This is really STRONG writing ❤️ ... View more

Hey @catcatchocolate  I am so proud that you could come on here to ask for some support. That is a great start! The world has been crazy this year so it is understanding that many people are struggling.  A tik toker that I know has created a youtube playlist called 'How to Reach Out'. It basically is just videos from different support networks about reaching out for help. I can leave the link if I am allowed? (can a MOD please confirm this) @Jess-RO @Bre-RO @Hannah-RO  ... View more

This is such a good thread!! Three things I am grateful for: 1. Because able to dance online and take online classes 2. Getting my P's (I overcame a huge fear and can now take time out for myself) 3. Having access to a TV/computer (to keep in contact with friends and keep me busy at home) ... View more

Hi, @Snowy_Triangle  It must be really tough right now and what you're feeling is extremely valid, especially being in Melbourne during COVID.  Coming onto this forum is a good idea, this forum is a safe, encouraging place where we try for no one to feel alone. You will honestly make friends here (although it is not the real world).  My suggestion would be to make use of exercise hours during the day - even a ten minute walk without the people in your household can make a huge difference. It is just time away, this sound contracting as you tare feeling lonely, however if the people in your household are not getting along.     As for making friends and not having many connections, It can be really difficult especially for the who have left school but have not been able to connect with other people. Fortunately, this day and age has many opportunities online. I am interested to know what type of things you are interested in? Cooking, reading, dancing ect. That way I may be able to help find some options for virtual connection in Melbourne.   ... View more

What's your favourite type of bird? I'm not really that into birds so probably penguin.  Do you ever wish you could fly? Why/why not? Yes, the freedom of flying would be incredible. Are you an early bird or a night owl? 100% a Night Owl Why do you think the chicken crossed the road? Because the road was too long to walk around it. Which came first - the chicken or the egg? either, I feel like two different animals formed a chicken so if they don't lay eggs then the chicken. If they do, then the egg.   ... View more

ohh, thank you so much for the tag!!.  ... View more

Hey @Willlowtree    @Sophia-RO has done an incredible job in responding however I wanted to say that people on this forum will never pick anyone out for complaining, if an issue is big enough to make you feel down it is big enough to talk about, Everyone has their own issues not one is better or because because everyone is different and everyone handles their issues differently. You are always welcome on this forum, without judgement.  ... View more

@Wolfie_    I was the same - was planning for lots of activities so I can get an early entry to uni for next year. Unfortunately that won't be happening.    Thats a really cool talent. I have always wanted to be good at art, such a soothing activity. I'm glad my thread has been interesting to you. :) ... View more

@marlee  Those games are so good! I might try articulate. It's a good way to make isolation fun. ... View more

@lemurien  I love the https://www.taste.com.au  website they have so many recipes. Also because they are connected with Coles and will add all the ingredients to your online order!!!   Hope you are doing better! ... View more

@marlee    Fellow Victorian!!! I find keeping a routine the most important part especially making my bed.   ohh, what types of games of fun ideas are you doing I could use some extra ideas. That's so exciting, good luck with your course.  ... View more

Journaling is so good for mental health! Self-care is amazing too! ... View more

These are such good ideas! Cleaning is always a good way to feel put together. I love a good dance space as well! ... View more

Hi @lemurien    It sounds like you're really struggling right now. Which is completely normal with the way this year has gone. I'm not sure what your circumstances are like however would it be possible to do your food shopping online - like woolies or Coles online (this way all you have to do is pick it up from the shop). As for the actual cooking I found that searching new recipes online gets me excited to cook, making something I've never made before means I will want to cook it and try it. Otherwise I would suggest maybe setting a meal plan out for the week or even meal prep (having options in the freezer for when you don't want to cook). This helps to know what you have to cook when, and if you don't end up cooking you can put an already made meal in the microwave. Is this something you could be interested in? What type of meals do you enjoy cooking?   ... View more

