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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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lmayd HELP CONFUSED IF I COULD HAVE DEPRESSION OR NOT
  • replies: 1

hi for a while i've had periods of time where i'm really sad for no reason and these last about 2 weeks with breaks ranging from a week to a month were i'm mostly ok. This has been happening for a long time and i don't know if im depressed or somehow... View more

hi for a while i've had periods of time where i'm really sad for no reason and these last about 2 weeks with breaks ranging from a week to a month were i'm mostly ok. This has been happening for a long time and i don't know if im depressed or somehow just doing it for attention or over exaggerating. It is really annoying because i don't know whats wrong because if im in one of these moods and do one of the depression checklist things it says im severely high, but when im in my periods of time where i'm not as upset the test score is much lower. I've researched alot and it says its normal to be sad over time but i don't think its normal to be sad for no reason for lots of long periods of time. Thanks and sorry for the bad grammar

ilynnn How should I ask for help?
  • replies: 3

I've hit a terrible rough patch in my life where I'm just empty. This feeling of emptiness came after a really bad phase of sadness and self-loathing and I think it's time I get help. I've been continuously having these moments every since I was 7 bu... View more

I've hit a terrible rough patch in my life where I'm just empty. This feeling of emptiness came after a really bad phase of sadness and self-loathing and I think it's time I get help. I've been continuously having these moments every since I was 7 but I never told anyone. I've been slacking on homework, and this week is exam week, I know for a fact I'm going to fail. I need help, but it's going to be incredibly difficult admitting that I have an issue. I've been thinking about the people I can go to that can get me a therapist/give me advice. My parents? Out of the question. I've kept them at arm's length my whole life and it'll be uncomfortable trying to ask them now. School friends? They do not take depression seriously. They continuously joke about it, fake it to guilt-trip people, and ask for the "tea" when anyone mentions having it. School faculty? Maybe. The only issue is that I see them practically everyday and I don't want them to notice my problems each time they even glance at me. I also have the problem of how I'm going to bring it up. Do I just waltz into their room and go "Hey. I need serious help. Like, right now. Mentally"? Thank you in advance, any sort of guidance would be much appreciated.

Caitlink Need advice
  • replies: 1

I’ve been suffering from major depression for about 7 years now and it’s not letting up. At this point I’m considering getting a support dog. The only issue is I have no idea how to do it and if depression is a good enough excuse. It’s hard for me to... View more

I’ve been suffering from major depression for about 7 years now and it’s not letting up. At this point I’m considering getting a support dog. The only issue is I have no idea how to do it and if depression is a good enough excuse. It’s hard for me to go to school without breaking down and if the depression isn’t enough I’m also in the middle of autism burnout and it’s not great. Dogs pretty much instantly calm me down and I love being around them as much as humanly possible so I can calm down. I have no idea how to use this website lol, I just need advice on how and if I can get a support dog, if it’s possible. Thanks

White_Fox Don't know what is happening anymore
  • replies: 5

Hello everyone. I don't know how to explain it but I will do the best I can. So this all started about 3 years ago and everything was going fine until the day when I got cheated on and in the space of 3 days was with someone new and crushed me for 6 ... View more

Hello everyone. I don't know how to explain it but I will do the best I can. So this all started about 3 years ago and everything was going fine until the day when I got cheated on and in the space of 3 days was with someone new and crushed me for 6 months till i finally started standing on my feet again . However since this time I noticed that I am every now and then fighting my own head (sometimes on a daily basis) but I have also been struggling to sleep, have fun and struggling to hold onto friendships. This I have been battling with for 2 years and never been able to get help because I can't have any records on file about this but running out of options..... Sorry if this doesn't make sense but I have no idea what to say or do.

nootnoot Constant overthinking and I don't know how to help myself
  • replies: 8

I am not sure if my depression is coming back but I feel anxious all the time and am constantly overthinking. I don't know what to do. I [29] have been with my boyfriend [32] for 3.5 years. During this time we have lived with his parents. I have expr... View more

