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Sophie_M Sleep and Mental Health
  • replies: 0

Many of us have struggled with bouts of troubled sleep, and needless to say, these periods of nocturnal restlessness can be utterly overwhelming and exhausting. Sleeplessness can filter into every aspect of our lives: our ability to be present, remem... View more

Many of us have struggled with bouts of troubled sleep, and needless to say, these periods of nocturnal restlessness can be utterly overwhelming and exhausting. Sleeplessness can filter into every aspect of our lives: our ability to be present, remember things, regulate our emotions, or to feel excited and energised… it can change the way we think and feel in such a significant and impactful way. Whether it’s due to big life changes, global pandemics, financial or work stressors, health concerns (like menopause), how much ‘you’ time you have, or even unprocessed emotions you weren’t aware were there – so many things can impact how you sleep. All of this goes to show that not only do your daily habits, routines, and experiences play a huge role in maintaining healthy sleep cycles, but so does your mental health. And frustratingly enough, your sleep also impacts and informs your mental health and daily habits. Like most things, it’s a very easy cycle to fall into. So, it’s imperative that we are gentle and compassionate with ourselves on our journey to understanding what is making us so hypervigilant and unable to rest in the first place. Studies show that journaling or mindfulness practices throughout the day, healthy food, movement, sunshine, connection with loved ones, and support from health professionals can help us to feel more grounded and able to rest. But we are curious… what has worked for you? When do you notice that your sleep is most affected vs. when you get the best rest? And is there a way you could practice regulating your nervous system more throughout the day to help promote better sleep at night? We would love to hear your thoughts! Let us know if you have any questions and be sure to check out our page on ‘Sleep and Mental Health’ for more guidance and insight into a more supported and restful night’s sleep: Sleep and mental health - Beyond Blue - Beyond Blue Looking forward to hearing from you! Kind regards, 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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ladybird22 I've been running from my inner pain for years and can't run away anymore
  • replies: 6

Hi there to everyone. Sometimes the first step is to just write it down, but it feels like a monkey is on my shoulder saying "stop being a burden on others". But I'm going to ignore that negativity and I know it does help a little by writing it down.... View more

Hi there to everyone. Sometimes the first step is to just write it down, but it feels like a monkey is on my shoulder saying "stop being a burden on others". But I'm going to ignore that negativity and I know it does help a little by writing it down.So im a mature lady who's life has gone in so many 'unwise' directions I'm still spinning..I've had 42 addresses just in the state of Victoria, I can feel another anxious change of address coming on. But other than financial side of things, I know I can't cope with the stress of it anymore.My grown children want me to "settle down" somewhere as naturally their concerned for their ageing mum. Due to some poor decisions in my past I've lost my homes to my 'exes'..So then I went back to renting at various addresses and became anxious about how my later years would be? Then I met a nice man a few years ago and I realised I was 'enticed' to help him build HIS new home. Of course he wanted me in the picture. I've stayed with him for a few years out of a need for a roof over my head. But now I'm just so unhappy and felt TRAPPED into a place like a prison.He isn't 'physically' abusive to me, but im not coping with his baggage (,pets, family etc) I totally dislike the area I live in and have no independence. Of course I'm grateful that I'm not out on the street, but my mind feels like it's shutting down. I'm shutting down from people, experiences, exercise etc, not interested in anything. Depression and anxiety once more, the story of many sad chapters of my life I don't want to go back on SSRI meds just so I can live under the same roof as somebody. I moved away from my grown children and my grandchildren some years ago to be with my ex and I'd do anything to have some family support near me now. I'm far away from friends n family, feel isolated and hopeless. That's just the start.. thanks for reading so far. A few kind words of encouragement would be appreciated. Thank you

WatcherG Surviving Life
  • replies: 4

Hi all - been on and off the forums for a long time (over a decade) and thought I would reach out again... so frustrated with life, and all the books, websites, etc that always talk about getting better, and how if you just change how you interact wi... View more

Hi all - been on and off the forums for a long time (over a decade) and thought I would reach out again... so frustrated with life, and all the books, websites, etc that always talk about getting better, and how if you just change how you interact with people all will be well. What if you have tried all that, and nothing ever changes? I am a middle age man, married, kids, have a job - but I have struggled with anxiety, depression, a dissociative disorder, and being a highly sensitive person my whole life. All the information tells us that if we meditate, practice mindfulness, engage with specialists, surround ourselves with positive people, that all will be well. What if you have tried all the usual answers, and nothing seems to work? I don't expect for my life to improve, I really am just wanting to find a better way to survive. The people in my life (family and co-workers - I have no friends) do not understand and blame me for being who I am. Just finished reading a book (another one) on being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and I totally understand what the means and the ways it affects my life. But all the "solutions" discussed rely on the people in your life understanding you as a HSP - what if the people who surround you don't want to know, or if they listen for even a moment, don't care or will not change? For financial and family reasons I need to stay where I am (I simply can't afford to leave my family or my job) and part of me understands that is not the answer - but what is? I really just want to find a way to survive my life, with the vague hope that one day it will get better - can anyone point me in some direction?

