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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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 0

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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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Weaponsofmassdisstortion Cherophobia
  • replies: 0

Cherophobia; meaning an aversion to happiness In the past I would always curse my luck. I would always think to myself; If only things were easier for me, I would've gotten so much further in life by now. Well, here I am. I have finally gotten my wis... View more

Cherophobia; meaning an aversion to happiness In the past I would always curse my luck. I would always think to myself; If only things were easier for me, I would've gotten so much further in life by now. Well, here I am. I have finally gotten my wish. The problem is I seem to have a fear of taking any risks. Especially if it involves improving my situation. I keep thinking that some great diety in the sky is scrutinising me and if things start to get too good for me, than said diety will visit upon something so bad, that the thought of me ever being happy again, will never cross my mind. Yes, I know; This is not logical. This way of thinking doesn't seem to make sense. And I would agree with you. However, I can't seem to think any other way. This seems to be the first time in my life that I have lived without any chaos. But now, I think I don't deserve it. It's as if my only purpose in this world seems to be to soak up all the suffering and pain of everyone around me. Like the laws of physics say, nothing good is ever supposed to happen to me. And once again, I would agree that this doesn't make sense. But I have though this way for as long as I can remember. “She said, 'I'm so afraid.' And I said, 'why?,' and she said, 'Because I'm so profoundly happy, Dr. Rasul. Happiness like this is frightening.' I asked her why and she said, 'They only let you be this happy if they're preparing to take something from you.”The kite runner.

geelt Feeling overwhelmed and lost with life
  • replies: 27

Lots of things are happening at once and I just need an outlet to vent my emotions. My head is full of useless unnecessary thoughts and worries that I keep making up for myself. I can start a new activity or hobby only for me to hyper-fixate and get ... View more

Lots of things are happening at once and I just need an outlet to vent my emotions. My head is full of useless unnecessary thoughts and worries that I keep making up for myself. I can start a new activity or hobby only for me to hyper-fixate and get myself burnt out and wasting a lot of time and money that I really shouldn't be spending. I overthink things and that affects my enjoyment of the activities I do. Thinking and worrying about buying things to do or thinking about doing things but when I get to doing things I start loathing it. I have no impulse control and stress over money when its just a dollar wasting so much brain power over nothing. No discipline. Currently on Job Seeker applying for work with low qualification/ no education needed. I decided that I'm not going to try going back to University because it doesn't feel worthwhile, but also realized how limiting employment opportunities are. Having to rely on public transport with transit taking 1-2 hours at worst to the closest available work. I've recently begun volunteering at a 2nd hand shop as well just to get out the house and interact with people. I worry about having no time to do things I enjoy if I start doing paid work which is contrasted by not enjoying the things I do for enjoyment or overthinking and stressing over small details. I haven't driven in a year and only have my Ls. Stressing and loathing about it wont help and it feels exhausting trying to ask help from my parents. Paranoid about crashing the car and I've been overthinking when going for walks near/crossing the road when the cars are nowhere near me but the hesitation makes worry and is affecting my alertness. I've even begun worrying when going up escalators even though the fear is unreasonable. A lot of hesitation and a lack of confidence with everything I do. The support groups I've been going to so I can take my mind off things have had their funding cut so they've been changed to fortnightly and the counselor I've been going to won't be able to see me for a couple months. I don't know what I want to do long term so I'm trying to change my mindset. Its fine to not make a lot of money, its fine to keep living at home with my parents, its fine not to accomplish anything grand and have a simple life. I have lots of ideas and thoughts of things to do but never follow through and just wallow in self pity and feeling restricted and limited in what I can do having to compromise I dont know

resistor Need advice on dealing with strong emotions
  • replies: 5

Hi. I'm not quite sure which forum to put this in, but since all my symptoms lead back to depression I hope this is the right place. Apologies if not. I've been living with depression for at least two decades, most of that time untreated. I was also ... View more

Hi. I'm not quite sure which forum to put this in, but since all my symptoms lead back to depression I hope this is the right place. Apologies if not. I've been living with depression for at least two decades, most of that time untreated. I was also self harming most of that time, but managed to painstakingly reduce & eventually stop that harmful activity, I haven't hurt myself for the past 4 years. Lately I've had enormous stress and try manage it with exercise, but it feels insurmountable & developed a habit of picking at threads in clothing or bedding until they come apart! Keeping my fingers busy as I'm sacred of reverting to old bad habits. I have ruined shirts, tops, bedding. If there's a thread I'll go for it. I find this destructive act cathartic, but still destructive. Working in the day is no problem either. But when resting at night, and my thoughts catch up with me, is when my fingers go to town. My next appointment with my councillor is over 3 weeks away, but I can't wait around while I ruin my things. Do anyone have ideas to keep your hands busy? I'm looking for healthy activities until I make my next appt. Thank you. R.

