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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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She_bangs_the_drums I’m stressed to the max!!
  • replies: 8

Hello this is my first post and feeling kind of awkward writing this. I should be enjoying Easter with family, not looking for online advice about stress..but glad I have found this forum . Hoping to get some advice or peoples thoughts on here about ... View more

Hello this is my first post and feeling kind of awkward writing this. I should be enjoying Easter with family, not looking for online advice about stress..but glad I have found this forum . Hoping to get some advice or peoples thoughts on here about me resigning from my job. I work for a national builder and work under state directors and senior managers. I have always, in all my roles over the years never allowed myself to get stressed and always tried to switch off and ‘not take work home’. I have seen a few people in my company burn out and have resigned or taking time out for mental health issues. In these virus times like many other companies ours has made people redundant and we are trying to finish projects off, we need to win more work ‘or none of us will have a job’. So the pressure is on and ‘some would say’ our people do get paid well to deal with this. I have just started to notice the last few weeks everything has ramped up. Peoples attitudes changing, so much politics and I’m constantly stressed out over thinking, not sleeping and thinking about my task list, constantly questioning myself ‘what’s next?’, ‘how do I close this out?’, ‘why is this on me to sort out’? ‘why isn’t the other guy doing this, it’s his job to do it? I’ve also noticed my fuse is getting shorter with people and I am arguing with people more. Then last Monday night after work I was lying on my bed and my little boy sat by me and said ‘how’s work dad, everything okay?, you look really tired’. I haven’t cried for years and tears just started pouring out, I told him to go down stairs not to show him.. I have never felt like this and I really feel I should just quit, life’s to short and health and family are way more important. I think I have to give four weeks notice. If I quit on the spot I don’t think I will get paid my 5weeks annual leave? Then if I quit I am worried my name gets tarnished by management and it will be hard to find another company? Should I just stick it out and perhaps the round two of cuts they make in a few months will have me included and I get paid out properly? As I mentioned I have never felt this way before and advice on here would be great from anyone who has been through same thing?. Many thanks

Peppermintbach Coronavirus: Tips & discussion on how to cope with loneliness & missing loved ones/support networks when we are unable to see them in person
  • replies: 5

Hello lovely people, I realise there are already wonderful COVID-19 related threads, which is fantastic, such as: - Coping during the Coronavirus Outbreak: the main, overarching support thread on Coronavirus - How to take practical advantage of isola... View more

Hello lovely people, I realise there are already wonderful COVID-19 related threads, which is fantastic, such as: - Coping during the Coronavirus Outbreak: the main, overarching support thread on Coronavirus - How to take practical advantage of isolation: thread that focuses on predominantly activities to cope So I would like the focus of this thread to be a little different where the focus of this thread to be more on the interpersonal relationships side of things: 1. Tips to maintain & form interpersonal relationships/connections with people that we don’t live with & can’t see in person for now 2. Coping with loneliness I’ve noticed a recurring theme where many of us are struggling with the loss of face-to-face support. Us humans are social creatures. We are physiologically programmed to connect with others from birth to childhood to teenage years to adulthood. It’s human nature... So it makes sense that the loss/ reduction in face-to-face contact is taking such a toll. I miss my friends & family, but I can’t see them in person while this is happening. But I’m also 1 of the lucky ones, not because I’m better/more deserving (I’m not)....but because luck has me in a position of having a strong support network. This is just temporary for me; I realise that isn’t always the case for everyone (& through no fault of their own). So, I encourage you to discuss/share ideas on how to stay connected... Here are some of the things that I do: - Recognise the type of loneliness that I’m feeling (e.g. emotional support, social aspect, etc) so I can plan my virtual meetings to help meet my needs (e.g. close friends only versus a big virtual party). - schedule regular video chats with friends & family to stay in touch - try to schedule virtual meetings in a way that mimics my “normal life” (e.g. I used to do the bulk of my socialising towards the 2nd 1/2 of the week, so I schedule virtual catch-ups more towards the 2nd 1/2 of the week). I do this for 2 reasons: 1. It helps me maintain a sense of “normalcy” 2. It will make it easier to transition back to my “old life” when this is over. - Plan virtual activities with people that mimic what you used to do e.g. if you were part of a book club that met on Thursdays then organise m a virtual one through Zoom also on Thursdays I hope we get to chat. Feel free to share your ideas & discuss kindness & care, Pepper

AngelBear I actually feel happy again
  • replies: 3

after last year of being sad and gloomy, I actually feel happy. I know I might sound crazy but 2020 might actually be my year, other than the virus outbreak haha. I found someone who made me feel something other then sadness. I can't believe this, I'... View more

after last year of being sad and gloomy, I actually feel happy. I know I might sound crazy but 2020 might actually be my year, other than the virus outbreak haha. I found someone who made me feel something other then sadness. I can't believe this, I'm actually happy! How are you guys? oh by the way. I also want to thank you to all the people who were they for me on beyond blue, you helped me. each of you Anyway! I'm back on beyond to express my happiness and to help others suffering like I used to. no one deserves to be sad

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.