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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
  • replies: 0

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for ... View more

Welcome This section of the Beyond Blue Forums is for talking about our experiences with depression. There are lots of chats about how it makes us feel, what it’s like to live with depression and what has worked to help in these times. Thank you for coming this far, we know it can be really hard to take these steps if depression is in your life - we see you and think this is a great step. To get the most out of this space we have a few tips: Get involved. The Forums work best for you when you get active and post where you can. Now, we know that can be really hard, especially when you are experiencing depression. So, if you can post something supportive to someone else here, that would be an incredible start. Speak from the heart. This community wants to know how YOU feel and what has worked for YOU. We trust that you have something unique to say and we can’t wait to hear it. Check in. Lots of the discussions in this section of the Forums have been going for years and they are some of the richest conversations we have. Keep checking in to get new ideas and offer your support. We know it can be tough to start, but when you are ready we want to hear your thoughts. If you need some time to get to know the community, that's okay! Have a look around and see where you want to get involved. Thank you for being here! Beyond Blue

Jeriava How do I talk to my doctor?
  • replies: 9

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really ... View more

I’ve been struggling with my life for the past 7-8 years but I finally made an appointment with a doctor. I feel really scared though because I don’t ever go to the doctor for anything, and I havent seen this doctor for so many years that I’m really scared that they’ll judge me or won’t believe anything I say. I’m really anti social so I feel like I won’t be able to say what I wanna say or I’ll say the wrong thing causing them to just dismiss me and move me along without helping. I’m just tired of feeling alone, depressed and just worthless but I’m really scared to talk to them.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 132

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the ... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas you might like to try for managing symptoms of depression. Of course everyone's different, so let us know what works for you, and please feel free to add to the list... Mindfulness – through breathing or engaging the 5 senses Distress Tolerance – Accepting Emotions and Self Soothing Distraction – Put the thoughts/feelings aside and come back to them when you are ready to deal with them Positive Affirmations – Have some affirmations written down repeat them to yourself daily Sleep/Exercise/Diet – All 3 aspects of our lifestyle can impact the way we think/feel Increasing Pleasurable Activities – Engage in at least one pleasurable activity per day

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Janan Thoughts
  • replies: 9

Hi, I have been suffering from severe depression since 2012, as well as bipolar disorder and many psychological and health problems such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.It is not easy to fight yourself and your illness in order to survive.I have wishe... View more

Hi, I have been suffering from severe depression since 2012, as well as bipolar disorder and many psychological and health problems such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.It is not easy to fight yourself and your illness in order to survive.I have wished with all my heart in many times that everything that happened to me was a dream with no reality.I feel the spiritual and physical pain with which I cannot continue to live peacefully with it. The deep sadness, negative thoughts, anxiety and anger without any reason. All of this, I find myself lost inside it and I cannot escape from this darkness.

Guest_95385315 Isolated, lonely and depressed
  • replies: 3

I have suffered from anxiety and clinical depression pretty much since childhood. Lately I had a falling out with one of my only friends and I'm feeling so unbelievably depressed. I feel so alone and isolated. It doesn't help that I have ASD. I'm at ... View more

I have suffered from anxiety and clinical depression pretty much since childhood. Lately I had a falling out with one of my only friends and I'm feeling so unbelievably depressed. I feel so alone and isolated. It doesn't help that I have ASD. I'm at a loss what do next with my life. I feel hopeless and depleted.

Guest_39894918 no way out from my wife
  • replies: 2

It is really difficult situation that I couldnt sleep today and while I was searching any help, I found this. facts only.My wife has bad ADHD (forget and lose things, appointments easily)I may have Autism. I can see autistic traits. everything has to... View more

It is really difficult situation that I couldnt sleep today and while I was searching any help, I found this. facts only.My wife has bad ADHD (forget and lose things, appointments easily)I may have Autism. I can see autistic traits. everything has to be in order, planned, logical.My son has both ADHD and level 1 Autism. Now,I believe that due to her ADHD, she became narcissistic. Her mother is quite narcissistic too. hmmm I dont know where to start. I asked her to see conselling but she refuses. As I am Christian, I dont want to divorce and also I want to take responsibility of my autism child. Everything has to be her way. I am sorry I am too tired to type more. I will have to continue writing next time when I have more energy I feel trapped and I really dont know what to do.

