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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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
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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

All discussions

DallasG People think I'm lazy and it's messing with me pretty bad.
  • replies: 3

I've been in therapy for 6 going on 7 years now, it's been with a psychologist and it's basic talk therapy and I will say it has helped me to a degree but it's only gotten me so far, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and moderate to severe soc... View more

I've been in therapy for 6 going on 7 years now, it's been with a psychologist and it's basic talk therapy and I will say it has helped me to a degree but it's only gotten me so far, I was diagnosed with clinical depression and moderate to severe social anxiety, I've mostly gotten over the anxiety, I still have bouts of pretty bad anxiety but I've learned to get through them, the depression has stuck though, no matter what I've tried it only works for a little while and then it creeps back in, I feel like I have no control over it, I am medicated for it, each day, as far as I know it is one of the most effective AD's. Lately the depression is just really bad, I have lost interest in pretty much everything, I'm currently unemployed so there's that, I have no IRL friends anymore, my one and only friend fobbed me off and is blaming me for it as well as everything else wrong with him, I'm angry at him, at others, I have slept most days the last month unless I have to be somewhere which isn't very often, if I do get up I sit/lie on the couch watching YouTube or streaming something to keep my attention from leading me back to bed, I'm exhausted both mentally and physically and and I just don't care about anything, I don't want a relationship or family, I can't make friends, I'm 43 this year and my mum and dad will be gone soon, my sister is in another country with her family, I will soon have no one, and while that scares me to a degree I look forward to it, I can stop pretending I'm fine, that I want a "normal" life, someone said once it's called apanthropy, I looked it up and it suits me to a tee, I know my thoughts are all over the place, another reason I find it so hard to explain myself to others, I know I'm abnormal, I don't mind being that. But when people say I'm just lazy and to just stop being depressed and do something I get so mad, like they just don't get and I hope they never feel anything close to what I do each day, I feel most people wouldn't be able to cope as well as I think I have without doing something drastic, yeah I've only been there once in my life and I know it's not the answer. Some or all of this won't make sense to many, I just had to get it out I guess.

Cat0101 help - neighbour dog non-stop parking 24/7
  • replies: 1

I am a super patience person, and love planting in my little backyard. 1. the new moved in neighbour is the owner since Jan 20232. she brings along a young female golden retriever3. at the beginning, she tried to calm down her dog. 4. her job is far ... View more

I am a super patience person, and love planting in my little backyard. 1. the new moved in neighbour is the owner since Jan 20232. she brings along a young female golden retriever3. at the beginning, she tried to calm down her dog. 4. her job is far and cannot back home every days5. the poor dog is home alone, but just a tiny noise (e.g. keys, closing door, walking in the tiny court yard, ...) the dog will bark non-stop. Even though double glassed door still can hear it.6. sometime I can hear the dog is exhausted from barking, after a rest, if some sounds come again, the dog bark again7. this is not kind to the dog and the life of the dog is not good8. my husband suffer it a lots, because he stay home most of the time9. our relationship get worse and argue one time more worse than one time10. now i felt depressed by busy job, bad tempered husband, non-stop barking dog, ....11. 5 months passed, my little backyard like a terrible forest. Because i cannot stay outside with barking noise. Even though I cannot bloom out the leaves. We did talk with that owner few times and recently the house sold after a month. The owner carry on to work and not stay home. Dog is longer time by herself. Situation is getting worser. Please help to suggest me how i could report it and make it stop?

-Tee- Stay at home mums and mental load
  • replies: 1

First time reaching out here.. not sure what I actually want to achieve, but I'm hoping writing things out may relieve some tension.I'm a full time at home mum of 3 who like many other, I'm sure, does NOT stop. I have a high needs family, with little... View more

First time reaching out here.. not sure what I actually want to achieve, but I'm hoping writing things out may relieve some tension.I'm a full time at home mum of 3 who like many other, I'm sure, does NOT stop. I have a high needs family, with little family support and a lack of friendships I feel I can be open with. I'm home a lot on my own and whilst I'm happy to hold the fort, mental load is often draining, there's always something to remember, something to do or someone to attend too. In the past I've been very closed off and often hid my feelings, but these days I try my best to be open and have clear communication. It feels good to say what I'm thinking and whilst I feel heard, I don't feel like I'm understood. I can be pretty clear with saying I'm cracking, exhausted and need time alone to recharge, but the rest of the households feelings and needs seem to trump my own. I've tried putting myself first, but then I find I'm left with more pieces of the puzzle to pick up when I return, so I feel like it's a never ending battle. Most days I feel like a ship sailing in the night. I know I'm not alone out there, does anyone have suggestions of how to make life that little bit easier? Having appointments and therapy is not an option, because getting away from the house or having more than 5 minutes without little people in tow is too hard.

