Hi @Pasta how did you find the grounding techniques? Great idea @Tiny_leaf!   Are there any that you would use again in future? ... View more

Hi @StrawberryShortcake and thank you for checking back in with us.   It is good to hear that yesterday was a better day for you  You have mentioned seeking support in past, and having a supportive mum- good on you for taking that step to seek help! Even thought the first counsellor didn't gel, I hope that you are able to find someone you click with. Just like friendships, or other people in your life, it is okay to not gel with every professional and try meeting different professionals before deciding which one you are most comfortable with. Would you be open to looking at other options for professional support?   You've also mentioned medication. Is this something that you are seeing a GP or Psychiatrist for? ... View more

Hi @hobojohnson,   Creating more clarity with career direction, and more generally life decisions, is a topic we see a lot on the forums- you are definitely not alone! Making big life decisions, career and study changes, and learning more about the young adult that is emerging can be really tough, but also really empowering! It sounds like you have started this process of questioning and exploring; coming from the angle of understanding your inner and outer worlds is really valuable and I really admire your self reflection!   The process of personal discovery is a big journey, and I would love to understand a bit more from your perspective what the turning points were for you to make this change and rethink your future goals?   Looking forward to hearing from other community members who can relate! ... View more

Hi @Just_nobody,   I am hearing that you put a lot of time into planning what you were going to write, the fact that you have made this post and put some words together here is such a big step and we are very grateful you have reached out to us   It sounds like things have been challenging today. Would you like to talk with us about what is happening for you? We are here for you    You've mentioned wanting to leave, are you able to elaborate on what you mean by that?  ... View more

Hi @Animallover2003 and welcome to ReachOut! It was great to see you around the forums yesterday making a ton of posts. We look forward to getting to know you better  I just moved this post to a new thread so we can have a bigger discussion and explore a bit more on this important topic   It sounds like you are considering a big step; talking to your friends about experiencing depression. Is this something you have been considering for a while?   Talking about what you are going through can be really helpful- friends can be a great resource and shoulder to lean on when we need to! When they know what you are feeling, it can help them make sense of what is happening, and be a listening ear. That being said, it can be so daunting wondering how they will take the news! I still remember the many weeks I spent questioning if and how I would tell my friends about my experience of depression and I am sure that so many members here have also been through this decision too   Have you spoken to anyone about depression before? If you were to tell your friends, what are your biggest concerns? And what could be the benefits too? ... View more

Hi @dean95 and welcome to the ReachOut Community      I can see this is your first post! So many people in this community can relate to living with anxiety and depression, and the daily ins and outs of getting through each moment at a time. We are always around for a chat and to talk through the good times and the bad, I hope you find this community is supportive    Would you like to tell us a little bit more about you? What is happening in your world at the moment? You mentioned that anxiety and depression have been getting better slowly, what does your support system look like?   As an anonymous service, we don't run face to face catch ups, but we do have a ton of community activities online where you can chat to and meet other young people who can relate! There are always members here to chat  ... View more

Hi @abrokenangel,   I want to second @Tiny_leaf's post- welcome to ReachOut! It takes a lot of strength to come online and post for the first time about what is happening at home. It sounds like you are dealing with a lot of big stressors in your life, and we are so grateful that you have taken this step to reach out to us      You've mentioned some big stressors; moving house, losing a loved one, study stress and bullying. Given the amount you are holding on your shoulders at the moment, it is completely understandable to feeling flat and I am hearing the pain of all these stressors in your post We are here to lend and ear and offer support too- you are not alone!   You've mentioned that you have been working on trying combat the tough feelings at the moment. What is your support network like at the moment? Do you have a supportive friends, or anyone you can talk to at school? ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf,   I am hearing that last night was really challenging- adjusting to medication can take time and I can understand the frustration of trying to identify the changes Your self awareness is really admirable, it sounds like you have been observing the feelings and experiences, and noting some of the important things to raise with your psychiatrist next time you see them. How have you been managing the additional energy and agitation at the moment?    I am sorry to hear that the service you were looking into hasn't incorporated inclusive and diverse gender pronouns beyond "his or her". I can imagine this would have been disappointing to read given they are advertising support for gender diverse young people    ... View more

We are so excited to see so much interest in the Mod Program!    Just a reminder that there is just under a week to get applications in  We will check back in at the end of the week too! ... View more

Hi @SomeoneNADJS,   It sounds like you have taken some really courageous steps to reach out to your support network with kids helpline to seek support when you need it  Having those open and honest conversations about safety is so important, and I want to acknowledge the incredible strength and bravery it takes to talk about self harm with your counsellors.    I am glad to hear that the counsellor has had some conversations around who to contact when you are feeling unsafe. Have you heard of stimming before or strategies for emotional pain that focus on the senses? A lot of our forum members have found some great strategies for coping to try and prevent self harm, and I am wondering if this is something you might be interested in looking at too? ... View more

