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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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HilfMir New here but long time sufferer
  • replies: 3

Hi all. I’ve been in and out of depression for 23yrs. On and off meds in and out of Drs. The last 10yrs I have had a handle on the depression being able to pull myself out without meds. I’ve had anxiety for 4yrs now and that’s what’s getting to me th... View more

Hi all. I’ve been in and out of depression for 23yrs. On and off meds in and out of Drs. The last 10yrs I have had a handle on the depression being able to pull myself out without meds. I’ve had anxiety for 4yrs now and that’s what’s getting to me the most and making my depression worse. today was the day, I went to see my gp and had a full mental breakdown, I’ve never broken like that before, I’ve been prescribed meds again. I dont know if I’m here for advice, to talk, or just put my thoughts out into the void where I won’t be judged or told to “get over it”. im in the darkest place I have ever been, and with the heartache and trauma of my life since I was young that (to me) says so much and scares the living hell out of me. so here I am. Thanks for accepting me into the community. if I’m not talkative in threads, please forgive me. I’m falling apart like a piece of wet cake.

Thumbsup11 Gratitude
  • replies: 1

In some ways, I am grateful for my depression. It has taught me empathy. It has taught me resilience. It has taught me gratitude for the good times. It has taught me that no matter how bad something may seem, there is always a solution and things wil... View more

In some ways, I am grateful for my depression. It has taught me empathy. It has taught me resilience. It has taught me gratitude for the good times. It has taught me that no matter how bad something may seem, there is always a solution and things will improve if you keep pushing forward. It has taught me not to always trust my emotions. It has taught me to look out for those who may be experiencing something similar and that things aren’t always as they seem. I am also grateful for my depression in that I always know that it will end and that eventually I can be happy again. In 2018 I was diagnosed with bipolar two, meaning that as well as my depression, I was also experiencing hyper-manic episodes. These usually occur almost directly after a depressive episode and last for 2-3 days. With only 1 or 2 exceptions, my depression typically lasts 2-5 days. As bad as it can get, I always know that it will eventually get better. When my depression crept into my life 8yrs ago, I did not know what had hit me. It was scary and completely foreign. But the scariest part about my first experiences with depression was the fact that I had no idea when or if it was going to end. Slowly, over time, I would begin to see the pattern of my depression. It would last for 2-5 days, I’d feel shaky but relieved for a day or 2, feel fantastic for 2-3 and then eventually the depression would come knocking again. It took me many years to be able to see this pattern and take comfort in the fact that my depression only lasts 2-5 days. I am extremely lucky that this is the case, and know that my kind of depression, perhaps because of the bipolar, is quite rare. I know that there are a multitude of people out there suffering with depression or another form of mental illness where they don’t have the comfort of knowing that ‘it will all be over in 2-5 days’. I know that there are people out there who are in that state for months, even years and don’t have my ‘2-5 days’ to rely on. It has taken me all the courage I possess to battle this demon, but to those people I have just described, to me, you define the word courage. To continue to push on and fight, not knowing when or if the pain will end, is the epitome of courage and resilience. Keep fighting. You are not alone.

Joe911 When all is going right... but still feeling wrong
  • replies: 4

First ever post on here.. so here goes do you ever have that feeling that everything is going well? Family, kids, work, relationship and life is gd. but deep down its not? Feeling sad but trying so hard to keep a smile on your face so no one knows? I... View more

First ever post on here.. so here goes do you ever have that feeling that everything is going well? Family, kids, work, relationship and life is gd. but deep down its not? Feeling sad but trying so hard to keep a smile on your face so no one knows? I've had depression a few years back and managed it well but unfortunately its decided to make its way back into my thoughts...feeling upset but not knowing why?

Bulus Shabbaz Has anything like this happened to you before?
  • replies: 1

Before I start please know I am not attempting to romanticise mental illness, however, I am a rather melodramatic and passionate person... I have been doing some exposure therapy in regards to my agoraphobia and social anxiety. It is going quite well... View more

Before I start please know I am not attempting to romanticise mental illness, however, I am a rather melodramatic and passionate person... I have been doing some exposure therapy in regards to my agoraphobia and social anxiety. It is going quite well. However this morning on my walk I was suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, overcome with a wave of depression. I was emotionally, mentally and physically drained and felt deep despair. I closed my eyes and in desperation, pleaded for help. When I opened my eyes the first thing I saw was the bottle of water in my hands, and I suddenly became grateful that I had it. I took a few sips and made my way back home. Because I was sweating I decided to have a shower, and as the water hit my body I felt an overwhelming calmness and gratitude for the water. I really took the time to be present and experience the water covering my body. It was like some inner hippy in me was released. After the shower I got dressed I came in my room and randomly played some music, and it just so happened to be the song Water No Get Enemy by Fela Kuti which made me smile, as I appreciate those happy coincidences in life. I have had a real calm feel since then, inner peace and gratitude. Funny enough the last time I felt something like that was back when I lived down south and spent the day at the beach with my cousin.

