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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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justlurkin Trying to find out what is wrong with me
  • replies: 4

I'm 31 and ever since puberty it seems like I've been unable to finish or commit to anything. I was a smart kid and before high school started, I was invited to an "accelerated course" to complete high school in 3 years. I bombed out as soon as high ... View more

I'm 31 and ever since puberty it seems like I've been unable to finish or commit to anything. I was a smart kid and before high school started, I was invited to an "accelerated course" to complete high school in 3 years. I bombed out as soon as high school started and was never interested in doing any work at school or homework. The same thing happened after dropping out for TAFE and uni, I would just burn out a couple of months or even weeks into these courses. I managed to get some semi-decent work through my 20's with no experience but wouldn't last particularly long in these jobs either, and have massive gaps in my resume. Now here I am at 31 and I'm barely able to concentrate on reading a few pages of a book, watching a tv show or even playing video games (which I used to enjoy a lot). Obviously all this is very bad for my "career" and future goals.. I have felt tired a lot of the time since I was 13, and went on antidepressants in January this year. I have never been obese and get a decent amount of exercise imo. I find it hard to consider myself a lazy person, as I have successfully run a business last year. It just seems like nothing seems to last with me and I eventually lose all interest. The meds seem to make me slightly less depressed but haven't made a dent in my motivation or concentration. I have no idea what is wrong with me. Any ideas?

Bee12345 Changes to PBS affecting people with bipolar on abilify medication
  • replies: 2

Hi all, My sister, is on disability support pension. She has bipolar disorder. Before finding the right medication was hospitalised in a psychriatic unit for several weeks, 6 years ago. She has been stable and managing well. She is 7 months pregnant,... View more

Hi all, My sister, is on disability support pension. She has bipolar disorder. Before finding the right medication was hospitalised in a psychriatic unit for several weeks, 6 years ago. She has been stable and managing well. She is 7 months pregnant, and although they do not advise for people to remain on her type of meds while pregnant, her psychiatrist has stated it is more risk to her mental health if she comes off them, so she has had a lot of monitoring and extra appointments and thankfully all progressing well. It is extremely distressing to her, hearing from the GP that her medication, which is prescribed both for bipolar and for schizophrenia, as from 1st July is only covered on the PBS for people with schizophrenia NOT bipolar. Clearly this is medication she needs which will cost minimum $99 a month or $95 purchsng the generic brand rather than $6. Its unbelievable one day its $6 then $100, without any consult, advice or discussion prior to her about alternatives. it was never her choice to go on this medication, it was her doctors after several weeks of trial and error when in hospital but it has helped. She is on disability support pension, a new mum, adding to this is more financial stress of an essential medication. She is not in a position to go into a psychiatric unit while pregnant to find other medication. It will put her and her baby at risk doing so. Im reaching out to see if anyone else is facing this issue at the moment?

Musiclover10 Depression and Exercise
  • replies: 7

All of the research says exercise really helps with depression. Everyone around me is saying it. Even I am saying it to myself and often imagining myself exercising and it helping. But I'm still finding it SO HARD to even go for a walk around the blo... View more

All of the research says exercise really helps with depression. Everyone around me is saying it. Even I am saying it to myself and often imagining myself exercising and it helping. But I'm still finding it SO HARD to even go for a walk around the block! I enjoyed exercising before I got depressed. I'm looking for advice on how to start exercising and break the never-ending cycle of inactivity. What has worked for others? And have you noticed an improvement in how you feel soon after starting exercise? Thank you

jenms Over myself
  • replies: 11

I have only just joined BB online. Talking face to face with absolutely anybody...professional, friend, family just makes me cry non stop and not feel any better in fact i feel worse. Thought i could try this to 'vent' without being readily judged (w... View more

I have only just joined BB online. Talking face to face with absolutely anybody...professional, friend, family just makes me cry non stop and not feel any better in fact i feel worse. Thought i could try this to 'vent' without being readily judged (which happens all the time). People don't get it and i understand why they don't get it but that doesn't help. I have been in what i call 'robot mode' for years to be honest. Get up, work, finish, eat, bed, occasionally go out, keep the 'actress' face on. I am getting lower and lower and lower. Logically i know some of the things that i need to do to feel better but it is so hard to push myself to do them. Ironically in the past i have felt better when i have gone for a walk or done some yoga or similar but i just can't seem to even force myself out of the house at the moment. Sooooooooo over myself.

Musiclover10 Depression and relationships
  • replies: 8

How does depression affect your relationships with your partners? Does it cause you to feel disconnected and question the relationship etc?

