Hi @ayrc_1904,   So much of your post really resonates with me! I am 24 and right from very young I have been a perfectionist. I remember seeing a psychologist when I was younger who reiterated to me that perfectionism could be one of my biggest strengths if I use it in moderation, but when it seeped into other parts of my life, it could also be something that could hinder my recovery.   I really love @November13's post, and I think it spoke to my experience too. "What really helped me was giving myself permission to not get everything done perfectly, set time aside to rest, and try new things. I started really small and it sure felt very uncomfortable at first. But a lot of good things have come from that, and I have to say I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't tried to let go of my perfectionism!"   Last year I had a huge amount of change in my life, and had to really re-evaluate how living in the unknown and not being in control made me feel, and also take calculated little steps over time to give myself room to breathe, room to explore who I am, and room to take some healthy risks- even when that meant not getting it right or failing sometimes. To be honest, failing or not "doing things right" or "not doing enough" were and sometimes still are my biggest fears. While I tried new things I started a journal in March last year, and it's one I still keep today :) I recorded all the things I learnt about myself when I stepped outside my comfort zone. For example I learnt I can let go and have fun- I never used to have fun because I was constantly assessing the risk! I have come a long way and know I still have a way to go- recovery is a journey! I am learning so much about myself. Every person's experience is different and as unique as you are, so my experience won't be the same. But, I hope that by posting here and reading from others that you know you aren't alone and it sounds like you have a supportive partner which is fantastic!   Us perfectionists exploring an imperfect world need to stick together and support each other! ... View more

Hi @dragon3,   The lead up to formal season can be such a stressful time. The social pressures around dressing up and what others will think is a lot to carry. I remember how anxious I was before my formal too. It sounds like the thought of formals approaching and looking at dresses has brought up a lot of feelings about your body and your confidence in your own skin. Has the confidence with your body something that has been on your mind for a while?  ... View more

Guitar sounds like a great wind down activity @Saltwaterdreamtime. Do you play acoustic, electric or bass?   Three positives of today: 1. This morning I looked at old photos which gave me a lot of nostalgia- a nice feeling! 2. I realised how little I've been listening to music lately, so have made a point of putting music on while I work today. Definitely lifts my mood! 3. It's warmer than yesterday ... View more

A fellow hiker @JullyBean- That's amazing. Where have you been walking so far? :) Welcome back @DruidChild! :) 1. I have been making photobooks of all my travels this week to keep the dream alive 2. My football season starts back again on Sunday and I am so excited 3. I am allergic to seafood 4. I have plans to get another two tattoos but am still looking for an artist- I want to find someone whose work I really love 5. My mum is my best friend who I talk to about everything- she also has the best stories! ... View more

Thank you @letsheal for making such a beautiful post Reading your post gave me goosebumps it was so powerful and so relatable- I am sure this will mean the world to those reading to know they aren't alone.  Really looking forward to seeing you around the forums as a builder  ... View more

I've just pinned this post for those who might be interested :) There are a few research opportunities coming up with ReachOut, so if you are interested stay tuned! ... View more

Hi @ecla34 and thank you for an awesome Wellbeing activity this week!    I actually had a conversation with one of the men in my life who really inspires and supports me day in and day out earlier this week. One thing I found really helpful with any conversations is to do something while we chat like a shared activity, or something we can focus on. I've been repainting my house, so talking while we are painting, while cooking, during add breaks on tv or while going for a walk has definitely helped. Anything that feels more natural and less intense! ... View more

So great to see how much love this thread is getting!   Today I practiced self care by going for a walk and making an effort to get into the office for work today. I forgot how much I missed walking through the city in the morning and the general routine of getting out of the house to work!  ... View more

Hi @Tay100,   At the moment we are waiting for next steps from our digital and research teams, but we will definitely let you know if and when there are more opportunities to get involved :)  ... View more