Elisabeta Men's mental health
  • replies: 11

Hi everyone, I'm wanting to hear more specifically from men who struggle with their mental health.Please feel free to add on some extra information or don't answer them if they are too direct. Sorry if anything comes across as being naive, I'm just a... View more

Hi everyone, I'm wanting to hear more specifically from men who struggle with their mental health.Please feel free to add on some extra information or don't answer them if they are too direct. Sorry if anything comes across as being naive, I'm just after some insight into this and would like to understand it better. 1. Why do men seem to isolate themselves? 2. When isolating yourself would you like it if someone reached out to you? Or gave you some space and time? 3. Why is it that men seem to turn to anger when going through a difficult time?4. Would men like to be more open about their feelings with people and loved ones? Or do they feel like they need to 'man up'? 5. When they don't respond to calls or messages are they choosing to ignore their loved ones or are they just overwhelmed by everything and need time and space? 6. When going through a difficult time is it common not to seem interested in a loved ones day/hobbies/personal life etc? Not that they're not interested in these things but are they more focused on their own stresses that they can't seem to see what others are doing/going through?7. What are some things people have done that you have appreciated when you've been going through a difficult time?Or, something you wish someone did to help you through?Thank you

Chelseedy Beyond my stress limit
  • replies: 1

I am beyond stressed and struggling to stay afloat with my simple everyday tasks. I have a good life, good work, beautiful 2 year old daughter and wonderful husband yet I cannot get on top of my life and I’m finding it really difficult. I work full t... View more

I am beyond stressed and struggling to stay afloat with my simple everyday tasks. I have a good life, good work, beautiful 2 year old daughter and wonderful husband yet I cannot get on top of my life and I’m finding it really difficult. I work full time, my husband studies and works and we are building a house that is pulling money out of us left, right and centre through no fault of our own. Everything we do seems to go wrong for us lately. I know it’s out of our control but I’m feeling overwhelmed with the amount of stress that keeps getting thrown our way and don’t feel like we can cope with much more. We are in limbo, can’t move forward, can’t go backwards. How do you cope with everything getting thrown at you all at once? We are financially stressed, mentally stressed, physically stressed (loss of sleep) and are expected to get it together all while it’s falling apart. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Irrepressible Staying Well when Housebound
  • replies: 5

I'm looking for tips from others on how to get exercise (to improve mental health) when mobility is an issue and how to stay positive when facing a set-back... I have an autoimmune-related spinal cord injury that has mostly affected my legs - they're... View more

I'm looking for tips from others on how to get exercise (to improve mental health) when mobility is an issue and how to stay positive when facing a set-back... I have an autoimmune-related spinal cord injury that has mostly affected my legs - they're unsteady but also really heavy and hard to lift. I was diagnosed late last year and was hopeful for a 4-6 month recovery (based on medical advice). It's now been ten months, with a lot of positive progress despite frequent set-backs. My most recent set-back has affected my chest (restricting breathing), legs and arms. I'm gradually improving again and on a really good day I can walk about the length of half a block using a cane. Most days getting around inside my house including up and down the stairs, sitting at my desk to work and doing some housework is enough. My legs are not strong enough to drive at the moment and I live in a remote town with no public transport, so I plan medical and physio appointments and grocery shopping for when my spouse can take me after work. I miss being able to go out alone and on my own terms - to nip to the shops or have coffee with a friend. I'm lucky in many ways: my spouse and tween children are very supportive, I have a couple of friends that visit for an hour most Fridays, I love my job and my employer has allowed me to work from home (a sanity saver). I still feel lonely, very tired and then both ungrateful and selfish for feeling lonely. I feel frustrated I can't do things for myself and lazy/slack/guilty when I have to ask for help. I don't cope well with doing nothing and don't want to sit still and let life to pass me by, so I tend to overdo things and push myself, then end up exhausted and in pain. Generally I'm a positive person and pretty darned resilient. I've faced hard times before but this has been the toughest yet. I know things are going to get better - it's just taking a longer than planned. I also know that other people have it much tougher and still stay strong and positive. Does anyone have any strategies they use to keep moving without overdoing it? Or tips on how to stay positive while being restricted with mobility? Or for staying hopeful when facing another set-back? Thanks in advance

string_cheese Control issues
  • replies: 4

Hi BB forum readers, I am wondering if anyone has the same issue/similar issues as me. I have been told I could have OCPD in the past and am definitely happy to acknowledge that I struggle with chronic anxiety, EDs, and a perfectionistic personality.... View more

