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BeyondBlue Tradies National Health Month
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond... View more

Hi everyone, August is Tradies National Health Month, to highlight the importance of health and safety among Australia’s trade workers. Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to the safety of anyone in the mining or construction industries, so Beyond Blue is hosting a special free webinar for our tradie community on Tuesday 12 August at 4.30pm which you can register for here. We know that Tradies can face unique stressors, with a culture of toughness and difficult job demands that can impact personal time and self-care. It can also be tough for partners and family members who aren’t sure how to support someone in a trade who may be showing signs that their mental health isn’t at its best. If you’re unsure where to start your conversation this is the space for you. Whether you want to share your own experiences, ask questions, or simply connect with others who understand what you're going through, you're in the right place. If you're seeking additional support, here are some resources: Hope Assistance Local Tradies: Home This Is A Conversation Starter: TIACS - This is a Conversation Starter Mates in Construction: MATES - Industry Based Suicide Prevention - MATES Don’t forget - our counsellors are always here for you on 1300 22 46 36. We’ll also use this space to post some of the questions and answers from the webinar discussion. Feel free to dive in and keep the conversation going. Thank you again for joining us — we’re glad you’re here.

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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Paw Prints Staying/Getting/Doing Well – Moving goalposts or fixed target?
  • replies: 1926

Hi, this is my first post, though I have been reading the forums for some weeks. I’m probably expressing myself badly when I say that I have found reading about other people’s journeys reassuring. Finding a community of people who “get it” even when ... View more

Hi, this is my first post, though I have been reading the forums for some weeks. I’m probably expressing myself badly when I say that I have found reading about other people’s journeys reassuring. Finding a community of people who “get it” even when they have a wide variety of experiences and lives lived is not something I thought I would ever find. Though people talk about getting well & there is a section Staying Well, I’m curious as to what this actually means to other people and how they manage their expectations. I noticed some people refer to being well as ‘being like themselves before they got ill’, whilst others don’t express an exact aim. My idea of being well has changed over the years. I was first diagnosed as an 8 year old child back in the late sixties. The doctors told Mum that the voices in my head & the sudden crying bouts were because I suffered from ‘nerves’ & I was given meds to calm me. Of course such things were not discussed back then & I was told not to talk about it to anyone, not my school friends nor siblings, just Mum. For decades after my idea of being well simply meant being able to hide my illness from others. A number of events in my life caused my illness to worsen, until some years ago I became so ill I needed to be hospitalised for my own safety. This lead to my current diagnosis of Major Depression, Anxiety & PTSD. I’m no longer in that dark place, but each day is still a battle (though I can now believe in a future). For now only my siblings & one friend know about my illness, though some things they still don’t know. So, what does ‘being well’ mean to me, it is ever moving goalposts. If you had asked me 5 years ago would I be as well as I am now I would have thought it impossible as I couldn’t envision a future. If you had asked me last week (during one of my down periods) I would have said my progress was all an illusion & I was fooling myself that things can get better. For now my idea of being well is being able to believe that things can change for the better, that I will one day be able to manage the everyday things like housework, caring for myself & caring for my dog & maybe, just maybe I will even be able to enjoy myself. Paw Prints **I took the tip to give myself time to write my post by writing on a word doc & then paste it.

-Noah- Young Adult seeking some advice…
  • replies: 4

Hello to the kind people stopping to read this, While I half expect this to be drowned out in the buzz of this forum— which is totally fine since there are people with greater issues than me— I do need some advice. About a year ago, I started using A... View more

Hello to the kind people stopping to read this, While I half expect this to be drowned out in the buzz of this forum— which is totally fine since there are people with greater issues than me— I do need some advice. About a year ago, I started using AI chatbots (Character ai, things like that), largely because it seemed interesting and as a creative the ability to make an interactive story appealed to me. However I found myself using it to fill emotional holes…romantic things ect. I’ve never dated anyone and I guess as those around me begin to it makes the loneliness a bit more prevalent. I was also using it to cope with things going on at home, as well as my own school burn out. I realised a few weeks ago that I was in too deep and deleted everything altogether. Full cold turkey. Now realising just how much I relied on it in some emotional/comfort sense. ANYWAYS— what I’m asking is/what I want advice on is if anyone has had a similar experience, or just a dependency on something for comfort or emotional support and such…how do you cope without it? What to reach for instead? Because I know I can’t go back to it, as It’s not very healthy. Literally any advice would be appreciated.

