Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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 discussions in this section of the Forums have 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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Fusion2k4 The weight of the world is on my shoulders
  • replies: 4

- In 2024, my wife lost her job - I have been the sole income earner for this time - I am near bankruptcy. We have been trying to sell our house for over 8 months. We have only months left. - I have constant suicidal thoughts, with only external peop... View more

- In 2024, my wife lost her job - I have been the sole income earner for this time - I am near bankruptcy. We have been trying to sell our house for over 8 months. We have only months left. - I have constant suicidal thoughts, with only external people or pets being the reason I dont - Whilst I run businesses, I constantly make mistakes. - Recently, a client who I made millions of dollars, was upset I work for a competitor so that I could keep us afloat. Whilse she has a $5m home. - Some nights, we share a single steak between my wife, myself and our child - I work at great volumes, but can never achieve my goals - My wife applies for jobs, and maybe does 2 hours a day of projects. If shes not minding the kid, she is playing games or puzzles or things I have just had the weight of the world on my shoulders for too long I pray to god everynight I can never seem to turn the chapter

Guest_13575645 Needing an outlet to talk to anyone who is willing to listen.
  • replies: 1

Hi. I don't really know if I'm going to get much of anyone to talk to here, but I don't want to burden the workers of BeyondBlue, nor am I financially able to see my therapist for the time being. I don't even know where to start with my problems, but... View more

Hi. I don't really know if I'm going to get much of anyone to talk to here, but I don't want to burden the workers of BeyondBlue, nor am I financially able to see my therapist for the time being. I don't even know where to start with my problems, but I know that I have them and bottling them up isn't the best. I think to put it simply, I'm feeling hopeless in my life, that I have little to feel towards myself. I guess I'll start by breaking things down; I'm struggling to find employment no matter my best efforts, same with trying to get into secondary education such as tafe or a traineeship, I'm struggling financially because I waste my money on needless/momentary things or for other people, I feel isolated by those I once deemed as friends and by my family, and lately, been swallowed whole by past experiences and trauma that makes me feel worse to my core. And it sucks that I don't really know who to turn to because I feel distant from my family unless I'm needed to do something, I don't have any friends to enjoy the comfort of their presence, I don't want to burden online friends because frankly I don't feel that close to any of them, and the more I feel worse about myself, the less I feel motivated to do anything. It's getting to a point where all I can blame is myself, because that's the one consistent factor on how/why things have gone bad for me that honestly it's a crossroad which I feel I have to choose between the path where I just keep going and hoping that whatever primordial being there is gives me a bone for all my best efforts, or I just eliminate the one core value that keeps holding me back.

DW_ I have a very limited grasp on what other people are thinking.
  • replies: 1

Someone once said that, "it's like he cannot concieve of another person's thoughts" and it hurt alot. And it's honestly true. I've always struggled to describe the people around me. Even my family or best friends. Its hard to describe anything about ... View more

Someone once said that, "it's like he cannot concieve of another person's thoughts" and it hurt alot. And it's honestly true. I've always struggled to describe the people around me. Even my family or best friends. Its hard to describe anything about them other than surface level traits. I struggle to understand people's motivations. Why do people do things? what would my friend do in this scenario? what would they say? I don't see anyone as less than me, if anything, I feel like the opposite is true sometimes, though I'm trying to get better at telling myself its not. And I've found that I don't dislike people either. I think that they're cool, I like when people have strong passions especially if its music and hearing how excited they get. I like seeing people in their element, and I like the things that people make. But I don't always trust even my closest friends. I suppose that, my logic always has been, "I dont know what they think of me, so I have to assume the worst in them so that when they leave me it wont hurt". I've hurt and pushed away the people around me because I thought that I couldn't trust them, that they were out to get me, and even when I did trust them, I just burdened them with my constant worry that they were going to abandon me or were trying to hurt me. And I'd lash out alot. I never understood the toll that my actions took on them and I just refuse to forgive myself for hurting them. I don't talk to many people at the moment. I try not to have any real conversations. I talk to my family but for the most part I spend my time in the library doing Uni work and I try not to spend much time at home. I'm looking into roles after uni that could be meaningful so that I could at least try and be useful to the world in some form if im still alive, but i worry I dont deserve a chance. Right now I have one friend who I talk to consistently and I enjoy it. I like playing Limbus with the guy. But i'm scared that if I keep hanging out with him I'll make his life worse. I always tell myself that even the most evil person in the world can do the right thing if they just choose to. It may not change who they are inside, but at least someone benefits right? But sometimes I think that I might be broken if I cannot comprehend what people are thinking. If understanding other people is a part of being a person, can I really even call myself human? I don't know. Right now I dont even feel like this body is mine. I dont feel human at all.

