Hi Everyone, We hope everyone continues to be gentle with themselves as
we head into February. Our thoughts are with everyone currently impacted
by the recent bushfires in Western Australia as well as those who may be
struggling to cope during the co...
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Hi Everyone, We hope everyone continues to be gentle with themselves as
we head into February. Our thoughts are with everyone currently impacted
by the recent bushfires in Western Australia as well as those who may be
struggling to cope during the coronavirus pandemic. We also recognise
that individuals may be experiencing feelings related to life returning
to ‘normal’ which make bring about mixed thoughts and emotions. Please
know there is support available (several support options are posted
below). Community Voices: What are people talking about? Hope and
Recovery i have seen so much support throughout these forums, and am
often overwhelmed by the support the comes in and sometimes makes me a
little emotional. The stories of struggle and hope make me realise more
and more that everyone needs support in their own way. - Not_Batman (
Read more here) Yes hard times but it is so nice to be welcomed here, I
do feel less alone. Its been a real effort to get out of bed and through
the day lately. I try lots of things to help me. Today music, I put on
spotify and sang along. It was good. - Guest_630 (Read more here) I
don't usually set NY resolutions but I do choose intentions - usually
just a short phrase or a couple of words to evoke a state or a dream or
a goal. But this year, I feel I need to keep things small. So my
resolution or intention is simply to learn how to breathe with my belly,
not my chest. It's a humble goal but it's the one thing I figured would
be under my control, and which would deliver some self-care and
gentleness. - Elithia (Read more here) Supporting Others My partner has
bipolar and it’s not well controlled. Over the past few years that we
have been together, I have seen some definite patterns in behaviour, and
the ups and downs are quite frequent. I have previously told her how her
silence affects me, and we have had discussions about her mental health.
She’s reluctant to seek help though due to negative experiences
previously (I feel like there are so many people in this boat). - KG82
(Read more here) Hi all,I just am so worried about my partner (she asked
for time and space so I guess you can say we are taking a break). I love
her so much and am doing everything I can to help (to the best of my
ability anyway). She said she is so consumed with hopelessness and
emptiness. - Danny123 (Read more here) I'm a carer for my husband. He
requires surgery to reduce the risk of life threatening complications
from his condition. This was put on hold until recently because it
wasn't worth doing the surgery if he could contract covid in hospital.
Throughout 2020 most of the things he is normally able to do was
cancelled because of the risk of Covid even wen the gov't allowed these
activities. This has meant I haven't had a break from my role as a carer
for a year. - Elizabeth CP (Read more here) Overcoming Job Challenges I
have been dealing with my anxiety since I was a baby, and currently
believe I am handling it the best I ever have with a good support
network and medication. However, these coping mechanisms have not
stopped me feeling full of crippling anxiety and self doubt over
beginning my new job on Monday. - Ourorbit (Read more here) I’m
overwhelmed with my job (admin), likely because of lack of sleep, stress
from the workload, and overwhelmed with the critical thinking required
for my tasks. I know it’s normal to be tired at work but I’m feeling
this crushing pressure to get it all right and to continue on regardless
of how tired/stressed about it I’m feeling, and I’m working from home. -
Anon285 (Read more here) I haven't been sleeping at night and have to
wake up early for this job at 5.00am. I also feel my anxiety may also be
causing some brain fog, confusion and forgetfulness. I had to ring a few
people for making a couple of mistakes, nothing major, did not cost the
company any money etc, but not a good look to those affected and I
wanted to take ownership of my mistakes and build up a relationship with
clients and not have them remember me as the guy who makes mistakes. -
SHELBY MUSTANG (Read more here) Valued Contributor Award Our Valued
Contributor for the month of January is Paw Prints! Paw Prints has been
nominated for her caring nature on the forums while supporting others,
sharing her own struggles and lived experience, and for providing
practical as well as helpful suggestions within the community. Thank you
Paw Prints! To read more about what a Valued Contributor is and how you
can nominate a fellow community member, please refer to our thread
Nominate a Valued Contributor here BB News/Resources Natural disasters
like bushfires can cause stress and anxiety, whether you are directly
affected or not. For immediate free counselling and additional support
in bushfire-affected communities, there are several options: Lifeline's
13 HELP (13 43 57) is a dedicated bushfire recovery line available 24
hours a day, 7 days a week for any person needing support as a result of
bushfire. Free counselling is available at your nearest recovery centre,
evacuation centre, Mobile Services Centre or any mental health services
offered by Primary Health Networks. Contact Services Australia on 180 22
66 to speak with a social worker or for more information on locating and
accessing support in your community. All mental health supports and
information on how people in fire-affected communities can access them
is available on the government's Department of Human Services website.
NewAccess is a free and confidential service that provides support in
the form of a coach. The program includes six free sessions tailored to
your individual needs. See if NewAccess coaching is available in your
area. For more information, free to visit our bushfires and mental
health page. If you’re finding it difficult to cope during the pandemic
visit the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service at
bb.org.au/2YwCaAG, or call 1800 512 348 to get support now.
Meet your community champions!
