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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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tpman Just came by for some support during a relapse
  • replies: 7

Hello all - For the past 3 or 4 days I've really detoriated and it's leaving me feel very scared and panicky. I had a major mental breakdown about 5-6 yearsago which was terrifying. I was hospitalized multiple times and it was just an incredibly awfu... View more

Hello all - For the past 3 or 4 days I've really detoriated and it's leaving me feel very scared and panicky. I had a major mental breakdown about 5-6 yearsago which was terrifying. I was hospitalized multiple times and it was just an incredibly awful time. I managed to stablise over the years and have been on a journey of recovery, however these last few days have really just come out of no where. I can't think of any major triggers, but there has been a few things which have happened which may have culimated into this relapse which I won't go into. Anyway, i'm just super scared and anxious. It's like I've just gone back in time 5 years too my mental breakdown period.I've got a psych appointment early March which seems like an eternity away, im hoping I can get in earlier. Anyway, just came here to vent and hopefully get some words of support. Really struggling, the anxiety and panic is awful = ( Thanks for listening.

ElyseH Going off antidepressants
  • replies: 7

I have been on antidepressants for over 6 years. For the past year I'd thought I wanted to start going off them. I finally started to halve my dose about 6 weeks ago. The found the physical side effects subsided I a week. But I get angry, frustrated,... View more

I have been on antidepressants for over 6 years. For the past year I'd thought I wanted to start going off them. I finally started to halve my dose about 6 weeks ago. The found the physical side effects subsided I a week. But I get angry, frustrated, irritable and hate everyone. As most people would know getting in to see the Dr isn't easy and even pre booking it is at least 4 weeks apart. The psychologist is even longer, more like almost 2 months in between. I had no idea how much they were masking. People try to make me feel better but I don't believe them. For 20 years, I have been like this and I don't believe anyone. To me I see that they don't understand. This is ridiculous, I have been like this for a month and im starting to remember why i decided to go on them in the first place. I lost it on Christmas morning found myself uncontrollable crying to the point I was having a panic attack and nothing anyone could say helped,mind you I was pretty bad and no amount of sweet talking was going to just bring me out of that state. Another family day today and I feel humiliated that I stormed away making a point that I didn't want to be a part of this day and wanted to be left alone. But I don't believe anything anyone tries to tell me. I do wish that someone at least just knew how to help.I don't initially feel depressed about something. I get upset at someone of something. One person tries to explain away someone else's behaviour which completely disregards the fact that I am upset so I then become upset that they are defending everybody but me. It's any wonder why I have issues with believing people and getting angry that my emotions aren't legit. Apart from being number 5 in a family of 9. People say " don't let your depression beat you, you are not your depression" its hard to believe that when you have had these symptoms since you can remember. I've grown up with these symptoms. I've been wired with this.

Dwings Rejected again, feeling upset and lonely
  • replies: 42

Hi all Some of you may have seen posts in another thread and I thought Id share whats been happening recent times I have been single for a very long time, in fact too long, up until say 2019 I refused to use dating sites. At the beginning of the year... View more

Hi all Some of you may have seen posts in another thread and I thought Id share whats been happening recent times I have been single for a very long time, in fact too long, up until say 2019 I refused to use dating sites. At the beginning of the year, I met someone online chatted every day and we went on a couple of dates. I thought everything was fine, after the second date this girl still kept in contact with me but I didnt hear from her for a few days then I found out that she deleted my contact on this dating app, indicating she wasnt interested in me without any reason. This made me feel upset and angry. I questioned myself why this happened, as it happened in 2019 quite a number of times Fast forward to later in the year, where I didnt really try and look for a date but then this girl messaged me on Tinder and we started chatting every day, really good conversations which gave me quite a bit of hope. Then I didnt hear from her for about a month but she later explained she needed some time off to herself. Once she was ok, we starting chatting again and the conversations between us were great. She was so nice, she made feel so good inside, I had so much hope. Despite being in lockdown I was feeling positive every day and I thought that maybe we could meet up eventually. We did a zoom chat recently but I felt so nervous that I couldnt say much, I did explain this to her and she said she was nervous too. We chatted after a couple of days but then I didnt hear from her again. I thought maybe something had happened to her or needed time out like before. But last night I checked my messages and they no longer exist, which means she has cut ties with me, just like what happened earlier in the year. Ghosted without saying goodbye and no reason why she left. This really upset me as I had feelings for this girl. I didnt sleep much last night and I dont think I'll get over this. It keeps happening every single time. All day today I felt depressed upset and angry. I am at the point where I should accept that I'll never meet the one and accept that I'll continue to have this miserable life, because no one would clearly be interested in me. I have no one else to talk to.

