Depression

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

FAQ

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

Forums guidelines

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

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

Guest_93876777 Just wanted to vent smth idk
  • replies: 5

I dont remember how it feels like to be truly happy because ive had like an empty feeling with some sort of sadness inside me for a few years now i think. im too scared to ask for any help in person because im a minor and talking to my parents and te... View more

I dont remember how it feels like to be truly happy because ive had like an empty feeling with some sort of sadness inside me for a few years now i think. im too scared to ask for any help in person because im a minor and talking to my parents and teachers make me fear rejection. i dont think anyone other than a few of my closer friends know cause no one has realised themselves since im alwasy smiling and trying to be nice. i dont even have a reason to be sad anyways. i go to a good school and have a caring family and nice friends and i get good grades and hobbies like art. but every day i just feel empty and sad and i feel like ill never get out of this. its kind of seasonal because it gets super bad in winter where ive attempted quite a few times and in summer its just kind of always there but not too terrible. im trying to get better because i want to make it to the school camp next year with my friends and i hope one day ill be able to get out of bed easily and do extracurricular activities and be happy again but im too scared of change.

M-ia_123 Depression
  • replies: 4

So I’ve been going through a depressive episode for a while and today (this morning) I spent an hour crying because I didn’t want to get up and go to school. Then later today it was raining and I got really happy, So I like put on a raincoat and ran ... View more

So I’ve been going through a depressive episode for a while and today (this morning) I spent an hour crying because I didn’t want to get up and go to school. Then later today it was raining and I got really happy, So I like put on a raincoat and ran outside with my music and I was out there dancing and picking blackberries (which we have in our backyard) and just like being happy for an hour then once I come inside I give the blackberries to my family and ask if we can like picnic on the deck and my dad says yes, so I run and get a mat and like go to make drinks because that’s like how I celebrate something idk but anyway my mum seemed kinda upset and so I asked if she was ok and she nodded then told me I was getting everything wet. So I cleaned up then asked if they wanted me to make a lemonade. My brother gets really excited but my mum goes “no, it’s too sugary” then I say ok and only make mine and my brothers sweet. Then I ask if I can add raspberries and mum scoffs and says no because it’s to much for just a drink then she goes to tell me how messy my room is and how I never clean up or leave my room. So I went to do that but I just felt really sad. And then later when we’re eating dinner mum gets upset again for me not cleaning my room and dad gets upset because “you’re so moody, you were just laughing what happened.” And I don’t know I’m just upset.

Guest_35258682 My gf
  • replies: 1

My gf laft me bc of a girl i want on a walk bc the where firetucks and that I said come on u she stand up but she didn’t come she yelled at me and im worried about her and myself and her brother gf is a bitch she talk to her when she doesn’t want her... View more

My gf laft me bc of a girl i want on a walk bc the where firetucks and that I said come on u she stand up but she didn’t come she yelled at me and im worried about her and myself and her brother gf is a bitch she talk to her when she doesn’t want her to and she done things that the police should have be told I’m so insecure about my body and I’m trying to live but I’m so god dam close to giving up

booga suddenly dont feel like talking to anyone
  • replies: 4

all of a sudden, i just dont want to talk. just like, in general. even over text. i love my best friend and theyre one of my favorite people, but suddenly i just,, dont want to talk to them. its not that we're growing apart, they might be getting a c... View more

all of a sudden, i just dont want to talk. just like, in general. even over text. i love my best friend and theyre one of my favorite people, but suddenly i just,, dont want to talk to them. its not that we're growing apart, they might be getting a computer tomorrow so we can play games together, and its not like i dont like them. i just dont feel like talking. i dont know whats wrong with me and i feel guilty about it

Turkeyman Section for people with financial difficulties?
  • replies: 14

Often I would like to seek assistance with the problems associated with having too many bills, no money and trying to get by in life with this problem. I'm sure I am not the only person struggling financially due to work problems or health issues and... View more

Often I would like to seek assistance with the problems associated with having too many bills, no money and trying to get by in life with this problem. I'm sure I am not the only person struggling financially due to work problems or health issues and was wondering if you could set up a forum that deals with the struggles of being broke and not coping with lack of money? I know there are places like CARE financial services and charities, but these folks don't want to talk about the emotional side of things, only the options [or lack of options] available and it'd be good to vent with others who understand the hardships.

