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Sophie_M Money stress? You are not alone!
  • replies: 4

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we al... View more

So, I’ve been chatting with my friends over here at Beyond Blue and it seems we all have something in common right now: money worries. Whether it’s stressors about finding enough cash for the basics or wishing we had enough money for a holiday, we all seem to be experiencing a greater amount of stress surrounding money than we have in the past. And it’s impacting our ability to show up fully for the things we love. It’s not uncommon for us to experience shame and fear around expressing our financial challenges; it can be hard and somewhat taboo to openly discuss money matters. However, we believe this conversation is incredibly important and beneficial to have. Like all challenges, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, so let’s help each other out. Of course, discussions about the economy and how to manage our money during inflation are a much larger (and frustrating!) conversation… but what we would really love to know is what your personal experience around money is. Are you feeling the pinch too? How is added financial pressure impacting your wellbeing? When was the last time things felt even slightly easier? And if you have struggled with money in the past but come out the other side, what suggestions do you have for others who might still be finding their feet? This is an opportunity to share openly and honestly about your experience in a judgement-free space. There are no wrong answers, and we encourage you to share all the things that you might be finding hard to express in your every day life. If you're interested - Beyond Blue also have a 'money and mental health' quiz to gauge a sense of how finances may be impacting your mental health and what to do next. Looking forward to your answers! Abundant hugs from yours truly, 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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Guest_8790 Do I like Myself?
  • replies: 14

Well not really I guess. can't change your appearance but wish there was but I've put up with myself for over half a century but now and again my hate me thoughts come in. such is life. I usually fake it until I make it attitude so no one will know h... View more

Well not really I guess. can't change your appearance but wish there was but I've put up with myself for over half a century but now and again my hate me thoughts come in. such is life. I usually fake it until I make it attitude so no one will know how I feel. not sure why writing this now guess am having.a self doubt moment.of my direction on life and struggling with studies. assessment due Tuesday. . guess it's called life. rusted forever

DanTheMan001 Unleash your Feelings
  • replies: 6

Hey everyone! This forums post is where you can write all of your complaints and frustrations. Say whatever you want to about whoever you want, but follow these rules: 1 - Don't be racist, sexist or offensive to anyone else in the forums. 2 - You can... View more

Hey everyone! This forums post is where you can write all of your complaints and frustrations. Say whatever you want to about whoever you want, but follow these rules: 1 - Don't be racist, sexist or offensive to anyone else in the forums. 2 - You can use some caps if you want, but don't use them excessively. 3 - If someone breaks any of these rules, tell me and I will do something if I can. Thanks guys! Remember, you can say whatever you want as long as it doesn't break any rules. Dan

Soberlicious96 H.A.L.T.S ..... don't let the HALTS get you.
  • replies: 1

When I first got into recovery, I heard people talk about having the 'halts' .... Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Serious. When I notice I have one, two or more of these, I need to take action. Hungry? Eat something! If your tummy is rumbling, it gener... View more

When I first got into recovery, I heard people talk about having the 'halts' .... Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, Serious. When I notice I have one, two or more of these, I need to take action. Hungry? Eat something! If your tummy is rumbling, it generally means you need food! So eat something! I know that sometimes when I'm hungry, I am also a bit angry, so having a snack can fix two issues at one time! Angry? I was told to 'hit my pillow'! It won't hurt the pillow, yourself, or anyone else, and it will help to get expel at least a little of that physical tension that comes with anger. And Tell someone you're angry, and why. And if there's no-one around to tell, then put pen to paper, or fingertips to keyboard. Get it out of your head and SHARE it. A problem shared is a problem halved. Lonely? Call someone. Telephone therapy, we call it in 12 step recovery. Invite someone over to your house, or go to their place. Or maybe find some sort of activity to engage in with others. Volunteer work or paid work or both. Find something or somewhere where there are people whom you can connect with. Tired? Sleep. Or at least lay down somewhere quiet, with no distractions, where you can close your eyes and just switch off. Even if it is just for 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes that little powernap can make all the difference. (too) Serious? Have a laugh! There are some great videos on YouTube; funny animal videos are my favorite! There's one that's a 'translation' video of a cat vs a printer that is just so hilarious! It does have a bit of swearing in it, so be mindful of what can come up. But it gets me laughing out loud every time! Life is too short to be serious all the time, and laughter is the best medicine! Or I also like going to the newsagent or supermarket and pausing in the greeting card section to read the funny greeting cards. They too can be really funny. Anyway, enjoy your Saturday night everyone. I'm heading out for a reunion dinner now, with some old workmates. Take care. Love Mel. xo

Angela_J Schizoaffective Disorder
  • replies: 17

Hey there, I have just been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I am finding life really tough. I have been in and out of employment for years and can never hold down a job because of anxiety/paranoia and delusions/ hallucinations when I work... View more

Hey there, I have just been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and I am finding life really tough. I have been in and out of employment for years and can never hold down a job because of anxiety/paranoia and delusions/ hallucinations when I work. I am actually in an acute pychiatric ward at the moment. I am applying for the Disability Support Pension because I am on so much medication that I am too out of it to work. Is there anyone else out there who has schizoaffective disorder? How do you cope with the anxiety and paranoia that you feel? Are you able to work? I would love to here from some other people with the same disorder and connect with them online to help one another. I hope I hear from someone soon. Thanks, Angela.

