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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 chats on this Forum having 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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redtornado I Need To Get This Off My Chest
  • replies: 4

I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety due to substance use. When I was younger, I had no friends. I was always the outsider. It wasn’t until year 11 and 12 that I actually gained friends and oh boy was it the best. Fast forward a few years... View more

I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety due to substance use. When I was younger, I had no friends. I was always the outsider. It wasn’t until year 11 and 12 that I actually gained friends and oh boy was it the best. Fast forward a few years and I’m working in a call centre surrounded by people my age. I got along well with and adapted their lifestyle. I spent thousands of dollars on PC parts, and substances to just be like them. But I was never that valued in the group instead I was the loser of the group with them trolling and making fun of me online. Couple of years ago the company I worked for went under and my close friends and I went our seperate ways. I tried to keep in contact with them but I get pushed around alot with declines to events, not getting invited to events and lately a wedding where all my friends were invited except me. My family on the other hand broke apart when I was 16. I feel like I lost everyone then. Dad was cheating and an alcohol, mum was an alcoholic and my brother has ADD so you get the picture. I’ve always been a people pleaser and lied my way through life so people hear what they want to hear but deep down im sad, depressed, have no confidence and am unhealthy. A few weeks back a colleague took her life. She and I had similar symptoms of depression and anxiety especially being a people pleaser. I was always against suicide but after she died life went on. Since this happened I can’t shake the idea of suicide out of my head. Instead I take substances to keep my mind off it. But what happens when I get intoxicated is my mind races, I can’t sleep and I feel worse than before. I feel burnt out and I feel like I need a break or some proper help. So I stopped drinking 2 months ago and (but relapsed last weekend). Problem is that just feels worse than before. Got a new GP and they said walk it off. Got a new therapist and she was overwhelmed. Spoke to beyondblue and they were amazing passing me onto a mental health line. Mental health line haven’t done anything in a week. I don’t know what to do. I know deep down I don’t want to end my life but sometimes I think who cares. I’m just tired and think I need a break Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

FeelingGrey Financial stress
  • replies: 13

How do we cope with the constant negative press and the fact that the cost of living and interest rates are about to go through the roof. I eventually won’t be able to afford my house. It’s my fault that I let this happen to my family. I feel like th... View more

How do we cope with the constant negative press and the fact that the cost of living and interest rates are about to go through the roof. I eventually won’t be able to afford my house. It’s my fault that I let this happen to my family. I feel like there’s no way out of this and I can’t seem to function. I have these thoughts regularly but had been doing well for the last 5-6 weeks. I’d been avoiding the news during that time, keeping myself busy as well and then today, I caught a glimpse of some news articles on my phone. I feel it’s set me right back and I’m back to feeling that there’s no wait out.

charred Cost of living
  • replies: 3

I suffer from depression, but over the years have managed it somewhat okay. I have an ex wife, you took my young son and moved 1000km away, that really affected me. I've always worked, earning a modest income. I have no debts, and some savings in the... View more

I suffer from depression, but over the years have managed it somewhat okay. I have an ex wife, you took my young son and moved 1000km away, that really affected me. I've always worked, earning a modest income. I have no debts, and some savings in the bank. I've been renting a very cheap rental alone for the last 5 years which has been great. But I've been told I need to vacate in 2 months, and thats where my problems start. Currently working in the building industry as a subcontractor, working alongside a school friend, after our boss suddenly passed away at xmas ( as well as my grandma, and my dog). I live in a country town, and the rental crisis is in full swing. Not only is there a serious lack of rentals, but prices are sky high. Add to that, the rising cost of fuel, food, electricity. Luckily, my sister owns a house in the town, which she is going to rent to me, so I dont end up homeless. Its one of the cheaper in the area too. Basically, lets say I earn roughly $1000 per week, before tax. Due to weather and material outages, some weeks may be less. The rental is $370 per week, which is almost double what I pay now. I just ran the numbers through the money smart budget, and things look very bad. After entering in rent, electricity, gas, fuel, food ($80 a week), phone, rego, childcare payments.....basically everything....im going to be lucky to break even, if not going backwards each week. Thats with zero spending money, zero emergency money, zero saving money, zero alcohol money, zero car maintenance or repair money, zero extra fuel money. I literally savaged my budget until there was nothing more to scrimp on. The obvious idea would be to get a room mate. But being an introvert, and living alone for the last 5 years, its something I just cant fathom, having a stranger living alongside me, and all the possible associated dramas. Id rather starve myself quite frankly. Basically, I'm about to go from living quite comfortably, 4wding,camping on the weekends,buying the odd thing for myself..... to living in basic poverty, trying to save every dollar,and doing absolutely nothing as I wont be able to afford it. Not to mention the 4 weeks a year I have my son in holidays, where I dont work,so am down another $4000 per year in the red. At that rate, my savings will be evaporated in just a few years covering the shortfall. I just feel totally defeated at what is looming. When you can earn $1000 a week and not survive. Im starting to wonder whats the point.

