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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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Anon0 Functional Addict
  • replies: 1

Been on drugs for 6 months now, everyday, keeping up the appearance that everything is all good ie eating, sleeping (max 6 hours a night)working, and working out, I’m only 25, I hate myself. I can’t face my friends so I make new ‘drug’ friends and wo... View more

Been on drugs for 6 months now, everyday, keeping up the appearance that everything is all good ie eating, sleeping (max 6 hours a night)working, and working out, I’m only 25, I hate myself. I can’t face my friends so I make new ‘drug’ friends and work is as you can imagine not great. I’ve been in this position before but just hadn’t been smoking for as long, any tips/advice to staying off the shit? I’m calling in sick rather frequently now just because I can’t be bothered and am too cooked, which is not what I want to be remembered as to people. I love drugs, all of them, my life has and does revolve around them, socialising without them seems weird and just boring. I need to tell my parents and friends what I’ve been doing and that I need help but there’s such a stigma with some drugs and as a male it is hard to talk about our deeper darker secrets. Any advice would be appreciated, this site seems good, hopefully someone sees this before Monday oh also my paranoia is through the bloody roof, I use drugs to combat it and trying to use drugs to get me out of this hole but it’s just easier to reload..

Jadefire Anger issues
  • replies: 1

I’ve been struggling with anger issues, and only recently I’ve decided to reach out about it, I’ve had many friendships end over one petty argument I’ve blown way out of proportion in a lot of online forums between 2022-2024, I’m worried about hurtin... View more

I’ve been struggling with anger issues, and only recently I’ve decided to reach out about it, I’ve had many friendships end over one petty argument I’ve blown way out of proportion in a lot of online forums between 2022-2024, I’m worried about hurting people verbally both online and in-person, whenever I have an outburst, I feel like I’m a passenger in my body as this terrifying out of control side of me takes over in the driver’s seat, it’s been a massive hindrance on my mental health, cognitive functions and communication skills since my early teen years Any coping strategies are welcome

SourceShield --->>> Homelessness Hacks <<<---
  • replies: 1

Hey Folks, A couple years back now, I experienced homelessness, for a whole year!. I had made some very 'poor' financial decisions. But, I am on track now, soon I will be opening a Creativity Consultancy Company in Melbourne, so my life is all good! ... View more

Hey Folks, A couple years back now, I experienced homelessness, for a whole year!. I had made some very 'poor' financial decisions. But, I am on track now, soon I will be opening a Creativity Consultancy Company in Melbourne, so my life is all good! <- Comparatively speaking of course!. I offer this post for any that may experience homelessness. I'm guessing that most, if not all, are reading from the comfort of a home. But, if youre not, or in the future, if life gets you down and out on the street, just know that I am here - there is no judgement. If you need support, remember this post, and other links - to keep you safe and sane!. ---HACKS--- Basics - Find a place to wash yourself and keep yourself 'fresh'. I lied to the guy at the gym, and got myself free membership, for two weeks - it meant that I could store my bags in the locker for the day, until I needed it at night. I was clean. And, I could exercise, homelessness, gets really boring! There are other places to clean up, take note of these places as you walk around the streets. Listen to other people that are experiencing homelessness, but also use discernment, some places are filthy. Listen out for the 'free food' places - these resources are here, so take advantage of them...take what you must, but no more. There are others that need to eat as well. Keep your wits about you - I wrote everyday. I also had my dog with me, so he always keeps me mindful. But, do something everyday to keep your presence of mind. This is important, too many on the streets, go 'mad' with it all. I totally get it now - it only took me 3 days of sleeping on concrete streets, for me to feel my sanity slipping. I feel that many on the streets cant move beyond this state of homelessness, because they have 'lost it', due to being on the street. Its a vicious cycle. Visit libraries etc, and if they have free internet...use it! I was looking on Gumtree for work, everyday. Day jobs...meant a little more money - that meant freedom! Find a 'spot' to sleep, and keep that as your 'base' to return to. That helps to keep routine in your life, again very important for the homeless. Above all, do not let the shame that you may feel, beat you on this one. If you are on the streets, and dont wanna be there, there is no shame in raising your hands and asking for help. Your feelings are valid too, whether you are homeless or not. There are other hacks, and if there are any questions, I am here for you!

Guest_19965465 Stress, constant overthinking, and management.
  • replies: 1

Reaching a certain age, there are expectations from brown family for a woman. Also looking at peers thriving in their relationships, careers makes it harder to feel okay nowadays. I feel lost. How to take control of things, when u don’t know what u w... View more

Reaching a certain age, there are expectations from brown family for a woman. Also looking at peers thriving in their relationships, careers makes it harder to feel okay nowadays. I feel lost. How to take control of things, when u don’t know what u want from life?

white knight Should we "harden up"
  • replies: 14

I was first told that by a colleague in the Airforce at 17yo, then as a prison warder at 21yo then as a crowd controller at 29yo seems every job I took on, eventually someone saw my emotional side and mistook that for weakness. But that side also cau... View more

I was first told that by a colleague in the Airforce at 17yo, then as a prison warder at 21yo then as a crowd controller at 29yo seems every job I took on, eventually someone saw my emotional side and mistook that for weakness. But that side also caused a problem, once my weakness was judged, the opportunists would circle like sharks, eager to dominate, intimidate and control. By the time I reached 35yo I knew a change was needed. But there were a series of questions- do I imitate them? Call on my knights armour I developed while working in the jail? Remain a victim of tyrants? Or try something else?.What was crucial was that I not ever sell myself out of my kind side. To become some tough guy all the time would result in losing an important piece of who I was. A permant mask. So, I decided to create a defensive strategy along with an early warning system. It was trial and error.Predicting conflict isn't easy but if you prepare for it with everyone new in your life you react quicker. Unjustified criticism by a work colleague in a job you've just commenced is a good example and quick wit helps. Quickly replying (with a question) "so Billy, I thought James was my supervisor"?. Put Billy in his place and he becomes wary with a repeat. If he tries to justify then reply "we'll you're addressing me like I'm your student... why is that"?So, be prepared, use wit to keep replies short with greater impact and answer with questions compelling the aggressor to justify poor behaviour. The faster your reply the greater the shock value. "Hardening up" doesn't mean losing your priceless emotional/empathetic side, it means surviving better in what can be a nasty environment that has the aggressors ground rules. Defending yourself prevents ongoing torment. Set your standards early being firm, fair and reasonable without aggression. Return the ball to their court... most times they'll apologise and it's nipped in the bud. TonyWK

Sophie_M Sleep and Mental Health
  • replies: 1

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

.liv_.. Struggling to find direction
  • replies: 1

Hello!I have been recently finding myself in situations where I am faced with an easy task but then met with the overwhelming feeling of not being able to do it. I have put it down to laziness for ages not but I am starting to think I could be someth... View more

Hello!I have been recently finding myself in situations where I am faced with an easy task but then met with the overwhelming feeling of not being able to do it. I have put it down to laziness for ages not but I am starting to think I could be something else?Currently, my sleep schedule is horrible, I go to bed around 3am and wake up around 11am. During these early hours I have a tendency to spiral. I am fully aware that I do this but I still can’t seem to stop myself from being in this bad sleep schedule.I dealt with very bad anxiety and ADHD as a child which I presume has gone away as I am no longer medicated but I can still feel myself sometimes verging on panic attacks (which I still remember how to call myself down from them as a child, so I don’t go into a full spiral). Other simple tasks like attending online uni lectures is a struggle for much, dispite me recognizing this is a simple task.I guess, in a roundabout way of saying it, I am struggling to find any motivation to help myself and was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and any helpful tips to fix this. Thanks.

Jono2197 I hate myself and feel shameful and disgusted with myself
  • replies: 3

I had a crush on a celebrity and I took some pictures of her face and body and used an ai generator to generate some fake photos of her in a bikini with her face because I was curious what she would look like if she had larger body parts in certain a... View more

I had a crush on a celebrity and I took some pictures of her face and body and used an ai generator to generate some fake photos of her in a bikini with her face because I was curious what she would look like if she had larger body parts in certain areas and what she would look like in a bikini but I hate myself and feel so shameful and disgusted with myself that I did it. I can't stop thinking about it and the fact that she probably hates me now and would want nothing to do with me now and I'm feeling really shameful and hating myself over it.

Beetle14 Helping a Loved one with Bipolar
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone,I am struggling at the moment and feel I am walking a very lonely journey as my long-term partner falls into a Bipolar episode, and I feel unable to help him.I am not sure what I can do for him. I think he is aware that he is changing. He... View more

Hi everyone,I am struggling at the moment and feel I am walking a very lonely journey as my long-term partner falls into a Bipolar episode, and I feel unable to help him.I am not sure what I can do for him. I think he is aware that he is changing. He is much more irritable, and doing things that are very out of character for him, but more than anything he is withdrawing away from me, being very absent, and I am finding that very hard. We live together but he is at work / the gym a lot at the moment, or spending 2 hours on his own at a shop instead of coming home (and not notifying me, where as he has always rung me in the past if he was going somewhere after work). He is avoiding people that 'he may hurt' (His own words) by not going to social events too. He has a lot of trouble at work at the moment, which is triggering him, along with some episodes from my very mentally unwell episode a week ago, where she screamed in her face. She is living with her Dad at the moment.He is not medicated, hasn't been for a few years now and has been managing his life very well up until now, . Happy, peaceful and content most days. The medicaitons made him very sick, including a few that the doctors even told him he couldn't have due to blood toxisity levels, so he went down the root of meditation, mindfulness, therapy, etc.. And he did really well for himself. I met him at a time in my life where I had hit rock bottom mentally (I have PTSD from former domestic violence, combined with anxiety and ADHD). He pulled me out of that hole, helping me a huge amount at a time. I feel like it is my turn to give back. But I am really struggling and it is also impacting both my mental and physical health.My main issue is I can't seem to talk to him about anything. If I try to bring up I am worried, or that I have noticed his behaviour changing, and should he be going back to therapy to get help, he just snaps at me. And with my PTSD I can't cope with that. He is not nearly as bad as my x ever was, but it's the triggers in me. I try to give him space but then I feel like I am losing him altogether. He has become so absent, almost a prisoner of his mind.I miss him and I am worried as I do not know what to do if he gets worse. He seems to be in a depressive / hypomanic combination at the moment, what if he goes full manic? I have never seen this in him, only heard about it from stories from him and his mother. How do I manage that?Thank you for your help.