Depression

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

FAQ

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

Forums guidelines

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

Pinned discussions

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

Spixx86 Not sure what I feel!
  • replies: 2

I woke up feeling this way, I ignored my responsibilities and stayed in bed for a few more hours. The kids are hungry the animals are howling, the dishes are dirty the washing is piling up and I still want to just lie here. But the thing is....I don'... View more

I woke up feeling this way, I ignored my responsibilities and stayed in bed for a few more hours. The kids are hungry the animals are howling, the dishes are dirty the washing is piling up and I still want to just lie here. But the thing is....I don't know why I feel this way, how did it start, what is the cause? I know it's depression but what do I do. It comes and goes, I push it away, I act like everything is okay for my kids and partner. I skip work and make up some excuse to not go in, I don't know what I should do. I'm tired all the time even though I sleep 8-10hours a night. ahhhh what to do? Call my doctor, get a mental health plan and speak to someone. It works for a bit then it comes back again. Not even sure when the last time was I felt this way but even writing this my heart races and I hold back tears. thanks for taking the time to read my forum. First time writing in so don't expect anyone to say anything. Hi/bye

Saffyron Supporting a friend through Covid with depression and long-term health issues
  • replies: 6

I have a lovely friend who was going to take me out on Friday night for my Birthday, YAY, finally able to get and about with Lockdown ending, and what a way to spend my Birthday getting back to some sort of ‘normal’ Unfortunately our plans have had t... View more

I have a lovely friend who was going to take me out on Friday night for my Birthday, YAY, finally able to get and about with Lockdown ending, and what a way to spend my Birthday getting back to some sort of ‘normal’ Unfortunately our plans have had to be CANCELLED, not postponed or delayed all because he can’t get vaccinated This is because he contracted Covid nearly 2 years ago now, spent 9 months in hospital with serious health issues, and now 2 years down the track is still quite ill with respiratory problems and other chronic issues not needing to be listed The doctors have said if he has the vaccination it could very well kill him So, he has a medical exemption and can’t contract Covid again (although not sure about other strains as nobody is I guess), however restaurants will still not permit him to Dine In with us and he will be excluded from a lot of places because of this, making it extremely difficult to socialise and be part of the community My question is, how is he supposed to manage this now with the current restrictions even though he has an exemption ?? Surely this had to be factored into the Road Map Roll Out ?? I understand, and completely support those that choose not to get the vaccine, but in extreme cases such as his, he’s still in that category and won’t be able to participate in social activities and Dining Out in Restaurants because of the Government legislation, and for someone that has already experienced so much time in hospital and at home without visitors because of Lockdowns, he’s mental health is severely suffering and he is very much in need of getting back out there and socialising for his own well being Not sure if such circumstances have been factored into the Government legislation for getting back out and about in the community when Lockdown restrictions have eased, but he really does need to get back to some sort of Covid normal We really need help with how this can be managed OR what options he has to get back out into the community he experience some sort of normal because hospital admissions and long term health issues are causing him great strain on his mental health and I have spent many hours trying to talk to him and help, but really as a community we’re not really in that much of a better situation, except now we can start getting back out into the community as he will not Being excluded and forced to stay at home because of the situation completely out of his hands may very well force him over the edge

mcc Bipolar 2, Depression, Anxiety and volunteering.
  • replies: 2

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bipolar about 2 months ago after dealing with severe depression just after a manic phase. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time and went and saw doctors, counsellors and psychiatrists and now i'm just struggling ... View more

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bipolar about 2 months ago after dealing with severe depression just after a manic phase. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time and went and saw doctors, counsellors and psychiatrists and now i'm just struggling to accept that this is now me. I am on meds and doing my best to keep my head above water but I am interested in volunteering for beyond blue. I want to help people like myself by just spreading awareness and just feel like becoming a better person. Would this be a bad thing to do whilst I am still trying to accept who I am or would it help? Any help at all would really be appreciated.

Justin95 I want to end my life
  • replies: 9

Hi My name is Justin. I’m new here at beyondblue and I don’t know much about it but I’m hoping I can get some support because of what I’m going through. Let me explain: in 2017 I dropped out of high school year 10 because I had some anxiety, people w... View more

Hi My name is Justin. I’m new here at beyondblue and I don’t know much about it but I’m hoping I can get some support because of what I’m going through. Let me explain: in 2017 I dropped out of high school year 10 because I had some anxiety, people would constantly sniffle and cough during classes, this type of sneaky bullying destroyed my developing mind. I was then stuck at home depressed and hopeless then my Aunt started sniffing so I told her to leave my house live in the garage, then she developed cancer but I still couldn’t live with her because of her sniffing. My Aunt died at the hospital , I was then kneeling at the hospital bed where my Aunt died then someone started coughing it was one of the nurses, so I shouted at her after just witnessing my Aunt die. After adjusting my life without my Aunt I felt depressed hopeless and stupid but my irritation to people coughing at me only returned with a vengeance. I stayed at home for 2 years in a row WITHOUT LEAVING my home. I felt like a damn BOO RADLEY. Then my next door neighbors started sneezing and coughing, so guess what I switched house. So I left my home first time in 2 years, the home movers workers also started coughing. I’ve been admitted to a mental hospital but got nothing out of it only more frustration and hopelessness .Now I’m a helpless unemployed loser taking medication and regularly visiting my psychologist; who also happens to cough but she says it’s her itchy throat which I reckon is bullsh**. These days I am planing to go back to school so I can get a good job but I am going to have to face my fears which is by all the most horrifying thing I will ever have to face. If you are reading this maybe you to want to cough. God bless me...

