Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

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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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 0

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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

All discussions

Paul_J_V My story so far
  • replies: 3

Over 2 years ago I had what I know now to be massive mental breakdown. I was living on my own. No partner and feeling like I was totally alone. One day while starting a new job in high pressure sales something changed in me. I rang in sick and just t... View more

Over 2 years ago I had what I know now to be massive mental breakdown. I was living on my own. No partner and feeling like I was totally alone. One day while starting a new job in high pressure sales something changed in me. I rang in sick and just to get out of my unit I starting walking along the beach. I felt like a zombie to be honest and starting feeling like I was shutting down! Some how I went to my local GP and couldn't stop crying. He called for an ambulance and then I found myself in a mental ward in hospital. How did I get there I was asking myself! I had depression and had a mental breakdown. The support staff asked me what stopped you from ending your life? I said my daughter's! They then said, they are you anchors. It's true they are. I got over that period and am now successful in a new job 2 years later. I hope I can help others here to find their anchors and prepared to one for Others. Thankyou for letting me share my story

Slippers Self Diagnosis
  • replies: 2

This is a self-diagnosis. I work in a large corporate company and I had a fight with one of my team mates yesterday and it has left me stressed and asking myself whether any decisions I make are right or not; I had been invited to a get together for ... View more

This is a self-diagnosis. I work in a large corporate company and I had a fight with one of my team mates yesterday and it has left me stressed and asking myself whether any decisions I make are right or not; I had been invited to a get together for tonight and tomorrow night but I have cancelled as I don’t want to go after the fight with my team mate. Maybe it’s me feeling sorry for myself, my intuition tells me to run away from bad things and I sit at home and I normally sleep for most of the weekend and I hate separating myself from the world when things go wrong. If I keep cancelling from fun things that I have been invited to then friends are going to stop inviting me to anything. Maybe I am feeling sorry for myself and separating from everything is my way to ask for other people to care, similar to throwing my toys out of the pram. I have a good feeling of self-worth; I am not going to be throwing my any heavy machinery

mel121 What should I do?
  • replies: 6

hey guys, new here. I was diagnosed with depression since I was 14. I’ve been to many councillors found one that I liked, and also was anti-depressants at one stage. I don’t want to go back on them as I had a relapse and turned me for the worst. I’ve... View more

hey guys, new here. I was diagnosed with depression since I was 14. I’ve been to many councillors found one that I liked, and also was anti-depressants at one stage. I don’t want to go back on them as I had a relapse and turned me for the worst. I’ve learnt to manage without them from then.. having ups and downs. At 23 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for years I was denial about it but now I’m starting to take care of myself. As of current, I’ve just started a new job after working at my old job for a year it has messed me up. The manager was a narcissist would threaten I would have no job, nothing I ever did was good enough, I wasn’t the only employee in this field that got it, but I feel like she broke me. It made my depression the worst it has ever been. Now I have a new job you would think I would be much happier. I’m currently going back to uni to study nursing so working temporarily at a retail shop. I’m just so lost, I’m 29, single still living at home although I should be blessed as there’s so much opportunity to work on myself and be better. I feel defeated and I’ll never get back on top or I’ll never make it. I feel excited for nothing, just numb

Rosegold5899 Am I depressed or just lazy?
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I am 20 years old and have spent most of this year battling with myself about whether I am depressed or just lazy. I severely lack motivation and on most days I don’t do anything productive or I procrastinate things until it’s almost too la... View more

Hi there, I am 20 years old and have spent most of this year battling with myself about whether I am depressed or just lazy. I severely lack motivation and on most days I don’t do anything productive or I procrastinate things until it’s almost too late. Fortunately I was able to see a psychologist until August and my GP prescribed me antidepressant medication which I have been taking for about 5 weeks now. My GP expects it be having some kind of effect by now, however I’m only noticing side effects which include a very low libido and fatigue. I’m also feeling as though it’s levelling out my emotions to a point where I don’t really feel anything, or at best a little spike that disappears soon after. Lately I have felt incredibly tired and sometimes take a nap only a couple hours after I get up. I get about 7-9 hours of sleep a night and yet I don’t feel refreshed and often awaken feeling anxious. Very recently my bedroom was renovated and I’ve spent the last couple of weeks cleaning furniture and moving things back in. For a few days I felt great and was very motivated to do things, however now I’m really struggling to find that motivation again. This is where I can’t figure out if I’m just lazy and desperately trying to use depression as a justification or if I’m actually depressed. I’m aware I’m on antidepressants for a reason yet I have never been told “you are diagnosed with depression”, which makes me question myself. I feel like I’m wasting my youth away but I can’t seem to pull myself out of this routine. To be perfectly honest, I am most comfortable when I am doing nothing, and that makes me feel free yet very guilty at the same time. Part of me doesn’t even want to change my lifestyle. I am so torn. I don’t have access to a psychologist until February so any kind of advice would be very much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read.

cfalz Just feeling so empty - don't want to do anything anymore
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone - I'm just looking for some advice here. I just feel so numb and empty all the time. It's not even sadness, just this crushing nothingness. It feels like there's nothing left inside but a heavy fatigue that's settled into my bones. I don'... View more

Hi everyone - I'm just looking for some advice here. I just feel so numb and empty all the time. It's not even sadness, just this crushing nothingness. It feels like there's nothing left inside but a heavy fatigue that's settled into my bones. I don't find happiness in the things that used to make me happy - not even music (my favourite thing) makes me feel the same way it used to. I just feel empty. Next year is my final year of school and all my friends are excited to graduate but I'm dreading it because it means having to go to university and get a job and work just to make enough money to survive. It feels so hopeless and overwhelming. I feel sick thinking about it. I don't even feel like eating. Eating feels like a chore to me - nothing tastes good or sounds appealing. I eat because I have to. Sorry for this rant - I just wanted to get it off my chest and ask if anyone had any advice. Thanks

MELJO Overwhelmed
  • replies: 1

I can't find a balance to cope with everyday things at home. I finished a degree last year and have my first full-time job since having kids. I have 3 teenagers and all my energy goes to my job. I feel hopeless at home, I'm letting down my husband an... View more

I can't find a balance to cope with everyday things at home. I finished a degree last year and have my first full-time job since having kids. I have 3 teenagers and all my energy goes to my job. I feel hopeless at home, I'm letting down my husband and kids as all I feel like doing is sleeping when I get home. Just feeling very overwhelmed by everyday tasks. I have had many challenges in the past 18 months where I dont think I have delt with them all yet. I feel like there is no time for my kids, me and my husband. Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed and cant seem to get myself out of this mindset.

Chloe89 Drinking depressed
  • replies: 4

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen a... View more

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen as an ‘unfit mother’?

Phill10 Centerlink
  • replies: 3

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no ... View more

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no customer service. Last week I was sent to train for a job that is 20 to 38hrs a week and is 100% customer service. I did the first four days and then had a panic attack on Friday. I cant go back there, I just cant. my employment provider said "try again on Monday". what happens if I refuse to go back

MisterM None of my friends and family ask how I am going
  • replies: 42

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

Jimson19 How to explain!
  • replies: 2

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.