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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

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white knight Feeding your brain
  • replies: 1

You brain is an organ, an amazing piece of ...whatever its is made up of to make it think. I'm no brain surgeon (rocket scientist maybe) but we have consciousness and subconsciousness and all I know is that by feeding it information you think differe... View more

You brain is an organ, an amazing piece of ...whatever its is made up of to make it think. I'm no brain surgeon (rocket scientist maybe) but we have consciousness and subconsciousness and all I know is that by feeding it information you think differently. And that is a vague example of my lack of expertise. Here on BB forums we have often talked about positivity. I'm a believer of this. I have had, in recent weeks become aware of latest research that says that being positive too much when in deep depression, can lead someone into false hope, then disappointment which can lead to the depression being worse. That aside positive thinking works sometimes so we should embrace it whenever we can. I went shopping today. I leapt out of our car to walk 40 metres to the supermarket. Just as I alighted the vehicle an old lady was pushing her trolley to return it to the store. (we dont need coins to return it as this town is too small). I offered to push it back for her allowing her to leave it to me. I thought about this simple gesture. It's effect on me. I felt good, I felt proud and above all I might have set in place an old persons faith in humanity. Effectively I was "feeding my brain". How far can this self brainwashing go? Now that's a question. It can go to great lengths. We can actually program our brains, flood it with good deeds that can alter you perception of your worthiness. How often on this forum have we read that someone doesnt feel "worthy", low self esteem etc.? What can they do about it? Feed the brain might be one answer. And the answers I'm suggesting like good deeds and there are others I'll suggest shortly, are genuinely good things to do for other people. So there isnt any cost. Could simple tasks you do for others subconsciously feed the brain to relieve the effects of depression or self worth without you realising it? Some other actions that can feed the brain could be- - a reward for restraint. eg a small chocolate bar for a week of dieting ( a common action) - voluntary work. (I believe my attendance here this year has fed my brain of the feeling of worth.) - replying to posts here. Often new posters here take advice and return the good will by helping others - talking to yourself in positive ways. You have just had a small accident. "So glad I didnt get hurt" Feeding your brain of positive comments. It works. You might know of other things to help yourself think better.

Lily_28_ can anyone suggest what they do to help?
  • replies: 2

Hi all, So I suffer both anxiety and depression, and was wondering what tips can you give me to just help get through the day or even as soon as I wake up for everyday I feel great anxiety to the point I do not want to get out of bed and face the day... View more

Hi all, So I suffer both anxiety and depression, and was wondering what tips can you give me to just help get through the day or even as soon as I wake up for everyday I feel great anxiety to the point I do not want to get out of bed and face the day. I've been told numerous times that meditation works but I honestly just struggle with the concept as I feel more anxious and/or depressed while attempting it. (Obviously have no idea how to do it properly) Exercise makes me feel better, but I am wondering what do people do to get that motivation to get out of bed and live the day for that is what I struggle with? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thankyou

Little_Rascal Mood and food
  • replies: 28

Hey, I havent realy seen anything on here about mood affecting peoples eating habbits. When Im up I dont eat, when I'm very irritable and angry I eat EVERYTHING!!!!! and when I'm depressed I loose my appetite also. I was just wondering if anyone else... View more

Hey, I havent realy seen anything on here about mood affecting peoples eating habbits. When Im up I dont eat, when I'm very irritable and angry I eat EVERYTHING!!!!! and when I'm depressed I loose my appetite also. I was just wondering if anyone else has noticed a change in this? Cheers, Cas

white knight Been there done that syndrome
  • replies: 3

Mainly older people suffer it. Middle aged can too. Bored with life? Ok, it's footy season and you have a chance to go to a final...been to one years ago and you see more of the action on TV and you dont have to put up with other spectators. You want... View more

