Hi @ruthxxx ,   How are you today? Are you both still finding it hard to talk in person. The first time hanging out after someone acknowledges feeling can be really awkward but usually the fades quickly! I know that whenever I really like someone I always would rather have a broken heart than to never try anything and always wonder what would happen if I did, but that may just be how my personality is.   Do you guys talk online? It may be easier to organise a group thing over a group chat or even ask him how he is feeling over a message? ... View more

Hahah @ecla34 yes! I hope that's true of you too   Today I had brunch with my sister and as I haven't seen her in a few weeks it was really nice to catch up  ... View more

Hi @dean95 ,   I'm Tasi! I find these forums a really great place to hang out and find people going through similar stuff    How are you today?? I have been tired all day but I just had a really great shower and I am feeling pretty happy in bed now haha! ... View more

Hi @ruthxxx,   It's such good news that he sent you that message!    I know it may not seem like it, but it could be that one of the reasons he doesn't talk much around you is that he is also nervous.... liking people is nerve racking for everyone!!!   If you feel up to it you could organise something with him?? Maybe you could invite your other friends so that it takes the pressure off. That way if it is a friend thing you can interact with him in person and maybe try and get a sense of whether he really does like you. Also, you will have other friends as back up if it gets awkward....   Just an idea! What have you been thinking about doing??? ... View more

This was so good @Ally12345  and captured a feeling I think a lot of people can really relate to. I hope it was therapeutic to write  ... View more

Hehe @ecla34 I like that! I mean she is a pretty badass female   (Also good luck with the thesis I literally just gave mine in!)     I think this is going to sound a bit corny and lame but I always get inspired by nature and music!   I really love to travel and I always feel inspired in a new place.   But even going on a walk on a local bush track or at the beach can inspire me! Especially if I take my earphones and listen to some music :catvery-happy ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04,   I know it was a looong time ago now that you tagged me in this thread. I just wanted to pop in and say hi! I had some crazy pressure at uni recently and it was better for my mental health to hop off for a while.   It seems like there has been so much support while I've been gone though! This is such a great community  ... View more

Hi @ellabuck_x ,   Hmmm I see how this is a difficult situation.   Have you had an honest conversation with your partner about how you feel? Not only your views on when to have sex but that you are worried about what it will mean for the future of your relationship?   I know these conversations are tough but I feel like making sure you both know exactly where the other person stands will be helpful in making a decision as you move forward!   I think it is good that you can respect his own beliefs but also understand what yours are and what it is you want. These are such good qualities when having these discussions!   It sounds like you guys are having fun at this stage as well!! Maybe you guys could have an honest conversation now and also plan to talk again in a couple months to see if you are both happy with how everything is going??   I won't lie I have never been in this particular situation, but I thought I would add some thoughts <3  ... View more

This week I submitted my thesis!!! I want to apologise for not being on for a while but recently I've been stressed that I just couldn't log on..... but I'm freeeeeeeee!! ... View more

Oh my gosh your animal adventures sound very fun and kind of wacky @Tiny_leaf !   I can imagine bringing the conversation up with your parents will be quite hard. When I have a hard conversation ahead I like to write notes on my phone... I don't usually use them but I'm quite visual so having things written down clears my mind.   You may have gotten that advice before... have you ever used a strategy when bringing something up with them before? ... View more

Hello @Tiny_leaf,   I also just wanted to offer my deepest sympathies.    Echoing @Bananatime04 so many people on the forums appreciate you and if you need to talk we are here    <3 Tasi ... View more

Hello Everyone!   Sorry I'm late to this but I though I'd add a bit to the most recent question   Is it possible to accidentally stereotype or discriminate against people? If so, what are some things we can do to prevent ourselves from doing this?   It is definitely possible to accidentally stereotype or discriminate against people. I think it is important to being really open to that fact that you will likely get it wrong and listen to others' feedback. People don't want to be stereotypical or discriminate so it is easy to become defensive or angry if something you said is pointed out. However, (even though it can be really hard to do) admitting that you are wrong is usually the quickest way to do better.    I honestly think if I someone is called out on being discriminate that the best response they could have is: "I'm sorry you are right, what do you think I could say instead/ do to be better next time?"   I try remind myself it is ok to make a mistake if you use it to learn and in the end treat people better (even though it can be so hard to admit you were accidentally discriminate in the first place) ... View more

Wow! all these ideas are so cool and I will be coming back to this thread on a rainy day!   @Tiny_leaf are the knee pads for a particular sport you do?? ... View more

Hi @mspaceK ,   It's no worries that you missed me it sounds like you have been utilising some really good coping strategies and keeping busy.    I'm glad that the session helped and some of those you know there reached out. Further I agree with @letitgo in that if you feel up to it that you have something nice for yourself planned this weekend!! ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf ,   I just wanted to say I think the fact you started the email after your experience is very brave. Reaching out even after bad experiences can be such a hard barrier.  ... View more

Morning @mspaceK,   I'm sorry you had a bad dream last night <3    I think it's very understandable though that you are having a slow morning. Do you have bread? This will sounds silly but sometimes when I feel like I can't be bothered and I'm apathetic I like to just eat basic toast. Have you come up with any plans for between now and your session today? If you feel like chatting I am currently procrastinating a lot of uni work (oops) ... View more

Ohhhh @Tiny_leaf that looks so pretty!! I did a class in highschool were we got to make jewelry so if I can find some pliers I might give that a go!   That would also be a good DIY as a present! I think DIY presents are such a nice gift!   Do you know what your next project will be after your phone case? ... View more

Hi @mspaceK ,   I'm sorry I can only be on for about 30mins... but I'm happy to talk until then :)   Did you still want someone to talk to?? ... View more

That is very cool @Tiny_leaf , I hope you post a photo when it is finished!   I haven't done a craft project in ages but I once spent a summer decorating a heap of jars with glitter and mod podge to hold my makeup brushes.   Your photo has made me maybe want to start another project. Do you have a suggestion for someone with beginner DIY abilities? ... View more

Some really great responses so far!! I think another addition on knowing about different mental health professionals is firstly it can help you financially- seeing a specific kind of professional is often what is covered compared to another.   I also think it can be helpful in knowing what to expect, what your rights are and who to turn to if something is wrong. Certain titles often mean a certain level of required training/education and often change what code of ethics a profesional must follow.   Hopefully you won't need to use that information but sometimes it can help if you are questioning advice or your level of care to know what the professionals own guide lines expect. ... View more

@Tiny_leaf oh I am so glad about that!   I am sorry to hear about your bad experiences but likewise I think you and everyone else who are sharing these experiences will help people in the future and validate others when they are questioning whether what they experience is normal  ... View more

Thanks @WheresMySquishy  :) At first I wasn't sure if I should mention my good psychologist experience as I didn't want to appear braggy or to make those who hadn't had good experiences feel bad. However, I thought about it and thought it may be good to so that the discussion was balanced and just so those who are thinking about seeing someone can read about all kinds of experiences.     ... View more