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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 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

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Ni_ I don’t know what to do anymore
  • replies: 2

Recently my boyfriend has become distant towards me and idk if it’s actually because I couldn’t see him that one day or something else is going on...but it’s really made things hard for me to even sleep or eat... even going to my uni classes has been... View more

Recently my boyfriend has become distant towards me and idk if it’s actually because I couldn’t see him that one day or something else is going on...but it’s really made things hard for me to even sleep or eat... even going to my uni classes has been a struggle. I’m scared of being alone it really makes me feel worthless and not wanted I don’t really have friends to talk to because of my social anxiety I struggle to talk to people and make friends and he’s been so good to me until recently and It’s been hurting me a lot Knowing imma lose him and go back to being alone again.

Tasha4444 Low self worth
  • replies: 1

I can't stop comparing myself to others. Everyone I see, doesn't matter their age or gender, I can see positives in their appearance or their behaviour and I constantly feel less than in comparison. Which is scary. I'm getting a little bit older and ... View more

I can't stop comparing myself to others. Everyone I see, doesn't matter their age or gender, I can see positives in their appearance or their behaviour and I constantly feel less than in comparison. Which is scary. I'm getting a little bit older and just feel so ugly and unattractive and like my body is useless. I don't like what's on the inside of me and now I don't like what's on the outside. I look so much like my mum, who is an alcoholic and really depressed. I see her when I look at myself and feel disgust which makes me feel guilty and like a bad daughter. I'm so much like her in terms of personality and that scares me too.

cal_31 ECT Treatment First Time Experience
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I'm currently undergoing ECT for a bout of depression that set in around early March and still trying to get well. I was just curious to know what people's experience has been with ECT and what improvement looked like for you? I think I can s... View more

Hi all, I'm currently undergoing ECT for a bout of depression that set in around early March and still trying to get well. I was just curious to know what people's experience has been with ECT and what improvement looked like for you? I think I can see some positive shift - I just had my 8th session, and I think my mood has lifted a bit but I go up and down throughout the day and sometimes I'm just not sure if I am seeing anything positive. Anyway - don't want to pre-empt anything too much, I'd just be interested to hear your experiences and when you noticed any changes from the treatment.

Draven_J Mentally Resentful 2.0 - Does your Country make you Vague or Special
  • replies: 5

Just wanted to Add that, In a Country like Australia It's more Generic/Minimal/Vague It's University, Entry Job's, or TAFE Diploma's or Construction Dead Beat Physical Labour Career's, with a Inability for Religion/Spirituality/Conservatism and Tradi... View more

Just wanted to Add that, In a Country like Australia It's more Generic/Minimal/Vague It's University, Entry Job's, or TAFE Diploma's or Construction Dead Beat Physical Labour Career's, with a Inability for Religion/Spirituality/Conservatism and Traditional Taste over Modern Democratic conditional, This Country Is disgusting with Sexism, Racisms and Misogynism too In the United States Of America, It may be worse for the Average Person, Beneath the Hollywood or the Higher Payed better's - But In the U.S., They have Innovation with Scenery, Politics, Climate, Dialect, Materials, as the U.K. with Comedy, Music, Actors, The U.S. has Expression's, Brand's and all such thing's, They are the Western Image, Fore front, Market, Net Work and Nation of Maybe more, They are the Expand of discussion's and Open Mind Society, They may have Ignorance, but their not Arrogance and Narrow Intolerance as Australia, I would never say Australia doesn't give better General Standard's, But If you care more about Individuality and Non Conventional Aspiration's, Australia feels like a Bully when you understand my perspective, I walk around Australia and get the Conflict of Sensitive National Pride Masculinity resenting me for Wearing American or International Non Aussie Sporting Merchandise, There Is a Blend between Anti Americanism and a Smaller Ratio of National Insecurity, but not actually Jealousy In relation to International challenges and concerns, Rather for Mainstream Trend's and Entertainment and Culture Every Individual likes Nationalities Based on Numerous Factor's and It's Subjective, Patriotism of Birth Is Conformity and Vague Acceptance, Rather Traveling should be encouraged Every Aussie Is as Selfish for their Flag as the General American

cgp_bs This isn't getting better and I don't know what to do anymore.
  • replies: 10

Has anyone else dealt with feeling like your psychologist just doesn't care for you? Back in very early February, I decided to make the jump and speak to my GP about my issues with mental health. Firstly, they shrugged it off like it was just a momen... View more

