@Eden1717 thanks for posting, this is an important topic- it's great we are having healthy and productive conversations around it!   I personally believe in strong boundaries, but I have a strong support network who I call on for help with self-care and positive distraction, or just to tell them I don't feel the greatest. I don't even go into what's bothering me; I just let them know so I can get it off my chest and therefore don't have to 'act' happy or like everything's ok if I don't want too. I do the same for my friends too.  I hope this helps; I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't have to tell them about your issues and what it means for you. You can just let them know when you are feeling down/overwhelmed etc so that you can be yourself around them and they can be there for you, even just a bit, in their own way. They don't necessarily have to know why.     ... View more

@Lizardneck thankyou for reaching out, I just wanted to check in on you and was wondering if you needed some guidance seeking out accessible therapy options, or some other professional resources? Let us know and we can direct you to different parts of the forum if you like.  How are things for you in the meantime? ... View more

@DanielAnIndividual right, I see. It's good to hear you have been seeking help from some great resources. You say you are unsure if it's the best way to go- that's understandable. We all feel uncertain about the path and mental health journey we are on sometimes. It can be useful to reflect on areas of improvement and how can we address them sometimes- but we have to also look at the positives too. What is working for you? What have you learnt about yourself or the situation so far?   ... View more

@November13 very wise and detailed, I agree! I'd add that it involves sticking to your boundaries and being consistent!    ... View more

Heya @DruidChild    Ooo a career change, how exciting! It's great to hear you are making positive changes to your career even after you studied as a nurse. And bio and chem are very intriguing, you are right!   You could maybe engage in a short course to get a foundational knowledge, and then look at further study? Or even volunteer to get some exposure? Are there resources at your old uni? For example, I never did psych in VCE but now I'm looking at post-grad study in psych. I discovered I liked it purely by engaging in psych subjects at uni and volunteering. Hope this helps a little!   ... View more

Hi @DanielAnIndividual    I'm sorry to hear you are in a tough headspace right now. We appreciate you reaching out.   What you feel is understandable- everyone is angry and jaded sometimes. What has caused you to feel you this way? Is there anything that makes you feel better or relieved, even for a short while?   My advice would be to practise self-compassion, whatever that look like for you- this might be writing down your feelings, acknowledging them, finding positive distractions, engaging in healthy habits, and utilizing online spaces like this. You say you find social interaction unhelpful for you right now- so your self-compassion may involve getting some productive alone time too. Maybe do some exercise or something creative. We are here to listen and provide clarity for you.   ... View more

@Starfish7 welcome, we can certainly point you in the right direction!   Here are some links: https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Special-discussions/bd-p/AceWeek https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Ask-A-Pro-Live-Events/bd-p/ToughTimes_Hosted_chats https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Hanging-out/Introduce-yourself-here-August-2020/td-p/406006/jump-to/first-unread-message https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Hanging-out/Memes-other-funny-stuff/td-p/151184/jump-to/first-unread-message https://forums.au.reachout.com/t5/Hanging-out/Chit-Chat/td-p/237684/jump-to/first-unread-message   Hope these help :)   ... View more

@StormySeas17  wow, thank you for sharing all that! that's fascinating! Much more niche than general social psych! I like the advice too, thankyou! ... View more

@Brian6787 hey there, we appreciate you posting! We know it can be hard when you are facing a frustrating situation.   Know that it's ok to feel what you feel, and that it's valid. It's good that you were honest with her, I'm sure that it might of been awkward at first, it will be better in the long run, as you will know where each other's heads at. If you need reassurance, maybe be upfront with her. In conjunction, try reaching out with your own support network, so you feel supported, loved and not fully reliant on her. The online space can be a great space to build such a network. Do you have a trusted adult or another mate that you could bond with? They could provide you with a positive emotional outlet and provide companionship and positive distraction.  Hope that makes sense :)     ... View more

@StormySeas17 hahaa child psychology seems deceptive that way, hmmm? I hope you can do the law courses, or find cheaper, more accessible versions! What does the  psychology of human relationships involve? Haven't heard of that one! ... View more

@WheresMySquishy  oooo that sounds so cute, actually, I remember hearing about the funny Melb zoo one! I'd love to see like a gymnastics one, or musical/tech rehearsal one!   ... View more

Sup @WheresMySquishy?   Oooo, this sounds lovely! Can I let you in on something...heh... I didn't know these existed! So I will engage with this thread and learn more. Another positive quarantine activity, yay!   ... View more

@Bee hi there, thanks for posting- super brave of you! Even us bobs and mods can use the forum to get some reassurance every now and again.   It sounds like you are in a rough headspace. @Lizardneck has some kind words that I'd like to add too: practise self-care and seek some support if you need. It's great that you are engaging in telehealth- have you thought of live chat counselling? It can be great for day to day check-ins and is generally faster than waiting for the bigger appointments. Do you have anyone around you irl who you can check in with also? Or vent too?    I'm proud of your honest Bee, keep us posted if you like, we'll be here :) ... View more