Mainly older people suffer it. Middle aged can too. Bored with life? Ok, it's footy season and you have a chance to go to a final...been to one years ago and you see more of the action on TV and you dont have to put up with other spectators. You want a holiday and you can hook up the caravan and go somewhere but...well...you've been to all the good places around, been around Oz, what else is there to see? You want to watch the news....same old same old, Israel fighting the Palestinians as they have for decades....courts of injustice....murderers getting released on parole when they shouldnt be.....think I'lll walk around the house....must be the 10th time today. You want to buy an item at the shops....nah...will stay at home cause I might bump into someone I know and I'll have to chat. I'm painting a pretty negative picture but in reality it happens to people every day. And this attitude is often not a chosen one, it just comes along. Becoming bored with life can easily lead to a mental imbalance. Dissatisfaction, little desire to pursue what you dont know and what you havent experienced can be the beginning of the end for some lost souls. So what is the remedy? That $64,000 question. Largely it depends on the person and what they have done in their lives. But here are some ideas- -back to basics. When was the last time you valued a blooming flower, watching a sunset or sunrise, waited on a street corner for someone you could help across the bust intersection? Valuing those small thing we take for granted. -captalising on your expertise. Most older people are expert on something. I know of a friend in his 70's in the country. He is a carpenter. He finally bit the bullet and joined the local 'mens shed'. His help has allowed several other men to make toys and wooden puzzles for kids. How many older women alone would love a carpenter to fix a door jam or screen door...all for a cuppa and a chat? -Live in the city and have an open fire? Plan a firewood day. Check with a shire 150-200kms away where firewood is free. Take a picnic lunch. Fill up your trailer. Take your thermas. -City dwellers...have you ever wanted to live in the country? Now might be the time. If you have been there done that and havent lived in the country then I dont think you have "been there done that". Find a regional town about 3-4,000 people. Others can add to the list. But to be stuck in that "been there done that" mentality is not a good one. Get up and do something....keep rolling... WK

AGrace A x 3 - B An equation for Mental Health
  • replies: 4

Hi Everyone, While back in hospital the other week a number of the nurses asked me what are my secrets to getting well and staying well? I had to think long and hard about the answer. I came up with an equation. It has worked for me, and I still use ... View more

Hi Everyone, While back in hospital the other week a number of the nurses asked me what are my secrets to getting well and staying well? I had to think long and hard about the answer. I came up with an equation. It has worked for me, and I still use it every day, it could be something to consider. A formula sounds really simple, so I'll also share with you a quote that was shared with me when I first sought help. "I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it!" A x 3: Awareness: Begin with a thorough and accurate diagnosis, and get a 2nd and 3rd opinion if you feel it's warranted. Find out all you can about your mental illness. Be informed, and inform others as best as you can. Be aware of treatment options. If you don't know, ask. Be aware of your limitations so that you can begin to respect these or push them. Be aware of potential triggers. Acceptance: Accept that you have a mental illness, if you can't, no one else will. Acceptance is nothing like giving up or surrendering. Acceptance enables you to work with what you have and move forward. Accept your limitations, only then can you challenge yourself and push them. Accept gentleness, some days you won't get out of bed, but many others you will. Accept that not everyone will be accepting of your condition, and accept that those who refuse to accept it are probably not worth your time, energy, or focus. Accept that now is not forever, and that the only certainty in life is change. Accept help and support, one day the shoe will be on the other foot. Action: Only once you have awareness and acceptance can you take action. Review the strategies you are using to help you manage your mental wellbeing. If it isn't working change it, if you can't change it work with it, if it is working don't stop. - B: Remove the word "Better" from your vocabulary and your goals. Without a comparative context the word better is pretty meaningless. I hear it all the time, "I just want to feel better." or "How do I get better?" If you are going to aim for better then you need to know what better looks like. I never wanted to get better, because it felt so unattainable, instead I decided I wanted an enriched, quality of life despite my mental illness. AGrace

Chris_B Make your mental health pledge here
  • replies: 2

Hey everyone,As part of the beyondblue National Roadshow, we've been encouraging people we meet out on the road to make a "mental health pledge". We've been asking people to think about what contributes to you feeling good about yourself, healthy, fu... View more

Hey everyone,As part of the beyondblue National Roadshow, we've been encouraging people we meet out on the road to make a "mental health pledge". We've been asking people to think about what contributes to you feeling good about yourself, healthy, fulfilled and content - and then asking is there a commitment you can make, or a goal you can set, to help you achieve or maintain good mental health over the next six months?On this section of our website, you can fill in this pledge and we will email it back to you in six months and you can see how you've gone. The pledge is private, we don't reveal it to anyone, but I'm starting this thread here for those of you who may wish to share what your pledge is and we can hold each other accountable for sticking to it.My pledge is going to make sure I stick to getting in 30 minutes of exercise 4-5 times a week, as I know it helps keep my moods and energy levels regular even though I grumble about doing it!Please feel free to let us know your pledges below, and visit this page of the website to enter in your pledge and have it sent back to you in six months.

