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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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Garfield2020 Stuck in a pit and I don't know how to improve and climb out
  • replies: 7

Hi, I just wanted to post and touch on somethings. For context, I’m a student in my second year. Sorry I don’t really know how to word a lot of this. I don’t really feel like I’m functioning. I feel like I lack a lot of life skills and that my anxiet... View more

Hi, I just wanted to post and touch on somethings. For context, I’m a student in my second year. Sorry I don’t really know how to word a lot of this. I don’t really feel like I’m functioning. I feel like I lack a lot of life skills and that my anxiety stops me from doing a lot of normal stuff. I avoid doing a lot of things because of anxiety. I don’t really get panic attacks or anything. I know someone who does but somehow, they manage to integrate better into society than I do while I just feel like an alien trying to integrate with human society. I sometimes do things weird ways or do dumb shit since I’ve always considered it normal and then I get like laughed at (I know they don’t mean it in a bad way and the dumb shit I do is harmless) but it does hurt. I'm sorry I can't give any specific examples, but I remember getting shit for things like how I moved during PE in highschool (since I did dance and that affected how I moved). When teens go through puberty, they get jokes made at their expense about their voice being funny or other things. And I'm scared I'm going to get those jokes from my friends too since I just started Puberty 2 since I'm NB. It's almost like I was left to my own devices or that’s what I feel like and was never like raised to like function or anything. But I know that’s not the case since my sister is doing fantastic and all this shit but I just can’t seem to. And concerning what I put this post here for is the depression aspect. I only just realised how much I’ve been isolating myself. I don’t really know when it started honestly since it took me until a few years ago to recognise that my idea of Normal was actually just me being depressed, I think. I honestly just feel like I’m rotting. I did deactivate a lot of my social media accounts so I could get my shit together but now without the serotonin, I just feel like my days all become a haze since there’s nothing remarkably good or bad about them. I'm not lazy but I genuinely can’t get shit done. And I did try to get my shit together but it didn’t last for long. And then throw in emotional suppression problems. I don’t really know what to do. I do have a counsellor and whatnot and luckily that's free but it's been inaffective. I've tried dealing with the emotional supression problems but it's really hard to find resources on how to deal with that (though I'm still consciouslly working on dealing with it). I just don't know how to climb out and improve. I just don't know.

pinkkookaburra99 I’m never gonna get better
  • replies: 5

I’m so tired of trying. I do everything to help my anxiety and depression. For over 4 years now, I’ve been exercising, maintaining routine, improving my diet, doing mindfulness, CBT techniques, doing ‘fun’ activities. I’ve made big changes to my life... View more

I’m so tired of trying. I do everything to help my anxiety and depression. For over 4 years now, I’ve been exercising, maintaining routine, improving my diet, doing mindfulness, CBT techniques, doing ‘fun’ activities. I’ve made big changes to my life and environment. I’ve seen at least 5 psychs/counsellors and I am now on my 5th medication. I’m still showing no improvement. If anything I’ve gone downhill. None of it works at all. Every single day of my life is complete misery. I wouldn’t wish this life on my worst enemy. I hate myself and I hate my life. There are people on this website that have been depressed for 20 years or more. I’m clearly destined to be one of them. There’s no point in trying if I do everything ‘right’ and it doesn’t even work a little bit. Nothing will ever get better and I don’t want to try anymore. I’m nothing but a burden to all my friends and family. I’m so messed up that every doctor and psych I’ve seen doesn’t know what to do with me. I’m a massive failure and my life is a joke. I’ve done everything under the sun to improve my mental health and not a single thing has worked, even after 4 years of constantly practicing these things. Clearly I’m too far gone. I need some help. I want things to get better, I’m happy to work hard, I just don’t know what to work hard at. All the signs seem to be pointing towards my depression being incurable. No one knows how to help me. No one tells you what to do when you do everything they tell you and it doesn’t work at all.

anonymous1112474823 I am drowning
  • replies: 1

Hi, Umm, i have never done this before and don't really know how to start. I am not really sure but my head has been getting really bad lately, it is just hard to even think. I haven't spoken to a therapist or anything yet not that I don't want to, I... View more

Hi, Umm, i have never done this before and don't really know how to start. I am not really sure but my head has been getting really bad lately, it is just hard to even think. I haven't spoken to a therapist or anything yet not that I don't want to, I just don't know how to explain it. I am scared to go speak to someone. Oh and my Mum knows but doesn't know how bad it is. I can't talk to her about it because she freaks out and starts yelling at me like this is my fault. My Dad practically lives in another state and my sister isn't really around much so I'm kinda all alone. I struggle to find happiness every day, I don't see a point in getting out of bed when I am miserable. Nothing makes me happy. I feel like I am drowning in my emotions, struggle to eat most days and kinda just lost. I know it is disgusting but I struggle to shower, wash my hair and brush my teeth most days simply because I can't get out of bed. Most days I just sit in bed all day - go to bed at 3 and wake up at 2. My body is numb I can't feel much. I had a boyfriend that we recently broke up with, he made me so happy to the point where I relied on my happiness from him which was bad for both of us. He is a great person and all I wanted was to be the best girlfriend ever. And it doesn't help knowing he become a worse person from our relationship. I put all of my emotions on him which was wrong. He made me feel something again but now he's gone I have gone back to my old habits. My head is just so not ok and I just want it to be. Another reason I haven't spoken to anyone is that many people think I'm faking it. My Ex asked me, his mum and so did everyone in my family. This puts doubt in my mind, I don't want to go speak to someone just for them to tell me nothing is wrong. Every day it gets worse and I just can't handle it anymore. I mean I think I have depression and probably a bunch of other things, my whole family is on medication for it so it would make sense. I am just not sure what is wrong, I have no source of happiness not even going out with my friends or drinking makes me happy. I zone out in every class at school and don't talk to anyone. I am numb and drowning and not sure what to do. My head is really bad and I just can't deal with it anymore. I feel like I didn't describe and write this very well

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.