Hey @xXLexi_Lou122Xx ,   I'm so sorry to read about your experience at school today .  I know the game you're talking about as I used to play it at school.  It sounds like those kids were unfairly very mean to you when you were just trying to win the game, and they totally misinterpreted everything.   School kids can be cruel and sometimes do not realise the impact they can have on others when they say mean things.  It does not make it any easier to experience .  I'm glad the teacher was on your side.  They most likely realised that those kids were in the wrong and you did nothing wrong.  I also LOVE the strength of character you showed by setting them straight and reminding them that they weren't being nice.  That shows incredible courage on your part       I thought I would leave you with this.         ... View more

Hey @not-an-otter    I'm sorry to read that you have had such a bad week  .  That can be one of the weird things with our minds; sometimes we don't ask for help during the times when we need it most.  This can be especially true when we are feeling vulnerable.  Reaching out on here is a great start though.  We are all here for you .    When you are ready it might be a good idea to either call a helpline, such as KHL on 1800 551 800, or Eheadspace 1800 650 890.  They will be there to listen to you and offer some counselling.  They are professionally trained to help you.  You could even start with a webchat (see here) if that's easier for you.  Let us know how you go           ... View more

Hey @Eden1717 ,   You're so thoughtful and reflective to acknowledge how your family are feeling.  I wanted to mention that you have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about.  The experiences you are having are 100% not your fault.  You are just doing your best    You mentioned how the mental health system has treated you, which sounds really, really unfair .  Has there been any service that has helped you even just a little bit?  I'm not sure if you've tried One Door Mental Health (see here ) before?  They specialise in helping people who may be experiencing things similar to you.   Please keep reaching out; we are all here to support you    ... View more

Hi @MB95 ,   How thoughtful of you  .  As @WheresMySquishy mentioned, many psychologists accept small gifts such as a card or chocolates.  It's not weird or overboard when it's a small gift especially at this time of the year; rather it's a really kind gesture on your part .  However, please don't feel obligated as psychologists and other mental health professionals certainly do not expect gifts from clients.     Hmm, you're making me hungry for chocolate; I think I'll get some!     ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf ,   I'm so sorry to read about this and apologise that those techniques are not helpful; I understand why given the amount of things going on.  In your post you mentioned all the things that you've been learning, which seems like a huge amount of information, and so much of it is distressing.  It must be so difficult for you to process all of this.  You've also mentioned your parents arguing which must be distressing but also makes it difficult for you to have space to think as you've mentioned. And on top of that you haven't had time to grieve for your nana    This all sounds like a really, really tough time.  However given the stress you're experiencing, I wanted to check in to see if you're safe?   I'm also sorry to read that your experience with psychologists has not been useful.  Are there any mental health services or professionals that you have found useful to help you make some progress?  In an earlier post, @Bre-RO provided a link to  One Door Mental Health (see here)  who have a great reputation and look to share peoples' personal stories .  I hope they can offer some support for you.   I wanted to acknowledge your courage and the fact that you've still been so supportive on this platform; it shows an incredible strength of character .  We are all here for you.                ... View more

Hey @Eden1717 ,   It is really courageous of you to open up .  I can imagine it must be really hard given the very tough time you've had with the mental health system.  However, we are all here to support you.  I also wanted to acknowledge the fact that despite the difficulties that you're experiencing, you've still been supporting others on this platform.  That shows what a kind, thoughtful, and strong person you are.     I hope you're feeling better today .  Is there anything nice that you can do for yourself?  I do enjoy a Netflix binge myself!  ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf ,   That's a really courageous and reflective post .  It sounds like there's so much going on for you right now that it feels really overwhelming.  I can't imagine what you're going through but I do know what's it like to feel overwhelmed by the amount of things going on.  During times like these, I find there are three things that can help.  The first is reaching out to someone to convey how you're feeling (you've done this ).  The second is to break down the overwhelming amount of things into individual components.  For instance, if you have 12 tasks to complete and it feels 'too much', just focus on one task at a time.  Maybe start with the smallest first and slowly work from there.  Another thing is to take a few moments for yourself by doing something fun or relaxing.  Have you tried relaxation techniques before?  I find lying down and listening to a 10-15 minute guided meditation can help re-centre by body and mind.  It helps me cope when things are piling up.  I hope you're feeling a bit better     ... View more

