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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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bfic12 Lonely
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm Billy, 43 years old, are there any women who would like to have a chat?

Hi, I'm Billy, 43 years old, are there any women who would like to have a chat?

Guest_44228154 My life is failing and falling apart
  • replies: 2

I am going through a lot and by wife is always yelling next to me because I am a failure. Since I was a kid, my mom called me failure and I do not want to ask from my wife and we argued top of our lungs. Later I overthink and realized that I am a fai... View more

I am going through a lot and by wife is always yelling next to me because I am a failure. Since I was a kid, my mom called me failure and I do not want to ask from my wife and we argued top of our lungs. Later I overthink and realized that I am a failure I am always as failure. End of the day I feel like that way. Recently, I have completed and exam and failed but wife kept telling me how many times have you failed that exam and yet you cannot pass. I felt insecure and yelled at her . I lover her so much. but when she talks like that I felt like I am insecure. I have ego to understand that I am a failure . I am a looser . everything is not going my way. what should I do? I feel to harm myself but no confidence for that

Jjjppp My entire life is wasted
  • replies: 3

I feel that my entire life has been wasted. I did not experience my youth at all. Now I am 30 and I see no reason to pursue anything ever again. I never moved out of home, I have never had a real job, I have never had the bravery to have passion for ... View more

I feel that my entire life has been wasted. I did not experience my youth at all. Now I am 30 and I see no reason to pursue anything ever again. I never moved out of home, I have never had a real job, I have never had the bravery to have passion for anything, I have never had any joy in socialising and I have never been in a relationship. It is not just that I feel it is difficult to move forward. I think it is completely meaningless. The loss of my youth passing me by without being present is so devastating. I feel i can never be whole. I beleive I can never come to terms with the loss and feel content. I will always look at myself as the pathetic loser who did not participate in my 20s. I do not know how to ever find meaning in my life now that it is gone. It occupies every moment of thought for me. I naively cling to wanting some recompense for the lost time. I just want some meaning to come from something that feels so meaningless. I don't know what to do to ever feel like I can have value.

EmbarrassedEmu Morbidly obese and need help
  • replies: 2

I’m 162 cm and my starting weight was 104.7 kg. I started my weight loss journey on 1 jan 2026 but to be honest I’ve only been seriously doing it for the past 1.5 weeks. My BMI has me sitting at the top end of morbidly obese and it makes me so embarr... View more

I’m 162 cm and my starting weight was 104.7 kg. I started my weight loss journey on 1 jan 2026 but to be honest I’ve only been seriously doing it for the past 1.5 weeks. My BMI has me sitting at the top end of morbidly obese and it makes me so embarrassed and sad to know this. I’ve tried doing some research online about how to do this weight loss journey. I’ve significantly increased my protein intake, reduced carbs and fats. I’m also trying to do a calorie deficit but don’t know how to work out what I should be aiming for when it comes to calories a day. This morning I weighed myself and scales showed 102.2 - so I’ve lost 2.5 kilos in a 1.5 weeks. I’ve read you should stick to 0.5-1 kg a week. This is going to sound stupid but I’m concerned I’m losing it too quickly and will end up with a lot of loss skin at the end (I know I will have loose skin and it scares me so trying to limit it). I’ve been morbidly obese for over 10 years and I just decided I wanted to be around for my kid for a long time to come. I’m 52 years old. I want to eventually get to 70kg but my first aim is 95kg (figure if I set small goals they will be more motivation on my end). My questions are: 1. ⁠is losing 2 kg a week too much?2. ⁠how to I calculate a correct calorie goal?3. ⁠I have significantly increased my protein intake (by a lot), how do I know if I’m getting enough to help with weight loss?4. ⁠I have a knee issue whereby I cannot bend or straighten the knee much so it limits my exercise options. I try walking but can’t do a lot because the calf hurts a lot because of the way I walk. What other options can I do to help with weight loss? I’m embarrassed at myself and the weigh I look in the mirror. I avoid relationships, and I’ve come here online because I am too embarrassed and scared to speak to my GP. I’m scared that if I do lose a significant amount of weight that people will notice and I don’t want them to notice (I don’t like attention). Please help this chick out

Nitz Social anxiety stops me exercising
  • replies: 9

I can’t begin to go exercise. I’m obese and in my 50’s but can’t stand being by myself because it exacerbates self consciousness (people are staring and judging me because I’m fat single, old, and female).what might I do? Any advice getting past this... View more

I can’t begin to go exercise. I’m obese and in my 50’s but can’t stand being by myself because it exacerbates self consciousness (people are staring and judging me because I’m fat single, old, and female).what might I do? Any advice getting past this road block would be welcome (Ialso have long term Depression, no longer suicidal thanks to meds)…..

