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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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Peacefuldove Bad Phycologist-vent!
  • replies: 15

Hi everyone, So I know that due to everything that's going on in the world right now, I know that there is probably a lot worse and far off going on right now. But this is something that I have been wanting to discuss for a while now, and something t... View more

Hi everyone, So I know that due to everything that's going on in the world right now, I know that there is probably a lot worse and far off going on right now. But this is something that I have been wanting to discuss for a while now, and something that I feel like not many people talk about. So a few months ago I started seeing a phycologist that my sister had recommended to me. I've had severe depression years now but it had mainly triggered again, after the first guy who I fell for completely started ignoring me, so basically I had felt like trash at the time and I had lost two really close friends of mine at the time. after that the first phycologist I ever saw seemed like she was always in a hurry, the next one I saw were nice but more felt like I was in a job interview, the one after that seemed to more forget things that I would tell her. so for a while I had felt like giving up and not bothering for a while and had just managed to cure a lot of things myself. I was so focused now on other things, getting my life on track, stressful job etc, that boys weren't even on my mind and was more wanting to get my mental health on track. But then I had accidentally met someone as you do. To cut a long story short, we had connected straight away, had long conversations on the way to work, ended up asking me out, went really well, dropped me home, told me that he will see me in the usual spot that we meet up, talked a bit that night-then poof! Never heard from him again. So I just thought the normal thing, weren't actually nterested in me, just wanted one thing etc. But he had told me that night that he might have cancer, but he wouldn't talk about it and there were times when he had looked unwell. So a part of me thought that it was a lot to do with that, or if he was just completely ghosting me. But because he was genuinely really sick, and did not know what was going on I ended eventually confronting him as nervous as I was, asking him if he was okay, then I would be able to move on. I ended up telling my phycologist this story, because even my friend's and family who were just as pessimistic as me told me that I did the right thing. However my phycologist said a lot of rude things to me and came across really rude to me. I left the session feeling completely humiliated! I was just wondering if this sort of thing had ever happened to anyone or if anyone had a similar experience at all?? I was left for words and felt completely modified!!

Chris67 I think I have depression
  • replies: 9

For the last 7 months ive been experiencing depressive symptoms, for most days of the week my appetite has decreased I have been experiencing self deprecation, ive lost all will to do things in my life, my concentration has decreased, ive been hating... View more

For the last 7 months ive been experiencing depressive symptoms, for most days of the week my appetite has decreased I have been experiencing self deprecation, ive lost all will to do things in my life, my concentration has decreased, ive been hating myself, my mood has been more aggressive, ive been feeling hopeless and my sleep has been sporadic. Anyone have any idea on what I have?

Jasmine_R I fell sad when Mother’s Day comes around
  • replies: 8

I hate when Mother’s Day comes it makes me sad this day cos I don’t have a mum I’m close two at all cos I don’t speak or see my real mum at all and when I see people and their post on happy mothers days and I see people video of them and their mums j... View more

I hate when Mother’s Day comes it makes me sad this day cos I don’t have a mum I’m close two at all cos I don’t speak or see my real mum at all and when I see people and their post on happy mothers days and I see people video of them and their mums just makes me sad cos I wish I had that I wish I could have a nice mum I just wanted to get this of my chest

Valar_Morghulis Why Depression a taboo!
  • replies: 13

Hi everyone, It's been months that I'm going through depression and anxiety. It first happened to me few years back. Somehow fought it and came out of it slowly. But it came back with more power. Every time when I go through this phase I isolate from... View more

