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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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Calbue Can someone remind me what is the point?
  • replies: 15

Hi, I'm new to this forum so if I'm missing some etiquette... I apologise in advance. I guess, the reason why I started this thread was to ask... what is the point? Is there a point? I know that to live means to be happy, to be at peace, to be ok and... View more

Hi, I'm new to this forum so if I'm missing some etiquette... I apologise in advance. I guess, the reason why I started this thread was to ask... what is the point? Is there a point? I know that to live means to be happy, to be at peace, to be ok and to be with family and friends. I get that. I truly do. But for now, why does it feel like things are pointless? For context, I'm still at uni doing my course, but it feels like there is no point to getting my degree when the future is so uncertain. When will things be ok? Will I always be down like this? I don't know if its the lockdown that's making me feel this way or if its just something that's been brewing inside me for years. Most likely, the latter... now that I think about it. Everything, for years, has felt like such an effort. Like I'm constantly exhausted by doing the bare minimum. I know we have to truly process our thoughts to recover, but when I try it gets too much sometimes and makes it worse. My anxiety shoots through the roof, and it feels like my heart beats as fast as a hummingbird flaps its wings. Is there any other perspective that will help? I hope someone is kind enough to reply...

McCann093 Trapped without Control
  • replies: 7

This is probably going to sound like a "Oh boo hoo! Everyone gets this way" type of post but I need to get this off my chest. I have been having a really tough time of late, no doubt in large portion thanks to COVID and the isolation it has brought o... View more

This is probably going to sound like a "Oh boo hoo! Everyone gets this way" type of post but I need to get this off my chest. I have been having a really tough time of late, no doubt in large portion thanks to COVID and the isolation it has brought on everyone in one degree or another but I cant help feeling trapped in my life with no control over any of it. No matter how big or small the choice to something might be. I am lucky enough to be an essential worker and therefore have kept my job through out the pandemic but many of the people I worked with have either left or been working from home all this time. I have no friends there. I am being kept away from my family, parents and siblings, and friends thanks to lockdowns and fully vaccinated requirements. I have two kids under 3yrs and the responsibilities and daily requirements take up all my time that its very difficult to take 5 mins for myself. More and more i am finding it harder to deal with and manage my depression and the episodes are increasing. Mornings feel like an impossible feat just to get out of bed, regularly showering is a struggle, all of my hobbies and enjoyments don't make me feel good anymore and the one thing that I should have control over is probably the biggest thing that is out of control... EATING! The weight is stacking on and I'm running on auto pilot. Unable to take control of my own life! Its as if I'm looking through my eyes but I'm not the one operating my body. I was diagnosed with post natal depression about a year after my eldest was born and ever since then I've been sinking. Like I said big sob story right? I know there are worse off than me, my older sister has been hospitalised for her PTSD and depression getting the help that she needs. I have tried seeking help from the shrink but with the pandemic appointments are all over the phone and mine is broken. I don't know when I'll be able to replace it. I just want out of this rut and back into an enjoyable life...

Sophie15 I’m tired of being strong
  • replies: 2

“You are the strongest person I know,” people keep telling me. While I know deep down that I am strong, I’m just a bit over it. People don’t see my sadness, my tears, my struggles. Perhaps they don’t want to because they need me to be the stronger on... View more

“You are the strongest person I know,” people keep telling me. While I know deep down that I am strong, I’m just a bit over it. People don’t see my sadness, my tears, my struggles. Perhaps they don’t want to because they need me to be the stronger one. But I am tired. Being in Melbourne and in multiple lockdowns is wearing me down. I went from hardly ever cry to crying almost daily. I want to be hopeful but it’s hard seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I just want to sleep and not wake up until things get better. I’m getting to a point that I’m thinking about going back on antidepressants. My partner doesn’t think I should. He tells me I’m strong and things will get better. It’s not that I don’t know this to be true, I know with time, things will get better with covid and the lockdowns will end. But it doesn’t help me now. I have to minimise watching/reading/listening to the news now as I feel like I’m being re-traumatised each time. My coping skills are deteriorating. It’s hard to find joy. I know I am more fortunate than a lot other people during covid. I have my job still as I can work from home. I’m able to have sessions with my psychologist still. But being told that other people have it worse doesn’t really help me. Instead of feeling blessed, it makes me feel guilty for feeling the way I do. It makes me feel like I’m ungrateful. I don’t know what to do anymore. I am tired. I don’t want to be the strong one anymore.

