff) of 2 cats for 4 years now & every day they find new & hilarious ways to crack me up. I had gone to the Lort Smith Animal Hospital with the intent to find a short haired cat, but came home with a long haired cat with 3 legs. . . . . and his fat girlfriend. Still not sure how it happened. I installed a cat door but because the 3 legged male cat had difficulty negotiating the gap between the front inner door & the security door, I went down to Bunnings and bought some wood & made him a disabled ramp to span the gap & slant down to the ground. I also glued some carpet to the ramp to give him some "purchase" for his claws. He loved it! The following day he presented me with half a mouse as a thank you. It was placed lovingly on my pillow with much strutting about & meiowing & it took a good 10 minutes of fur-stroking & lavish praise for his hunting prowess before he could calm down. I'm happy to say that nowadays he holds me in such esteem that he gives me the entire 'kill'. That's right folks, instead of pieces of mouse, I get the whole thing. Today he presented me with his most recent 'kill' which was half a sausage scavenged from the next door neighbour's BBQ last night. I don't know, I think his hunting skills are geting a bit rusty. The female cat has a habit of hunting stationary objects as she's a bit short-sighted & often mistakes rocks as prey. She also has a galloping case of dandruff & looks like a giant lamington on legs. She's completely obsessed with food, treats every meal as if it's her last & will often be found sitting next to her food bowl, looking hopeful & drooling. These 2 furry monsters are the reason I get out of bed every day. They're always happy to see me, they're hilarious to watch & they're a great comfort, especially when things are crappy. Stitch.

KatieJ I want to share what I have written
  • replies: 9

I have decided to write when I feel upset. And it is helping so much. I like poetry as it engages my mind beyond just the words... plus I like a happy ending which helps lol. I wrote this and felt inspired... I hope someone here enjoys the read. Ive ... View more

I have decided to write when I feel upset. And it is helping so much. I like poetry as it engages my mind beyond just the words... plus I like a happy ending which helps lol. I wrote this and felt inspired... I hope someone here enjoys the read. Ive titled it 'survivor' In my life I have seen many things as I'm sure have you too, there have been times of desperation, destitution but also times of opulence when due. Through all the pain and struggles of which I have been forced to endure, my sights were set for greater things and that which I could not ignore; That although those times did seem so bleak, dark days of pain and fear, I knew that I was not the only one and to some's struggles I could never come near. Surrounded by the strength of family and friends I hold so dear, still a loneliness resided so deep and fed upon my fear I saw the familiar pain in so many people's eyes, we all wore masks in desperation and convinced ourselves we were the masters of disguise And yet as plain as day life's scars were burnt into our gaze, and the yearning to be one those who were free from our dark maze. But then I left the maze below with sights set firmly to the sky, the frowns became less often and I found less need to cry. The skies were brighter day by day as I awoke from the mist, I gave up my crouch and stood up straight determination fueled my fists. The fight for what was rightfully mine had well and truly begun, a battle that no one deserves and has made many come undone. The battle for peace and happiness was that which I had to fight not just defend, once robbed by a jealous boy who thought he had the right to decide when my life should end. Though the fight seemed never ending and still there are days I must be strong, I hope his time in prison has taught him he was wrong. See I am stronger now despite the attempts to rob me of my life, if he comes again he will never be the victor of this fight. I have risen above what he has done, a victim I am not, I have survived the war and now he is the one who will be forgot. I accept the support and the light that bathes me with its warmth. I'm blessed with a life that my determination ensured I did achieve, full of that which no one can take, from the fog I have arisen the victor is awake! Hope that was worth your time

Jo3 Yoga & Meditation
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone For the past 8 months I have learned yoga and mindfulness meditation while I was in hospital. For me yoga was a different type of therapy which I had never tried before. While in hospital I thought I would give it a go and I haven't looke... View more

