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Sophie_M Money stress? You are not alone!
  • replies: 4

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we al... View more

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we all seem to be experiencing a greater amount of stress surrounding money than we have in the past. And it’s impacting our ability to show up fully for the things we love. It’s not uncommon for us to experience shame and fear around expressing our financial challenges; it can be hard and somewhat taboo to openly discuss money matters. However, we believe this conversation is incredibly important and beneficial to have. Like all challenges, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, so let’s help each other out. Of course, discussions about the economy and how to manage our money during inflation are a much larger (and frustrating!) conversation… but what we would really love to know is what your personal experience around money is. Are you feeling the pinch too? How is added financial pressure impacting your wellbeing? When was the last time things felt even slightly easier? And if you have struggled with money in the past but come out the other side, what suggestions do you have for others who might still be finding their feet? This is an opportunity to share openly and honestly about your experience in a judgement-free space. There are no wrong answers, and we encourage you to share all the things that you might be finding hard to express in your every day life. Looking forward to your answers! Abundant hugs from yours truly, 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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Julz01 Trying alcohol free
  • replies: 1

I have not had a major depressive order for a while, but I guess I have not felt upbeat either. After months of drinking every night sometimes 2 or 3 bottles of wine. So I am now on day 3 of alcohol, I am not setting a time to achieve alcohol free ju... View more

I have not had a major depressive order for a while, but I guess I have not felt upbeat either. After months of drinking every night sometimes 2 or 3 bottles of wine. So I am now on day 3 of alcohol, I am not setting a time to achieve alcohol free just waking each day trying to abstain. i got myself both mentally & physically wee a couple of years ago even lost 30 kgs now I have put back 20kg. So trying to get my self care back but I am so unmotivated to take up exercise again or even do simple chores around the house. If I can stay of the alcohol it may all come back again. any tips on beating alcohol & stepping up my motivation to achieve things in my day would be great.

Harry_Lime Hi there, I only just joined and I'm worried about the Coronavirus.
  • replies: 42

Hi everybody. This is my first time posting on this forum - I only joined BB last Saturday night after a bout of anxiety and depression. The thing is, I’ve been worrying a lot about the coronavirus that is going on at the moment; every time there is ... View more

Hi everybody. This is my first time posting on this forum - I only joined BB last Saturday night after a bout of anxiety and depression. The thing is, I’ve been worrying a lot about the coronavirus that is going on at the moment; every time there is a news item about it its worse than the news item before it. And now that Australia has confirmed person-to-person virus contact it seems we are going the way of China with shut downs and restrictions and the news is full of footage of statistics and even people panic buying. I know it sounds really strange where I am coming from, but its just been on my mind almost 24/7 and I am becoming obsessed with news about it which probably isn’t good. I’m genuinely scared I am going to catch it or worse. Am I the only one out there like this? I’ve always been on the anxious side of things, a born worrier etc. I just turned fifty last year (yeah, great) and I work from home as a graphic designer. And its only me living here - my partner lives a couple of hours away in the country. I’ve told her what I am going through and she is very low key about the whole coronavirus situation. I’d really appreciate some ideas, feedback etc. Thanks guys!

TishaJade Is it really as bad as I think?
  • replies: 13

Hi all, I've posted a few times about how I feel about this situation, and it seems like I feel better for a little while, and then go back to the same thoughts and feelings. I just want to feel good and continue feeling good. It's hard to know if my... View more

Hi all, I've posted a few times about how I feel about this situation, and it seems like I feel better for a little while, and then go back to the same thoughts and feelings. I just want to feel good and continue feeling good. It's hard to know if my feelings are real, or if they are just fears and worries. My boyfriend and I have been together for a year and it's clear we love each other a real lot. When we got together he told me he had a son from a previous unmarried relationship. At first I was fine with this. But as months passed I struggled. I struggle with the fact that he has had a child with someone else. And that I will NEVER be the only one to have children to him. I love him beyond measure, and I am JEALOUS that such a beautiful first milestone of having a first child was done without me. And that when we have our child, it will not be as special to him... I know that he did not love his ex the way he loves me. He never considered marriage, and having a child was only a way of fixing their relationship which, clearly, didn't work. He has told me that he actually wants to get married to me one day, and wants a proper family and this makes me feel good for a little while, but then I am plagued by the above feelings all over again. I feel like I have been an excellent step mum, and I know that his child loves me too. But at times I can't help but feel jealous that his son takes him away from me. That he is tied to a child and another woman and always will be. I need some serious waking up, facing reality and positive opinions. Can you understand how I feel? What can I do or how can I change these feelings? I am so emotional about this and have been for a long time. Maybe men aren't as emotional about all this stuff as women are?

Mel1980 Chronic Illness
  • replies: 1

I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis thought I have been in pain for over a couple of years on and off. I have an Autistic daughter who is really struggling with isolation at the moment and being separated from her friends and family ... View more

I have just been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis thought I have been in pain for over a couple of years on and off. I have an Autistic daughter who is really struggling with isolation at the moment and being separated from her friends and family who she relies on for support. I want to be able to be there for her but its so draining at the moment i dont have the mental capacity to deal with it. Any tips on how I can sleep better and reduce my stress so I can be what she needs during this time?

