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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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BeforeCare Comfort eating, drinking vicious cycle
  • replies: 7

Ive gained over 30kg in 3 yrs. I've been depressed, medicated, therapy etc.All after horrid workplace experiences, time off and stressors relating to that. Then not dealing with the issues I was hiding under the carpet at home which has since been ta... View more

Ive gained over 30kg in 3 yrs. I've been depressed, medicated, therapy etc.All after horrid workplace experiences, time off and stressors relating to that. Then not dealing with the issues I was hiding under the carpet at home which has since been talked about with marriage counselling and I feel that's okay now. In the last 2 years I've had anxiety, and apparently all my recent medical concerns (shortness of breath when walking, palpatations (which are 'harmless' ventricular ectopics an average of 5 per hour) and chest pain are all just anxiety. (confirmed recently after having heart/chest tests) So I can't really identify stress or anxiety now but I'm still not in a good place I cry almost daily. I hate my reflection, the way I look and feel now. I've been talking with a psychologist monthly, it's only telehealth, I'm not really sure the point of it. I've met some goals like going back to work and dealing with annoyances, I've stopped the medication prescribed when I was at my worse (that I was blaming for my weight gain) but I've since gained another 7kg I need help with a) comfort eating (today it was a box of shapes I bought to share, not even my favourite flavour, sometimes it'll be the cooking chocolate, or even just toast, I just binge eat then feel crap. I do this with wine too (I have alcoholism in my family but I can go several nights in a row without) B) motivation to exercise, I can't believe a whole week had gone by again, so I'm only excericing once a week. When I was at a healthy weight I was doing 4-5sessions per week and felt so much better Obviously overeating and not excersing has contributed to my weight gain, I'm now in the tripple digits is this why I'm feeling so depressed? Im having such negative thinking creeping up on me again. Im not sleeping. But I was told 5hrs is fine. I just can't switch myself off. If I do go to bed early I won't sleep, psychologist has taked about strategoes but I cant get them to work in my head. Its like I dont have the cocentration, Unless I'm.fully dozing, late at night (or a bottle of wine, that gets me to sleep) What can't I just do it? I don't want to keep feeling this way, it's like long term self harm. My parents and sisters have had weight loss surgery but I wouldn't be ready for that as I'd probably cheat it anyway, I need to start in my head. What can a psychologist do to help? at almost $200 for a phone call, I don't feel like I'm getting answers or help, is not helping but I need help

MyNameIsSam I think im depressed. but i dont know what to do.
  • replies: 5

I think its slowly crept up on me since i was 10. Ive always had the overthinking and thoughts in my head that everyone of my friends hate me. like im being kept around out of pity or they are slowly growing more tired of me. i was only diagnosed wit... View more

I think its slowly crept up on me since i was 10. Ive always had the overthinking and thoughts in my head that everyone of my friends hate me. like im being kept around out of pity or they are slowly growing more tired of me. i was only diagnosed with ADHD in feb of this year, im 21. and it doesn't help that when i mention these feelings- some of them just don't respond. And don't get me wrong i know people have their own problems in life but- its not just this either its the fact that i just- sit at my computer looking at the screen with nothing to do because everything i can do i just no longer find any enjoyment. i find myself no longer joining voice calls with friends because i feel like im just- being such a drag to their conversations and like im just interrupting them. i feel numb to life, every day is the same and the only change is the days where i have to put on a smile when i go to work or go out with family i don't know if i should seek out admitting myself into inpatient for intense and urgent help or find some poor therapist to info dump everything too just to get prescribed anther medication (my psych for my adhd put me on a mood stabilizer when i brought these feelings forward) i don't think i want to die, i just kind of wish to stop existing and stop feeling like i do. im tired of feeling like this all the time with minimal happy in between

Q92 I have lost hope things will get better
  • replies: 4

In July last year my wife left me, she wanted to live a Polyamorous life and it was the first I heard of it. We were married 6 months and together for nearly 8 years. It broke me, I moved to be closer to friend and away from the places that hold memo... View more

In July last year my wife left me, she wanted to live a Polyamorous life and it was the first I heard of it. We were married 6 months and together for nearly 8 years. It broke me, I moved to be closer to friend and away from the places that hold memories and my family. I have been struggling with depression ever since, I have tried dating but finding someone who feels the same about me that I do about them seems impossible. I try to put a positive outlook on things but no matter how much I try, how much I hope for things to start gettings better they don't. Next month I will be able to file for divorce, I think the only reason I want to is so that I never have to have contact with my ex past that. I want to hope that I will fall in love again, have the life I thought I was leading and working towards. The more time that passes the more jaded and cynical I become. I wish every night that I could just fall asleep and not wake up so I didn't have to endure another day of pained existence. I care too much about my friend and family to take matters into my own hands so I just wish for it to be taken out of my hands instead. I don't want to visit my family for Christmas because of the anxiety I feel travelling back there. Everyone around me has something they are looking forward to or working towards, I don't have anything.