Tiger_14 Strategies for coping wanted
  • replies: 11

Hello, I am new to beyond blue and would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has strategies for coping with anxiety and depression. I have been off work for over 8 weeks since being diagnosed by my GP and Phscologist. I am feeling lonely, constan... View more

Hello, I am new to beyond blue and would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has strategies for coping with anxiety and depression. I have been off work for over 8 weeks since being diagnosed by my GP and Phscologist. I am feeling lonely, constantly seeking reassurance and questioning myself. My current time off consists of exercising - jogging, swimming / sauna / spa and seeking massages as needed to relieve stressfull thoughts. Relaxation tapes as a form of meditation help but unfortunately I am constanlty still anxious and frustrated with my progress. My GP has recommended I continue with exercise as well as taking natural medicine - (St Johns Wart) and provided me with a medical plan to vist a Physcologist every second week. I am considering asking my GP to prescribe anti depressant medication as I have not seen a lot of improvement in the 8 weeks since my diagnosis. Any feedback as to what else I should do will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Tiger 14

coco123 What do you usually do to stay calm and positive?
  • replies: 4

When you get up.. When you have bad days.. When you think you've had enough at workplace, at home, everywhere. I guess it's mood swing. Please share. Thank you.

When you get up.. When you have bad days.. When you think you've had enough at workplace, at home, everywhere. I guess it's mood swing. Please share. Thank you.

Doolhof Multi-choice for the day
  • replies: 4

As I was snoozing in bed this morning, the following thoughts came to mind came to my mind: This morning shall I A) Stay in bed all day feeling depressed B) Get up and shower and put on clean clothes C) Read a book for half and hour and then get up I... View more

As I was snoozing in bed this morning, the following thoughts came to mind came to my mind: This morning shall I A) Stay in bed all day feeling depressed B) Get up and shower and put on clean clothes C) Read a book for half and hour and then get up If I stay in bed all day A) Will I think depressive thoughts all day and feel more miserable B) Will I think positive thoughts, grab the phone and chat with friends C) Have a mini holiday, breakfast and lunch in bed, enjoy reading books, do some word puzzles etc. Once I'm up what will I do A) Allow my depressed thoughts to get the better of me and keep entertaining them B) Acknowledge my thoughts, listen to them, then try to change them to something positive C) Drown out my thoughts by listening to music, reading, Sudoku, puzzles, going for a walk How will I spend my day A) Try to think of something positive to do B) Accept today is not a good day and do what I can to get through it C) If it is a really horrid day contact someone for help and advice For lunch today I will A) Mindlessly eat yesterday's left overs in front of the t.v. while downing a few alcoholic drinks B) Invite a friend over for lunch or ask a friend to meet me for lunch some where C) Prepare myself a healthy lunch and either eat it outside or set the table up nicely for a meal When the afternoon low hits I will A) Go to bed and stay there until the evening B) Take a book outside and read for an hour or do some weeding C) Eat some fruit and go for a walk For dinner tonight I could consider my lunch time options or A) Dress up, light candles and put some flowers or even leafed twigs in a vase on the table B) Eat dinner on the balcony, the patio, in the garden or the back verandah if possible C) Pack up your meal, have an evening picnic somewhere watching the sun set For the evening I will A) Continue to entertain my depressed thoughts and feel miserable, thinking tomorrow will be the same B) Spend a little time thinking/writing about the good things that happened today and the bad as well, let the bad go C) Plan something nice to do tomorrow Once in bed I will A) Go through all the bad stuff from today over and over again B) Read for a while until I am tired enough to sleep C) Thank God/ the universe/ myself for all the little blessings I have experienced, and for making a conscious effort to make my day a good one.

Chloekat84 Good session today with my psychologist
  • replies: 6

Today i had a good session with my phych and we did a meditation session which was really relaxing and went really well i think. Im on the right track on combating this illness head on. Even though ive got borderline personality dirsorder and dysthym... View more

Today i had a good session with my phych and we did a meditation session which was really relaxing and went really well i think. Im on the right track on combating this illness head on. Even though ive got borderline personality dirsorder and dysthymia i try and think positive every day and today has been a good one. Only set back is my impulse buy of a few dvds. Thats the borderline kicking in i think. Hope everyone else has had a good day x