Immediate support
Immediate support

Staying well

Support each other to stay well, from mindfulness, sleep, diet and exercise to reducing drug and alcohol use and coping with difficult emotions.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Melancholic How to find employment when I don't fit any patterns employers are looking for?
  • replies: 2

Hello. I'm currently on the disability pension and like many others, my wallet is feeling a bit stretched. I would like to find some part-time employment for both the sake of earning some money and having something meaningful to do. My health problem... View more

Hello. I'm currently on the disability pension and like many others, my wallet is feeling a bit stretched. I would like to find some part-time employment for both the sake of earning some money and having something meaningful to do. My health problems make it impossible to fit any pattern employers are looking for. With a whole slew if issues, I am limited in the number of productive hours I have each day in addition to those hours changing day-to-day. I've engaged with Disability Employment Services (DES) to help (that process was a nightmare) however the service provider continuously requests that I apply for jobs of my own accord and doesn't seem too interested in going out of their way to find something that fits my relatively unique circumstances. I get the feeling that the DES system doesn't really understand complex mental health issues. When I look at their materials I see people with physical disabilities, visually identifiable ones such as down syndrome and more understood issues such as high-functioning autism however nothing about complex mental health. When I try to explain this to my service provider their face goes blank and they continue repeating the same script. I've come to realise that I'm going to have to start advertising myself (which will be hell with social anxiety disorder) I have worked in IT for a long time, I have skills to use; but how on Earth can I cold canvas for possible jobs when at some point I have to tell them that while I'm competent, at the same time I'm limited in the hours I can work and can sometimes be unreliable?

Ashamed H 24. And using cocaine daily.
  • replies: 13

Hi I’m not too sure where to start here. I was mainly looking for a 24 hour text/helpline but I couldn’t find any running at 3am. a brief run down of my situation, I have been using cocaine recreationally during the weekends on and of for 2/3 years a... View more

Hi I’m not too sure where to start here. I was mainly looking for a 24 hour text/helpline but I couldn’t find any running at 3am. a brief run down of my situation, I have been using cocaine recreationally during the weekends on and of for 2/3 years and didn’t feel dependent or like I couldn’t control my use. but the last 6 months has seen my use get to the point that I’m $15k in debt to some less than pleasant people. The last 2 months I’ve been using a gram a day minimum and ince I start I can’t stop until I either have no money or run out of cocaine. I feel so ashamed every time I take it and I don’t think I even feel any “buzz” or pleasure from taking the drug anymore it’s purely become a bad habit, well addiction. so far I have kept it hidden from my family and have only reached out to a few close friends but even then I feel like a burden. I want to stop. But it has such a grip on me now that it is all I care about. my two questions I have are they’re any cocaine anonymous classes in Brisbane, and should I tell my parents I need help. I haven’t told my parents due to my mothers brother dying from cocaine over dose. and I know that would break her. please anyone that can assist even if it’s a coffee and chat. I’m almost at the point where I’m close to the edge. I’m a 24 year old professional. ive got a fantastic just in finance and I’ve already been given final warnings due fo being too much of a mess - and unless I change or find help soon I can only see it with me loosing everything, job, family, car friends. somebody please I just need some guidance - and hard truth. thank you

Doolhof SLEEP
  • replies: 435

Hi All, In the past there may have been threads on sleep and how to improve our quality of sleep. I am starting this thread up and hope to include past thread titles. For some of us sleep is a real issue, the more we can learn about it the better inf... View more

Hi All, In the past there may have been threads on sleep and how to improve our quality of sleep. I am starting this thread up and hope to include past thread titles. For some of us sleep is a real issue, the more we can learn about it the better informed we will be. Funny stories on weird places you have fallen asleep are welcome as well. For me, I had just moved house and was very busy getting everything organised. Friends invited me to the drag races. I was so tired and exhausted that I sat down, leant against the fence right near the starting line and fell asleep for most of the evening. Hope to read some of your stories and tips. Cheerio for now, from Mrs. Dools

tjo111 Keep your head up.
  • replies: 4

@ everyone who went through a period of having no friends, who ate alone, who had a point in their life where they were too embarrassed to tell their parents they had no one to play with after school: I love you. I know it hurts and I know it’s hard ... View more

