Support
Support

Depression

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

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Elephant86 Holistic healing pathway
  • replies: 1

With our health we have to make decisions about the things we do everyday that hurts or heals us for example for a snack do I eat a fried chicken burger or do I have a stteak sandwich with salad I hope you chose the steak sandwich not the burger. Lif... View more

With our health we have to make decisions about the things we do everyday that hurts or heals us for example for a snack do I eat a fried chicken burger or do I have a stteak sandwich with salad I hope you chose the steak sandwich not the burger. Life is about making positive powerful decisions for your health. I will use me as an example. I choose not to smoke and drink not because I want to but because it is a good positive decision for my health. If we make positive decisions in life we will live a long happy one. I think focusing on things that help and heal your body is important. I think finding the exercis e that fits into your life is important for me it is cycling 40 min. The other thing is finding a healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegies and I found have lean meats better for me. Also learning to prepare healthy meals at home and only eating out once in a while. I treat myself to a burger once a month to reward myself for good behaviour otherwise stick to my diet. Eating more fish is more benificial because of omega 3-6It also helps body repair I found that the healthiest diet to be on is the meditarianian diet because it has more fish and fresh vegies and definitly more rich olive oil that is good for you The less processed foods you eat like chips and soft drinks and Im sorry to make you sad choclate you eat the better your health will be Since I was diagnosed with my diabetes type 2 I had to change my relationship with food and realise there are foods that enhance your life and others that don't. In there process I gave up all processed food . Have a diet with close to no suger and instead have a friut instead of choclate have fish for dinner instead of a burger. Start cooking at home eat out as a treat. Most importantly have an exercise regime and exercise everyday if possible because if you make the right choicers now you will not have to suffer consquences for bad decisions in the future. I watch my favourite show masterchef and I learn how to prepare healthy meals. I change my relationship with food and exercise and I challange myself to work hard and be a better family man. Life is a journey of choices and we need to make the right decisions to reach the true benifit. I found having my diabetes a true challenge but if you make the right lifestyle decisions now you can build a better future. Meditation is the other thing I do everyday to help me come to peace with the universe to look after myself I wish everyone on the forum a wonderful day!

Rose2021 I hate what happened at 4am today
  • replies: 6

Hi, my mum and I got rudely woken up by the police at 4am this morning because apparently a police station contacted my local police station to check up on me. I was dead asleep and then a couple of hours later the cops came to my house again. One of... View more

Hi, my mum and I got rudely woken up by the police at 4am this morning because apparently a police station contacted my local police station to check up on me. I was dead asleep and then a couple of hours later the cops came to my house again. One of the male cops was being very arrogant to my mum and I. I now hate the cops because of it.

purplehat123 Expat failure to fit in
  • replies: 4

I am really struggling. My mum was diagnosed with dementia 4 years ago. I left Australia with my family in tow to care for her. I have a sibling, however her care was completely handballed to me. At the time I coped. Thing is, despite the circumstanc... View more

I am really struggling. My mum was diagnosed with dementia 4 years ago. I left Australia with my family in tow to care for her. I have a sibling, however her care was completely handballed to me. At the time I coped. Thing is, despite the circumstances I really enjoyed being home, I had my friends, a tough job but with some great colleagues. Whilst things annoyed me, I was happy most of the time. My husband is Australian. We returned back here once the borders opened. I failed to slot in to my old life despite reaching out to old groups and trying and inviting. They moved on to bigger and better things, bigger homes and I just didn’t fit the narrative anymore and would hear about it too. One of my old mum group people saw me in a shopping Centre and did everything to avoid me, turning her head into a shop window. I am friendly and kind and have tried and tried within the school community too. One kid proudly declared to my little one, my mum said you are not my friend. We held a big party for my other little one (party bags, not with the usual cheap toys arranged, included and a paid for activity). Neighbours said they’d be there but didn’t show, weren’t bothered either sending a text or dropping a note through the door. We used this an excuse to be fully inclusive, integrate with the parents too and it didn’t work - my kids are still excluded months on. This weekend at someone’s house, I was accused of coming onto their husband, he had taken his kid to a birthday party where I had innocently chatted away (wouldn’t touch with a ten foot barge pole). Other mums give out about others kids behind their backs…innocent kids…the other parents aligning themselves with others who will be sending their kids to private school. Some days parents will talk to you, other days they will pretend you don’t exist. I am so tired of the constant superficial meaningless chatter and failure to connect/meetup. I have no friends here. Despite the boom, I have applied for over 200 jobs (rejected each time), I have a Level 9 qualification with 20 years experience. Currently seeing a psychologist and GP has prescribed meds (on antibiotics so haven’t started, my husband doesn’t want me using them). I have been diagnosed with both depression and anxiety. I have hit rock bottom and don’t know how to get up….Life in Australia is obviously not for me and it’s quite clear I don’t fit in here, I am tired trying and incredibly lonely with the added bonus of depression and anxiety which I never had. My husband wants to stay as it’s a better place for the kids.