Whits Feeling Ground Hog Day
  • replies: 3

I've been off work now for 5 weeks, dealing with my anxiety/depression. On the one hand I really want to get better, get back to my old self. On the other, I don't want to leave my couch. I have isolated myself from friends and family. Honestly I am ... View more

I've been off work now for 5 weeks, dealing with my anxiety/depression. On the one hand I really want to get better, get back to my old self. On the other, I don't want to leave my couch. I have isolated myself from friends and family. Honestly I am annoying myself with the destructive cycle. I feel hopeless, like my existence is pointless and meaningless. I want to quit my career which I have been building and just travel, but that seems wreckless? Then again staying stagnant for the sake of status and keeping family happy seems equally pointless? Can anyone relate?

D Walsh Feeling flat after surgery
  • replies: 6

Hi guys, I had emergency stomach surgery on the weekend and I am feeling really low. All went well with the operation. I’m someone who has a history of depression and anxiety and the feeling of fatigue is something that makes anxious. I know I need t... View more

Hi guys, I had emergency stomach surgery on the weekend and I am feeling really low. All went well with the operation. I’m someone who has a history of depression and anxiety and the feeling of fatigue is something that makes anxious. I know I need to be realistic and just realize that it takes time for my body to heal but I guess I’m having trouble keeping my inner critic at bay thanks

Sasquatchion Can't handle my job - but can't leave
  • replies: 7

I just want this part of my life to be over. I joined the ADF three years ago when I was lost. My parents, both veterans, thought it would be a good fit for me and I would learn life skills, make friend and figure out what direction I wanted in life.... View more

I just want this part of my life to be over. I joined the ADF three years ago when I was lost. My parents, both veterans, thought it would be a good fit for me and I would learn life skills, make friend and figure out what direction I wanted in life. Big mistake. I was suffering from depression in 2018 but it's so, so much worse now. Every time I have to put my uniform on I feel sick. I was reported to the medics because they were concerned I was going to take my life (which was true, however I have since learnt that was a bad idea) and now I am stuck in a dead-end posting that saps away at my soul every single day. I'm trying my best to prepare for my future by going to university and while it's challenging I love it and can't wait to really get involved in my next career - but I still have three years left on my contract with the ADF. I am in the Navy and they will never send me back to another ship, which means I am stuck in this horrible, awful position ashore. I have tried raising a request to leave via a medical discharge but who knows how long that will take. 6-12 months, at a minimum. I don't know if I can last that long. I am sick of the ADF. You are belittled daily, your work is never appreciated, I get screamed at for mentally struggling. My mental health is looked at like I am a burden. People here are not sympathetic. You are forced to take medication and therapy with psychologists whose only goal is to get you deployable again so that the ADF can wring the most out of you before they throw you away. My doctor yells at me for gaining weight, even though I've been diagnosed with BED and cannot control my stress eating. I can't be trusted with my own health, apparently. The only work option for me is to work shift work, which leaves me tired, stressed and without much time to complete my university assignments. The only option for me to work normal hours is if I move away from my partner, which would isolate me even more. I know that if I did not have my partner with me I would sink further into my coping mechanisms and that would make me feel even worse. Everything I've read about coping with work stresses and anxiety suggests quitting. But what am I supposed to do when that isn't an option? The ADF forces me to be a sailor 24/7, 365 days a year and I can't do that anymore. I want to become a person again, not a number.

