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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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BullGem29 Dealing with indecision
  • replies: 1

I don't even know if I'm doing this correctly. I'm indecisive over my career and my future. I'm currently Half way through my law degree. I have a great job and my bosses have said there is a job here at the end of my degree. One of my bosses is amaz... View more

I don't even know if I'm doing this correctly. I'm indecisive over my career and my future. I'm currently Half way through my law degree. I have a great job and my bosses have said there is a job here at the end of my degree. One of my bosses is amazing to work for. The other isn't. The other boss will play the blame game and often snarls or shouts when things are done wrong even when it isnt always my fault. When it's good it's good. When it's bad it's awful. I've thought about a career change and applied for jobs just to back out so many times I must be getting a bad name locally. This particular boss may be about 4 years from retirement....maybe. My good boss is my age. I adore him immensely and it breaks me when I think about leaving as I would work for him and alongside him forever. I don't know what to do for the best. I've often come home and just felt so defeated. I can bust my backside for hours and days on end but one small thing becomes an avalanche and just beats me into the ground. What should I do from an outside perspective? How can I deal with this excruciatingly difficult boss

Regrets Fear of STD's ruined relationship
  • replies: 1

I have recently been on three of the best dates of my life with a new lady, after 5 years of being alone and not dating. After the third date she txted me that she has HSV2 and that I could stop seeing her if I wanted. Instead I had a week long depre... View more

I have recently been on three of the best dates of my life with a new lady, after 5 years of being alone and not dating. After the third date she txted me that she has HSV2 and that I could stop seeing her if I wanted. Instead I had a week long depressive anxiety attack. I made it all about me and didn't care about her feelings at all. I had a blood test and it turns out I have HSV1 so hows that for the pot calling the kettle black? I doubt she will ever talk to be again. She was such a wonderful person. Why do I do such stupid things?

ecomama Three self-care things you did today!
  • replies: 1671

We can do it BBers, we can do self-care. Sleepy21 pointed out research that shows self-care REALLY helps! Please share what you do for self-care so we can get inspiration, ideas and motivation to do it too. Best wishes EM

We can do it BBers, we can do self-care. Sleepy21 pointed out research that shows self-care REALLY helps! Please share what you do for self-care so we can get inspiration, ideas and motivation to do it too. Best wishes EM

blondguy Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)
  • replies: 1384

Hi Everybody This is only the basic dictionary definition... "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of le... View more

Hi Everybody This is only the basic dictionary definition... "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement" Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!! My Kindest Thoughts Paul

Miss T What goes on in other people's minds?
  • replies: 6

I am curious to know what other people think about....I know some people visualise a lot, especially if getting PTSD flashbacks. If a psychiatrist asks 'are you hearing voices?' isn't the truthful answer 'yes' as we all have self talk, planning, lear... View more

I am curious to know what other people think about....I know some people visualise a lot, especially if getting PTSD flashbacks. If a psychiatrist asks 'are you hearing voices?' isn't the truthful answer 'yes' as we all have self talk, planning, learning, worrying, reflecting on the past and arguments, in particular. Then, there are clairadiant voices, those of Earthbound spirits as well as those who have passed over. My current favourite is the creative voice, imagining, daydreaming.

Spellrune192 Starting Self-Care
  • replies: 2

Hello. I am working in community services, so when we say self-care, I have a fair understanding of it. I know what it is and I somehow know how to do it. However, events in the past months seem to take a toll on me. It started when I was supporting ... View more

Hello. I am working in community services, so when we say self-care, I have a fair understanding of it. I know what it is and I somehow know how to do it. However, events in the past months seem to take a toll on me. It started when I was supporting my partner while she was dealing with some health issues. It's like I have become so hypervigilant about her symptoms that whenever she says that something's up again, my brain automatically goes to the thought "Here we go again." I love her, and I know I should be supporting her, but I noticed that I haven't been taking care of myself aside from the routine of eating healthier food. My mind feels noisy. I seldom have restful sleep. I haven't been enjoying any of my hobbies lately. I want to go back to slowing down and now I do not know how to start again. It's like we've been dealing with lots of issues. Do you have any strategies on starting self-care?

