About Bre-RO

Bre-RO · ‎04-12-2019

Today I am grateful that each day I get to be apart of such a special community I feel so lucky to love what I do and it's thanks to each and everyone of you.

Bre-RO · ‎04-12-2019

Did you know that there is a growing body of research to suggest that people who practise gratitude regularly are happier? Of course, this isn’t an overnight result of being grateful. It takes practise but we know that once gratitude is a daily habit in your life, it can have some amazing benefits. Below is just one of them... "Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression." To help you get started with practising gratitude we're introducing the 5-day gratitude challenge! You can read all about it here. Below are five challenges - you're welcome to do all of them or just one! If you want to share your experience of the challenge in the comments we'd love to see how you go with it! We also have a Today I'm Grateful For thread that is lovely to be part of! Activity: Challenge #1: Take a photo of something you're grateful for and share it in the comments (please remember that this is an anonymous space, so don't share anything that could jeopardise your privacy) Challenge #2: In your transactions with cashiers, baristas and others, take the time to look them in the eye and really thank them. Challenge #3: Put up gratitude “stop signs” in your life. Challenge #4: Write a thoughtful letter to someone who means a lot to you. Challenge #5: Be honest about the thanks you’d like to hear from the people in your life.

Bre-RO · ‎03-12-2019

Hey @Eden1717 and @Tiny_leaf. I just wanted to stop by here to acknowledge the beautiful peer support taking place here It is such a challenging journey for so many people to find the treatment and support that works best. I have to commend you both on your persistent efforts to get help in the face of adversity - it shows so much resilience. I also want to acknowledge how much patience you've both had to have - that must be really exhausting for you both. I wanted to drop a link to One Door Mental Health here who do amazing work and look to share peoples personal stories. Difficulty with medication/treatment is something that the wider mental health profession need to understand. They also work in giving practical support etc... Don't know if that's helpful to include here but thought I'd mention it.

Bre-RO · ‎03-12-2019

Hey @xXLexi_Lou122Xx just catching up on this thread. It's exciting to hear of all the new technology you'll have soon! It will be nice to have your own phone as well. Do you know which phone you're getting? Glad that you're okay, even though you're feeling a bit numb. Is there anything that helps you get out of that, if you don't want to feel numb anymore? Also, I think a C is perfectly fine. Getting through it is the most important thing. Hope you get through your science dissection!!

Bre-RO · ‎03-12-2019

@Tiny_leaf this is such a powerful letter - particularly when you wrote "I will not let you destroy me". It shows just how resilient and insightful you are. In saying this, it's really not nice to hear that you are mocked for your symptoms. That would be beyond hurtful. Can you get support with these times from your family?

Bre-RO · ‎03-12-2019

Hi @MB95 We are happy to have you as part of this community! It helps so much to have people to listen and understand what you're going through It's really hard when you're having a strong emotional response to something but you're not too sure why. How are you feeling today about seeing your psychologist? We are thinking of you and hoping that is goes well

Bre-RO · ‎29-11-2019

Hey @Bananatime04 Oh I'm so sorry to hear that, that would have been really disappointing for you. It's great that you do have an appointment but I can imagine why you'd feel devastated right now. Also, I literally bawl my eyes out every time I have to get a blood test. It's okay to feel scared about certain things It sounds like it's been a bit of a draining day for you, do you have anything nice planned for the weekend?

Bre-RO · ‎29-11-2019

@SomeoneNADJS Hey R, I think it's normal to be nervous about that kind of thing. It sounds like your mum is being a great support in the process of coming out which is really lovely to hear. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping that you are received with all the support and acceptance you deserve You and your systemmates seem to have been through a lot with so much switching recently. It also sounds like it has been a huge learning experience for you - which can be good and overwhelming at the same time. I just want to make sure you all have someone to talk about the switching? You mentioned being part of some online spaces where you had some support with it - is that still the case? Also it's really nice to hear that you've found more LGBTIQA+ people in your family unit - it can be nice to feel that sense of solidarity with people that are close to you I hope today is better that yesterday! We'll be looking forward to hearing about how tomorrow goes.

Bre-RO · ‎29-11-2019

Hey @not-an-otter It's not nice to hear that the school counsellor makes so many people feel uncomfortable. Just by reading what you have said I can understand why you don't feel comfortable getting support from him. It's important to trust yourself when you think something isn't right! I'm just wondering if you have let another teacher or your parents know about how this teacher is making yourself and others feel? Also, I totally get what you mean by playing emotions off as humour. That is something I think a lot of people do. Do you think it would help if you were to say something like. "Usually I'd joke about this kind of thing but today I'm really feeling like I need some help, can I talk to you about what's going on for me?" - I know that can be a hard thing to say but if it means getting some extra support from your friends, than it could be worth trying?

