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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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StormChaser As dark as things get, it will get better
  • replies: 7

Hi i thought i would share my story briefly , i have had undiagnosed since an early child/adolescent im in my mid 30's male and have finally hit a major wall in my mental health issues.my depression has affected my work relationships and well been fo... View more

Hi i thought i would share my story briefly , i have had undiagnosed since an early child/adolescent im in my mid 30's male and have finally hit a major wall in my mental health issues.my depression has affected my work relationships and well been for many years not knowing how to deal with depression and the stigma attached i tried bottling it in i found myself changing jobs and moving around to try and figure out why i was always so down , the past few years i turned to drugs and alcohol the combination of bottling up my mental health issues and intoxication of drug use lead my two serious offenses . this was the 1st time in my life i had ever been convicted for any offense and it was extremely out of character and something i will regret for the rest of my life . this caused me to lose my job and my friends luckily my close family have supported me getting help and understanding what steps in life led me to where i am now. i urge everybodysuffering from mental health issues to talk openly about what your going through and not to bottle it all in, seeking professional help and having time to reflect on my health state and hearing from others about there depression has giving me a clearer mind state in dealing with my own depression, i thank everybody who has opened up to share there story and are grateful of organizations such as beyond blue. i have a long road ahead in dealing with my depression and dealing with the repercussions of committing two offenses and rebuilding my life over, i know i have to try and stay positive and turn it all around . dont let your mental health issues turn your life upside down seek help and as dark as things get , it will get better

Buckets74 Starting life afresh after the black dog
  • replies: 1

I first accepted that I had depression 12 months ago. In that time it has cost me my marriage, and 2 jobs. That said having separated from my wife, I am now in a happier place emotionally and I have a better relationship with my two kids. I have more... View more

I first accepted that I had depression 12 months ago. In that time it has cost me my marriage, and 2 jobs. That said having separated from my wife, I am now in a happier place emotionally and I have a better relationship with my two kids. I have more energy to interact with them, and I get angry with them far, far less often then I did previously. So from that perspective things have improved, and I will take that over my marriage. This may sound cold, but I think a lack of understanding and support from my ex led to my depressed state becoming as severe as it did. So, I am at the age of 40, starting life afresh. This is challenging, but in a healthy and better way than previously. I am meeting new people and building healthy relationships with friends of my own. It took me some time to accept this, but I'm glad that I have, as I am better than I have been in years!

MandyD Talking is only the first step
  • replies: 2

I think the ABC did a great job this week raising awareness of depression and anxiety. I found it both compelling and confronting. Many triggers as I identified with people in different stages. Especially seeing ECT live. One issue that frustrated me... View more

I think the ABC did a great job this week raising awareness of depression and anxiety. I found it both compelling and confronting. Many triggers as I identified with people in different stages. Especially seeing ECT live. One issue that frustrated me was the shallow approach of "if you talk about it you will feel better". I see it that if you talk about it that is the first step to getting help. Not an instant fix. They only brushed over the concept that many diagnoses take many years to reach and then even longer with trial and error to reach a treatment plan for each individual to manage their illness. And they can be managed. Although I am quite well at the moment, these shows took me back to the dark places as memories. Am I alone?

Sea-n-sky Can these forums cause depression?
  • replies: 8

Hi everybody, - It's me Having defeated depression, I joined this web site to promulgate the good news and manifest what worked for me in achieving that victory, I have regrettably come to a conclusion of paramount importance, which must be conveyed ... View more

