Hey @Pasta,    That's okay. It may be something that you can slowly work out over time, and over time you can build up more supports too. When I feel lonely, sometimes I like to write in a journal or listen to a podcast. Is there something enjoyable you like doing?  ... View more

Hi @Bee,  I'm sorry that work is so anxiety-inducing for you at the moment. While I haven't been in your exact situation, I have definitely had my fair share of difficulties at work (not necessarily with just one person, although I've had that too).    I used to work as a journalist and had a lot of tight deadlines to meet and a lot of work to do every day. On top of that, I had to constantly be creative in coming up with new ideas for stories, and "pitch" them to my editor in front of my entire team. This was my first ever 'real' job in the career I had been working towards for years. The pressure was immense and I felt I just couldn't cope. I would often go home from work and just cry for hours on the phone to my friends, or alone.   I was also isolated from family and friends because I was living in a new place with no social connections at all. It was really, really hard. Even though I knew I was good at what I did, I felt I was never quite good enough and would constantly doubt myself. I would also face online hate from commenters and it was really difficult to deal with. In the end, I decided I didn't want to be a journalist anymore. This was the hardest part because I had to give up a dream that I'd had since I was a kid. I have never been more depressed in my entire life.   However, there was hope. I quit my job, and even though my bosses tried to convince me to stay, as soon as I handed in my notice I felt so relieved. It was really hard to quit, but my life has only gotten better from that point onwards. Going back to uni and studying something so different from my first career was really tricky too, but I feel really fulfilled now. Now I'm on a path that I love, I have people in my life that are so supportive because they've helped me in my darkest time, and I know that I gave journalism a shot and it just wasn't my destiny. Now I have new dreams that are even better than my old ones.    I dealt with a lot of shit from my bosses and in the workplace during my time at the newspaper. I also learnt a lot about myself and I actually now am grateful for that tough time. Without it, I wouldn't know myself as well.   I think the most important thing with dealing with work pressures is to realise that literally everyone will experience imposter syndrome or feel that they are constantly about to make mistakes. That's how I felt and I know that I may feel that in my new career too. Everyone in my life has told me that they've felt like that at one point too. I guarantee that even your boss has felt the way you are feeling now at some point. I don't say this to diminish how you're feeling, because your feelings are 100% valid. I just say it to maybe help you understand that it's okay to be imperfect at work. It's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to grow. I'm not sure if this will help you at all, but I just want you to know you'll get through this tough time as I did. I believe in you.  ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf, apologies if you're active on a different thread and I've missed it. I just wanted to check how you're feeling with the burnout now?  ... View more

Hey @Bananatime04, I also haven't logged on in a little while, but I've been reading through the thread and I just wanted to say that I'm here to listen if you need. I really admire your strength to get through the bad times.   ... View more

Today I'm grateful for my own determination. When I face hard times, I always make it through due to my sheer grit.  ... View more

Swimming always makes me feel so much better about life, @xXLexi_Lou122Xx. Maybe I should go for a swim tonight, you've inspired me!   Today I practised self-care by watering my houseplants. Watching them grow nurtures my soul.   ... View more

Wow @N1ghtW1ng, I love all those positives, how fabulous! Here are three of mine   1. I got engaged last week and I'm SO excited about it.  2. I found out today that I received the mark I wanted for my uni subjects this year! All that hard work paid off. 3. I ate a delicious croissant with my  fiancé today. ... View more

Hey @Pasta,   Sounds like you know exactly what you need. I really hope it works out and you can see them this weekend. If, for whatever reason, it doesn't work out, do you think there is someone else you might be able to talk to, or another positive way you could support yourself through this time?  ... View more

Hi @Eden1717,   I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that what you're facing is real and you are worthy of being heard by medical professionals.  You are correct in thinking that many people with eating disorders are at a healthy weight or are overweight, but I think many people just think of people being severely underweight as the 'face' of eating disorders. My own sister has an eating disorder, and she is at a healthy weight but has struggled with her weight her whole life. She has a very hard time accepting herself as she is and it makes me very sad to see her go through so much pain. However, she is working on it with a psychologist and health professionals now and is getting better, slowly.    Is there at least one person who believes you and supports you in what you're going through? ... View more