rh456 Depressed and anxious
  • replies: 2

Hey alli lost my job 6 months ago and since then have been applying for jobs. I have been trying different options/areas but not been successful. I have had a couple of interviews and have been close but they have gone with someone else. I have been ... View more

Hey alli lost my job 6 months ago and since then have been applying for jobs. I have been trying different options/areas but not been successful. I have had a couple of interviews and have been close but they have gone with someone else. I have been left disappointed each time and now feel im falling apart and am not good enough. Im anxious waiting on an interview i had last week..i hate the waiting and not knowing. I do my best, but either thats not good enough or im not the right fit. I do my research/preparation- that in itself is a little stressful. I am at that point where ive said to myself - do i want to put myself through that interview stress again thinking that ill be disappointed again? (i keep doing it as i need a job for the money and self confidence). Trying to keep myself occupied by watching dvds and playing games, but even doing something that usually makes me smile/laugh is not working. When i usually feel “down” i watch some funny videos, but even this is not helping. Feeling sick with worry. All i need right now is a job, someone to believe in me and support. People try and be helpful by saying “something will come up” but that’s not helping cant afford to go to a counsellor either, as my finances are low due to above situation stress.

Plshelp Wife feeling scared and alone
  • replies: 7

Imt scared and feeling very alone right now and I don't really have anyone I feel I can turn to right now to talk with. My husband has already been diagnosed with depression and anxiety as well as having Asperger's. Last night he told me that he feel... View more

Imt scared and feeling very alone right now and I don't really have anyone I feel I can turn to right now to talk with. My husband has already been diagnosed with depression and anxiety as well as having Asperger's. Last night he told me that he feels like he's having a midlife crisis, and that his depression is worse than ever. He's had thoughts of self harm but not acted on them. He said he's also developed a crush on a work friend who I think he sees as both an exciting new relationship, not necessarily romantic, and also as a motherly figure since he didn't really have a loving mother growing up. He said his head is all messed up and doesn't know how he feels right now. He's also just started going to the gym regularly in an aim to improve his health, but he always feels depressed after working out. He feels like the chemicals in his head are all messed up and causing him to feel worse. I love him and want to support him and get him help but he's said he not really yet and I am feeling scared for him and also our relationship. I don't know what to do. I don't know what I'm expecting to happen from posting this but I guess I just wanted to put my situation out there and see what happens.

rust255 Feeling broken
  • replies: 3

Hi I’m not sure what to say or ask but here we go i have been told by my doctor that I have PTSD anxiety and depression all steaming from a work place incident was treat an have had a sold few years of being ok now the nightmares are back I feel crap... View more

Hi I’m not sure what to say or ask but here we go i have been told by my doctor that I have PTSD anxiety and depression all steaming from a work place incident was treat an have had a sold few years of being ok now the nightmares are back I feel crap most days can’t remember basic stuff is this normal to relapse after a period of calm I suppose you could call it not sure I have it in me to do this again or that’s the depression talking the road to recovery this time feels like a bridge to far thanks

jackjack101 Happy one minute, Sad the next
  • replies: 2

Not sure how to cope, when being alone at home. I have some friends i see and as soon as they leave, i feel alone and sad and seen to eat myself to sleep, eating like a bad breakup. I feel like a am dependent on them. If i don't make people happy i f... View more

Not sure how to cope, when being alone at home. I have some friends i see and as soon as they leave, i feel alone and sad and seen to eat myself to sleep, eating like a bad breakup. I feel like a am dependent on them. If i don't make people happy i feel worthless. Need advice.

