Support
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 conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

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 conversation

Suzbj I need to stop using alcohol as a crutch
  • replies: 8

Can someone please help me get off alcohol as a crutch. I went to AA for a while a few years back, but being a small town, there was pressure to run meetings and put-downs of people (even though they were over one year sober) for getting involved in ... View more

Can someone please help me get off alcohol as a crutch. I went to AA for a while a few years back, but being a small town, there was pressure to run meetings and put-downs of people (even though they were over one year sober) for getting involved in positive things like the arts that meant they couldn't come to particular meetings because they had obligations to the arts. I don't want to live my life stuck in some room, hearing the same stories repeated over and over and over again, and being sentenced to not being allowed to do something positive in my life that is important to me if it is on the same night as an AA meeting - which is the gist of the requirements here. It is like a prison sentence. "You have no right to life. Your life now belongs in this room." To me it is like punishment and it shouldn't be that way. But that is how it is here and why so many people don't stay there. I will certainly never go back. But I do need help. Can anyone help me or point me in the right direction? I started this drinking thing at the age of 40. Cheers

Jo3 Staying well today
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I've written some pretty traumatic and distressing posts (under depression) over the past week. It's brought me right down into that deep dark tangled web. But today is another day, I am home from work for next 2 days, so my plan to stay... View more

Hi everyone, I've written some pretty traumatic and distressing posts (under depression) over the past week. It's brought me right down into that deep dark tangled web. But today is another day, I am home from work for next 2 days, so my plan to staying well will be: 1. taking dog for walk down the beach 2. going for a skin mole check (necessary) 3. catching up with a friend for coffee 4. swim down the beach this afternoon 5. just sit and listen to relaxation music on my phone Sometimes I need to just sit and do nothing. Even though my house is messy, adult kids everywhere, chores to do - I REALLY DON'T CARE. I don't care if hubby comes home and says - oh shoes here, shoes there, shoes everywhere!! I REALLY DON'T CARE. Today and tomorrow is going to be my time. Time for me to do whatever and if the family crack it - well bad luck. Hope everyone can have a staying well plan and enjoy your day. Take care everyone Jo

amamas Mental Health support at Uni
  • replies: 0

Hi I just wanted to post in case anyone is having problems studying due to their mental illness. I'm studying an online unit through Uni and due to my illness have lots of days where I can't study. I recently contacted the disability support team and... View more

Hi I just wanted to post in case anyone is having problems studying due to their mental illness. I'm studying an online unit through Uni and due to my illness have lots of days where I can't study. I recently contacted the disability support team and they were wonderful! I can't say enough good things about them. They thought of needs I may have that I didn't even consider myself. Registering has taken so much stress out of my studies. They set up a plan for me that is in place now if I ever need further support. Right down to little details like - my brain works better in the morning so I now will only ever have morning exams. I highly recommend accessing this service if you're studying. Cheers Amamas

Stephen123 Some days are diamonds
  • replies: 8

Why is it some days I feel like I,m right on top of the old black dog and other days I can feel the little bugger nipping at my heels again. I just don,t have the energy nor the drive to do anything today. There are a thousand things I could be doing... View more

Why is it some days I feel like I,m right on top of the old black dog and other days I can feel the little bugger nipping at my heels again. I just don,t have the energy nor the drive to do anything today. There are a thousand things I could be doing but I just can,t do them. 20 years! I,ve had enough of this, I don,t mean I want to end it all or anything. I,ve just had enough of this numb feeling. I crave to be happy joyful, interactive with the kids. Sometimes all I do is lie here in self misery unable to get up. Depression, where did you come from? Why do you take evil form? Alcohol, pokies. Why have you dragged me down for 20 years? Will I ever beat you? Why are you known by so many labels? Why won,t you leave me alone ? so that I can live a normal healthy productive life! You creep into my heart and soul and twist an evil blade. Damn you depression, damn you to hell where you belong. I am beating you, I will defeat you one day and I will lead a positive productive life. You have me today depression but not for long, the kids come home soon and you,ll be banished to the cupboard under the stairs again. You might pop your head out tomorrow but I might not be here, I might be in the garden or at the beach where you can,t find me. sorry for rambling I just needed to vent.