David9 Sad alone and hopeless
  • replies: 4

I am 58 years old and my marriage ended 8 years ago. I live near my ex wife so I can be close to my kids. we moved to a rural city in order to be close to her family. Problem is now after the split I have no close friends or family in the area for su... View more

I am 58 years old and my marriage ended 8 years ago. I live near my ex wife so I can be close to my kids. we moved to a rural city in order to be close to her family. Problem is now after the split I have no close friends or family in the area for support which I really need due to suffering depression for many years. As my girls are getting older and on with their own lives I am thinking of going back overseas to my native country but am very scared of the move. I can’t ever see my life being happy again and sometimes think that it’s just not worth while continuing to live. I am on a waiting list to see a psychiatrist as referred by my psychologist but it is taking soo long to get in. My main problem is that I can’t seem to move on with my life and this is making my depression/ anxiety worse day by day,

JustAnYtka And tips?
  • replies: 10

It's that time of the month I'm in the middle if a particularly bad depressive episode. I find it really hard to shower or bathe a lot of the time. Sometimes it's due to lack of energy and sometimes I just physically cannot. Even if my parents run me... View more

It's that time of the month I'm in the middle if a particularly bad depressive episode. I find it really hard to shower or bathe a lot of the time. Sometimes it's due to lack of energy and sometimes I just physically cannot. Even if my parents run me a bath and all I have to do is get in. I sit by the bathtub and wonder why I can't just step into the goddamn tub. It's so frustrating and it makes me feel filthy. I do use baby wipes as often as I can but sometimes it goes on for so long that my hair starts to dry and break off. I'm going to talk about it with my psychologist tomorrow but sometimes the best advice comes firsthand. If anyone has anything that could be remotely helpful, please let me know. Thanks, Bee

Zabacs I’m pushing away everyone I love
  • replies: 8

I’m new here and really struggling. I am pushing everyone away from me and feel very alone. I feel like giving up but I have children who I would/could never leave. every day is becoming a battle and I’m sick of putting on a front to hide my pain. It... View more

I’m new here and really struggling. I am pushing everyone away from me and feel very alone. I feel like giving up but I have children who I would/could never leave. every day is becoming a battle and I’m sick of putting on a front to hide my pain. It’s effecting my work. I feel anger, hatred and bitterness all of the time. Everything feels like a chore and it’s draining. I don’t remember the last time I was truly happy. thanks for taking the time to read. zabs

Strawby I’m so lost and alone in life
  • replies: 2

Hi I’m new here I’ve just had the worst week and really need to get it off my chest. My partner of 6 months and I just broke up and now I feel so alone in life. I don’t really have any friends and the few friends I have were people I knew through my ... View more

Hi I’m new here I’ve just had the worst week and really need to get it off my chest. My partner of 6 months and I just broke up and now I feel so alone in life. I don’t really have any friends and the few friends I have were people I knew through my partner so I’m not sure if they’re going to talk to me anymore. I also don’t talk to my family at all because they’re very toxic and homophobic. So other than my housemate and my cat I really don’t have anyone at the moment now. I’m really scared. We had to break up because I’m going through a lot at the moment with a police investigation going on about an ex who SA’d me as well as harassment from his family. Being with my partner was the only time since I was really young I genuinely imagined a future for myself. They made me want to be alive and get better but their mental health was getting worse and I couldn’t support them while also looking after my own mental health. I feel really guilty and scared about leaving and I just don’t know what to do anymore.

