It's awesome that you're enjoying what you're doing at Uni @DarkClouds and that it moves you towards the job you want. It sounds like you have some pretty clear goals in that regard. With regards to what gives life meaning, this can be a tricky one, as it can differ for people and differ on what stage of life we're out. For some reason I found travel and reading about other people and their stories helpful in finding my own. Do you have an opportunities to travel or like reading about anything in particular?   It makes sense that you don't want to accept that you're just an asshole, especially if being a nice person is as you say, important to you. It sounds like you're behaviour at the moment is matching up with your values?   ... View more

It would be very frustrating @litgym. It sounds like there are some pretty big gaps in services and supports, especially for young people  ... View more

Welcome to RO @Confuser1738. It takes courage to reach out like you have, and voicing what's happened can be a big step forward in your healing and processing of such an experience. While I can understand your boyfriends insistence on reporting the incident, I think it's really important that you feel safe and supported, while you work through it; and this includes if you decide to report. This is where I feel like contacting 1800Respect will be the best next move for you, as they are a confidential information, counselling and support service that is available 24/7; and will have a much better understanding of guiding you through your options moving forward      Have you had any counselling about what's happened?     ... View more

That's fantastic you've decided to go @Dleehy2002  I'm sure others will jump in with some suggestions for you but I found this article on RO about an app that you might find helpful in managing any anxiety or panic attacks. Have you tried something like this before? ... View more

Rest up @scared01, we're here if you need  ... View more

Hey @litgym and @DruidChild, I just wanted to check in with you both and also let you know how amazing I think you both are. I know things have been quite heavy for you both lately and I just think the fact that you are on here supporting and encouraging each other is such a beautiful thing. In terms of people expecting you to keep going @litgym, I think maybe it's more that they can see your value, compassion, strength and worth and want to see you come out the other side of this. I do know though that when you're sitting in the middle of it, this might not sound very helpful from people. In fact it probably makes you feel a bit more pressured to "get better" asap. And I agree with you, we do need a better mental health care system! What do you think would be helpful? Would it be more hospital beds? Or more access to sessions or support? Or even maybe some sort of respite option?   ... View more

Welcome to RO @DarkClouds and thank you for sharing what's been going on for you. There's a couple of things that are probably influencing how you're feeling at the moment. I think a lot of people go through a time in their life where they feel they a lack of purpose, motivation and direction and this can really effect our mood, relationships with others and self-image. Can I ask how long you've felt like this for? And do you enjoy what you're doing at Uni or would you prefer to be doing something else (even outside of uni like travelling or a trade)? ... View more

Hey @scared01 I'm sorry today (and tomorrow) has been so anxiety provoking but it sounds like you're doing the best you can to get through it. @Eden1717 and @litgym have given you some awesome advice, is there anything you think we can help with or do you think some rest is prob best?  ... View more

Hey @Eden1717 it sounds like things are a really overwhelming for you right now because you feel if you share what's been going on for you, others might not believe you? Is there anything we can do to help tonight? And importantly do you feel you can stay safe right now? ... View more

Hey @Eden1717 I've just seen the new thread you've created so I'll respond over on that one so we don't double up  ... View more

I'm glad it's going well @Zeldasmile    I'm logging off for the night but there's a few people still around if you need to chat, otherwise we'll check back in tomorrow :) ... View more

That's great @Zeldasmile. Let us know how you go. We're here if you need  ... View more

Thank you for confirming that you feel you can stay safe @DruidChild and have a plan for when you need it  It sounds like having to "prove" you're okay can be pretty exhausting for you. It's understandable you feel like you don't have the energy for it.   At least now you know there is that option for you and maybe for now just focus on finding out as much as possible about it, so you can be ready to float the idea to your family if you need to. Even in the new year ... View more

I'm so sorry you're in this space @DruidChild. I do just want to touch base on your safety as some of the things you've said are really concerning. Do you feel you can stay safe right now?   It sounds like the respite place might be a good opportunity for you. Is it something that your therapist can talk to your family about? Perhaps together you can both resolve any concerns / feelings your family might have.  I feel like perhaps the hospital might be upsetting to your family as normally the hospital is a reactive space (i.e. you've had to go there because of an incident), which can be scary and concerning for them; whereas respite is more of a proactive space (i.e. somewhere you go to prevent yourself from reaching breaking point; and to receive the care, support and space you need to recover). ... View more

