Hey @Eagle! How are you feeling today? Sounds like a rough time you're going through. Is the ICP only since you started the medication? I suppose the tricky thing with medications is deciding if the costs outweigh the benefits. If the drug is not helping you and also causing problems, sounds like it may be better to get off this one (with the help of a medical professional).   Whether you want to try another, that is up to you. I have tried maybe 8-10 antidepressants alone in my life and it took me close to five years to find one that worked for me. Keep in mind, each can take a long time to actually show an effect with some taking months at a minimum. How long have you been on this one?   If your doctor is not listening to your concerns, it may also be a good idea to see a new doctor. Just like medication, finding the right doctor is super critical. I finally settled on my third doctor recently.  :)      ... View more

Yasssss @gina-RO!   I think it is so cool that we can vote and make our voices heard. Also, freedom sausage is the best!! ... View more

Hi peeps! Thank you @Jay-RO for making this post. I think diversity is a super relevant conversation right now and this is the perfect place for it!   1. What does Harmony Day mean to you? Harmony day to me means that I spend a little extra time talking to my friends about our cultural differences and similarities. I think it is so special that my social circle is full of different cultures and religions and we can celebrate those with each other.  2. What are some ways you celebrate your cultural background?  I celebrate my cultural background through food, food and music! haha I am of jewish/Israeli/south african heritage and so that creates a really beautiful mix within my household. We love to celebrate jewish holidays, sing in hebrew and eat south african food. I love to share these things with my friends when I can! 3. How can you make someone feel included or like they belong? I think the first step is just starting a conversation about something that isn't necessarily their culture or nationality. Sometimes, if someone is feeling like they are 'other', then bringing up their differences can really highlight that for them. Talking about the weather or school or something else can really make someone else feel much more comfortable.  ... View more

@Tink28 Enjoy your party! I am super jealous haha  A party seems like a great way to blow off steam. ... View more

Hey @RoseLouise,   How are you feeling today?  I am super proud of you for being brave and opening up about this. It can be really hard to talk about this kind of thing. Plus, it is super great that your boyfriend has been supportive.    Have you spoken to anyone about this since it happened? Whether that be a professional or a friend?  ... View more

Hey @Eden1717,   That sounds super exhausting and I can understand why you would be super tired. I'm sorry you are going through that! My best friend actually experiences sleep paralysis and some days she is super wiped out and can't focus.   Have you spoken to a doctor or anyone else about it? Maybe a professional would be able to help you figure out what is going on.  ... View more

Would you rather explore a new planet or the deepest parts of the ocean? Why? I would love to explore a new planet! I am actually terrified of the ocean but I have been snorkeling a few times recently so that's progress!    If you had to teach a subject, what would it be? Psychology or neuroscience, since that is what I study! I don't think I could teach most subjects at high school - I find them kind of dry. Maybe science though?   What motivates you to succeed? General academic achievement and I want to be successful so I can provide for my family, once I get married and have kids with my partner. I think we are both super motivated by that at the moment.    How would you survive a zombie apocalypse? I would probably find a great bunker and invest in some high tech weapons!   If you were an animal, what would you be and why? My partner says I am a bin chicken (ibis bird for those who don't live in Australia), but I think I am more like a cat. I like to wander, sleep and can be a little grouchy at times    What kind of magical power would you like to have? I think my super power would be to speak every language in the world fluently! I really wish I could do that more than anything. That includes maths as a language so I could win a Nobel prize or something. ... View more

Hey @Cheeseburger. I know it can be hard to lose people for any reason, but especially when it is something you cannot change (nor should you have to!). Stay strong. You will eventually find your tribe and people who will accept you for who you are.    Also, thank you for teaching me what demisexual was! I totally did not understand the definition until now. :) ... View more

Hey @Troy91!   I love to exercise to distract myself. I get super absorbed in the gym, especially when I am stressed out. Who else does this? ... View more

Hey @Crunchyness! Thanks so much for posting this. I think it is super important to talk about recovery - it can be encouraging to others to get help or keep pushing through their mental health journeys. I was severely depressed for around six years and now I am depression free, studying my third year of psychology (my new passion) and in a happy, healthy relationship. I never thought I would make it this far and I am super proud of the fact that I have.  Finding a passion or purpose in life helped me a lot, along with professional help and developing healthy habits such as exercise and a regular routine :) ... View more

Thanks for the responses @Sunflower18 @DIVYA @scared01!    I will give all those a go :)  ... View more

That’s awesome! I love going for walks when I am feeling a bit average.  ... View more

Im sorry to hear that @annabethxchase.   I think now is the time to go through your plan and use those active steps to avoid that.  When I felt like self harming I used to go for a run because then I am exhausted and I get all my frustration out. Are you able to go for a run?  ... View more

