Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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 chats on this Forum having 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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Random_Hpern I Don’t Know What is Wrong With me But Everyone Else Does and My Hope Draws Thin.
  • replies: 1

I’m a year 10 student and my senior studies are approaching faster than expected. I’m struggling to focus on what matters when I’m on the brink of losing all who I care about at school. My friend group, solid for almost a year until a few months ago,... View more

I’m a year 10 student and my senior studies are approaching faster than expected. I’m struggling to focus on what matters when I’m on the brink of losing all who I care about at school. My friend group, solid for almost a year until a few months ago, was open to me when I joined with my brothers, two, who look identical to me. This challenge of being a triplet and identical is something I hear many people say must be so cool or amazing. But, not a day goes by where I wish I wasn’t. Three people attached emotionally to each other from birth, is a burden to any group as its three more opinions to listen to and possibly an eye sore, or embarrassment. I thought we were safe in that group having suffered severe bullying from previous schools, but as the terms passed we began being marginalised. The fact that I was always called “triplet,” instead of my name after all these years only makes me feel like an abomination or a failed lab experiment as I’ve been jokingly called. My brothers and I were diagnosed with pessimism and social anxiety a year or two ago and I can’t keep holding my head up. Most mornings I no longer want to wake up as I know the sadness I am destined to experience until I can again be unconscious in sleep. My days now are just a cycle, I no longer sit with the people I once called friends, only one person I can rely on I cower near, and all day besides the name calling, I’m forced to be shunned, my opinions or voice means nothing, and despite the horrible things others in the group do, my every action warrants some from of abuse whether verbal or physical. My parents are blind to these issues and I can’t tell people because the reaction from my “friends” would for sure grant me out of their group. Without these people, some of whom I exchange in hatred, and others I let belittle me, I have no where to go, and I no I won’t see my 30’s when my mind matures if I am to still be depressed in adulthood. I can’t keep failing to fit in despite being at my current school for 5 years, and I can’t keep telling myself that I’ll be free in 2 years when school finishes. Even today a simple harmless prankster act I did (in retaliation to an identical act from a student mere seconds prior) aimed at being funny, warranted snickers and pushing from my “friends.” I don’t know what I’m doing wrong! Why do I fail at being human when others do it fine every day. I’m done being classified as something other than just a person or an individual all my life.

f1kk I think im depressed
  • replies: 3

hi, ive never used one of these sites before but for the last month or so ive just felt really hopeless and lonely. no matter what i do it just feels like nothing is going to get better. all my friends are distant, but it might be me pulling away and... View more

hi, ive never used one of these sites before but for the last month or so ive just felt really hopeless and lonely. no matter what i do it just feels like nothing is going to get better. all my friends are distant, but it might be me pulling away and i just want someone to know that im struggling and someone to talk to about how im feeling. my best friend is barely talking to me and whenever im around her it feels like she would rather be anywhere else. ive also been super stressed with school and exams but now that most of them are over i still feel anxious and worried all the time. how do i fix myself because i cant keep feeling like this. thank you to anyone who responds.

Guest_49709140 Not sure what to do anymore with my apprenticeship.
  • replies: 2

Jumping straight into it, I work for my dad age 55. I'm 20 and am the apprentice and pretty much his sole employee apart from the occasional cousin lending a hand on jobs. We're both plasterers/drywall and my dad takes alot of pride in his work, he i... View more

Jumping straight into it, I work for my dad age 55. I'm 20 and am the apprentice and pretty much his sole employee apart from the occasional cousin lending a hand on jobs. We're both plasterers/drywall and my dad takes alot of pride in his work, he is also a jw witness (religious), so although he jokes about it he always kinda views himself as a perfect human dosent smoke, dosent drink, always on time and keeps his word. While I've always respected that he tends to hang it on others when they fail to meet his standards, especially me it seems. Mainly due to me being late or missing work, not that it's an excuse but I do suffer from depression and haven't had it easy. So long story short good man, great dad but hard to work with. Getting to the actual story a few weeks ago my dad was arrested and taken out of state for a serious offence that has happened 25 plus years ago and even tho court proceedings aren't done he tells me he knows he is going to be doing time and it would be a minimun of a year if that. I'm a 3rd year apprentice with only one year left to go, although I've never raved about my job it has always been good money and a good opportunity for me to learn but in light of recent events I just feel like it's too much right now. I'm not saying to just leave my apprentice altogether but I feel like I need a break. My cousin has offered to take the apprentice over and continue running the business if my dad goes away but I've never really liked working for family to start off with because of the constant feelings of disappointment. Anyway just seeing if I get some advice. I know the logistics would be better if I just stuck out the apprenticeship then took of if I wanted but I've never felt so drained before.