Hi BB forum readers, I am wondering if anyone has the same issue/similar issues as me. I have been told I could have OCPD in the past and am definitely happy to acknowledge that I struggle with chronic anxiety, EDs, and a perfectionistic personality. Throughout the last 18 months of recovery I have had a lot of therapy and made some changes in my life and perspective. Along the way though, I realised that I do not really get feelings of joy or happiness unless I am in control. Very, very rarely do I enjoy being in the back seat of life, just letting things happen to me and accepting what comes my way. It is so frustrating, because while I have been getting better and better at letting go of control, I wonder if it will always be like this. I don't want to feel perpetually unsatisfied

blondguy A Quick Self Confidence/Esteem Check
  • replies: 73

Hi Everyone and especially new posters or anyone reading the Beyond Blue Forums too! This may seem unimportant to many but there is a reason for this thread. I have had depression and anxiety for many years and I found this self esteem/confidence che... View more

Hi Everyone and especially new posters or anyone reading the Beyond Blue Forums too! This may seem unimportant to many but there is a reason for this thread. I have had depression and anxiety for many years and I found this self esteem/confidence check invaluable when I was researching why I was so nervous and panicky....before I was diagnosed and during... How do you respond to a compliment? If someone says well done! or good on you! Or compliments you for qualities you have....Do You... Pass the compliment off and say....oh no...'I'm not really that good.. etc etc' Ignore the compliment and struggle for words... Reflect the compliment away and 'handball' a compliment back... Or say 'thankyou' A few years ago I had a really hard time with dealing with compliments. This thread is not a 'test' in anyway....It is just a 'self check' that may help some people find a little peace and self awareness where low self confidence/esteem/worth is an issue The answer is number 4....What number would you have chosen? Your true/heartfelt thoughts on this would be a great help on how you respond to a compliment Thankyou for taking the time to read my post Kind Thoughts Paul

Ggrand Let’s talk..Weight Loss, Healthy Diets, exercise and healthy lifestyle….
  • replies: 9

Hello Everyone… Like many other community members, I am overweight…I need to loose weight for my health and me… Now, how do we do that, when age is a bit of a barrier along with medication and no motivation to exercise…. I thought I would use this th... View more

Hello Everyone… Like many other community members, I am overweight…I need to loose weight for my health and me… Now, how do we do that, when age is a bit of a barrier along with medication and no motivation to exercise…. I thought I would use this thread so we can offer encouragement, support, recipes, motivation and congratulations to those who need/want to loose weight… Also, if you feel to, you can also have a bit of a rant…..but no downing yourselves at all…because, no matter how much we weigh…or what our body type is…..we are all beautiful people… First thing I need to do is to limit my sugar from 4 teaspoons to maybe down to 3 in my cup of tea….for a month or so, then reduce it down to 2…. Are you on a weight loss journey, need encouragement or want to give encouragement to other members…do you have suggestions for healthy recipes……or gentle ways to exercise….then please jump into this thread and let’s do this together…. Kind thoughts everyone with a welcoming hug….Grandy…

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

Elephant86 The blue heart of the ocean
  • replies: 1

The heart is powerful it is way we show love and compassion to those in our community who are struggling. There are many things we can learn from living our life giving to others and taking care of others. The story of compassion I would like to tell... View more

The heart is powerful it is way we show love and compassion to those in our community who are struggling. There are many things we can learn from living our life giving to others and taking care of others. The story of compassion I would like to tell you some stories of compassion. I beleive the earthgoes around through the power of giving to others and helping not just the king but also helping the poor. We must not look at everyone you meet with anger and hatred you must look at everyone with love and a giving spirit. I grew up in a home of teachers and we would always have people and family over to our house and there was never a time my mum turned anyone away there was always food on the table for everyone and we where happy and content. My parents worked hard but they always had love for everyone they came into contact with. A great example was one year at christmas we had a wonderful christmas and we cooked for 40 people that is how compassionate my parents are. The second time I saw compassion was when I volenteered in a soup kitchen and I made coffee and tea and meals for the community at the local church. I beleive in the power of compassion and looking after those less fortunate . If you say to some one how was your day can I support you. We are so lucky to live in Australia there are so many in the world that don't have what we have. You must always be gratful for what you have. There are those in this world who don't have hot food or shelter. You must realise how blessed you truly are. When you realise that compassion and giving to others is the way you want to live your life will be more profound and richer in more ways then one.All you need to do is find out in your community need help and do it. It could be as simple as cooking for people or if your a good builder making furniture and donating it.You need to find out what am I skilled at what can I do to help other people. This is the true measure and power of the heart