Hi @SophieHarris  Welcome to the forum. We're glad you found this thread helpful. You mentioned feeling desperate and lacking resources. Just letting you know that we're always here for a chat if you ever need some support. You are always more than welcome to create your own thread! Also, I'm not sure if you're aware, but there are always helplines available should you ever need support with something. ... View more

Hey @Bento    I'm so sorry to hear that you're in such a dark place at the moment. I know you expressed concerns about not understanding (or not fitting in) with society prior to the pandemic, so I can only imagine how you're feeling now.   It sounds like you're really scared about the outside world and worried about what other people think. When you say you're worried about what other people think, do you mean about you or society? Or both?   I noticed that you have pushed your family away, despite them being supportive of you. Does this help you cope with the situation or make it worse? ... View more

Hey @Nate1994    Talking to your doctor sounds like a great option. Feel free to let us know how you go! ... View more

Hi @jasmine_8    Welcome to the forums! It sounds like you've been experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms, and I can understand why they're getting to you. We believe you and don't think you're being dramatic, and I'd be surprised if the people around you thought otherwise. OCD (if that is what you have) can be treated in multiple ways through medication or psychotherapy. Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy is meant to be an effective psychological treatment for OCD. I encourage you to speak to your doctor about it and ask for a referral to see a psychologist if you are concerned. Also, if you're at school or university, it might be an idea to get in contact with the school counselor.   What do you think about taking these steps? ... View more

The first for sure...I like talking too much...and I'd probably habituate to the music.   Would you rather never have/use an air conditioner OR heater ever again? ... View more

Spiderman ... View more

Yes   Have you evvvvver eaten a snail? ... View more

Toaster   Name the first...fruit you can think of! ... View more

I'm glad to hear about an increase in your sister's psych support @WheresMySquishy. I know you've been wanting that for her for a while. Negative: I'm tired Positive: I can sleep in after tomorrow! ... View more

@StarGirl101 It's exciting you've decided to give it a go. I'm excited for you. It's important to find a set of friends who are on your wavelength - it just makes life so much easier. Feel free to keep us updated with it all.   Excuse my ignorance (I feel old right now) but what do you mean by "ck"? ... View more

@MB95 Yeah I get you Definitely makes it hard. You're not alone. You've got us!   Do you think it might have been a mistake? Surely she wouldn't "sneakily" take it off? Or maybe she forgot to mention it?   As you said, your psych knows you have attachment issues so surely she wouldn't do that without explaining it to you, on purpose.   P.s. from before - I think i got interstate/international confused. ... View more

Thanks for the update @Eden1717. We're glad to have you back with us. Hopefully you get to go home soon ... View more

Aw that sounds really hard.   I really like the points that @Eden1717 made though. I'm wondering, are there any other ways that you could look at the situation that might be more helpful?   ... View more

@Ladybug It's a little creepy that you asked that because I JUST saw a spider in my bathroom, and I have not seen one in a long time! And no, not really, unless they're on me!   Are you looking forward to summer? ... View more

@Lost_Space_Explorer5 Oh I see, haha. I was unsure what happened but that makes sense. All good - you don't have to worry about coming across as those things on here .   So what do you think you might do tonight then? ... View more

Haha @Lost_Space_Explorer5 - what made you change your mind so quickly? ... View more

You don't sound like a downer @MB95. You sound like someone who knows what they need right now - some TV and relax.   Correct me if I'm wrong, but you have family overseas, right? If yes, do you think that once you have more energy, it might be worth giving your parent(s) a call?   We are always here if you need. ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf - I feel like we haven't chatted in ages! I just quickly caught up on your thread. I see that Leo is causing you a bit of strife, haha, the joys of puppies. I read that you haven't spent much time with Leo recently, but I'm wondering, how is having him overall?   I'm glad to hear that your body is feeling a little better. ... View more

@TOM-ROprobably pasta   Do you prefer ricotta-filled cannoli or custard-filled cannoli? ... View more

A book!   Mustard yellow ... View more

Well done on smashing out your assignment @MB95 . I noticed you said it's meant to be "holiday" time but that's not the case - I feel your pain. I'm doing assignments on my mid semester break. As you said though, it's definitely a good distraction!   How's your day been today? ... View more

