Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

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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

All discussions

TheKingOfHearts I can't and don't want to spend the next 13 years playing catch up
  • replies: 1

Hi! I grew up in a difficult childhood.I never had social experiences and I never had an education due to running out of the classroom from all the bullying.I never knew what I wanted and most of the time I still don't. But deep down when I can think... View more

Hi! I grew up in a difficult childhood.I never had social experiences and I never had an education due to running out of the classroom from all the bullying.I never knew what I wanted and most of the time I still don't. But deep down when I can think clearly I want to do nursing, to be a registered general practice nurse because that is what comes naturally.The thing is though I would need to get my eyes fixed and get my teeth fixed etc and that would cost lots of money.I would need to get a job, save up and get the surgeries along with paying for regular everyday life and work my way upto getting into a bachelor of nursing by doing a diploma first. But here's the problemI've done the calculations and all the planning and it would from today take me 13 years to get all of that together.And I don't want to spend that long on doing all of that.I am 23 years old I should already be there I should've got the education I should have the job. But the real serious problem isI have three mental health conditionsI have autism, schizophrenia and depression I can barely move because I am so weighed down by everything and I've tried lots of meds, none of them have worked and I'm still trying more with my psych team.So I barely shower, I eat the wrong food, I don't sleep very well at all and I dream of a better life.I can't focus or concentrate and so I can't even watch a movie even writing this is exhausting.So I cannot even try to pursue my dream of being a nurse and helping people, being in the health field and just do something worthwhile. So I'm saying all of that to ask you guys whoever is reading Have you heard of a situation like this? Are you in a situation like this? Am I alone? Has anyone pushed forward with so many problems and built a life for themselves?Is there any hope that something anything might work out?Do you have any advice for me? Thank you for spending this moment in time reading my post and I hope all of your dreams come true.

Mickook Depression is so common, where is everyone?
  • replies: 1

I’ve had depression all my life and been on medication for many years. It’s affected every part of my life. The hardest part about it is the lack of understanding or support around me. My family doesn’t understand it or even acknowledge it. They don’... View more

I’ve had depression all my life and been on medication for many years. It’s affected every part of my life. The hardest part about it is the lack of understanding or support around me. My family doesn’t understand it or even acknowledge it. They don’t want to know! Too busy! I feel very alone and disconnected. I wish l had someone or people to talk to as l know it would really help. I feel really tired all the time and very, very angry. I spend so much time crying it’s ridiculous!!! I’m really exhausted trying to figure it out. I spend so much time fighting myself and my negative thoughts. Everyday l say to myself that tomorrow will be better. I’ve been saying this for 40 years and now realise that tomorrow has arrived and it’s not better. I’m at a dead end now and really sick of myself. There are so many people out there who have depression, it’s astounding but where are they? How do l meet them? I wish for peace. Thanks for reading.

Mike_T Depression/anxiety/acopia
  • replies: 3

Hi. I have depression treated with medication. Recently the depression has worsened and my GP increased the dose. I'm not sleeping well, struggling to focus or hold a conversation. Feeling very anxious

Hi. I have depression treated with medication. Recently the depression has worsened and my GP increased the dose. I'm not sleeping well, struggling to focus or hold a conversation. Feeling very anxious

Jimmy66 Where do I Start?
  • replies: 1

I've finally come to the realization that I need a bit of help. being the typical Male, always thinking there is nothing wrong with me? Work, Life, relationships are all difficult to manage these days and I find myself pushing everything away and mak... View more

I've finally come to the realization that I need a bit of help. being the typical Male, always thinking there is nothing wrong with me? Work, Life, relationships are all difficult to manage these days and I find myself pushing everything away and making myself worse.I feel a mix of Anxiety, Depression and PTSD all rolled into one.

DevSil97 I need someone to talk! I’m Depressed and alone
  • replies: 2

Hi! I moved to Australia recently with my partner and he cheated me several times I don’t have an option but to stay with him cause I don’t know anyone here and I don’t have that much of money. I miss my mother every singe time. I can’t tell het thes... View more

Hi! I moved to Australia recently with my partner and he cheated me several times I don’t have an option but to stay with him cause I don’t know anyone here and I don’t have that much of money. I miss my mother every singe time. I can’t tell het these things so she will be worried. Im crying everyday alone in my bed without anyone to talk to. I can’t sleep or eat. I feel so sorry for myself.

LostPigeon407 Can I still have achieve dreams or am I too late?
  • replies: 14

So I am now turning 29 in March, not long away and my only income is just Centrelink DSP. I have over $45,000 of savings, I have my driving licence and own a vehicle, But unfortunately I've never had direction for which industries or entry jobs I wan... View more

