@Bay52VU I have a bad feeiing I have just read the post you're talking about and I super misinterpreted it. I'm sorry. I hope you once again get to feel like you can talk to people and are feeling valued when you talk about things. ... View more

Hey @KjStormy, how are you doing? Is your mentor someone that helps at uni or something else? What I understood from your post is that you have tried to open up to your mentor before but she hasn't given you the kind of support you're after. Does that sound right? What kind of support would you like to receive? ... View more

@Bay52VU Ah yes, that old chestnut. The thing about policies and buzzwords is remembering the meaning of the word...   diverse dʌɪˈvəːs , ˈdʌɪvəːs / adjective   showing a great deal of variety; very different.     ... View more

I am SO thrilled for you @j95. This fills me with joy   That pride is such an exceptional feeling and I'm glad you have found it and felt safe, welcomed, and valued in the community. That is truly special.   It's not the same, nor anywhere near as powerful, but I had a swell of pride when my young hockey team received their premiership medals this year. I couldn't have been more proud of coaching them or more proud of the kindness of everyone at the club. I have been lucky to have really fantastic and enthusiastic parents this year. ... View more

@DruidChild You're a superhero. That was a complex, horrible mess but I reckon you will go on to fight another day, Cape of Righteous Anger and all (but seriously, well done)   @Bay52VU Gendered networking does not sound fun. Sleep, however, sounds much more fun. Hope you get some quality z's soon! ... View more

Not see a spider ever – I'll take option B for $200 @Birdeye ... View more

@j95 Your house sounds so eventful. Trust your judgement on that pilot light though! ... View more

Hi @fondlyregarded, welcome to ReachOut Australia. It sounds like you're in a really complex situation and it's really distressing you. I'm not familiar with roleplaying websites so can you elaborate on what that means? Does everyone sign up pretending to be someone else? Could he also have signed up 'playing a role'? White lies and roleplaying amongst consenting adults is common in certain circles but untruths and distrust can make a situation difficult, especially when intense feelings are involved. ReachOut has some great resources about making friends online and navigating relationships. I'm wondering if you've seen them. Even though this one refers to making friends, I think it has some points that might help you in your relationship, namely:   Friend ready   Work on your self-awareness. When you're looking to have any relationship with another person, it's really important that you’re aware of who you are, your values and beliefs. Be patient instead of pushy. Don’t be too disappointed if your decision to make some new friends [ be in a relationship ] doesn’t result in heaps of friends [ unerring love and commitment ] straight away. Making a network of friends [ relationship work ] is quite a slow process, but if you’re patient, you’ll end up with a whole crew of people [ a solid and rewarding bond with someone ] who are lucky to be your friend [ is equally lucky to have your love ]. Don’t forget who you are. Sometimes the urge to make friends [ start and maintain a relationship ] can make us want to change who we are. But you shouldn’t feel that you have to give up a part of yourself to make friends with [ please ] others. Not only will this mean that your friendships [ relationships ] aren’t genuine, you’ll be missing out on meeting people who think the real you is awesome.   You might also like to check out the guide to building self-confidence. ... View more

Hey @Zeraxero, your post about wanting to make others feel like they matter really struck me. It's clear you're a thoughtful and caring person, and your desire to help others, and in some cases put others first, is a rare quality. What fortune others must have to know you and receive your generous care. I'm sure you will be an excellent nurse. You mentioned that you have some strategies, albeit that aren't working, and are part of a mental health group but I'm wondering what you do to take care of yourself; what you do in your down time. Do you like to watch movies, have a bath, cook, read, play Pokemon Go? The cool thing about self-care is that it can be anything, as long as it gives you a way to recharge and keep you feeling emotionally healthy. My friend is a nurse and loves to wind down with a bath and wine – or sometimes boxing! I would love to know how you recharge. ... View more

Right now I am wanting some milo.   I read a thread about tea and was inspired to make one, but now I am sad that it is not milo and I have no milo. :(     @redhead Therapy from home sounds like such a useful, flexible arrangement. How did you feel afterwards? ... View more

Hi Hicks, well that's a good start.   There isn't a law about virginity but there is for age of consent – when a person is considered capable to give consent to sexual acts. Check the link above to the state laws for the one/s that apply to Queensland.   Are you concerned about seeing him or that your parents won't approve of the relationship? ... View more

