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

Matthew1234 Some problems about myself
  • replies: 1

I don’t know my life will be like, I and many people agree that I have autism, I also have depression and anxiety, but I cope with it, live with it every day. I feel that I lost emotional connection with other people with time goes on. As I am going ... View more

I don’t know my life will be like, I and many people agree that I have autism, I also have depression and anxiety, but I cope with it, live with it every day. I feel that I lost emotional connection with other people with time goes on. As I am going to graduate from university soon, I have a sudden realisation that, psychologically, I didn’t really grow up since somewhere in my high school, one example is when most people start dating, I stay single. When I was in high school, my old friends talked to me about relationship issues, I listened, but deep down I knew I didn’t understand it. And then I have done some odd job, got some qualifications, moved out, completed my degree, maybe do a PHD, I don’t know.I know I have depression and anxiety, I run my everyday life, acting normal, but alone. I met some people in the university, I know that they are ready enter long term relationship, and ready to build a family. While I still enjoy anime or playing games. I do manage my everyday life and read philosophy, psychology and other books to enrich myself (I think trying to learn how to grow up from books and podcast), but I feel that socially, emotionally, I am in some kind of arrested development, and I am getting more and more isolated. I didn’t have a happy childhood, I thought my problem would go away as adult, I don’t know if I have a future.

Aussie96 How are you feeling today?
  • replies: 4

How are you feeling today? In 1-5 words describe how you feel... During each passing day from 2019 to now, we have all suffered from COVID-19 in different ways... Some might be academically, financially, mentally, or even physically affected... You p... View more

How are you feeling today? In 1-5 words describe how you feel... During each passing day from 2019 to now, we have all suffered from COVID-19 in different ways... Some might be academically, financially, mentally, or even physically affected... You probably are feeling numerous emotions which leads to confusion and negative thoughts. Now that you have told me how you feel I want you too got take 1-2 hours out of your day and do something you love. This might be doing art listening to music or even taking a walk with your fluffy companion to clear your mind it even might be having a nap. After 1-2 hours come back and see how you feel now... if you feel happier and more clear-minded it means that you have recharged your emotions. Each day take 20 minutes out of your busy schedules and recharge your emotions like you just did. Soon you will feel happier, healthier, and more positive. Remember we are all here to support you

TryAgain ✨Positive phrases to say to yourself when you're depressed, anxious, or whenever
  • replies: 5

I'd like to share a few "self-talk" phrases that I've jotted down over years past. Little nuggets of positive inspiration that I hear/write/meditate on, or just simply read (or re-read like a mantra) on a regular basis. Maybe their called affirmation... View more

I'd like to share a few "self-talk" phrases that I've jotted down over years past. Little nuggets of positive inspiration that I hear/write/meditate on, or just simply read (or re-read like a mantra) on a regular basis. Maybe their called affirmations? Things I want to manifest or continue to have. Helps me when I'm feeling down or nervous. Or if I'm doing OK, I'll still practice saying them aloud to myself regularly as a sort of maintenance exercise, just trying to keep up the positive momentum. Below are a few samples from my journaling. I'd love to hear some of yours too!! I only talk to myself with love. My body is beautiful just the way it is. I will focus on living in the present moment. People are lucky to have me in their lives. My pain is temporary.

car10001 looking at some point to get out of hospitality after 13.5 years
  • replies: 5

hi everyone as the title says am looking to get out of hospitality after 13 years, been doing it since 22 & have always enjoyed it until coronavirus started, since the industry has been able to re open around june 2020 its been nothing but hard. woul... View more

