Depression

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

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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

aliven playing computer game to avoid depression
  • replies: 4

I used to get a kick out of playing a computer game daily now I realize I only played it to mask depression. What can I do instead of video games? go for a walk?

I used to get a kick out of playing a computer game daily now I realize I only played it to mask depression. What can I do instead of video games? go for a walk?

blu_ Struggle, struggle
  • replies: 1

Hello all, This is my first post since 2017. I've thought a lot about coming back here over the years, particularly during 2020. I'm here today because I am struggling to adjust to my new workplace, am feeling quite alone in my struggles, and need a ... View more

Hello all, This is my first post since 2017. I've thought a lot about coming back here over the years, particularly during 2020. I'm here today because I am struggling to adjust to my new workplace, am feeling quite alone in my struggles, and need a safe space to express how I'm feeling. I was stood down from my previous job (I had been there for just over one year) at the end of March 2020 and made redundant in September 2020. This was a stressful time, though I was fortunate to find a new job at the start of December. It is not is exactly a dream role, and I knew the work itself would be stressful (it's a customer service position) but I felt positive about the company and the culture. Anyway, 3 months in and I am really struggling to adjust, and it's triggering my depression quite significantly. I am feeling quite isolated because I'm not really part of a team as such, I work quite autonomously. Most of my colleagues have been there for a number of years and, while they are friendly people, they have formed tight-knit groups. I didn't receive much in the way of training and have kind of been left to figure things out as I go. I was told at the start that I 'was never alone, and can always ask for help', but...I am often left alone and when I do ask questions I am treated rather dismissively. I spend most of my work days feeling incompetent and inadequete, and my days off in a depressed state. Today I spent most of the day in bed, I didn't step outside. I just felt so...drained and empty. Anyway, I'm not really sure what I wanted to get out of posting this, just felt the need to share. To those who have read this - thanks for listening.

Weaponsofmassdisstortion I am going to the psychologist tommorrow
  • replies: 3

First session. is tomorrow. My support worker is coming along for the first one only. Cause I get quite bad social anxiety. I was just thinking about all the things I should talk about with him. And it just got me thinking about stuff. About all the ... View more

First session. is tomorrow. My support worker is coming along for the first one only. Cause I get quite bad social anxiety. I was just thinking about all the things I should talk about with him. And it just got me thinking about stuff. About all the things I have been through. All the bad childhood experiences I went through. And even the hard experiences I went through more recently. I am feeling pretty down at the moment. I wish the future would hurry up and create a machine which could erase memories. Because I would like to forget a lot of my life.

Ace.x-ray Feeling lonely
  • replies: 6

It has been a while since I have written anything but during these hard times I have been feeling left out and lonely my friends do not want to hang out with me, they never ask me to hang out with them and never text me how I am going or what I am do... View more

It has been a while since I have written anything but during these hard times I have been feeling left out and lonely my friends do not want to hang out with me, they never ask me to hang out with them and never text me how I am going or what I am doing. I understand they are busy with their own lives and having problems during this pandemic. But I feel utterly alone, I am a shy and introvert person, but my friends never seemed to care enough to send one text message. I see their posts on instagram posting pictures of going out with their friends, which they are having the time of their lives, and here I am stuck at home bored, keeping safe from this pandemic. but once in a while I would like to go out and have fun. I feel jealous and left out no one cares enough to text me to hang out, I always feel forgotten, is it because I am a boring person, that I don't talk much, now I don't know if they are truly my friends. It is hard for me to make friends. this is stressful enough, as I am dealing with my loss of job, break up and severe depression. I just feel like a failure and that I am worried about my future. I hate feeling this way but it has always been stuck with me my entire life.

Greenfrog59 Living with depression
  • replies: 2

I have recently had to give up work due to my depression. I find it a daily battle. Do others feel the same. I try to stay busy and plan my day so I got things to look forward to. I’m not as fast as I used to be and have to take my time in doing thin... View more

I have recently had to give up work due to my depression. I find it a daily battle. Do others feel the same. I try to stay busy and plan my day so I got things to look forward to. I’m not as fast as I used to be and have to take my time in doing things. How do others manage their depression.