jfad2010 New to this forum, familiar with these symptoms...
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm new here. I'm a 31 yo male. My mother has been controlling and threatened suicide at multiple points across my life. My father is a doctor that dramatises his own diagnoses, making it seem like he's at deaths door when he's healthy. I have a ... View more

Hi, I'm new here. I'm a 31 yo male. My mother has been controlling and threatened suicide at multiple points across my life. My father is a doctor that dramatises his own diagnoses, making it seem like he's at deaths door when he's healthy. I have a genetic predisposition to anxiety and depression.This has effected my own confidence and created insecurities throughout my whole life, positively affecting my career (through imposter syndrome), and negatively effecting anything romantic (through deep anxieties). Whilst there have been good days, I feel destined to long term failure. I eat well, keep fit, and keep diary entries, even take anti-deps. They stave off the feelings momentarily, but I keep getting drawn back in.

Cocolee15 am i manic or just happy for the first time?
  • replies: 4

I've been diagnosed with schophrenia for almost two years and have been on antidepressants since I was 13 but yesterday I started this mood that is like a small little engine that won't leave I had a burst of energy for 4pm till 9:30pm where I was da... View more

I've been diagnosed with schophrenia for almost two years and have been on antidepressants since I was 13 but yesterday I started this mood that is like a small little engine that won't leave I had a burst of energy for 4pm till 9:30pm where I was dancing listening to music and sending guys I don't know my nudes on reddit and talking some crazy shit with them thinks I never say or do ever but right now I'm having a calm moment I feel tired like I need to sleep as I only got 4hrs sleep last night maybe I'm just overtired but I'm laughing at things that ain't funny having random bursts of laughter the whole day I have not been able to hold a conversation for more then a few minutes until they let me ramble on about stuff I did, I just did things because I felt out of control but in control at the same time I could of stopped but I didn't I watched a movie with my dad and put the phone away and I'm still feeling like I'm faking everything I do for attention to get attention but I can't stop can you sit down and watch a movie in mania without talking even when you want to say silly stuff but your dad is right there i have bought train tickets for tomorrow to leave this town with nothing but the clothes on my back there is some planning because i have to wait till the train leaves tomorrow but my case manager knows something is not right with me so i cant leave with a bag incase they see me ya know I just have to leave with my phone and clothes on my body tomorrow to another town to be free to feel free when I think about it i feel free when i think about staying home i feel stuck and terrible so i can feel terrible emotions its a mix of emotions i feel right now Could it be mania? Or the start of it? What do u think?

Gj-1974 Struggling with depression and anxiety
  • replies: 6

Hi l am struggling very badly at the moment because l have had a recent relationship breakdown and Domestic Violence. My health is getting worse due to stress causing high blood pressure and mow my housemate wants to leave putting under financial pre... View more

Hi l am struggling very badly at the moment because l have had a recent relationship breakdown and Domestic Violence. My health is getting worse due to stress causing high blood pressure and mow my housemate wants to leave putting under financial pressure. Just don't know what to do anymore

Eri-d Schizophrenia
  • replies: 7

Hi, my names Erika And the doctors think I have Schizophrenia and depression. I feel lost and alone. I hear voices and see things that are not really there. I don't have any friends and have no one to talk to. Last year things got bad and I tried to ... View more

Hi, my names Erika And the doctors think I have Schizophrenia and depression. I feel lost and alone. I hear voices and see things that are not really there. I don't have any friends and have no one to talk to. Last year things got bad and I tried to kill myself and got put in hospital. Any one feel to talk to me as I'd love to hear from you. Thanks. Erika.

nootnoot Husband is not supportive when it comes to my depression.
  • replies: 1

I have been diagnosed with depression since 2009 and have had ups and downs since then but I have mostly not felt depressed for a few years. I am 11 weeks pregnant and the past few weeks I have felt the most depressed. It's like my antidepressant has... View more