Hi everyone, It's been months that I'm going through depression and anxiety. It first happened to me few years back. Somehow fought it and came out of it slowly. But it came back with more power. Every time when I go through this phase I isolate from everything that I love, isolate me from friends. Because its the experiences I had made me like this. So the inner me doesn't wanna face that again. For me, the hardest part of depression is accepting that I'm going through depression and I can't work or act like normal days. Because I grew up in a world where the word 'depression' 'anxiety' is something people doesn't want to talk about. Sometimes I accept I'm having depression and I will get out of this one day and be more strong. And not everyone is lucky enough to go through this. One positive thing I could get from this phase I can totally relate to what another person facing depression is going through. Here I am trying the find one single positive thing desperately and people around me laughing at me. I know its hard to understand what I'm going through. But can you at least stop judging something you don't know? When I took the courage to accept my mental state, I have people around me calling me liar and someone who is seeking attention. I shut down myself from everything and I was isolating myself from everything and what I got is 'LIAR'. And I'm starting to doubting myself whether I made all this up. No, I didn't. I do have some traumatic events in my life. Maybe it's silly for others, But I couldn't take it. Because I always wished a simple world where I can feel secure, I can be myself. No there is no such world! I'm hoping for a world where Depression is not a taboo. And someone won't laugh at me when I tell them I'm going through depression! I have been seeing nightmares. But these days the biggest nightmare is the friend who laughed at me when I said him I'm having depression and people calling me a liar. Can someone give me a break? I'm not able to solve my real problem in the midst of these!! Best Black Sheep

Bigboy31 Dazed and confused (and increasingly sad)
  • replies: 2

Hi all, Got a few things going on that has me quite shaken and not knowing what to do. Need to disclose right at the top that I have had battles with clinical depression on and off for my entire adult life, however the issues that are affecting me no... View more

Hi all, Got a few things going on that has me quite shaken and not knowing what to do. Need to disclose right at the top that I have had battles with clinical depression on and off for my entire adult life, however the issues that are affecting me now are not those I've experienced previously. I am in my mid 40's, and been in a job for the last 15 years. However, the last few months have seen me no longer happy with the work I've been doing (no real surprise considering how long I've been there). There is also no scope for any career progression or options amongst any other teams within the business for me to explore. Also, there is a person in my team I have issues with as she has exhibited bullying behaviour toward me and left me feeling like I no longer belong. Considering the team I am in only has 6 members, this is a major issue. If you are wondering, I have reported this to my team leader and he has had a word with her, but that was right before we started working from home due to COVID-19 so no idea whether anything that's been said will make things better. As this person is getting more and more responsibilities within the team, I suspect not. So, I am in a job I no longer enjoy doing, and even if I was working in an office still feel extremely isolated and just feel I have to get out. However, I have nothing to go on to (in part due to our current environment), and don't have enough funds to survive without employment for an extended period of time. Therefore, I feel like I'm stuck. Do I stay where I am, putting up with everything I've mentioned just to ensure some sort of job security and a steady income, or do I leave that bad situation behind and risk not getting anything for months or worse, years. That is my dilemma at the moment. Not expecting any help on this, but if anyone has constructive ideas on this that would be great to hear. Thank you for reading.

doonzy lack of understanding emotion
  • replies: 7

hi all im a 30yr old male and started my first ever mental health plan last yr just before chrissy. originally i went to my gp as my wife said my mental health hasnt been great and that she thought i needed to see someone to talk about it. i really s... View more

hi all im a 30yr old male and started my first ever mental health plan last yr just before chrissy. originally i went to my gp as my wife said my mental health hasnt been great and that she thought i needed to see someone to talk about it. i really struggle to not only show emotion but to understand and pick up when i am feeling emotions and what the emotion is. this along with my lack of motivation, always feeling tired and feeling like noone really cares or understands has gotten me to where i am now. is it normal for people to not feel emotions?? also is it possible to not be thinking anything? unfortunately because of all this my marriage is heading south, we have 2 kids together and 1 step child and it feels like im losing everything i hold dear. i had started seeing a mental health professional but for some reason i was expecting him to have answers for me like if this was a maths sum. hoping that 1+1=2 and he would go this is how we fix it. my deepest fear now is that maybe i have never actually felt or shown emotions but rather mimicked and faked them to what i think they should be which makes me feel like a complete phony. has anyone else had these problems and how do i go about finding answers thankyou in advance and i hope everyone is doing well

Sofia_L COVID lonliness and increase in mental struggles
  • replies: 7

I have had major depressive disorder for almost 10 years now and was managing it very well for a long time. But the last few weeks of isolation have really been a significant challenge. Prior to isolation, I broke up with my boyfriend, which I don't ... View more