Hi there ReachOut Community!   This month with have had an incredible 46 applications for the builders program so far! I will be reading through all the applications this week, so if you have been thinking about joining the builder's program this month, now is your chance    I have been blown away with levels of compassion, kindness and generosity in the applications so far! I can't wait to see these incredible new builders in our forums soon :) ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04,   Echoing the love and support @hellofriend and @Lost_Space_Explorer5 have offered this morning Reading back through your posts yesterday, I am hearing how little support you are feeling at home, and in trying to seek help. It's a really tough space to sit in, and it has been really beautiful to see how many community members here have your back when you need someone to lean on.    How are you feeling this morning Bananatime04?   One thing I did want to add is how far you have come with letting us know your boundaries and what you need- so powerful. The fact that you were able to let us know that you needed a break is a really important self care step   ... View more

Today I practiced self care by giving myself permission to feel how I feel this morning ... View more

Nice to meet you @peppermintpeony :)  Community is an awesome tv show, I've seen it so many times! The paintball episodes are amazing  ... View more

Toady I practiced self care by doing my hair and makeup ... View more

Today I am grateful for sunshine after a few days of rain ... View more

Saw this thread and really resonates with me at the moment! :)    Three reasons I love my friend: 1. She helps me put my worries into perspective 2. She challenges me to be a better person 3. She is always willing to sit with me through any emotion ... View more

Hi @gmusicj,   Feeling ready to be open with mental health professionals can take time, and that's okay. The fact that you are seeking help and keeping up your appointments is a win, even if you didn't get to everything you wanted to say this time.    Is there anything you would like to chat through with us? We are here to listen ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04 and @xXLexi_Lou122Xx!   I miss being around the forums more too! A few months ago my job changed (around the same time Gina left), so I am still around the forums, but a lot of my new role is around building and supporting our volunteer teams and working on projects looking at the future of the forums :)    On Wednesdays I am around responding to posts for half the day, so I will be online checking in with everyone tomorrow morning :)    How are you both? ... View more

I am painting the house light grey @ayrc_1904 :)  The repetition with painting is incredibly relaxing    How has your week been? What boredom busters have you used this week?  ... View more

Hi @lokifish @and @musicfan_xo    We might be looking to change the ranking system in the near future, so we will definitely make sure to make a thread about what each rank means and how to get them :)   It was a great question musicfan :) always happy to answer questions about the forum! @lokifish and a few other mods have been around much longer than I have at ReachOut and have so much knowledge of the forums too ... View more

Thanks for sharing the eFriend service @queenP! Sounds like a brilliant service to support those feeling isolated at the moment :)    If you hear of any other services or resources, please feel free to share them!   ... View more

Hi @musicfan_xo    We try to have a live chat like this one with a guest once a month. Sometimes it's not every month, but the best place to find when these are coming up is to check out the activities calendar :) You can find it in my signature line (May's is a little late but on it's way, so keep an eye out)   We also have fortnightly community discussions facilitated by our amazing Peer Moderators, and they are either discussions for the whole week, or a live discussion. You can find these discussions (called getting reals) in the Getting Real Section of the Forums ... View more

Hi @musicfan_xo the ranks are based on number of posts you make and amount of time online :) So they start at rookie when someone signs up, and then automatically change as you become more active on the forums.   We do have some ranks that are assigned manually too (for example Mod and Builder) :)    Hope this helps! ... View more

Hi @scared01, I can totally relate to having the feeling that how others value me comes from what I can offer them I think for me part of that came from being a carer at such a young age, giving to others became a huge part of my identity and how I thought others saw my value. It's taken a long time to start seeing myself in a different light. You are such a giving person and not having that returned, even in part, must be so tough. How you are going this week? ... View more

Welcome @Kittcatt22, it's nice to e-meet you :) I feel like I have hit a point of adjustment at the moment and settling into a rhythm. How have you been? What's your week looked like this week? ... View more

Hi @Lost_Space_Explorer5,   Just wanted to check and in. How are you going? How has the last month been? ... View more

Yesterday I laughed because I made a huge mess... I spilt orange juice all over three loads of my washing haha. It was such a huge mess that I couldn't help but laugh! It was like something out of a cartoon show  On the bright side, it gave me something to do with my afternoon! ... View more