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
Jump to
Start a discussion

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 discussion

blondguy Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)
  • replies: 1355

Hi Everybody This is only the basic dictionary definition... "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of le... View more

Hi Everybody This is only the basic dictionary definition... "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement" Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!! My Kindest Thoughts Paul

Built2Bbetter Drug relapse and loneliness
  • replies: 1

Hi there, im just wànted to get something out as I'm annoyed at myself, I have been an addict for around 20 years, 10 of those a heavy user. I stopped using 3 & 1/2 years ago and within the last 3 months I have started using again I'm so annoyed and ... View more

Hi there, im just wànted to get something out as I'm annoyed at myself, I have been an addict for around 20 years, 10 of those a heavy user. I stopped using 3 & 1/2 years ago and within the last 3 months I have started using again I'm so annoyed and disappointed at myself. I have held down a steady job for 2 years, had both my kids in my full time care for 2 years got money in the bank but I have no one, no friends and no relationship, I don't even know how I'm so insecure and antisocial I thought if I did all the right things it would work out for me but instead I've realised it isn't going to be ok, I'm going to be alone and sought comfort with drugs.... I'm really worried my kids will start to notice my behaviour, I have booked myself in for weekly counselling sessions and reduced my work week from 5 to 3 days just to try take the pressure off myself..... Is there no end to this,I don't want this and any nice woman wouldn't want this in there life either... I have a couple of years until my kids should be all moved out of home I'm trying to just hold on for another couple of years but I'm failing.... All I want is someone nice to hug me, kiss me and lay down and fall asleep bedside me so I know that I'm not so alone, I'm scared to let my kids down if I don't sort myself out soon I will do so much damage and will have failed them, I feel so sad. I dont need people to tell me it will be ok I just want some advise on how to deal with this, I have no hobbies or interests other than drugs, Ive spent 3 years laying on my bed watching Netflix every spare moment because I don't have no idea what else to do... Is anyone else like this? Thanks for listening

naustical11 Reaching out for help with intensified post covid depression .
  • replies: 5

I already had problems with anxiety and depression but ever since covid it has gotten so much worse . I was not worried about the virus , it’s not an anxiety I had problems with previously , but ever since having the virus it has intensified the symp... View more

I already had problems with anxiety and depression but ever since covid it has gotten so much worse . I was not worried about the virus , it’s not an anxiety I had problems with previously , but ever since having the virus it has intensified the symptoms I already had . I can’t eat , drink , or sleep . I’m surviving on icy poles and haven’t eaten a solid meal in months . my gp has done “all the investigations “ and all they can say every time I go in sick is “you’ve picked up another gastro virus” . blood tests show minor problems but nothing to justify the intensity of this . I e lost weight and am now underweight I miss food and can’t stomach a single thing . psychologists are unavailable in my area , I tried telehealth appointments but they were useless . I’m on medication for anxiety and depression . Any advice ?

Sandym0 Extrapyramidal Side effects and tradive dyskinesia
  • replies: 1

Hi there, how are you all? I have a question that does other people on antisicotics have a extrapyramidal side effects too. Or have tardive dyskinesia, and how do you diffentiate between two. On top of that if someone has a hearing voices, PTSD, OCD ... View more

Hi there, how are you all? I have a question that does other people on antisicotics have a extrapyramidal side effects too. Or have tardive dyskinesia, and how do you diffentiate between two. On top of that if someone has a hearing voices, PTSD, OCD Trauma and doing a program for opioid addiction too. How do you deal with it.

Jane363 Best word to describe today
  • replies: 845

Warmth the sunlight is warm on my back; people here are very warm, accepting and welcoming - far more so than many of my own friends and family - thank you so much, it has helped more than you will realise and has helped lead me to... and finally, my... View more

Warmth the sunlight is warm on my back; people here are very warm, accepting and welcoming - far more so than many of my own friends and family - thank you so much, it has helped more than you will realise and has helped lead me to... and finally, my self-attitude is warm and forgiving which is a huge change from the self hatred I have been pushing onto myself so much recently.

monkey_magic JUICING for mental health
  • replies: 131

Hi all I've recently bought a juicer and have been making fruit/veg juices and have noticed it making a difference to my mental health. I'm clearer, more energized and I just know I'm giving my body many health benefits by drinking pure extracted fru... View more

Hi all I've recently bought a juicer and have been making fruit/veg juices and have noticed it making a difference to my mental health. I'm clearer, more energized and I just know I'm giving my body many health benefits by drinking pure extracted fruits and vegetables. I thought I'd start this thread for us juicers or wannabe juicers to share juicing recipes. It's become my new "thing". 🥬🥦

-FromtheGong- Navigating the D & inability to make decisions
  • replies: 3

I’m a 53 year old man with younger kids (& adult kids) who has been battling depression for 30 years, or so.I am mostly well for decent periods, with medications & lifestyle choices helping. Unfortunately, I have been in a pretty deep & long episode ... View more

