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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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BusinessLady Studying Counselling while managing my own mental illnesses
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have recently enrolled in a Diploma of Counselling, mainly for personal interest and self-development at this stage.In the past I have experienced a nervous breakdown as a young adult and was eventually diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder a... View more

Hi, I have recently enrolled in a Diploma of Counselling, mainly for personal interest and self-development at this stage.In the past I have experienced a nervous breakdown as a young adult and was eventually diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. It took a long time for my condition to improve, but every year I did notice improvements. I feel that my schizoaffective disorder has gotten better with age (I'm in my mid-thirties now), but my anxiety remains chronic. I feel like I would like to specialise in supporting people with chronic or severe mental illnesses possibly in the area of the disability employment sector. I do feel like I could encourage others not to lose hope. The problem is I'm not where I want to be in my own therapy journey yet and have had trouble finding a psychologist or counsellor for myself. I also feel like I am holding myself back with some of my psychological issues. For example, for a long time I believed that I wasn't capable of study because of what a social worker in the mental health system had said. I find that my studying has slowed down a little, because I find it hard to believe I am capable. I would love to hear from others who have studied mental health/psychology/counselling and especially those who have done so while having lived experience. Is it possible to study counselling/mental health while still learning about yourself and having to work through your own issues in therapy at the same time?

Train_Rambler Hello New here And ADS suffer
  • replies: 5

Hello I am new here and diagnosed as "High Functioning Autism" Nothing more very off putting of never had this sort of stimming issues in the past like I experienced recently whist on tour on a public place! I was caught stimming by rocking and back ... View more

Hello I am new here and diagnosed as "High Functioning Autism" Nothing more very off putting of never had this sort of stimming issues in the past like I experienced recently whist on tour on a public place! I was caught stimming by rocking and back and forth and wobbling my head around a fairly bit.... Before it was only when I was enjoying my music, now it gone to another dimension! Nothing worse than a fellow passenger noticing me and later show to me how I was stimming and later asking me if I had being drinking! I said coldly, " I being drinking tea, fizz and water...but not alcohol! Good try but no cigar!" After that he back off! A bit of myself, I am rail enthusiast and heavily involved in rail club a who love rail travel and capable of staying up days if I have to to get the full enjoyment off it. People like me has being treated badly because of our odd mannerisms! I often have sensitivity issues and often wear muff to filter out noise around me and I hate storms! My dress is for the weather my travelling conditions and despite trying to fit I still stand out! I tend to a loner due to and got bullied because of being different, but I deal the card I am dealt with the best I can..... I spend my time chasing trains and dreaming of them a well a bit of music, but carefully selected to my past memories! The stims are more intense now lately!

patelaa Difficulty processing my emotions
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone. Lately I've been in a lot of stress, more than I'm comfortable with, and I noticed that I have been struggling to identify and express my emotions well. Recently I've been frequently overwhelmed, and when I do feel that way, I just can't... View more

Hi everyone. Lately I've been in a lot of stress, more than I'm comfortable with, and I noticed that I have been struggling to identify and express my emotions well. Recently I've been frequently overwhelmed, and when I do feel that way, I just can't help but cry without really knowing why. I feel as if I am not able to process how the things happening around me impact my mood. I am sort of used to ignoring it a little. I feel 'flat' throughout the day and my mind is always occupied with a list of things I need to do, similar to a robot in a way. When I have these little mental blocks or emotional breakdowns, I dislike how it affects my ability to focus in class, finish up homework, do creative work, and take proper rests. I try to not neglect my emotions but at the same time I'm not good at dealing with them when they show up.I do have a history of MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and I've been thinking maybe that has some if not any impact? Let me know if anyone can relate or have any comments/suggestions to help. Thanks in advance and have a great day

white knight Seeking environmental silence when mentally ill
  • replies: 47

In my 20's (I'm 66yo), I sought to be a hermit. It didnt work out, but it was a reflection of my desperation to leave society. I needed peace. Once I went from Melbourne to the Otway ranges, pitched a tent in the dark and woke up the next morning and... View more

