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BeyondBlue Tradies National Health Month
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond... View more

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond Blue is hosting a special free webinar for our tradie community on Tuesday 12 August at 4.30pm which you can register for here. We know that Tradies can face unique stressors, with a culture of toughness and difficult job demands that can impact personal time and self-care. It can also be tough for partners and family members who aren’t sure how to support someone in a trade who may be showing signs that their mental health isn’t at its best. If you’re unsure where to start your conversation this is the space for you. Whether you want to share your own experiences, ask questions, or simply connect with others who understand what you're going through, you're in the right place. If you're seeking additional support, here are some resources: Hope Assistance Local Tradies: Home This Is A Conversation Starter: TIACS - This is a Conversation Starter Mates in Construction: MATES - Industry Based Suicide Prevention - MATES Don’t forget - our counsellors are always here for you on 1300 22 46 36. We’ll also use this space to post some of the questions and answers from the webinar discussion. Feel free to dive in and keep the conversation going. Thank you again for joining us — we’re glad you’re here.

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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naustical11 Reaching out for help with intensified post covid depression .
  • replies: 5

I already had problems with anxiety and depression but ever since covid it has gotten so much worse . I was not worried about the virus , it’s not an anxiety I had problems with previously , but ever since having the virus it has intensified the symp... View more

I already had problems with anxiety and depression but ever since covid it has gotten so much worse . I was not worried about the virus , it’s not an anxiety I had problems with previously , but ever since having the virus it has intensified the symptoms I already had . I can’t eat , drink , or sleep . I’m surviving on icy poles and haven’t eaten a solid meal in months . my gp has done “all the investigations “ and all they can say every time I go in sick is “you’ve picked up another gastro virus” . blood tests show minor problems but nothing to justify the intensity of this . I e lost weight and am now underweight I miss food and can’t stomach a single thing . psychologists are unavailable in my area , I tried telehealth appointments but they were useless . I’m on medication for anxiety and depression . Any advice ?

Sandym0 Extrapyramidal Side effects and tradive dyskinesia
  • replies: 1

Hi there, how are you all? I have a question that does other people on antisicotics have a extrapyramidal side effects too. Or have tardive dyskinesia, and how do you diffentiate between two. On top of that if someone has a hearing voices, PTSD, OCD ... View more

Hi there, how are you all? I have a question that does other people on antisicotics have a extrapyramidal side effects too. Or have tardive dyskinesia, and how do you diffentiate between two. On top of that if someone has a hearing voices, PTSD, OCD Trauma and doing a program for opioid addiction too. How do you deal with it.

Jane363 Best word to describe today
  • replies: 845

Warmth the sunlight is warm on my back; people here are very warm, accepting and welcoming - far more so than many of my own friends and family - thank you so much, it has helped more than you will realise and has helped lead me to... and finally, my... View more

Warmth the sunlight is warm on my back; people here are very warm, accepting and welcoming - far more so than many of my own friends and family - thank you so much, it has helped more than you will realise and has helped lead me to... and finally, my self-attitude is warm and forgiving which is a huge change from the self hatred I have been pushing onto myself so much recently.

monkey_magic JUICING for mental health
  • replies: 131

Hi all I've recently bought a juicer and have been making fruit/veg juices and have noticed it making a difference to my mental health. I'm clearer, more energized and I just know I'm giving my body many health benefits by drinking pure extracted fru... View more

Hi all I've recently bought a juicer and have been making fruit/veg juices and have noticed it making a difference to my mental health. I'm clearer, more energized and I just know I'm giving my body many health benefits by drinking pure extracted fruits and vegetables. I thought I'd start this thread for us juicers or wannabe juicers to share juicing recipes. It's become my new "thing". 🥬🥦

-FromtheGong- Navigating the D & inability to make decisions
  • replies: 3

I’m a 53 year old man with younger kids (& adult kids) who has been battling depression for 30 years, or so.I am mostly well for decent periods, with medications & lifestyle choices helping. Unfortunately, I have been in a pretty deep & long episode ... View more