RustyRoo Confused about wife’s herpes
  • replies: 3

My wife and I have been married for 25 years. Recently she announced she had been diagnosed with genital HSV1 and was having what seemed to be a severe outbreak. She then accused me of giving it to her and of having an affair which I never have. So I... View more

My wife and I have been married for 25 years. Recently she announced she had been diagnosed with genital HSV1 and was having what seemed to be a severe outbreak. She then accused me of giving it to her and of having an affair which I never have. So I got tested and was neg HSV1 & 2. I then reminded the events of ten years ago when she also accused me of giving her an STD. Further testing was required to identify what type but that I needed to be tested for everything. And she accused me of having an affair. Which I hadn’t. I was tested for everything and was neg. When I enquired about her further tests she said it turned out not to be an StD- just a false alarm. back to present day. I asked to see her medical records from 10 years. Initially the Dr had lost them. Finally they showed up and to my surprise ten years ago was not a false alarm nor a mystery std. in fact a blood test had found her to be HSV2 positive and guess what HSV1 negative. So ten years ago she lied about HSV 2 and now she can contracted HSV1 genitally. Is there anyway this could have happened without her having cheated? What should I do?

Pumpkinella Spirituality - how being in touch with spirituality creates healing
  • replies: 36

Fellow peers, After a brief conversation with a peer on the forums I was inspired to start a thread on spirituality. For some, spirituality is a very important aspect of the human being and can be a source of great healing, comfort and peace. I am in... View more

Fellow peers, After a brief conversation with a peer on the forums I was inspired to start a thread on spirituality. For some, spirituality is a very important aspect of the human being and can be a source of great healing, comfort and peace. I am interested to hear about peoples spiritual experiences and to share with each other on how spirituality has helped us grow and learn more about ourselves. For example you can discuss spiritual leaders that have helped you, quotes, experiences, philosophies etc. I want to also welcome any form of spirituality and belief that has generated a sense of space and peace. Don't be shy! I will start with a quote by Alan Watts (Buddhist/zen philosopher). This helped me challenge my beliefs on being not good enough, not better enough, not as I should be: "What I am really saying is that you don't need to do anything, because if you see yourself in the correct way, you are all as much extraordinary phenomenon of nature as trees, clouds, the patterns in running water, the flickering of fire, the arrangement of the stars, and the form of the galaxy. You are all just like that, and there is nothing wrong with you at all." Looking forward to hearing from you.

Doolhof Three things to be thankful for today
  • replies: 4903

Some days it is really hard to find anything to be thankful for when we feel overcome by the darkness and fog of depression. If I look hard enough, I can find something to be thankful for. I would like to encourage others to write down three things t... View more

Some days it is really hard to find anything to be thankful for when we feel overcome by the darkness and fog of depression. If I look hard enough, I can find something to be thankful for. I would like to encourage others to write down three things they are thankful for, and to realise there is a sense of hope available to us all. Sometimes it is just a little hard to find! So my three things for today are: 1: The lovely singing of birds in the morning as they welcome in the new day 2: The ability to read and write 3: A lovely hot shower. Wishing all the "family" in BB Land a day full of noticing the nice things in life. Kind regards to you all, from Dools.

Ggrand Small achievement you managed to do today....How did it make you feel? Did it help you feel better today?
  • replies: 516

Hi everyone.. Their are days when just getting out of bed is a huge achievement...Other days we can achieve things like washing up the dishes or clothes, sweeping the floors, mopping the floors..very mundane and automatic robot like chores for the me... View more

Hi everyone.. Their are days when just getting out of bed is a huge achievement...Other days we can achieve things like washing up the dishes or clothes, sweeping the floors, mopping the floors..very mundane and automatic robot like chores for the mentally well...They do these chores without even thinking about them...for people struggling with their mental health..these are huge tasks... Very often I’ll get my vacuum cleaner out to vacuum ...then it will sit their for days, me looking at it, walking over it...until I can get motivated enough to vacuum..after I do find the motivation to vacuum...I am pleased with myself... Right now I have a small foot cycling peddle machine, sitting on my front veranda..I got it out last week..to start exercising..it’s still their, I’m still looking at it...My thoughts each night is I’ll use it for a few minutes tomorrow.. My car hasn’t been washed getting close to a year now I think...Today I did managed to wash it....and discovered that it has a nice shine on it.....I did it...I achieved something positive today..which made me feel better in myself... Have you achieved a little something today...and how did it make you feel...If you want to share that achievement it might make other people a bit more motivated to achieve something they need/want to do.. Looking forward to hearing about your achievement....and how it made you feel.. Little steps and achievements can lead to bigger steps..and bigger achievements... My kindest and most caring thoughts...everyone. Grandy...