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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 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

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Rob851 Recently disability support pension
  • replies: 20

Hi I suffer from major Depressive and anxiety disorder and have been for the last 5 years. I have been on Newstart allowance and now they are giving me the runaround so I was told by them do apply for the dsp. My my question is has anybody recently a... View more

Hi I suffer from major Depressive and anxiety disorder and have been for the last 5 years. I have been on Newstart allowance and now they are giving me the runaround so I was told by them do apply for the dsp. My my question is has anybody recently applied for it and how’d you do?? I have an appointment tomorrow for a job assessment before they make a decision which I don’t understand and I’m already receiveing calls my a job employer wanting to book an appoint with them. Any tips ops you could give? I have given all my paper work in including letters from gp and psychiatrist. Just unsure if I have enough. I was read some forum posts from a couple years ago saying it was extremely hard so just want to know if anything’s changes? thabks

Kbo Post Maternity Leave Depression
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm new to these forums but am seeking advice. Yesterday I had my first day back after 8 months maternity leave. While away my job was restructured. I am now reporting to my maternity leave replacement. Since going in I have realised that essenti... View more

Hi, I'm new to these forums but am seeking advice. Yesterday I had my first day back after 8 months maternity leave. While away my job was restructured. I am now reporting to my maternity leave replacement. Since going in I have realised that essentially my role is down graded and I will be doing the work of the person that reported to me. I feel severely depressed and isolated. I don't know what to do or who to turn too. My partner wants me to suck and work as it's an income and I know logically I have to work yet I have done nothing but spend the day in tears. Seeking advice from those that have had similar feelings about work or how to manage depression at work in general. Thank you

Angst19 Lacking desire and motivation, feeling lazy/burned out
  • replies: 1

Hello, I'm just venting on here and maybe looking for some advice I feel like my life no longer has meaning or purpose. I have felt like this for a while, and while I have sought help everyone has told me that this feeling is normal. I'm still living... View more

Hello, I'm just venting on here and maybe looking for some advice I feel like my life no longer has meaning or purpose. I have felt like this for a while, and while I have sought help everyone has told me that this feeling is normal. I'm still living with my parents, and they have largely made decisions for me about my career path and studying, and I have gone along with them probably because I was unable to think of or suggest any alternative. I am concerned this could be due to depression or anhedonia. I feel I am stuck in a cycle which I feel has had horrific results. I have spent the last two years doing multiple full time degrees at once and while I have mostly done well in these I have worked long hours every day to get all the work done. I know didn't want to do this at all but felt like I didn't have a choice because of my parents, who have come across as aggressive and controlling. I have felt scared to confide in them, and I didn't know what I wanted to pursue instead. I've also spent long periods gaming to escape from the world, and because of social isolation. I only have a few friends and they're busy with full time jobs. I also have social anxiety and anxiety in general and get stuck because of the excuses I make because of this. The time at my computer, mostly doing work/assignments, as well as anxiety has caused me to have neck/head injuries, and I can't even walk or turn my head properly without sore or very tight muscles and need to lie down frequently to feel comfortable. I have also recently had a traumatic experience that has made me feel more depressed the last month or so. I think I am also burned out from working so hard. Now whenever I think of doing anything long-term with my life, I am aware of all the work required to be successful and it puts me off, and I often don't enjoy the activity itself anymore. I think I will pursue something related to music, as I have been performer and composer and did my first degree in music, but lately haven't written or played much due to feeling depressed. Funny thing is, I feel guilty about being unproductive and want to get very good and important/successful at something and live a productive life, but I don't know what or how. I have been trying to see a psychologist for a while and have gotten multiple referrals from my GP, but they have been on leave and/or haven't answered my calls. I'm hopeful I'll be able to get into see one soon.

Window Am I faking this? (from an post-ATAR student who is not feeling so hot)
  • replies: 2

Hey guys - sorry for the rant. I'm new to this (and it shows lol). So, HSC results came out last month, and I took it pretty hard. I don't really remember the week after, but I don't think I talked to anyone. I was stuck in some pretty dark thoughts.... View more