Today I'm grateful for having an opportunity to connect with the  wonderful, strong, resilient, kind and brave people on this forum ... View more

hahaha @xXLexi_Lou122Xx , if I had a dollar for every time I've rage quit, I'd have a private jet :) ... View more

Live in the city or the country? Country for the fresh air :)   Tea or Coffee:  @Taylor-RO @Maddy-RO  Coffee 100%.  It is delicious.   Mango's or Apricots:@Animallover2003 - Mangoes are the best!   Winter or Summer: @JanaG - Hmm, I'm Irish so maybe winter over here.  Summer is too hot for me; I melt!   Ice cream or flavoured milk:  Ice cream  , preferably Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge.   Stuffed or real: @Nightwing  - Real   Early bird (wake up early) or night owl (stay up late): @Bananatime04 - Early bird catches the worm   Jellyfish or Octopuses: Lol @Maddy-RO  Same here.  Love grilled octopus    Hyperthermia or heat stroke: Trick question!   Little dogs or big dogs: Big dogs   100 Puppies or 100 kittens: 100 puppies.    Hyena's or African Wild Dogs: African Wild Dogs.    Go to the moon or mars: @May_ Mars for Total Recall   Go to China or America: America so I can dress like a cowboy   Fall in love at first sight or fall in love by getting to know a person: @ruthxxx Get to know the person 100%   Glass of water with ice or without: @lennycat2017 without   Cheeseburger or chicken burger: Cheeseburger from Grill'd   Lemon Solo, or Lemonade: @xXLexi_Lou122Xx Lemon Solo as it is so refreshing   Snow or Rain: I love the snow :)   Pizza or Macca's? ... View more

Hey @MB95    Congratulations on getting through your exam period; that can be so stressful so well done . I love your proactive approach to 'fighting the thoughts' in your head in order to try and establish new connections.  That is both really brave but also insightful.  First of all you are reaching out on this platform; that's a wonderful start   The feeling of others 'not wanting to hang out with me' is very common.  I promise you that other people are also be thinking 'no-one wants to hang out with me'.   I have before too  However, one of the best things you can do is practice making connections .  Even if you make one connection from every ten attempted, that's a new connection right?  Best thing to do is start slow and build from there.  It really is a practice.  The first time you try and meet someone you may stuff it up a bit.  By practicing however, you'll get better at it ... View more

Hey @xXLexi_Lou122Xx ,   I'm so sorry to read your letter.  It is wonderfully brave and courageous of you to do so.  You are a fantastic contributor to this forum.  I read your supportive responses to other members all the time.  They are thoughtful, supportive, and insightful.  This shows that you are a kind person ... View more

Hey @WheresMySquishy    What a poignantly written letter that conveys such considerable challenges, and the courage to face them daily.  The strength of your character is really inspiring ... View more

Hey @Ummmm_what    Welcome to the forums .  It sounds like you're going through a period of discovery.  It is both brave of you, yet normal to go through a stage where we question our sexuality.  It's all part of the process of discovering ourselves.  The things that seem like 'me' can fluctuate and change during this period so please don't worry about it.  .  Have you thought about speaking to someone about this?  If you would like to, please try Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.  They have trained counsellors operating 24/7 to listen to you.  They also have a webchat service here  .   Of course, we are here to support you too! ... View more

Hey @Tiny_leaf ,   So sorry to read about the situation with the wheelchair.  It's very sensitive and empathetic of you to consider the lady's feeling regarding returning the wheelchair .  Regarding a more suitable wheelchair, it may be something you need to discuss with your GP, local hospital, or local community health centre.  Have you tried this as yet?    I hope you can get some rest tonight     ... View more

Hey @Bleedingangel ,   No need to apologise, there's no doubt your lovely post was well intentioned .  It's so great to read that you're considering getting into the industry .  I'll have a chat with the team and see if we send you a wee email with some general pointers.  ... View more

HI @Bleedingangel ,   Thank you for the passionate and encouraging post .  I love who supportive you have been and the thought you put into this.  I have edited a couple of things out of it as the words may been triggering.  If you would like to read the community guidelines, please click here ... View more

