Hey @mspaceK, I'm sorry to hear about how you've been feeling lately. I think we all have moments in our lives when we are not feeling the most confident, I know I certainly do and I've shed plenty of tears because of it! But there's always a light at the end of the tunnel! From your previous replies it sounds as though you have a good plan set in place and some very very supportive friends and family! I thought I would perhaps provide some advice on how you can best motivate yourself to stick to a daily routine and a healthy sleep schedule (keep in mind you don't have to strictly adhere to them everyday but they could be a good starting point!). Firstly, I would suggest doing one task each day that you know you will be able to complete - could be as simple as making your bed or having a shower! The aim is to build up the number of tasks you set yourself each week so that you form a type of routine. You could even give yourself a daily/weekly treat (e.g., chocolate, watch an episode of something on netflix, play a video game) as a reward for completing the tasks. This will also help to increase motivation levels! In terms of sleep, I haven't quite mastered this myself lol - I'm a sucker for a 2-hour nap during the day. But I've learnt that my body usually needs this extra sleep to feel good. Our thoughts/feelings can often take a physical toll on our bodies so its good to embrace the added sleep. If you find that you can't sleep during the night, I like to make sure my room feels nice and cozy to help induce sleep. And I don't force myself to sleep if I'm not tired. However, if i am tired but cant sleep for some reason i like listen to sleep playlist on Spotify, I find it distracting from all the thoughts. I really hope this makes you feel better! Is there anything else you would like some advice/support with? We're all more than happy to help! ... View more

Hey @jasmine_8, sorry to hear about what's been going on with you lately! :( I understand how frustrating OCD can be as i have also struggled with symptoms in the past (e.g., not being able to turn the tap off when brushing my teeth because it didn't feel right lmao). It's hard because OCD can be such a mental battle and you think people wont be able to relate, but from my experience those closest to us genuinely just want to be supportive. Even if at first they don't understand, you can help them to just by describing what's been happening and they will happily try to help. Also, is there anything that you can think of that might be triggering the OCD? You mention failing exams, do you think your OCD symptoms could be related to exam stress? Lots of people handle stress differently and this might just be your way of doing so, and there's nothing wrong with that! Perhaps in order to deal with the stress you could try some self-care activities such as exercising, yoga or even painting. Just set some time aside to focus on yourself! :) I hope you find this helpful, feel free to keep us updated! ... View more

Hi @Pyrotechnic, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling lonely. It's hard when we feel like there's no one we can connect to :( I completely understand how you feel as I also struggle with making friends as I'm rather shy and have bad social anxiety at times. The best advice I can give is to just be yourself and those who are meant to be your friends will naturally warm to you. Don't put so much pressure on yourself, there will always be someone who is more than happy to be your friend! You just got to sort through the bad ones and find the good ones! Stay positive, you'll get there!! ... View more

1. I have a habit of playing on my phone before bed even though I'm super tired! I'll watch tik toks or check instagram for no reason at all to the point of exhaustion. Perhaps I am procrastinating sleep as i have struggled with insomnia in the past and hate the feeling of being wide awake thinking. This week I'll make an effort to change this by putting my phone down at a certain time and reading a book instead. 2. I'd like to get up earlier i think and maybe start my day with some yoga or light exercise. I think this will give me a productive start to the day and the added endorphins are great for a positive and healthy mindset. I'll set a reminder each day so that I don't forget! 3. I'm a very fidgety person, I'm constantly playing with my hair, my jewellery or my clothes. I can't help it i always seem to moving or playing with something. Honestly, I think its a nervous thing haha ... View more

Hey @Jahkdjj753! I know you posted this a few months ago but i just wanted to check in and see how you're doing? Have you found anything that's helped you? It's good to see that you have acknowledged the problem and are seeking help! So well done! I think for me when it comes to drugs/alcohol I am very educated on the consequences of misuse and find myself put off by personal behaviours that will have negative affect on me and those around me. However, if I do decide to drink I set boundaries for myself. For example, on a night out if I start to feel a bit sick I'll stop drinking and have a glass of water. This way I'm still able to have fun but I don't over do it. Do you think you'd be able to implement a strategy such as this? Otherwise I would talk to a GP, they'll be able to provide with information and several resources on how to best deal with substance use. Keep us updated with how you go! ... View more

Hey @MoonSwirls, I know you posted this a couple months ago, but I wanted to check in to see how you and your dad are doing now? I hope things have improved, I know how hard it is when someone you care about is sick (my mum has very bad back problems and has had several surgeries because of it). Do you think your dad would be open to maybe playing some board games? They're quite fun, and can get a good conversation going! My partner's family and I have played a few during iso and we've had a few laughs! I'd recommend Articulate and you cant beat something classic like uno. I hope you find this helps somehow, it sounds as though your doing a great job by being there for your dad and I'm sure he appreciates everything you're doing. ... View more

