Hi @SS_X,   It sounds like you have been on a real journey to find your authentic self- this is such amazing insight and self-awareness      I agree with what you have said that true friends are those that accept each other who they are  I'm wondering if you have a friend that you trust the most who you can try letting down the persona in front of and see how it feels? Sometimes it can be really helpful to start with one person who you feel will support you to build up the confidence. What are your thoughts? ... View more

I hope you got some sleep last night @redhead  ... View more

Well done everyone! Loving the glitter theme too- could watch these gifs over and over ... View more

Do you want to tell us a bit more about what's on your mind @scared01?  ... View more

Today I practiced self care by going for a walk  ... View more

Hello community!   We have just completed our final intake of Builders for 2018!   Applications are now open for 2019! If you see someone you think would be great for our builder program, send them the link to this thread so they can learn more    Looking forward to seeing our builders program continue to grow in 2019! ... View more

Amazing @Bee! ... View more

Amazing @scared01! Congratulations  how did it feel to get that feedback from your teachers about your grade?  ... View more

Hi @lamonica1997, Thank you for getting back to us, we are replying via email now  ... View more

Hi @lamonica1997,   I am just about to send you an email now to check in- check your inbox when you can  ... View more

Anytime @scared01!  ... View more

That makes sense @scared01, it sounds really sensible to allow time and space to process the emotions at times and be how you feel in the moment, but then also use distraction when the feelings linger. Does that sort of relate to what you meant in the last post?   Sometimes having a space to feel how you need to feel is important in processing and working through  I hope you have a supportive to feel and heal while you are processing  ... View more

Seeing the psychologist beforehand sounds like a good plan @scared01  I'm glad to hear your family has been understanding- I can imagine the unpredictability of the time for the surgery is really challenging    When you are feeling nervous about the surgery, has there been any distractions that help?  ... View more

It's understandable that you are feeling nervous @scared01  It's really common to feel nervous before surgery. You definitely have done all the right things to get the information you need such as talking about the procedure and getting a plan in place to reduce the risks. How do your family feel about it all? Have they been supportive?   Did the doctors offer you any counselling support for before and after the surgery? I know that for many people, there is so many emotions felt before and after surgery, that many places offer mental health support.   One thing I do know is that young people's bodies are more resilient and recover much faster as well! Sending so much hope for you that you will recover quickly  ... View more

Absolutely @scared01! Do you want to tell me a little bit more about the fear you are feeling at the moment? ... View more

We are all hoping for a good result for you @scared01! It's been such a big week for you    What are your plans for self care today? Do you have anything in mind? ... View more

Hi @Charlie-29-1999,   Just reading through all of your posts, I can see you have really put a lot of thought into what works for you and the sort of career you would like to have! It sounds like whether you continue with psychology or go into medicine, that you will be helping others and supporting their wellbeing  I'm sure that your lived experience will support you to be an amazing health professional in whichever field you choose    Recovery and treatment is such a unique journey to each individual. You have mentioned that you feel techniques to cope might be helpful, but talking therapy has not been enough. From my personal experience, do what works for you- I know for me I had to try a few different types of support before I found what worked for me, including some non-clinical avenues such as peer support, art therapy and music You may even consider multiple approaches!   Depending on where you are located, your local primary health network (PHN) may offer some additional services that have no cost to you to access. For example, in my area I know there are support groups where people come to share their personal experiences and learn from each other, there are exercise groups, clinical support services (eg: CBT and DBT) and many many more. If you google your local PHN, you might be able to find some more options that don't have a cost    Lifeline centers across Australia offer some fantastic free support groups and individual therapy too that combine clinical and lived experience knowledge. And of course headspace also has a wide range of services (they even have peer workers now for non-clinical support!) ... View more