Tiger28 Bipolar 2 struggle
  • replies: 4

Hi, this is the first time I am posting. I had been officially diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder a month ago. I'm looking for people with similar diagnosis. I'm on mood stablising medication and anti depression tablets too. But i am stuck, not much m... View more

Hi, this is the first time I am posting. I had been officially diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder a month ago. I'm looking for people with similar diagnosis. I'm on mood stablising medication and anti depression tablets too. But i am stuck, not much motivation to do my regular things. I feel so lost. I wanted to meet people who feel the same as me.

audiology Lost
  • replies: 2

Hey all! Figured I'd give the whole 'opening up' thing a go and see how it makes me feel. Anyway I feel completely and unequivocally lost in life. I am 39 y/o, no partner, no kids, no assets, and what feels like no prospects. I've dealt with Major De... View more

Hey all! Figured I'd give the whole 'opening up' thing a go and see how it makes me feel. Anyway I feel completely and unequivocally lost in life. I am 39 y/o, no partner, no kids, no assets, and what feels like no prospects. I've dealt with Major Depressive Disorder and Panic Disorder and GAD for the past 15 years - ever since I came down with a horrible case of chronic fatigue syndrome which stemmed from a bout of Ross River Fever. It truly feels like everything has been on a constant slide downhill ever since then. I was unable to work for a couple years upon first contracting it and since then it has impacted me one more time where I was off work for another 3 years - thankfully after each 'attack' I've bounced back enough to resume some form of full time or part time work. I've got an associates degree in psychology and work in the field as a mental health professional - only have about $60k in my super though unfortunately due to all the years I've missed off work while sick. I guess what I'm most depressed about atm is my future? I've already accepted that I'll never be a homeowner - certainly not in the absolute shitshow of our current market created by greedy corporate investors and corrup government. I currently live at home with my mum (as a matter of circumstance - I moved home initially a few years ago to help take care of my father as he was diagnosed with cancer and has since passed) so having a place to live atm is no issue - but when my mum inevitably passes in the next few years as well and my siblings choose to sell the property I will be without a place to live. Thankfully I'll receive 1/3rd of the proceeds - the town I live in though unfortunately is an example of the worst of the current housing crisis though and very rarely has any available rental properties - let alone affordable ones. Should I just invest in a fully decked out campervan with all the amenities I'd need to live? I've seen many posters in this forum openly discuss this very option before which is kind of what has caused the idea to pop into my head as of late. Anyway sorry for ranting and raving, just not sure of where else to turn atm.

Crib001 Needing life advice and help
  • replies: 14

I’m in my mid 20s and I basically I consider myself a failure at life. I’m constantly struggling and failing at Uni, and have considered dropping out to get a full time job because assignments and essays just cause me nothing but tiring headaches, bu... View more

I’m in my mid 20s and I basically I consider myself a failure at life. I’m constantly struggling and failing at Uni, and have considered dropping out to get a full time job because assignments and essays just cause me nothing but tiring headaches, but I also struggle to do anything on my own and have low motivation and low self esteem. I don’t think I’m able to succeed in a full time work environment cause even now I’m struggling with keeping up with my casual job. Speaking with multiple counsellors, they all say that it’s very likely that I have ADHD combined with Autism and that having peformed screener tests that conclude their beliefs, I should get a proper diagnosis in order to get better help from there. Problem is that I know how much they cost, and my account is stagnant right now, so I’ve been putting that off even though I know I shouldn’t. And lastly, I’m someone who is deeply afraid of driving, after having my learners renewed for years, I am deathly afraid to go and get my full licence because I know my limitations. I get easily distracted, drift off, and I know that can have life or death consequences when on the toad. So yeah, that’s my current situation and my life so far, it’s pretty pathetic. I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed by my failures, and I’m pretty sure my parents have given up on trying to help me at this point. If anyone has any advice or recommendations, that would be helpful.

LC80 Withdrawal after a serious hospitalization
  • replies: 2

Midway through 2025 I was flown to Sydney to ne admitted to hospital with a rare and deadly serious bacterial infection of my windpipe. The short story is during early treatment I went into respiratory arrest, and near death transferred to ICU after ... View more

Midway through 2025 I was flown to Sydney to ne admitted to hospital with a rare and deadly serious bacterial infection of my windpipe. The short story is during early treatment I went into respiratory arrest, and near death transferred to ICU after intubation. I was sedated for a week and the tube was removed. Due to the rarity of my condition I was kept in isolation in the main during my three and a half month stay. My ongoing treatment as an outpatient will last a total of 12 months of antibiotic treatment, not including the IV treatment I was given in hospital. I have to return to Sydney from my county town every three months for follow up blood tests and a clinic visit for more medication. Since returning home full time I have become more withdrawn, to the point that I avoid going out if possible. Where I was very involved in community radio all I do now is one two hour shift on air a week. I wouldn't call myself depressed, although I have suffered bouts in the past. Life is different because of the after effects of the infection and the damage caused to my trachea after the stent that kept it open was removed. The possibility of tracheal collapse plays on my mind sometimes, if I am having a low energy day. That is a regular occurrence and an ongoing after effect. My friends and wife, although they mean well, don't understand what I went through mentally. They saw the physical side of my hospital stay and it was very difficult for them, particularly my stay in ICU. "That's in the past now" is what I have been told, however mentally it's not.

TRS91 Am I an alcoholic
  • replies: 3

I used this forum many years ago when I lost my father to suicide. Having people share and connect to my similar circumstance saved me. here I am years later… married.. kids… I am struggling being sober. I love drinking alone. Drinking by when the ki... View more

I used this forum many years ago when I lost my father to suicide. Having people share and connect to my similar circumstance saved me. here I am years later… married.. kids… I am struggling being sober. I love drinking alone. Drinking by when the kids at asleep. It’s not necessarily social. i just don’t know where to start

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