In my 20's (I'm 66yo), I sought to be a hermit. It didnt work out, but it was a reflection of my desperation to leave society. I needed peace. Once I went from Melbourne to the Otway ranges, pitched a tent in the dark and woke up the next morning and my view was of a pine forest with timber workers along with the noise. I lost all hope of silence and tears fell. Since then I've lived in the country mainly in small towns with the hope of a quiet lifestyle. I've learned however that where ever people are there is noise and holidays bring the dirt motorcycles and that rat-a-tat-tat all day. Most are on towns outskirts but some in the town itself on small blocks. These (often) city people if asked if they would like that noise next to them where they live they dont associate their city block with the same sized country block - odd. Three years ago we found the balance. A town of about 4000 people. That size town usually has a hospital with after hours treatment, at least one large supermarket, medical services, vet and other services. It also has bylaws prohibiting such recreational vehicles within the town boundary. While building our kit house ourselves we resided in a caravan on the land and realised it was a quiet street not used as a through road for traffic and luckily quiet neighbours. We installed double glazed windows. We stumbled on the best mix. Quietness is among the major needs of the mentally unwell and if loud and consistent enough will hinder recovery. It also can interrupt meditation periods. So my philosophy is "if you can't beat them... get away from them. Any ideas on seeking a quiet life? TonyWK

Bluereader Struggling with post-covid symptoms and its impact
  • replies: 9

Had COVID in the second to last week of July. Since then I've been struggling with post-COVID symptoms that include a persistent cough, tiredness, lack of energy to do things and random mood slumps. I know that these are normal from what I've read an... View more

Had COVID in the second to last week of July. Since then I've been struggling with post-COVID symptoms that include a persistent cough, tiredness, lack of energy to do things and random mood slumps. I know that these are normal from what I've read and that it can take up to 12 weeks for these symptoms to disappear but I'm struggling. Even now as I'm typing this I was completely fine yesterday and happy at work and now I'm feeling tired and just flat in terms of my mood. I can't get in to see my GP and all the other docs are booked out unless I try ringing the medical centre first thing when they open for cancellations. On top of all of this I have anxiety, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and headaches from tight and sore muscles and worried about my weight and trying and failing to eat healthier and exercise. I don't know what to do.

Gaga_june31 Introducing myself
  • replies: 3

Is this where I introduce myself on BB?I have joined to find some information on living with a husband who denies he has Borderline personality disorder diagnosed many years ago. I have found the older he becomes the more difficult it is to communica... View more

Is this where I introduce myself on BB?I have joined to find some information on living with a husband who denies he has Borderline personality disorder diagnosed many years ago. I have found the older he becomes the more difficult it is to communicate with him. He turns just about every verbal interaction with him into argument followed by accusations that I am yelling and causing the argument. He has poor insight into many aspects especially when I answer a question that he has asked - no matter how I answer he just makes an argument . Over the yrs of 40yrs marriage I have thought he is narcissistic, autistic, just about everything on the DCIM profiles. The psychiatrist at time of his diagnosis told him cognitive therapy would help but he would need at least 12months continuous therapy. He did’t stick with it CMH therapy. He started again just before COVID Pandemic. He was always better after a consult but then his therapist went on family leave. He found another therapist. Once again he was better for it. Unfortunately he doesn’t go regularly for many reasons.Question I want to find a therapist for myself to support me living with my husband. Mind you I often worsen the situation by loosing my cool. I am finally realising it is futile to get caught up in his verbal manipulations. I have to not let him press my buttons.But I just need support.

GailMaree Sleeping after dealing with normality
  • replies: 3

I’m sleeping after work at 4 pm till 7 am the next day, Monday to Friday. I’ve spent years fighting this (I’m 65) the older I get the harder it is to keep going.