@ everyone who went through a period of having no friends, who ate alone, who had a point in their life where they were too embarrassed to tell their parents they had no one to play with after school: I love you. I know it hurts and I know it’s hard but it’s not your fault. Things will grow and change. You will find people who you click with and they will love you too. You deserve positive friendship relationships just like anyone else. And if you’re still going through this phase, you’re strong, and things will change for you too. You are not alone, there are people experiencing the same thing you are, find them, you deserve positivity and companionship. Keep your head up.

white knight Protection against doom and gloom
  • replies: 6

I feel very sorry for negative thinkers. Once you become a positive "half full" person you never look back, no matter what life throws at you, you'll pick yourself up and dust yourself off, to fight another day. This is because you accept that life i... View more

I feel very sorry for negative thinkers. Once you become a positive "half full" person you never look back, no matter what life throws at you, you'll pick yourself up and dust yourself off, to fight another day. This is because you accept that life is naturally full of the unexpected and of challenges... that never end. However, being positive doesn't mean, if you have a MI, that you dont have down times, it's how you get back up is the difference. As I've aged I've found that older people tend to talk about their illnesses both mental and physical, much more often, in fact I have two male friends on the wrong side of 70yo that constantly talk about their problems. One partner of them pulled me aside to ask me what she can do about her man talking about his woes- anxiety is always the topic but lately it goes from that to organ scans, carpal tunnel and general physical ailments then back to anxiety. How do you cope with it and decrease it? was her questions Not being of a professional level I advised her to seek therapy for him. But it raised to me the seriousness of what I was feeling with my 2 friends especially because I was no longer enjoying their company- at all. One side of me wanted to scream "but you are walking, talking, observing, laughing and eating all without aid!! "feel sorry for yourself for having no shoes until you see someone with no feet"!! and that taking 4 tablets is no different to me taking my 10 tablets, why? he asked- "because they are all taken in one swallow". Doom and gloom So, I constantly curb friends comments to try to remind them of the fight most people have- the fight of good health But in my heart I know, that attitude change, takes a lot of inner strength, discipline and determination over many years So, can I suggest to members here- work towards toning down talking about your woesask questions of your friends to take interest in their lives and good timesbecome a half full person, it's a great way to livetry to restrict your therapy to the therapist/psychit's ok to feel down and reject the company of a friend, they'd likely rather chat when you are feeling better.Thoughts?TonyWK

blondguy The GOOD NEWS Thread
  • replies: 176

Hi Everyone If you have any good news in your life or seen any good news in the media please let us know in a brief post Note: I understand and respect this thread topic is not for everyone as any level of anxious/depressive feelings are awful to exp... View more

Hi Everyone If you have any good news in your life or seen any good news in the media please let us know in a brief post Note: I understand and respect this thread topic is not for everyone as any level of anxious/depressive feelings are awful to experience Just for myself I have a couple of positives Peta Credlin on Sky News gave Beyond Blue a huge mention earlier this week My mum is still independent and doing well at 90 years of age and her lung function test is 'Normal' and still a smoker! Love you mum x any good news is welcome...and thankyou everyone for being a part of the Beyond Blue forums too! my kindest always...Paul

ecomama Community Connections
  • replies: 1

Learning about "connections" and being connected as a vital part of our wellbeing journey has been very enlightening to me. It's ONE piece in our puzzle for figuring out what serves our own wellbeing. To respect those members who don't have family co... View more

