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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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Sunflower034 I don’t know what’s happening to me
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m pretty new to beyondblue, as I have never really struggled like I am now. A few weeks ago, pretty suddenly, I was overwhelmed with feelings of intense guilt (about things I didn’t necessarily feel guilty about before), and either in conjuncti... View more

Hi, I’m pretty new to beyondblue, as I have never really struggled like I am now. A few weeks ago, pretty suddenly, I was overwhelmed with feelings of intense guilt (about things I didn’t necessarily feel guilty about before), and either in conjunction to or because of that, feelings of intense sadness and stress. For the first three days especially I felt absolutely horrible, guilt was the most overwhelming feeling, and from that feelings of worthlessness flooded in. I apologised to numerous people for numerous things, some warranted, but most not. But more things just replaced those issues, it did get slightly better as I apologised for the things that were really bothering me, but there are definitely still residual feelings of guilt even now from everything I apologised for, especially the big things. Although, thankfully, the feelings of worthlessness have eased. I had a breakdown one night lying in bed in that first week, where the guilt just overwhelmed me and it was a horrible experience, so then I was terrified and anxious about going to bed each night. I was kind of hoping it was just intense pms, as it came on very suddenly and there were often times I just became sad and teary for no apparent reason (which happens sometimes when I’m pmsing), there were also times when something triggered it. I’m so tired of this, it’s constantly on my mind, I can only truly distract myself into forgetting for around 15 minutes at most, sometimes longer if I’m out with friends. It has become a bit easier, I don’t know whether that’s because it’s eased, I’m better at managing it, or because I’ve alleviated some of the guilt. I really don’t know what to do, and it’s so hard to tell whether this is depression or just a bit more intense sadness than I’m used to. How can you tell? I really don’t ever want be back where I was those first 3-5 days, even now it’s still pretty horrible. But it feels like I’m just counting down the days to another breakdown.

discodahlia I don’t know what I’m feeling
  • replies: 4

hi everyone, during the pandemic, i have really begun to struggle in my everyday life. work got really tough for me. i have genuinely never struggled so much with what i did, but i thought i was getting better. then a month or so ago, work became too... View more

hi everyone, during the pandemic, i have really begun to struggle in my everyday life. work got really tough for me. i have genuinely never struggled so much with what i did, but i thought i was getting better. then a month or so ago, work became too much, as did uni. now i’m at the stage where my body is exhausted, i’m overwhelmed in everything i do, i get irritated at small things, i’m so unmotivated to do uni and work, i breakdown are least once every week or two weeks. i’ve has to take two weeks of annual leave from work but i still don’t necessarily feel better. i’m just at that stage where i don’t know what to do- i just feel like a failure. one day i’m feeling amazing, and then the next day i just snap and i’m stuck in this strange mood where i sit by myself and don’t speak to anyone. i’ve never reached out like this before, but i’m too scared to go to the doctor because i always think i’m overreacting. i’ve grown up in a family where i’ve learnt to just get up and move on, and i’m not one to share my feelings. i just don’t know what i’m feeling. when i was younger i did have anxiety, but i’ve overcome most of that and working through it. i can’t tell if i’m just experiencing a strain of anxiety again because i’ve never felt this way before. thank you guys for the help, i really appreciate it

Its_ok_to_not_be_ok I Need Help Keeping The Mask On
  • replies: 6

I'm starting to loose it, I'm normally always acting like I'm fine but I'm starting to slip and I cant deal with this. I don't want my parents to know or worry as I'm moving out, any tips on how to keep the mask on, the only thing that actually made ... View more

I'm starting to loose it, I'm normally always acting like I'm fine but I'm starting to slip and I cant deal with this. I don't want my parents to know or worry as I'm moving out, any tips on how to keep the mask on, the only thing that actually made me happy has left me so now I'm stuck on the last straw, I'm normally really good at staying "good" but nah man its starting to go... Help Me Please!

pademelon_friend Long Term Depression
  • replies: 5

Hello, I have been suffering from depression since I was about 14 and I am now 21. On nights like tonight I'm tempted to say I've hit some kind of rock bottom but the truth is I've been at rock bottom for four years. I've felt so numb for so long. I'... View more