Tagging some recent users to see if you all might be interested in checking it out!     @Hozzles @ruthxxx @WheresMySquishy @not-an-otter @Maryhadalittlelamb @Tiny_leaf   @Charlie22  @ApplesRoses @Blurryphaced @Bookworm2004 @drpenguin @DruidChild  @Amy9@Animallover2003@ApplesRoses@Bananatime04@Bento@blossomfox@blueberry32@Cheeseburger@Claire-RO@Confused_fox@DC@drpenguin@DruidChild@Jane_Rose@jewels21@Just_nobody@katurian@Ladybug@lennycat2017@litgym@LizO1997@Lonelyboy17@Maryhadalittlelamb@MemphisBelle@Milkninja222@MisoBear@mspaceK@not-an-otter@Pasta@peacelovepizza@queenP@Saltwaterdreamtime@Sammyye@scared01@Secret_Pigeon@smileandwave@SomeoneNADJS@Tinkmatter@xXLexi_Lou122Xx @Esperanza67 @Bee  ... View more

@Jess1-RO I don't like the idea of disappointing people. I'm getting better as I get older at setting boundaries (particularly with work and my family) but it's hard to say no to my friends or boyfriend sometimes.  ... View more

I love kookaburras, they're so precious! 1. I'm seeing my sister today! 2. It's not super cold or rainy. 3. I like my outfit. ... View more

Hey @Dyl, I'm so sorry that happened to you? Why do you say you feel like you have your back against a wall?  ... View more

Working on it! I find it hard to say no to people but I'm trying! ... View more

Hey @xXLexi_Lou122Xx,   Sounds like there is some really hard stuff going on for you at the moment. I'm going to catch up on this thread later today but I hope you're having an okay day today and I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you.  ... View more

Love all your TV show picks, @Jess1-RO. And Ben and Jerry's vegan flavours are so good too!  ... View more

Wishing you a swift recovery @WheresMySquishy  ... View more

I'm jealous! Getting paid to have coffee and cake is the dream! ... View more

Thanks @Jess1-RO,   It's good to be back :)  ... View more

Hi @Jess1-RO,   Probably Boyle, although I have a soft spot for Captain Holt too  ... View more

Negative: feeling very tired and burnt out as I officially finished uni yesterday Positive: taking the day to rest, cook some nice food and be gentle with myself. ... View more

Hey @StrawberryShortcake,   Sounds like you've been going through a really difficult time. I definitely felt shy when I was a teenager and I can understand feeling nervous to join a party where you don't know many people. I sometimes get nervous going to places where I don't know anyone too, it can feel really intimidating. That's really great that your mum has been so supportive of taking care of your mental health. If you feel comfortable, there are many different mental health professionals who are very empathetic and might be able to help you. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right fit.  I agree that you know the most about your own life, but psychologists are trained to be able to help you help yourself if that makes sense? Also, most psychologists will be aware of the time constraints you have (10 sessions) and be able to work within that time frame. Often you'll start by seeing a psychologist once a week or so and then see them less frequently as you progress. Many psychologists will equip you with the tools you need to keep working on your mental health when you're not in session, and so therapy can be more than just when you're in the room with your psychologist (if that makes sense). Kids Helpline is also a great suggestion, and the forums are also here if you need more support.  ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf,   I can definitely relate, I'm feeling pretty burnt-out myself right now. Usually I find all I want to do when I'm burnt out is sleep, but watching or reading something that makes me laugh is a good low-key form of self-care for me. I also tend to do short mindfulness meditations on the smiling mind app, which is a good way to just sit with what I'm feeling (the exhaustion, sadness, anxiety, whatever it is) and just be okay with not being okay for a while. It helps me remember that I'll feel less burnt out soon.  ... View more

I'm not in an area where the fires are but I just wanted to hop on here to let those who have been affected know we're thinking of you here on the forums. <3 ... View more

I'm halfway Season 4. I thought I wouldn't like B99 at all ( I don't know why...) but I honestly love it. It's such a comforting show and so good to put on if you're having a bad day. My boyfriend and I have been watching a few episodes pretty much every night. ... View more

Hey everyone! Happy to be back on the forums properly after some INTENSE weeks at uni! I've loved reading everyone's answers   What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? I love a classic dark chocolate sorbet!   Peanut butter: crunchy or smooth? Smooth, but crunchy is good too!   What do you consider to be the best TV show of all time? This is way too hard...but my favourite TV show is The US Office   What is your favourite genre of music? Probably Alt Rock   Pineapples on pizza: yay or nay? Nay.    If you could travel back in time, which time period would you travel to? Probably the 1920s! ... View more

Hi @Dyl,  I'm so happy things are going well for you at the moment. Things are okay with me. I've been really, really busy with uni so I haven't been on the forums much. But now I'm back! ... View more

I love Lizzo's music! Definitely helps with fostering self-positivity and love. ... View more

Negative: feeling extremely tired and worn out. Positive: took this as a sign to practise some self-care, had a shower and am now going to nap. ... View more