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.