Hi Hicks,   Great question! The laws around age of consent differ between states in Australia so it's understandable this would be confusing, or even worrying, for you. Although each state has a set age of consent, some states also have legislation that differs if someone has a supervisory role or 'special care' relationship with someone who is aged 16 or 17. Does that make sense? You can read a better explanation and the laws for each state here.   Of course, consent itself is also vital and you should always practice safe sex – no excuses! ... View more

@j95 @N1ghtW1ng Thank you  I've been busy and missing everyone loads! ... View more

Hey @CountryGirl7228, welcome to ReachOut.   Feeling as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders makes things pretty tough. That is quite a burden to carry and I can understand why your chest would hurt. It must be overwhelming and feel very isolating. You definitely don't have to carry these stresses on your own though, and by opening up here about how you are feeling right now you have begun the process to find better coping strategies and manage the stress. Go you!   Sometimes being in public is stressful – I know I'm not always a fan. Thankfully, there are some neat ways that we can try to overcome stress before it becomes a big problem. I suggest taking a look at ReachOut's self-helf strategies as a starting point. Please let me know what you think.   How are you feeling today? I do hope you'll let us know how you are doing. Please know you're never truly alone; there is help available and always a listening ear here. ... View more

Hey @Bay52VU,   How are you feeling today? It sounds like last night was a difficult one for you. Did you get a good sleep? ... View more

Hello!   Just getting comfy and catching up on all your news   @j95 @Bay52VU @lokifish @N1ghtW1ng @redhead     ... View more

I am glad you have found us @Ritagirl. Know that none of this is your fault and you do not deserve this treatment. What you have described is known as child abuse and is never acceptable.   It is important that you talk to someone you trust about it, whether that is a school counsellor, doctor, health worker, etc. Please consider calling Kids Helpline: they're available 24/7 and you can get in touch with them on 1800 55 1800 or by webchat counselling.   If you are in immediate danger, please call the police on 000. Do not hesitate to call them, your safety is top priority.   There is help available for survivors and you can get support to recover. This is not your fault and you have a right to feel safe. ... View more

@Bay52VU Sign me up for your first commercial butlerbot ... View more

Hi @work_wife, I'm sorry your affections are not being returned by your crush. It is definitely hard when our feelings are not returned and a crush can take a while to move on from. That's totally normal. You mentioned this is an office romance and as ReachOut Australia is aimed at 14-25 year olds, I'm not sure if the resources will be suitable, but the factsheet on choosing to have a relationship has some good points to keep in mind when you are looking to begin a new relationship with someone. Take a look and let us know what you think. ... View more

Hi @Fi_J,   I'm glad you've found us here on ReachOut. The thing that struck me the most from your post is your genuine care and empathy for others. It's also clear that you commonly think of the happiness of others and how you can best support them. Your family is very fortunate to have such a caring person as yourself looking out for them.   This care, as I mentioned, is truly admirable but I would also encourage you to continue looking after yourself in this time. Sometimes taking the time to take care of ourselves is the best way that we can help others. RO has a factsheet on ways to relax that you might find helpful to take some time out for yourself: http://au.reachout.com/ways-to-relax   Writing a letter to express your feelings is a really great idea but only you know your mother, your relationship, and what kind of effect this may have. Would you consider asking your grandparents for their advice on the situation? In complicated personal situations, and especially when the situation makes us feel anxious or frustrated, one technique to cope can be to write all your thoughts and feelings in a letter but then pause before giving it to the intended recipient, and sometimes not sending it at all. Do you think writing all your feelings out could be a good beginning to clarify your thinking? ... View more

Hey @Batwoman (cool name btw!)   I'm really sorry that you're struggling to maintain a feeling of connectedness with your best friend. This must be difficult to feel separated from one of your close supports while you are managing other issues. You mentioned that you talk on the phone a couple of times a week. Is there anything else that you do to maintain the friendship – send occasional in-depth letters, photos, handmade gifts or notes?   Although it mentions a partner, RO's article on long distance relationships has some handy tips you might like on other ways to keep close relationships and show you care when you can't be there in person. ... View more