Learning about "connections" and being connected as a vital part of our wellbeing journey has been very enlightening to me. It's ONE piece in our puzzle for figuring out what serves our own wellbeing. To respect those members who don't have family connections, I'd like us to focus on Community Connections we have, how they're going and also ones we'd like to join in on. Hopefully we can encourage each other to jump into these and support each other with ongoing engagement in these groups. Following on from hearing a quote "immunity is in the Community (connections)", this sparked reflection on my own life and how I can increase my participation in these for mine and others' wellbeing. What Community groups are you curious about attending? If you attend some already, which ones have been FUN or even good for you to belong to? We may have never felt that we "fit in" anywhere... I want to challenge this belief. Belonging is the opposite of fitting in.Belonging requires us to BE who we are, whilst fitting in requires to change who we are. (Brene Brown not me! lol).Maya Angelou said we belong everywhere and nowhere... so this is a shared human experience. Let's DO IT BB! Love EM

ScarlettR The Ellen DeGeneres 5 Second Rule game - perfect for mood boosters
  • replies: 1

So on the Ellen DeGeneres show, there was a game played with celebrities called the 5 Second Rule. Basically one is asked to name a category of three things (e.g. 3 fruits that are red) and you have to answer in 5 seconds or less then tap a buzzer. T... View more

So on the Ellen DeGeneres show, there was a game played with celebrities called the 5 Second Rule. Basically one is asked to name a category of three things (e.g. 3 fruits that are red) and you have to answer in 5 seconds or less then tap a buzzer. There are are clips of various 5 Second Rule games on YouTube. There is also a board game but may only be available in USA. I was watching the games and realised that, by quickly searching your knowledge to fork out 3 answers in 5 seconds or less is an instant mood booster and may also help clarify your mind/ thoughts. So to those with mental health issues (including myself) - you may watch the game on Ellen on YouTube and even answer the questions yourself. The social experience is also worth it. Just a friendly tip to keep your mental health up on days when you are bored.

supportseeker Did your personality/demeanour change after covid isolation.
  • replies: 4

Before covid lockdowns I was a different person. I laughed, could have a good time, I set goals and looked forward to things in life. I felt positive emotions and was overall optimistic. I have no family and few friends as I’m not originally from Aus... View more

Before covid lockdowns I was a different person. I laughed, could have a good time, I set goals and looked forward to things in life. I felt positive emotions and was overall optimistic. I have no family and few friends as I’m not originally from Australia; however, being locked inside for extended periods throughout 2020-almost 2022 changed me. I lost work, spoke to no one most days of the week, saw no one (as we weren’t allowed to meet up with others). In 2019 we had bush fires where we couldn’t go outside much, then covid, now in 2022 in miserable and rainy every week. I had a baby during that time where I had to completely self isolate during pregnancy to not get covid and have my partner there for delivery. I eat organic and clean, I exercise and am fit. I do stretches and have tried acupuncture. I function but feel nothing. I have no happiness, look forward to nothing, have lost all desire to go out. I don’t see the point, especially with bad weather and prices. I feel like my spark for life completely died during those years of isolation. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety now as well which I had not experienced before. Does anyone else feel this way?

Amanda2000 don't forget to smile!
  • replies: 1

Recently I had some disappointing/frustrating experiences with healthcare providers. I had to reschedule my work hours for both appointments. One was a GP that left me waiting for a long time and also put a late-comer ahead of me, and then my consult... View more

Recently I had some disappointing/frustrating experiences with healthcare providers. I had to reschedule my work hours for both appointments. One was a GP that left me waiting for a long time and also put a late-comer ahead of me, and then my consultation only took 2 minutes because she could not see the issue/problem that was the reason for my visit. The other one was an optometrist that I went for a second-visit because of issues with the new glasses. She was defensive right from the start and made all sorts of sarcastic comments. At the end she did help me to resolve my issues but all that negative attitude from her was so unnecessary. I had been in a fragile state with my depression & anxiety so these things really bothered me for days. What is wrong with people? Are their lives so miserable that they have to exercise some kind of power over other people to make themselves feel a little better? All they had to do was greet me with a smile from the start and everything could have played out differently. As the saying goes, you get back what you give. Just a simple smile can be so powerful - it will brighten up the moment for the person that you're smiling at and also the smile eases the tension/negativity within yourself. So don't forget to smile!