stephn Concerned about disclosure and getting help
  • replies: 1

I'll try be brief. 40+, never been to a mental health professional. Since about 15 chronic and persistent substance/alcohol abuse, gambling addictions, depression, went through a divorce and was a bit suicidal at that point but never admitted or too ... View more

I'll try be brief. 40+, never been to a mental health professional. Since about 15 chronic and persistent substance/alcohol abuse, gambling addictions, depression, went through a divorce and was a bit suicidal at that point but never admitted or too close, ideation I guess, all the time being career minded and relatively successful (money focused) which enabled sustaining issues. Now the main point, I definitely felt I had a limited future, so about 10 years ago signed up to a lot of life insurance policies, only a reasonable amount considering dependents and income etc. Obviously when I filled in the form for this, my answer was that I do not have any history of mental illness, depression, substance abuse etc etc So now, finally I guess, I've come to the realisation that I definitely have a chemical or imbalance due to certain self medicating that I can be better, so I want to go and see a psychiatrist and discuss, not a psychologist, because while I'm happy to talk, I know I need more than just talk, and want medicine to be considered, even if its just temporary or their decision is I don't need medication. (I understand its not a quick fix, or a magic pill). But I don't want to keep moving around doctors telling my very long, problematic history. So two things: 1) I am concerned about invalidating my life insurance, my going to a doctor being on the record. 2) I don't really even want to talk to a GP about too much detail, mostly for the same reason, but obviously a referral has its advantages. - Can I pay direct to a psychiatrist, pay full price (no referral) then they self-refer me to then have future options of rebates etc. - or Can I just go to a GP and say, don't want to talk about it, its personal, but I want a referral - Can I keep this 100% confidential, not disclose me going to a psychiatrist, not so much for future policies, but also to prevent it invalidating due to I guess potential deception in signup historically (even though these policies have been active for 10+ years) Apologies if this is a bit chaotic and not clear. I guess I want help, but I know about the discrimination, generalisations and issues that can happen so hesitant. Thanks.

Stressed Guy I could use some advice
  • replies: 3

I'll just start off by saying sorry for posting a lot on here this year Today I just wanted to get some advice on what I should do with a particular problem I'm having at the moment. So, the thing is that my parents and I are moving next month. I'm c... View more

I'll just start off by saying sorry for posting a lot on here this year Today I just wanted to get some advice on what I should do with a particular problem I'm having at the moment. So, the thing is that my parents and I are moving next month. I'm currently enrolled in a Diploma of Travel and Tourism online. I'm about halfway through the course but because of clearing the house, putting belongings in boxes and all the other stuff that goes with moving I've fallen behind in the course. This wouldn't be an issue since I've got until January 2022 to complete it except that I'm enrolled at Uni next year in a Bachelor of Arts (Which I'm looking forward to) I don't know what to do at the moment. I felt burnt out from this house stuff, my tafe course and I'm trying to finish editing a novella I'm working on. I've been studying since last August (I completed a Cert 3 in Retail last year) and had a month and a half off between completing that and starting my Diploma. I'm going to be honest and say that I'm not enjoying my course online. The work and the way it's worded has been confusing at times. I don't feel like the teachers care either as it's taken them almost seven weeks to mark my assessment (Even though I've emailed them several times) They have agreed to delay the due dates for my units. I'm just under a lot of stress, depression and anxiety at the moment. I've mentioned this a few times but I've never had a girlfriend, I have no friends, have never worked and my brothers don't really care about me and haven't helped this year. I haven't been sleeping well the last few days either. Once we move I plan on seeing a psychologist as well. Anyway circling back to my main question do you guys think I should complete my Diploma and try to delay starting uni? Or do you think I should quit my current course now and start uni in March. One more thing I wanted to add that if I fail this then I've failed two diplomas and wouldn't have finished any thing higher than a cert 3. I think I wanted to complete this course to prove to myself that I would be able to handle uni. It was sort of like doing things in the right order so to speak. Also if I drop out now will I be able to complete uni in the future? Sorry for rambling and I appreciate any advice offered. Kind Regards, John

