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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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Soberlicious96 Getting and staying clean and sober
  • replies: 0

If you, or someone you know is struggling with a drinking problem, or a drugging problem, then you, and they do not have to struggle alone. There IS a way out! And if you don't know anyone in recovery, or how to get started/move forward in recovery f... View more

If you, or someone you know is struggling with a drinking problem, or a drugging problem, then you, and they do not have to struggle alone. There IS a way out! And if you don't know anyone in recovery, or how to get started/move forward in recovery from drinking and drugging, then here's a couple of numbers and websites which may be helpful; Alcoholics Anonymous - 1300 22 22 22 - is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. For more information go to - www.aa.org.au - and to search for meetings near you, go to www.aameetings.org.au Narcotics Anonymous - 1300 652 830 - is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. We have found through our group experience that the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. If you think you might have a drug problem and want to stop using, we can help. www.na.org.au And finally, for friends and family who may be affected by someone else's drinking, there is Al-anon - 1300 252 666. The website for Al-anon is www.al-anon.org.au - 'Alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or problem drinking affects thousands of families in Australia and worldwide. Your inquiry is confidential and anonymous. If you are concerned about someone else's drinking, we encourage you to browse our website for information about our programs'.

Soberlicious96 Mobile phone distraction limited
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I had a response to a post I put up yesterday which has prompted my to post the following; When it's getting close to my bedtime, I turn my phone down in every way possible. That means I turn the volume off so that I only have vibrate, I turn... View more

Hi all, I had a response to a post I put up yesterday which has prompted my to post the following; When it's getting close to my bedtime, I turn my phone down in every way possible. That means I turn the volume off so that I only have vibrate, I turn the screen brightness all the way down, and I turn off my data as well. That way if there is some sort of urgent call, the vibration will wake me but not startle me like the noise would, I don't get needless notifications, and the dull screen doesn't hurt my eyes. Sleep is such a fragile thing for some people, so just knowing that the phone is one interruption that can be minimised is, I think, good practice. Anyway, just wanted to share that little hint. Feel free to take it or leave it. Enjoy your day. Xo

white knight Mental illness -no quick fixes
  • replies: 0

In life there are some challenges that we can overcome quickly. Some processes require much longer periods. I recall my divorce. It seemed to take forever. There is a saying in the Army "the green machine takes time" - meaning you cannot hurry up the... View more

In life there are some challenges that we can overcome quickly. Some processes require much longer periods. I recall my divorce. It seemed to take forever. There is a saying in the Army "the green machine takes time" - meaning you cannot hurry up the process, it is what it is, slow. Same with the public service. When we are first diagnosed with a mental disorder we do what we have always done with other traumas- we think of the "quick fix". Broken limbs usually have a standard time period of healing before plaster is removed, divorce takes a process of time following 12 months separation, promotion at work wont come fast and so on. With mental illness we go through a period whereby most of us will need to accept our condition then accept that it is possibly lifelong. This is daunting for us, suddenly we are placed in the "forever ill" sector that we see a few others in our life entering. We are now in the basket of the minority, forever unwell and after more time we realise the "fixes" don't mean you are indeed "fixed". We have to accept a level of repair made possible through a labyrinth of medical visits, medications and stigma. All this acceptance takes its toll, worry on top of worry, we continue to try to make it all right to no avail. You are struggling, what can you do? Acceptance whether it be your diagnosis, taking medications, psych visits, therapy and so on is not an overnight possibility. Just like all those challenges listed above some things take time...acceptance takes time. To just realise that is the first step, then you can sit back and let the process begin, to eliminate your urgency for cure is a major step forward in the process. So in effect you should develop short medium and long term steps towards a level of recovery (repair) that eventually you (and family) will be happy with. After all, we are only mentally impaired using "normal" or "average" fully functional people as a gauge are concerned. Having a mental illness is normal for us considering our history. Getting that in perspective is an advantage. So to drag ourselves over the hurdle into the limits of normality is to continue our inclusion in society. Then with medical maintenance we can remain on the boundaries of normal living in society albeit with our quirkiness behavior. At that point, years following diagnosis, the end of that long term part of your plan, you'll look back and sigh...."I've done it, I survived, I've accepted myself as me, quirks and all... TonyWK

Oddsocks90 Help: Health issues/Quitting Smoking/Hypoglacemia
  • replies: 2

Hi there. I need help or advice or guidance. I have a few health things going on which I am trying to sort out. Quitting smoking is one of them. But I differ with hypoglacemia and I was told to get my sugar levels sorted out before I quit. As smoking... View more

Hi there. I need help or advice or guidance. I have a few health things going on which I am trying to sort out. Quitting smoking is one of them. But I differ with hypoglacemia and I was told to get my sugar levels sorted out before I quit. As smoking affects them. I didn’t know. I’m tired all the time and it’s now really taking its toll. My chest is sore so I’m not sure if it’s from eating the wrong food with the hypoglacemia or if it’s from anexity or if it’s from my muscles in my shoulders being that tight that it’s starting to make my chest feel uncomfortable. I don’t feel myself anymore and I hate being by myself. I haven’t sunk this low for awhile. I can’t seem to get excited about anything. I had a very stressful week last week and not sure if my body is now trying to relax from that. I don’t know what to do anymore

Jo3 overwhelmed at leaving hospital
  • replies: 13

I need some advice - I have been told by my pysch that I can go home on Thursday. I am so scared, overwhelmed and unsure if this is what I want. Being in hospital for almost 2 weeks has given me space, time to reflect on me, time to cry, panic, time ... View more