dubrovnik Hopeful
  • replies: 8

Hello I am a middle aged woman (young at heart) live on my own, I broke up from my ex partner 3 years ago, I have no children. (Unfortunately I couldn’t have children) I am feeling depressed, I have suffered from anxiety & depression for years. I alw... View more

Hello I am a middle aged woman (young at heart) live on my own, I broke up from my ex partner 3 years ago, I have no children. (Unfortunately I couldn’t have children) I am feeling depressed, I have suffered from anxiety & depression for years. I always put on a brave face so nobody will see my sadness. I get so sick and tired of people who say ‘snap out of it’. ‘Cheer up’ a former friend used to say that to me a lot, she said I was feeling sorry for myself etc. I told her off! I am very unselfish, I have always put other people first, family & friends. When I want time for myself I get told that I am selfish. That really irritates me. one thing that I like about lockdown is that it’s a good excuse not to be sociable etc. i love going out for coffee, dinner and the movies. I don’t go to pubs, clubs and bars, occasionally I will go to a club with friends to see a show, music or go out for lunch, I don’t smoke, only drink socially, don’t gamble. I have been called boring which really hurt my feelings. I have been hurt & betrayed by friends & relationships which made me develop trust issues. thank you for reading this.

b_nderz Life is a funny thing, sometimes it isn't funny anymore
  • replies: 4

Uhmmmm, don't really know how to say My life is not what I thought it to be I am alone because that is how y life has worked out I have no value for life, it's a gamble actually, is what it is

Uhmmmm, don't really know how to say My life is not what I thought it to be I am alone because that is how y life has worked out I have no value for life, it's a gamble actually, is what it is

Surfie883 I just want to die
  • replies: 7

I need help ,just. Need to talk about my feelings but no one is listening.

I need help ,just. Need to talk about my feelings but no one is listening.

Stardust535 I don't know what to do anymore.
  • replies: 5

i just want to scream that i'm here. That i made it and i'm still alive but no one's listening anymore, i don't know if anyone was in the first place. Maybe i made a mistake somewhere but everyone's left me. Now it's 3am and i can't sleep. All i want... View more

i just want to scream that i'm here. That i made it and i'm still alive but no one's listening anymore, i don't know if anyone was in the first place. Maybe i made a mistake somewhere but everyone's left me. Now it's 3am and i can't sleep. All i want to do is cry but i can't. i just don't want to feel alone anymore. The last time people talked to me, they all said i was so strong and brave after everything i've gone through. None of them even asked if i was ok though, i just felt like they talked about me to feel better with themselves. For a moment i didn't feel alone. i'm just tired of having to be strong. i just want to breakdown and cry until it's all over but no ones there. i'm sorry for wasting your time. i'm just lost and i don't know who to ask and i'm just so tired, sorry

Goneinthewind How to get better
  • replies: 3

I don't know where to begin my story. I feel so tired and don't know how to go through this dark period again. I hate ppl saying i'll be ok because it wasn't getting better. I feel so so tired about life, i hate who i am.

I don't know where to begin my story. I feel so tired and don't know how to go through this dark period again. I hate ppl saying i'll be ok because it wasn't getting better. I feel so so tired about life, i hate who i am.

radar2baron Am i a ghost?
  • replies: 4

Hello. This is the first time i have spoken out about how i feel... I am sure i have some kind of problem and it has been like that for a long time, I am sure i suffer from depression and anxiety. Going outside is not easy and its even harder these d... View more

Hello. This is the first time i have spoken out about how i feel... I am sure i have some kind of problem and it has been like that for a long time, I am sure i suffer from depression and anxiety. Going outside is not easy and its even harder these days. I lost my best friend "dog" two and a bit months back. I have a people problem, I consider myself a lone wolf i don't have many friends or really family i would rely on. Meeting people or being around them makes me anxious. I have had a lot go on in my life and the longer i leave the feeling of it will blow over is just making it worse. from feeling crap to being "pissed off" I should go get help as i have tried to kill myself in the past, I do not feel this is a issue for the moment. I feel trapped in a world were if i go with one thought i mess things up more and if i don't then im stuck here in a corner of my own thoughts. If there is any advice anyone would recomend or even just there own experiance or thoughts would be apreciated. Thanks.