Guest_03656886 What has happened
  • replies: 2

Don’t really know what’s happening anymore I use to be happy enjoying getting out and about being around people.Had lots going on in life with work chronic pain family but trying to work through.cant seem to shift gears lost interest in everything.re... View more

Don’t really know what’s happening anymore I use to be happy enjoying getting out and about being around people.Had lots going on in life with work chronic pain family but trying to work through.cant seem to shift gears lost interest in everything.really hate who I have becomewife thinks I am lazy and pretty sure she hates me more and more every day.not sure why I am even here

dl23 4.5 years since I've seen my kids
  • replies: 3

Hi All Been divorced 5 years, separated originally in 2020. Separated under one roof was traumatic. Haven't seen my kids in 1668 days (4.5 years). They changed their surname to hers as she couldn't have a different name. One is almost 18 and the othe... View more

Hi All Been divorced 5 years, separated originally in 2020. Separated under one roof was traumatic. Haven't seen my kids in 1668 days (4.5 years). They changed their surname to hers as she couldn't have a different name. One is almost 18 and the other one is a few years younger. Oldest never responded to any messages rarely over the last 4.5 years. A rare message I got was when I messaged for oldest birthday and apologised for not sending card as ex would never pick them up from post office. He told me to get lost by using the I miss them. But I am also angry. Stopped messaging oldest 2 years ago. Don't know if youngest has a phone or not. Married for over 2 years now. Oldest unblocked my stepdaughter on Instagram (and messaged my stepson a few years ago). Not sure if that is a positive sign or not that he is seeing what we are up to and thinking about us. All the kids got on so well 4.5 years ago. Then completely cut off. I feel sad sometimes and depressed. I think of all the memories and got sad recently when my youngest had his birthday. I have missed their last 5 birthdays and all of my oldest time in highschool. Not really any point or question for this post. Just needed to let it out somewhere. I feel for other people that are going through this.

Guest_57356638 How do you force yourself to feel better?
  • replies: 7

Hi first time writing on this type of forum so apologies as it's very clunky. I've been dealing with generalised depression and anxiety. I've spoken to my family and partner about it and they provide me with support and advice. So in theory I feel li... View more

Hi first time writing on this type of forum so apologies as it's very clunky. I've been dealing with generalised depression and anxiety. I've spoken to my family and partner about it and they provide me with support and advice. So in theory I feel like I know what to do but I can't do it. I feel so tired and I sleep during most of my free time. I'm taking antidepressants but to some extent I feel like its made me just apathetic so instead of feeling anxious+panicked I don't care at all. But on the other hand I've been crying more in public lol. How do you force yourself to do the things that could make you feel better?

Kaden I feel left out at school
  • replies: 2

I am the quiet kid at school and I feel completely lonely and left out of everything. I tried to join an online chat for my hobbies last night to make friends, but / was rejected and hidden from the channel, which made me feel completely invisible an... View more

I am the quiet kid at school and I feel completely lonely and left out of everything. I tried to join an online chat for my hobbies last night to make friends, but / was rejected and hidden from the channel, which made me feel completely invisible and overwhelmed. I can talk to my mum fine, but school and making friends is still really hard. I am reaching out because / want to learn practical skills to help me connect with people, speak up, and feel less alone."

Mario_Sonic Emotional Breakdowns
  • replies: 57

Hey guys, it’s Liam…so last Monday, I don’t know what happened but I was just feeling severely down…this caused me to suffer from a severe emotional breakdown, something which I’m all too familiar with considering the breakdowns I’ve had in the past…... View more

Hey guys, it’s Liam…so last Monday, I don’t know what happened but I was just feeling severely down…this caused me to suffer from a severe emotional breakdown, something which I’m all too familiar with considering the breakdowns I’ve had in the past…If you’re wondering how these breakdowns occur, they occur when I get overwhelmed emotionally, and then I just…start crying…my question is…what exactly can I call these things I have instead of emotional breakdowns? Also I have suffered severely because of these breakdowns…especially at school, one of the SSOs, he believed I was faking them to get out of doing work, but I was only having these breakdowns because the workload was too hard for me…that was when I was 17…I’m now 20…I feel like I can’t be emotional or cry… *Crying* Liam