Hi everybody, - It's me Having defeated depression, I joined this web site to promulgate the good news and manifest what worked for me in achieving that victory, I have regrettably come to a conclusion of paramount importance, which must be conveyed to you all.Although many of the postings, are enlightening, and must be enormously beneficial to members one way or another, I see a very clear and distinct downside to it all. That downside may in fact, completely negate the benefits which these forums must offer to many.Depression is a serious matter, and in so many cases promulgated through these forums, the stories are heartbreaking, distressing beyond comprehension, and by association, downright depressing.What kind of country, indeed society, are we living in, that permits such misery to manifest itself across a nation, and in all probability, global spectrum ? I feel confident it was not the intention of this website to drive people into a state of depression, but I take this opportunity to caution you all, I feel, that could be happening to some persons "out there".I submit, no decent normal human being could fail to be saddened and severely distressed in reading some, indeed too many, of these threads.Unless you are “hard and thick skinned”, armoured plated against human emotion, then you should seriously consider staying away from these forums, as I feel the risks of the onset of depression may be unacceptably high.It seems to me, in laymans terms, depression is "infectious", spread widely through the pages of these forums.I now ask, are these forums becoming as much a part of the problem, as their potential to contribute to solution ?There is no doubt that some stories are saddening, beyond the limits of normal human acceptance, and may contribute to the onset ofsuicidal thoughts in some persons, through despair at the knowledge of the sufferings of others within our society, particularly young persons. There goes, a tragedy of unprecedented proportion.That’s what I feel.That’s why I submit this posting, as it would be grossly irresponsible not to.Prior to joining these forums I had some knowledge of mental illness, but no comprehension of its extent within our so called “society”. Bye Sea-n-sky.

Doolhof Happy Story Time
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, It is time for a bit of light heartedness. Any one can join in. The aim is to add to the story that has been written below with one or two lines, less if you like. This may become a bit disjointed as we go along, due to the delay in the ... View more

Hi everyone, It is time for a bit of light heartedness. Any one can join in. The aim is to add to the story that has been written below with one or two lines, less if you like. This may become a bit disjointed as we go along, due to the delay in the posts being read and shown on the screen. We will see how it goes. This is the start of the story: "Once upon a time, on an island off the coast of Africa, a child wearing a pink hat with a fake flower on it found a boat. In that boat was........... So now someone else writes that bit and adds to it. If you can be funny without being rude, then please add your humour. You are not to write anything negative or offensive. This is just a bit of fun to lighten up the mood. It will be interesting to see if it takes off or if it sinks! From Mrs. Dools

AusHam forced right handed
  • replies: 5

My story is that all my life, I was born into a Chinese family as leftie and have been forced to use my right hand since a kid and have had to basically live up to the expectations of a society, which in my opinion has always been pretty critical of ... View more

My story is that all my life, I was born into a Chinese family as leftie and have been forced to use my right hand since a kid and have had to basically live up to the expectations of a society, which in my opinion has always been pretty critical of me. I've managed to cope over the years, but I feel that I'm really just conforming rather than being the individual I was born to be. Do others here feel the same way? If so, how could we make Australian society more understanding and empathetic rather than what I have experienced as condascending and cold.

white knight 6 tips for helping the mind - when things don't sink in
  • replies: 0

I've had this problem all my life and as I read many others threads and posts here I see that the problem is common- at least on here. Insight of your own behaviour is a real plus with mental illness. Seeing yourself from the "outside" just like othe... View more

I've had this problem all my life and as I read many others threads and posts here I see that the problem is common- at least on here. Insight of your own behaviour is a real plus with mental illness. Seeing yourself from the "outside" just like others see you and your behaviour is one of the ways you can change your actions and reactions. But what if you know there is a change needed and you cannot do anything about it? It can be excruciating. I accept everyone is different but here are ideas for you to think about to assist your mind to make changes. - writing it down. I fell into this idea in desperation. eg I have an air compressor in my shed. Everytime I switched it on I forgot to switch it off after suing my nail gun. In the middle of the night...off it would go and my wife gave me the usual elbow to turn it off. Out I'd go in sub zero temps to turn it off. One day I made up a large sign "TURN OFF COMPRESSOR" and stuck it to my shed door. Funny that. I've never looked at that sign but have always remembered to turn it off. It was the action of writing the sign that made it stick in my mind. I then realised the effectiveness of writing it down.Take a notebook with you to psych appointments and write things down as you chat. -Phone reminders. The modern day revelation. Learn how to use your alarms and notebook in your phone. -Take a breath and step back. Visitors coming for a BBQ?. You are told that your mania exposes more when you get worked up on some topics but although you are aware of it, you find it hard to relax. Take hints from your partner and as well regularly step back from conversations and just listen. Over time this will become normal for you. -Keep things simple eg mnemonics, point form,prioritise.You might have a list of 5 things you are wanting to change about yourself. Prioritise them and keep the details simple eg say my issues are -not being punctual, not allowing others to finish their sentence before I interrupt, getting emotional at social gatherings. Prioritising could be- PASPunk. If I can remember PASPunk as a word then it will allow me to break it down (this is suing mnemonics) P for punctuality, AS for allowing others to finish sentences and Punk for punctuality. -Self encouragement/reassurance/positive thinking. Study positive thinking techniques -Reading and re-reading.Go over paragraphs over and over again if you want it to stick in your mind There are many reasons why sufferers of MI cannot progress. Hope this help you

