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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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BOUNCINGBACKCHIP hard to talk but worthy of opening up and asking for help
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I am just another of many trying to stay afloat in the ocean of depression , I just want to share that since i joined beyondblue recently,that i have found in the understanding and sharing of personal thoughts and feelings from others in the ... View more

Hi all, I am just another of many trying to stay afloat in the ocean of depression , I just want to share that since i joined beyondblue recently,that i have found in the understanding and sharing of personal thoughts and feelings from others in the same or similar circumstances to my self has been both enlightening (i am not alone) and very beneficial to my own well being . I have just spoken on the phone to a Councillor of beyondblue for the first time and this was very helpful in getting me moving towards recovery of a deep depression. Just want to say ... be brave , swallow the pride and open up ... You''ll never know what is around the proverbial "Blind Corner "... unless we stick our necks out have the guts and have a look whats there. Thank you beyondblue! for providing a positive safe and helpful environment that all at some time need Cheers all and safe travels Greg (chip)

vip A wise quote for everyone on this forum
  • replies: 14

Hi everyone I came across this piece of writing on the mental health awareness website and i think this best describes all of us on this forum that suffer with mental illness. The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, k... View more

Hi everyone I came across this piece of writing on the mental health awareness website and i think this best describes all of us on this forum that suffer with mental illness. The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation of sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happens. All of us on this forum have spirit and we are beautiful on the inside and out because we have basically all been to hell and back . Together as a group by sharing our stories we can help one another with the demons of depression that follow us everday and get back on track with our lives and start living. Take care to all of you xxx

Mares73 Hope & Support for this forum
  • replies: 3

Dear all At the moment it seems most (or many) members are experiencing real challenges with the illness we know as depression. Often it's difficult to separate anxiety from depression as they commonly coexist. For example I suffer from both but have... View more

Dear all At the moment it seems most (or many) members are experiencing real challenges with the illness we know as depression. Often it's difficult to separate anxiety from depression as they commonly coexist. For example I suffer from both but have stuck to this forum. Reading through each post I can't respond to everyone but I try my hardest to offer those in desperate need -even a short note that i feel for, and are thinking of them. i should clarify that the purpose of this site isnt for members to provide support to anyone-rather the primary purpose is to share, reach out for support for yourself & along the way you may find peoples stories & experiences you can relate to & possibly reach out to. For me this is my sole form of support at the moment (if you want to textualise read my last post "Broken Heart"). So I can't describe my gratitude as the support I received/am receiving at one of the lowest points of my life, has in so many ways helped me to survive-even if its only existence until I get help to feel alive again. And I've struggled with this illness a longtime-and the usual symptoms such as extreme low confidence, despair, frustration & isolation. I appreciate its one of the toughest battles we each face & in the community we still have not broken the stigma that depression IS an illness. At times you may be able to scrape by, at others you may need constant ongoing care & support. It is a difficult thing to ACCEPT this illness & if we could, we may be able to make adjustments in our lives to live with it. But to fight year after year hoping that you can completely "overcome" this illness-makes it more difficult-I think-to have support put in place & to educate those in your life who could be a support if they understood the illness. I've always avoided it, found it too painful to accept its an ongoing part of myself that I need to accept & be able to recognise rather than avoid the symtoms that suggest a depressive onset. I recognise now that I HAVE to accept it, the same way I'd have to accept that I had any form of a serious illness & similarly adapt my life so I had the right treatment & knew what to do if I felt really unwell. There are members here far far more insightful than I am & I in no way think I have a better understanding of this illness. I humbly thank the people who have shown me genuine compassion, support & advice. There's times it seems a small group can focus on a member in crisis & provide all the care & support they can. Then there's other times (this week may be an example) where each person is struggling in their own way & has to focus on their own recovery & keep any energy or strength they have for themselves. Yet other amazing people keep the spirit of the forum alive. For that, I just wanted to say thankyou. And to those in pain, isolation & despair-I can only hope that you find this site or the support you each need to get well. im just holding on & that's all I can do right now. But no gratitude is enough for the friendships, connections, care & support I have found on this forum. I truly hope we continue to share our journeys on Beyond Blue. Lve Mares xxx

