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: 1

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

Gj-1974 Not coping
  • replies: 1

Hi l am really struggling today everything is getting on top of me financially under pressure hardly eating lack of work housing uncertainty no family talk to etc

Hi l am really struggling today everything is getting on top of me financially under pressure hardly eating lack of work housing uncertainty no family talk to etc

Tamrby alone
  • replies: 2

not really sure where to put this. I just feel bad for burdening others with my problems and I struggle with asking for help because my struggles don't feel bad enough even though people I am close with says it is. In some ways I do not want to get b... View more

not really sure where to put this. I just feel bad for burdening others with my problems and I struggle with asking for help because my struggles don't feel bad enough even though people I am close with says it is. In some ways I do not want to get better just something else I have failed, is that weird?

LollieHS Lost and Lonely Mum
  • replies: 5

I'm certain people look at my life and think how lucky I must be. They see a vibrant, intelligent, happy and very friendly young woman and mother but the truth is I have never felt so sad and so lonely. It's hard wearing a mask everyday and not havin... View more

I'm certain people look at my life and think how lucky I must be. They see a vibrant, intelligent, happy and very friendly young woman and mother but the truth is I have never felt so sad and so lonely. It's hard wearing a mask everyday and not having any support to share how I'm really feeling. I am a Mum of 2 year old twins who are the light of my life, they bring me the only joy in my life. I often feel guilty for relying on their existence and presence to make me happy and realise that needs to change. Having twins is a lot of work and whilst I manage really well, the only support I have is of my partner. We don't have family near by that we can call upon regularly. I've hardly had anytime away from them in 2 years and going to the supermarket is my only form of 'me time'. I'm exhausted all the time, I work 3 days a week in a job I absolutely hate, I have no real work relationships with colleagues and feel very alone at work too. I have 1 friend who is a life long friend but now also a long distance friend and we just don't have that emotional connection which I really need. I have tried so many times to make friends and put myself out there and I'm constantly let down, people not responding, or taking weeks at a time or my effort just isn't reciprocated. I don't understand why I have no friends and this has been a life long problem. I'm also having major issues in my relationship, my partner works full-time and does help with the twins but that is about the extent of it. We are having to move soon and he has done nothing to help prepare the house for sale and just complains when I get external assistance such as a gardener (which we can afford). Last week I opened up to him whilst I was at work as I was having a really hard day and trying not to cry at work. He never even asked me if I was ok or anything when I got home, it was like that never happened. I let him know I was disappointed he didn't check in on me and allow me to talk about it and he still hasn't checked in on me. This is only adding to my feelings of loneliness. I guess the only common denominator in this equation is myself...so maybe I am the problem. I have also been having some really intrusive thoughts about past traumas and things flooding my memory from when I was a child that I have never spoken about to anyone. Maybe I have a lot of underlying unresolved traumas. I know I have problems with emotional eating.

TigerTheDog asking for help
  • replies: 1

I'm struggling with self hate and depression and want to talk to a professional about ithow do i get the courage to talk to parents about thisi don't know why its so scary but it is what are some strategies i could try

I'm struggling with self hate and depression and want to talk to a professional about ithow do i get the courage to talk to parents about thisi don't know why its so scary but it is what are some strategies i could try

Riri Cross roads
  • replies: 4

I'm feeling a little stuck. I have moved to the country away from all I no. Im still traveling home weekly to do everyday things like go to the shops, docs, and place like that gives me a sense of comfort, and mainly for having more options on servic... View more

I'm feeling a little stuck. I have moved to the country away from all I no. Im still traveling home weekly to do everyday things like go to the shops, docs, and place like that gives me a sense of comfort, and mainly for having more options on services, but then I drive back and it feels like I'm returning to jail as there is not much to do. I don't feel safe walking in secluded areas so I rarely leave the house. I don't have anyone I talk to as my family have disowned me and my husband only likes to talk about ' positive things' and does not want to be brought down as his struggling enough with his own mental health. I have never had lots of friends, maybe one or two. But for more then a few months now I been going solo and getting stuck in my own head. I also have not got a job out of the home ATM so I suppose " ideal mind is the devils playground" . I'm studying part time which is just to keep me current in my qualification although it's not a profession I'm keen to go back to. I'm riddle with fear and anxiety that comes with risk taking or change that is not chosen or supported by others. I'm not getting any sort of approval or support from anyone,( been an 80s raised baby I seek it like air). I suppose I just feel lonely, but I don't want to burden others with my thoughts and have learnt that people don't want to hear them and I'm a private person anyway. I only speak with my counselor maybe once a month. I'm not sure where to start. I feel like a 'kept wife' away from all i know, but I'm aware that it's all about perspective and I have been trying to change my mine around things like living away from all I know. What makes it worse is that my husband reminds me daily that "I'm negative and his sick of me putting a negative spin on everything" as it feels very hurtful to him. I have asked him to stop reminding me as it's not helpful and what would be helpful is if he would quietly stand by my side and let me do what i need to do to bring myself out of the rutt. I feel like I don't get a second to breathe sometimes....I'm tempted to run back to what and play the part that my estranged family want me to,I live the scripted life and be excepted by all those who have turned on me. But I no I have made a commitment and need to " put both feet in " in order to really give it a shot. I'm just scared and feel pathetic and my self esteem feels shot.