Hey @Bento    Thank you for your post; it's really brave to share these things.  I'm really happy to read that you've been focusing on your drawing recently and that you may be attending a writing workshop.  Thus, despite November being a tough month for you and you feeling anxious, you've still managed to do these creative things.  That's really impressive and shows real resilience.  ... View more

Hey @xXLexi_Lou122Xx ,   Sounds like there are some positive things (e.g., getting the support you need) and some tough things (e.g., being there for your friend).  It's really mature of you to see that although it will be hard, it may be better for you.  We are here to support you during these period ... View more

Hey @TiaWilliams104 ,   Reaching out is a wonderful first step.  I am so impressed with your courage for doing so.  If you want to chat to someone, please call Kids Helpline on 1800 650 890.  They have trained counsellors 24/7 who are ready to listen to you.  Please give them a try and see if it helps.  You can also livechat with a counsellor by following the link here.  You can also try the Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321.  They may have some info for local services for you.  These are some good starting options for you. ... View more

Hey @TiaWilliams104 ,   Welcome to the forum .  I'm so sorry to read what's been happening for you.  It sounds like a stressful environment for you and your family.  I'm a bit concerned that you mentioned your sister hits you sometimes.  I wanted to check in to see if you're safe?   Has your sister seen a GP or psychologist about some of the anger or 'mean' issues that you alluded to?  How about you?  Have you seen anyone to chat about these things?  If you want to chat to someone, please call Kids Helpline on 1800 650 890; you can also livechat with a counsellor by following the link here.  You can also try the Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321.  They may have some info for local services for you.   Of course we are here to help you too so please continue to reach out :).  ... View more

This sounds like an awesome idea, hope to see some good posts here    ... View more

@ruthxxx  It's really good you gave it a go, some people say that mindfulness just doesn't resonate with them.  There a lots of different ways of incorporating mindfulness into your daily life. If walking outside with your dog relaxes you let this be your mindfulness. Next time you are walking try to focus solely on just being present with your dog on your walk. That sounds like mindfulness to me  ... View more

Hey @SomeoneNADJS  That really sucks that you were not able to go to the exam for your favorite subject, will there be any chance for you to resit it? I hope you were able to sleep okay again last night, its good to hear things have been a little better and that finally, the exam period is over for you  ... View more

It sounds like its helpful for you to be able to connect to other people about this issue so it could be a really good step to take! Good luck @Benn95 ... View more

HI @Benn95    Thanks for being so brave and reaching out.  Sounds like it is really distressing for you .  If you need to talk please call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.  They have 24/7 trained counsellors to help you . ... View more

Hey @abrokenangel    I love that you're using those coping mechanisms as they can be so helpful . It is also really insightful of you to acknowledge that the two psychologists were not quite the right fit for you.  It can sometimes take 4-5 goes to right the right psychologist for you.  This is normal .    ... View more

Hey @ruthxxx    I'm so sorry to read how you're feeling.  It was wonderfully courageous of you to confess.  I know you're feeling emotional now but I really admire your bravery .   It sounds like he is having trouble communicating?  Almost like you're not sure where you stand?  That must be really confusing.  It happens a lot so trust me, you're not alone in that regard.  Is there anything you can do tonight to look after yourself?  Just something fun to take your mind of it?     ... View more

Hey @Pasta    I'm sorry to hear you've been having a hard time. It sounds like you're struggling with your identity at the moment, which can be very hard to deal with. These feelings are probably exacerbated by the transitioning phase you're going through at the moment. I think because you'e leaving high-school, and ultimately entering adulthood, it's probably triggering questions such as what is my purpose? Where am I heading? Etc. Is that correct?    Is there anyone you can look to for support right now? It sounds like you're really struggling with a few things, and I think it would be best if you expressed these feelings to a trusted individual. No one deserves to go through things like this alone  . We are obviously here for you too, as much as we can be (we are limited of course, being an online forum).  ... View more

Het @Bananatime04    First of all, happy birthday in advance   The thing that person said is not ok.  I know you said it doesn't affect you; it shows that you're a resilient and courageous person.  But it's good to acknowledge in future, as you might hear them say it to someone else and it could be very hurtful.   P.S Thanks for your continued positive contributions to the forum :) ... View more