I need some advice - I have been told by my pysch that I can go home on Thursday. I am so scared, overwhelmed and unsure if this is what I want. Being in hospital for almost 2 weeks has given me space, time to reflect on me, time to cry, panic, time for me and me only. When I did go home on the weekend for the day I couldn't wait to come back here. that's pretty bad isn't it when you can't wait to get back to hospital - to my own room, my own space. I have never ever been away from my family except when in hospital to have children. Never been away from my husband for any length of time. So it's huge and something I felt I had to do for my own health and mental well being. but soon it's time to go home and I am feeling overwhelmed with tears, wish I could stay longer but I can't financially need to go back to work. I can come back to the hospital as an outpatient and do group sessions which I will if I can juggle it between working and now starting my new course. I am so glad that I came here only wish it was done a long long time ago and that I could have stayed another week or two. I think it's given the family at home a chance to stop relying on me and actually doing stuff for each other. I am feeling abandoned by the hospital and feel a failure if I was to come back in. I have been reassured by the staff that this is not the case; it's my head. Does anyone have any tips on how to not feel so overwhelmed when leaving a place where I felt safe, happy, peaceful to going home again. Jo

Soberlicious96 Just for Today ......
  • replies: 1

Just for today I will try to live through this day, this moment only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "most folks are as happy as they make up their... View more

Just for today I will try to live through this day, this moment only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once. Just for today I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Just for today I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it. Just for today I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration. Just for today I will exercise my soul in three ways; I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I don't want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it. Just for today I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything, and not try to improve or regulate anybody but myself. Just for today I will have a wellbeing plan. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests : hurry and indecision. Just for today I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective of my life. Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Lumlo Newbie - Coping with chronic pain ,depression and grief 
  • replies: 106

Hi I am new to the forum. I suffer with chronic pain ,depression and grief and currently have worring problems with my adult children. One has had major surgery and the other has been on drugs and has ongoing legal issues and mental health problems. ... View more

Hi I am new to the forum. I suffer with chronic pain ,depression and grief and currently have worring problems with my adult children. One has had major surgery and the other has been on drugs and has ongoing legal issues and mental health problems. With xmas close I am not coping well and need some support. I am hoping talking on the forum will help me.

PamelaR Mental and physical health - anxiety, depression
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone! Would love to hear from anyone who has a story to tell about managing their lives. Some important learnings for me about my anxiety and depression. Over the past year I have had significant episodes of heightened anxiety and the followin... View more

Hi everyone! Would love to hear from anyone who has a story to tell about managing their lives. Some important learnings for me about my anxiety and depression. Over the past year I have had significant episodes of heightened anxiety and the following depression. There have been a number of things that have been happening which I put these down to: getting a medical procedure done learning to be a retiree worrying about where money was going to come from and how to live with very little However, there was one thing that I really didn't consider, even though it happened last year too. I have a low functioning thyroid and early last year, after I went to the doctor with severe anxiety and depression, and had my annual blood tests done it was found my thyroid medication needed adjusting. After a month or more, my mental health returned to normal. Then, recently the same thing started happening. So I learnt my lesson and went to the doctors and had my test down. I've now had a recall, so I wait for the results. My thoughts are I have to reduce my thyroid medication even further. Have to wait till Monday to find out. What I think is important (especially for me), is not to second guess or try to diagnose myself. For instance, my anxiety is up because I'm having severe palpitations, my nerves are so bad I can't settle down or I'm perspiring significantly. These can also be symptoms of too much thyroid medication when my system doesn't need it. The strategy is to - get it checked out by a doctor, no matter how much one thinks it could be due to anxiety or depression or PTSD. I see many posts in the forums where people give us their symptoms and ask us what our thoughts are, or what our advice is. Please get it checked out by your doctor! There could be any number of reasons for the symptoms I've talked about above. Does anyone else have a story to tell about staying well? Kind regards PamelaR

white knight Repairing your life
  • replies: 4

Many facets in life have stepping stones - setting agendas that has steps to achieve the end goal. My son in law is one example how he, at 31yo is to complete his doctorate this year. The steps he has had to accomplish along the way is amazing. When ... View more

Many facets in life have stepping stones - setting agendas that has steps to achieve the end goal. My son in law is one example how he, at 31yo is to complete his doctorate this year. The steps he has had to accomplish along the way is amazing. When it dawns on us that we have a mental illness we are often in shock. We likely were one of the 90% of people that didn't have a clue about what that entailed as such illnesses - "only happened to other families." Therefore our knowledge was limited. Our next reaction is to seek a "cure". Illnesses have different outcomes. Anxiety for example is easier to cure than depression. Each are as serious as each other so it isn't easy to group them all together in terms of long term remedies. However, we can draw up a rough plan of the stepping stones needed to reach the happy bank on the other side of the river of mental illness. Our GP is our friend. Not happy with the one you seek for consultations about mental illness? seek another. In fact I attend a medical clinic that has 6 doctors 4 of which come and go. I swap doctors regularly to get overall medical opinions. Referrals. Some GP's can treat you. If more serious then he/she might recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor/therapist for further treatment. Please do attend. You'll be amazed at what help they can provide. Acceptance. The stigma associated with mental illness is huge and it can play with our minds to make us desperate to find a cure. We humans are imperfect, we need to accept that we can need a helping hand on occasions getting through basic life. Once you accept that you have a mental illness and it isn't any big deal, you'll cope better. You'll accept that the bad days come and go, that when you begin to feel better you can kick start your life again, return to your doctor and fine tune medications and so on. A positive state of mind. If you have negativity it wont help you. You'll need to find motivation and positive thinking by means you might not have thought of like attending motivation lectures or reading books. Distractions. Find a hobby or sport. What is happiness? Learn to live as a happy person. Preventing a return. Safeguarding yourself from toxic people. You'll function better. Confidence- build on it. Move on from childhood issues if possible. Care for yourself. Meditate And all through this journey return your appreciation to those that love you Can you add to those stepping stones? TonyWK