Hi @jasmine12345678,   I am hearing how self aware you are, and how conscious you are of not impacting others. This really says to me how compassionate and kind you are  It is really hard to feel like we can reach out for the support and kindness that each person deserves when feeling like that experience may burden someone else- I want you to know that we don't feel like you are a burden In fact, what we see is a brave and courageous person for taking the step to reach out here. When you are ready to talk, we will be here to listen as will some of the other supports @Esperanza67 has referred to  It is also okay to take your time to work out who you can talk to- we are more than happy to talk this through with you  ... View more

Sunshine lunch time! ... View more

Hi @hobojohnson and welcome to ReachOut! I am a big fan of pun jokes and thoroughly enjoyed your spring pun!!   I've also noticed a new member @Animallover2003 around the forums today- Welcome! Would you be interested in introducing yourself with this fun activity? ... View more

Never have I ever traveled to America ... View more

Recovery Discussion Word Cloud Here is a word cloud of some of the key words and themes we have heard throughout this discussion so far!  ... View more

I am hearing a lot of themes coming through each post too! I might make a word cloud to show some these themes    @WheresMySquishy I think you touched on a really important point about the continuous nature of recovery really well here: "recovery is an ongoing process. It's not a single action. There are lots of different stages and steps to it and it's often not a linear journey." When we first hear about recovery, we often associate it with a goal you reach or finish line, but it is more than that- every day you take a step to cope and every stage is a win and an achievement! The journey evolves and changes as life, coping and situations evolve and change!    @letitgo hope is so so important!  I also love how you have picked a gif of someone who has embodied hope and recovery for you; seeing our role models walking their own journey of recovery is a powerful reminder that we aren't alone    @RevzZ I am hearing a strong focus on acceptance and healing A couple of things you mentioned really resonated for me! The first around the idea that recovery is about re-building and healing, and that this is not something that will happen overnight. It takes time, it takes self compassion and it takes support  I also really loved this: "So the recognition of the journey and effort is more important than the end result and "recovery" itself."      ... View more

Loving reading through the posts so far! Thank you to everyone who has posted their thoughts so far, the diversity in what recovery means to each person really illustrates the wholly personal nature of recovery journeys     @Maryhadalittlelamb I really loved your reflection of recovery that acknowledges both where you have been and where you are going- that personal growth and continual learning about yourself, your resilience and your ways of coping is so valuable! This was so powerful: "recovery isn't always easy, sometimes recovery means relapses but it didn't mean your a failure in any way"      @scared01 I have never seen the lotus flower analogy before and really love it as a representation of recovery- this is something that resonated for @Maryhadalittlelamb too  Recognising that recovery is the small things we do everyday is so important! Sometimes we wait for these big moments we can point to, but I completely agree with you it's more about how we live our lives and cope with the day to day    @Milkninja222 this quote really spoke to me: "While trauma and tragedy do exist and is something we have experienced both individually and collectively, so does healing and growth exist." Beautiful words of hope that growth, healing and recovery do happen! It sounds like connection with others is a really big part of your journey, and something we see you role model for our forum members with every post  ... View more

Could they be using an ipad or tablet instead? ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf, Definitely something on my radar. I might send you an email to see what the best option is for us and learn more about your learning style :) You are also welcome to apply for the Moderator Program which is face to face and will build on skills you already have :) ... View more

Thanks @Tiny_leaf I will amend my post now  ... View more

@rose13 @Rose_Harley @roseisnotaplant @ryvb3 @Sam9631 @Sanguine @Sarah7714 @scared01 @seadreamer @Shwe @sibh @skyedre @SkyIsTheLimit @someone123 @spacejam @SpiderGirl18 @Stardust23 @statuscaring @Sunflower18 @sunflowers5 @sweet_baking @sylviaisaplant @T4ils @TalaForest16 @Tasi @ThinkerGirl28 @TIL @tjayne19 @WheresMySquishy @Wonderlahxx @xxjessiieexx ... View more