Hello, I have been suffering from depression since I was about 14 and I am now 21. On nights like tonight I'm tempted to say I've hit some kind of rock bottom but the truth is I've been at rock bottom for four years. I've felt so numb for so long. I'm so tired of hanging on. I have told myself so many times that it is worth staying around because things will get better, because things must have to get better at some point. My numbness just hasn't changed. I've tried medications, I've been in therapy for years. I've forced myself to socialise and to engage in activities. Tonight I am just feeling so disheartened. I've recently moved to a new city for no reason other than I needed something to do. I feel so disconnected from life. I want so badly to enjoy life and to want to be alive. The thing I find difficult is the fact that I feel I've tried everything, I feel like I've tried all the appropriate channels for getting help and managing my depression, and yet nothing has made a difference. I have some beautiful and supportive people in my life who care about me very much. I am talented and creative, I am privileged, I have people show interest in me. I am so grateful for all that I have but it's somehow not enough. I still feel so little joy. I am constantly in a state of sadness, numbness, or intense anxiety. I want so badly to make the most of everything I have been blessed with but I just have no motivation because nothing makes me feel good. It would be nice to hear if anyone has suffered from deep depression for a long period of time and still found things to live for.

Succulent Queen How do you get through Xmas/New Year alone?
  • replies: 13

Hi All, I will be spending Xmas and New Year alone with my dog as I dont have any family. I have a couple of good acquaintances but no real friends. At 44 I've accepted and made peace with how things are however deep loneliness does creep in at times... View more

Hi All, I will be spending Xmas and New Year alone with my dog as I dont have any family. I have a couple of good acquaintances but no real friends. At 44 I've accepted and made peace with how things are however deep loneliness does creep in at times, particularly at this time. I was wondering if maybe we could use this thread to share ideas on how we each handle aloneness at this time of year. In the past I have used distraction to stay productive and power through the emotions of the day. The distractions I use are simple and could simply involve binge watching a series or taking some music out into the backyard and getting stuck into gardening. I also try not to buy into the concepts of Xmas that surround us and instead view it as just another ordinary day. Would be great to swap ideas and hear how you handle the day if you're spending Xmas alone. Hope fully we can help each other via doing this.

saraht885 helplessness
  • replies: 2

i never know who will be in charge of my body each day. i feel two strong opposing forces driving me insane inside. One moment im eager to grab out my diary and plan and map out events but then immediately clouded over, and the world goes back to bei... View more

i never know who will be in charge of my body each day. i feel two strong opposing forces driving me insane inside. One moment im eager to grab out my diary and plan and map out events but then immediately clouded over, and the world goes back to being inconceivable. im struggling to converse with people, have grown shy, sleeping for 12 hours a day yet still exhausted, barely using my brain but feel mentally fatigued, become lost for words, absolute no interest in any kind of activity and definitely dont want to hang out with anyone. i have never seen a doctor or specialist regarding how i feel, and dont see a point, yet im posting on here but i dont know why. i cant find any reason to this life and nothing is holding me here to stay. theres no enjoyment and people are awful. ive lost all motivation and really dont want to be slave to this. i dont indentify myself as depressed, but hopeless and wish i wasnt in this world. i guess i just wanted to use this forum to some what express my current state. i dont see things getting better and dont want to be made numb by medication or have the burden of someone listening to me whine about this. it was a good distraction typing this out, and im sorry if you read this

BlueFang Borderline personality disorder question
  • replies: 4

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if Borderline Personality Disorder was something you can get a pension for from Centrelink? I'm from Melbourne Vic if that helps at all. I struggle a lot with it and my mum wanted me to look into seeing if I can get... View more

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if Borderline Personality Disorder was something you can get a pension for from Centrelink? I'm from Melbourne Vic if that helps at all. I struggle a lot with it and my mum wanted me to look into seeing if I can get any sort of financial assistance due to it. I know I should ask my doctor but I have my anxiety about it, like asking might seem like im using my disorder to be what everyone calls "a doll blugger".