Hi @StormySeas17, I'm so sorry to hear about what is going on between you and your parents. But if you look at the positives, you are starting a new chapter in your life and that's so exciting! I moved out when I was 19 so that I could study at university in the city, and although our circumstances are different I also found moving a very daunting experience so I understand your apprehension. I was extremely nervous at the beginning and wanted to come home almost immediately but I eventually learned to love the city and my apartment, it also helped having made new connections at uni. In terms of the costs, I have found it quite expensive but having roommates and access to youth allowance has help me considerably. Do you think you'd be able to receive some type of benefits from centrelink? They offer rent assistance for jobseekers and students I'm pretty sure! I hope you find this helps you somehow and good luck with everything! I'm sure it'll all work out for the best, things often do!! ... View more

Love this idea!! It's so important to focus on the positives, especially with the current circumstances in Victoria! I am super grateful for: 1. My amazing family, friends and partner who are so so supportive and understanding, they're always looking out for me. 2. My home! I'm so lucky to live where I do, I really appreciate that I get to enjoy nature everyday and take walks along the beach. 3. My bed. Which is an important safe space for me, I find it very relaxing because it is so comfy and cosy! ... View more

1. I had a well needed sleep in after working all week 2. My partner and I had a lovely breakfast at our local cafe 3. And most excitingly, I'm so close to finishing my thesis for honours!!!!!! WOO ... View more

Hi everyone,    Thank you all for the lovely support! And great advice!   I have started to feel a little bit less anxious in my relationship as I have very (very) slowly been talking to my partner about some the of insecurities/triggers I have. He has been very understanding and will ask questions if he doesn't quite know what I mean. I'm still a little bit hesitant to tell him about the dreams as I don't want him to feel insecure. But I am open to it more so now!     ... View more

Hey @Sharnaayheey, Welcome to the ReachOut forums! One of the first stages in withdrawing from an unhealthy habit is acknowledging and recognising that it's a problem! So well done, it's incredible that you have identified how drinking is affecting your life. From what you've described, it sounds as though the drinking is making you feel guilty and maybe a little anxious about your behaviour whilst intoxicated? So I'm sorry it's making you feel that way! Perhaps you could talk to your partner about setting a limit on the number of drinks you have each day/week? That way you can both monitor your intake to a point where you are no longer binge drinking. I also know a few people who only go out drinking with a certain amount of cash. They leave their credit card at home so that once they've spent the cash amount they can't keep buying drinks. You could also try that out! I'd also suggest seeking help from a GP/psychologist as @Taylor-RO mentioned! That way you'll be able identify the reason behind your poor drinking habits which will ultimately help to resolve the issue. ... View more

Hey @wanderingwasp, I saw an art therapist when I was younger. From what I remember it was a lot more relaxing than the typical CBT appointments I was used to. I felt there was less pressure, and actually found myself opening up more. If you're interested I say go for it! ... View more

Hi @NoEffortIncluded,    I'm so so sorry to hear about what's been going on with you and your parents lately  . It sounds as if it's stressing you out quite a bit, would that be right? I think a lot of the time parents don't realise how much we need their support especially during our teenage years when we are experiencing many life changes that can have a big impact on us. So I completely understand how hard it must feel being unable to confide in your parents. Do you have any other family members you could talk to? Or perhaps you could set up a meeting with your school counsellor? Even talking to a close friend may relieve some of the stress you are experiencing. It's important to not deal with your struggles on your own.    I hope you find this helps you somehow. We are a very supportive community and will aim to help you anyway we can! Your problems are not irrelevant but completely valid      ... View more

Hi @lavendertea    I just wanted to congratulate you on seeking help! It can be an incredibly difficult task sometimes, so well done! I also really wanted to emphasise that what you're experiencing does in no way make you sound crazy, your experiences are actually rather common and completely legitimate.   As @wanderingwasp mentioned, it sounds as though you are experiencing some type of dissociation. However, it is best to verify this with a psychologist as they will be able to provide you with the correct information and assistance on why/how you may be dissociating. Additionally, talking to a professional enables you to understand and further validate your experiences which I've personally found to be a big stress reliever!    I hope this helps you to identify what may be going on with you! Usually identifying the problem is the first step to achieving a better state of wellbeing. Feel free to keep us updated on any other experiences/feelings you may be worried about  ... View more

Wow I'm so impressed by everyone's suggestions! Great to see so many new and helpful ideas! ... View more