Hey @scared01 I guess when I've had surgery before I've asked about any significant risks or side effects; what I can expect coming out of anesthesia; and the recovery time.   For me personally though, I specifically ask them not to tell me too much about the process of the actual surgery, as I know this will just cause me anxiety and make my mind spin a bit; and I think once you meet the people looking after you that day, it can make you feel a lot more relaxed about it  ... View more

I agree with @annabethxchase @litgym. It's great that you can identify what's going on for you... Do you have any calming / relaxation strategies that might be helpful before bed? ... View more

Hey @annabethxchase and @litgym you two are showing some awesome support for each other tonight, well really all the time. Taking a bath, listening to a self-love playlist or calling KHL all sound like awesome self-care steps. Did you get through to KHL @annabethxchase? ... View more

A lot of things can happen between now and the trip, including you feeling a lot better about things @litgym, so if you can maybe either try to stay neutral about it or start focusing on all the good stuff about it because when we're in a negative headspace we automatically tend to see the negatives, so we have to purposefully train our brain to see the good stuff! ... View more

Maybe it's worth trying at some point to do a bit of a turning negatives into positives exercise with all your concerns for the trip? @litgym and then if you're able maybe share this with your Mum or a support person and see what they think? ... View more

It sounds like you have a lot of insight into what's going on for you @Beautifullybroken, which is a big step in being able to work through everything. It sounds like because you've felt little control over certain life events that you may have tried to compensate a bit by focusing on controlling things you can? It's understandable then that you would feel like your brain doesn't stop... I would really encourage reaching out to get some one-to-one support, especially if you feel it's effecting things like your relationship with food and body image.   Have you ever checked out the Butterfly Foundation? They have some fantastic resources and info; and they have a helpline service where you can use webchat, chat on the phone or via email  ... View more

That makes sense @litgym. It might be a good idea to see how you feel about the sleepover tomorrow after some rest; and it sounds like you have a little bit more time up your sleeve to decide on the trip? ... View more

Staying in sounds like a good option if it's rainy and cold @Mrstweety5482 Sounds like a good time for a movie night! ... View more

I know things are feeling quite heavy right now @litgym but maybe try not to make any decisions until you've been able to chat it through with your counsellor? I've just sent you a quick email, if you could take a look  ... View more

That's right @litgym, it can be a period of time where someone feels  great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity, which can often mean people can be a little impulsive and do things they generally wouldn't. Hope this helps @Mrstweety5482 ... View more

As @mrmusic has said that's a great distraction technique. And again thank you for confirming that you're safe right now. Are your friends just coming over for dinner or do you have any specific plans for the night? @Mrstweety5482 ... View more

It sounds like making a decision about the strip is feeling a little overwhelming for you and a lot of "what if's" are playing on your mind @litgym. Have you been able to chat to your counselor about this? Or what do you think they'd say about it?   Just remember you really have to do what's best for you and what you think you're ready for    ... View more

Hi @Mrstweety5482 I'm sorry things have reached this point. I've just sent you an email if you could please take a look  ... View more

Hmmm it sounds like there are a lot of things to think about @litgym because it's probably pretty important that you feel safe and supported if you choose to go? Is it worth trying to have a conversation with your friend about it and perhaps that will help you to make the final decision about it?   Is listening to Kesha helping with your mood / thoughts? What else do you think might be helpful right now?  ... View more

Hi @Sandra1001, welcome to RO and thanks for sharing what's been going on for you, it sounds like you're working through some stuff with regards to a conflicting value between your past beliefs and present experiences. If you haven't already I would really encourage you to read through @gina-RO post, just before yours, as this may help to normalise what's been going on for you and give you a little more understanding around sexuality in general. So let us know if you find it helpful    Also just a quick note I've sent you an email if you could please check it out! ... View more

I'm sorry your prac teacher isn't very helpful, it makes it really hard @DruidChild. And trust me I understand the whole fatigue, self-esteem and people side of things. They can be very draining to deal with both physically and mentally. I think with you're doing a really good job (although I get it may not feel like it) of getting through things. It may feel like you're moving backwards sometimes but it's all about the process. I know knowing that doesn't exactly make it easier to work through but we are all here for you while you do    It's fantastic you've been so open with your GP and therapist. Do you find the grounding exercise helps manage the nightmares?     ... View more