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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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white knight Toxic people- who are they?
  • replies: 3

So maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a mental disorder and have commenced medication and therapy. There is a case for self help as well- a tree/sea change, career change, move away from food handling or shift work and worked on your relaxation and sle... View more

So maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a mental disorder and have commenced medication and therapy. There is a case for self help as well- a tree/sea change, career change, move away from food handling or shift work and worked on your relaxation and sleep. What about the people in your life? What is classified as a toxic person? It is very subjective, ask a thousand people all will have a different description. But there is some common trends- Someone that emotional intends to hurt you that is disloyal is ambitious at work to the disadvantage of work colleagues is not empathetic hurts your friends in a manner that you feel at risk also manipulates is narcissistic uses you as an information source only has ulterior motives is money driven eg inheritance forces their views onto you eg religion You get the idea. What is most important here is what YOUR tolerance level is, not what other people believe what yours should be. If you adopt your friends moral compass then you’ve dropped yours. This is different to a friend discussing a matter and expressing what they would do in your situation to a friend telling you that you are foolish for taking your own direction. Toxic people is those that effect you adversely more often than they make you happy. You might have a gut instinct on a person integrity based on your observations of their treatment of other people eg helping a fellow worker get sacked rather than assisting to remedy their battles with management as a supporter. The only trap with judging someone toxic is when you judge them too harshly. Often you might not know all the facts. So be cautious. Many young adults don’t realise when a friend isn’t a positive influence- be ready to act if need be. The weeding out of toxic people from your life can make your friendships less in number but higher in quality. Google beyondblue topic the labyrinth of friendships beyondblue fortress of survival (also part 2) beyondblue topic depression and toxic people Finally remember- you might well be toxic from another’s viewpoint and that’s ok. TonyWK

lifeisbutadream Starting my Journey - suggestions for help?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, today I finally reached out to my GP after having a little breakdown last night and realising I needed help. I've been struggling lately with a lot of anxiety (and depression), and it was beginning to impact me in other ways (including d... View more

Hi everyone, today I finally reached out to my GP after having a little breakdown last night and realising I needed help. I've been struggling lately with a lot of anxiety (and depression), and it was beginning to impact me in other ways (including disordered eating/ health - I know that is a long, sad and dangerous path and I was afraid it was only getting worse). It was really scary to admit everything that is going on but I'm so glad that I did. It was so good and reassuring to be able to talk about what has been going on and have my feelings be validated. It's weird to think I'm mentally unwell and how many things I'm going to have to work on, some that go back a long way, but I'm excited for the journey for better mental health to begin. However, I am a little bit afraid I won't be able to change. My GP has recommended me to try different mindfulness exercises (CBT) over the next few weeks, until I will be seeing a psychologist. Does anyone have any techniques, apps, books or other self-care activities they have found have helped them (especially early on)? Thank you!

blondguy COVIDSafe App and the Benefits
  • replies: 9

Hi Everyone I had difficulty finding the Official CovidSafe app on Monday and eventually found it.... Of course its up to the individual if they wish to download the app or not..I have posted the link below which also includes the relevant informatio... View more

Hi Everyone I had difficulty finding the Official CovidSafe app on Monday and eventually found it.... Of course its up to the individual if they wish to download the app or not..I have posted the link below which also includes the relevant information/benefits of the app. Over 3 million downloads since Monday any input/thoughts are welcome on the app too https://covidsafe.gov.au stay well Paul

white knight Do we expect a smooth road in life?
  • replies: 17

As we grow, cared for by our parents, we reach teenage years and we are young, often healthy and we don’t have much idea where we’ll end up – not that we are worried. I remember when I was 17o and had left school. I was waiting for the RAAF to tell m... View more

As we grow, cared for by our parents, we reach teenage years and we are young, often healthy and we don’t have much idea where we’ll end up – not that we are worried. I remember when I was 17o and had left school. I was waiting for the RAAF to tell me when they would send me from Victoria to SA for recruit training. I had a plan, to serve 20 years and get a defence pension from 37yo onwards. I’d rise up through the ranks, maybe even officer material because “my family is smart”. I lasted 3 years and my driving offenses, frequent drunkenness …all things that made my bosses angry…led to my demise. Reset journey. In fact I reset the journey numerous times just as many of us have. I think (IMO) that us with emotional fragility constantly reset our pathways. We arrive at “Y” intersections all the time and take another course…always thinking we can find a better happier path to stability. Always chasing the dream via a forest of nightmares. So when we were about say, early twenties to say early thirties, we hoped for and expected to have a healthy life. What a whack we got if we found out we were to have one or many medical hoops to jump through and a larger challenge when we are told by some (including me on these forums) that your challenge with your mental care should be seen as a life long management strategy not a quick fix or even a few years fix. So its reasonable and apt to remember that most of us expect life to be an easy road. In terms of facing life in a manner that it wont likely be easy I don’t know what the answer ris. The more children are insulated from their future challenges in terms of health the better the parenting really. They are protecting them right? I’m no psychologist but I would assume teaching children that their journey through life will include some bumpy roads will prepare them for real life issues, that they have to overcome. I’m just concerned as to the frequency of new members that when they receive a diagnosis for a mental illness the horror is too much to bare when in reality with appropriate medical care they can lead near normal lives. Yet again its like a physical disability – to accept one has a permanent lower back injury or arthritis or other physical disability, having a mental illness is an injury we have to accept. The earlier acceptance is achieved the quicker one can return to the lives along the same journey pre diagnosis. Is acceptance of ones mental illness your biggest challenge?

