I'm proud that I am changing course, going back to uni and setting myself up for the greatest start possible for a new and slightly different career.   @musicfan_xo  I see so much kindness in you on here! ... View more

I smiled today because the sun was shining and the breeze was warm and it made me feel happy.   @musicfan_xo  that's lovely, what a wonderful chorus! ... View more

Hey @aebarrie12    I'm sorry this is happening to you. No one deserves to be shamed and bullied by anyone. Is there anyone you can talk to and let them know how you feel? You definitely don't deserve to feel upset and shamed and frustrated by peoples' insensitive and mean words.   I hope isolation isn't adding too much extra stress for you right now. We are all here for you ... View more

Today I practiced self care by doing yoga and making a cake. And by trying to be really mindful and present and reminding myself that all storms pass eventually. ... View more

Hey @Eden1717   Just wanted to check in. It sounds like it's been an incredibly frustrating and stressful time for you, made harder by a lack of understanding by other people. I hope you were able to find a service and/or some people who were able to support, understand or help you.   When you can, please let us know how you're going. We're all here supporting you. ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04 I've just been catching up on your posts. I apologise for being offline for the week - I needed a bit of time and space to realign my mental space. I am so so sorry to hear about your friend's nan and your brother's friend - it sounds like a really painful and difficult week for you and I am truly sorry it has happened to you. I just want to say - you are so tough. This is a crap time, and I am so impressed that you're reaching out to us and to your KHL counsellor, and giving your mum a great birthday. And on the same wave - the support you provide here for others is so wonderful to see. And I remain such a fan of your artwork - your "cowify-ing" brought a big smile to my face! The cow is SO cute!! Are you going to put any "cowified" things into your new room? ... View more

Aw thank you so much @Bee! Congrats to everyone - you're all so fab it's so wonderful to be a part of such a warm community! ... View more

Aw @Bananatime04  definitely not a cry baby! Crying can sometimes be our bodies' natural reaction to something scary. I'm sorry you're still a bit shaky. I'm not sure if it helps you, but sometimes I need a little bit of sugar (like a juice, or flavoured milk) to get over the doctor nerves shakes too. If it's not for you, that's cool too! I get the shakes after needles etc. too. I hope you're going okay and feel a bit better soon ... View more

@Bananatime04  hahaha I was still writing as you posted! What a cute lil cow!!!!! oh that's gorgeous! Have you named them? Ahahah I must have a similar sense of humour as I had a little giggle when I saw the butt ... View more

@Bananatime04  my pleasure they look so cool for first artistic attempts! wow! I can't wait to see the cow when it's finished - if you're comfortable sharing it. I also truly admire people who can draw, I always wish I could - and I am sure if I actually practiced I'd be okay - but my brain just doesn't work in that way, I can't see the picture as I put it down so it always ends up a bit wobbly haha   Just done a couple of paintings while in iso to keep me busy! I made a few little ones and sent them to my grandparents who are all pretty isolated. Sure! I started this one below with a sponge and I will add some flowers soon   ... View more

@Bananatime04  good on you getting through it!! I understand, medical things (like tubes and needles) make me really uncomfortable too, so I can see it was a stressful experience. But I am glad it is over for you now. Are you feeling alright now it's done? ... View more

@Bananatime04wow! Your art is fantastic! that is a really great way of getting through some tough days. I recently started painting, but definitely not up to your level of fab! Do you ever paint on canvas or do you prefer painting objects like the photos you put up of your recent work? ... View more

@Eden1717I am so sorry to hear about the past few days being so distressing and overwhelming for you. I can hear how you're struggling, but also how hard you are trying to tread water, and I am really really sorry the level of support you need isn't currently being made available to you. It must be really frustrating, especially when the crisis team isn't seeming to be able to understand that you need support. I do hope you managed to get some sleep this morning. ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04   How are you feeling this afternoon? It sounds like it's been a really big few days and I totally understand, big life changes can be scary and it does seem like it's happened quite quickly. I'm so sorry to hear it's causing you stress :(   As has been said, we are all here to listen and to support you! ... View more