Mickii Depression and Alcohol
  • replies: 25

Hi Everyone. I am interested to hear about your experience with alcohol and depression. I self medicate with alcohol. Maybe I am an alcoholic but I don't know. I know when I drink I feel better mentally but non physically, I can mix with people and f... View more

Hi Everyone. I am interested to hear about your experience with alcohol and depression. I self medicate with alcohol. Maybe I am an alcoholic but I don't know. I know when I drink I feel better mentally but non physically, I can mix with people and feel I am happier. I am worried about how much I drink though...never more than one bottle of wine a night, but often every night.I would like to give up alcohol but am scared if I do I will not be able to mix with people anymore....I am interested in any feedback. Thank you.

LJpd81 Songs you listen to when depressed
  • replies: 65

I was wondering what are your go to songs you listen to when depressed? Mine is anything Elton John, particularly Don't let the sun go down, i guess that's why they call it the blues, Rocket man., something about the way you look tonight. Anything De... View more

I was wondering what are your go to songs you listen to when depressed? Mine is anything Elton John, particularly Don't let the sun go down, i guess that's why they call it the blues, Rocket man., something about the way you look tonight. Anything Delta Goodrem..Sinead O Connor, nothing compares. All cried out by Allure. Flawless by Delta goodrem, Heavy by Delta Goodrem, Life by Delta, Fragile by Delta. Mistaken Identity by Delta. I listen to my sad songs, drink and normally cry. What songs do you listen to depressed?

alexis123 I am unlovable
  • replies: 4

I am completely unlovable, due to my anxiety and depression i feel like no one will ever want to love someone who is as broken and anxious as me, i just want to be loved, i am so lonely all the time, I wish people could love me for my personality and... View more

I am completely unlovable, due to my anxiety and depression i feel like no one will ever want to love someone who is as broken and anxious as me, i just want to be loved, i am so lonely all the time, I wish people could love me for my personality and not my looks. I now think i will grow old by myself and never feel any real or good love.

Tired_man Worn out
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I have a very intense job (80+ hours of high-stress work each week), I'm in a loveless marriage, and have my in-laws living with me - I'm financially supporting everyone and have a heavy mortgage. I feel like I have nowhere to hide. 15 hours ... View more

Hi all, I have a very intense job (80+ hours of high-stress work each week), I'm in a loveless marriage, and have my in-laws living with me - I'm financially supporting everyone and have a heavy mortgage. I feel like I have nowhere to hide. 15 hours a day of dealing with work dramas combined with constant criticism from wife and in-laws at home. I've been operating like this for about 15 years now and I'm feeling pretty down and lost. I've stayed in the marriage as I have a 14-year-old daughter who I love dearly. I've been trying to give her stability and loving home. It's getting to the point where I may need a little help to keep coping. Either that or I need to make a change.

Themeda Confiding in friends and intimate partners when you're feeling depressed
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, Firstly, apologies if this thread already exists. I was unable to find one that discussed this specific issue. I wanted to get your advice on confiding in your peers when you're feeling depressed. I'm sure most would agree that it is hea... View more

Hi everyone, Firstly, apologies if this thread already exists. I was unable to find one that discussed this specific issue. I wanted to get your advice on confiding in your peers when you're feeling depressed. I'm sure most would agree that it is healthy to discuss mental health issues with friends, family, and partners in most circumstances. However, I have a history of being overbearing when discussing my mental health problems with people, and I don't want to burden them with my issues. I've gotten better in recent years, but a history of poor communication tends to stop me from seeking help when I'm in a dark place. Personally, I find it more comforting to talk things out with people closest to me as opposed to a therapist because it creates a dialogue where they can share how they're feeling too and it just feels much more organic. What are your thoughts? Should I just see a therapist instead? Tips on communicating this stuff to the people closest to you? Keen to hear from you all.