Hayley040 Deep depression for too long
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I've been suffering from depression and anxiety since my teenage years, I'm currently 29. I've been on a number of medications seen numerous therapies, but yet I'm still struggling.What's the worst for me, is the fatigue and lack of moti... View more

Hi everyone, I've been suffering from depression and anxiety since my teenage years, I'm currently 29. I've been on a number of medications seen numerous therapies, but yet I'm still struggling.What's the worst for me, is the fatigue and lack of motivation and the guilt of thinking I'm just "lazy" riddles my mind.I work a 38hr weekand. I'm able to do so because other people are relying on me, but I have a goal of starting my own business and have so for so long. When I finally have the free time to work, I just have no motivation and I just end up sleeping because I'm so frustrated with myself and want this day to end, so I can start fresh.What has worked for you all to get through the depression fatigue? I can no longer handle it. Thank you.

JIvy13 I think I’m relapsing
  • replies: 3

I’ve been fine for a few months now and have been thinking about coming off my meds but recently I’ve started feeling so empty. I stay in bed all day, binge eat to feel better and then hate myself for it. I’m so lonely here I don’t know a lot of peop... View more

I’ve been fine for a few months now and have been thinking about coming off my meds but recently I’ve started feeling so empty. I stay in bed all day, binge eat to feel better and then hate myself for it. I’m so lonely here I don’t know a lot of people. I’m losing touch with my best friends from another country and I’m scared to lose them. I just want someone to talk to who understands so I don’t have to explain it to someone new. I was also assaulted 5 months ago and I thought I was moving on but all those feelings are arising again and idk what to do

Ella_Chipchase A Feeling That Feels Like It Will Never Disappear :(
  • replies: 2

Hello Everyone, my name is Ella and on 7th of march 2021 my life forever changed when i realised that my grandfather was grooming me for sex. My dad used to use drugs when i was younger and his parents helped him out alot he also has a lot of health ... View more

Hello Everyone, my name is Ella and on 7th of march 2021 my life forever changed when i realised that my grandfather was grooming me for sex. My dad used to use drugs when i was younger and his parents helped him out alot he also has a lot of health issues so his mum helped out so when i was around 2 we started to live with them years went by and my dad built them a house as a thank you and as payment we would get to live there, i lived there since i was 7 but 1 day my stupid year 8 ass wanted to fit in and be a rebel at my private school and i wanted vape so i told the one person i knew i could ask and thought i could trust my grandfather He ended up getting it he then asked for my number to "communicate" abt the vape so i gave it to him later after i got it he started texting me about i can pay so i asked how much it n then said no not money and that moment i knew something was up my mum always tried to educate me on the importance of creeps and pedofiles i always had this gut feeling that our relationship was different bc he used to show me things on his ipad like naked girls hes been chatting and weird secrets like how he slept with his wife brothers wife and just random things that u shouldnt tell your 12 year old granddaugter n this was also happening before then like since i was 9 maybe even younger anyway point is i just knew and i said wdym and he said come into my room and wear those special undies cause he had made comments of undies on the clothesline before but i chose to not believe it and think of it bc A) i knew my dad would be homeless b) it would tear apart my family but i spoke up bc it would happen to me again or worst my cousins so i told my dad that night and his first words pack your and get in the car and this is one of many reasons i love my dad because he didnt think twice and he believed me we then told my mum and she was crushed and my bro and i got the day off school and my mum took u shopping whole my dad went to the police bc of covid we had to we had to wait a year for court but earlier after a month he plead guilty but in court he got punished to 3 months of commuity sevice of some kind and had to take manitory therapy sessions cause he called it was a mentalbreak down tf my nan took his side which hurt but still 2 yrs later i still feel bretrayed, empty n like i cant trust anyone, i have trouble sleeping ectidk how to fix it or help so can someone pls help me idk what to do anymore.

ogtbird Depression Destroying Everything
  • replies: 4

Hi I moved to Western Australia about 11 years ago. Long story short I never fully accepted leaving family and friends behind in the UK. This is no disrespect to WA and AUSTRALIA which are great places to live. It’s just me. Fast forward a decade and... View more

Hi I moved to Western Australia about 11 years ago. Long story short I never fully accepted leaving family and friends behind in the UK. This is no disrespect to WA and AUSTRALIA which are great places to live. It’s just me. Fast forward a decade and my marriage collapsed about a year and a half ago. This is after years of problems. I blame myself mostly as my ex wife loves it here and she took the chance to leave my negativity behind. It had become too much for her. It’s something that I’ve tried to address through medication, counselling but I just have a dark view on life and living in Perth. Incredibly I’ve managed to get myself in a good place physically I got a rental, have a good relationship with my ex and son I even have been seeing a girl for the last 6 months we go to gigs etc. But mentally I just cannot get myself in a positive place about living here. I have a duty to my son but I am like a zombie going through the motions. My girlfriend now has noticed it. The anxiety is huge. I visualise the worst so now I’m down on future on things like buying a house which in turn ruins day to day living. It’s one thing after the next. I’m just wasting life with such a pessimistic negative view on everything. Many people would jump at the chance I have but I feel like I’ve wasted life. For example my current girlfriend lives day to day as her husband passed away 9 years ago. I admire her mentality about life but I cannot translate it into my negative mindset. Any points welcome.