Average_Moe Help
  • replies: 2

This is the first time on the forums and was hoping can help and/or share similar experiences in how they are feeling if like me. I'm married to a loving wife, have two beautiful children, I have a high paying and secure job. I am never happy, always... View more

This is the first time on the forums and was hoping can help and/or share similar experiences in how they are feeling if like me. I'm married to a loving wife, have two beautiful children, I have a high paying and secure job. I am never happy, always focus on the negative aspects and something deep down just doesn't feel right. I am fit and healthy have a few good friend and close family but I always seem miserable. At work, I get the job done and am smiling and nice to everyone, I'm well liked in the workplace and in friendship circles. Laughing at something and/or having fun is a distant memory. I can't remember the last time that had happened. This week, I was presented with a new job offer that was retracted because the hiring manager took a negotiation email out of context and I missed out on a perfect job. I've never been more heartbroken and disappointed in my life. Separately, I lost a work colleague and friend last week to cancer who 38 years old with two young kids and i'm trying to put things into perspective, but it's really difficult. I have let myself down and my family as I am always striving for perfection and being the best (careerwise) like I have something to prove to someone but I don't know who it is or why. My wife and kids are my biggest supporters. Something not right but i'm not sure if it's depression. I'm just not happy

Dube96 Scared to start Anti-Depressants
  • replies: 3

Hi, I’m looking for a little guidance from people who have had experience with medication to help their depression. I have been struggling with Depression mostly with some anxiety and stress for quite well over a year now and it’s been never ending. ... View more

Hi, I’m looking for a little guidance from people who have had experience with medication to help their depression. I have been struggling with Depression mostly with some anxiety and stress for quite well over a year now and it’s been never ending. I haven’t really had a long period of time where I have been feeling good. I have been to my doctor for bloods which are normal and also seeing a psychiatrist who has been trying to give me some CBT tips but they don’t seem to help. It feels like I’m on a bit of a rollercoaster. My therapist is a little hesitant about me going on medication and my doctor thinks I have nothing to loose but it just seems like such a big decision and if I start there’s no going back. I have no one close to me that has been on antidepressants and I would just love to hear some peoples thoughts about them.

Bulus_Shabbaz The Bipolar side of schizoaffective disorder.
  • replies: 1

The last few days have been a rollercoaster, my bipolarity is all over the place. I scared my friends with a random fit of maniacal laugher this morning. It was a pretty dark and messed up thoughts I had that set me off. They thought I was sobbing in... View more

The last few days have been a rollercoaster, my bipolarity is all over the place. I scared my friends with a random fit of maniacal laugher this morning. It was a pretty dark and messed up thoughts I had that set me off. They thought I was sobbing inconsolably about something because what they heard sounded like a little girl crying but my housemate and he soon realised I was actually laughing hysterically. But now I just feel flat.

BillieJean Lost
  • replies: 8

Hi. I have posted before and found it helpful. I am posting because I am having trouble settling tonight. I just had my birthday and I am realising that all my choices that have lead me to this point have been wrong. I am 37 years and I have nothing.... View more

Hi. I have posted before and found it helpful. I am posting because I am having trouble settling tonight. I just had my birthday and I am realising that all my choices that have lead me to this point have been wrong. I am 37 years and I have nothing. I have lived to please others, I push people away, I am in a job that causes me anxiety and all I want to do is have a purpose. I am so ashamed of myself and feel so overwhelmed that I can’t settle. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I just want to matter and be good at something. I am a complete loser. I have no reason to live and I am just taking up space and air. I am so worried. I am ashamed of my past mistakes. I wished I had done better. I wish I was not me. What am I going to do?

Lozlo Feeling overwhelmed and alone
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I am new here but I just needed someone to talk to about how I have been feeling. I think I have depression and I know I have anxiety. Last week it's as if something hit me and my life was turned upside down. I lost any motivation to see... View more

Hi everyone, I am new here but I just needed someone to talk to about how I have been feeling. I think I have depression and I know I have anxiety. Last week it's as if something hit me and my life was turned upside down. I lost any motivation to see anyone and to do anything just empty. I have been slowly pulling back from my family and friends because I've been feeling like the relationships I have with them are one-sided and that none of them are really willing or wanting to listen to anything I say and I just feel exhausted tired and alone. Every time I try to talk to someone they always seem to think but I will just be fine and I'll be ok next week and that I just need to go for a walk or do something I like to do and it will magically solve everything it just makes me more upset inside because I feel like they're not listening. I just want someone to listen and hear me and what I have to say without telling me about their life problems and putting that on me as well because I've always feel like I always have to listen to everyone and care about their lives when I need them here for me I'm just tired. I feel selfish for wanting someone to just let me talk without hearing about their struggles. I am always the rock of all my relationships and I just want someone to be one for me. Im sorry for the rant I just needed to let it out