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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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NumPy I’m getting that look again
  • replies: 7

My dog, he knows something’s not right. Won’t leave my side. on the surface I have nothing to complain about, great family, good job, nice home. Inside is completely numb, no energy, no drive to be alive. Everyday I put on a good performance for thos... View more

My dog, he knows something’s not right. Won’t leave my side. on the surface I have nothing to complain about, great family, good job, nice home. Inside is completely numb, no energy, no drive to be alive. Everyday I put on a good performance for those around me to avoid causing any worries. Just wish I knew how to shake this off without any fuss. we acknowledged my depression 8 years ago and done the whole roller coaster ride of highs and very low lows. I was actually thinking I could stop the meds until this latest challenge jumped on my back about 6 months ago. my apologies if my sh!t sandwich isn’t as dramatic as some. Makes me question my posting at all but I’m seeking ideas how to recharge the soul.

LynC Undiagnosed Bipolar - Anger or resentment?
  • replies: 6

Hey everyone, just wanted to know if anyone had similar feelings or advice about this as it’s relatively new for me. A quick bio… Diagnosed about 4 months ago, officially bipolar II, at age 40. Life has changed, very much for the better, medication a... View more

Hey everyone, just wanted to know if anyone had similar feelings or advice about this as it’s relatively new for me. A quick bio… Diagnosed about 4 months ago, officially bipolar II, at age 40. Life has changed, very much for the better, medication and support services have made my head clear and my heart happy for the first time in a long time. I was first diagnosed with depression and medicated with antidepressants 4 years ago after a significant breakdown. Fast forward through many hurdles and heartache, the universe put an incredible doctor in my path that diagnosed me with bipolar II and changed everything. So, to the reason for my post. When you finally have an answer, is it then normal to think back through your life to figure out when this started? Well that’s what I did, I went back further and further until I found memories of a 7 year old me going through some very erratic behaviors, then again into teenage years where things got out of control. I have always thought I was a good kid with a bad temper and a rebellious streak, i’ve spent most of my adult life guilt ridden about what I put my parents through from about the age of 13 and the outbursts I had when I was younger. Now i’m beginning to understand that perhaps not everything was within my control. I’ve been told bipolar (the whole spectrum) is incredibly hard to diagnose, but I can’t help having feelings of anger and resentment to my parents (who I love dearly) and now this makes me feel awful even having these thoughts. I feel like a huge part of my life wasn’t real, I wasn’t the kind, loving me that I knew I was deep down, I regret so much but can’t help feel like it could have been different, it didn’t need to be this way. How do you let go of the past? the things you lost with your illness? I want to look forward as life has become so much more positive but these thoughts keep chewing away at my mind. I have a very loving, understanding husband, sister and close friend in my support circle. My parents do not know anything about my illness. Thank you for any words in advance x

Tonyw anxiety and depression
  • replies: 3

My wife has left me she sent SMS saying I in love with old school boyfriend,I am finding it hard to see my future all I can see it's black no light at the end, any help to get me back and happy. 21 years marriage.

My wife has left me she sent SMS saying I in love with old school boyfriend,I am finding it hard to see my future all I can see it's black no light at the end, any help to get me back and happy. 21 years marriage.

Josephine77 My partner is suffering I need advice please
  • replies: 58

My partner has told me he has been struggling mentally for a while and disclosed some concerning things which I talked to him about what he could do to get help. He doesn’t want to have me around to put me through everything he is goi g through. He w... View more

My partner has told me he has been struggling mentally for a while and disclosed some concerning things which I talked to him about what he could do to get help. He doesn’t want to have me around to put me through everything he is goi g through. He wants space to sort himself out and get his financial situation sorted. His conclusion is we live apart for him to do this I understand the space but I don’t understand me having to live elsewhere it really hurts how does this help him financially and how does this help him by being alone he wants us to stay exclusive and does t want to lose me out of his life I took us elf away for the last week and a half to give him time alone and for myself too he has been in contact and wants to know details about how my holiday is etc i go back today and I just don’t know how to go through this r what to discuss when I’m back i Need someone to talk to j

A2D2 What jobs work when you have depression, anxiety and some physical limitations?
  • replies: 6

I'm curious what works for others in this situation. I am a personal shopper and while I enjoy the job, I have no work-life balance in spite of working part time. The shifts mean I am sleeping more, not eating properly and can't even get time to comf... View more

I'm curious what works for others in this situation. I am a personal shopper and while I enjoy the job, I have no work-life balance in spite of working part time. The shifts mean I am sleeping more, not eating properly and can't even get time to comfortably get the dog out for a walk. Almost every week I do at least 1 day of 10 hours or more with no meal break because we are so short of senior staff. BUT, I don't feel capable of doing anything directly customer focused, I'm falling apart at the slightest stressor and I suffer from injuries that make it difficult to do anything like barista or kitchen work. My background is in administration which now seems to mean you need to do reception as well. Add to that, I'm mid 50s and live in regional WA. I feel like there is nothing out there that I am suited to. So, I'm curious what jobs work for other people with depression and anxiety.

Kilo Seen therapists, why bother.
  • replies: 3

Hi, I Have been battling depression for most of my life. I have tried anti depression meds seen therapists, whats the point when you try and try and life just kicks you constantly, I did not ask to come into this world.