Redcat96 How do I stay motivated?
  • replies: 2

Hey there, So currently I'm really struggling with life. I feel as though I am watching life happen before me and I'm just a passenger. With everything happening in the world currently I know it is hard not o feel like This but surely there is someth... View more

Hey there, So currently I'm really struggling with life. I feel as though I am watching life happen before me and I'm just a passenger. With everything happening in the world currently I know it is hard not o feel like This but surely there is something that could help and make life not seem so bleak. I think that lack of social interaction has really got to me as I do live alone. I am finding it take a massive toll on my mental health and well being and I feel as though talking to my family or friends about it I burden them. What are you guys doing during this Time to stay human and sane? Any suggestions are welcome as I feel so lost right now red cat

Nina83 Early Childhood Educator
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have been self isolating for the past 4 weeks and feeling increasing pressure to be at work in the early childhood industry. I don’t drive and live a fair way from my centre and am feeling pressure from parents who are my employers as the centr... View more

Hi, I have been self isolating for the past 4 weeks and feeling increasing pressure to be at work in the early childhood industry. I don’t drive and live a fair way from my centre and am feeling pressure from parents who are my employers as the centre I work for is a parent committee run centre. I am on unpaid leave and feeling like I want to resign from a job I have been doing for 20 years. Feeling helpless.

CaptainCab Disclosing You Have Genital Herpes
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I have recently separated from my wife of 15 years and I have had genital herpes for most of my adult life, in fact I can't recall which partner likely gave it to me because I had it before marriage. The thing is, I never disclosed it to any ... View more

Hi all, I have recently separated from my wife of 15 years and I have had genital herpes for most of my adult life, in fact I can't recall which partner likely gave it to me because I had it before marriage. The thing is, I never disclosed it to any partners previously (when I was young and dumb) but now that I am in my late 40's I am a responsible adult now so I want to be transparent to future partners. Luckily I have no outbreaks due to daily medication so the chances of transmitting are low. But, I wanted to know HOW do I bring this up to my next partner/s? Thanks

Sadie243 Isolation during the Coronavirus
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, First time user here. I live and work in regional Western Australia. Before this pandemic, I would go to Perth every weekend and visit my partner and friends. Since the closure of the WA regional borders, I cannot see them. I've been try... View more

Hi everyone, First time user here. I live and work in regional Western Australia. Before this pandemic, I would go to Perth every weekend and visit my partner and friends. Since the closure of the WA regional borders, I cannot see them. I've been trying to stay strong during this period but lately I've been struggling. I don't know when I'll see my partner again and that distresses me greatly. We talk everyday and video chat but it's not quite the same. If anyone is in the same situation and can provide some advice that would be much appreciated!

Mukti_misfiT A warm hello
  • replies: 1

Hey what's up, Man, today has been a good day. The first one I can honestly say in the past couple of weeks. With the whole corona virus changes going on I've really felt out of sorts. My routine has changed a lot as my usual coping tools have been E... View more

Hey what's up, Man, today has been a good day. The first one I can honestly say in the past couple of weeks. With the whole corona virus changes going on I've really felt out of sorts. My routine has changed a lot as my usual coping tools have been EXTREMELY limited. Along with the additional stress of my partner's employment uncertainty, the kids being at home, and my university studies I've really had to put firm action into keeping my head together. But, I'm finally having some success. I've walked with depression, PTSD, and addiction undiagnosed and untreated up until 6 years ago (when I was 27). I was an absolute mess, then I hit rock bottom and reached out. I struggled with accepting that my own way of being had landed me in a hospital ward on suicide watch, but I knew I had no where else to go, nothing I did seemed to work for me in getting out how I was feeling. Hopeless and pathetic. I was put on medication and had some time in hospital to stabilise before they sent me home. But guess what (?) Nothing changed. I was doing the same old thing, surpassing the same old demons, in denial that I could keep going in my career if old I could pull myself up from my boot straps that bit higher. and guess what happened.... 6 months later another visit to the ward, however this time the only way I was getting out was via detox and rehab. I remember feeling so broken, in my then realisation, that I could not do life. Not like how my wife seemed to do it, my friends, or everyone else I had met throughout my life. Why couldn't I do this living thing right! Am I the only one not getting this? ... and how a relief it was to meet other like me. Who felt with months struggling to feel .... anything. Who were haunted by their past, and couldn't be comfortable in their own skin. I'm so grateful to have met these people. We talk about how we struggled on a daily basis to emotionally regulated and shared tools and techniques in being responsible for our health and routines that help us in living a for-filled life with our "monsters". I spent the next 3 years addressing my stuff. I worked with my GP about getting the proper meds for me, I reached out to social communities for support, I saw a psychologist (and still do), and I tried every suggestion that was presented to me. From self-help work shops, meditation retreats, mens circles to overseas adventures. All to find what works for me to flourish in my new life. Looking forward to hearing y'all. MM