Emptymanu Confused and numb
  • replies: 6

Hi there, I am not sure whether I am in right place or not? But being in a health professional I feel something is not right within me. I was a very cheerful person, who always like to talk, be competitive in everything, I wanted to be noticed always... View more

Hi there, I am not sure whether I am in right place or not? But being in a health professional I feel something is not right within me. I was a very cheerful person, who always like to talk, be competitive in everything, I wanted to be noticed always till I was 21. Then I don't know it's maturity or any issues I have started to change. Firstly, I became quite, then afraid to speak. More than that I am not happy in any of my decision. Everybody outside says how perfect my life is like getting an amazing family, husband, in-laws, doing good in studies, career no physical illness, employed, no deformity yet I don't know I do not have any confidence. I have no confidence in my work. I feel like I am not good enough in my work. I do have the confidence to speak with people. Suddenly an outgoing person became anti-social. I don't like to party, dress up for myself. I don't take care of my body, skin. I don't feel pleasure anymore. I do take a lot of stress but I have nothing to be sad but still I can't be happy. My husband tries his best to make me happy but no I don't know what’s wrong with me. Everyone around me is so happy and proud of me but deep inside I feel I have no talent, I can't be friendly and I am a trouble to my family. I don't say I am depressed but what’s wrong with me? Can anyone tell me? What’s wrong with me?

peacock Sunday blues
  • replies: 3

I often feel sad on Sundays and don’t know why. I have a nice life and no real problems apart from anxiety and depression. I. Just want to be happy but can’t seem to find lasting pleasure in anything. I’m on antidepressants and they have made a big d... View more

I often feel sad on Sundays and don’t know why. I have a nice life and no real problems apart from anxiety and depression. I. Just want to be happy but can’t seem to find lasting pleasure in anything. I’m on antidepressants and they have made a big difference to my life . I’ve recently left my job due to anxiety and depression and now am feeling bored at home but not wanting to go back to work. Today I feel so down it’s as if nothing can cheer me up. I would be grateful for some feedback or suggestions. Thanks

Ajoy17 What else is there to help
  • replies: 2

I’m 8 weeks into a depressive episode of bipolar I have a psychiatrist and psychologist as well as doing kinesiology. A mood stabiliser was added as I started depression but now going off it as it’s most likely causing agitated depression. I cry all ... View more

I’m 8 weeks into a depressive episode of bipolar I have a psychiatrist and psychologist as well as doing kinesiology. A mood stabiliser was added as I started depression but now going off it as it’s most likely causing agitated depression. I cry all the time and have 6 kids who are just taking over with my husband to get through. I also own a business which I’ve had to have staffed. I do some meditation and 10-15 minutes exercise a day but I feel so so emotional and empty and sad. I want to get back into life but don’t hardly leave the house and just sit around all day searching the internet for help. My chest is heavy and I feel lifeless. How can I change? What has worked for you please help ?

Bradp Bullying and harassment
  • replies: 3

I am currently on worksafe due to bullying and harassment in my work place. I'd been putting up with it for months then one day I just snapped. Since then iv been on a roller coaster, up and down, taking my antidepressant makes me tired, not sure it'... View more

I am currently on worksafe due to bullying and harassment in my work place. I'd been putting up with it for months then one day I just snapped. Since then iv been on a roller coaster, up and down, taking my antidepressant makes me tired, not sure it's helped me as past two weeks iv hit rock bottom. I can't go out in public, I can't drop my kids at school without crying, I spend most of my time hidden away up in the forest or in the shed. Covid has actually been a blessing for me and a great excuse to hide away. I refuse to accept any fun, I can't work on my cars or bikes, I can't operate my excavation equipment, seeing construction people or even a Ute with an orange light on the roof triggers panic attack followed by dark depression then suicide thoughts. (Why?). I spent months trying to find a psychiatrist (he just put me on an antidepressant) then 6 months to find a psychologist, the mental anguish is terrible calling these specialist just to be knocked back. I finally found a psychologist, Mawarra Psychological Services, had a month wait then a 30 minute phone conversation, next available appointment a month away (which is this coming Wednesday). I can't believe I survived the past month. I can't look my little babies in the eyes, I'm crying now. Iv let everyone down. I'm scared. I just want to go to sleep. I'm absolutely panicking that my employer or the insurance company is going to call everyday. I turn my phone off for days. My partner is just hanging in, I can't see her handling me for much longer. I'm sorry I just need to tell someone

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