Mycompassion 3 times
  • replies: 3

Hi3 times I have had depression in life. 18 year old moving out of family home, 26 when my (8 year relationship with partner) finished and 37 when covid started and my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and died 10 months later. It's ... View more

Hi3 times I have had depression in life. 18 year old moving out of family home, 26 when my (8 year relationship with partner) finished and 37 when covid started and my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and died 10 months later. It's tough! At times I am so exhausted with life but I battle on. On mild medication now for the last visit of depression as I got to the point of not functioning well at all. I love life but feel so tired at times. I have thought of suicide a couple of times (18 and 37 year old) but I have a strong belief I am TOO GOOD for that. I do love me more than i can describe. Self care is critical. Thanks for reading xx

nicedae What drives you to keep going?
  • replies: 4

Hi there, I hope you’re well & that today has gone well for you. This is my first time posting here, and I guess it’s because I’ve hit a roadblock. A mental roadblock one could call it. I was diagnosed with depression & anxiety 8 years ago. Initially... View more

Hi there, I hope you’re well & that today has gone well for you. This is my first time posting here, and I guess it’s because I’ve hit a roadblock. A mental roadblock one could call it. I was diagnosed with depression & anxiety 8 years ago. Initially counselling helped a lot, for a few years I was genuinely happy. Around 2 years ago however my mental health took a huge turn, mainly due to anxiety issues, I was prescribed antidepressant and that’s been amazing. Anxiety issues are essentially gone. (10mg, daily) However over the last few months, depression has really begun to set it, I don’t feel worthless or anything like that, just empty. I don’t have a strong relationship with my parents, they separated when I was 8 (I’m now 24) and they’ve both decided life is better exploring their own paths. I’ve made peace with that, I still respect & love them so much. I do miss them however - quite a lot. (There’s no bad blood between us, they are just encapsulated in their own lives & seemingly have lost interest in me.) I have an incredible support network, that I don’t utilise. I just can’t and it’s not a pride or ego related issue. It’s more to do with not wanting to burden one with my problems, I don’t know how to get over that. but I digress. The issue now is that no matter how much I progress in my career, physical activity, relationships, or personal endeavours - the depression does not fade. (I don’t expect it to, and I understand mindset is a significant factor, but I am 100% a glass half full kinda guy.) I do not have high wants or needs in my life, I live quite minimalistic in a sense mainly to keep things simple. I am literally beyond grateful just to have been born & raised in such a beautiful country. I must admit I have considered ending it, I won’t deny that, but I do love life so much. I enjoy helping others, and that alone is enough to keep me around, at least for a while. My question for you today is, how do you keep going? What internal factors motivate you to move forward. I’ve hit a point now where I am not sure if that drive is within me to keep pushing. What also gets me down is that plenty of us feel like this, all for our own individual reasons. I’m not certain if this makes complete sense, but would it be reasonable to seek assistance from a professional? Thank you in advance, I really appreciate any input

Lach69 No feelings
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone just wondering if anyone else out there has been living life but not being able to enjoy it. Like do everything you used to enjoy just doesn’t make you happy anymore and not being able to love people anymore especially family members. Wak... View more

Hi everyone just wondering if anyone else out there has been living life but not being able to enjoy it. Like do everything you used to enjoy just doesn’t make you happy anymore and not being able to love people anymore especially family members. Waking up everyday doing the same thing hoping it will get better but it just doesn’t change and just not living life to the fullest it really make me sad

Hulaka Looking for help
  • replies: 1

Hi there,I look like a normal and lively lady, but my inside a lot of problems, angers and discomforts. I don't know and don't understand my tackles. My partner and I have been together for 13 years (meet at the first year in Australia). English is o... View more

Hi there,I look like a normal and lively lady, but my inside a lot of problems, angers and discomforts. I don't know and don't understand my tackles. My partner and I have been together for 13 years (meet at the first year in Australia). English is our 2nd language. We have fertility issues, my partner has no sperm out and also he addicted to slot machines for last 8 years. He is much older than me. I bear them till today. I am crazy right?! After these long years I am becoming more aggressive and stressful old lady. We have adopted daughter she is 3 now. I have no job, just look after her. I met a psychologist last year and she did not help me lot. Now I don't know where should I go and how to help or regulate my life!? Really worthless and hateful to myself!

