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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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tashi No more joy
  • replies: 10

I feel absolutely ridiculous writing this when I know how blessed I am in this life . I have a husband who supports me , two beautiful children and a roof over my head . I have been through some shit in this life , but along with everyone else right?... View more

I feel absolutely ridiculous writing this when I know how blessed I am in this life . I have a husband who supports me , two beautiful children and a roof over my head . I have been through some shit in this life , but along with everyone else right? But ive been making excuses for to long … its been a long week or the kids have been hard work today or im a bit under the weather , my low iron is causing me to be flat but if im being truly honest . I don’t remember the last time I felt true happiness or joy . I have to work really hard to pretend things are making me happy and I feel evil saying it . Even when I’m out experiencing life with myfamily . Sometimes crippled in my bed scrolling my phone with not an ounce of energy yo get up . What on earth do I do from here . I feel so broken

Guest_98280030 Little miss lonely
  • replies: 2

Hi, I don’t usually do things like this as I’m naturally a very introverted person who doesn’t like talking about her feelings, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t cope with my feelings very well. I am 18, and I’ve just finished school and all my ... View more

Hi, I don’t usually do things like this as I’m naturally a very introverted person who doesn’t like talking about her feelings, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t cope with my feelings very well. I am 18, and I’ve just finished school and all my friends pretty much ghosted me. I find it really hard to make friends, and even harder to be close enough to people to go out with them often. I do have my boyfriend, but even he makes me feel like he doesn’t want to be around me. My dilemma ultimately is that I’m really sad and depressed, feeling like I’ve hit a dead end. And yes, I’ve brought up my feelings with my boyfriend and he just doesn’t get it. It’s really playing a toll on my mental health because I have problems and I just want to have other people to lean on, and be able to talk to, but I’m so scared to make friends because they always seem to turn, after I put so much trust in them. Any advice as to what to do? I don’t know how much longer I can feel this way. thank you x

Guest_10307 Hindsight
  • replies: 3

I have been feeling very heavy of late.I can't really call it a mid-life crisis, as I'm 32, but whatever it is, the feeling I have made wrong choices in life is weighing on me. I left school at the end of year 10- I was desperate to get out because o... View more

I have been feeling very heavy of late.I can't really call it a mid-life crisis, as I'm 32, but whatever it is, the feeling I have made wrong choices in life is weighing on me. I left school at the end of year 10- I was desperate to get out because of the bullying at the time, and I was also just too keen to be an adult. And if you'd asked me at the time- I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do career wise. As it was, I got a job in retail, moved out of home and though I've been in various positions since I'm still doing much the same thing. Today, I think I would have been a good nurse. Particularly in aged care or disability. I have a lot to be thankful for, I rent a nice apartment for myself, I have a decent car I lease and two cats that I adore. But I feel empty. My job isn't rewarding or meaningful in the slightest, and though I am not on terrible money, I am also stubbornly single- and I get hung up on the fact I will never likely be in the position to own a home and be afforded the same comforts and financial security my parents had. And finding a partner only for reasons of financial security I don't feel is the right strategy. People will try and tell me I'm still young- and to "go for it" but the reality is, its not that simple to change course. I have commitments, and no financial safety net to think about leaving a steady job. The risks are just too high. And sadly, nurses are not paid anywhere near enough for what they do. So for now I am just stuck in the "what ifs" and no real solution as to what to do to improve my outlook and its making days harder than need be. I realise this will seem so trivial compared to others problems, and I almost feel ridiculous putting this out there. But if someone else feels a little hopeless and lost with regret or feel down their life hasn't panned out like hoped, maybe we can be there for eachother.

RG4264 Antidepressants - Do they work?
  • replies: 3

I constantly feel under the weather; constantly tired, irritable, numb emotionally, and beginning to have thoughts of self harm. This is mainly aimed towards those who have taken antidepressants or know people who have taken antidepressants. Do they ... View more

I constantly feel under the weather; constantly tired, irritable, numb emotionally, and beginning to have thoughts of self harm. This is mainly aimed towards those who have taken antidepressants or know people who have taken antidepressants. Do they work? Will they help me? I ask because, if I were to inform my parents (I'm below the age of 18), that will be a door I cannot close, and if they don't work, I'd have done that for nothing. Any and all help is appreciated.

Rye Feeling like i’m ruining my life
  • replies: 2

Recently i’ve just felt like my life has been falling apart. For reference i’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety & depression and have struggled many years having long episodes of depression, but last year for a while I got better and got into a nur... View more

Recently i’ve just felt like my life has been falling apart. For reference i’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety & depression and have struggled many years having long episodes of depression, but last year for a while I got better and got into a nursing course. I started my first placements last week but for the last month everything has been going wrong. I’m living with my mother but we lost our house due to her being sick and unable to work, so I’ve had to move in with my grandmother and I feel like i’m burdening her. On top of that my cat of 13 years went missing and hasn’t come home, and since I’ve moved I fear that we won’t find him. Placements for nursing weren’t going too badly but I was feeling the pressure of caring for people whilst my own mental health was collapsing and on Friday I had the worst anxiety and ended up calling out. Saturday was my 21st birthday and that feeling lingered the entire day and it felt like the worst day i’ve had in a long time. I ended up reaching out to my teacher because I was beginning to feel like my placements were undoable and i’d been having second thoughts about nursing in general and I decided to withdraw from the course today. I feel like i’m ruining my own life, I seem to be unable to keep a good thing going for long. I have thought i possibly have ADHD as both my sisters have it, however with little to no money it’s essentially impossible for me to get tested at this moment in time. Im just unsure of where to go. I’m going back to my doctor to see about anti-depressants and want to go back to counselling - But this pattern of depressive waves mixed with a general lack of interest, motivation or ambition in anything makes me feel like i’m never going to be able to keep a job, or keep up an education.