Has anyone else dealt with feeling like your psychologist just doesn't care for you? Back in very early February, I decided to make the jump and speak to my GP about my issues with mental health. Firstly, they shrugged it off like it was just a moment I was having with my life and that with some therapy, it'll go away. I was referred to a local mental health psychology clinic with the initial intent to have my first appointment in May. I felt I couldn't do this so I decided to see if they were able to refer me to another psychologist. Early April. Okay sweet. I wait 2 months to finally arrive to this clinic. I talk to him about my current concerns and I get hit with "I don't care about you, I only care about you getting better". I understood what he was trying to imply but I left my session not feeling good from that statement. I get their job is to care about getting better but maybe that's just a sign to needing a psychologist that's a bit more warmer rather than blunt and factual. He was my 6th psych, my first that wasn't apart of my works EAP - I had been recommended to get off of the EAP and get a mental health care plan instead, to help deal with more long-term issues. I've contacted the organisation to see about a next session date with my psychologist. No reply. I leave a voicemail later on, no reply. 5 days later, nothing. I try contact again, nothing... I don't know what to do. I had my first major breakdown a couple of days ago where I finally broke down in front of my partner (I'm not an emotional person ever). All I kept repeating in my head was "I don't want to live anymore, I don't want to do this anymore". That really scared me. I had been prescribed medication from my GP for other anxiety reasons but was refusing to take them due to the nature and addictive aspect of the medication... I had to take one. I had never wanted to actually scream out loud that I wanted to die but a couple of days ago was the first time. I'm currently a carer for my partners father after he's recently had a stroke so I'm very much house-ridden with him, for the next 3-4 weeks. Essentially weekends are my time to get out but I know my specific GP is never there on weekends. I don't know what to do. I hate this feeling. I hate feeling worthless. None of my friends seem to care... I tried to make a thread in our chat group about a place we could all vent and they instantly decided to spam it with offensive and pathetic jargon. I'm over this.

H_d Don't know what to do
  • replies: 2

I have no friends can't get a job husband yells at me my daughter is the same yells at me his sister abused me by yelling on the phone I have had enough get no help around the house .have to do everything.

I have no friends can't get a job husband yells at me my daughter is the same yells at me his sister abused me by yelling on the phone I have had enough get no help around the house .have to do everything.

Coco100 Sad, depressed, lost mum of 2.
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, This is my first ever post. Recently became a mum for the second time to beautiful baby girl but nothing seems enjoyable. There is a constant worry, constant sadness and this uncontrollable crying. I’m finishing off a uni degree at the s... View more

Hi everyone, This is my first ever post. Recently became a mum for the second time to beautiful baby girl but nothing seems enjoyable. There is a constant worry, constant sadness and this uncontrollable crying. I’m finishing off a uni degree at the same time and feel overwhelmed and just constantly sleep deprived. I shouldn’t be sad, I should appreciate what I have and enjoy it. But I can’t help it, I just want to cry. I just want a friend. I’ve realised I don’t have any friends. I don’t have many people to be honest. I can’t speak to my mum cause I can’t burden her. How do I keep going? I’m just not getting it, it’s becoming harder day by day to function. people around the world would die to be as lucky as us in such a beautiful country where we’re safe but I suppose I’m nothing but ungrateful.

new07 unemployed, lost and depressed
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I'm 34yrs old male and got fired from work last March. I was deeply saddened that I lost my job as this is my first decent job here in Australia. I moved here last Feb 2020 before borders closed and had difficulty finding a job related to my ... View more

Hi all, I'm 34yrs old male and got fired from work last March. I was deeply saddened that I lost my job as this is my first decent job here in Australia. I moved here last Feb 2020 before borders closed and had difficulty finding a job related to my field. Luckily I found a temp job for the meantime at my local Woolies but that still didn't stop me from aspiring and applying for a job that I really want. Jan 2021, I was really happy that I found an Admin job that I really want and got to the impression that I'm very lucky and this is going to be a good year. I already have plans of buying a car and proposing to my partner. But sadly all of that went down the drain. Right now I feel that it's back to square one again and as usual I keep submitting resumes to Seek. I already have 5 interviews and none of them got successful. I feel worried as there's gonna be a financial strain in the months to come. Right now I feel lost and ashamed coz I let my partner down that I didn't have a job again and it's like what happened last year just repeated this year. I really feel depressed and slow right now that I think it's hopeless. I already tried volunteering, asking friends to check my resumes and cover letter, asking networks if they know job openings which are, unfortunately, none but I still feel that what I'm doing is not benefitting at all. I also went to a counselor as well. She gave me advice but I still feel down and not do anything at all. I just feel really sad and negative right now and there's no hope for my situation. I really don't know what to do now and really worried about the future. I feel like the longer I'm unemployed, I lose my intelligence, I feel more ashamed and I feel that I'm not part of society. I think I'm a total loser now and there's nothing else I can do.