Doolhof Happy Mother's Day 2020
  • replies: 16

I wasn't sure where to post this, as "Mother's Day" could come under many different headings depending on what the day means for the individual. Corona Virus has added another twist to Mother's Day. This is an opportunity for people to express their ... View more

I wasn't sure where to post this, as "Mother's Day" could come under many different headings depending on what the day means for the individual. Corona Virus has added another twist to Mother's Day. This is an opportunity for people to express their feelings about Mother's Day. It may be a chance to send a greeting to a Mum who is no longer in your life, a message tot he Universe perhaps. You might have a fond memory of your Mum you would like to share, or of any female you have a close connection to like a Mother figure. For some it may be a time of grief and loss, either in relation to your Mum or to children who are no longer with you. For me, I will be phoning my Mum, going to work and will spend some time thinking of my babies in Heaven. I will remember fond moments with my Mum and memories of a very special lady "J" who was a gift of love in my life. I will recall happy moments with other people's children over the years and how precious those times were. I will be working, so I will try and make Mother's Day special for those I will be working for and with. For those who celebrate Mother's Day, I wish you a special day. May you be able to embrace and accept this year will be different but it can also be okay. Kind regards from Dools

Lilly18 Help for out of control anger
  • replies: 2

Hit me with ANYTHING please that has helped you with being angry. My anger is not ok and its not 'normal' I have ruined furniture, I'm without a dining table + 8 chairs, holes in walls, chests of draws, dishes, ipads you name it. I could elaborate bu... View more

Hit me with ANYTHING please that has helped you with being angry. My anger is not ok and its not 'normal' I have ruined furniture, I'm without a dining table + 8 chairs, holes in walls, chests of draws, dishes, ipads you name it. I could elaborate but probly best I don't. I have seen psychologists, on antidepressant (have tried quite a few) and they honestly don't help. I can take an anit anxiety tablet but I don't like to feel sleepy especially when the kids are non stop. I think i know what sets me off, but there must be more behind it for it to be so bad. I'm at the end of the tether and I have said that so many times in lost count. Practicing Mindfullness, the deep breathing etc just doesnt work for me. I just can't sit down during the day to do a meditation app because I need a clean house before I could do something like that or maybe I just don't want to be still in my own head. What can I do? I'm at the end of my tether, I have lost count how many times iv said that I need help and don't know where or how Sorry this was only going to be short but eh

Ggrand Creative writing for Distraction..
  • replies: 37

Share your imagination of fantasy, Magic or happy stories here, so others can enjoy Hi everyone, This is a thread I thought might be a helpful form of relaxing, for both writing your very own virtual fantasy peaceful escape from our busy lives..Maybe... View more

Share your imagination of fantasy, Magic or happy stories here, so others can enjoy Hi everyone, This is a thread I thought might be a helpful form of relaxing, for both writing your very own virtual fantasy peaceful escape from our busy lives..Maybe you just need to sit back, read and relax or maybe you want to go on your virtual fantasy escape and put it in here for other to read or join you... Please give it a go, you might find it a great distraction from negative thoughts, as I do..and others can escape with you. I started walking into the tunnel, looking around, the ceiling and sides were covered with tiny little bright pink,yellow and darkest blue tiniest flowers you could imagine, the ground was of the darkest, thickest, greenest grass, so soft I take my shoes off and feel the cool refreshing grass under my feet and between my toes, so relaxing as I continue walking towards the sun rays I can see up ahead...lol my feet are green from the softness and greenness of the grass. Out through the other end of the tunnel, I'm greeted by, a brilliant sky of orange, purple, and clouds of the deepest greyish red, a sun that's setting in the distance..I stand and take in the beauty of the sky, a feeling of serenity passes through me...Walking further ahead I come across the same thick carpet of lush cool green grass, feeling serene and grounded I continue until I come to a small waterfall, that falls into a crystal clear lake with tiny brightly coloured butterflies flying around, they are beckoning me to enter the lake. On entering the lakes crystal clear water I head towards the waterfall, there I sit in the water with the gentle waterfall cascading onto my head, down my back, the feeling of the water running down me is just pure relaxation, the water surrounding my body is so cool and refreshing yet peacefully relaxing..I stay there it's to good to move, then I see the Butterflies flying around me, dropping tiny little sachets into the water the water becomes bubbly, bubbles of lavender scent , as the waterfall hits the water the bubbles are multiplying so much that they start to tickle my skin..The scent of the bubbles begin to make me feel sleepy..relaxed.... My eyes lids are so heavy, they want to close, slowly they close, as they do a gentle breeze blows, and I can here the tranquil sounds of wind chimes in the background so peaceful so gentle the sound, the sounds fading deeper and deeper into the background..my body, my mind is relaxed beyond belief as I slowly drift off into a peaceful, tranquil,deep sleep.. Grandy.

