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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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J45678 Just need a mate...
  • replies: 4

Hi there... I have no idea what I'm doing, I have never reached out like this. I'm one of those ridiculous people who think that "i've got this, I don't need help" Where as a matter of fact... I do... I'm a mum. 3 kids, partnered. 1 child with curren... View more

Hi there... I have no idea what I'm doing, I have never reached out like this. I'm one of those ridiculous people who think that "i've got this, I don't need help" Where as a matter of fact... I do... I'm a mum. 3 kids, partnered. 1 child with current partner, other 2 are from a different relationship. I feel like I'm not good enough. Nothing ever is. I can't keep the house tidy, it's easier to lay down, watch tv and pretend it isn't there. I'm not good enough for my partner. It's clear to see. I can't do anything right. Heck. The fact I'm posting here when others have real issues, I'm probably being petty. I just need someone to talk to. Someone who won't judge. I'm sorry for taking up people's time. But ugh.

Nikki_24 Stuck and really struggling
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, I'm not sure if posting on here will help, or if anything anyone says will help - feel like there's nothing that will help me feel better at the moment - but i'm really desperate. I've felt stuck for 2-3 weeks now. It started when i felt inc... View more

Hi guys, I'm not sure if posting on here will help, or if anything anyone says will help - feel like there's nothing that will help me feel better at the moment - but i'm really desperate. I've felt stuck for 2-3 weeks now. It started when i felt incredibly lonely. I don't have many friends and the friends i do have i rarely get to see and don't feel like they care about me much anyways. I feel like i have no one to talk to. I've begun to feel really depressed and alone, and then very anxious and stressed. I have 2 assessments for uni that i'm trying to get through, they are due soon but i'm really struggling to do them. I feel so out of it, i can't concentrate. I'm not interested in my uni work anymore, but at the same time i'm really stressed by it because i have to get it done in time. I have no energy, i've been sitting around in my room the last week doing nothing. I feel miserable, but i feel like it's partly my fault because i should be putting more effort in to think positive and get out of the house etc but i don't have the energy to do that. I have tried a few things, like meditation, reading stuff on here, talking to someone on the crisis chat, i've been learning about dancing/shaking to release stress etc and i've tried that a few times (felt absolutely ridiculous but it did make me feel better for a little while). Some of these things have helped briefly but then i feel awful again and i don't have the energy to keep on fighting it and trying all these different things to feel better. I feel so out of control - like i can't control my feelings or thoughts, i can't get out of this depressed and anxious state. I feel afraid that i won't be able to get out of it, and ashamed for being in this state. I have felt like this before and it has always passed, i'm trying to remind myself that this will pass too, but it always comes back. I don't want to spend the rest of life continually experiencing this cycle. I've put in so much to heal and overcome this, but i keep returning to this. I hate it. I feel like i'm not making progress. I feel like it's my fault. I want to ask someone to help me but at the same time i don't feel like there's really much anyone can do

lochness46 Reach out for Support but gets nothing back.....
  • replies: 4

I’m needing to just vent & it seems it’s been one of those nights last night when I looked for support from people whom I consider friends, because I was feeling extremely lonely, but as always not one person whom I asked for a was available or even ... View more

I’m needing to just vent & it seems it’s been one of those nights last night when I looked for support from people whom I consider friends, because I was feeling extremely lonely, but as always not one person whom I asked for a was available or even responded to me. It’s shit. I grew up with my parents never acknowledging my feelings or validity how I feel, so thus why I am the way I am & live with a developed mental illness. So after reaching out to few for support, but getting nil back.. I called a mental health counselling line & thank god someone was there to emotional connect with me & give me the support that I was needing. It’s just a shame, that I don’t have people that can give me what I need when I need a empathetic & compassionate ear, just to talk to someone.. it’s nice when a stranger listens to me, but ur means a whole lot more when it’s someone I know & treasure.. thx for reading..

lochness46 I have no life because of my mental illness
  • replies: 6

I so freakin bored stupid tonight...am sick of either sitting in front of the tv or sitting in front of the freakin computer screen....AGH!!!! Please Universe, can I have more of a satifying life or even just someone to talk to for some company....??... View more

I so freakin bored stupid tonight...am sick of either sitting in front of the tv or sitting in front of the freakin computer screen....AGH!!!! Please Universe, can I have more of a satifying life or even just someone to talk to for some company....??? Theres nothing to do in this god forsaken place I call home...