Hi, I Have been battling depression for most of my life. I have tried anti depression meds seen therapists, whats the point when you try and try and life just kicks you constantly, I did not ask to come into this world.

bob01 tired and unsure
  • replies: 5

Im writing this on zero hours sleep and a bunch of energy drinks. so im sorry if people struggle to make sense of this Im 19yrs old and was diagnosed as depressed for a period last year. I went on meds and was refered to a youth mental health foundat... View more

Im writing this on zero hours sleep and a bunch of energy drinks. so im sorry if people struggle to make sense of this Im 19yrs old and was diagnosed as depressed for a period last year. I went on meds and was refered to a youth mental health foundation called headspace. However going on medication made me think that I didnt need any of that anymore so I blew off my gp and the psychiatrist, which lead me to flunking my last year of highschool as I became less depressed however didnt really have any motivation to study because im lazy. more importantly I have coped with it by what others may think as a bit toxic and i cannot bring myself to the people around as id feel embarrassed being around them and about going back to the doctor because I effectivly ghosted him. Ive done all this rambling just to portray that I feel as if ive been stuck in an emotional cycle for the past 6 years of my life with nothing to show that my life is meaningful to myself as every day my mind feels empty

Positive_vibes89 Share your coping strategies
  • replies: 12

We have times in our lives where we feel depressed. Depression can be chronic or it can come and go. " While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or ... View more

We have times in our lives where we feel depressed. Depression can be chronic or it can come and go. " While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason" -Beyond Blue. When you are feeling moody or low what do you do to cope? Let's all share our thoughts and strategies with others too so they can try them out when things get really tough. I shall start: When I was diagnosed with depression, I used frequent trips to the beach as an outlet. I took up body boarding, id go alone. There was something about the sea and water that bought me a sense of calm. Taking up my new hobby was the therapy I needed and it was fun. Doing a fun activity brought me out of my depressed mood. I also would go lie on that beach, close my eyes and listen to all the sounds around me. Eventually because of my new found hobby, I was able to come off my medication. To this day I am not medicated, instead I have my strategy. I also utilise the beyond blue hotline when I have a bad day. Just having a person listen makes a huge difference, feeling that somone cares for you. A complete stranger who does not know me or can judge me. I feel safe doing this and I always feel alot better after sharing my emotional burdens over the phone. I have that feeling of trust talking to the beyond blue phone support team. I am very greatful for the support beyond blue provides. Now it's your turn......what do you do?

Whimbo Season's stressors
  • replies: 2

Hi forum, I thought I'd post here about some things I'm going through, possibly just to vent, but I'm keen to share strategies and talk to other people if they relate. Earlier this year I moved interstate right at the top of the most recent lockdown ... View more

Hi forum, I thought I'd post here about some things I'm going through, possibly just to vent, but I'm keen to share strategies and talk to other people if they relate. Earlier this year I moved interstate right at the top of the most recent lockdown and found myself isolated physically from friends and family for about four months, with nothing to do but read psychology textbooks and scroll through social media. I didn't realise this at the time but I think that experience radicalised me a bit. The previous semester I have been running on savings and a lack of study allowance since I'm studying part time. I recently did a job trial but until I hear the results from that I have the threat of poverty looming - in the meantime, I have car payments, I haven't seen the dentist in yonks, and I have Christmas and birthday presents to worry about. I'm starting to accept that my long-distance girlfriend isn't going to move here as she promised, so our long-distance relationship is going to be extended for at least three more months. I don't blame her, since it was my decision to move interstate and I accept that she might not have been ready. However, this doesn't stop us from having a lot of debates and disagreements. Finally, the weather is also a big factor. I don't get a lot of light in my room so I feel a bit of the SAD, especially since it's been so mild and miserable the past month, and I haven't been able to get out and exercise much for my mental health. I often have trouble appraising my own emotions, so it's not like I'm feeling overwhelming grief. I just feel pretty flat, and lonely, and poorly motivated to do my work, even though I'm usually a good student. I used to love studying, but most days I just want to watch the idiot box. Keeping in touch with people online helps, I'm actually a big fan of it, but the idea of not being in physical proximity to my loved ones for so long is simply depressing. Something that helps is treating myself every now and then to some doughnuts, or a beer on a Friday, but these are temporary coping methods, and I definitely strive not to overindulge. I also like to sing and strum the guitar for a minute if I feel especially down. Feel free to comment things that you like to do to cope when everything seems to be stacking up, and let me know if you're feeling the stress this festive season!

Yuko How to connect with other people when you have depression?
  • replies: 3

Hi lovely people, thank you for making these forums so welcoming. I am wondering if any of you have experience with not being able to speak, reach out or connect to people when you are in a really dark place? I have noticed over the years that when I... View more

Hi lovely people, thank you for making these forums so welcoming. I am wondering if any of you have experience with not being able to speak, reach out or connect to people when you are in a really dark place? I have noticed over the years that when I need help the most I withdraw from everyone, I haven’t been active on social media for years, I don’t have close relationships with anyone in my family and whatever social connections I had before the pandemic are gone. The worst part is that I don’t even feel like I can talk to my husband about this very much because I am afraid of damaging the relationship, I know it’s unfair to him but he is my anchor and I would be lost without him. I actually find myself feeling a little resentful that my husband has so many social connections via work and otherwise that at the end of the work day he is just exhausted and not interested in conversation. I feel like I expect too much from him because he is my only connection and no matter how I try I can’t seem to make new connections. I am alone most of the time and I just feel so lost and lonely, I don’t know how to even begin fixing this.