Aw, thanks for sharing that story @Saltwaterdreamtime. That is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!! It must have been so nice to hear your mum say that she is proud of you...and...also...um... CONGRATULATIONS on the baby!!!!!!!! That is wonderful. Awww. Your partners/your child will have a sibling!! Yippee! Excuse the 1000 exclamation marks - that is just me expressing my excitement over text. ... View more

Aw, @hunginc that sounds really hard. Do you think it might be a good idea to take a few deep breaths, do something nice for yourself (cup of tea, warm bath or shower), and try and get an early night's sleep? You've had a difficult day and you deserve some rest. Try not to worry about university - it sounds like your doctor has your back and like things will work out in the end. Just keep reminding yourself that you are doing everything you can and following all of your doctors recommendations. Your health comes first. If things get too overwhelming for you, there are services that you can contact from some counseling, which you may already know about (most people who use our forums do). We have a list services here that you can contact. Also, feel free to continue to speak to us for some extra support and a shoulder (or shoulders) to lean on. We're ALWAYS here to support you and listen. ... View more

@sunnygirl606 Mmmm I see. We probably can't get into the details about medications over the forums due to the guidelines, but all I can say is I hear you, and I can imagine how frightened you're feeling. I always think the worst even when I start to feel even a little bit of pain! Hopefully your rheumatologist will have a solution for you when you see him/her. Also, try to look after yourself as much as possible. You mentioned struggling to finish school work. Please don't be scared to ask for special consideration if you need it. And allow yourself to feel "a little bit off" for a while, until you feel a bit better to pick yourself up again. It's not easy dealing with a chronic health condition, but you can get through it, and you're getting all the right support which is a great step. ... View more

I see @hunginc ! Do you think you'll feel less stressed if it gets approved? ... View more

Hey @hunginc    Right, I see what you mean! Yeah, university can be really stressful. Take a few deep breaths to help with your anxiety. Download our "breathe" app if you can - it'll help guide your breathing.    Now, you mentioned special consideration earlier. Have you applied for that yet? How many subjects are you doing? ... View more

Hey @hunginc    It actually sucks that you had to do a 10-person assignment basically by yourself - sounds incredibly stressful for anybody!!!! It's great that you recognise that you are in need of support right now. Is your mind racing in an anxious way or manic way...? Or is it hard to tell?   ... View more

I see! Yeah I have a similar condition, and my mum has RA. Are you taking any medication for it? @sunnygirl606  ... View more

Hey @DisneyFan22    Welcome to ReachOut. Haha, you're right, it can feel a little strange sharing aspects of one's life with a bunch of strangers - good thing this platform is anonymous and we have a really supportive community to make things a little easier. Good on you for having the courage to share   Hm, sounds like you're in a tricky situation, and feeling a little trapped by being financially unable to move out. It's a little hard to offer advice with such little information. Do you have a mother at home too? Or is it just you and your dad?   From what you've described, it sounds like he 1) lacks insight into how his words upset you and that 2) he has a tendency to get a little defensive when you try to set boundaries.   Regarding these issues - I think this article might be helpful. They sum up some good tactics that might be worth using when talking with your dad.   You also mentioned lacking self-esteem, which is tough. I thought I'd link you in with some professional support. We have a list of services here that offer free counseling 24/7. I think getting some professional support could be really useful in terms of getting assitance with your self-esteem AND the issues with your father. An objective person who can listen and provide guidance is really useful. What are your thoughts on giving counselling ago (assuming you haven't already)?   Feel free to keep us updated with how things go   ... View more

Hey @sunnygirl606    Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry to hear things are a bit off for you .   Ah - pain is the WORST. I have been there. It's all under control now, but until it was it was pretty distressing, so I hear you. I'm really glad you're seeing a rheumatologist in October. October must feel like a world away when you're in pain, but we're already reaching the end of September. It'll come around quick. Hang in there . And remember, it is okay to be feeling a little bit down - lots of people feel that way when they're in pain. If your situation is anything like mine, seeing a GP won't really do anything...and you're better off waiting for the rheumatologist appointment. In saying that though, your situation may be different.   It might also be worth seeing a health psychologist to help with the depression and pain. Have you ever considered this? ... View more