Bellatrix_17 Constantly feeling like a failure/burden
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I’m new here. I haven’t been diagnosed properly yet (only once by a GP). I always feel anxious and constantly feel like a failure/burden. I feel like I can’t do anything right. I’ve been actively looking for a stable job for months. I ha... View more

Hi everyone, I’m new here. I haven’t been diagnosed properly yet (only once by a GP). I always feel anxious and constantly feel like a failure/burden. I feel like I can’t do anything right. I’ve been actively looking for a stable job for months. I have qualifications and work experience from internships and field placements. My supervisors, tutors or trainers always told me that I was very competent too. I’m using a resume format with content that was reviewed by an expert from my uni. I just update the content as necessary. I wouldn’t say I lack communication skills either. However, I have only got contacted for interviews so far. My friends from uni already got a job. I might be the only one who haven’t got a job (got my master’s degree in 2019 and diploma last December). I’m 29 years old and not eligible for Centrelink services. Therefore, I have to shamelessly ask for money from my parents who are currently struggling financially as well. I feel useless. I have a partner who also have anxiety and depression disorders. I’m very open minded, but I rarely express my opinions to other people, apart from my partner who shares the same views. However, most of the times whenever I express my opinions to him, particularly about social injustice, he always gets triggered. He would seem uncomfortable. Even when I just want to talk casually. I feel like I can’t say anything right. I feel like a failure. I feel like a burden to every person that I love.

AnotherRandomUser Losing Faith in Humanity...
  • replies: 4

I know good people exist, I talk to them all the time. Sometimes will run in to someone kind every now and then and go "wow they were nice!" But despite this sometimes this dark doubtful feeling says "other people are evil, cruel and cannot be truste... View more

I know good people exist, I talk to them all the time. Sometimes will run in to someone kind every now and then and go "wow they were nice!" But despite this sometimes this dark doubtful feeling says "other people are evil, cruel and cannot be trusted, you're better off without them." I grew up in terrible abuse. My parents tried to kill me and abused me every day. I was also abused by my siblings. I was bullied in school because I was different. I was bullied by my relatives because my parents had them convinced I was a troublemaker. I got chronically ill and then had to deal with the constant stigma of being disabled and poor my whole life. Lets just say, my overall experience with other people hasn't been a good one. Often I try to be hopeful and positive, remind myself of all the kind people I've met. But other times I see just the bad stuff. The uncaring attitude of the general public of those struggling, the lack of help from governments, how rude people have become after Covid, increased online bullying and extremism, and more.And I feel myself feeling bitter, upset and angry. I know there are always going to be good and bad people, but lately I guess I've been feeling overwhelmed by the bad. It feels suffocating, like the world has become this big scary place I want nothing to do with. I admit I have always had trouble feeling trust and connections with other people though, which doesn't help. I've often felt like an alien among humans, even as a young kid. I had trouble making friends growing up, and now I don't really try that much. I've also been housebound on-and-off for 10 years due to illness, so lack much contact to begin with. But even if I could go outside... I don't know if I want to. I feel bitter about talking to people and hearing their hateful words. I feel like I just don't get along with most people because they seem really self-centered and judgmental... and yes Im aware of the irony there. But still. Im grateful for kind people, but the idea of meeting many unkind people in hopes one isn't, bothers me.To be honest, my biggest fear has always been other people.

Lyssaa Feeling unloveable
  • replies: 2

Hey everyone, I've been struggling a bit lately with feeling like I'm undeserving of proper romantic love, or that there's something wrong with me that makes me unloveable. I'm eighteen now and my only relationship was when I was fourteen, and I was ... View more

Hey everyone, I've been struggling a bit lately with feeling like I'm undeserving of proper romantic love, or that there's something wrong with me that makes me unloveable. I'm eighteen now and my only relationship was when I was fourteen, and I was treated like shit. Since then, I've been borderline stalked and obsessed over by a guy I didn't like back, had a bit of a thing with a guy who said he liked me and I thought he genuinely cared about me but when I asked what we were he said we were just friends, had a couple of guys add me on snap only to tell me they think I'm pretty and not make an effort to get to know me, and I recently hooked up with a guy I met at the club I met a few times before he moved to the other side of the country. But none of it has been the true actual genuine care I want- someone getting to know me and liking me for the real me, not just thinking I'm pretty or liking me but not putting in any effort. It's really hard seeing some of my friends and a lot of the people around me getting into relationships, or having had multiple people want to get to know them and love them. What's even harder is that my friends are always telling me that I've got so many great qualities and achievements- I'm a good artist, I've always done well academically, and I've done some modelling work; and that I'm also kind and considerate and that I'm worthy of love and am a good person. This is always hard for me to hear because if all of that is so true, then why has no-one ever actually put in any effort for me romantically and truly cared about me and getting to know me? It makes me feel like there must then be something about me that just means I'm not meant for that kind of love. The rational part of me knows that it's just timing and that some people are lucky enough to meet multiple people who love them early in their life, but for some reason it's just easier for me to believe that I'm not loveable in that sense. It's hard to be told by those around you that you'll meet someone who truly cares about you and loves you because that's what you deserve when that's never really happened to you.