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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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not_doin_well just a vent
  • replies: 1

im just sick of it. My dad took away my phone again. It's 8:30, I self harmed at like, 7:00. he doesnt know. He doesn't need to or he'll come back and take away everything else. I was listening to music and I got distracted, I was in bed and I starte... View more

im just sick of it. My dad took away my phone again. It's 8:30, I self harmed at like, 7:00. he doesnt know. He doesn't need to or he'll come back and take away everything else. I was listening to music and I got distracted, I was in bed and I started reading something on my phone. I was "supposed" to be reading a book for school but it's not that important. anyway, dad came in, saw me not reading and looking at my phone, took it away. won't tell me how long its gone for. he doesnt even bloody know, "hasn't decided". he wants to take me and my younger brother to the bush to get wood tmrw.why am i in such a bad mood. i want to self harm but mum will check my body tmrw. i dont wanna get caught. i already feel crap.i just want a little bit of control over something. my phone. my body. my eating. anything-my body. my eating. my phone. you know i've been getting body conscious lately? I'm buying bigger and bigger clothes to hide my stupid bloated body. i haven't been active lately but i have no motivation to do it in silence. im 15 turning 16. do i not have the freedom to watch series or read books i like on my phone?No. nonoononononnonono im being too spoilt. i don't deserve it. its my fault for not using my phone for the right things. i shouldve read the book. yeah. o my god.its because i self harmed right? stop or ill do it again. please stop caring what i do with my phone dad. dont you trust me? i dont have any social media. i just watch bl. or kpop stuff. when you're at work. thats not bad right? you think im not bad right? ill figure myself out.this is a dumb spiral. its over a phone. why do you care so much? its the only thing i partially control. he didn't even see what i was doing on it. its my fault though. i cant breathe normally. im sorry. I just need to write it down.

Guest_10120 Staying well during pregnancy and after a successful IVF treatment
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I'm here again after a successful IVF treatment last month that I had already shared with you all. https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-while-undergoing-ivf-treatment/td-p/607574 Such a big thanks for supp... View more

Hi everyone, I'm here again after a successful IVF treatment last month that I had already shared with you all. https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/anxiety/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-while-undergoing-ivf-treatment/td-p/607574 Such a big thanks for supporting and encouraging me that time. Now, I'm here to get some diet plans and healthy foods for my baby's and my own health. If someone really has such a healthy and nutritious diet plan, then let me know. I'm really thankful to you and really appreciate any help.

Guest_29236324 my son has committed armed robbery and awaiting trial - how do i help him and me cope
  • replies: 2

my estranged son (early 20's) has been charged with armed robbery he will come to trial in 6-12 months how do i help both him get through this and also look after myself so i can be strong for himhe doesn't live at home but lives alone and i'm very w... View more

my estranged son (early 20's) has been charged with armed robbery he will come to trial in 6-12 months how do i help both him get through this and also look after myself so i can be strong for himhe doesn't live at home but lives alone and i'm very worried about him

Guest_1055 Walking Shoes - Walking and Other Exercise
  • replies: 4393

Hey to anyone reading this. Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can ... View more

Hey to anyone reading this. Last night I had an idea about starting a new thread about exercise especially walking. I am aware that walking is very beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical well being. And by actually doing it....well it can make a huge difference to how we cope with the storms that we face in life. OK, I am not real good at disciplining myself to walk, and have to really push myself to do it. And sometimes it is even hard to leave this bedroom. Anyway I am not a beginner walker, as I have stuck to sort of a plan before. So I know that it does make me feel somewhat better. But I only stayed on the plan for a couple of months, then gave up.....for whatever reason. So here I am again wanting desperately to not fail this time. So I guess this thread is for anyone that does walk, anyone that is struggling to walk because of depression or anxiety issues. And anyone else really...... I am unsure of the outcome of all this. But my ideas included: Sharing about things we have found out about exercise especially about walking. Writing down the reasons that one would chose to walk ( like something to help motivate). Being accountable in same way. Sharing about the places where we actually do walk, like the beach, gym, around the block, with the dog, out to the clothesline and back. And any other useful tips that could help others. So here we go......