jules10 feeling stuck
  • replies: 3

I feel like my emotions are all over the place. One day I feel absolutely nothing at all, whereas another, everything hits me all at once and honestly it just makes me want to disappear, whether to another country or simply just vanish out of this wo... View more

I feel like my emotions are all over the place. One day I feel absolutely nothing at all, whereas another, everything hits me all at once and honestly it just makes me want to disappear, whether to another country or simply just vanish out of this world. It's almost like there's this void inside of me that will never get fulfilled because I don't know what can. I don't even know what's wrong with me. Is it because I spend so many years suppressing my emotions (I still am) that I don't know how to properly ask for help, nor knowing what I need help for? I don't know and I feel like I'm stuck and there's nowhere to go.

Eagle Ray Keeping up spirits?
  • replies: 5

The past decade has been extremely stressful and I’ve had new lows in my mental and physical health I never imagined would happen. I’ve really had to struggle to survive. And then today I had news which may not necessarily be that serious, but I just... View more

The past decade has been extremely stressful and I’ve had new lows in my mental and physical health I never imagined would happen. I’ve really had to struggle to survive. And then today I had news which may not necessarily be that serious, but I just felt so alone with it. Following scans I have to have a biopsy for possible breast cancer. I know it is common. I think it’s one in seven women get it now. With me I highly suspect severe stress, especially being a carer over the past decade, has really taken its toll on me. I was diagnosed with a progressive liver disease in 2020 and have had so many other debilitating health conditions over decades now, many since a child. I have Complex PTSD as well. I have no doubt my health conditions are all tied in with that which really has been with me from birth. Today I just felt so alone. I have no family as such now. My brother does care about me to an extent but cannot express emotions or provide emotional support, even though I have cared for him when he’s been in crisis. Trying to connect with him emotionally often leads to him becoming distant or hostile. My kindest friend is a busy mother of a very young daughter and has just returned to work. The couple of extended family members I have some contact with have major care commitments of their own. I don’t tend to ask for help anyway, but even if I did I don’t feel anyone has the capacity to help much and I don’t want to burden them. I have gone through all my health challenges alone, including investigative operations and difficult diagnoses. I’ve never had anyone there for me. I’m used to surviving everything in isolation, but it’s like I’ve hit a new wall of exhaustion. I’m on hormone medication for perimenopausal depression and anxiety and it’s been very helpful, but it’s causing severe histamine intolerance where it’s extremely hard to keep food down. I’ve had this for 7 months now and it makes eating so stressful and it’s exhausting on a daily basis. I have reduced the meds leading to breakthrough depression. But I may have to stop them all together if it turns out I have breast cancer. Prior to starting the hormone meds I was in a state of extreme suicidality relentlessly over a long period of time and I had to fight just to keep myself alive. I’m just overwhelmed, exhausted and don’t know how much more I can keep going. Sorry for long post. How do others keep up their spirits when it’s overwhelming?

Lovedmum Sick sore and flat as a tax
  • replies: 9

I feel really silly bothering everyone but I’m so depressed! I’m on a fair amount of medication but can’t seem to get out of this horrible feeling I’m just about to take another week off work to just function! I’m really scared and alone atm as I fee... View more

I feel really silly bothering everyone but I’m so depressed! I’m on a fair amount of medication but can’t seem to get out of this horrible feeling I’m just about to take another week off work to just function! I’m really scared and alone atm as I feel so very ashamed of my condition. But I need to reach out as I’m very physically unwell now as I have lost so much weight which makes it all so much worse for some reason? I’m just lost that’s all, I know I’ll feel better soon but I’m so so sick of this depression popping its ugly self in my life when it wants! The anxiety is crippling first, then the flat mood follows, is this common? Thanks guys for giving me the opportunity to connect to others

Elle 30, happily married, beautiful daughter, but silently struggling with my mental health..
  • replies: 2

Hi all, new member here...struggling at the moment. Every time I have been to see a psychologist in the past, there are so many different issues to discuss, that I've never been able to find the right help. I'm 30 years old, very happily married with... View more

