Someone to talk to

			Someone to talk to
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	Someone to-talk-to issues can be important for all, both for workers onsite and on leave, plus the partners with families at home.

	These guidelines are simple things to remember in opening a discussion with someone (Material comes from "The 10 Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities". It is a good starting point.)
	Speak directly rather than through a companion Offer to shake hands when introduced. Always identify yourself and others who may be with you If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Treat adults as adults. People with companions, or who have a disability and are in a wheelchair, or are with a dog, treat them as one or equal. (Never distract a work animal from their job without the owner’s permission.) Listen attentively when talking with people. (If necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, or a nod of the head. Never pretend to understand; instead repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond.) Place yourself at eye level when speaking with someone who is sitting down, in a wheelchair or on crutches. Tap a person who has a hearing disability on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his or her attention first. (Look directly at the person and speak clearly, slowly, and expressively to establish if the person can read your lips. If so, try to face the light source and keep hands, cigarettes and food away from your mouth when speaking. If a person is wearing a hearing aid, don’t assume that they have the ability to discriminate your speaking voice. Never shout to a person. Just speak in a normal tone of voice.) Relax. ( Don’t be embarrassed if you happen to use common expressions such as “See you later” or “Did you hear about this?” that seems to relate to a person’s disability.)
	Hints ... to get into the right frame of mind ... ie RELAX
Eat well and be active	Consider your diet. Do a little exercise daily,e.g. 15-30 min walk.
Get out & enjoy nature	When we have contact with nature, animals, plants, gardens or parks, our mood improves and we feel less stressed. Going to the park or beach for your exercising walk may help.
Write down what you feel	Considering what is going on in your life can help you to have another look at your life and find a solution or a way forward to a better attitude.
Take time to relax	Take some time each day to do what you enjoy. It maybe hard to get motivated, but will get easier.
Set small goals	Set yourself goals for each day, and break the day in into parts, so it is easier to get through it. Reward yourself for what you do. Don't expect too much of yourself.
Give it time	Changes don't happen over night. It's a matter of taking little steps, and the end of the tunnel will be in sight!


What is it ....	Short summary ...	Scoreboard
	Some ideas, plus phone & email contacts below ...
Reflections on life & living	Ideas and hints on linking up. Includes info for Vietnam Vets	7/10
Centre for advancement of Men's Health	Men's awareness network with a swag of useful information.	7/10
Meeting people web site start point	One of many sites to help meet people. Multiple options. A few good ideas.	7/10
Kids help line - website	Kids help line services. There's also 1800 55 1800 phone service	7/10
The Samaritans	A wide ranging 'listening service' with 24 hour phone access 131 114	7/10

Other useful stuff ....

Sometimes just chatting to a neighbour or friend, maybe over coffee, can help you to feel that you have someone to talk to,
even if it's just day to day things,
the company of another person is great.

Often when out walking in the park or to the shops,
there are always people around, sometimes we are able to say 'Hi'
and pass the time of day.
At these times we don't know how much a simple "Hi"
to someone can help them get through the day!

Sometimes life is just mundane and you want or need some company, even going to the local library, maybe taking up a handcraft, or meeting people through classes,
can add an extra dimension to your life.


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