Optical1 Taking so long to get better
  • replies: 2

Had a better day yesterday. Then woke up today feeling depressed. Ahhh!!!!So annoying. It's so unpredictable. Have suffered for years but this time it's worse....lasting so much longer.Just when I think it might be improving, I go backwards. Have goo... View more

Had a better day yesterday. Then woke up today feeling depressed. Ahhh!!!!So annoying. It's so unpredictable. Have suffered for years but this time it's worse....lasting so much longer.Just when I think it might be improving, I go backwards. Have good doctors and psychologists. Have spent time in hospital. Lots of treatment. The latest one has been for a month now so still early days / adjusting doses etc.Just finding it hard right now.Thanks for the opportunity to vent.

Guest_46762265 i
  • replies: 1

Hi I been like this most of mine teenage life I feel like I'm bad son I never do anything right always selffish everything I do always crumble I'm sick of it just want to give up with life. I really want to go but feel guilty cos of mum I'm so lost. ... View more

Hi I been like this most of mine teenage life I feel like I'm bad son I never do anything right always selffish everything I do always crumble I'm sick of it just want to give up with life. I really want to go but feel guilty cos of mum I'm so lost. I really hate when the world say they care but no 1 there for you it my first time expression like this. The true is wat matter end up No Matter

resistor Seeking tips to learn how to journal for mental health
  • replies: 7

Hi there! I'm really, really bad at identifying my emotions. I want to improve on this and feel learning to journal is a good way to start. So, how does one journal one's feelings? I have read so many articles online about tips; they all give practic... View more

Hi there! I'm really, really bad at identifying my emotions. I want to improve on this and feel learning to journal is a good way to start. So, how does one journal one's feelings? I have read so many articles online about tips; they all give practical advice - quiet location, regular times, relaxed mindset, writing prompts, etc ... none however explain how to read deeper into feelings beyond "happy" or "sad". That is the magic trick I'm looking for. I know when I'm upset or depressed; I need to learn to teach myself to identify why I'm feeling the way I do. Does that make sense? Please share your tips!

Thelongestroad How to reconnect with people and regain social interaction/make new friends/connections
  • replies: 30

Hi im a 37 year old single man struggling to regain a social life again due to a combination of things such as depression, unemployment, addiction, jail. And life constantly being disrupted and set back time and time again. im constantly isolated fro... View more

Hi im a 37 year old single man struggling to regain a social life again due to a combination of things such as depression, unemployment, addiction, jail. And life constantly being disrupted and set back time and time again. im constantly isolated from people as i live alone. I just feel stuck in life. I wish I could find a way to meet someone and build a new life but I don’t know how.. I’ve drifted apart from all my friends and family but want to move forward and want to life a fulfilling life but struggling with not only being unemployed but poor and depressed and lonely. I’m just tired of living that way I want to live a more fulfilling life but struggling with direction not knowing where to start.

Whatsinaname Mental Health and AI
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I'm sure more people than I have travelled down this road more than me, but I have just recently had a chat with an AI bot about my stress/anxiety due to some work stuff. It was genuinely helpful, which did surprise me. Wasn't anything ground... View more

Hi all, I'm sure more people than I have travelled down this road more than me, but I have just recently had a chat with an AI bot about my stress/anxiety due to some work stuff. It was genuinely helpful, which did surprise me. Wasn't anything ground breaking, but my social network is quite small so it was good to bounce ideas and emotions off something that was able to respond in kind. So, if anyone is desperate enough for a chat, like me, give AI a go. But be careful to not give any personal info because who knows where they store your data really.

Terri Centrelink
  • replies: 1

Hi I applied for Disability pension last year on 17/7/2024 and was rejected on the 24/7/2024 for not having enough medical evidence. I appealed on the same day of rejection and was given 13 weeks to upload all medical evidence required, I did that wi... View more

Hi I applied for Disability pension last year on 17/7/2024 and was rejected on the 24/7/2024 for not having enough medical evidence. I appealed on the same day of rejection and was given 13 weeks to upload all medical evidence required, I did that with in a week, I had my JCA phone interview on 21/1/2025 I didn’t hear back from them for a month so I made a complaint and they called me and told me I had got 20 points in table 12 for my vision and I was in the queue and had to wait for a ARO officer to review my appeal, it’s now April and I still haven’t heard any updates it’s so stressful I just wanted to know if anyone else has been through this.