I’m a 53 year old man with younger kids (& adult kids) who has been battling depression for 30 years, or so.I am mostly well for decent periods, with medications & lifestyle choices helping. Unfortunately, I have been in a pretty deep & long episode of depression for 10 months. Initially I battled on, but eventually needed to take some time off work to recover. I took 6 weeks off, then changed jobs about 7 months ago.During my time off I ate healthy, exercised often, spent quality time with my family & began to feel a lift in mood. Unfortunately it didn’t last & I have been grinding away at life for the past few months. My job is unfulfilling with too much time to ruminate which doesn’t help my mood. ‘Or’ is my mood making the job unfulfilling? I know that taking time off again will help. To do all the things that helped last time, particularly having time to work on my physical health, which positively affects my mental health. Money, or lack thereof would be an issue needing to tighten our belts with the drop in income. I also feel that working part time & being the main carer for the kids would be helpful. Sounds like I have a plan yeah? Problem is I can’t make a decision in my current head space. Balancing what will work & what I want to do with what I feel is expected of me, or what men in my situation should do is paralysing. I’ve been agonising for the past few weeks but can’t make a decision. Has anyone experienced this? Made a decision or not? How did it go? Any responses would be appreciated.

Eagle Ray If you are a quiet person, how do you manage?
  • replies: 11

I have always been on the quiet and shy side. I know a lot of this has to do with complex trauma from the circumstances I grew up in. As I am currently working towards re-entering the workforce I'm trying to build my confidence. There is a job I woul... View more

I have always been on the quiet and shy side. I know a lot of this has to do with complex trauma from the circumstances I grew up in. As I am currently working towards re-entering the workforce I'm trying to build my confidence. There is a job I would love to apply for but it really requires a lot of extraversion, so although it greatly appeals to me in theory, in reality it would probably be very awkward for me trying to perform in that role. I'm interested how others with quiet natures navigate the world? What strategies help you, especially given that much of the world we live in is about promoting yourself and pushing yourself forward? I'm not competitive by nature and always enjoy being co-operative and caring over thinking competitively. I once heard someone describe himself as a social introvert. I could really relate to that because I love people yet I am basically shy and I need a fair bit of time on my own just to process and manage life. I find a lot of contact with others overstimulating, and yet I need and greatly value social contact as well. I am getting increasingly better at nurturing my inner child and that is really helping. However, I sometimes still feel very small and vulnerable in the world. While I am getting better at speaking up for myself and being assertive, I can still lose my voice at times and basically psychically curl up in a protective ball (safety mechanism learned in childhood). Do others feel this way? Can you identify things that have helped you?

jonjr Finding a state of self
  • replies: 3

Hi guys and ladies ... been a while. Im in a ok place right now. My journey is never easy and can snap at what seems like a blink. I cope with help from a fantastic team of understanding and at times over and above team of professionals. Im not going... View more

Hi guys and ladies ... been a while. Im in a ok place right now. My journey is never easy and can snap at what seems like a blink. I cope with help from a fantastic team of understanding and at times over and above team of professionals. Im not going through my illnesses again ( note the illnesses qoute ). My life can be fantastic but i accept it can allso be a complete nightmare. Recently i have managed to get off some of the prescription drugs ..... fantastic ..... the reality is that yes people like me need them but living on them has its own pitfalls. Of all i found some of the anxiety / depression pills the most difficult to kick. Will i ever be drug free.......? Doubtful...... are my team happy i stopped a few pills........ hmmmmmm doubtful. But after 25 years of increasing illness i know my own body and self worth and that can say more than any professional can prescribe. Dont get me wrong i wouldnt be here if it wasnt for those people and myself and my kids thank them from the bottom of our hearts..... so much i am dating one of my helpers.....My life will never be easy i know that, but right now its my choice to decide what my brain says. Its not easy to kick prescription drugs of any kind and if you need them dont ( from experience) but they are and make no mistake very powerful and damaging long term. I wish you all the best in your journey and please listen to your own needs when they shout out.

Guest_1055 Do you forgive?
  • replies: 70

Feeling hesitant about writing this and little scared of what people will think about me, a fear of being rejected I think. Well here goes. Just today I have been thinking about forgiveness, forgiving the people who hurt us, let us down, or bring us ... View more

Feeling hesitant about writing this and little scared of what people will think about me, a fear of being rejected I think. Well here goes. Just today I have been thinking about forgiveness, forgiving the people who hurt us, let us down, or bring us pain in any other way. And I think forgiving actually helps us. So what I aim to do, as a strategy to get rid of bitterness from within me is to: 1. Grap an apple or a potato from the kitchen. 2. I am off to see what I have got, yeah I have an apple that is going soft. 3. Write on the apple or whatever you have chosen " I forgive you" and draw a smiley face, that is what I did, and it is looking right back at me now. 4. Think of that person that has hurt you, and say I forgive you....... for hurting me. 5. And then I will go to the ocean, because I live near there. Walk down to the waves, and use all my physical strength and throw the apple as far as a can. "Just let in go" Note: If anyone tries this strategy from beyond blue, and I come across an apple on the beach. I will toss it back in for you. Not sure of the outcome of this strategy yet, but I will keep you posted if you would like. Also if you are not near an ocean, maybe you could choose a paddock. OK going to post this now, still scared of what people will think of me."Rejection"