How does depression affect your relationships with your partners? Does it cause you to feel disconnected and question the relationship etc?

mwm03 It's always there
  • replies: 1

Is there no way to rid of depression permanently? It always seems to be there and every time it surfaces, it seems to up the ante. Like from an outsiders perspective everything seems positive and almost upward trend, I've finally bought a house - pro... View more

Is there no way to rid of depression permanently? It always seems to be there and every time it surfaces, it seems to up the ante. Like from an outsiders perspective everything seems positive and almost upward trend, I've finally bought a house - promoted at work. But I fail to see the good in these actions, as if it's not good enough and it just brings me into a depressive state. What's worse is that I've been treated for depression a few years ago and I can feel myself slowly getting back into the same state - but allowing myself to travel into the space, even though I know it will essentially cause me pain. Even then I had an outlet for the pain and anger by playing rugby. I just feel like no matter the perceived "positives" it will always be there under the surface second guessing all my decisions and making me feel like sh*t.

bluenight I wanted to know if any of you have unhealthy coping strategies?
  • replies: 18

Hi, I've had depression and anxiety for years and years now, most of my adult life. Anyway, as you all know, having mental health issues effects your life in so many ways, for example it can cause problems with your career, finances, friendships, rom... View more

Hi, I've had depression and anxiety for years and years now, most of my adult life. Anyway, as you all know, having mental health issues effects your life in so many ways, for example it can cause problems with your career, finances, friendships, romantice relationship, obesity, addictions, could go on and on. Over the years I have used different unhealthy ways to cope, an example is alcohol. Whilst in the moment it's good, it' never really benefited me like healthy coping mechanisms have. Just wondering whether other people have habits or vices that they rely on and what's been your experience with it, has it helped? has it made things worse?

M Hadrian I think I need some advice.
  • replies: 9

Hi everyone. I think I need some advice. I recently lost my loved one due to Demetia progression and a lack of support at the care facility. Once I discovered what was happening I tried to help them as best I could, but it was too late and the damage... View more

Hi everyone. I think I need some advice. I recently lost my loved one due to Demetia progression and a lack of support at the care facility. Once I discovered what was happening I tried to help them as best I could, but it was too late and the damage could not be undone. I have subsequently been diagnosed with depression and I havn't been able to return to work. I am taking anti-depressants for the first time in my life, but am so tired all the time now and shrugging to do anything useful and have lost interest in nearly everything. Any advice would be good thanks.

Banksia20 Job Blues
  • replies: 6

I have never been able to find a job I liked, even after being in the workforce for over 15 years and across multiple industries and positions. Eventually I become totally miserable in these positions and have no clue what to do next. I've done count... View more

I have never been able to find a job I liked, even after being in the workforce for over 15 years and across multiple industries and positions. Eventually I become totally miserable in these positions and have no clue what to do next. I've done countless career quizzes, researched hundreds of different positions, done so much introspection my brain hurts! Is it possible some of us will never find a job we like? What if we have very few interests? We spend so much time at work every week and through out our life, that if you dislike your job it can really bring you down and seep into all other aspects of your life. I feel so miserable every day and trapped. Despite all my efforts to change my situation, I feel I have no options. If I try for another job I feel the same pattern will emerge as the last 20 jobs before this one. Just destined to be miserable forever. Anyone else feel their jobs are meaningless, boring, repetitive, or perhaps don't align with their values? What advice do people have? And can you be happy in any job if you simply have the right attitude? I've got the job blues bad!

Alai I have lost interest in everything
  • replies: 2

I have depression for a long time. My interest in things are slowly reduced. I used to have lots of hobbies and I can enjoy doing them repeatedly without losing interest. I love game, sport, movies, travel, photography food, comics, novel, gadgets, p... View more

I have depression for a long time. My interest in things are slowly reduced. I used to have lots of hobbies and I can enjoy doing them repeatedly without losing interest. I love game, sport, movies, travel, photography food, comics, novel, gadgets, programming, physics etc. But I slowly losing interest in them through past decade and they have accelerate recent years. Now my only weekend activity is figure out what I want to do and always fail. I force myself to read, watch movie, play game but often give up after mins in. This have been happening since few years ago and it have given me anxiety as I feel like my time is wasted. I'm not young anymore. I feel like I'm a fully paralyzed patient who only able to hear the clock ticking until I die. I also slowly distant myself from my closed one. First are friends, then relatives and now my immediate families. I just feel exhausted to interact with them.

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