Sum_mer20 Thoughts from me
  • replies: 1

Hello to whomever is reading this, right now it’s 8:01pm and I’ve decided to just right things down. I’m struggling with my mental health and I think I’ve begun to admit to myself that I am not okay. I am my biggest enemy and I feel so pathetic and w... View more

Hello to whomever is reading this, right now it’s 8:01pm and I’ve decided to just right things down. I’m struggling with my mental health and I think I’ve begun to admit to myself that I am not okay. I am my biggest enemy and I feel so pathetic and worthless. My family thinks I have a full time job when in fact I’m hiding under my bed, it’s been going on for 4months now and I keep lying to them whenever they ask me how work is going. I feel so stressed and angry at myself for being useless. Like I have no excuse but I’m always applying for jobs and I never hear anything. My other problem, is that I’m pretending everything is okay when it’s not. I’m so sad and anxious about everything. The only place that makes me feel good is the gym but that’s only for a little bit and then I go home and I feel so crap about myself. Also, being a black women itself is hard because I feel like I have to prove myself and work harder than anyone else but for what! You know I tried to make myself feel better emotionally and mentally but at the end of the day there is this big rock on my shoulder that keeps dragging me down. I want to be proud of myself and be genuinely happy but why is it so hard? I’m desperate for a job, I’m desperate to love myself and I’m desperate to know that someone is proud of me. Don’t get me wrong my family is amazing especially my big sister because she’s always there for me but knowing that I’m lying to them 24/7 makes me feel sick. I am posting this because I don’t have anyone to talk to and I just want someone to understand.

nobody288282828829292992911 :(
  • replies: 1

i just dont know anymore … everythings horrible

i just dont know anymore … everythings horrible

benadams201 SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION
  • replies: 2

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

Giggyy my therapist is moving away
  • replies: 5

I only just really started being able to be more open with my therapist, it's taken me a long time but I started feeling like I can talk more about what's REALLY bothering me. and I really like talking to him, it helps a lot, I have literally no one ... View more

I only just really started being able to be more open with my therapist, it's taken me a long time but I started feeling like I can talk more about what's REALLY bothering me. and I really like talking to him, it helps a lot, I have literally no one else to talk to about this stuff. I have friends but no matter how much I want to, I can't talk to them about what upsets me or anything, I don't know why - I'm absurdly closed off, and I go mute when I get upset. I'm scared now cause he's moving away, he said video calls are an option but I wouldn't have any privacy during sessions (I still live with family). I went so long just bottling everything up and fermenting in my misery and now just when I start to feel better it gets taken away. I feel like I've gotten too attached to this professional who probably doesn't really care, but I have no one else who even pretends to care, it means a lot to me - I know I'm going go back to feeling lonely and empty without at least someone to talk to

Not_Batman Lost at the bottom again
  • replies: 6

Hi all. back again, and not going so well. I hope it is temporary because i really hate the stupid feeling of depression. first week back at work this week, and it has been really tough. I have projects coming out my ears, 1 new staff which i wasn't ... View more

Hi all. back again, and not going so well. I hope it is temporary because i really hate the stupid feeling of depression. first week back at work this week, and it has been really tough. I have projects coming out my ears, 1 new staff which i wasn't ready for and have no direction for, and doubting my abilities.I look at all of the things i need to do at work and get overwhelmed. i try to focus on 1 thing and still get overwhelmed. Ive spoken to lifeline a couple of times this week to help me through the panicy times. Ive tried to do my meditations, breathing and grounding techniques, but to little effect, i guess because my mind is still consumed with worry and thoughts and fear. My OCD is telling me i need to get everything done perfectly, my anxiety is telling me all of these what if's, and my depression is telling me whats the point. so, for the last 4 nights, im getting to sleep at night easy, but wake at 4am, and cant get back to sleep. Then i’m tired for the whole day. by lunch time i feel better, more awake, but still not my chipper self.I went from having 5 weeks of holidays having an amazing time getting things done at home and feeling really good, to then walk in to work and fall to pieces. i spoke to my boss about some things, and they suggested to not let it get to me, just do what i can do, and escalate if things are not working out, but that didnt give me a while lot of comfort. I soldiered on this afternoon though, and after putting myself through a lot of anguish, i managed to get one of the important things on the job list almost complete.i’m holding on to the hope that it will get better, because I know i have been here before, and i know i have clawed my way out. Wish me luck. Not Batman

Conjor88 Depression without knowing it
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Theres alot been happening with me lately I think I need to see a doctor I haven't been able cope with myself I've been easy to snap at little things and go absolutely crazy when the kids don't listen or do something I don't like I just go mental, I ... View more

Theres alot been happening with me lately I think I need to see a doctor I haven't been able cope with myself I've been easy to snap at little things and go absolutely crazy when the kids don't listen or do something I don't like I just go mental, I try to hold myself back by just crying it out and breathing in and out. By the end of the day i feel so drain out and I think about things that I shouldn't be thinking about. I think im depressed without knowing it.

Doodel Weight loss surgery, depression and alcohol
  • replies: 1

I had my first baby at 18, second at 21.Divorced their father after five years due to his Drug addiction.Met my now husband in 2004, we have a blended family, two boys, two girls. My husband has a much closer relationship with my daughters than I do ... View more

I had my first baby at 18, second at 21.Divorced their father after five years due to his Drug addiction.Met my now husband in 2004, we have a blended family, two boys, two girls. My husband has a much closer relationship with my daughters than I do with his sons.I have always been obese but never really let it get to me.I had my first weight loss surgery in 2011, things didn’t go as planned, ended up having more in 2018.I lost my father in law in 2018, my father in 2019 and mother in law in 2021. I don’t think I’ve been able to mourn any of them as it was up to me to organise everything. We are still going through the process with my mother in laws estate, it’s been nearly two years.I’ve always been the one to knuckle down and get stuff done.I’ve never been a big drinker, was always the deso Dave on nights out.For the past couple of years I have been drinking spirits.It came to the point where I was drunk nearly every afternoon, then I passed out and hit my head earning a night in hospital.I spoke to a psychologist a few times but don’t think she was the right fit for me.I don’t drink everyday but when I do it’s nearly the whole bottle and it’s in secret.I have no motivation, no enthusiasm for anything.After reading many other forum posts I’m wondering if depression has reared its ugly head?I’m just wanting to know if there’s anyone else out there dealing with these kinds of issues