Tagging builders and mods @-Cait- @_Artemis_ @_Star_Gazer_17_ @Adampj @AJ16 @Alison5 @Ally-Leesh-Jane @ami-lee @Amy9 @amyD @amypond @amywells21 @Andiamo97 @Ash555 @basketofmonkeys @Bee @BookWorm1 @caseyleehs @cerulean @chocolateislife18 @Clockwork @cmoo99 @CowboyBebop @cupcakes_032 @Dani @Decal21 @DirtWitch @DIVYA @dncinginthedirt @dog_lover94 @DontWait @drpenguin @ecla34 @elly123 @ErinsAntics @Esperanza67 @fencesitter @florenceforever @FootyFan26 @gezellig @GM24 @Grake @Groovy_Popsicles @Gumi Gumi @Han1993 @happycat45 @honky @Hozzles @Hummingbird @I_am_not_Groot @Iridescence @Jakob @Jane_Rose @jesseka_grace @Jrt14 @Karinaskii @katurian @Kunzy @Ladybug @LadyMacbeth00 @lennycat2017 @LeoTheLion @Libellule @Loudcloud @LovesFood @lr8991 @Maddyw @marshmallows @Mayaa99 @Mcro @Mila28 @Milkninja222 @Mily @MisoBear @missep @MissX @missyj @Misty12 @MitchellClifford @MochaChino @Motty91 @mrmusic @ms_xt @mspaceK @NBAM21 @neonsnow @noms @nxmita_pa @oursmilesxx @peacelovepizza @Posie22 @positivepenny @Puppies026 @Quaintrelle @queenP @Raquel326 @reach804 @recharging_introvert @RockPaperScissorsMelon ... View more

Becoming a Moderator FAQs!   Why become a Moderator? Volunteering as a Moderator is great for anyone interested in building skills to support other young people! Joining this supportive team is a fun way to meet new people who share your interests in helping others, and work closely with the ReachOut Forums staff. Better yet, ReachOut will pay for all your flights, food and accommodation!    What skills do Moderators learn at the Annual Moderator Training? Moderators develop skills and experience in peer support, leadership/mentoring, community building and moderation. These skills will help to support the wellbeing of thousands of young Australians, and can directly support study and work experiences in the future.    Do I need to have these skills already? We don’t expect our Moderators to have all the skills right away; the training and ongoing support from ReachOut staff over the 12 month period will give you the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in this role!   Can I become a Moderator? Who is eligible to apply? If you are aged between 18-25 and live in Australia , you can apply to become a Moderator! You will need to complete the online and annual two day face-to-face training , so that we can make sure you have all the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in this volunteering role! We do prioritise those applicants who have been Community Builders in the forums community.    What makes a Moderator different to a Community Builder? Becoming a Moderator builds on the strengths of our Community Builder program, and will give you opportunities to grow your skills and knowledge in peer support and leadership!  If you haven't been a builder first, that's okay! We will give you some builder training before the workshop to make sure you have all the info you need    What is the commitment? Moderators will need to complete training including some online training prior to the workshop, and a two day workshop/training based in Sydney. We ask that Moderators commit to the program for 12 months . We aim for two hours a week, but are happy to work on a time commitment that works for you! ... View more

Hi @xXLexi_Lou122Xx,   Sounds like yesterday was a big day! So great to hear you met the school psychologist- is she someone you would be comfortable to talk to in future?   Good luck with the speech! We would love to hear how you go ... View more

Hi @ruthxxx- this is such a great activity, thank you for starting this thread!  Sounds like you are very creative, writing is a great hobby!   One thing knows about you.. My answer: I like to draw and occasionally paint, but only recently started drawing without having a plan in my head of how I want it to turn out  Very similar to you, ruthxxx, I don't share my work but still enjoy the process ... View more

Sharing two infographics I saw this week with quotes from some of Australia's brave advocates! One from last year, and one from this year    ... View more

Hi @WheresMySquishy,   Thank you for sharing your experience with us too I am sure so many people can relate to your experience! I completely agree with you the awareness is so important to encourage communities to look beyond labels and diagnoses, and value the unique, strong and compassionate person underneath!    There are some incredible advocates in the BPD field doing a lot of amazing things to empower and upskill mental health workers, the health system and society as a whole! I hope this discussion in our ReachOut community will also help those coming to the forums feel they can talk here, and that this is a safe, non-judgmental space where we can use our collective voice to help the wider community understand BPD  ... View more

Hi @lokifish and thank you so much for making this thread! I have been seeing some of the infographics circling social media for BPD awareness week and some of the powerful shared stories of advocates and people with lived experience!   I am so in awe of your courage to be open on social media to share your story, and to educate those in your communities about BPD! I particularly love this: " I am just a person with a lot of feelings, which I’m not always perfect at regulating"     ... View more

Hi R @SomeoneNADJS,    Good on you all for reaching out to Kids Helpline We can hear the last couple of weeks have been really challenging, and really admire your strengths and courage to reach out and seek support. You've taken some huge steps to seek support these last couple of weeks and I want to acknowledge your determination, R, for persisting to find support for you all   I'm also hearing the S is really struggling at the moment, and you have been doing everything you can to listen and support S. We are always here to chat if any of you are going through a tough time Is S safe at the moment?    How did you find the experience of sending the thread to Kids Helpline? Was this something that helped the Kids Helpline counsellor understand a bit more about you all? I think that is a really incredible idea! ... View more