So I am now turning 29 in March, not long away and my only income is just Centrelink DSP. I have over $45,000 of savings, I have my driving licence and own a vehicle, But unfortunately I've never had direction for which industries or entry jobs I want to work. I am realistic it's very hard to get a job when I have no work experience or net work to help me and with nothing on my resume despite a year of Salvo's volunteering and minimal assistance with brick laying. I only finished Year 12 high school in 2013 with Foundation VCAL and I am not eligible or even the academic devoted personality for University, despite having a interest in Nutrition, Counselling & Theology. I often get upset because since 7 years ago I was diagnosed with pre diabetes and I'm always angry about that and having to live this way now. I'm also under psychiatry treatment for a severe diagnosis that I don't agree with and they otherwise wrongly think I am something like asperges and it's absolutely not true. I love living with my family, but I hate my father and I am financially dependent on him. I also was bullied by high school crap friends that lasted for a decade and they impacted my confidence socially and they made my suffering worse by enjoying my misfortunes. They were undermining, hypocritical, speaking on my behalf, spreading rumours and calling me un wanted names and judging the way I was living and giving me labels that I had to be told quite frequently, they also were insensitive generally. I've had no contact for the last 5 years. I always wanted to be creative with music or comedy aspirations but I blame my father and my school relationship's to ruin my esteem to ever try, and now with the involuntary pharmaceuticals I just feel I will never have confidence.

cloudy overhead Friend not a friend
  • replies: 3

Ive been in contact with this person for the last 4 years and regularly catch up for lunch. We share a birthday together and she's about to have a significant birthday.I asked her if she'd like to catch up on our mutual birthdays, she proceeded to le... View more

Ive been in contact with this person for the last 4 years and regularly catch up for lunch. We share a birthday together and she's about to have a significant birthday.I asked her if she'd like to catch up on our mutual birthdays, she proceeded to let me know how "FRIENDS" of her's were throwing her a birthday party therefore could we catch up before hand. Initially, I stupidly said yes, although I couldnt shake my annoyance, disbelief and hurt. I let her know I was hurt and how I would've invited her to a birthday party I might have,especially as we share the same day.This event has just added to my depressed state of late and makes me wonder how people can be so stupidly insensitive, especially as she is 'up there in age'This makes me appreciate more and more how I genuinely enjoy my own company.

naralle Still Working on my Depression
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone,I would like to let everyone know that I'm trying to fight back on my depression which isn't easy but if I don't start now it will never happen. I know I have support here and I really do appreciate it and I now know that I can come here ... View more

Hi everyone,I would like to let everyone know that I'm trying to fight back on my depression which isn't easy but if I don't start now it will never happen. I know I have support here and I really do appreciate it and I now know that I can come here and talk about it instead of bottling it up. Its just going to take one day at a time to work on my health and get my motivation back on track that's for sure and tell my depression were to go lol. But it won't be easy but I have to make a start and do something about it. I know I will have some off days hey I know I will jump on here and talk about it. Anyway thank you for listening.

NewDad24 Depression for new fathers
  • replies: 2

Hi all,I’m a new father to a beautiful 7 week year old boy. My wife and I have been doing really well with him, however, over time I have started to feel more anxious and depressed as I have felt that my son is not bonding with me. I would get easily... View more

Hi all,I’m a new father to a beautiful 7 week year old boy. My wife and I have been doing really well with him, however, over time I have started to feel more anxious and depressed as I have felt that my son is not bonding with me. I would get easily overwhelmed when he cried while his mother was out for a bit of space as I could not do anything to settle him. I understand at this age he is hungry and relies on his mother for food, but my mentality did not allow me to think this. Instead I would think ‘he hates you’, ‘you’re not a good father’. This made my anxiety and depression worse, and also made me more impatient and easily aggravated. It’s reached the point where my wife has asked for space and I know I need help to change these behaviours or I will lose the people I love more than anything. I plan to talk with my GP and see a specialist but would love any insights from other fathers, or relatives of fathers who have experienced something similar

naralle Depression
  • replies: 6

I find having Depression sux, because I know I'm not a normal person, I've been living with Depression for 18 years and I miss being normal. I've forgotten what it's like to be normal, now I have to fight to do what I want to do or my Depression take... View more

I find having Depression sux, because I know I'm not a normal person, I've been living with Depression for 18 years and I miss being normal. I've forgotten what it's like to be normal, now I have to fight to do what I want to do or my Depression takes over and that's it I'm just a zombie. I don't have a normal night sleep, my husband also has depression and anxiety I have anxiety as well and we try to look after each other. At the moment we both aren't coping due to a few circumstances one of the being financial, but I'm really starting to struggle with my Depression again. I want to get back into my hobbies and start taking up new ones, I'm trying very hard to stay positive but when your constantly worried about your husband well your mind is in over drive and then I start to stress eat. My Depression is always hanging around waiting for me to feel weak so it can let it self in, it's hard to be strong and active as I've got two pro-lapsed discs in my lower back and that's a everyday struggle in itself. I do keep a diary but I forget to write in it. I just wish I never Major Depression and Anxiety, its evil and it waits unit your weak and it then sneaks in then your whole mood changes. Sometimes its hard to be positive all the time, motivation is hard as well, I know one thing and I have to say this I blame my father for this and that's all I will say on that matter. I do listen to music, I do watch my tv shows but when I'm just not in the mood to do anything i lay on my bed with my eyes closed and do nothing. They say that ' try and go for a walk, or read a book or do something', but it's not always easy. I do try and I do have my good days and I do have my bad days. I am on medication and I take it everyday, I just wish I didn't have this problem. I'm just frustrated with having depression that's all.