bowlofcherries Being in the black, a poem
  • replies: 1

It hits you like thunder funereal dread a dark mood’s arrived got stuck in your head It’s hard to describe the state that you’re in you can’t find the source of your power within The pain of defeat has led you to feel useless, unfinished your mind’s ... View more

It hits you like thunder funereal dread a dark mood’s arrived got stuck in your head It’s hard to describe the state that you’re in you can’t find the source of your power within The pain of defeat has led you to feel useless, unfinished your mind’s in a whirl The music has died surroundings seem dead your senses are dull where has your life led? It’s hard to define there’s no turning back you might as well face it and trudge down its track A new day is here you’re feeling much better a good night’s deep sleep has shattered the fetters Throw off the sheets Pour a nice cup of tea A song’s in your head Send the dog out to pee.

There This time of year triggers me
  • replies: 2

Hey everyone, Does anyone else find this year triggers them emotionally? I’ve had a few bad things happen consistently in December and I thought I was doing well but I find myself here today feeling.. well pretty down and emotional. I say down which ... View more

Hey everyone, Does anyone else find this year triggers them emotionally? I’ve had a few bad things happen consistently in December and I thought I was doing well but I find myself here today feeling.. well pretty down and emotional. I say down which probably means depressed but I’ve never been one to want to admit I suffer from depression. I go through times in my life where actions make me depressed but today I’m not sure I have a reason other than it being this time of year. Does anyone else get that? Times of the year they feel triggered by past emotions and actions? I used to love Christmas time, like a watch Christmas movies, have carols on all the time, couldn’t wait to see my family, would have the decorations up super early, say merry Christmas to everyone one I’d see type of Christmas love and now I feel like the grinch. Could not care less about Christmas. I do care if I see my family but the rest of it you can have and I hate that I feel this way. My apartment block had a Christmas party last night which I was an organizer of. Came to yesterday and I felt flat and run down, so I didn’t go. I should have gone but I was quite achy and in this day and age I don’t want to chance being the person that went to a party and gave everyone COVID. So I stayed home. In bed on my own. Now I’m also dealing with FOMO fall out. I know my troubles are less compared to others and I know people are struggling with more difficult stuff I just feel I have no one to talk to. If I say anything to my family they’ll get worried, my partner is a very alpha male type person so I don’t feel like he wants to listen to my emotional stuff and I don’t want to talk to any friends about it either. I don’t know what I’m looking for, just to get it off my chest I guess. Thanks x

Tempest1609 I’m Spaced Out all the Time
  • replies: 5

Hey, I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this, also I’ll be talking about my feeling about drugs and how they play a part in my life but I’m not trying to glamorise drugs because I’m really struggling to manage with and without them... View more

Hey, I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this, also I’ll be talking about my feeling about drugs and how they play a part in my life but I’m not trying to glamorise drugs because I’m really struggling to manage with and without them. I’m sorry. Im 21 years old and I’m a manager a maccas, I’m really struggling at the moment with depression, drug use, self harm and anxiety. I’m currently on antidepressants but I’m not sure if there working yet because it’s almost been a month. It’s fairly safe to say that I have been feeling really low for the last 6 months and I recently had a really big breakdown and I’m trying to help myself but it’s really really hard. Drugs are apart of my problem and I know they don’t help these feelings but I can’t stand reality I just want to be numb and care about nothing. It feels better than sex to me to just be numb. I want to stop as it had lead to physical health problems as well as adding to mental stress. But I rely on them almost every day and I just have no other way to manage my feelings. Im really bad at emotionally expressing myself and I feel like a burden talking to my friends and family but I just can’t like I physically can’t talk to them. It’s not a trust thing I just feel like they won’t take me seriously. I also don’t like doctors I just want to get in and get out so I don’t sit there and talk because I’m so anxious to be there and I’m uncomfortable, that doesn’t help when you are trying to get help. I have felt pretty worthless for a while I’ve never been skinny and it’s something that my family has always commented on and it’s always been made into this joke and that I know has played such a big part of who I am today because I never feel good enough. I pick myself apart every day, I just can’t help it. I just wanted a space that i could just say everything I want to. Thank you for reading and I hope your day is a positive one.

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