Hey @Charlie-29-1999,   It's nice to meet you on the forums! I'm sorry to hear it's been a tough time and you're feeling quite stressed and overwhelmed. It sounds like you've really committed yourself to your studies and well done on achieving such great work at your uni! But I can also hear that your perfectionism has been affecting many parts of your life. The pressure placed on students these days is so high, and on top of the current pandemic, it can be really really tough.   It's really fantastic to hear you're looking out for your own mental health and seeking extra support, I am sorry to hear your previous sessions with psychologists and psychiatrists haven't had the effect you hoped for. I absolutely agree with the others - a good therapeutic relationship is so important, trust is so necessary for feeling like you can trust someone to help you. Definitely have a look into what the others have suggested, there are so many treatments and practitioners out there, and I truly hope that with some trial and error, you'll find something that works for you.   Remember to look after yourself as best you can. I see you're doing lots of study through the day, but as @popatrace said, while it can be hard to look after yourself when you feel the weight of the pressure to succeed upon you, even a small act of self-kindness in your day might make a slight difference.   You're doing your best and we see you! ... View more

@Janine-ROmacarons are very tricky to make! Think I'll need a few more attempts before I start calling them aesthetic success stories   Today I practiced self-care by doing a morning meditation first thing when I got out of bed. I'm about to go for a lunchtime walk. And I will close the day with yoga. Moving the body feels like the right thing to do today! ... View more

Hey @Eden1717,   I hear you, sometimes it can be really difficult to put our feelings into words that make sense and also accurately describe how we feel. It sounds like a difficult time for you, and I am sorry for how scary and stressful this must feel for you.   I agree, I find nighttime really wonderful, especially when I'm a bit out of the city and I can look up at the stars. What do you find beautiful in the night? ... View more

Hi @Rainbow6ismylifeline    It sounds like there's a lot going on in your life right now, and it can feel really stressful and chaotic at different times. I want to reiterate that it does take a hell of a lot of guts to decide you would like to make life changes. And especially around substance abuse. I have a couple of years of experience working in the AOD industry, and trust me, one of the hardest and earliest steps to heading towards recovery is the ability to admit a substance abuse issue. And damn, getting into recovery for ICE is amazing. That is huge. It takes guts and struggle and you should be so dang proud that you did that. And it's also huge that you are able to step back and say - I don't want to be using anything anymore, it's causing damage to myself and my life.   You mentioned you want a goal or a solution. Absolutely. Having goals is a great way of seeing where we want to be and taking steps to get there. Is setting goals for you something we on the forums can help you out with? Though the others are quite right, headspace is an excellent place to begin. They have access to external supports for more specific purposes, and internally they do have GP's and mental health clinicians.   The RO community is a supportive and non-judgmental one. We are here to listen and provide support. Please feel free to reach out and let us know how we can support you on here ... View more

Hello @Hozzles    Your words touched me. I am so sorry to hear that people haven't understood you or taken the time to get to know you. It's horrible. You are a person, you are valid and you deserve to be known and appreciated. You are here, you deserve to be heard, you are worthy of all good things. I hear you, I see you. I am sorry others haven't. It's their loss!! Is there something you can do today as a little self-care or self-appreciation?   Sending my support your way ... View more

Hey @Saltwaterdreamtime I'm sorry to hear it's such a tough time for you right now! I hope Centrelink is able to provide some support and relief for you and your family. Also hoping your appointment at the hospital goes well. I also totally understand your partner - I do this all the time very clumsy!! - hope they are okay ... View more

@Kokacolawhat a good way to start the day!   Today I wrote myself a to-do list so I can focus on what I need to do and manage my time effectively. I will get my admin out of the way so tomorrow is less stressful! I also attempted making macarons for the first time yesterday! They look terrible but they taste utterly delicious! ... View more

Hey @Eden1717 I am sorry it's been a wee while since I have caught up with this thread. I am so sorry to hear the last few days have been frustrating, stressful and exhausting. I think you've been bloody tough to get through them, and to continue to be providing support to others on the forums, as @Maddy-RO  and @Janine-RO  both expressed. I am sorry to hear as well that the crisis team appointment was really stressful for you, as was mentioned I am sure they recognised that you were feeling nervous. How are you feeling today? I hope you have been able to get some rest overnight. Is there anything we can do this morning to support you? ... View more