I am not sure if my depression is coming back but I feel anxious all the time and am constantly overthinking. I don't know what to do. I [29] have been with my boyfriend [32] for 3.5 years. During this time we have lived with his parents. I have expressed to my boyfriend on and off for over a year that I want us to move out together. He said that we would once I am finished uni and working. I have been out of uni since October and working since then. I tend to avoid bringing up serious topics e.g. moving out, getting married, kids, travel etc because he becomes offensive and mean. He will either talk to me rudely or ignore me completely so we don't end up talking about it. To this day I am not even sure what he wants because he is so vague or brushes it off. I bought up wanting to move out again a little over 2 weeks ago. I sent it as a message because I was scared to raise it in person. He ignored my message so I raised the issue again when he was home. He spoke with his usual "you're an idiot" tone of voice I call it, giving me his usual excuses like renting is dead money, interest rates are too high, I could lose my job etc. I said that if he doesn't want to move out I'd like to move out on my own. He said he didn't want that and told me to keep staying with him so we can keep saving. But I don't know how long we will be saving for!! The whole time I have been living here has been tough but ever since I started in my dream job I feel more accomplished and should be living in my own place like an adult does. It has gotten to the point where I dread coming home. I am irritated and moody whenever I am here. I feel as if I am starting to resent my boyfriend. Everything he does now annoys me and I don't feel like having sex. All I can think about is my own space. We have never had our privacy, his mum is loud, nosy, sometimes she makes snide comments to me but insists she is joking. If I am in my room too long, she makes comments. If I sleep too long she makes comments. I work shift work so I need sleep at different times. I just don't know what to do. I really want my own place to live but I'm worried my boyfriend will break up with me and about all the things his mum will say. I also keep thinking about running away and living and working overseas. He has made it clear he doesn't want to. I've tried talking to my sisters about it but basically since they both have kids, my issues aren't as big as theirs. Just wanting someone to listen.

Sejal New and looking for help
  • replies: 6

Hi I am new to this forum, ( I am a mother of two and currently pregnant with my third), I have a loving and supportive family. As they say better to be late than sorry. I have decided that I need help with my anxiety, self worth issues, never been f... View more

Hi I am new to this forum, ( I am a mother of two and currently pregnant with my third), I have a loving and supportive family. As they say better to be late than sorry. I have decided that I need help with my anxiety, self worth issues, never been formally diagnosed, ( I have booked an appointment with our GP and shall be following his advise ) But meanwhile I am trying to connect with people who can help me walk through this phase of my life. unemployment is my major concern (only been unemployed for past 3 years due to family circumstances ) but it has impacted me more than I thought it would, hubby has been kind enough to give me some spare money every month but I miss my financial freedom, it has put my self worth at stake, I sometimes feel tired of being worthless ( don’t get me wrong I love my family, but on personal level I feel unaccomplished ) I do have friends but I have problem opening up to them as I fear being judged. I have had emotional breakdown a few times which does upset my family, making me all the more guilty of my actions, but the fact is I have never shared my concerns with anyone, not even to my husband. I hope a good counsellor can help me address my issues and I just want to have a normal and happy life with no inhibitions about myself.

Azza12 No way to go
  • replies: 16

I don't know what I want in life I live In a small town with very little chance to meet people I constantly feel depressed and down and angry I'm extremely lonely I have very little friends just don't know what to do

I don't know what I want in life I live In a small town with very little chance to meet people I constantly feel depressed and down and angry I'm extremely lonely I have very little friends just don't know what to do

Pete66 No light at the end of the tunnel
  • replies: 9

I am not sure where to post, but here goes: 3 years ago i got an infection in my leg which needed imidiate surgery to fix. 5 months later finally able to walk and go vack to work Other infections (due to diabetties) resulted in me loosing one toe , t... View more