LC80 Withdrawal after a serious hospitalization
  • replies: 35

Midway through 2025 I was flown to Sydney to ne admitted to hospital with a rare and deadly serious bacterial infection of my windpipe. The short story is during early treatment I went into respiratory arrest, and near death transferred to ICU after ... View more

Midway through 2025 I was flown to Sydney to ne admitted to hospital with a rare and deadly serious bacterial infection of my windpipe. The short story is during early treatment I went into respiratory arrest, and near death transferred to ICU after intubation. I was sedated for a week and the tube was removed. Due to the rarity of my condition I was kept in isolation in the main during my three and a half month stay. My ongoing treatment as an outpatient will last a total of 12 months of antibiotic treatment, not including the IV treatment I was given in hospital. I have to return to Sydney from my county town every three months for follow up blood tests and a clinic visit for more medication. Since returning home full time I have become more withdrawn, to the point that I avoid going out if possible. Where I was very involved in community radio all I do now is one two hour shift on air a week. I wouldn't call myself depressed, although I have suffered bouts in the past. Life is different because of the after effects of the infection and the damage caused to my trachea after the stent that kept it open was removed. The possibility of tracheal collapse plays on my mind sometimes, if I am having a low energy day. That is a regular occurrence and an ongoing after effect. My friends and wife, although they mean well, don't understand what I went through mentally. They saw the physical side of my hospital stay and it was very difficult for them, particularly my stay in ICU. "That's in the past now" is what I have been told, however mentally it's not.

Gambit87 Let my mental health go, Getting back on track!
  • replies: 15

Hey everyone!I haven't been here for a while! I was going so well until a few months ago. I noticed I started to withdraw, making excuses for getting out of things, no self care and just being a robot in my daily life while just 'being there'. Then o... View more

Hey everyone!I haven't been here for a while! I was going so well until a few months ago. I noticed I started to withdraw, making excuses for getting out of things, no self care and just being a robot in my daily life while just 'being there'. Then on Monday just gone, had a full on panic attack and the dark clouds of depression rolled in. Thankfully I had my amazing wife around to nudge me to kick me into gear. I put my mental health plan into place and I'm slowly getting back to it. GP booked today to get a new mental health care plan, 3 sessions booked in with my psych, went to the gym for a light session and multiple long walks a day when I'm feeling overwhelmed, being able to get outdoors really helps. Depression (and anxiety) sucks, so. freaking. bad. It hurts, I feel so knotted up and it feels like there's no ending to it. But, it does get better, you need to put in the work and I got slack - that's on me Its been 6 years since my last major depressive hit, so I know this will pass. For now, im going to try and update this post daily to hold myself accountable. Thank you friends.

geelt Everything is a struggle
  • replies: 16

I have no hope for the future because all there awaits is struggle and disappointment. So much negativity and pain where all you can do is hold it in and sigh because nothing is in your control. Even sighing is enough to get other people to complain ... View more

I have no hope for the future because all there awaits is struggle and disappointment. So much negativity and pain where all you can do is hold it in and sigh because nothing is in your control. Even sighing is enough to get other people to complain about you. Can't show any emotions or people will complain and use your words against you and make up scenarios in their heads. Even with all the blessings and fortune I have I'm still struggling. Getting support won't change how I feel about the world. Its just an endless circle of being referred to place after place. I can't expect other people to fix my life but I'm just apathetic towards even building a good future for myself now. At times it feels like the world is deliberately trying to drag me down and make me miserable. I'm too afraid to try anything now, I'm too afraid of running into people that make me miserable. I can only find peace if I isolate and hide from the world. Its better to be in my own company than run into people that make me miserable. I know this is wrong and I know I can't keep this up forever but I'm terrified of the world now and its only getting worse. I wish I could be left alone and not have to interact or deal with people. I spoke with a counselor and they suggest I join a study program which I was hesitant about but against better judgement I decided to give it ago because what was the worst that could happen. I didn't do enough research about the program and it was not the kind of program I thought it was. I couldn't handle 2 days of sitting in a room with loud people swearing and making a ruckus, its been 4 months since then and I can't get it out of my head. It's so frustrating that I can't get these things out of my head. A couple of days ago I decided to catch the bus and go to a different library for a change of pace because I wasn't feeling so great. It was okay and I felt a little better getting out of the house. On the bus ride home there were some people being loud and annoying. Then one of them threw a peach pit at my head and I was so baffled. I was so tired and sick of everything but all I could do was sigh. People can be so inconsiderate and puzzling, its so tiring. My hair was so sticky and gross it was disgusting, then I got lobbed again by a candy bar. I want to get mad, I want to get angry and scream but it all feels pointless. Being happy feels pointless, getting upset feels pointless. It all feels pointless, I can't escape other people or myself.

redtornado Redundant, incontinent and struggling
  • replies: 9

Hi all, Seeking support I’ve been made redundant, I feel like I have no one and I’ve been experiencing issues with incontinence. Looking for support to talk through this. I’m safe and not thinking about ending it btw. Thanks

Hi all, Seeking support I’ve been made redundant, I feel like I have no one and I’ve been experiencing issues with incontinence. Looking for support to talk through this. I’m safe and not thinking about ending it btw. Thanks

Mario_Sonic I Feel Like I'm Being Ignored And Or Rejected On The Forums
  • replies: 13