Guest_1584 ls it healthier to work and live while having depression , or is there a centerlink disability pension, and if so , which is healthier ?
  • replies: 103

Hey people . l've met people on all kinds of Centerlink disability things over the yrs but can you get onto something due to depression ? But then as in the title , maybe it's actually healthier for you to actually be out there in life and working an... View more

Hey people . l've met people on all kinds of Centerlink disability things over the yrs but can you get onto something due to depression ? But then as in the title , maybe it's actually healthier for you to actually be out there in life and working and functioning ? - bloody hate that word but it's the only description l could think of . So what does everyone do , and which do they find is better ? At one stage through a really bad patch l just didn't feel l could work or cope. So l asked Centerlink they told me l'd have to see the gp , get referrals ,go and get assessments and all kinds of other things can't remember exact details , but it was a nightmare l'd worry that l'd spend wks or mths putting myself through and then maybe get nothing anyway. But ok l'll just start with the gp and see where that goes first. And they told me it could get me 3mths , what, 3mths, but then l'd have to do it all again to get an extension or another 3mths and then again , and again , or some rubbish can't remember the exact details but it sounded far worse than the alternative and just struggling on to me. Well, what a useless stressing , draining effort that was , here's a grown man in the mess l was in felt like l just couldn't even go on let alone cope or do real life , work , pressures buttt, saw a gp yet all he said was l'll give you a certificate for 2 days off . Two days, wt - to keep it polite here, 2 days l needed 2 wks just from the stress of dealing with him that once , without adding in my real problems. He wouldn't even give me a referral for the next step. Acted like there was nothin wrong with me meanwhile l'm wondering if l wanted to go on l mean that's the state l was in. Centerlink also wanted me to enroll with a job agency and so here l was having to tell some 19yr old girl with a button and computer and the power to send me packing with no damn clue how l was or living , threatening to stop any payment if l didn't jump through their hoops too in the meantime, it was insanity .And all that took about 2 wks of stress driving sitting round waiting and explaining myself over and over and what little money l had at the time on petrol , it was a nightmare and left me in worse shape than l started. rx

white knight 10 Keys to the door out of depression
  • replies: 2

Hi all, As some know I've got bipolar2, depression and dysthymia a low mood constant depression. My wife also has depression. So with all this depressive mood with the ups and downs of bipolar going on I thought I'd list the most important steps you ... View more

Hi all, As some know I've got bipolar2, depression and dysthymia a low mood constant depression. My wife also has depression. So with all this depressive mood with the ups and downs of bipolar going on I thought I'd list the most important steps you can take to minimalise your symptoms and get your life back. Attitude. It's even before treatment imo. We've all met them, friends or family members that are in denial. No one can help a person in denial- fact!. With the right attitude - you can move mountains! However if your positive attitude isnt a realistic one that you are fooling yourself and that is a hinderance not an asset. Sure, have goals but the best goal post is a movable one whereby your unpredictable arrival of your symptoms can be catered for. It is no good projecting a difficult to achieve goal then feel disappointed you failed to reach it because you had a panic attack or you needed an afternoon nap. Be realistically positive, not unrealistically motivated. Be measured with your own expectations and dont live your life and balance your goals on other peoples expectations. Diagnosis. Correct diagnosis is crucial. A second opinion is wise. I went 6 years taking medication (tried 12 types) before I got a second opinion. Turned out I didnt have ADHD after all (no wonder the meds didnt work). Treatment. You'll get opinions for treatment from friends and family, trouble is, they usually dont have qualifications of a psychiatrist plus the many years of practical GP experience. A friend might say "my friend took ... herb or similar unconventional treatment. Beware and follow your GP's directions. Treatment/meds often take long term to be effective. Lifestyle changes. A few decades ago we moved from the city to the country. This might not suit you but do consider it. Protection. Protect yourself from toxic influences. Better to have only quality empathetic people in your life. Keep busy and be distracted. Hobbies/sports are essential to wellness. Beware the "cycle". If you have a depressive cycle going on then better to allow that cycle to run its course before placing expectation on your performance. Pedalling as hard as you can gets you nowhere with a broken chain. Good diet and some exercise. Moderation is better than no exercise at all. A return to basics. Stress can limit you. The fast lane can hinder. Time out by watching a bee collect nectar, a flower bloom can work. Sleep Any ideas? TonyWK