Hi @MemphisBelle,   It's hard when stress is coming from multiple different parts of our lives all at one time- it sounds like there has been a lot happening and you have been navigating so much change too between university, work and friendships.    You mentioned feeling like your hobbies aren't enjoyable any more. Has this been something recent or something you have felt for a while?    Feeling alone is so tough and I am really sorry that you have been going through such a difficult time with your friends you game with- it is completely understandable to feel stressed when people are swearing at you in a game, I would be too!  It takes so much courage to let someone know when you are feeling lonely, and I am very grateful you have reached out to us here. While we can't be there in person, there is a whole community here to support you when you need a friend    You mentioned your mum is a really important person in your life, do you talk to her about how you are feeling and some of the stress you have been experiencing? ... View more

Hi @Mrstweety5482,   I’m really sorry to hear how much pain you were in overnight - we see from your last few posts that the feelings have been really hard these last few months how are you feeling this morning?    I apologise if this has been asked before: do you have any professional supports such as a psychologist or GP? I have seen you mention a school counsellor, is this someone who has supported you before?   Your safety is really important to us, and we want to support you today  are you able to stay safe today? If you need to talk to someone straight away Kids Helpline or the Suicide Call Back Service are there for you 24/7.    We are thinking of you today! ... View more

Dance ... View more

Hi @fia181, We know that it takes so much courage to come online and post how you are feeling!  How are you going today? ... View more

Three positives of today: 1. Seeing the amazing peer support on our community this morning! @litgym @annabethxchase @May_ 2. I had a really good coffee this morning which always makes my day 3. Got some Christmas ideas reading through the Christmas GR chat! ... View more

Hi @litgym,   I can hear how much pain you are in right now  I want you to know that I hear you- you have been through so much and your persistence in continuing to seek help and reach out has really been inspiring to me and to a lot of other young people on the ReachOut site. While we may not be there in person, we are here for you and acknowledge the pain you are feeling right now    I’m just about to send you a quick email to check in, so keep an eye on your inbox  Have you got any appointments or supports in place to get through the day today?  ... View more

Hi @MishaCollins,   I can see these are your first few posts in a while- welcome back and thank you for being so open, honest and brave in sharing how you have been feeling. We know that it’s not easy to reach out and we are very grateful that you have    It sounds like you have been dealing with so much for a long time- I want you to know that we are always here to listen when you need to chat and help you find support too      I can hear that you have been feeling a lot of pain right now, are you able to stay safe at the moment?   You mentioned you don’t have a psychologist at the moment and that you have tried helplines before, is there anyone else you speak to? Have you got any strategies you use to help get through tough moments?   1800RESPECT and Blue Knot are also great services for young people experiencing trauma if you need to speak to someone right away.    I want you you to know we are here to lend a listening ear- you are not alone here  ... View more

Good luck today @scared01- we will all be thinking of you and sending wishes your way for a smooth surgery.    Thank you for checking in with us on your travels- make sure you do some self care if you can  ... View more

That's really tough having feelings of being down, but not really sure why  When you have felt this way before, what do you do to get through the day? Do you have any self care planned for tonight?   Sending lots of kind thoughts your way  ... View more

Yes for Elf popping candy chocolate- totally forgot about those! I'll have to get some @litgym.   I love this: " i also just think saying you are here for those who find christmas tough (me !!) and if they need someone contact them  " -So true, sometimes just being there is exactly what someone might need!    ... View more

Hi @scared01,   We have been thinking about you this week! How are you going today? I loved your input in the Christmas GR!  ... View more

Hi @Eden1717,   I can really hear how painful things have been for you We are all thinking of you   You mentioned feeling really exhausted and also agitated/angry- I can imagine these must be really exhausting feelings and it makes sense that your body is feeling tired managing these big emotions and experiences.   I really want to echo what @someone123 has said, which is that it is great that you feel like you can talk about this and try to put the feelings down into words  That is such a brave thing to do  How does it feel to put the words down in writing and have a vent space?   I have seen the games threads are super active today too if you need a space to chill out    ... View more

Let's go back to A! Alpaca!    ... View more