MaryG Making Progress
  • replies: 2

I have posted here a few times and really benefited from knowing that there are other people out there who will listen and sometimes respond if they think they can help by either giving me some advice or just sharing their own experiences. I've also ... View more

I have posted here a few times and really benefited from knowing that there are other people out there who will listen and sometimes respond if they think they can help by either giving me some advice or just sharing their own experiences. I've also found it hugely beneficial to listen and attempt to help others. In the last week I feel like I have really turned a corner and I am feeling really quite good for the first time in a long time. I wanted to share some of this positive feeling and maybe help some of you understand that maybe there is a way to move forward and out of the hole and stop yourself from falling back in. If you don't know or can't remember my story; after probably many years of depression (untreated except for self medication with alcohol) and then a significant downwards spiral in the last three years, I am now taking an SNRI, seeing a psychologist weekly, and I have given up alcohol completely. I have an extremely supportive and loving husband, and he and my amazing GP have been instrumental in helping me to get the help I need. Through my psych visits I have begun to understand a lot about myself and how I have learnt to deal with life since childhood by blocking and actually not dealing with anything and hoping that problems will go away. Then I typically feel guilty that I haven’t dealt with a problem and that although I want to deal with it and tell myself I should, I worry that I will say or do the wrong thing and end up never saying or doing anything. This compounds I guess and makes me feel useless and stupid and weak. I am a perfectionist particularly in my work and my fear of failure is also a big factor. I am very slowly now finding that I can identify some of the triggers that set me off into the self hatred, self doubt, fear, anxiety and depression. In fact I had my first experience of this the other evening and I experienced such an epiphany. Wow! I thought...I need to let this go. I thought is this a problem I can or am willing to do anything about? No...well move on. And I did. I'm 48 years old and it's time to understand what I can and can’t do and accept that there are some things that I don’t need to beat myself up over. This is me, in this body right now. (thanks mindfulness) It’s early days, but this one experience has left me with such a different outlook on my life. Yesterday a work colleague made a comment to me that I heard as “you’re useless and the job you do isn't as important as mine” He didn't actually say that, but in my self critical head it’s what I heard. I thought I need to let this go. I returned to my desk and I took a few minutes to look at some photos of my family and an artwork I have been working on and thought about all the things I am really very good at and I let it go. Having said all that I woke this morning feeling quite tired and anxious and it isn't obvious to me why this is. I have been feeling so engaged and happy this last week. My psych says that there is a big neuro-biological side to all this and it takes a while to “rewire” the brain. It’s not just all thoughts, a lot is chemical especially because of the alcohol abuse. Again I guess I need to accept this and not beat myself up for failing to be well all the time. Easy to intellectualise, not so easy to do. So anyway that’s how I am today still struggling a little, but feeling that there is definitely hope and it’s worth fighting for a better life. Mary

helpinghand Books and Other Resources
  • replies: 1

I'm looking for a biography of an anxiety sufferer that talks about how they overcame or managed their anxiety. Preferably a biography of a well-known person that can easily be identified with. My partner is an anxiety sufferer and would like a biogr... View more

I'm looking for a biography of an anxiety sufferer that talks about how they overcame or managed their anxiety. Preferably a biography of a well-known person that can easily be identified with. My partner is an anxiety sufferer and would like a biography that might inspire her. Appreciate any advice you might have a good book. Thank you.

Stephen123 Brief psychotic disorder
  • replies: 4

I believe this is my label. I,m just wondering if there are any other brief psychotics out there. Yes I,ve had numerous nervous breakdowns, yes I,ve been sure I was Jesus Christ, but it would seem I get to experience insanity only briefly. Oh and not... View more

I believe this is my label. I,m just wondering if there are any other brief psychotics out there. Yes I,ve had numerous nervous breakdowns, yes I,ve been sure I was Jesus Christ, but it would seem I get to experience insanity only briefly. Oh and not to mention all the other fun stuff, paranoid delusions, major depression, PTSD, and apparently mild schizophrenia. About the only thing I am missing are the voices. But I do have that little voice in my head that constantly talks to me telling me I,m hopeless or there is someone out to take the mickey out of me. It,s nowhere near as strong as it used to be. 16 years it,s been and I,m still heart scared of it. Where was that place I went too? The place beyond hell for infinity! why is that figure 8 so significant? Do other people go there? How did I get back? I just hope I never go there again, even if it is only briefly. Brief psychosis, it didn't,t feel very brief to me!

giggles I would like to share my experience with depression
  • replies: 0

Hello to anyone that has chosen to read this I get what alot of people write about on this site. I have not experienced all of what is written. What I would like to share is not going to be agreed with by all and that is fine I really can not possibl... View more