I have had major depressive disorder for almost 10 years now and was managing it very well for a long time. But the last few weeks of isolation have really been a significant challenge. Prior to isolation, I broke up with my boyfriend, which I don't regret as I did not love him anymore. I also moved out of my parents house and was so excited for the new things my life was offering. Then it all changed when I lost my job to COVID, my studies went online and could not see my friends anymore. The last week has been one of the biggest mental struggles I've encountered yet. I am so, so depressed and lacking motivation to do anything. I have almost no appetite, and struggle to cook/eat even though I have a fridge full of fresh food. I get out of bed, make myself my normal breakfast and just can not stomach it. I have no motivation to do anything, and am really struggling to get out of bed each morning. I've been waking up crying, and have major crying fits throughout the day over nothing. I am trying so hard to be proactive and have made an appointment with my GP and brought my psychiatrist appointment forward. However I am just struggling with the lack of human connection. In the past I have relied on friends and family to help me through the tougher times and it's far too difficult to do this over social media. Is anyone feeling in a similar place due to the isolation and restrictions? I am sure I am not alone, and it would be really great to hear from others about how they are coping. Thank you all for reading x

Asmaan Mistreatments at work
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new to the forum. Since last few weeks I am going through terrible time and it has now reached to a level where I feel so stressed and depressed that I cannot at times breath. I am suddenly treated strangely at work. I was removed from a pro... View more

Hi, I am new to the forum. Since last few weeks I am going through terrible time and it has now reached to a level where I feel so stressed and depressed that I cannot at times breath. I am suddenly treated strangely at work. I was removed from a project and someone with similar designation and lesser experience was given the opportunity. There was no communication from my management, keep in mind I am pretty high on designation, so my reporting management are the State operational heads. I am shut down when I tried to reach out and ask “ why?”. My hours were reduced, while keeping this other person full time because allegedly she/ he has work - which actually is my project handed over to her/ him. They are avoiding me in every possible manner, including the HR. I am very passionate about my job and have always been highly productive. Never in my life have I felt so belittled, humiliated. I have no say in my own job now. I have my family abroad, with Covid 19, I am super worried about them and the fact that in case of emergency I cannot even go there- makes the situation worse. i am usually very strong and do not really share matters with anyone. Solving my problems myself is the way it has always been. But, first time in life , I don’t know what to do. This feeling of being “ worthless & helpless “ is killing me. I feel like running away , but I also need the job to put food on tables both here and back home. It took me a lot of internal fight to convince myself to join the forum and write this. So thank you to anyone who might be reading this. I have no idea what to do next!!!! Thanks Asmaan

alexiaalexia How can I help him?
  • replies: 3

I've been seeing this guy for three months and we're both in our early 20's so we're still both quite young. Things were going extremely well I've never met someone like him and we both had such amazing times together. The past two and half weeks som... View more

I've been seeing this guy for three months and we're both in our early 20's so we're still both quite young. Things were going extremely well I've never met someone like him and we both had such amazing times together. The past two and half weeks something was really off about him and I was super worried, I spoke to his friends and they noticed that something was off too. He was shutting everyone out and wouldn't answer messages or calls so it worried me. He's a very closed person so he finds it rather difficult to open up to people and I had only known him three months so I didn't expect him to tell me what was wrong. I eventually was able to catch up with him in person and he told me that he's severely depressed. I was so proud of him for opening up and I reassured him that it's okay to not be okay and that he had to get help and go and see someone which he agreed. We both then made the decision to stop seeing each other because he didn't think it was fair how he had 'treated' me and he wanted to be able to find happiness and love within himself before he could love someone else which I completely agreed with. It's such a tough situation because no one did anything wrong, it wasn't anyone's fault and we still have such strong feelings for one another but we just can't be together right now. He told me not to wait for him and to try and move on because it's not fair if he holds me back but I'm finding it really hard right now because I have such strong feelings for him. Obviously we've completely cut contact and I told him I'll always be there for him if he ever needs to reach out but I feel so helpless and lost and I don't know what to do. I so badly want to message him once a month to check up but I know I need to respect his space and his decision. It sounds extremely selfish but I don't know whether I should wait for him or to try and move on because I've never met someone like him and I don't want to give up just yet because he's so strong and I know he'll find happiness.

mikayla_f depression from regret
  • replies: 2

I have been having bad thoughts about regret for the last month and I need some help im so stuck and feel like I want to die

I have been having bad thoughts about regret for the last month and I need some help im so stuck and feel like I want to die