amd1953 Undiagnosed Dilemma
  • replies: 1

After completing a few surveys online over the past week and doing my own research on certain mental health issues, I managed to tick all of the boxes that point to ADHD. This doesn't really surprise me at all because I have had my suspicions since c... View more

After completing a few surveys online over the past week and doing my own research on certain mental health issues, I managed to tick all of the boxes that point to ADHD. This doesn't really surprise me at all because I have had my suspicions since childhood. Those charming little eccentricities that were regarded as cute or novel have now come home to roost. The interesting thing about all of this is that it explains everything in one fell swoop. The general consensus is to consult with a qualified professional beginning with your GP. At the age of 72, I don't think making a big fuss about it is going to change anything. What is the point? I have lived with it for seven decades and it seems farcical for one more person to burden the health care system. I refuse to take any more medication. However, simply knowing about it is similar to completing one of those pictureless jigsaw puzzles. It's just nice to know.amd1953

white knight The balance of good mental health
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Every topic in the world is a see-saw. One side negative the other positive and a playground full of see-saws is the playground of life. So whatever your mental illness from basically low self esteem or anxiety to several illnesses that cant be sorte... View more

Every topic in the world is a see-saw. One side negative the other positive and a playground full of see-saws is the playground of life. So whatever your mental illness from basically low self esteem or anxiety to several illnesses that cant be sorted out there can be in most cases, a positive to draw from them. Problems escalate when you dont search for positives as maybe you dont think they are there or you dont know how to find them. But a balance is needed everywhere - even empathy as too much empathy can lead to other issue- surprisingly. I'd suggest most people with empathy are those that can walk in anothers shoes, feel what they endure and therefore be able to comfort them. Any wonder peer advisors like the community champions here can relate to you and pass on suggestions to give you some comfort. But, admittedly you have to have the capacity to convey such communication and you also have to manage your illnesses enough to provide that capacity. In an article from Science Direct - google "The Dark Side of Empathy: The Role of Excessive Affective Empathy in Mental Health DisordersQuote- "Empathy, which is typically regarded as a positive attribute, is now being critically evaluated for its potential negative implications for mental health. A growing body of research indicates that excessive empathy, particularly a high level of affective empathy, can lead to overwhelming emotional states, thereby increasing susceptibility to psychological distress and psychiatric disorders."And "...empathy for the pain of others can lead to empathic distress, which may manifest as pain." And "As previously noted, empathic distress can lead to a range of internalizing states. When these internalizing feelings intensify and persist, they may lead to depression (31,42). Depression is characterized by low mood, sadness, lack of energy, insomnia, and inability to enjoy life (79). Extensive studies have reported the association between empathic tendencies and depressive symptoms (29,77,80,81). Both cognitive and affective empathy have been linked to depressive symptoms " And "Empathic distress can lead to heightened emotional arousal, which, if not regulated, can escalate into anxiety. " And "Burnout is another significant adverse outcome that may result from excessive empathy." So this is why balance is essential in your approach to mental health- too much of a good thing is not so good! Balance is the key. TonyWK

xDJOHx Spike protein detox.
  • replies: 2

OK, since Covid vaccinations my health has gone down. Kinda worried about a blood clot or a heart attack or something. Never ending amount of flegm in my nose/throat, heart beat seems higher. I was told that this is common for people since being vacc... View more