Titine After some chats due to lonliness and trying to avoid self medicating with alcohol
  • replies: 2

Hi ive never been on a forum before. A little bit unsure what to write. I thought id try and see if it could help by talking to other people who are possibly going through similar anxieties. Im in a difficult stage in life. I have had to deactivate a... View more

Hi ive never been on a forum before. A little bit unsure what to write. I thought id try and see if it could help by talking to other people who are possibly going through similar anxieties. Im in a difficult stage in life. I have had to deactivate all social media. Im not working and have had my licence suspended due to a seizure. Ive had to cut off most off my friends for various reasons. And now with the current added isolation, im really suffering. I live on my own in a tiny unit and feel panicy and anxious all the time. I feel trapped. Ive been fighting a battle on and off with alcohol, as its all i can think of to numb the pain. But it just makes things worse. Im trying to keep positive and get out for a walk each day but i still cant shake this horrible feeling and fear i have inside me. Thanks for listening

Travelbuddy Im new here Coronovirus Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi, This is my first post. I have been coping quite well with the coronavirus situation up until the last couple of weeks. My husband and I are both retired in our mid to late 60's We have been virtually self isolating since mid March apart from supe... View more

Hi, This is my first post. I have been coping quite well with the coronavirus situation up until the last couple of weeks. My husband and I are both retired in our mid to late 60's We have been virtually self isolating since mid March apart from supermarket shopping and daily walks. My problem is that we have another family member who lives with us. They have to go to work but have started to go out socially too even staying at someone else's home for the night. And as restrictions are lifted I can only see this is going to get worse. I did explain this and was told I needed counselling and that they didn't think the same. Definitely not the reaction I expected. Such a difficult situation without causing arguments. So I've let it go now hoping they do the right thing. If it were just me and my husband in the house I'm sure I would be fine as I know exactly what we do but its the unknown I am struggling with. I wipe down door handles, light switches etc every day so doing as much as I can there. Keep my distance in the house. Even hoping just writing this all down helps!?! Wondering if anyone else is struggling with a similar situation?

miniature_tiger Looking for better ways to convince myself?
  • replies: 1

Hi, I've been struggling with depression/anxiety for a number of years, but in the past year I've started to seek help, including antidepressants and journalling. I'm hoping to see a therapist once the lockdown eases a bit. My family does not know ab... View more

Hi, I've been struggling with depression/anxiety for a number of years, but in the past year I've started to seek help, including antidepressants and journalling. I'm hoping to see a therapist once the lockdown eases a bit. My family does not know about any of this, but they have seen changes in me and seem happy for it, which makes me happy, too. However, we still get into arguments from time to time- whenever they yell at me, I end up crying. I cry very easily when someone raises their voice, but I think they are convinced I am playing the victim to make them feel guilty. When I was younger, I was probably very prone to this, as I often had a pity-party rather than making any changes to my personality. Now that I am older and trying to fix the way I communicate with myself and others, I feel like I have grown past this, but I still cry when shouted at and I am prone to wallowing in sadness and blaming myself. I know I am on the path to self betterment, and I know that I am actively trying to change my thought patterns instead of telling myself I am a bad or unloveable person. However, I still feel like I am....pretending. I feel constantly like I am just a bad person who is perfomatively pretending to be good to gain sympathy. I know that actions are reality, and even if I'm only pretending to be good, if I do end up doing good, I will sort of be a good person? But I really hate feeling like I am pretending. I feel like I am manipulative. It upsets me that my parents still see me as this manipulative child, but sometimes I worry that they're really just the only people who are right about me and can see me for who I really am. I am looking for any suggestions on how to combat this feeling of pretending, or to convince myself I am not pretending, I am actually getting and doing better. However, I don't want to do that and actually just be deluding myself that I'm becoming more mature and emotionally stable. Do any of you feel the same way? How do you deal with it? Do you distract yourself from it, or is there a way of dealing with it head on? Thanks everyone for listening!