@November13 yes! what does putting respectful boundaries look like for you?? ... View more

@lemurien  you said it! it's time we step beyond the classroom, and see what all the fuss is about! That's where the real learning and knowledge is formed, questioned, adjusted, and then rebuilt again. We are always growing! ... View more

@November13  yess, I agree (btw, hi there, don't believe we've met, I'm another Bob here!) Like boundaries are key here! When they are respectfully put in place, explained in a way that doesn't alienate others and held up consistently, they can work wonders!   ... View more

@delta413 a great insight- and we are glad some our advice resonated with you. Keep us posted on how you go :) ... View more

@lemurien ahh I see, it's good that's social and that you resonate with the culture. Maybe uni classes stick to hypotheticals to much and don't give you a chance to put your values into action? Hmmmm....What do you think? ... View more

@Narcotial thanks for posting, it's great that you are doing some reflection and asking these important questions.   There are many reasons why some people want to make others hurt. Often it's not personal, and those people are hurting. They might not be able to deal with their own hurt. It's important to have compassion for these people (treat them nicely, don't be mean back to them, try and educate them if you can). But don't indulge or tolerate their behaviour- reach out to their targets and see if they are are ok, and if you can help. @Tiny_leaf has some great points too.   Let us know if the situation gets better :)   ... View more

@delta413  welcome back to the forum!   Firstly, I'm glad things felt good for to write out everything- getting that release is important, can be a great source of relief, clarity, and a foundation to start addressing things in a positive way with the support of loved ones and the online community (including us)!   I would take the pressure off yourself a little bit- what you feel is valid, natural, and ok to feel- there doesn't need to be a reason or trigger. What's important is that you acknowledge and recognise it. Not having someone respond or having a certain tone of response can be anxiety-inducing, making us feel apprehensive, worried, uncertain. You say these feelings go away when things go to normal, so that's a good thing. But when they do come, it can be good to deal with them in a productive way, as you say. You can self-care, jump off social media (or on if it gives you a distraction?) or do an activity that doesn't involve technology so you won't be tempted to check for a response. This could be exercise or just having an elaborate shower. It doesn't have to too structured or complicated- just something that makes you smile and shifts your focus. If the anxiety gets worse or persists no matter what's happening, we can consider other steps, if you like. Keep us updated, hope this provides a tidbit of clarity for you!   ... View more

@Anzelmo I'm glad you have found a way to make progress a light-hearted, enjoyable process- that will help make it more sustainable!   Me? I have healthy breakfasts, get fresh air, try a new form of movement every day. I also try to have a routine but then keep mixing it up to keep myself active and stimulated if that makes sense lol   ... View more

@lemurien the internship sounds so good! Is it online at the moment or in person? How has the internship played a role in your enhancing your mental health right now?   ... View more

@Bee omg love this abstract gifs! We need more of them! Cheers for the shoutout! Cheers to everyone also, let's keep going, we got this, it's clear to see :)   ... View more

@StormySeas17 omgg yay I'm excited you answered my question!   That's great that you support your friends with your knowledge, that's fabulous! And I'm glad to hear that it's empowered you as well! What's child psychology like? What drew you to it?   ... View more

@goldilocks hey there, we appreciate you stopping by and we are here to hear your concerns   As @Hannah-RO  said, it may be a productive step to seek out a GP's opinion on this one- I recommend you also eat healthy and play netball. Importantly, however, do these things because you enjoy them, they entertain and engage you or maybe as a part of self-care, not because you feel pressure to change. This way lifestyle changes can be sustainable, healthy, and support our mental wellbeing also.   Let us know how you are travelling, we are here to listen.    ... View more

@lemurien I dislike the term too- it's not helpful nor reassuring. Self-compassion and engaging with things that are really important and resonate with you are key right now. Keeping up a cheerful attitude may work for some people and that's great (and definitely useful at times!) but acknowledging everything is crucial and healthy too, y'know? ... View more

@tfamidoinghere welcome to the forum, we know posting when you are struggling can be difficult so we appreciate you being here for sure!   It' great to hear that you looking into the advice that @Hannah-RO and @Lost_Space_Explorer5  have provided, that's a productive step to take. Feel free to use this thread to keep us updated on your journey, find community and just chat in general. We appreciate you reaching out, and we can help you make the most of the forums.   Sending hugs! ... View more

@marlee im much the same as you, wanting to do clinical masters next year. I recently finished my thesis too. Whew, what a journey! Did you write your thesis during the pandemic?   ... View more

@lemurien yeah i feel the same, like if works for you, that's fab, but I can't really relate to that haha! I also find the way that things have changed when we do go out, from masks, social distancing etc quite confronting...what about you?   ... View more

@marlee yes exactly, I'm so glad you get it and use this technique in your life and that it resonates with you. That makes me so happy. Admittedly I could get better at using this mantra thing in my own life but I'm getting there slowly! ... View more