hi everyone as the title says am looking to get out of hospitality after 13 years, been doing it since 22 & have always enjoyed it until coronavirus started, since the industry has been able to re open around june 2020 its been nothing but hard. would just like to do something where you can have a uninterrupted lunch break & have a work life balance. the only days that actually have off were asked for functions and events, every other day you wernt put down to work youre always getting called in or are thinking about it because of needs or theres someone who cant come in. am a person that likes to work for the extra money and hold things for as long as possible, however have started realising how hard the hospitality work is and since june 2020 its got worse and it hasent got any better and am looking to do something that doesnt take over your life. do know and see people that have a better work life balance and probably earn the same or more money in less time than you would in hospitality. the place of work is for sale and plan to be out once it sells or at some point before the 20 years is up and have used the finding out its for sale as the chance to do as much as possible towards the next thing while am able to spread out costs in tools and training. was also taught to never leave a job before having another option incase it takes a while unless the business sells. a 65 year old co worker left to retire which hasnt made it easy and you wonder why she couldnt wait for a couple more years and hope it sells. am just trying to hang on a bit longer as there is no option at moment for the extra money and because of loyalty to current owners. do you lot think itll sell before your 20 years is up or is it upto you to do something when youre ready. if the person taking over wants to keep you whats best way to say no or say you only want to do the secondhand side and youre not able to do what youre doing now. will be doing electrical test & tag plus the other bits to it and to make the work consistent 2-3 days part time a week what other services would be good to add with part time business is it just the usual you can earn so much before it starts to be affected but income must be reported like when working part time. thanks

ecomama What makes you smile?
  • replies: 38

I would LOVE to read about what makes you smile. At a push you can share what makes you laugh too! Whatever circumstances have brought you to BB, many of us are dealing with MH concerns.Sharing our healing journeys can be so amazingly helpful to othe... View more

I would LOVE to read about what makes you smile. At a push you can share what makes you laugh too! Whatever circumstances have brought you to BB, many of us are dealing with MH concerns.Sharing our healing journeys can be so amazingly helpful to others, it's priceless. Yesterday I felt JOY for the first time in a long long time. It happened while watching my grandchildren make huge bubbles at an Art Installation. Joy felt good but quite alien tbh. Today one of my children said she belly laughed for the first time in maybe a year, a funny thing happened at work. Depression, as with other MI's, sucks the joy out of us. Our goal could be to quieten these invaders by filling our lives with more joy. Please share what makes you smile. Love to youEM

Guest_322 Tips on frugal living (for the financially struggling)
  • replies: 29

Hi everyone, So I thought it would be helpful for anyone who (like me) is financially struggling to share tips and tricks on how to make a dollar stretch that much further. I was inspired by Dizzy and her wonderful advice on anther thread. Here are m... View more

Hi everyone, So I thought it would be helpful for anyone who (like me) is financially struggling to share tips and tricks on how to make a dollar stretch that much further. I was inspired by Dizzy and her wonderful advice on anther thread. Here are mine: 1. Do the bulk of your shopping at Aldi (it's a LOT cheaper than Woolworths or Coles for the most part). 2. Wait till the afternoon/late evening to stock up on bread at supermarkets as the prices are often heavily slashed. 3. Your freezer is your best friend to keep cheap/discounted groceries that you buy in bulk. 4. Plan your meals to save money and avoid waste. 5. I understand that obviously you can't always do this but (& always check with your doctor/pharmacist first) see if you can ask for the generic brand of meds. 6. If you live with other people, you will probably eat better if you all chip in. 7. Markets and op shops are great for updating your wardrobe. 8. If you live in an inner city suburb, see if there's a not-for-profit local food co-op to get really cheap veggies and fruit. 7. If you're a bit of a TV junkie, Netflix is a lot cheaper than Foxtel. 8. Many (phone) service providers offer $10-$12 vouchers for cinema movie tickets. Use those to save at the cinemas. 9. Candy bars at the cinemas are notoriously expensive. Buy your snacks from a supermarket. phew...that's all I have for now. I WOULD love to hear your tips! Thanks in advance! Dottie x

Petal22 Finding your inner calm
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I came across this beautiful quote today that I thought would be nice to share with you all in this thread The ultimate measure of your wisdom and strength is how calm you are when facing any given situation. Calmness is indeed a super p... View more

Hi everyone, I came across this beautiful quote today that I thought would be nice to share with you all in this thread The ultimate measure of your wisdom and strength is how calm you are when facing any given situation. Calmness is indeed a super power. The ability to not overreact or take things personally keeps your mind clear and your heart at peace, which instantly gives you the upper hand. I believe also when we experience anxiety we can choose to try to stay calm through this and just simply practice following or breath or taking deeper longer breaths. By doing this the anxiety won’t escalate and in turn you can find your inner calm with practice. Remember your breath is always there use it as your anchor.