I’m sleeping after work at 4 pm till 7 am the next day, Monday to Friday. I’ve spent years fighting this (I’m 65) the older I get the harder it is to keep going.

sbella02 New Year's Resolutions anyone?
  • replies: 7

Beautiful forum users, We're several weeks into 2023 already, and I just wondered if anybody had any New Year's resolutions that they would be willing to share here. Hopefully there's not already a post like this, I'd be rather embarrassed. I always ... View more

Beautiful forum users, We're several weeks into 2023 already, and I just wondered if anybody had any New Year's resolutions that they would be willing to share here. Hopefully there's not already a post like this, I'd be rather embarrassed. I always try to make an effort to do some resolutions or goals, in the interests of trying to reset my mental health and wellbeing at the beginning of each new year. "New year, new me", if you will. A few of my goals: Go to bed earlier and wake up earlierTry and keep a consistent gym schedule (3 days a week)Cut out junk food as much as practicalTake advantage of career opportunities as much as practicalMake time for passions regularlyMeditate every few days to stay grounded Please feel free to share if you have any! SB

white knight Medication is a whirlpool
  • replies: 22

My wife has had depression most of her 50 years. When down she sleeps and is less motivated than normal. I have bipolar 2, dysthymia (another form of depression) and depression. My depression is not like my wife's type. I fall into sadness and an ove... View more

My wife has had depression most of her 50 years. When down she sleeps and is less motivated than normal. I have bipolar 2, dysthymia (another form of depression) and depression. My depression is not like my wife's type. I fall into sadness and an overwhelming feeling of needing to escape from the world....no wallet, no food, no common sense. Into the bush I'd go. My wife and I married 4 years ago but we have known each other for 28 years now. Since marriage we have tried many medications and we have wanted to throw them away at times. Each time we have stopped taking them we soon have meltdowns. Then the arguments start and the hours of separation. This occured so often that for the sake of a/ personal safety and b/ to contain our "escaping" desires, we would make a rule that we didnt leave the property and the other person wouldnt hound the other....just leave them be. A good rule. But we have identified the effect of medication. That so much experimentation has found that we NEED it. That we are not in a position to self "UNMEDICATE". THAT TO UNMEDICATE LEADS TO DISASTER. The metaphor I came up with just today when answering another post is- like we are holding hands at the side of a whirlpool with the current (our illnesses) rushing past us. The walls of the whirlpool we grasp onto is the medication. When we let go we are pulled towards the centre of the whirlpool and we cant maintain holding hands. As we are sucked around and down we lose sight of each other. Only when we realise that our choice of stopping taking our meds caused this state do we restart our medication and return to the rim of the pool. Sufferers and our partners are not qualified to alter medication prescribed by a doctor. There are reasons for that. Medication isnt meant to be stopped and started when you like. Stability in your life and your relationships will come when you accept that medication should not be stopped at will without doctors guidance and advice. i.e. the current becomes less turbulent. When owning a car you get a service say every 20,000 kms. When 20,000kms comes around since the last service do you decide....nope, I wont replace the oil, dont worry about topping up the coolant and I dont care if the ball joints arent greased. The car wont last long. It would have a breakdown.... Hang onto the rim of your whirlpool so you have a firm grip of the hands of your loved ones. Letting go...isnt worth the heartbreak and the breakdown. Tony WK

ecomama Helpful podcasts
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone I hope you're all doing well today. I would love to hear about other member's favourite podcasts. It's a new concept for me, podcasts. My daughter told me about the "No such thing as a fish" podcast by the QI Elves. It's funny and full of... View more

Hi everyone I hope you're all doing well today. I would love to hear about other member's favourite podcasts. It's a new concept for me, podcasts. My daughter told me about the "No such thing as a fish" podcast by the QI Elves. It's funny and full of information. It makes me laugh too. They laugh a lot lol. I stumbled across "And she rises the ___ up!" by Amanda Frances. Pretty wild but full of energy and vigour. Awesome visualisation exercises and aiming to support women to financial freedom. That's it, I'm out lol! Do you have one you'd like to share? More than one even? I guess being in the Staying Well forum, it'd be great if the subject was comedy or personal growth or just enjoyable for you. Thankyou Ecomama