Walto17 My friend is about to have a baby and i'm worried we won't speak as much anymore.
  • replies: 7

Hey guys I'll try to be as brief as possible. I suffer from anxiety and insomnia. I usually play x box in the night with a female friend who we have same issues, we've been playing xbox together for about 2 years and she's never been able to have kid... View more

Hey guys I'll try to be as brief as possible. I suffer from anxiety and insomnia. I usually play x box in the night with a female friend who we have same issues, we've been playing xbox together for about 2 years and she's never been able to have kids so her and her partner decided to have a surrogate baby. The baby is due any day now and i'm worried that when it arrives, her and me won't play xbox together anymore as having a baby changes your life. The reason why i'm depressed is because she is the only person i play xbox with as i lost a lot of my friends and having my friendship with her suddenly gone is a bit scary and depressing. I have trouble sleeping normally so playing xbox with her always made me relax in some ways and i know it sounds selfish on my part, but it;s because i really value her as a person and friend and i'm just wondering what type of advice anyone can give me to help get through this depressive feeling i have right now. It's hard for me to make new friends and if i knew i was able to sleep fine, then i wouldn't be so depressed but it's just the feeling of being a lone at night that upsets me a bit.

SAHM_ ANY STAY AT HOME MUMS OUT THERE??
  • replies: 4

I'm feeling very lost and deeply sad at the moment. Have been since my daughter was born last year. Are there any other stay at home mums that just feel stuck in their life? Sad! Depressed! Angry! Exhausted! I want to go back to work part time to get... View more

I'm feeling very lost and deeply sad at the moment. Have been since my daughter was born last year. Are there any other stay at home mums that just feel stuck in their life? Sad! Depressed! Angry! Exhausted! I want to go back to work part time to get some of my identity back and feel like a normal person again with purpose but we have no daycare in our area & my partner works such long hours he's never around to help or give me even a few hours break. I just dont know what the do anymore or who to reach out to. Any other mums experienced this? I feel like a terrible mother for needing something outside of being a mum

maddie_faye Severely depressed boyfriend is constantly ‘busy’
  • replies: 30

I have posted this under relationships but since this is also related to depression I thought that I’d put it here to get more advice. my current boyfriend and I have been together since late September/early October 2021. I had not long come out of d... View more

I have posted this under relationships but since this is also related to depression I thought that I’d put it here to get more advice. my current boyfriend and I have been together since late September/early October 2021. I had not long come out of domestic violence and now have ptsd as a result, as well as a pre exisiting anxiety condition. My partner also opened up about having a depression diagnosis and I suspect he also has cfs, but was well at the time. The first 2-3 months he was fine mentally then around month 4/5 he started to go down hill but was able to pick himself up, however, since March he has being in a severely depressed hole. We used to see each other every 1-2 weeks, since his depression has gotten worse we only see each other about 1-2 times a month. he is also a full time mechanic and we live an hour away from each other too so doesn’t help. I’ve often struggled with trauma based thoughts since getting into a healthy relationship despite having evidence to prove those thoughts wrong, hence my diagnosis of ptsd (as that is a symptom) and what it’s cottoned onto over the last few months is that it tells me that we’ll never see each other again, he doesn’t love me and things will never get better with his depression. When I do see him next in person, whenever that may be I will try and talk to him about how I’ve been feeling about his depression and hoping he gets some help like I am for my mental health. Despite other people including my psychologist and worker telling me the complete opposite to what my mind says it’s still really hard to deal with and my worker actually has said that this is a trauma response. But I really do hope that my boyfriend gets help for his mental health as it is really quite bad and I don’t like seeing him like this.