Hi everyone For the past 8 months I have learned yoga and mindfulness meditation while I was in hospital. For me yoga was a different type of therapy which I had never tried before. While in hospital I thought I would give it a go and I haven't looked back. While in the 1 hour yoga session I was 'in my own world' of peace, calmness and spiritually at ease. I now have the CD from the yoga instructor and am doing this at home. The last few weeks have been very emotional and confusing and I thought why don't I try yoga relaxation every night for about 1/2 hour. Well its working. I have been doing this for the past 3 nights and I have slept better than before and wake up clear, not so emotional like previously. I have made a commitment with my psych that I will do this every night for a week and let him know how I go when I see him on Thursday. I would definitely recommend yoga or mindfulness meditation to help with your emotions. For me I have found a 'shift' in how I cope. Jo

girl_interrupted Moving forward
  • replies: 2

Feeling very depressed today. But reflecting on all the things I want to change. I wrote this the other day, for personal inspiration (sorry I'm no poet) May this be a time of positive change, of renewed strength and personal growth. Of letting go an... View more

Feeling very depressed today. But reflecting on all the things I want to change. I wrote this the other day, for personal inspiration (sorry I'm no poet) May this be a time of positive change, of renewed strength and personal growth. Of letting go and moving forward.. Of forgiveness, compassion and a new found love of life. Let this be a time of inner peace, mindfulness and gratitude. May you open your heart and mind to all the beauty that life brings. May you have the wisdom to see and the passion to be all that you are. I hope this year brings positive change for everyone.

BenD Recovering from setbacks
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, Just wanted to get peoples opinions on how to maintain mental health gains (particularly related to anxiety) in times of adversity? At the moment I'm struggling a bit financially (I'm a student), have physical health problems that need a... View more

Hi everyone, Just wanted to get peoples opinions on how to maintain mental health gains (particularly related to anxiety) in times of adversity? At the moment I'm struggling a bit financially (I'm a student), have physical health problems that need addressing which also make working tough and am trying to keep up with commitments to friends and family. More specifically... 1. Physical problems (past back and lower limb trauma resulting in chronic pain) make working hard when you're unqualified and often need to work more physically demanding jobs for money. 2. Usually I can just rest if I overdo it, but at the moment I have a mate who I suspect is living on or below the poverty line and needs work so I offered to get him a job labouring in my Aunties backyard. I need to be there because they don't really know each other and so it wouldn't be appropriate for him to work there without me. So I don't want to let him down, I don't want to push my Auntie who has been good enough to give him work in the first place but I know I am doing all this at my own expense (pain wise and time wise). On top of a few other smaller curve balls that life throws at you sometimes this has made me feel a bit worn out. I think perhaps that I've neglected looking after myself a bit which in turn has made me more prone to believing criticisms leveled at me (from other people and from the irrational side of my brain). Any ideas?

Doolhof Counting Sheep
  • replies: 8

Hi. Has anyone tried to count sheep jumping over a fence in their head when they are unable to sleep? Last night I was sound asleep until I had a call of nature. Once back in bed I was thinking of all the nice things I wanted to do in the morning, an... View more

Hi. Has anyone tried to count sheep jumping over a fence in their head when they are unable to sleep? Last night I was sound asleep until I had a call of nature. Once back in bed I was thinking of all the nice things I wanted to do in the morning, and felt like getting up straight away to do them, but it was only 2.30 a.m. So I decided I would try to count sheep and thought the monotony of that exercise would send me back to sleep. Not so! The sheep in my mind started to jump the fence okay, then a couple of sheep decided to do a flip over the fence, the next one tackled it like a high jump, and then the following sheep tried to out do that one by doing ballet steps on the top of the fence! My mind was having a wonderful time with the sheep! I wish I could have filmed the whole episode, would have made a great little movie for kids, especially when the sheep started doing all kinds of tricks and some were wearing pink ribbons in their wool or even lace up boots! I had to stop thinking about sheep jumping over fences or else I never would have fallen asleep! Ha. Ha. The mind is an amazing thing and I am thankful for my creative thoughts, but not at 2.30 in the morning when I am trying to sleep.! Cheers, from Mrs. Dools