Forrest House, or Home? The usefulness of comfort or chaos...
  • replies: 1

The place I emotionally think of as home is being renovated, and it’s been looking like a warehouse for the best part of a year now (though there are still rooms with beds and tvs that are mostly functional, though cluttered.) I’m lucky that I have s... View more

The place I emotionally think of as home is being renovated, and it’s been looking like a warehouse for the best part of a year now (though there are still rooms with beds and tvs that are mostly functional, though cluttered.) I’m lucky that I have somewhere else to go. That hasn’t always been the case, so my gratefulness for the option is steeped in vivid awareness of other modes of living. However, my somewhere else to go has things about it that have me holding my breath at times too, which means I can’t entirely relax continuously in either place, and am darting between them, trying to catch the best times of day and phases of my moods that will best utilize what they have to offer. It’s exhausting, but also motivating on some days, as keeping myself busy and moving rather than nestled in a dark room binging shows can sometimes be helpful (though sometimes the distraction and nurturing of escaping activity is entirely appropriate too.) The exhausting part, is the disorienting sense of trying to feel like I'm arriving home, when I walk in the door. Somehow both places are home, which also means neither of them are. I'm reminded of children of divorce I've witnessed who, without fail, severely misbehave immediately on the first day that they arrive at their "other home" (no matter which one it is); a sign that they are unsettled and having trouble to adjusting to the leaving of their home and trying to think of the new location as home once again. A motherly lady I respect that I was discussing this with once, commented that the first day should have no heavy expectations, and be a day of unpacking, talking, hugging, getting reacquainted, and just settling in. I find myself trying to apply this concept to my current situation, though it has to be a shorter transition since I'm moving around every day, but instead I look for little ceremonies like unpacking whatever I'm lugging back and forth, putting away groceries, and making the bed where I'm going to sleep. I've been through times like this before but this time there are less places to escape to if I want to ditch both realities because of what's going on in the world now. I am starkly aware right now of the way so many little possessions and comforts (which also represent options for activity) make up the difference between a house and a home. I think there is a stigma on valuing material things that makes this seem like ones values are shallow, but these can make or break mental health at times.

Petal22 What has helped me with anxiety?
  • replies: 2

Hi Everyone, When anxiety strikes things can feel out of control within ourselves I understand. I just wanted to list a few things that have helped me in the moment when anxiety strikes. Try not to put your attention on what has caused you the anxiet... View more

Hi Everyone, When anxiety strikes things can feel out of control within ourselves I understand. I just wanted to list a few things that have helped me in the moment when anxiety strikes. Try not to put your attention on what has caused you the anxiety instead redirect your attention to the present moment. Follow your breathe use it as your anchor when your attention wonders from your breathe redirect it back to your breath, this will ground you in the moment. Take long slow deep breathes. Thoughts (in my experience with anxiety my anxiety can start to escalate due to my thoughts)... try not to question your thoughts or add to the thought, I have found that this will only escalate the anxiety. We can experience the first thought but the trick is to notice this and then redirect your attention to something in the present moment and not on the thought, this way it stops the process of escalation. ( It takes practice). "What we give attention to we give power to". Try to just allow your thoughts to come and go, we can learn to be the watcher of our thoughts without getting caught up in them. With practice we can all learn to choose our reactions to certain situations (including thoughts), in turn if we can learn to choose our reactions then this can either escalate your anxiety or decrease it. All this takes practice Please add any more that has helped that you can think of.

sbella02 Are you a morning person?
  • replies: 12

Hey all! Wanted to start another thread to encourage people to share great tips and experiences with each other, specifically about waking up in the morning. I've never considered myself a morning person (quite the opposite), so I'd like to pose a qu... View more

Hey all! Wanted to start another thread to encourage people to share great tips and experiences with each other, specifically about waking up in the morning. I've never considered myself a morning person (quite the opposite), so I'd like to pose a question to anyone who loves mornings or thrives in the mornings, what's your go-to routine? Is there anything that you can't go without doing when you start the day, or anything that you absolutely swear by? For some people, I know that spending time and effort on skincare is of the utmost importance, or making a hearty breakfast, or going for a walk/exercising, etc. I'd love to hear people's experiences. What are your morning secrets that set the tone for a fantastic day? SB