DarkSkies Weight Issue
  • replies: 6

Hi, I have been diagnosed with depression since 2006. There has been good times in that period. When i am on my medication i can live a normal life. This last year i tried again to reduce the medication because i have weight issues. It put me in hosp... View more

Hi, I have been diagnosed with depression since 2006. There has been good times in that period. When i am on my medication i can live a normal life. This last year i tried again to reduce the medication because i have weight issues. It put me in hospital. I was angry for a long time after because i can't help the weight. I am asking the beyond blue community how you dealt with the weight gain? Is there some way around it? I go to gym 3 to 4 times a week. I walk my dog every day. Please help me.

JCliff Second Post
  • replies: 3

I have posted once before, the shorthand version on how I dealt with my depression. I have often found that writing or in this case typing is a good way to process my thoughts and feelings. Funnily enough I used to do a lot of it but now I don't. Bac... View more

I have posted once before, the shorthand version on how I dealt with my depression. I have often found that writing or in this case typing is a good way to process my thoughts and feelings. Funnily enough I used to do a lot of it but now I don't. Back then what I wrote was destructive, hurtful, not to anyone apart from myself. A way to verbalise my feelings about my own self worth so that they just weren't thoughts swimming around in my head. It is coming up on 12 months since I attempted to take my own life. I have for the past month thought about it a lot and it has made me feel a large number of emotions both good and bad. I have unlike the past reached out to my girlfriend, family and psychologist to let them know that I had been thinking about what happened and in the grand scheme of things it has been very difficult. I have been moody on occasions and have been once again that feeling of overwhelming tiredness. I am not quite sure how I will go coming closer to the date. Although I have come an extremely long way since March 18th 2013, it is a scar that I feel everynow and then when my mind wanders. I read an article this week written by Alan Stokes on depression, Ian Thorpe, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Matthew Reilly who appeared on Australian Story. After reading it I cried, felt an overwhelming sense of sadness because those are feelings that we all know and fears that we face as we battle this illness. There are a number of things that help me each day. The knowledge that despite what my fears were, the people who love me will not run when I am sad. It is ok to have bad days and it is ok to tell people your having a **** day. Today is one of those days, pretty ****, pretty flat and I am slowly counting down the hours until it comes to an end. But I will go home to my girlfriend and step son and know that everything will be ok, that I can say it was a crap day and will receive a hug a kiss that will help. So if you are feeling crappy today, pick up the phone, call someone from your family, call a friend and it could just turn your whole day around.

Guest_3712 What's Behind the Door?
  • replies: 1

Hi guys, I found this piece of writing tucked in a pocket of my wallet yesterday- ( co- incidence?) I wrote this some 4 years ago , on my first admission to a psych hospital . Obviously I was in a different state of mind then but I think the meaning ... View more

Hi guys, I found this piece of writing tucked in a pocket of my wallet yesterday- ( co- incidence?) I wrote this some 4 years ago , on my first admission to a psych hospital . Obviously I was in a different state of mind then but I think the meaning is till the same. What's behind the Door? Going in or coming out? Sliding across and back again. Double doors, single doors, painted doors, stained doors. Coming out or going in. Glass doors, metal doors, steel doors, timber doors. Exit or entrance, way in way out. Goodbye old life, Hello new life. Close the doors of doubt and confusion The key to happiness unlocks the door of hope The door of hope is the door untried. Take Care all Stressless

searchforananswer something that worked for me..
  • replies: 3

I have been suffering from depression for 7 years, its been a long and very hard journey for me. For the past 7 years, I have been searching for something that could cure me, I mean it was the thing that kept me going, HOPE. And so I tried so many di... View more