Hello to anyone that has chosen to read this I get what alot of people write about on this site. I have not experienced all of what is written. What I would like to share is not going to be agreed with by all and that is fine I really can not possibly expect everyone to agree with my experience because it is just that MINE.However if there is someone there that will seek the correct help for them and they in turn find their place then I am happy and I realize I may never know who you are or even meet you but that is just fine. This is my truth to my life that I can honestly say that I wish all could see and learn what I have over the last few years. All I am asking is for those that have this time on their hands because of the depression controlling their lives in a negative way that they seek the help of the spiritual realm. I am not suggesting which one because that really is up to the individual. Certain people have suggested that I am very spiritual but I just looked at them and wondered what they were on. For those that have been seriously hurt by the spiritual people it is simply time for you to find the one that is for you. the one you understand, the one you connect with, the one that helps you bring back your confidence to control those inner feelings because at the end of the day that is what I have personally learnt to deal with and I am living it.No one did it for me as no one can do it for you. Simple. No Psychologist or Doctor offered me any assistance with what I needed so that just added to my length of time being depressed.They had pills of course but that just cost me more and I was worried about finances as it was so that does not help. Because I am still here everyday I reckon then I am meant to be. That is how I see spirit working and helping. Everything now good and bad is meant to be. I have had a new born baby come into our lives and what he has it absolutely horrid but you know what he is going to be loved and cared for like he is suppose to be. In the past I would have been blown away with this event but because I have done the work of the spiritual nature I can honestly say it is real as real as those pills covering my truths. Since I love to researching things it has opened doors that I would not normally open and in that I have found concrete answers on how to deal with people, situations and I no longer worry like I use to about things that I have absoulute no control over. A very small example is if I am angry at someone of something I am getting alot quicker at finding out why I am angry at them and can release it alot quicker than I use too and then be in the depressive condition which of course distracts you from living. Now I am not perfect and would never ever claim to be however I do not feel like I need to be either because I am human first which just means I will make mistakes trip over something and do it again. The human and spiritual are very very closely linked to me and it is so easy to get confused as to which one we are in but it is possible to improve your skills in some way. Before I have ended up writting a book for this post which I am not interested in doing because there is a cyber space out there for all to read at their own leisure and if you are meant to meet someone to help you search then so be it. I would never ever rely on anyone ever again for my spiritual growth but that is me what I have now are people I can call on to toss things over with and that in itself can be the difference between life and death. I have always wanted to say when I hear people say they need to stop suicide that it is not actually possible to actually know when someone is going to do that. No one knew what I was thinking when I wanted to die and when they did the help definitely did not help at all.However this is not a criticism because I know everyone is doing their best as well so it comes back to my personal timing of when I was ready to start really honestly working on myself. I have health issues that can take me any time it likes but still I am here enjoying every minute in fact alot of the time they would cause anyone to get depressed with the management of it on an everyday scale. Hope this get published All the best all who get to read it cause thats all I can ever do for anyone. Giggles

non_semper_erit_aestas Alcohol substitute
  • replies: 7

I have been on medication for Depression and Anxiety for several years now and am currently undergoing a drug change which has resulted in me being hospitalized due to the withdrawal process not going well.Yesterday i was given a leave pass to the lo... View more

I have been on medication for Depression and Anxiety for several years now and am currently undergoing a drug change which has resulted in me being hospitalized due to the withdrawal process not going well.Yesterday i was given a leave pass to the local shopping center to pick up a couple of items, I had my purchases and was feeling great. I was due back at hospital at 5pm. At 8pm I returned with a blood Alcohol reading of 0.09.I have no idea why i started to drink as I had not been experiencing cravings for Alcohol ( i have used alcohol in the past as a relaxant ) I would be interested to hear from people who maybe able to offer some advise as to what drink when in a social situation or just want a cool drink after mowing the lawn.Are there options out other than Water.

KJ Disclosing your illness to Employers
  • replies: 7

Hello my name is Kerri and this is my first post on the site. I would like to ask if people disclose their illness to their employer or a prospective employer? I was diagnosed with PTSD and Depression just over 10 months ago and did not work for that... View more

Hello my name is Kerri and this is my first post on the site. I would like to ask if people disclose their illness to their employer or a prospective employer? I was diagnosed with PTSD and Depression just over 10 months ago and did not work for that period of time. I have worked all my life and to suddenly have to try and explain why there is a gap on my résumé feels wrong not to tell the truth but am worried about employers reactions. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. KJ

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map