I have been diagnosed with depression since 2009 and have had ups and downs since then but I have mostly not felt depressed for a few years. I am 11 weeks pregnant and the past few weeks I have felt the most depressed. It's like my antidepressant has stopped working. I have bouts of crying, thoughts of suicide, thoughts of abortion and thoughts of ending my marriage. Very extreme thoughts. I am tired every day and everything is effort. I still try to carry on with going to work and looking after my almost 3 year old but all I want to do is lie in bed. I have never been able to talk properly with my husband about how I am feeling. He avoids any conversations about feelings by laughing them off or becoming defensive. I have spoken to my obstetrician and my family who have said to try and talk to him about how I'm feeling at the moment. I brought it tonight and said I have been feeling very low in mood lately and finding everything a bit much. He laughed and said "low in mood, you just get on with it". He knows he upset me and I've now gone to bed early. He never comes to apologise for being insensitive. When I last saw my obstetrician she mentioned the option of a mental health admission to sort out my medication and talk to a psychiatrist. I know my husband would not like that as he'd have to look after our son alone. I know his mother and father would be supportive and help him out. I would miss my son but I want to be better for him. I don't give him as much attention as I used to. I don't know what to do but I know I need help. Thank you for reading.

Rip_van_winkle I have a lot to say, bare with me.
  • replies: 2

I'm going to use this as my therapy.In the third grade there was a girl who would brag all the time, to the point where it annoyed me so much that I decided to do the opposite as to avoid being annoying.But this has started causing harm which only st... View more

I'm going to use this as my therapy.In the third grade there was a girl who would brag all the time, to the point where it annoyed me so much that I decided to do the opposite as to avoid being annoying.But this has started causing harm which only started get really bad in the last 3 years.I'm doing a carpentry apprenticeship and my boss is a bottle of stress ready to burst. So when I make a mistake or when I'm not moving fast enough, he's not happy.He not mean to me in any measures, aside from the classic tradie banter. But his vocal frustration and anger is what sets me snow balling down a path that starts as "you idiot, of course you're not supposed to do that" "you've nearly finished you're apprenticeship, how do you still suck this much" but somehow finds it way to "you're a failure in every way, you have nothing because you are nothing, you're a waist of space who only brings everyone else down, you're not happy because you don't deserve to be, you're a failure in every way, you should do the world a favour and kill yourself" and unfortunately I agree.I know this isn't me. I've named this "the voice" no, not the tv show with delta goodrem.There are moments of my life where I'm genuinely happy with where I am in life and who I am, and all it takes is the sun shining on my face.I have large aspirations in life. I want to be a prime role middle for people to look up to and I believe that everyone has potential to be a force for good and I believe everyone has a part to play because there are greater forces at work then just the forces of evil... Gandalf said that.But I'm scared, I'm scared that I'll listen to the voice and make like Delbert Grady and correct myself.I know I need help and I don't want to live in this fear any longer, but I'm too scared to ask for help.I've always been a man who's gets incredibly uncomfortable in both receiving or giving to much emotion. It's incredibly hard for me to listen to a compliment or a sincere "I love you' but I wish that wasn't the case. Without a second thought I'd sacrifice myself for any of my friends and family because they are the most important thing to me.But this fear of tell any of them about my situation or the voice is terrifying, I just don't want to burden anyone, even a therapist with that burden. Even just writing this scared me. I don't know what to do, but I know that if I don't find a way to fix this. I'm going to joining a statistic very soon.Thanks for coming to my ted talk

Ineedhelp95 Feeling lost
  • replies: 4

Is it normal for your parents to involve themselves in your life's 24/7. Long story short im a single mum living back at home with my dad with my nearly 2 year old daughter. I find that I have become incredibly depressed the last few months and I don... View more

Is it normal for your parents to involve themselves in your life's 24/7. Long story short im a single mum living back at home with my dad with my nearly 2 year old daughter. I find that I have become incredibly depressed the last few months and I dont know if thays because every opportunity I get to leave the house my dad will do something to stop the process and to top it off he's full on ADHD and when both of us are home he is loud and non-stop all day so my daughter is overwhelmed constantly I don't get time to have a break unless it's going to work where I look after other children.I'm going insane living in this environment please tell me this feeling is normal and I'm not psycho I love him and I'm glad he has such a relationship with my daughter but I've never been so frustrated and wanted to leave an environment before which sucks because I can't afford a place with the rental market so I feel like om stuck and that's making me not want to even try and be positive. In all honesty I've just given up and I can feel my whole attitude slipping. Please help