I’m a 53 year old man with younger kids (& adult kids) who has been battling depression for 30 years, or so.I am mostly well for decent periods, with medications & lifestyle choices helping. Unfortunately, I have been in a pretty deep & long episode of depression for 10 months. Initially I battled on, but eventually needed to take some time off work to recover. I took 6 weeks off, then changed jobs about 7 months ago.During my time off I ate healthy, exercised often, spent quality time with my family & began to feel a lift in mood. Unfortunately it didn’t last & I have been grinding away at life for the past few months. My job is unfulfilling with too much time to ruminate which doesn’t help my mood. ‘Or’ is my mood making the job unfulfilling? I know that taking time off again will help. To do all the things that helped last time, particularly having time to work on my physical health, which positively affects my mental health. Money, or lack thereof would be an issue needing to tighten our belts with the drop in income. I also feel that working part time & being the main carer for the kids would be helpful. Sounds like I have a plan yeah? Problem is I can’t make a decision in my current head space. Balancing what will work & what I want to do with what I feel is expected of me, or what men in my situation should do is paralysing. I’ve been agonising for the past few weeks but can’t make a decision. Has anyone experienced this? Made a decision or not? How did it go? Any responses would be appreciated.

Eagle Ray If you are a quiet person, how do you manage?
  • replies: 11

I have always been on the quiet and shy side. I know a lot of this has to do with complex trauma from the circumstances I grew up in. As I am currently working towards re-entering the workforce I'm trying to build my confidence. There is a job I woul... View more

I have always been on the quiet and shy side. I know a lot of this has to do with complex trauma from the circumstances I grew up in. As I am currently working towards re-entering the workforce I'm trying to build my confidence. There is a job I would love to apply for but it really requires a lot of extraversion, so although it greatly appeals to me in theory, in reality it would probably be very awkward for me trying to perform in that role. I'm interested how others with quiet natures navigate the world? What strategies help you, especially given that much of the world we live in is about promoting yourself and pushing yourself forward? I'm not competitive by nature and always enjoy being co-operative and caring over thinking competitively. I once heard someone describe himself as a social introvert. I could really relate to that because I love people yet I am basically shy and I need a fair bit of time on my own just to process and manage life. I find a lot of contact with others overstimulating, and yet I need and greatly value social contact as well. I am getting increasingly better at nurturing my inner child and that is really helping. However, I sometimes still feel very small and vulnerable in the world. While I am getting better at speaking up for myself and being assertive, I can still lose my voice at times and basically psychically curl up in a protective ball (safety mechanism learned in childhood). Do others feel this way? Can you identify things that have helped you?

jonjr Finding a state of self
  • replies: 3

Hi guys and ladies ... been a while. Im in a ok place right now. My journey is never easy and can snap at what seems like a blink. I cope with help from a fantastic team of understanding and at times over and above team of professionals. Im not going... View more

Hi guys and ladies ... been a while. Im in a ok place right now. My journey is never easy and can snap at what seems like a blink. I cope with help from a fantastic team of understanding and at times over and above team of professionals. Im not going through my illnesses again ( note the illnesses qoute ). My life can be fantastic but i accept it can allso be a complete nightmare. Recently i have managed to get off some of the prescription drugs ..... fantastic ..... the reality is that yes people like me need them but living on them has its own pitfalls. Of all i found some of the anxiety / depression pills the most difficult to kick. Will i ever be drug free.......? Doubtful...... are my team happy i stopped a few pills........ hmmmmmm doubtful. But after 25 years of increasing illness i know my own body and self worth and that can say more than any professional can prescribe. Dont get me wrong i wouldnt be here if it wasnt for those people and myself and my kids thank them from the bottom of our hearts..... so much i am dating one of my helpers.....My life will never be easy i know that, but right now its my choice to decide what my brain says. Its not easy to kick prescription drugs of any kind and if you need them dont ( from experience) but they are and make no mistake very powerful and damaging long term. I wish you all the best in your journey and please listen to your own needs when they shout out.

