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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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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

Clues_Of_Blue Minimalism and creating a peaceful space
  • replies: 107

My parents are both hopeless hoarders. When I first moved out of Mum's house many moons ago, I marvelled at how much space I had in my tiny little unit. It was a new experience and I loved it. Even so, with me not being inclined to take up the torch ... View more

My parents are both hopeless hoarders. When I first moved out of Mum's house many moons ago, I marvelled at how much space I had in my tiny little unit. It was a new experience and I loved it. Even so, with me not being inclined to take up the torch of the hoarder, I managed to accumulate a lot. Sentimental bits from my younger days, gifts, free stuff I thought I was just too poor to say no to - could need it later, and not be able to afford it, right? There were also bills and sensitive documents I just didn't know what to do with, and boy do they pile up over the years! And worst of all, relationships - when you live with someone, they bring in their own lifetime of clutter, oftentimes leaving a whole bunch of it behind when they leave. And again related to being poor, if any money came my way I wanted to treat myself. A book, or an article of clothing was often the go to. Guess who had a bunch of books she never read and clothes that didn't get worn. When I parted ways with my most recent ex, he left an extraordinary tonne of junk behind. I made it my mission to get rid of it, and along with it anything of my own I didn't want any more. I had gifts I neither used or particularly liked, boxes of books I bought with the thought I should get them while I had money to read when I didn't (they moved - along with the sensitive documents - from house to house in boxes that never got opened), even clothes from when I was a teenager (those suckers never gonna fit again, and they sure aren't in style any more). In the course of trying to find more and better ways to pare down all this stuff sucking the life out of me, I discovered there were a whole heap of other people who thought like me and wanted what I wanted. Minimalists. There are articles and blogs and tonnes of inspiration out there, and they helped me immensely. I've been on the journey for a bit over four years, and it took most of that time to get my home how I want it. But now I can easily find things I want to use and don't have to clean, organise or maintain half as much stuff. I don't feel compelled to buy things on a whim or to feel good, because I just don't need them - I'm actually repelled by the idea of having more objects around me. I now have much more time and space and peace. I thought that worth sharing. What a fantastic tool it's been for looking after my mental health!

Loligiggles Tips to do more days at work?
  • replies: 5

Hi! I got a job with flexible hours but I'm struggling to maintain even 1 day a week, I would like to work a full work week (4-5 days) so does anyone have any tips? Getting lunch at a nearby cafe and taking painkillers aren't making it anymore manage... View more

Hi! I got a job with flexible hours but I'm struggling to maintain even 1 day a week, I would like to work a full work week (4-5 days) so does anyone have any tips? Getting lunch at a nearby cafe and taking painkillers aren't making it anymore manageable.

Suzie_Q How to cope
  • replies: 4

I work in a nursing home and there’s obviously traumatising things that happen. Earlier in the year we had a Covid outbreak and unfortunately lost a fair few residents which broke me. We’ve just had Covid cases again in our facility and I feel like m... View more

I work in a nursing home and there’s obviously traumatising things that happen. Earlier in the year we had a Covid outbreak and unfortunately lost a fair few residents which broke me. We’ve just had Covid cases again in our facility and I feel like my mind is going into a breakdown about it, the fear of losing people I care about scares me so much. I know it’s life and I know it’s why they are in homes, to go eventually anyway. I get so emotionally attached to these people, like I would give them my world. How do I learn to cope with this? I don’t normally talk about things, I hold it all in and I feel like I’ve been breaking down a lot more in the last year because of it. I just need some ways to cope with it.thanks for listening, I feel safe here and not judged.

white knight Family blues? The secret of a Merry Christmas
  • replies: 6

Countless people this time of year face family conflict. Anxiety even from wars far away or human or financial hardship or animal misery can all take their toll. We need a "back to basics" mentality. Xmas for those with mental health issues or relati... View more

Countless people this time of year face family conflict. Anxiety even from wars far away or human or financial hardship or animal misery can all take their toll. We need a "back to basics" mentality. Xmas for those with mental health issues or relationship challenges can be saved with an internal focus on- your own needs dragging out goodwill to others perhaps less fortunate. Serving soup to the homeless?the years reflection and the next year plans. A positive outlook.valuing the minimal contact with others (yes, sharing xmas cake and a brew with just one person). Tokenism can "represent" a successful xmas.So the spirit of xmas can be rewarding regardless of family squabbles. This year 2022 I'm experiencing my own family split. While sad that these irreconcilable differences have happened in the last 2 weeks I will not allow such sad circumstances to cloud the message of the event. I'm an atheist, but that has zero bearing on my belief that xmas often does have family issues, hardship and hurt, so expecting it helps accept it. By far the greatest attitude we can adopt is not positivity (although it helps) and is not selfishness (although we at times need to be) but it's "empathy" and "giving"- to acknowledge there is worse off, to create actions of wiping the tears of a poor person with a xmas dinner, to love a family of birds with seed or mow an elderly persons lawn. https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/humility-and-quot-the-good-samaritan-quot/td-p/307504 Our purpose on this planet is not to enter into self harm, suicidal thoughts etc and to carry the burden of trauma. Our purpose is to survive and channel our efforts into lifting others up from their feelings of hopelessness. For like many I've been at ground level and here I am reaching out to you, I'm holding your hands right now, I'm hugging you, yes, I'm wiping your tears... and lifting. Life can be so good, I want you to come with me to be where I am. Financial cost zero, love and empathy cost- all you can muster. If you develop this theme of thinking along with letting family conflict come and go then you will be happier and more fulfilled.That's the secret of a merry Christmas...TonyWK