OK, since Covid vaccinations my health has gone down. Kinda worried about a blood clot or a heart attack or something. Never ending amount of flegm in my nose/throat, heart beat seems higher. I was told that this is common for people since being vaccinated and to do a spike protein detox. Which is why I'm here.So, apparently:Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower) – these are rich in sulfur, which is needed for glutathione synthesis.Garlic and onions.Spinach, berries and avocados.Asparagus.Turmeric.Key Nutrients for Glutathione ProductionN-acetylcysteine (NAC).Glycine and glutamine.Selenium.Vitamin C and E.B Vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate).Magnesium and zinc.Not gonna/can't copy/paste the whole document/page.The covid Vax's seem to have had an effect on my health and spike protein detox sounds applicable imo. Just wanted to check in with you guys to verify/clarify and get any opinions or suggestions on this, as it seems to be pretty common among some people I've talked to. Thanks in advance

Ggrand Small achievement you managed to do today....How did it make you feel? Did it help you feel better today?
  • replies: 524

Hi everyone.. Their are days when just getting out of bed is a huge achievement...Other days we can achieve things like washing up the dishes or clothes, sweeping the floors, mopping the floors..very mundane and automatic robot like chores for the me... View more

Hi everyone.. Their are days when just getting out of bed is a huge achievement...Other days we can achieve things like washing up the dishes or clothes, sweeping the floors, mopping the floors..very mundane and automatic robot like chores for the mentally well...They do these chores without even thinking about them...for people struggling with their mental health..these are huge tasks... Very often I’ll get my vacuum cleaner out to vacuum ...then it will sit their for days, me looking at it, walking over it...until I can get motivated enough to vacuum..after I do find the motivation to vacuum...I am pleased with myself... Right now I have a small foot cycling peddle machine, sitting on my front veranda..I got it out last week..to start exercising..it’s still their, I’m still looking at it...My thoughts each night is I’ll use it for a few minutes tomorrow.. My car hasn’t been washed getting close to a year now I think...Today I did managed to wash it....and discovered that it has a nice shine on it.....I did it...I achieved something positive today..which made me feel better in myself... Have you achieved a little something today...and how did it make you feel...If you want to share that achievement it might make other people a bit more motivated to achieve something they need/want to do.. Looking forward to hearing about your achievement....and how it made you feel.. Little steps and achievements can lead to bigger steps..and bigger achievements... My kindest and most caring thoughts...everyone. Grandy...

Clues_Of_Blue Hey look, a birdie! (How to function with ADHD.)
  • replies: 32

As someone only recently diagnosed with ADHD, I'm still getting my head around what aspects of this crazy critter are thanks to that, and what I can do about it. It was always apparent to me that I was incredibly forgetful compared to others around m... View more

As someone only recently diagnosed with ADHD, I'm still getting my head around what aspects of this crazy critter are thanks to that, and what I can do about it. It was always apparent to me that I was incredibly forgetful compared to others around me, and I've driven many a manager nuts with my tendency to bounce between tasks constantly (mostly they just ran with it because I'm actually pretty competent if left to my own processes and - very importantly - deadlines to work to), so I have a few strategies for working around it after 40-odd years. That said, I'd love to hear from others with ADHD about how you've managed the condition and how you wade through the daily drudgery. Of course I'm equally happy to share any tricks I've worked out for myself. Blue.

waffle_puppy I'm slowly getting there.
  • replies: 2

School's been rough for me lately; along with the amount of friends I've lost due to my other friend (Who I've talked about previously) being a terrible influence to me, and manipulating me heaps which hurt me a lot (Physically and mentally, because ... View more