maddy hey guys
  • replies: 11

I just wanna say don't give up even when it is really really hard because even though in the moment you feel like this will never get better it will so keep trying you are good enough

I just wanna say don't give up even when it is really really hard because even though in the moment you feel like this will never get better it will so keep trying you are good enough

Scared Medication
  • replies: 3

Has anyone with depression ever noticed improvement after only a few days of increasing meds.I have never noticed any improvement ever but last couple days not as severly depressed as before.I always have read other peoples stories of how meds improv... View more

Has anyone with depression ever noticed improvement after only a few days of increasing meds.I have never noticed any improvement ever but last couple days not as severly depressed as before.I always have read other peoples stories of how meds improved their outlook.Could this finally be my time to be one of the people who respond to meds.I hope so i have suffered so much for too longI want and need to feel selfish that its my turn to feel better

Phoenix99 Depression
  • replies: 6

Hii have been struggling to get anything done for the past 14 months. I am not seeing any improvement even though I have been in therapy and have tried different medications which I have a bad reaction to all of them. I am not interested in anything ... View more

Hii have been struggling to get anything done for the past 14 months. I am not seeing any improvement even though I have been in therapy and have tried different medications which I have a bad reaction to all of them. I am not interested in anything in life at all. I can’t think of a reason to be here at all! Actually I have no idea why I’m still here. I am so numb it hurts. Nothing stimulates me not even my phone or anything. Actually I do feel emotions inside but I just look blank on the outside. I just can’t express them. I don’t know what is going on. I want to scream out for help but I feel like I am trapped in my brain.

maddy hey guys
  • replies: 2

I haven't posted for a little bit but I just want to say thank you guys for your support you guys are such lovely people and you guys are so amazing luv y'all

I haven't posted for a little bit but I just want to say thank you guys for your support you guys are such lovely people and you guys are so amazing luv y'all

Random_Hpern I Don’t Know What is Wrong With me But Everyone Else Does and My Hope Draws Thin.
  • replies: 1

I’m a year 10 student and my senior studies are approaching faster than expected. I’m struggling to focus on what matters when I’m on the brink of losing all who I care about at school. My friend group, solid for almost a year until a few months ago,... View more

I’m a year 10 student and my senior studies are approaching faster than expected. I’m struggling to focus on what matters when I’m on the brink of losing all who I care about at school. My friend group, solid for almost a year until a few months ago, was open to me when I joined with my brothers, two, who look identical to me. This challenge of being a triplet and identical is something I hear many people say must be so cool or amazing. But, not a day goes by where I wish I wasn’t. Three people attached emotionally to each other from birth, is a burden to any group as its three more opinions to listen to and possibly an eye sore, or embarrassment. I thought we were safe in that group having suffered severe bullying from previous schools, but as the terms passed we began being marginalised. The fact that I was always called “triplet,” instead of my name after all these years only makes me feel like an abomination or a failed lab experiment as I’ve been jokingly called. My brothers and I were diagnosed with pessimism and social anxiety a year or two ago and I can’t keep holding my head up. Most mornings I no longer want to wake up as I know the sadness I am destined to experience until I can again be unconscious in sleep. My days now are just a cycle, I no longer sit with the people I once called friends, only one person I can rely on I cower near, and all day besides the name calling, I’m forced to be shunned, my opinions or voice means nothing, and despite the horrible things others in the group do, my every action warrants some from of abuse whether verbal or physical. My parents are blind to these issues and I can’t tell people because the reaction from my “friends” would for sure grant me out of their group. Without these people, some of whom I exchange in hatred, and others I let belittle me, I have no where to go, and I no I won’t see my 30’s when my mind matures if I am to still be depressed in adulthood. I can’t keep failing to fit in despite being at my current school for 5 years, and I can’t keep telling myself that I’ll be free in 2 years when school finishes. Even today a simple harmless prankster act I did (in retaliation to an identical act from a student mere seconds prior) aimed at being funny, warranted snickers and pushing from my “friends.” I don’t know what I’m doing wrong! Why do I fail at being human when others do it fine every day. I’m done being classified as something other than just a person or an individual all my life.