Thank you @StormySeas17 @Andrea-RO  I appreciate the responses! I took a few days offline to take care of the issue!   ... View more

@Andrea-RO    Surprisingly I haven't. Which has been so great however made me more confused when I started getting these thoughts again.    ... View more

@letsheal @Sophia-RO Thank you so much for your response.   I am a dancer and find that dance really helps my. mental health.  I have a school social worker and I have support but only a small as I cannot get her to the point of calling my parents.  ... View more

Its a good idea, to do either. You could ask a random tea her what their email is. - usually they will all be the same with the name changed, ... View more

@Bananatime04 I am sure she would be willing to help you! otherwise you could email the teacher? I always hated talking too. ... View more

Hi, @Bananatime04  I am SO proud of you today!! you did an incredible job! Is there a social worker or someone similar at your school? This how I began the process, I just told them who the teachers were and they organised it. Is this a possible option for you? ... View more

This is a very valid point. The way we did it was we looked at all the teachers timetables, (there were two teachers and the social worker) And we worked around the duties or days away. Eating in front of people is very scary especially when you just start out. It takes a lot of patience but You can do it, I believe in you.  ... View more

Hi, @Bananatime04    This is Awesome! I am so proud of you. When I did it it was a mix of a few teachers/staff members. :) ... View more

Hi, @Bananatime04  I completely agree with your feeing about everything we have spoken about. My words have been taken from my experience and from experiences of my friends.  As for eating at school. I was always the same. Is there an option for eating with a teacher. This is what was organised for me (this may not be possible). Is this something you are interested in? Is there a teacher that you like/trust? It will be awkward in the beginning. But everything will get easier. Stick to it ☺️ ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04  Eating disorders are so difficult in that way. Eating in front of others is still something I struggle with.  In terms of not answering the questions, I believe it came from a place of safety. We are able to see that you possibly had a rough day and having a rough night and felt answering may have hindered this.  I hope you feel better tomorrow.  Please also note, your eating disorder is VALID at any weight or size, often we are a lot smaller than we think. ;) ... View more

Hi, @Andrea-RO    Thank you for joining the conversation tonight. I just wanted to check in and ask if you believe any of the things I mentioned in my replies were triggering or confronting. I aim to increase my ability to talk about topics like these (where I have experience). Thank you for everything you do for this forum. :)   ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04    I apologise for the feeling you have regarding my recent post. I understand where you are coming from. At the worst of my eating disorder so many people kept telling me that it was my 'ED' voice. I never believed them. This was because the voice was so strong I didn't have any other voice. Which is common for those stuck in and ED. This is something that you will learn over time. Being able to identify them as two different voices happens in recovery.  It is not a person, you're right in that sense, it is a disorder.  I hope you get on better with the feelings of peer judgment.  These feelings can be extremely scary, especially to talk about. I am so proud of you and I hope this doesn't stop you from speaking out about your ED.  ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04  Being diagnosed can be extremely scary. I've been in that place. I have had my ED for 5 years and only got diagnosed last year. As much a I think self diagnosis has its limitations it can also be very invalidating.  I am sorry you have been feeling this way tonight. I understand the ED voice in your head is very strong tonight'. My suggestion would be first using Tik Tok as a distraction (making sure it is not triggering content on your fyp). Second beginning to recognise what is your voice and what is your ED voice (this takes time and will happen along recovery). You may think you are failing due to your ED voice being so strong but you are succeeding in recovery!  From my experience, any answer I give regarding the 'skinny', 'thin' question will have negative effects on your ED. And the voice will not be happy. Why do you think you are stressed about these words?   If you have any other questions about ED's, diagnoses or recovery I am always here. :)  ... View more

Hi @Bananatime04  As someone who has/had an eating disorder. I would 1st like to know the context of which you're asking. 2nd, are you ok/do you need support rn?  I would just hate to say it then it be triggering.   ... View more