charred Lost and empty
  • replies: 8

Hi people. I'll try nutshell this as much as possible. 39 yr old male. Life has just become overwhelming, yet empty. At a young age, my parents divorced, and my mum moved us far away from our dad. He was a great dad, and did nothing wrong, but due to... View more

Hi people. I'll try nutshell this as much as possible. 39 yr old male. Life has just become overwhelming, yet empty. At a young age, my parents divorced, and my mum moved us far away from our dad. He was a great dad, and did nothing wrong, but due to this, hasnt been there since I was 12. My mother ending up moving again, I refused, and have been navigating life alone since I was 15. I got into a toxic relationship, and having no support, I stayed, and also got married. After almost 15 years, it finally came to an end, but not before we had our son. Not seeing him everyday broke my heart. I had him every weekend, and I cherished him. He was a mini me, he was all I had. My ex then met someone 1000kms away and decided she wanted to take our son and move. I could have taken her to court and stopped her, but I didnt. I didnt want to drag my little boy through court. She lived with her family, and it was toxic. Even if I won, it meant i kept her trapped here, in a toxic situation, away from her new partner. I just wanted my son to be happy, and that means his mother needs to be stable and happy too. I reluctantly let her go, knowing she would be happy, he would be okay, and the only one who would suffer would be me. And suffer I do. This happened almost 2 years ago, when my boy was 4. I ring every week. I send him gifts. I pay my child support and give extra for things like sport etc, even though i'm not very well off at all. I only get to see him 4 times a year now. I make the 2000km return trip, to spend school holidays with him. But it just breaks my heart. Last time we said goodbye, I could barely drive home, and cried for hundreds of kms. I just feel like I failed, even though its not my fault. Im not a dad to him, even though I wanted to be. I'm not sucsessful, or rich, or even have a career. I rent an old farm house. I have old cars. I know that stuff isnt meant to be important, but everyone around is doing so much better. I cant even do the free thing of showing my boy I love him, supporting him, teaching him. It was stripped from me, and its scarred me. I cant get over it. That i wont be important to him later in life. That he will feel like I wasnt there for him. That i wasnt there to help, teach and support him. That I miss out on all his milestones. It just breaks me over and over again, and I cant stop thinking about it. Ive had depression for the last 10 years, and am on antidepressants. But lately, I just feel empty, hurt, and my soul is tired.

Maui757 It’s been a while...
  • replies: 1

Hi all, So it’s been a while since I posted. About a year actually. I was doing really well for a while there, but I was continually struggling with working away from home (DIDO and then FIFO) and just found my job wasn’t fulfilling me enough and I c... View more

Hi all, So it’s been a while since I posted. About a year actually. I was doing really well for a while there, but I was continually struggling with working away from home (DIDO and then FIFO) and just found my job wasn’t fulfilling me enough and I couldn’t stand being away from my boyfriend, friends and family all the time. so I made a massive decision to pursue my dream of becoming a high school teacher. So at Christmas I packed in the FIFO gig and threw out my hi-vis, and come the 4th of January I started my Masters in Secondary Education. I’m now into my second term, week 5, and I’m struggling. Now I KNEW I would struggle, because I don’t do uncertainty, and I don’t do uni very well. It’s a recipe for disaster with me. But wow, I did not expect it to be this hard! I thought I struggled through my engineering degree... Well this Masters is so much harder! There’s just no break, it’s full on and I’m struggling to maintain the workload whilst working part time. But even if I wasn’t working at all, I would still struggle with the workload. I just can’t seem to keep my mind focused on my study. I’m always stressing about work, life, my boyfriend (he’s struggling with depression and anxiety now too), and whatever else my mind can bring up. I’m worried I’m not going to like being a teacher, and I haven’t got another plan so if this fails, it’s back to mining, which I left for a reason! So I’m feeling pressured to have this work out but it’s just freaking me out! I’ve been seeing my psych regularly, I’m trying to get additional help with my studies wherever possible but it’s tricky as I’m a fully online student so there’s no face to face classes. I guess what I’m saying is, I’m freaking out big time. What if this doesn’t work out? What am I supposed to do then? Why is this so hard for me? Why can’t I be like everyone else seems to be and just get through study like a normal person? Why is my brain so under developed emotionally? Why do I find this so difficult? Will it ever end? Will there always be something wrong with me? The questions never end, it’s just this steady stream of ‘what if’s and ‘why’s. I’m feeling so deflated, a shell of the person I was. I have no confidence in myself, I feel lost and alone, and trapped. I feel like I can’t turn to my usual network of friends and family for help because I use them too much. I don’t know how to go through this Maui