Great questions!!   Why do you think we need to feel certain about life events? As humans, we are designed to desire some level of certainty and control. As many things are, I believe this has biological roots - it was part of the safest and best method for surviving way way back when. Humans now days recognise we can't have control over everything, but for a lot of people, that's where we feel safe. There is safety in knowing what's coming and in preparation, we feel fearful when we don't understand things, or feel they are out of our control.   What are some things you can control? I feel like many things have been mentioned, and I am in agreement - all we can control are our responses. We may not be able to control our initial reaction, nor the emotions that subsequently stem from it, and that's okay. We need to give ourselves space for these knee-jerk reactions before we can consciously think about what we can change. We can't change what's happening but we can alter small things that give us a sense of situational control - for example, we can clean our rooms/homes to create a clean, calm space. We can do grounded breathing/relaxation/ mindfulness exercises. We can work out. We can eat chocolate. We can ask for help. Small things.   How are you feeling right now/coping with the current situation? I feel like I am similar to probably many others - I have my ups and downs. Last week I had a few days where I was angry with everything, and deeply upset about everything else. I gave myself space to process my sense of grief and in doing so, allowed myself to develop a sense of peace and calm. I am coping the way I can - trying to eat healthily, but listening when my body says it wants chocolate; exercising every day because it helps my mood; trying to set routines; having good sleep, but again listening when my body wants to sleep in or stay up later; staying in regular contact with my friends and partner, because they're the ones feeling the same as me - some are stood down, some are working from home, all are anxious and feeling grieved like I am. Supporting others and allowing myself to be supported in return is huge for my ability to cope. ... View more

Hey @Saltwaterdreamtime just checking in here! Has the weather improved your way? Melbourne has had a few chilly days but the sun seems to have reappeared! How are you feeling today? I hope your partner is feeling better! And that you have managed time for a surf, how has the swell been? ... View more

Hey @ruthxxx I wanted to check in and see how you were going. How are you feeling today? ... View more

These recipes look so good, I am almost droooooling One of my fave dishes is a burrito bowl: Here: https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/quick-vegetarian-mexican-bowl-recipe/vzx16jgh   Ingredients: 1 tbs olive oil 1 brown onion, finely chopped 1 red capsicum, seeded, sliced I use 500g beef mince 40g pkt Mexican seasoning (found with the burrito/taco mixes in Coles!) 1/2 cup mild tomato salsa Rice - I cook my rice & I have no idea of amounts, I honestly just guestimate 400g black beans, rinsed, drained 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, sliced 250g cherry tomatoes, halved Tortilla chips Sour cream Coriander sprigs   Method: 1. Head oil in large frying pan over high heat. Add beef mince, season with salt & pepper and, until browned. Add Mexican seasoning and combine. Add onion and capsicum and cook until softened. Add salsa and 1/4 cup water, reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring, until mixture thickens   2. While cooking meat, boil water in a saucepan for rice. Salt water. Add rice. Keep an eye on rice, and drain when ready. Add the beans and stir to combine.   3. Divide rice mixture and mince mixture among serving bowls. Top with avocado, tomato, tortilla chips, sour cream and extra salsa. Sprinkle with coriander.   Very delicious!!! ... View more

Hi @Eden1717 , it sounds like it's been a really tough week for you, and I am so sorry to hear your psychiatrist wasn't helpful for you. I can hear you're hurting and feeling incredibly fed up and frustrated and I just wanted to say I hear you and we are all here to listen and support you. ... View more

Hey @Saltwaterdreamtime, I can hear that you are upset and angry and scared. I'm sorry that the COVID-19 situation has been really awful and has affected many areas of your life. It's really understandable to feel all these things and all the emotions you're feeling now are totally valid. Like @Ronan-RO said, hopefully the new measures, while strict and are challenging to our regular lives, will decrease the cases which will allow us to return to our lives, jobs, families and friends. I know it's not the same as seeing people in person, but having the ability to use our phones to communicate and connect is a valuable thing. And it's great you've been so proactive, I wish you luck for your applications! Those long walks you mentioned sound really nice! Is there anything else you have been doing to keep yourself occupied? And hope the hospital visit went smoothly. ... View more

Hey @ruthxxx it's really understandable, and admirable, that you want to take your education seriously. You mentioned that your friends used to be super close - do you guys currently talk about deeper and more meaningful things or is it more of superficial conversation? Similar to what @Taylor-RO said, understanding does often allow perspective. I saw you mentioned you don't like being vulnerable and feeling like a burden, which I think a lot of people also feel at different times. If a friend opened up to you regarding their own anxieties, do you think you and your other friends would perceive them as a burden? But I completely understand, being vulnerable can be really tough and we have to work at our own pace!   I just wanted to say as well, well done on taking this year to work on yourself! I am glad to hear that with school currently out as a factor due to the virus that your anxiety has decreased.   Definitely a good idea to see if your counsellor will do Skype sessions! ... View more