Hey again guys. Liam here. So, let's see, what's been going on...well this is something I've wanted to really get off my chest, but...I feel like I'm being ignored and or rejected on the forums. I mean don't get me wrong, you guys have been incredibl... View more

Hey again guys. Liam here. So, let's see, what's been going on...well this is something I've wanted to really get off my chest, but...I feel like I'm being ignored and or rejected on the forums. I mean don't get me wrong, you guys have been incredible to me, but I just feel like I can't make a post without it being moved to one where I've literally posted numerous times...I want to talk about all kinds of things, mentally but the ones who run the forums seem to think I'm just talking about the same things over and over which, yes is true, but still...also I know what it is I'm looking for, after a long time of research, I finally found a word for what it is I'm looking for in a girl. I'm looking for a platonic partner. Now for those of you who don't know what a platonic oartner is, well here's the definition. A platonic partner is a person with whom you share a deep, committed life bond that functions like a long-term relationship, but without sexual or romantic involvement. So yeah, THAT'S what I'm looking for. Now the bad news? Well, I am still trying to find that person. My first partner, I broke up with her because she wasn't chatty and was rather quiet, and not to mention that she was so obsessed with me to the point where she wouldn't leave me alone. So I panicked. Then my second one, I didn't really have that much to do with her...she was way too obsessed with her own stuff and she was focusing way too much on herself...and finally my third one, while she is willing to hug me, she never answers my calls or texts...guys...I don't know waht more I can do...can you guys please comfort me right now because I'm crying from this... *Crying* -Liam

Jessksch Everything is too expensive, even getting gelp
  • replies: 0

I've been trying so hard to hold on, I'm so sick of having to wait for my parent's property to be sold so we can finally own a home. I know I sound so spoiler but our rental place is falling apart and now for a month my landlord won't contact us anym... View more

I've been trying so hard to hold on, I'm so sick of having to wait for my parent's property to be sold so we can finally own a home. I know I sound so spoiler but our rental place is falling apart and now for a month my landlord won't contact us anymore or fix things. I am so sick of sending reminders, and just thinking of other people who are working two jobs to survive and still never own a home ...how can I be happy with what I have? The world is so expensive, I only work part-time and don't have the emotional stability to work full-time time, however I would need the money ...but, it just isn't worth it to give what little I have of my life that I enjoy . It seems she have to give it all up and work two jobs to survive and enjoy life, and still never afford our own home. I am crying on my way to work because I can't afford another sick day or to see my doctor even though I'm on a mental health plan. I'd rather save it for takeout to have some joy during the weekend which I spend on catching up on housework and sleeping and too tired to do anything else. I just feel like I'm barely holding on. I talk to others on help forums and they are just saying everyone is suffering and to take my mind off of it. But everywhere is constant reminders: people using AI and it's taking all our jobs and making people stupid; everyone is angry and moody. Nothing is bringing me joy anymore. I'm going crazy

colnago down and out
  • replies: 0

Hi - I haven't been this low in a while. Had the suicidal thoughts often in the past with tough times but now even more so. 12 moths ago I was on top of teh worls- had stopped smoking and drinking ( a lot) got healthy was hapy in my work - well liked... View more

Hi - I haven't been this low in a while. Had the suicidal thoughts often in the past with tough times but now even more so. 12 moths ago I was on top of teh worls- had stopped smoking and drinking ( a lot) got healthy was hapy in my work - well liked and leading a great team then... 8th failed promotion applicationStep father dies bot unexpectedly but still he was a god step father to me August 2024Mother dies Sept 2025 - this was unexpected and quite sudden. My mother made me executor whioch I knew about and left a split 90:10 to me in the will ( my haldf sister wa steh 10%) who had been distant fro mum. Mum left a note with teh will explaining her reasons so in theory that was that. Six months of sorting the estate out and selling the house at probbaly 15% less than 12 montsh ago. I should add w ehave a son with quite seveer autism he's 24 not likely to leave home and my wife is sole carer so I am teh sole bread winner so to speak but I now have anklyising spondylituis so my back is in constant pain- been to gp nothing to eb done except opiods which I probably should avoid. Any 'teh will' and generous proportion was aimed at me so that we cudl get asecure place to live with our son as he will need life ling care in one way or another. I moved jobs in July thsi year after failing to get promoted at my previosu place but turms out taht was a poor move- Probably worse here than at my old place so begun looking for another job. Of course my sister nad now step son are contesting teh will and claiming poverty and needs and all is so unfair. We have mediation late novemeber but everything is a cost against teh estate and ipso facto against my son and my mum's wishes and I just feel assailed on all sides. Health, work, Life, finances and now lie awake thinking it might be simpler to throw teh towel in and at least my wife and sone woudl getmy super and be sort fo 'safe' my lot seems to be done.

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