Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

Cobulus Here to introduce myself & find support
  • replies: 2

Hey Guys, I'm Cobulus, 33yo male with no diagnosed illnesses. I say that last one because although I'm undiagnosed I'm pretty sure I know what's going on. So I'm here because I need help. I've spent my entire life with these feelings and I'm at a poi... View more

Hey Guys, I'm Cobulus, 33yo male with no diagnosed illnesses. I say that last one because although I'm undiagnosed I'm pretty sure I know what's going on. So I'm here because I need help. I've spent my entire life with these feelings and I'm at a point now where I have no reprieve and am unable to do it alone. I've lead a reasonably unremarkable life up until this point, just trying to work my way up and earn some money to start a happy life with a home and partner. I have worked at the same job/company for almost 16 years now, had many chances to evolve and grow but have always been let down/failed to make it stick. I honestly think I am borderline mentally handicapped. I have struggled with learning my entire life, my memory has always been rubbish and is getting worse, I am extremely lazy despite wanting otherwise. Anytime I say something about it, I'm just met with something like "you're not dumb" or "don't put yourself down". I have had an up and down journey with fitness, I get into it hard but find my ability to learn holds me back so I fail. Basically everything I do, I try really hard with, to the point I try and make up my shortcomings with trying harder. Whatever I try though, I always end up failing. So I'm pretty sure I have depression, I don't need to see a doctor for them to confirm that. I just want to know, if I ever find the courage to see a doctor about it, will the medication actually do something about feeling so stupid? I have read that depression has an affect on cognitive function, but surely it won't fix a lifetime of stupidity? Also sorry if this is more info than a normal introduction, I just don't want to write multiple threads in multiple sections. Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated... Or even just some friendly chat with people who feel the same. Thank you for reading.

Happyriding Depression and anger. *Trigger warning: violence*
  • replies: 4

Hi there, I'm new here and hoping this will help me in some way. In recent months I have fallen into the depression hole and have some anger management issues. I have never been an aggressive person, but lately it doesn't take much to get me fired up... View more

Hi there, I'm new here and hoping this will help me in some way. In recent months I have fallen into the depression hole and have some anger management issues. I have never been an aggressive person, but lately it doesn't take much to get me fired up. I don't know why it's happening. My gp has put me on happy pills, (so I'll see how that goes),and suggested I see a psychologist. Don't have the money for that, so looking at alternatives. Hoping that just having a chat may help a bit. Cheers

CaptainCab What's wrong with me?
  • replies: 8

Hi, I went through a separation earlier this year which has caused a few bumps in the road. My current work contract expires end of December and not being renewed and I am constantly picking apart my life as to why I don't have any formal qualificati... View more

Hi, I went through a separation earlier this year which has caused a few bumps in the road. My current work contract expires end of December and not being renewed and I am constantly picking apart my life as to why I don't have any formal qualifications, why I don't have any friends, why I have restricted interests (the same from when I was a teenager), why I don't know much about how the world works (or even simple things work) and why I just haven't been able to find happiness or purpose in my life. As you can imagine I have very low self-esteem, most things I attempt I fail at even if it's doing "manly things" like trying to fix something, I just always end up stuffing it up and I get angry with myself "that's what you get for trying" mentality and that has been my whole mindset for as long as I can remember, if it's too hard I won't be able to do it or meh why bother? I am in my mid 40's, I am on my own and I don't want the rest of my life to just pass me by still feeling this way. I don't know what kind of support/help I need in posting this. I feel like I am a failure and not sure what I can really offer anybody whether it be personally or professionally. I am on medication for depression/anxiety for what it's worth. Thanks for reading

Jaqui Disconnected
  • replies: 4

Hi i recently decided to get help with my depression. As soon as I start feeling I am making progress I slipped back further. people make me lose myself. I have nearly completely disconnected from my husband. Being near him makes me worse and I slip ... View more

Hi i recently decided to get help with my depression. As soon as I start feeling I am making progress I slipped back further. people make me lose myself. I have nearly completely disconnected from my husband. Being near him makes me worse and I slip further into my depression. i have stopped functioning properly and find myself deliberately getting drunk so I crash and don’t have to interact! i have started seeing a physiologist but my last session was reading a pamphlet out loud! sigh! Anyone struggling with people??

Allonme Is it me, or everyone around me?
  • replies: 8

It’s been a while but I’m back. More sleepless nights worried about the future. My wife has bipolar, my son is depressed living at home, my work has me away from home 10 weeks at a time, and I’m struggling to keep it all together. I’m OK day-to-day b... View more

It’s been a while but I’m back. More sleepless nights worried about the future. My wife has bipolar, my son is depressed living at home, my work has me away from home 10 weeks at a time, and I’m struggling to keep it all together. I’m OK day-to-day but the future is bleak.

FeathersnFluff Feeling depressed because I can't see my Granchildren
  • replies: 31

I have posted in the Family issues section before and received a lot of support which was very appreciated. My problem now is my DIL who my son in separated from has filed a protection order on me where I temporarily can't see my two Grandsons. I att... View more

I have posted in the Family issues section before and received a lot of support which was very appreciated. My problem now is my DIL who my son in separated from has filed a protection order on me where I temporarily can't see my two Grandsons. I attended Court a couple of days ago and i am fighting the charges with a very good Solicitor. I have lodged my Afadavit and my Solicitor is confident that I will come out on top as it is in his words to the Judge 'a vixacous and malicous attempt to get even with my son through me " The hearing isn't until the 29th of April and I just feel miserable all the time. All I want to do is sleep and hope when I wake up everything will be different. How do I pull myself out of this blue funk I'm in. I can't get in to see a Psychologist until 17 March.