Bre-RO · ‎29-11-2019

Hey @MB95 It's really positive to hear about you affiliation with the outdoors! Spending time in nature is such a special way to ground yourself and feel connected to something bigger than yourself. That FB group sounds great! Joining groups can be a confronting thing to do - I know it has taken me a long time to get into my hobbies simply because I was nervous to go on my own and thought I'd be awkward. What helped me was giving myself permission to be awkward and shy and just do it for myself. The fear never went away but I kinda faked being brave until it came natural. I also found that most people do those hobbies on their own and are in the same boat as you! Which is comforting in a weird way. Maybe it's something you can work towards with the help of your psychologist? Also, I think many people can feel a range of emotions when trying to ask for help. I think it's because asking for support can make you feel really vulnerable. I think it's okay to feel a little hurt that your requests for extra help didn't go the way you hoped - just remind yourself that it wasn't a personal thing and probably had more to do with your psychologists time restraints etc.. I know there's been many times I've wanted to help someone a lot more than I was able to given the restrictions of my role, workplace, abilities etc.. I don't know if that helps but I'm sure your psychologist in a perfect world would have really wanted to be there for you In saying all that I'm so happy you are here and that we are able to support you between counselling sessions! What are you up to today? Is there anything nice you can do for yourself :)

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

I agree @inez1800RESPECT your values can really bring you back to who you are and what you want in life! You've made a strong point in saying that anybody who feels unsafe in their home does not have to suffer alone I want to echo that! 1800RESPECT Kids Helpline eHeadspace BeyondBlue Are all such wonderful services and we want to encourage anybody who needs to use those supports to do so. Once again @inez1800RESPECT thank you for making time to chat with us about Healthy Relationships. We hope that this is something the community can read back on and take something from. If anyone would like to see more about what 1800RESPECT say about Healthy Relationships & Help and Support - follow the links to read on. Thank you so much to @WheresMySquishy and @Hozzles for bringing your experience and insights to this discussion It has been really nice chatting with you all! Goodnight everyone :)

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@inez1800RESPECT I love that you mentioned "inviting in" - such a good way of empowering yourself to share a part of yourself with people you trust Thanks for sharing your ideas on how to approach these tough conversations. Something I've noticed that has come up a lot tonight is the theme of values. Knowing your values and communicating them is such a powerful thing! We know there are times where these conversations aren't always able to take place and young people for a number of reasons can start to notice that they are in really tough situations at home. We had this question and I think it's a really brave thing to ask What is the best way to get help if I'm feeling unsafe at home?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

A great point to add @inez1800RESPECT!

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

That is really useful advice and agreed that this stuff is trial and error - so it's important to be gentle with yourself when working it out We have spoken a bit about friendships and romantic/sexual relationships but now we're going to talk a little bit about family relationships. We had the following question about how to navigate a situation with their mum... I’m 15 and earlier this year, I came out to my mum. She said it was just a phase. I’ve started seeing someone and I really want to invite her over, but I don’t know how to bring it up again.

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@WheresMySquishy I have had literally the same situation with a friend! I found it so weird that I had to explain that it wasn't okay to point things out about my appearance. Good on you for speaking your mind! :)

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@inez1800RESPECT Boundaries are so important and you're right - it can take time to learn what they are. Basing them around your values is a good place to start, thank you for sharing that with us Also, I'm glad to hear you were able to speak up in what sounds like an uncomfortable situation to be put in. Communicating boundaries is an important skill to have! What advice would you have for young people who haven't set boundaries with friends or partners before?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@WheresMySquishy Sorry to hear you've had that experience :( I think most of us do at some point and it can be hard to let go of those people but I try to remember that you never know when you're going to make a new great friend

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Good point @inez1800RESPECT It can be hard at first to stop the warning signs that someone is overstepping the boundary from challenging you to putting you down. We had another member of the community ask a question that builds on that. What should I do if my partner isn't respecting my boundaries?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@inez1800RESPECT I think what you've said is so true! Especially around feeling like you are comfortable to be yourself. Being able to express who you are and what you feel to your close loved ones is really important. And so true!! I can also vouch for that, the car is a good place to have difficult conversations - as long as the driver is safe of course :) We had a question about friendships that we wanted to get your thoughts on... What are the signs of a toxic friendship?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@WheresMySquishy definitely can be a great warm-up to talking to someone about what's going on :)