Ian_5112 Hi, I need help
  • replies: 6

Hi, Due to an addiction to alcohol, I'm 24 and have been an addict since I was 16 My health both mental and physical have deteriorated dramatically the last few years. I'm struggling with anger, depression and god knows what else. Ongoing court battl... View more

Hi, Due to an addiction to alcohol, I'm 24 and have been an addict since I was 16 My health both mental and physical have deteriorated dramatically the last few years. I'm struggling with anger, depression and god knows what else. Ongoing court battles to see my daughter, Money is an issue...and I cant work as I'm soon expecting heart surgery. I have also just lost my partner, my home and a lot of friends because I have no control of myself. I'm desperate for help and I feel like im fighting a battle that cant be won. I have debated many times if life is worth hanging around for. I feel like a burden to those around me. A burden to my parents, my friends, too my daughter....

Scarlett06 I said something terrible..
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone. tonight I have said something terrible to someone and I feel so horrible. A man replied to my ad I posted about selling some old toys. He was being extremely rude to me and I couldn’t tolerate it any longer. I told him to “k*ll himself” ... View more

Hi everyone. tonight I have said something terrible to someone and I feel so horrible. A man replied to my ad I posted about selling some old toys. He was being extremely rude to me and I couldn’t tolerate it any longer. I told him to “k*ll himself” and then blocked him. I would never even dream of doing this to anyone. As someone who has attempted suicide many times, this is the most insensitive thing I could say. I wasn’t thinking and it was in the spur of the moment. I hate myself for this and I don’t know how I will ever be able to forgive myself. I apologised to him sincerely, and told him I didn’t mean it. This is the lowest I have ever gone. I can’t get lower than this. How do I fix this? How can I restore my goodness ? I am not this type of person. I am a good person. I don’t know what to do. Someone please help me I am struggling.

peacock Struggling with depression
  • replies: 6

Hi, I’m having a very bad day today. Awoke feeling down and sad. Can’t enjoy anything and wishing it would just leave me alone. Depression is so exhausting and hard. I’ve increased my meds but it takes a while to take effect. I’m so sick of feeling l... View more

Hi, I’m having a very bad day today. Awoke feeling down and sad. Can’t enjoy anything and wishing it would just leave me alone. Depression is so exhausting and hard. I’ve increased my meds but it takes a while to take effect. I’m so sick of feeling like this again. I rang Lifeline like I often do and felt a bit better after talking to them. I hope this day improves.

human12 sharing is caring
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new here. I hope you are doing fine and staying safe. I am 23 having an exam in 2 months and didn't study because I can't focus and I don't feel I want to. I am here just because I want to talk and share, as this is something I only do with ... View more

Hi, I am new here. I hope you are doing fine and staying safe. I am 23 having an exam in 2 months and didn't study because I can't focus and I don't feel I want to. I am here just because I want to talk and share, as this is something I only do with my therapist once every 2 months "Being me". I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. doing therapy and medications. but nothing really helps. I have been searching for meaning for the life for about a year and a half now, but still didn't find it. Whenever we have a cloudy day in Melbourne, I feel more down. I relate myself to the environment, plants, air, sun, sounds, anything natural, and normal because this is what I want to be normal. I hold myself each day and tell her it's going to pass, you will reach. I just feel so guilty I don't study but I can't, I really can't. I don't know if this is a disease, or this is how we are born. I just feel better in writing this, I cried which is a thing I can't do. I don't see the point in living and feeling this pain every day every day, and for what? what do you carry this pain for? What is the thing at the end of the road we have to keep living for? Why do we even exist on this planet if we all gonna die one day? I hope whoever reads this you get what you want one day, stay safe, stay alive.