OfangBur I'm a newbee, wanted to chat but online not working atm
  • replies: 4

I am just a bit ( a lot ) down right now I must be out of my rent house by first week in Nov, I have had a month and a half of rejections after rejections and no real estate would tell me what I was doing wrong,, till today I finally got one to answe... View more

I am just a bit ( a lot ) down right now I must be out of my rent house by first week in Nov, I have had a month and a half of rejections after rejections and no real estate would tell me what I was doing wrong,, till today I finally got one to answer me.... I have 8 children and with only 2 weeks to find a place I'm told home owners don't want a family of 10 in their homes... I am so deflated and have been feeling like doing something bad, I am so worried for my kids ,, my youngest is 4months. A few years ago we went homeless for almost a year and i promised my kids it would never happen again.... I feel like crying as I can see it coming again. Anyone have any ideas what I can do to keep a roof over our heads?

JamesS Was offered a job... then it was taken away
  • replies: 5

It's been a hard few days. After a nine month application process for an ideal job, I was offered and then subsequently told that I was ultimately ineligible. Am mostly feeling just distraught, as it was my dream job and I would have been given job s... View more

It's been a hard few days. After a nine month application process for an ideal job, I was offered and then subsequently told that I was ultimately ineligible. Am mostly feeling just distraught, as it was my dream job and I would have been given job security in a time I really needed it. Now I have no job and no income... trying to always find the bright side in life.

broken___down WHY AM I IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT?!
  • replies: 6

Hi all, let me start off by saying I believe there is a virus in the community. Like most viruses, it has a far more tragic outcome on the elderly & those with underlying health issues. Nothing new there I'm sure you'll agree?! Onto my issue. If you'... View more

Hi all, let me start off by saying I believe there is a virus in the community. Like most viruses, it has a far more tragic outcome on the elderly & those with underlying health issues. Nothing new there I'm sure you'll agree?! Onto my issue. If you're like me, you're totally beyond being over this current Lockdown! From being laid off mid May due to a lack of flights -I worked airside-to having more & more of my freedoms taken away & therefor, even the most basic of enjoyable pursuits also evaporating! Like everyone, I'm stuck at home, not permitted to legally move outside a 5km radius from home & when I do, risking a $1600 fine! For what?! What crime have I committed?! The crime of attempting to hold on to my sanity, to relieve stress & tension that's built up & clear my mind & refocus! Basically, to keep the Black Dog on his leash & find a reason to wake up tomorrow morning! I know under the State of Emergency Laws the state says I'm a law breaker but am I really? I derive immense pleasure from jumping on my motorcycle & heading off for a ride. Not to visit anyone, not to cafes, restaurants or pubs, just ride! Heading off along the Great Ocean Rd, with no time limit or a real destination in mind isn't everyone's cup of tea granted but it's mine! It's always cleared my head, ridding me of overbearing thoughts of dread & depression. And now, through no fault of my own, this has been taken away by the state! I've not had Covid-19 I don't know anyone who has I'm not in the demographic that's high risk So why am I in solitary confinement? Isn't that a punishment handed out to convicted criminals, already found guilty of a crime & in prison! In Victoria apparently not, it's imposed upon it's citizens in the city & surrounding suburbs! Why can't I head off for a ride, on my own & find the peace, serenity & head clearing enjoyment I long for?! Why are people not at high risk being locked at home, their outdoor activities limited to 2hrs & a 5km radius of their home?! I need to clear my head To get away from the same scenery I've had for the last few months I need to get out for a decent ride, by myself!!

Hope4tomorrow Recent incredible dealings with Centrelink in regards to my application for a DSP
  • replies: 3

I've applied for a disability support pension after recently being diagnosed (unoficially), two of them by the main hospital in my city, and one by my Clinical Psychologist. It's been a 20 year wait for me to be stable enough to trust the mental heal... View more

I've applied for a disability support pension after recently being diagnosed (unoficially), two of them by the main hospital in my city, and one by my Clinical Psychologist. It's been a 20 year wait for me to be stable enough to trust the mental health profession (I've been seeing my C psych for three years now). I was told I'd get a phone call at 2pm for my appointment for my JCA today, and at 2:07pm I get a call that's ended before I'd even known that it rang. So naturally I'm perplexed; I call Centrelink who advise me that the interview was conducted and that the results are that I need counselling (and something else that I misheard due to the stress and confusion). I'm thinking at the time "but how is this possible, I didn't get to speak to someone. Then put on hold whilst she investigated... 15 minutes later I get hung up on whilst on hold. I then make an official complaint using the term "corruption in My DSP application process" ( too much back info to post about why I believe there's more bias (then usual) and the content is probably not appropriate). I'm told that in some circumstances, they can do the JCA assessment WITHOUT SPEAKING TO THE CONSUMER. How is that legal let alone possible. So I then said, if they were planning on doing my JCA assessment without my input (not sure how it's legal as I've already said), then why crank call me for a split second at 2:07pm... she was speechless for a bit. She clearly didn't know what to say. She then said "I'm sorry you've been treated like this", and I could tell that she was close to tears in what I'd shared with her about myself and my issues throughout this bureaucratic nonsense in applying for a DSP, when they've been collecting a paper trail of my life for their records since I was 18. The call ended with her raising the complaint officially, which was nice at least. Centrelink and the department of human services have lowered their bar of transparency, and respect for their consumers as they preach we do the same in return... to an all time low. They conducted the interview with me locked out so to speak which is the complete opposite of what they advised me they would do. why tell me about my upcoming assessment appointment if they had no intentions of actually giving me the interview. what an utterly broken system. luckily I have an advocate who'll also fight for me as soon as I get the official rejection confirmation. it's left me feeling pretty gutted to be honest. 3 wasn't enough? lmao.