MrsCam being that its mental health week....
  • replies: 1

have been seeing all over the internet tis week that it is mental health week and it got me thinking I havent been on bb for a while. a quick update on what is happening with me... quit my job back in august which was a big relief for me though at ti... View more

have been seeing all over the internet tis week that it is mental health week and it got me thinking I havent been on bb for a while. a quick update on what is happening with me... quit my job back in august which was a big relief for me though at times over the past 6 weeks i have struggled with feelings of anger, both at myself for the way I handled some things, and at my former boss for the things that were said... I have a new job now at the supermarket. I work 4 hrs a day, 4 or 5 days a week, mainly bringing in the trolleys and also sometimes doing registers or stocking shelves. Its a pretty cruisy gig and while the pay is less than my last job I think for the time being it is a good fit for me. I have also become a sales consultant for a company called YAYME! which sells personalised childrens products. have had a few orders already and after our upcoming holiday(10 night south pacific cruise, Im so excited!!) I will start doing some parties so that should boost the commission a bit. Mostly feeling pretty good. still have some low days but nothing as bad as I used to. On sunday will be 3 months since I was discharged from Perth Clinic. I still have regular counselling sessions which I enjoy as it gives me an opportunity to say absolutely anything without any concern if the other person is going to get upset with me. hope everyone in BB land is doing ok also

AusHam living a life of denial
  • replies: 3

If someone is to live a life where they did not "make any mistakes", suffer any hardship or endure any challenge, would I be correct in saying that person is either one of the following? a) Living a life of isolation (hermit) b) Refusing to be honest... View more

If someone is to live a life where they did not "make any mistakes", suffer any hardship or endure any challenge, would I be correct in saying that person is either one of the following? a) Living a life of isolation (hermit) b) Refusing to be honest or forthcoming about their problems (denial)

Stitch Finding joy when times are dark
  • replies: 15

Hi everyone, I'm interested in hearing about the things people do to cope when times are rough. Not the self-destructive things. I'm pretty sure we're all familiar with those. I'd really like to hear about the "little" things people do to try & bring... View more

Hi everyone, I'm interested in hearing about the things people do to cope when times are rough. Not the self-destructive things. I'm pretty sure we're all familiar with those. I'd really like to hear about the "little" things people do to try & bring a little joy to their lives. Below is a list of some of the things I like to do - mood permitting. Eat cheezels. Dipped in sour cream. With chopsticks. Watch old Jerry Lewis movies. Never fails to crack me up. Volunteer at the local Blue Light Disco. Watching 200 kids runing around & dancing with joy just makes me smile. My face actually hurts the next day. Yell at politicians on the telly. This is excellent for venting one's spleen & always leaves one feeling refreshed. Go to the local shopping centre and just window shop. I like to fantasise about all the nice things I'll be able to buy when I win tattslotto. It also makes me feel less alone if I'm just around other people, even if I don't know them. Bake a cake. Use "Google Translate" to translate song lyrics from English to Japanese & back to English again. Try it - it's a hoot. Eat a cake. Sing along to Hootie & the Blowfish. (Umm, can we keep this one between ourselves?) Make something on the sewing machine. Current project - making pouches out of old woollen blankets for injured wildlife. Have a crack at making my own fudge. Find a spot in the sun and just sit for a while. Regards