I have been suffering from depression for 7 years, its been a long and very hard journey for me. For the past 7 years, I have been searching for something that could cure me, I mean it was the thing that kept me going, HOPE. And so I tried so many different 'possible cures', from medications, hypnosis, supplements, counselling, and a bunch of other things, but nothing really worked. About 6 months ago, I tried this thing called 'foot detox', many say there are many health benefits I could get from it so I gave it a go. And to my amazement, I started to feel better after the first treatment, so i came back again to have more treatments and I could feel continuous health benefits from it. After that I bought my own machine which cost $100 from ebay and have been feeling better than ever. I finally getting out from depression and I am so excited about it !! but my question is, how does this machine help me from getting out of depression?Im searching for an answer, this machine works by transferring positive and negative ions in and out of my body, which eliminates the body waste and improves health, But personally I dont think I got better from depression because I got rid of the body waste. But rather its because the positive and negative ions that charges ur body (and brain).. i believe brain is like a battery, which is the source of power for the body. When u have a negative experience/ trauma, ur brain malfunctions and it causes depression. I think some parts of ur brain stop functioning and by transferring the positive and negative ions into ur body, the machine helps to stimulate ur brain cells and so it could work normally again. What I really want to know iss, has anyone else received benefits from this treatment? or will anyone willingly try this and tell me how they feel about it? I have been suffering from depression for a long time, and I hope that I can help people by sharing my experience. Cheers !

smallbear For anyone interested in a Mindfulness Support Group
  • replies: 1

My name's Ash and I'm interested in forming a group to discuss The Mindful Way Through Depression. Normally I don't have much time for books. I'm an author myself, so I tend to be pretty impatient with charlatanism and the industry in general.This is... View more

My name's Ash and I'm interested in forming a group to discuss The Mindful Way Through Depression. Normally I don't have much time for books. I'm an author myself, so I tend to be pretty impatient with charlatanism and the industry in general.This is the first thing that's ever helped me through my Depression. I think a lot of the charm has to do (as with most things) with the teacher(s). The message is straightforward, but the way it's presented finally brings all that disparate common sense we all know, together. I've just joined here. What I hope to achieve is an ongoing dialogue where those who are into the program in the book and its insights can support one another to stay on track and really, finally get well. Apart from my wife, I've never had any friends. So you'll have to excuse me if there's some extraordinary taboo about barging in here and announcing something like this. I've had Depression pretty much all my life. I've tried everything bar getting my brain fried. I've even tried mindfulness and self-compassion prior to finding this book, and they provided only mediocre results at best. You'll notice I haven't provided a link to the book, that's to, again, avoid any accusations of spam. I know that if you're as keen as I am, you'll look it up.

Beetle Things that pulled me away from the dark side.....
  • replies: 4

HI to all the lovely people here This will be just a short post. Just want to share my 5 cents what has helped me to get better....so far. I am diagnosed with MDD with and GAD and was close to end it all 4 month ago. -1.Going to ( good understanding)... View more

HI to all the lovely people here This will be just a short post. Just want to share my 5 cents what has helped me to get better....so far. I am diagnosed with MDD with and GAD and was close to end it all 4 month ago. -1.Going to ( good understanding) GP and fess up big time. -2. agreeing to meds and Councelling -3.stop/reduce alcohol -4. fight to get enough sleep, ME-time, -5. talk to friends how I feel not nessesary telling them about my depression/anxiety/suicidal thoughts -6.accepting my past ( sexual abuse by father, emotional & physical abuse by parents,emotional abuse by partner, physical abuse by stanger -7. accepting I suffer from MDD and GAD and that I need the meds to stay healthy. Not fighting the diagnosis. -8. accepting I will never be cured, but managed, and living with that reality as best as I can.. I don't know if that helps anyone, but it has helped me...so far.... All the best on your journey xox Beetle

MaryG I had a black dog video
  • replies: 7

A friend shared this on FB and I remember when my GP gave me this book to read. I was in a bit of a fuzz at the time and I wasn't quite ready to fully accept my reality. But now 4 months on I watch this and think yep that pretty well describes it. ht... View more

A friend shared this on FB and I remember when my GP gave me this book to read. I was in a bit of a fuzz at the time and I wasn't quite ready to fully accept my reality. But now 4 months on I watch this and think yep that pretty well describes it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiCrniLQGYc