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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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romantic_thi3f Are there any games that you play to help you stay well?
  • replies: 10

Hi all, I've been reading a lot lately about games for mental health (mainly anxiety and depression) and how gaming can help a lot - both for people struggling with illness but also in recovery. One of my favourites is SuperBetter which is an app tha... View more

Hi all, I've been reading a lot lately about games for mental health (mainly anxiety and depression) and how gaming can help a lot - both for people struggling with illness but also in recovery. One of my favourites is SuperBetter which is an app that helps you 'level up' with different everyday tasks - even simple things like going for a walk or texting a friend. It's free too - on Android and IOS. Is there any games that you really enjoy? Any that you find helps you switch off or feel like yourself again?

David Nobody I feel as if I have *finished*
  • replies: 12

Hi, I’m back, and I’m still not achieving anything productive, and I’m back to thinking “what is the point?” My “salary continuance” is going to run out in November/January (depending on which date they use, start of “issue”, or start of payment) and... View more

Hi, I’m back, and I’m still not achieving anything productive, and I’m back to thinking “what is the point?” My “salary continuance” is going to run out in November/January (depending on which date they use, start of “issue”, or start of payment) and I don’t have anything to replace it, or know if I need/want anything to replace it. Psychiatrist has said “I’m good to not see her for 6 months” (about 4 months ago I think). Psychologist is ongoing with an appointment every 4/5 weeks. But not a lot of progress, I’m on a long plateau. Weekly “group sessions” are basically a check-in and pass the time. I’m occupying my time writing, but that is exactly what I am doing, “occupying my time”. I get no real enjoyment from it, and there is added pressure (that I put on myself mostly) to get a certain amount written each day. The lack of sales/interest has reduced the pressure from the outside world as I can now say “see I told you”, and the do-gooders-with-the-best-of-intentions are backing off. I’m Half-heartedly looking for a job, similar to the one I chucked to get myself into this ludicrous situation. Approx 10 applications a week for the last month or so, with 1/4 saying “no thank you”, and 3/4 non reply. I’m eligible for Centrelink work placement assistance, so am probably eligible for a disability pension. That and my super would cover costs, and money from inevitable inheritance would close any gaps. Health/exercise/weight/food/sleep/sun are stable, not getting worse, but neither are they getting better. And lack of weight loss over the last year, with significant effort to reducing it, doesn’t help motivation. That and I really don’t care, I only do it because I am told. Blaming the medication would be an easy answer, but that would only be an excuse. I have no interest either in pursuing friendships or relationships. And I’ve forgotten my point in writing this... as I have forgotten many things. N

NahiV Feeling demotivated after almost 2 years of job search in my field.
  • replies: 1

Hello, I graduated with a Masters degree in Accounting and Finance in 2017 and since then have been applying to jobs in my field. However I am still unable to secure even an interview and it is so disheartening. I dont know what I am doing wrong and ... View more

Hello, I graduated with a Masters degree in Accounting and Finance in 2017 and since then have been applying to jobs in my field. However I am still unable to secure even an interview and it is so disheartening. I dont know what I am doing wrong and I feel like such a failure. I have been working in food service since I graduated, and I am currently doing a course which gives me some extra skills to add to my CV related to Accounting. I am also a migrant in this country with little local experience and most places I apply to requires you to have permanent residency which I have applied for, but will take time to process. I just feel hopeless and although I spend ages on my cover letter and cv, it seems like no one is interested in hiring me. I just have this mentality everyday like "what is the point?". I live with my husband and my in laws and I just want to be able to afford to move out and have our own place. My husband has a mental disability and is unable to work, which is hard too... Anyway thank you for hearing me out

Nippy Nippy
  • replies: 9

I have a bad problem with alcohol dependence, I am so desperate to stop I will try anything. I have endured much emotional pain in my life. During the last 3 months things have gotten considerably worse as I have developed chronic neck and back pain.... View more

I have a bad problem with alcohol dependence, I am so desperate to stop I will try anything. I have endured much emotional pain in my life. During the last 3 months things have gotten considerably worse as I have developed chronic neck and back pain. I find the alcohol helps with sleep and coping; however the next morning its not so good so off I go again as soon as I finish work its a bottle of wine. I am hoping to find people with positive views to assist me in my recovery and help to keep me there. I have been drinking for a long time and I know its going to take my undivided attention and willingness to try my best to recover. I look forward to hearing from people and thankyou in advance. Lee

loouuiiee Loss of job - loss of purpose ??
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone I have not posted in quite a while. Long-time sufferer of depression and generalized anxiety disorder here ... Recently I poured my all into my work as a way to distract myself and unfortunately, this workplace had a really unprofessional... View more

Hi everyone I have not posted in quite a while. Long-time sufferer of depression and generalized anxiety disorder here ... Recently I poured my all into my work as a way to distract myself and unfortunately, this workplace had a really unprofessional culture and I quickly became the target of some unpleasant workplace bullying. There was no consistent management or person that I could really go to for support most of the period of time that I was there. My coping mechanism was to not take the negativity to heart, to just keep trucking on as I hoped if I didn't respond that it would eventually stop. I thought if I persisted that eventually, things would get better. The bullying continued to get worse and worse ... and after 3 months I was dismissed on the spot during a probation meeting. I didn't break any rules or specifically do anything wrong they said simply that I just am not the right fit for the job/company. I am looking for other work but found that as soon as potential employers find out I was let go by my previous employer they are not interested in talking about the reasons why, or giving me a chance to explain anything. They simply do not want to know me after they discover I was let go. I have found lots of positive things to do to keep me busy whilst I am unemployed such as upskilling ... but just waking up in the morning and having nowhere to be is upsetting - especially with me being such a routine orientated person. (I find routine comforting.) Things just seem so unfair and I am trying to be positive and move on from this negative experience, but employers don't seem to want to give me a chance which is really affecting my self-esteem and making me view myself in such a negative light. Has anyone been through something similar and/or have any advice or tips they would be willing to share??

GAWGA Finding purpose on the path to the future
  • replies: 6

Hi all. I wanted to ask about finding a new path in life. I’d love to hear your stories. I no longer wish to walk my old path, nor my current path of isolation with yawning gaps of time where the clock ticks seconds of my life away. Where the invisib... View more

Hi all. I wanted to ask about finding a new path in life. I’d love to hear your stories. I no longer wish to walk my old path, nor my current path of isolation with yawning gaps of time where the clock ticks seconds of my life away. Where the invisible old ties bind, holding me back from the future. I guess I’m starting from a blank slate again but I’m now in my mid 40s. I know I have to do this with care and patience to look after me but I also know this may well take courage and dedication. I would love to hear your stories. Would you kindly share with me? Are you living a balanced life? A life with moments of joy?What steps have you taken to feel back on solid ground sometimes? I so look forward to putting my feet on that path. It would be lovely to walk alongside one another. Thank you all x

wallabyjack awake and conscious, but feel like 'soul' has left body? anyone?
  • replies: 1

over the last 10 years I have had random, occasional bouts where I suddenly feel like I am still looking through my eyes, I can feel, hear and speak to those around me. But "I" feel like I have gone somewhere else and am trapped there. (And its not n... View more

over the last 10 years I have had random, occasional bouts where I suddenly feel like I am still looking through my eyes, I can feel, hear and speak to those around me. But "I" feel like I have gone somewhere else and am trapped there. (And its not necessarily a nice place). Does this feeling have a name? It feels like I have gone to a place of "isolation and permanence" in that I am there, but my body and physical senses are still where I left them. Usually I can distract myself by reading my phone, walking etc and I come back to myself. this almost feels spiritual, but I am sure its chemical and neurological also. it does seem to coincide with periods of stress. anyone have some thoughts? cheers WJ

Hannerilana Complex trauma
  • replies: 1

Hi i have gone through complex trauma . I am having trouble finding good support for trauma not just PTSD but complex trauma. What hope is there for complex trauma survivors? Especially young people. I have had multiple traumas basic childhood parent... View more

Hi i have gone through complex trauma . I am having trouble finding good support for trauma not just PTSD but complex trauma. What hope is there for complex trauma survivors? Especially young people. I have had multiple traumas basic childhood parental trauma, life trauma and medical traumatic experiences. Does anyone have experience in this? How do you live? I currently live with parents however this is re traumatising and want to find adequate accommodation. It is hard to find tailored case workers who deal with complex issues. I don’t want to go to crisis accommodation at all. Not working is having a harmful effect having a difficult mother, taking medicine I don’t want to take. Please advise

FxZIONZ Snacky Foods for Lack of Appetite
  • replies: 5

Hey All, Just seeing if anyone has suggestions on snacky foods high in essential nutrients. With my anxiety i find i have a lack of appetite. I am trying to buy foods which are simple to make. ie i just grab it from the fridge and eat. I am looking f... View more

Hey All, Just seeing if anyone has suggestions on snacky foods high in essential nutrients. With my anxiety i find i have a lack of appetite. I am trying to buy foods which are simple to make. ie i just grab it from the fridge and eat. I am looking for foods which are high in the more important nutrients that we need. I try to have an up and go or a twist cap yoghurt in the fridge so i can get a decent intake of something healthy. I also find that they satisfy my hunger. Until i get the motivation and energy to cook, what are some foods that are easy, or even meals or plans etc. people have tried that are easy when you dont have the mental energy and motivation to cook or sometimes make food. I find i opt for takeaways or uber eats and just wanting to save a bit of money but still get food in me. Thanks For the Help!

The_Feefenator Hello, I'm Fiona :)
  • replies: 3

Hi, my name is Fiona. 54yr old female with lifelong anxiety and depression issues. I joined a face-to-face support group when I was 40, run by a therapist who practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I was part of this group for six years, ... View more

Hi, my name is Fiona. 54yr old female with lifelong anxiety and depression issues. I joined a face-to-face support group when I was 40, run by a therapist who practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I was part of this group for six years, and found it extremely helpful. Mindfulness meditation has also provided me with some relief from my mental health issues. My partner and I have recently moved from Sydney to the beautiful far south coast of NSW, where we are building a new house. I spent 30+ years in a toxic and controlling work relationship, which I'm sure has had a significant impact on my mental health. Now that I am free from that relationship, I am experiencing some feelings of anger and resentment (unusual for me, as in the past I usually internalised my negative emotions towards myself). So now, on paper, everything in my life should be wonderful, but I feel I still have a lot of work ahead of me to process these new feelings. Looking forward to discussing these and other issues with members of the forum. Fiona