MikaelaJ I'm destroying everything good in my life.
  • replies: 4

I dont understand who I am anymore. In the past 18months I have become a person I loathe and am making choices that I don't want to? I feel like my world is spinning out of control. I've been with my husband for over 10 years and nearly a year ago I ... View more

I dont understand who I am anymore. In the past 18months I have become a person I loathe and am making choices that I don't want to? I feel like my world is spinning out of control. I've been with my husband for over 10 years and nearly a year ago I gave birth to our first child. Before I fell pregnant I was drinking large amounts and having blackouts. I was unfaithful to my partner and devastated as I have no desire to be with anyone else. He is a good man and I love him and was too scared to tell him because I don't want him to leave. Because of this I am utterly and totally confused as to why it has happened 3 more times?? Each time I have been highly intoxicated and blacked out, even regained focus half-way through something and realised what was happening. I don't remember how or why it has happened and absolutely hate myself for this. Since pregnancy, the guilt has been eating me up inside and I'm just waiting everyday for him to find out and leave. I love him so much and don't understand why I would do this to us??? I don't agree with my behaviour and think that what has happened is appalling, selfish, thoughtless, cruel and just plain mean. I'm not only ruining my life but my husbands and daughters lives. I feel as if they would be better off without someone like me in their lives. I can't handle life without them so do not want to tell him what's happened. I just want all of this to go away. Why would I do something like this to such a good person who I love? I feel like I am two totally different people? My actions are not who I am!

Captain Australia Question about situational depression versus clinical/chemical
  • replies: 9

My name is Simon, and four years ago I was diagnosed with an invasive head & neck cancer. The doctor told me how sorry he was, and gave me 6 months to live. He said if I wanted to fight, I had about 40% chance that the chemoradiation would get rid of... View more

My name is Simon, and four years ago I was diagnosed with an invasive head & neck cancer. The doctor told me how sorry he was, and gave me 6 months to live. He said if I wanted to fight, I had about 40% chance that the chemoradiation would get rid of the cancer, but it would cause me some chronic health problems. I fought, and I got lucky. (But with cancer, there's no such thing as lucky, not really). The post treatment side effects haven't been a party, and my thyroid was devastated by radiation damage, such that over 4 years I put on more than 50kg in bodyweight. I recently realised that I was probably suffering a reasonably serious depression, and it was only because I live in the light of the love of my wife and boys that I could muster enough power to do the barest minimum in self care. I didn't want to admit this, I'd say it's ennui, living in limbo (my cancer has a significant recurrence risk), I just didn't like looking head on into the idea of depression. I left home when I was 15 (emancipated child), my mum was a junkie and the domestic situation was .. bad. Untenable. I slung a pack over my shoulder and walked from Brisbane to Sydney. It was massively healing, escaping a horrible situation where everything was broken and I had no real hope. Recently inspiration struck me to do it again .. and it made me realise that I was broken, how I was waiting to die, not living. I realised that I had allowed myself to slip into a depression, where even surviving cancer, life stretched ahead of me sterile and uninviting. I felt adrift, separated from the world. The only thing keeping light glimmering in my life was my children. And ... ahh shit .. I realised .. I realised that I was underperforming as a parent. I was there, I cuddled, I loved .. but .. I was partly a ghost. I was no kind of role model. Anyway, it flicked a switch in my mind. Since then I've been walking daily, losing weight, attending to my health, and I feel strong, resolved. I wanted to share my story and ask if anyone thinks I might be exposed to diagnosable depression, or does it feel to you (as it does to me) that I've been stuck in a dark situational hole, but I've lifted myself out ? Thanks for your time and insight ---- if you are suffering, I'm so sorry. Cancer taught me all about suffering, I think it's unlocked an empathy in me that was there before, but uncultivated. I sincerely wish you well.