Muzza001 Life sucks
  • replies: 5

Is it just me or not?. I have had 2back surgeries and it's gone again. Taking pain meds. Fuzzy brain shit memory next level pain just want it to stop I have thought about ending it all a fair bit lately how do I work through it

Is it just me or not?. I have had 2back surgeries and it's gone again. Taking pain meds. Fuzzy brain shit memory next level pain just want it to stop I have thought about ending it all a fair bit lately how do I work through it

Dannybaar Medication impact
  • replies: 4

Hi I am new here. I have depression/anxiety. After long consultation with the councillor, I was asked to start with taking meds. After consultation with GP, it seems with the dose I am on I am not getting the effect I wanted. Please note that I have ... View more

Hi I am new here. I have depression/anxiety. After long consultation with the councillor, I was asked to start with taking meds. After consultation with GP, it seems with the dose I am on I am not getting the effect I wanted. Please note that I have been on this medication for nearly a year. Now I have been prescribed an alternative medication. So my question is, how do I know whether I am feeling better due to meds. I have been working from home for over a year. Working from home had made me distance myself from social scenes, which has started impacting my mind. When GP asks me whether the med is impacting, not sure how to answer, yes, I feel better more than before. Also, I feel in pits at times. The work is monotonous, and nothing excites me. So any ideas are appreciated. Thanks

CookieP Young person with Bipolar 2
  • replies: 6

Hi guys, I’m really new to this, im 22 yrs old and was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about 6mnths ago after becoming quite hypomanic on anti-depressants. It was a really rough time for me and I feel the diagnosis has given me some clarity and understandin... View more

Hi guys, I’m really new to this, im 22 yrs old and was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about 6mnths ago after becoming quite hypomanic on anti-depressants. It was a really rough time for me and I feel the diagnosis has given me some clarity and understanding as to why I feel/act the way I do. i left my job not long after finding out- I wasn’t coping with the stress. I work closely with my GP and psychologist but still feel as if I’m learning something new about my bipolar every day. lockdown seems to trigger my episodes, so that has not been easy. anyway I just wanted to post this, if anyone is in a similar boat pls feel free to reach out!

MissJ94 Constant failure
  • replies: 4

I truly feel like im on a forever path of constant failures. I recently resigned from my job because i had been harrassed and stalked and management werent willing to move that staff member to different days or shifts and expected me to still work wi... View more

I truly feel like im on a forever path of constant failures. I recently resigned from my job because i had been harrassed and stalked and management werent willing to move that staff member to different days or shifts and expected me to still work with him as though nothing happened. Ive been harassed and abused before and just couldnt stay there any longer. It had got to the point i was self harming again out of fear of going back there, i was an utter mess in my last weeks there. I still havent found a new job! My mental health seems to be a constant battle. I have bipolar, depression, anxiety. I take medication for the bipolar and sure it mostly keeps me balanced, i still feel anxious and depressed often. The brain fog caused by the medication too is annoying! I feel like im constantly tired and exhausted because of it but if i dont take it i cant sleep for days. Takes me a few hours after waking up to even get some sort of energy to do something. Now that im out of work and home all day i just have no motivation at all to do anything. I want to get some exercise, i want to continue learning Japanese, i want to continue learning piano and theres really no excuse i cant do those things except that i have no motivation to do it. Im just reading comics online most of the day wishing i were the characters im reading about, wishing my life was stable, wishing i was normal and could do things that everyone else seems to be able to do with little to no issue. Like working full-time, having a long term job at the one place, having a relationship. I do have someone ive been talking to for about a year now but due to covid and lockdowns we have only been able to meet face to face once. We talk constantly but it makes me wonder where we would be if covid wasnt around. At times i feel massive jealousy if hes replying to comments to other women on a post he makes (all have been married or taken women so far but still!). At times i wish i could just go over to his or him come to mine just to hang out even, completely ignore the restrictions. At times i just feel like i want to be held by him. Ive never had a dating experience like this and almost makes me feel ill loose my chances at somepoint because we cant see each other atm. Things are seeming so impossible all the time!