Guest_1055 Do you forgive?
  • replies: 70

Feeling hesitant about writing this and little scared of what people will think about me, a fear of being rejected I think. Well here goes. Just today I have been thinking about forgiveness, forgiving the people who hurt us, let us down, or bring us ... View more

Feeling hesitant about writing this and little scared of what people will think about me, a fear of being rejected I think. Well here goes. Just today I have been thinking about forgiveness, forgiving the people who hurt us, let us down, or bring us pain in any other way. And I think forgiving actually helps us. So what I aim to do, as a strategy to get rid of bitterness from within me is to: 1. Grap an apple or a potato from the kitchen. 2. I am off to see what I have got, yeah I have an apple that is going soft. 3. Write on the apple or whatever you have chosen " I forgive you" and draw a smiley face, that is what I did, and it is looking right back at me now. 4. Think of that person that has hurt you, and say I forgive you....... for hurting me. 5. And then I will go to the ocean, because I live near there. Walk down to the waves, and use all my physical strength and throw the apple as far as a can. "Just let in go" Note: If anyone tries this strategy from beyond blue, and I come across an apple on the beach. I will toss it back in for you. Not sure of the outcome of this strategy yet, but I will keep you posted if you would like. Also if you are not near an ocean, maybe you could choose a paddock. OK going to post this now, still scared of what people will think of me."Rejection"

Names_Bo Too nurse for religion, too religious for nursing
  • replies: 3

Hi, I am an emergency nurse and a Christian. My religious friends don't seem to understand the struggles and experiences of being an ED nurse, yet none of my colleagues seem to be religious. Does anyone have any advice on how to connect or belong to ... View more

Hi, I am an emergency nurse and a Christian. My religious friends don't seem to understand the struggles and experiences of being an ED nurse, yet none of my colleagues seem to be religious. Does anyone have any advice on how to connect or belong to either/both groups? I like my job, but I am struggling a lot emotionally lately with being able to connect and feel useful for either group.

white knight Are you good enough? low self esteem
  • replies: 13

It's common to have over critical parents that get the balance of praise and criticism wrong. It results in often permanent damage to our mental health and an adult life of deflatedness leading to low chance of finding and maintaining a partner as we... View more

It's common to have over critical parents that get the balance of praise and criticism wrong. It results in often permanent damage to our mental health and an adult life of deflatedness leading to low chance of finding and maintaining a partner as well as happiness is elusive. Low self esteem effects every part of our being with everyone. Our partners often pay the price for our condition because all their eagerness to bring you up to speed where contentment permanently remains, they find their partner drop down again and again. Some years ago I had a serious evaluation of this situation I found myself in. I concluded- yes I knew the source- my mothers excess dominance and criticism even as an adult- her yelling when low voice command would have sufficed and her stubbornness to attend to her own mental health issues (suspected BPD). The question then became- what is the action/s I can take to ensure I have a happier life and patch up the damage? I continued professional appointments but I knew the major change had to come from within. As with the thread "the best praise you'll ever get" I kept patting myself on the back for being simply a good person. Do that often enough and it sinks in and the removal of the culprit in my life a personal choice Sometimes we have to rise above the wrongs being done to us to be where we deserve to be. That then leads to "I am a good person, I'm good enough, I was dealt poor parenting and I've now accepted that it is part of life.. a poor hand dealt. Easier said than done of course, but you have to find that direction in order to achieve. The alternative is to suffer in silence and do nothing. As the saying goes "evil flourishes when good people do nothing". Evil being poor learning behaviours carried on to the next generation combined with lack of praise. Constantly over correcting a dog will see its tail between its legs and timid forever, praise it regularly and it loves life but obeys Low self esteem is not your fault, it can be repaired through persistence and belief in yourself, acceptance that you were mistreated. Parents might say like "I was a bit hard on you" or "I shouldn't have treated you that way" and you can choose to forgive. But without remorse forgiveness is less reachable either way you were always good enough... TonyWK