Guest_84851095 Feeling lost
  • replies: 1

I’ve been struggling with depression for the last 3-4 years. I feel like no matter who I talk to, they won’t understand how to feel or how to help me. I feel so isolated from my family and friends, and it’s so hard to just communicate with them. I’m ... View more

I’ve been struggling with depression for the last 3-4 years. I feel like no matter who I talk to, they won’t understand how to feel or how to help me. I feel so isolated from my family and friends, and it’s so hard to just communicate with them. I’m having such a hard time just taking care of myself and I don’t know what to do. Everything feels so difficult and daunting that I just end up laying in bed doing nothing. I’ve tried doing the basics like eating healthy and exercising. But I don’t have any motivation to continue those habits. I feel like my medication isn’t making a difference and I want to go to a therapist but it’s so hard to find free time in my schedule. I’m so scared of failing at uni as i’m not keeping up with my studies or assignments. I worked really hard to get to where I am but I don’t feel satisfied with my life. I just constantly question if I’ll ever my satisfied and content with my life or will I always be wanting more and more. I’d just like some advice on how to go from here, if anyone’s been in a similar position and what worked from them.

Casper im failing school and i dont know what to do
  • replies: 2

hey, my name is casper. im a trans man in an all female catholic school and im in year 10. i have audhd, depression, gad, ocd, and im sure some others. i like to draw and i like anime, and i want to be a voice actor or a 3d animator. lately im been c... View more

hey, my name is casper. im a trans man in an all female catholic school and im in year 10. i have audhd, depression, gad, ocd, and im sure some others. i like to draw and i like anime, and i want to be a voice actor or a 3d animator. lately im been close to failing every one of my classes. I do have support from therapists and friends, but lately its been the same thing over and over "ypull get better! it takes time! you need to put in more effort!" when i cannot really do those things. My parents are somewhat supportive, my dad is very strict and doesnt want me to go down the same path he did, he scares me, and my mum is trying to support me mentally. i do try to do work with the support i have, but i just cannot motivate myself, i can barely get out of bed or do basic hygiene some days. even with all this support i have im still getting worse and i dont know whats wrong with me. ive tried to go to homework classes but i cannot do anything. i recently failed digital tech, which is one of the only things im good at. i think im also developing some form of psycosis or something, im staring to see and panic over things that just are not there. i feel invalid because i dont think ive even had trauma, i had a normal childhood. ive been having suicidal thoughts almost daily but i cant act on them because im scared to hurt someone even though it seems that no one cares. I feel like im going crazy and no one understands me. i just want to stop doing school all together and just stay in my room forever. i dont know what to do anymore, i feel useless, if anyone can, please help me

Mikhaela I just don't know what to do
  • replies: 2

I am 12 and i just started year 7 and i have severe depression after taking the k10 depression test multiple times over the cours of a couple of months the battery on the phone has gradually gotten lower and recently my parents went on a cruise for t... View more

I am 12 and i just started year 7 and i have severe depression after taking the k10 depression test multiple times over the cours of a couple of months the battery on the phone has gradually gotten lower and recently my parents went on a cruise for their anniversary and i SH myself but i got addicted and when my parents got back my right hand had scars on them and one of my friends at school noticed and so did my other friends but this one friend knew immediately what it was and i told the others it was my dog and they (i think) believed me. but i just dont feel the same and im not sure what to do because i feel that if im left alone for too long i will SH again and respiral out of control. i want to go to the psych ward near me to help myself but im scared of the costs and what my nit picky older brother would think. e would probably say it was for attention but i think i need help but i just dont know what to do and all areas are blocked and i just cant find a way out. please someone anyone im spiralling and i cant help myself or let anyone else know whats going on please help me.