Hi @Hozzles,    It sounds as though your pretty stressed out at the moment, would that be correct? Sometimes when our minds are overloaded with high amounts of stress we can experience physical bodily symptoms. Do you think that the jerks, nerve pain or numbness in your hands and feet could be stressed related? Perhaps as a result of your anxiety? I know from my own personal experiences, I have sometimes experienced shooting pains and tingling in my fingers during an anxiety attack.     As for the MS, I think its important not to worry until you get a proper diagnosis! I understand this can be extremely difficult especially if you are already feeling anxious but try your best to push the negative thoughts out of your mind! However, if you find it is really affecting your studies, perhaps you could go part-time? This would significantly reduce your work load and you'd have more time to focus on fewer assignments! I went part-time during my honours year due to anxiety issues and it was the best decision I ever made.    I hope this helps you somehow! And feel free to keep us updated with any thoughts/feelings    ... View more

Hi @indieinsanus,    I'm a psychology honours student at university and from what I've learnt, childhood trauma can manifest in many different ways from various types of abuse (i.e., physical, emotional, verbal, domestic, etc). So it's definitely possible for people to experience trauma from their own perception of a situation. Especially since as children we are incredibly perceptive as we try to learn and navigate through the world! Ultimately, childhood trauma is a very complex psychological issue and affects different people in different ways.   I also noticed you mention feeling guilty; often feelings of guilt can actually be a symptom of anxiety itself. And from what you've described I would definitely recommend seeking professional help, even talking to your local counsellor or GP is worthwhile! I've found GPs particularly resourceful as they can set up a mental health care plan for you and contact a psychologist if you feel like you need to.     I hope this helped you in some way, and I'm sorry to hear about how you're feeling right now  Feel free to update us on your thoughts/feelings in the future! ... View more

Hey @lpdkojnkbhsc    I just thought I'd check in to see how you're doing? It seems like a very awkward and distressing situation, so I hope things have improved for you. In cases such as yours it can be incredibly difficult to resist peer pressure, so well done for standing your ground and leaving when you no longer felt comfortable.    From what you've described, it sounds like your friend wasn't really acting like a friend. So I completely understand why you got angry at her. Perhaps you could speak to another close friend or your partner? They might be able to help just by listening to you. I know that when I've confided in a friend I feel a lot more relieved as if the weight of the problem has lifted from my shoulders.   Remember: What is best for you is all that matters, stay safe and stay strong! ... View more

I'm proud that I went for a 30 minute run today even though I really really didn't want to! ... View more

1. Went for a 3.5km run this afternoon 2. Practiced self-care by doing a hair mask 3. Caught up on all my psychology lectures! ... View more

Taylor Swift's folklore album, I find it so beautiful and calming! ... View more

Hey @Snowy_Triangle,  Just like you I am also struggling to deal with the loneliness that Stage 4 restrictions have enforced. It's definitely not easy! However, I recently joined the headspace Youth Advisory Group in my area and have since felt a lot better. Although our weekly catch-ups at the moment are over Zoom its nice having people who care enough to ask how I'm doing. It's really helped to put me in a better mind set and feel less lonely. There are many headspace centres located around Melbourne so I'm positive you'll find one close to you if you're interested!   I hope this helps you in some way or another!      ... View more

Hi @xraychick, I'm also new to ReachOut!   Sorry to hear about your recent mental health struggles! But it's so great that you've acknowledged it and are seeking help. So well done, I'm very proud of you!   I think "normal exercise" is different for everyone. It all just depends on what makes you feel good and healthy. For me, I like to spend 20 minutes every other day going for a walk. On days when I'm feeling particularly motivated I might for a 30 minute run, it really just depends on my mood as i sometimes struggle to get my body moving.    I hope this helps you in some way, try not to put too much pressure on yourself and you'll find what suits yourself best. It's important to remember that exercise isn't just about losing weight, but its also a way to take care of your wellbeing and mentality.  ... View more

Hi @Tiny_leaf    It's good to hear that you have recognised that you need additional help caring for yourself! It's not always easy to come to terms with such a thing. I just wanted to jump in and ask how your feelings? And whether things with your parents have improved at all?   I understand how difficult this situation must be for you, perhaps you could even speak to a GP and they might be able to provide with some helpful resources. I've found GPs to be very supportive in the past.      ... View more

Thanks for the cool ideas @Guitarman97! I think its very important to try and find the positives of lockdown, also gives us something to look forward to once restrictions finally ease. Learning new skills is also a good way to pass the time. I've taken up baking which I'm not amazing at but I'm learning, plus the extra snacks are always good!   ... View more

Thanks Hannah! I've also found walking very helpful. But when I'm particularly stressed I like to do some deep breathing exercises and yoga which I find very relaxing. ... View more

Me too @marlee! I'm so excited to be social and do the things I enjoy without restrictions in place.  ... View more

Being able to see my friends once lockdown is finished!  ... View more