I am not sure where to post, but here goes: 3 years ago i got an infection in my leg which needed imidiate surgery to fix. 5 months later finally able to walk and go vack to work Other infections (due to diabetties) resulted in me loosing one toe , then another, then 3 more, then more of my foot , until the doctors felt it would be best to remove the foot below the knee Up until that decision i had deep depression, but once i made the decision i became happy , i could now move on with my life Leg came off xmas 2019 , some complications but healling has been slower than expected I cannot work, and i am self employed, 3 years of working for a few months then taking time off for surgeries has taken a toll on finances They have tried to fit a prosthetic but the fitting is not going well I cannot walk I cannot drive I have no money left I don't know if i will ever walk or if i will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life I have not slept properly in 6 months I have spoken to doctors, and psycologists and their only advice is to be patient Im not able to handle not being in control of my life

Leisa68 I am tired of not being understood.
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I have posted here before. However today I am writing because I am tired. I read posts from this forum from time to time, depression is tiring. I am asking for advice due to recent events. I have a good relationship with my partner, who I hav... View more

Hi all, I have posted here before. However today I am writing because I am tired. I read posts from this forum from time to time, depression is tiring. I am asking for advice due to recent events. I have a good relationship with my partner, who I have a son with. He is attentive, caring, and looks after me. Around six months ago I met someone who I feel very attracted to. I am older than this guy. We have become friends, he knows my true age, and has told me that I am too old for him. I understand this. He has given me his phone number, but I am only allowed to text him. I am very attracted to him. However, I am struggling with all sorts of things. Number one: I am betraying my partner. I have told him about this guy and he has told me I can text anyone who I want. I wish he would say no. I wish he would not say that. Number two: this guy tolerates all of my crap, and has given me his phone number. However, I am only allowed to text him. Number Three: I am very confused about this all. I was diagnosed with BiPolar two weeks ago. I am very confused. I would appreciate any advice on this matter. I am a mum in a unhappy relationship, but I really need to do the right thing. In particular, I need to do the right thing by my son. Thanks Leisa68

Potato_gnat I THINK I HAVE ADHD AND/OR DEPRESSION
  • replies: 3

Hi all, Wondering if you could shed some light on your experience with adhd. I’m 21, for most of my adolescence and adult years I’ve felt like my brain is unorganised and messy. I’m having trouble even paying enough attention writing this that I had ... View more

Hi all, Wondering if you could shed some light on your experience with adhd. I’m 21, for most of my adolescence and adult years I’ve felt like my brain is unorganised and messy. I’m having trouble even paying enough attention writing this that I had to put on music and take a few social media breaks. I watched a video on ADHD in adults and I was surprised that I could tick off a lot of the symptoms as the way I feel. I’ve researched so many mental disorders and never fully believed I had any of them, except anxiety and depression which I haven’t been diagnosed with, I convince myself I don’t need to see a doctor and just suffer more every year. I’ll list some of the things I experience I don’t want to write too in detail as that’s boring to read but here are what I attribute to maybe being ADHD (just took another break from writing this i can’t pay enough attention) *my room is always messy even though I hate mess and want everything to be organised and tidy. Making my bed feels like too much work and when I eventually clean my room maybe once a month it takes me ages because I get too distracted and don’t know where to start, it’s overwhelming. *I have no life direction and have a new idea each month but can’t commit to anything *i get bored with anything and everything in my life easily and then I don’t apply myself because I can’t bring myself to do something that isn’t stimulating. Started a course online and it was boring so I haven’t touched it in months. I only just got a fulltime job and I hate it. I feel like I need to be doing more but I never do *along with being messy I’m unorganised and put everything off until it call comes crashing down at one time. I blame it on being a procrastinator but I feel like it’s not normal. From exercise to appointments I just put them off or don’t do them at all. *i feel the need to constantly be working and keeping busy and on days off I feel anxiety because I know I’m putting things off. I can’t relax. (as I’m reading this back I skim over the words because I’m too impatient to read it properly which I do with all bodies of text ive thought it has always been depression as I had a rough childhood but I’m thinking maybe anxiety and depression are co-existing with ADHD? Have any of you experienced similar feelings. I feel so lost