Guest_42890481 Immense sadness
  • replies: 2

I’ve separated from my ex-husband for almost 3 years. I’ve struggled so much being a working single mum of 2. I feel exhausted mentally. I have no support, no friends, I’m not close with my parents. I feel sad and anxious most of the time. I feel lon... View more

I’ve separated from my ex-husband for almost 3 years. I’ve struggled so much being a working single mum of 2. I feel exhausted mentally. I have no support, no friends, I’m not close with my parents. I feel sad and anxious most of the time. I feel lonely and depressed. One time I ran into an issue and I had no one to call, so I ended up calling my ex and I instantly regretted it. I hated myself for reaching out to him as I knew contacting him will only hurt me more. We strictly talk about the kids only. I want to heal so badly, I want to move on with my life and just be happy but I can’t. I don’t understand why I am still sad about my marriage ending even though it’s been 3 years and even though it was amicable (for the most part). I know he has moved on, but why can’t I. I have so much resentment towards him but I also hate myself for still letting him control my emotions. I don’t know what to do. Also being an immigrant, i never feel belonged here. Part of me wanted to escape but I can’t. My kids are the only things that keep me going. If I don’t keep myself busy with work or with the kids, I will drown into this deep dark hole and feel trapped. I tried therapy, that didn’t help. I also couldn’t keep spending money on therapy due to the expensive cost. I am so unhappy and I don’t know how and when or even if I will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel..

Joshua84 Homesickness after moving
  • replies: 1

I recently moved house last week, and ever since then I’ve been so homesick and missing my family who live far away.My mother passed away a few years ago and it’s brought up all the grief of missing her again.I live alone and have moved a lot by myse... View more

I recently moved house last week, and ever since then I’ve been so homesick and missing my family who live far away.My mother passed away a few years ago and it’s brought up all the grief of missing her again.I live alone and have moved a lot by myself, but this time is really different. I’ve always been fine with moving but this time has triggered something inside of me.I’ve been missing the familiarity of everything. I’ve been crying on and off every day and had panic attacks multiple times the first few days. I know everyone says that I’ll get used to the new house, but when and what do I do in the meantime?I would’ve had to move anyway because the owners of the house I was renting decided to sell it.

Ems_ Having menopause in my 30s
  • replies: 1

Hey so I've had surgical menopause since 2024. Since then my life has changed drastically. Experiencing depression, anxiety, really bad mood swings etc, in all honesty I hate my life i honestly do. I don't enjoy the things that i use to do anymore, I... View more

Hey so I've had surgical menopause since 2024. Since then my life has changed drastically. Experiencing depression, anxiety, really bad mood swings etc, in all honesty I hate my life i honestly do. I don't enjoy the things that i use to do anymore, I did see my gp about it said that I should take antidepressant and it might help but I refuse to take it coz it's only numbing the problem and yeah lol I'm trying to remind myself daily that everything will get better soon lol anywho if any ladies out there experiencing menopause have any advice would be good, have a great arvo

SadUnicorn Burnout? Brain fog? Just crazy?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I've been struggling with life for the last 12 months. There has been a lot happening in my life, but I feel like I should be getting "better", but instead I feel worse. For context I am diagnosed with ADHD (medicated) and take anti depr... View more

Hi everyone, I've been struggling with life for the last 12 months. There has been a lot happening in my life, but I feel like I should be getting "better", but instead I feel worse. For context I am diagnosed with ADHD (medicated) and take anti depressants. I have developed a bad attitude and I feel terrible about it. For example I have lost interest in my job to the point I'll do my hobbies during my working hours and not seem to care about the consequences. I love my family and friends, but I don't want to do any social activities or respond to their messages. It's not because I don't care it's because I feel so tired and have zero interest in leaving my space. I used to respond with enthusiasm, but now it's usually one word answers so they know I haven't been abducted by aliens. I have a wonderful partner who I adore and I feel awful because I barely see them. It's because I feel so exhausted and overwhelmed. I seem to be struggling with focus and attention. I used to be able to comprehend complex tasks, but now I find it difficult and overwhelming. My short term memory is terrible and I feel like I can't understand basic things anymore. I have to really really focus before my brain will go "okay, we can do this". Do I have early on set dementia? What is wrong with me? Will I ever feel like myself again? I feel incredibly sad and vulnerable sharing this post. I have spoken to my psychiatrist about this and she says it sounds like burn out from stress, but I don't know if I agree. I am aware that I should be eating better, following a sleep schedule, doing exercise, social things, seeing a psych, doctor etc etc. The thing is I have done these and I still feel the same. My mind knows what I should be doing, but I just don't care enough to do them or I don't have the energy.

Guest_43478557 Feeling Hopeless
  • replies: 2

Lately I’ve been feeling really hopeless. Im tired all the time. I stress about every little thing. I’m trying my best to stay afloat. I run and hit the gym. I try to stay as hopeful as I can but I just feel like I’m drowning. Does anyone have any ad... View more

Lately I’ve been feeling really hopeless. Im tired all the time. I stress about every little thing. I’m trying my best to stay afloat. I run and hit the gym. I try to stay as hopeful as I can but I just feel like I’m drowning. Does anyone have any advice?

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