Thanks for feeling as though you could talk to me about this @Bananatime04, I know that discussing your sexuality can be very personal and difficult, especially when you aren't 100% sure.    In terms of what to do and how to tell for sure, my biggest piece of advice would be to take some time to just sit with the idea of being bisexual on your own. When I realised I was a lesbian, I felt quite daunted and unsure and strange too, but the more I explored what this might mean on my own, the better and more confident I felt that this was my identity. In terms of 'exploring' my identity, I tended to watch videos on Youtube with same-sex couples, and read stories about same-sex relationships as this was something I really enjoyed. Other times, I would spend time imagining myself with girls that I liked from school and what a relationship with them would look like. During this time, I tried not to interrogate what my feelings meant too much, I just did what made me happy and went from there. Eventually, I was able to group these positive feelings towards women together and classify them as 'attraction', but that took some time. I would highly recommend that you don't put too much pressure on yourself to find a label that suits you immediately - when you know, you'll know.    With regard to telling people, and particularly your parents, my advice would be to do this in your own time when you feel comfortable with who you are. While my experience may not be the same as yours, I found it helpful to take some to sit with my sexuality before telling some people. This gave me the space to love who I was before I had to battle with other people's opinions of whether it was right or wrong. I think this was potentially the most useful thing that I did in the process of coming out - I initially tried to come out very early, before I had personally accepted that I was a lesbian and was comfortable with that identity. I'm glad that I didn't tell too many people, because the few years that came after this gave me the chance to grow, build confidence, and learn to like myself for who I was. In terms of discussing your sexuality with your parents, this is a tricky one. I personally have a very strong relationship with my parents and I knew that they didn't have a problem with homosexuality, so I was very lucky. However, I recognise that not everyone is this fortunate, and even if they are, coming out is still a scary experience. Do you feel as though you could discuss this with your parents? If not, is there someone else you trust that you feel comfortable discussing it with?    When it comes to coping with people's opinions of being same-sex attracted, there will always be people that support you, people that don't, and people that surprise you. No matter how anyone in your life responds to the idea of you being bisexual, there is a whole community of people out here who love and accept you for who you are, no matter who that may be. With regard to RO, this is a LGBTQIA+ friendly space, so you can always feel welcome here.    Overall, my advice is this: take your time, and enjoy the experience of learning who you are. There is nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to exploring your sexuality - this is an incredibly normal experience. Be kind to yourself during this process, and try not to judge your feelings, impulses or thoughts, because whatever happens and whatever comes up, you are worthy of love and belonging.Thanks again for reaching out, and if there's anything else you'd like to ask, please don't hesitate to reach out xx ... View more

Absolutely! What did you want to ask?  ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04! How are you? I'm sorry I haven't logged on in a while, but I thought of you today. I hope things are going well for you, and if they aren't too great, I hope we can talk about it together. I've missed you!  ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, I'm sorry to hear that you had a bit of a breakdown, but way to go for using your coping strategies and reaching out to Beyond Blue. It is so fantastic that you know exactly what you need to do and what works for you when things aren't feeling right.   I am good! I have packed up all of my belongings and am ready to get the keys to my new apartment in a few days, which is very exciting! I also have a job interview on Wednesday which I am very excited about.   Have fun at the movies! ... View more

Oh @Bananatime04, I know how scary that feeling can be. I know for me, it often feels like I am 'compelled' to do something. Pushing against this feeling or ignoring it is difficult, but it was one of the things that helped me break free of my compulsions and the cycle of anxiety and guilt. I would highly recommend that you seek out a psychologist, because the process of arguing against your own mind is best done with the consultation of a professional who knows how to help you.   I am also sorry about your dream, that must have been very frightening. When I have dreams that disturb me, I try and rewrite the ending of them in a journal according to what I would have preferred to happen. Would you want to give this a try?  ... View more

I've got a little bit of time, what's on your mind?   WOOOOO! That is amazing! You should be so incredibly proud of yourself, that is so tough but so great. You are so powerful, it is inspiring. ... View more

Woohoo! I just wanted to check in and see how you're feeling tonight. I had a read through the stuff I have missed in the thread and I hope you're feeling a little better.   The OCD stuff is really hard, but I think it's great that you have some insight into your own thoughts ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, are you still online?    ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, way to go on starting the new thread! Sorry for the late reply, I haven't logged on for the last few days. I'm sorry to hear that things are a bit tough, I hope today is better.    You mentioned that you're experiencing a problem, but that you don't want to talk about it because it hasn't been diagnosed yet. That's completely okay, but if you do want to chat about it, I hope you know your feelings and experiencing are still 100% valid, diagnosis or no diagnosis.    Thinking of you tonight xx ... View more

Thanks @Bananatime04! My girlfriend isn't moving in with us, we have only been together for a year so we aren't quite ready for that just yet. Hopefully in a year or 2 we might give that a try.    I'm really sorry your counsellor had to cancel your appointment, but don't give up hope! Little inconveniences like that happen all the time, but I'm sure they will be able to reschedule for some other time. ... View more

That's fantastic, I hope things with the school counsellor go well! I'm sorry to hear that things at training were a bit tough and that you've hurt your knee, that must be really painful. I hope things feel a bit better soon. I have been good! Very busy, but good. My parents have decided to move back to our hometown, so my sister and I will be moving out in 4 weeks. I'm a little scared, because I have never lived on my own before, but I am also really excited because this is a big step for me! What's new with you?  ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, how are you?  ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, I just want to congratulate you on reaching out to your step-mum. It's a huge step to talk to someone in your life about your stress, so I hope you are proud of yourself, I know I am!   I can completely understand that you'd feel guilty for putting yourself above someone else by breaking up with him. Break ups are always terrible, let alone with the added pressure of this situation. I know that this won't ease the difficulty, but when my Mum was feeling quite responsible for someone else's dangerous actions, my Dad said something very important that changed her perspective on things - "If there was anything you could say or do to stop her from being in danger, you would have done it by now. It's out of your hands". As much as you feel responsible for your boyfriend's safety, the only real person that has the capacity to choose whether someone stays safe or not is the individual themselves. His actions are his alone, as much as you feel responsible, so please be as kind to yourself as you can. You are a good person - I can see that from the way that you care so deeply about his wellbeing - so don't forget it xx ... View more