Guest_093 Feeling mentally/physically unwell
  • replies: 5

I am feeling overwhelmed yet again, not getting a good night's rest, this morning wanted a bathroom stop @ 1.40am made it there, came out got a drink of water, sat down had a ciggie, got up to go back to bed, went sideways physically ended up on floo... View more

I am feeling overwhelmed yet again, not getting a good night's rest, this morning wanted a bathroom stop @ 1.40am made it there, came out got a drink of water, sat down had a ciggie, got up to go back to bed, went sideways physically ended up on floor & grazed my elbow on brick wall and have a sore hip from this, layed there 4 a min & thought this is'nt right, slowly got up on knees & hands & literally staggered down the hallway swaying from side 2 side bumping the walls, made it 2 end of hall 2 turn into bedroom misjudged bedroom doorway headbutted the door frame & ended up on the floor yet again making so much noise from 1st fall down hallway 2 next misadventure but still no-one woke up, again lying on floor thinking I wish I could blame having a few drinks in me 2 cause this but have had 1 rum/coke 3 weeks ago and no drinking since then. Finally crashed into bed and went straight to sleep. I recall since being on nu meds that I have being bumping into things a lot, not sleeping well, feeling drowsy and fatiqued. My mind is not working @ 100% or I feel like it is not. My husband is very worried about me and agrees that I am not physically/mentally well + my boss knows that I have depression and anxiety she is also worried about me as well, she has spoken 2 me and says she is worried about me as a friend, do I trust that statement or am I being naive, I know she gossips with other staff (or I hear these things in my head) she has told me eye 2 eye stuff about the other staff @ work. So much so much so much!!!!!

Janeygirl Boundaries for emotional safety after trauma and bereavement
  • replies: 6

Hi Friends This is my first time on the forum, I am keen to get views about boundaries. I am supporting my husband who is having a mental health crisis , memories of my grief and loss after the death of our. baby 20 years ago are returning. I turned ... View more

Hi Friends This is my first time on the forum, I am keen to get views about boundaries. I am supporting my husband who is having a mental health crisis , memories of my grief and loss after the death of our. baby 20 years ago are returning. I turned to a friend for support but she was not able to listen. I came away feeling worse. She lost a child herself but has not done any counselling afterwards. In the past she was very supportive to me. I said that I couldn't continue the conversation as I wasn't feeling safe. I was kind and firm. I am left feeling sad and guilty and a sense that I should be cheering her up. I said we ll catch up after the crisis and said I needed to be safe, she apologised . I am sad Any tips on boundaries and maintaining friendships thanks

Brett Just diagnosed with bipolar disorder
  • replies: 11

Welcome, My name is Brett and I have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This certainly wasn't welcome news but, in looking back at my life, it makes sense of a lot of my experiences. I have experienced a few amazing highs (or so I thought at ... View more

Welcome, My name is Brett and I have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This certainly wasn't welcome news but, in looking back at my life, it makes sense of a lot of my experiences. I have experienced a few amazing highs (or so I thought at the time) and a lot of lows. Apart from getting some of my thoughts onto this site, I really wanted to share a simple idea. That is, I have decided to lead the healthiest lifestyle I can in order to stay well. To many, this might sound a little obvious but, as I am heading towards a cycle of depression, it is very easy to lose hope. I wont go through the long list of what I am going to do to stay well other than to say I am going to follow the advice given to me by my trusted support people. I hope that a simple decision can help you too. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you wellness and happiness. Kindest Regards, Brett.

Billyc Misery Sells..
  • replies: 4

Hi All, just felt a bit inspired and thought I’d stream a thread about how Misery becomes a product for public consumption. movies, songs, novels, plays poems to name a few. i dont know if anyone would be intrested in this but thought it might help d... View more

Hi All, just felt a bit inspired and thought I’d stream a thread about how Misery becomes a product for public consumption. movies, songs, novels, plays poems to name a few. i dont know if anyone would be intrested in this but thought it might help distract from our woes.. its a discussion about anything regarding selling mystery.. feel free to share, I love reading others thoughts on this

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'.