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@Hozzles It's so nice that you're able to laugh, no matter how you feel! I'm a big believer in if you don't laugh you'll cry. I know having a sense of humour has helped me a lot :)

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

I completely agree with you. I have also found accessing help confusing and confronting at times. I'm sure many people here totally relate to what you've said there! Your advice is really helpful though. There is power in saying you don't know what steps to take next but simply that you need someone at that moment It's really special when you find someone who is able to hold your hand in that process - whether that be a counsellor, friend or family member. That leads me to another question... What do you think the signs of a Healthy Relationship are?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Hey @inez1800RESPECT Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us about such an important topic. Also, thank you for doing such an important job in the community - I know that a lot of people benefit incredibly from the work being done at 1800RESPECT. It sounds like self-care is an important thing for you to incorporate into your life so that you can do what you do! What would you say is one of the most positive outcomes you've seen in visiting the services you do?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

We're going to kick things off by giving our guest @inez1800RESPECT a warm welcome to the community and getting into our first question. Tell us a little more about yourself and the work you do at 1800RESPECT?

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Hi everyone @inez1800RESPECT and I are getting ready to chat at 7 pm!! We're talking about Healthy Relationships - so if you have some questions feel free to send some throughout the night. I'm going to tag some people who might wanna join in tonight :) @Hozzles @Alison5 @Sunflower18 @recharging_introvert @Maddy-RO @WheresMySquishy @xXLexi_Lou122Xx @Bee @TidalDecade

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Hey @WheresMySquishy Wow it definitely sounds like you and your family have had a big few days! First of all I want to say congrats on impressing your interviewer :) It's great that you felt prepared given the all the practise you had last year. It's not nice to hear about those frustrating encounters you've had at the hospital. It must be hard for you to see your sister in that position but I'm glad they apologised to her! It sounds like there's a lot happening for your family, inside and outside of the home. Is there any place that you go to or enjoy that is respite for you? We're thinking of you right now, it sounds like there's a lot of pressure to balance, so know we are here to listen

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Hey @MB95 That's okay! Helplines are not for everyone - it can feel awkward, especially at first to talk to someone you don't know on the phone. I think most people find it easier to message/text when expressing their emotions. I know I can explain how I feel a lot better through text, so I completely get where you're coming from eHeadspace is a chat service for young people up to the age of 25 years old. Kids helpline also offer WebChat counselling to young people up to the age of 25. I hope that helps if you ever need someone to talk to. You've mentioned that you have a psychologist that you speak to but you don't feel comfortable telling them about self harm. I'm just wondering if it would be helpful for us to work together to think of a way you can bring it up in one of your sessions? Support services are great but I just wondering if you have any family members of friends that are aware of how you've been feeling? Those people can also be really important supports when times are tough Hope you're feeling better today

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

Hey @not-an-otter Just thought I'd chime in to say I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated at the moment. It's so hard carrying that around and not feeling like you have someone to talk to. You mentioned that the school counsellor is a bit creepy - I was just wondering if you'd be comfortable sharing a little bit more about what that means? Know that we are here for you

Bre-RO · ‎28-11-2019

@ayrc_1904 That's exactly right - life is full of opportunities to learn new things and grow. I love that you've found a few solid and enjoyable ways of doing self-care. Like you, a huge part of my self care is centred around music - whether it's dancing, singing or just listening to my favourite records/finding new artists. I'm so grateful for music Do you play any instruments?

Bre-RO · ‎27-11-2019

Hey @MB95 I hope you don't mind I jump in on this conversation. I've just been reading through your posts and I want to echo what others have said here about your courage in sharing what you're going through. Talking about self harm can be really hard but it's clear that you put a lot of thought into how to express what you're going through without triggering others. That is so thoughtful of you We are really grateful that you feel comfortable to share this with us. I think it's really proactive that you asked your therapist for two sessions - you know yourself best so asking for what you need is a huge strength. I'm just wondering if you've ever used any helplines? It can be really nice to talk to someone anonymously, in the comfort of your own home. That way you can get stuff off your chest and maybe ask for tips on how you can talk to your psychologist about it eventually? Lots of people here find Kids Helpline really supportive - there website and information is here. We're thinking of you

Date Registered	‎25-07-2019 11:04 AM
Date Last Visited	‎04-12-2019 01:26 PM
Total Messages Posted	518
Total High Fives Received	1040

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Date Last Visited	‎04-12-2019 01:26 PM

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Weekly Wellbeing: 5-day Gratitude Challenge!

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