_Sinner_ Normal?
  • replies: 1

Waking up feeling powerless each day. Walking around consistently with broken hearts and dreams. Knowing I’m the one that’s ruined all my relationships. Family. Friends. Relationships. I don’t know how to have close relationships. I don’t know how to... View more

Waking up feeling powerless each day. Walking around consistently with broken hearts and dreams. Knowing I’m the one that’s ruined all my relationships. Family. Friends. Relationships. I don’t know how to have close relationships. I don’t know how to be normal. Or feel happy. I’m a horrible person. That’s why I’m being punished. Freaking out, I’m pregnant. I just want it to be over. I know I’m going to be in so much pain after the operation as I’m so far along. And it’s a 3 hour car drive to the place & back. Not mentioning the cost. It’s so debilitating. I don’t want a baby, I can’t love myself let alone love or look after another. Just want to feel ok. Not depressed.

Depresso_Espresso Haven't felt like this before...
  • replies: 4

Hi, Ignore the forum name I have a weird sense of humour. Ever since 2017, I have experienced depression and anxiety. The depression slowly went away, and it turned into anxiety, panic disorder as well as borderline personality disorder. I'm not your... View more

Hi, Ignore the forum name I have a weird sense of humour. Ever since 2017, I have experienced depression and anxiety. The depression slowly went away, and it turned into anxiety, panic disorder as well as borderline personality disorder. I'm not your usual borderline, and I feel there could be a lot more done to help me but we all know some psychiatrists aren't amazing sometimes. For the past week and a half, I have been experiencing constant depression. Last week the only reason I got out of bed was really to go to work. I work in fast food, but I enjoy it. My mind is occupied, I get to be my real happy self and create a good environment there. I like it. But when I'm home, it's just constant depression. I feel I have a line of rejection I'm still going through, particularly with friends and romantic interests. I just feel like nobody actually wants me with them. I thought going into nature, something I love might be able to help me, I thought buying myself some nice books would help me, I thought watching sports I love would help me, I thought seeing friends would help me. But here I am, still really depressed, obsessing over the fact that I just want to end it all. Now, I know I'm not going to do that, I don't want that, but my brain is getting obsessed with it. I just feel so depressed. I'm 21, I should be able to enjoy life and do whatever I want but some days I just can't get out of bed. I feel my willpower muscle slipping away, and I feel like there's never enough time to talk about all of my trauma in a 1 hour session every week. I just don't know what I can do to fix this. I see some of my friends who are able to stay away from people and really control who they talk to. But I'm an introvert in need of a connection with people. With rejection following me everywhere I just feel so, so sad. I'm used to my brain being manic, making stupid impulse decisions, my personality changing every hour... But I'm not used to this stuff. Although, one minute I'm feeling really up, and the next minute I'm back down in the dumps. I know I have the skills to be able to pull myself out of this it's just so hard when everything is so inconsistent. I want to be a psychologist or someone who runs DBT therapy, I'm so excited to start my studies, but before they start I just feel like I have no purpose. I feel things can only get worse, even though I am at my rock bottom. Thanks for reading, I guess I'm just looking for people who understand, or just acknowledge it.

scottty I'm tired of being me
  • replies: 1

I've never posted on a support group/forum before so forgive me if this post is all jumbled im just writing down my thoughts has they are.I am 23 and I'm tired of being me i have these feelings on and off i can feel fine for weeks but these's feeling... View more

I've never posted on a support group/forum before so forgive me if this post is all jumbled im just writing down my thoughts has they are.I am 23 and I'm tired of being me i have these feelings on and off i can feel fine for weeks but these's feelings for 1-2 weeks some times longer its been happing for the last 12 years but its has been getting worse in the last 3 years. at night i spend hours just staring at the wall in the dark sometimes i crying sometimes im not i sleep untill 4pm most days so i can avoid the day and people i feel alone, dead inside, defective, unlikable, unlovable, gross. when i talk or hang out with my friends or family when the conversation stops or runs dry i start feeling nervous and anxious so i start talking and talking and talking i often miss social cues i have High functioning autism which just amplifies the feelings i thing most of the time i'm just tolerated. when i looking in the mirror everyday when i have shower all i see is a gross ugly fat looser that will be alone and die alone. its getting harder to hang out with my friends because the always have there boyfriends over or talking about them because i know i will never have a boyfrend its hard to fine someone that likes me people but i dont think anyone would want someone thats broken. i can't talk to my frends and family i don't think my frends really care and my parents would just make be feel even worse my sister is an alcoholic and when she's drunk she's very abusive to everyone. so i just shuve the feelings deep downall i want to do is sleep and eat pat my bird which i can't

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map