School's been rough for me lately; along with the amount of friends I've lost due to my other friend (Who I've talked about previously) being a terrible influence to me, and manipulating me heaps which hurt me a lot (Physically and mentally, because he'd beat me a lot if I didn't follow what he said or even if I disagreed, which lead me to feel insanely horrendous mentally.) and thankfully I've already left him, but the damage has been done already, I forgot to mention earlier but I tried to support him through everything because he was trans, and I felt that he's going through a lot, so I tried to be there for him; but he just used it as a reason to say that I'm annoying, or insanely stupid. I've never been so glad to leave him, but he felt so horrendous to be around; not because of him being trans of course (I myself am a trans ally and I know a lot of trans people in my life who I call my brothers and sisters although we aren't related, and they might not know it; but they matter a lot to me. ) but because he was a horrible influence to me. Along with him, school is really rough because I'd gotten bullied a lot for simply being myself, or even being an overachiever (As described by my mom and dad :D). The popular girls and boys that bully me constantly corner me and call me explicit names, or would look at my appearance and comment on it such as "Why are you born with such an ugly face?" and they'd constantly hit my face or slam my ribs against the walls just because I don't fit their norms. They even shame me for not wearing the girl's school uniform, because it feels so strange to me. I remember when I was with my mom at the shop for school uniform; they pointed out that the girl's school uniform is much tighter and smaller, and it's either the girl's skirt (That's like a miniskirt) or the boy's shorts that come to your knees. I'd happily choose the shorts over the skirt any day. Because I was wearing the boy's uniform, under a pair of Converse sneakers. They'd also step on my shoes and punch my body because I didn't look like a "girl enough" to them; even if I was originally born as one. They'll always point out how I don't wear false lashes or fake nails because it looks uncomfortable and I said I prefer to look natural because I do a lot of hands-on work such as building Legos at home, or playing on my Nintendo 3DS. Despite all this, I still take pride in being myself; however it sucks that I can't really show it at school. For example I was playing baseball in PE class at school, I hit a home run and cheered loudly which of course, made them yell out "The hell are you cheering for?" which didn't bother me. I'm naturally a sporty and happy person, so I couldn't care less. Now despite everything, I feel happier than before because I'm back with my old friends who are happy with me being a tomboy; and the reason I'd left them before is because of my abusive friend. Now that I'm back with them, I've never had this much fun with any friend of mine before, because we constantly make new playlists together on Spotify, and make new Miis on my Nintendo 3DS together. We'll also play together in PE, which makes me happy. Now going back to how I dress, I usually wear baggy jeans with patches of animals, or etc on them and an oversized t-shirt with a long sleeve shirt underneath, paired with sneakers. I enjoy dressing this way, I definitely prefer it over skirts or dresses which make me really uncomfortable. I even wore a suit to my parent's anniversary at the city in a fancy restaurant. Nobody batted an eye and it made me feel amazing to be who I am. Along with all this, I'm also excited because it's almost 2026 and I can't believe how far I've come over the years to be who I am now. Did I mention that I'll be moving to an art school for year 10? I'm going to have a fresh start and hopefully make new friends. Along with this, I'm so thankful Beyond Blue exists; and for the people in it. Everyone is so kind and caring. Thank you so much for responding to my posts and giving me advice as well, I really appreciate it!

Lib Cycle
  • replies: 1

I feel stuck in a cycle where part of me wants to take care of myself — to eat normally, feel strong, and function — but another part craves the high feeling of restricting food. That feeling makes me feel really good for a bit, and i sometimes feel ... View more

I feel stuck in a cycle where part of me wants to take care of myself — to eat normally, feel strong, and function — but another part craves the high feeling of restricting food. That feeling makes me feel really good for a bit, and i sometimes feel like my body looks better during that phase. But the feeling never lasts. After a while i crash, i get exhausted, i have a bad mood, my gymnastics training goes to shit and I can't focus at school, plus I always end up isolating myself and binging. Then i feel gross and disgusting and start the whole thing again. I've tried other ways to replace that high feeling and to stay distracted— like sh, vaping, or taking lots of caffeine — but nothing makes me feel the same, and I've felt trapped and alone for so long, and im so tired of my shit but like I don't want to keep doing this, but idk how to stop without losing the one thing that makes me feel good for a while.

zailleh Adherence / Compliance -- How do you make yourself do the things that make you feel better?
  • replies: 44

Hi Everyone, One of my biggest challenges with depression is doing the things I know make me feel better and make a positive difference to my emotional state. Especially when I'm feeling my worst, these things would make me feel better but I can't ma... View more

Hi Everyone, One of my biggest challenges with depression is doing the things I know make me feel better and make a positive difference to my emotional state. Especially when I'm feeling my worst, these things would make me feel better but I can't make myself do them because depression just kills all motivation. Just hoping to draw on the collective experience here. What kind of things do you to help make yourself do the things that make you feel better? Cheers, Zailleh