Hi all, new member here...struggling at the moment. Every time I have been to see a psychologist in the past, there are so many different issues to discuss, that I've never been able to find the right help. I'm 30 years old, very happily married with a beautiful 18-month-old daughter, however, I silently suffer with my mental health and I want to be better. I've been stuck in fight or flight my whole life due to past trauma, and I'm tired, so tired. I want to make a change to better myself, not only for me but for my family too. Personal struggles (feels good to finally list them all down in writing) * SA as a child by a family member. Made to keep quiet to not upset the family dynamic, and now I no longer speak to my family because of this. To go along with this, my parents are narcissists, and my mother has been jealous towards me my whole life. Lived in a lower-class home also, couldn't afford school uniforms, lunch boxes etc, so also got bullied for this/always felt I was not deserving of nice things. This mentality sometimes still carries through to my adult life, where I'm always putting others before my own needs. * Drug use in the home when I was growing up, lots of arguments/fights/screaming/silent treatment etc. * I was in a controlling/manipulating relationship for 6 years in my teen years, which ended in him cheating on me. * Suffered from terrible hormonal acne during my teenage years, and lots of body image issues because of this * Had a miscarriage in September 2019, then was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2019, a very difficult year. * I have lots of people in my life whom I'm 'friendly' with, but wouldn't say I have friends. Quite lonely Currently 30, and in the best stage of my life, lots to be thankful for, however, I still am dealing with/processing the above, and it's heavy, a lot to live with day to day. If you've got this far, thanks for reading, nice to know there's someone else out there willing to hear someone else's concerns. Hope you're having a good day.

Nothing___ I feel trapped in my head
  • replies: 1

I don't even know where to start I feel like I have so much in my head and I don't even know what help I want/need or how to ask for it...I feel like I must be choosing this depression because I have a good life, a successful career, I love my family... View more

I don't even know where to start I feel like I have so much in my head and I don't even know what help I want/need or how to ask for it...I feel like I must be choosing this depression because I have a good life, a successful career, I love my family..I have insight into it being an illness but somewhere is a voice telling me that I have no business suffering. I was diagnosed and began medication 20yrs ago..and yet it still is a regular fight. I can hear the rational part in my brain but I have another voice telling me it must just be attention seeking. I have just received a promotion and got overwhelmed and cried at work. I'm terrified that people will really see how substandard and weak I am and that will be the end of it all. I am just so tired.

Lost_Body So much is wrong and I don't know how to sort it out
  • replies: 2

Hi, this is hard. I don’t know where to start or even how to explain where I am in my world. I have been told I have PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. I have been told I have depression; I am sitting here crying so I probably do. I have been taking a... View more

Hi, this is hard. I don’t know where to start or even how to explain where I am in my world. I have been told I have PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. I have been told I have depression; I am sitting here crying so I probably do. I have been taking anti-depressants for 20+ years. I am married to the man of my dreams; we have been together for many years. My second marriage, his first. We are both in our late 50’s. I am not about to take a long walk off a short cliff, but I am really wondering if all this pain and heaviness I am feeling will ever get better. About 4 or so years ago I started to feel like this again and it got a bit out of control and I knew I had to reach out so I saw a Dr and got a mental health plan done. It took me forever to find a psychologist or counsellor who matched my requirements. No one was taking new patients (post pandemic). I ended up just taking anyone who could see me, as I had been trying to book in for a couple of weeks. Even taking a random person I still had to wait about 6 weeks. This person ended up doing more damage to me mentally, triggering me in ways I just had to quit her services immediately. So now here I am. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I feel so bad for all the things that are wrong in our home. We don’t have the liquid income we used to. My work has reduced my hours from 5 days to 4 days per week. I am also doing less driving for work so the $'s from klm's have disappeared too. My physical health is concerning me. Everything seems to be going wrong. I have no besties that I can talk to about this. My work is WFH, my adult daughters don’t need my crap, they are both damaged from my first marriage and the treatment from their father. I am all alone and I don’t want to burden my husband with this as he doesn’t need the troubles from inside my head either. He has his own issues with work and trying to make ends meet. I am just so lost, sad, lonely and really need to feel normal, better and enjoy life, smile and know I am not a lost hope.

SleepyRain Trouble sleeping
  • replies: 9

Hello everyone, It's nearly 3am as I'm posting this. I'm finding it hard to go back to sleep as I was woken up. In general I find it hard to sleep these days at night. I can sometimes nap during the day to catch up but yeh issues at night. The usual ... View more

Hello everyone, It's nearly 3am as I'm posting this. I'm finding it hard to go back to sleep as I was woken up. In general I find it hard to sleep these days at night. I can sometimes nap during the day to catch up but yeh issues at night. The usual too much on my mind, sometime I'm aware I'm thinking and sometimes I'm not. I just want all my problems to disappear or for myself to disappear. I know it's impossible. I've tried calming/relaxation exercises and staying away from 'screen' before heading off but nothing seems to work. Anyone got any ideas? I'm just tired of being tired and everything else I guess. Thanks,SleepyRain