Super here for this attitude!   I am currently studying psychology and neuroscience and every day I learn something about the human brain that makes me say “huh, that makes so much sense”. The things I learn about neurophysiology make me feel way better about when I’m feeling a little strange. I Feel wayyyy less guilt now, because I know there’s a legit reason for it.  ... View more

@annabethxchase   That’s super cool that you know what helps you though. It took me years to figure it out!    How come you are feeling worse?  ... View more

Today I practiced self care by coming home and spending some time under my weighted blanket. It was a present from my girlfriend to help my anxiety and restless legs. I have only had it for a few days but they have been the best days! ... View more

Hey @missep!   So what I typically do in any situation when I am meeting a friend, I will go do the thing whether they come or not. For example, if we are going to see a movie, I will go even if they cancel.    This way you don't miss out on doing something cool just because they can't make it! Chuck on some headphones and go adventure! Reduces the disappointment by half ;) ... View more

Hey guys! I am a new builder here and it is super cool to see a super open LGBT+ space for discussion. I am 22 years old, and I currently and recently identify as a lesbian.    I have been dating my girlfriend for almost 9 months now - we celebrate our 9-month mark on a plane to Bali where we will spend 10 days in a private villa hanging out with monkeys! So pumped :D We met at our job in I.T. and I chased her for several months before she agreed to date me haha    I came out to my family as bisexual when I was 11 years old (young, I know) and then only dated men until my current girlfriend. I now understand why I was not really sexually attracted to any of the men I dated  ... View more

Hey @annabethxchase Glad to hear you are safe right now. :) Don't hesitate to reach out if you don't feel like you are.    I love swimming when I am not feeling the best. I think the sensation of water around me is not only refreshing and distracting from negative thoughts, but actually makes me feel super free and light. This often translates into an emotional "weightlessness" for me which is super cool.    Is it like that for you? Why do you like swimming? ... View more

Hey @Lostinthislife. How are you feeling today?   I'm sad to say this but I am familiar with this kind of situation. I, myself have been in one too many emotionally abusive relationships and it has taken me many years to gather up enough courage and learn my self worth in order to remove myself from them. It is especially hard to leave when you love the other person and have spent so long together - that was always why it took me so long to leave.   A big thing that helped me was finding stability in other parts of my life, such as uni and work and finding good friends. This started to slowly build my self-confidence and eventually made me realize that I love myself enough that I will not tolerate this kind of thing anymore. Nothing but healthy, supportive relationships from now on.   An important thing to remember is that you are not responsible for anyone's safety or wellbeing besides your own. I am familiar with the threats of self-harm and I know how stressful they can be, but that is exactly what they are trying to achieve.    Have you tried speaking to a professional (psychologist, counsellor) about this? If you feel unsafe, there are services out there to protect you both from others and yourself (lifeline and the police are a few good ones). Your local police should be able to inform you about protection from someone else should you need it.     I hope this helps! Happy to chat more if you would like :) Sending hugs x ... View more

Hey @keezeik!    How are you going with this? If you are still struggling, don't be afraid to reach out! I know it is hard being away from help (I have my psychologist on speed dial!) but the forums can be a safe space to chat until you are home.    Sending positive thoughts! ... View more

My dad was born in Zimbabwe when it was still Rhodesia haha  I have very vague, beautiful memories as a baby of the place ... View more

Hey guys!    So I was born in Australia but my family is Israeli, so I moved there when I turned 18!  I was raised Jewish but now I am more Jew-ish than anything! Still love the culture and the spirit, not so much the religion part. :) ... View more

Hi Guys! New builder here. Thanks for the warm welcome :)   Do you have any new year traditions (eg. have a new year party, glitter bomb friends)? No, not really. But I love to spend it with my friends and family. This year I spent it with my twin sister, my partner and her brother and his partner. We played Dungeons and dragons (my first time) and it was actually super cool! How do you keep yourself cool in summer? I go to the beach when I can cause I live kind of close! What's your favourite summer snack? Watermelon and fetta cheese... it's amazing! What's the strangest experience you've had on holidays/break? I spent a month living with my partner interstate. Was strange in the best way! What's one thing you're looking forward to in 2019? I am looking forward to my third year of university! Starting with a neuroscience unit, it is going to be super interesting and busy I hope ... View more

Congrats on actively making a plan to help out future you! Sometimes when things get hard it can be tough to find ways to help yourself and having options written out in advance is such a cool idea :) ... View more

Right now I am super hungry and excited for dinner after a day of work! Also trying to cool down in this heat  ... View more

Today I practiced self-care by having a hot shower and blasting my favourite music.  This is one of my favourite ways to de-stress after a long day at work! Also, you can never go wrong with a cup of tea! (or several) ... View more