Hey guys - sorry for the rant. I'm new to this (and it shows lol). So, HSC results came out last month, and I took it pretty hard. I don't really remember the week after, but I don't think I talked to anyone. I was stuck in some pretty dark thoughts. When I got that number, a lot of things crashed down on me - I tied a lot of my self-worth to that result. It's like that number told me, you have no future, and when my mind took over, it snowballed into you're fat and ugly and stupid (my mind's not very articulate). I feel so heavy. At random points of the day, it pulls me to the floor. I couldn't cry, for some reason, and I feel emotionally dead, except for this perpetual dread. I haven't responded to my friends - they all did well and I keep thinking that they have this power over me. And strangely, I've been having nightmares every night and waking up exhausted. I sleep at 6am because I torture myself over every mistake I ever made and the sheer loneliness kills me. I think, How can I ever be happy knowing that nights like these exist? It sounds weird and I can't really explain it, but I'm worried that I'm just doing this for attention. And worse, I kind of don't want to get better. It feels like I haven't punished myself enough and I'm scared of when I'll be okay again because that means forgiveness and acceptance and I can't do that right now. I haven't gone to anyone, because I'm probably just being dramatic. Sometimes, I feel really okay. The numbness actually helps a little. Maybe I'm pitying myself and letting it go to my head. A few days ago, my parents told me that my behaviour was childish, that I was being rude by shutting myself up in my room. I know they mean well. They don't know how to deal with me. But I think that was the first time that I had cried since the results, and I was surprised at how emotional I got. It felt like my deepest fear, that I was just being a dramatic teenager and everyone feels this way and this is life, just some bottomless pit. And I was angry too. How can I possibly justify that? I have no right to be angry! I get their point - I just had never felt so alone. I don't know what I want to get from writing this. My head is full of fog, and I am so drained. I didn't want to consider the big D-word for fear that I was just indulging myself. Am I faking this? Is this normal? God, I know what I must sound like. There are people with real issues! I'll shut up now. Thank you for reading through all of this.

Afb Suddenly feel lonely and depressed
  • replies: 3

Realised how depressing my life is So I’m a 17 year old guy, that has been alone for a few years now. I used to have a lot of friends a few years ago and was really popular in school but then my father got sick and I had to take care of him. This led... View more

Realised how depressing my life is So I’m a 17 year old guy, that has been alone for a few years now. I used to have a lot of friends a few years ago and was really popular in school but then my father got sick and I had to take care of him. This led to me doing online school which just furthered my feeling of being alone. Unfortunately my father passed away when I was 14. Enough about that though. So I’ve been getting by for the past 3 years now, just playing video games, watching YouTube, doing the rest of my schooling online. I was content with this and got by without problems. Suddenly, this Christmas my brother asked to hang out for the first time in awhile. I spent time with him and his girlfriend and it was a really good time. Spending time with them really made me happy. We played board games, played Pokémon go, driving around etc.. This lasted for 2 weeks since unfortunately my brother had to go back to work. When I got back home, everything sort of hit at once. I was alone, depressed, suddenly my daily routine became tedious and I just felt like crying all the time, I missed my brother and just really felt sad and alone. Everything just feels dark and my future isn’t look so bright, I don’t have any plans for the future, no aspirations, no friends, nothing. Idek why I’m writing this post, just to pass time I guess. I honestly want to change but these past few days of being alone have really made me lose hope for my future. Ahh Idk. sorry, I’m not the best at articulating my thoughts. There’s a lot more I’d like to add but whatever.

asimplenoodle_p I don’t know what category this fits in but I’m putting it here
  • replies: 1

So about four years ago I started dating a friend of mine. It lasted a couple weeks and during that we only saw each other for 2 or 3 days but we would text occasionally. Then I broke up with him because I thought I wouldn’t see him again (I was only... View more

So about four years ago I started dating a friend of mine. It lasted a couple weeks and during that we only saw each other for 2 or 3 days but we would text occasionally. Then I broke up with him because I thought I wouldn’t see him again (I was only 11 and we knew each other through a program thing) and I saw him again a month later for a bit but that’s irrelevant. At this point in time I was mentally healthy and didn’t even really know what depression or anxiety was For about a year I didn’t think about it but as I started developing depression and anxiety and crap I started thinking about him.( I haven’t had a relationship since then and I don’t know if I could even call it one as it was so short. ) But then I started thinking about it. And it hasn’t stopped. Every single day I think about what I had and how I threw it away and how I feel guilty and every single time I leave the house the only thing on my mind is seeing him again. I would walk through shopping centres constantly alert. I tried searching on social media but nothing. I genuinely just want to see him and apologise and talk and stop whatever I’m feeling. Back in the program thing i had a couple friends and now i think about them too. Not as bad but it’s still there. I don’t know what this is or what to do but I get so many negative thoughts like what if he’s dead or what if he hates you and I don’t know how to feel and I hate it. Whenever I start thinking about him I get depressed and lonely and my self worth plummets and I feel guilty etc. Does anyone know what this is. I don’t think he should mean that much to me and I know it’s irrational but I can’t stop thinking about him.

Hanna3 Lapsing into depression after moving house
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I've posted heaps about my mistake in moving from a coastal town to and inland town, and I don't know if anyone can really help but I am so homesick and without anything to do I am lapsing into serious depression. A combination here of heat, ... View more

Hi all, I've posted heaps about my mistake in moving from a coastal town to and inland town, and I don't know if anyone can really help but I am so homesick and without anything to do I am lapsing into serious depression. A combination here of heat, drought and smoke have curtailed any hope of walks with my dog except late in the day just a stroll in the one park that is kept alive and green in the drought here. Where I lived before we had a set routine - go for a short walk in one place where Sam my little dog could have a paddle, then go home and have lunch, after lunch visit the OpShop and then go to one of the outdoor cafes to get a breeze and have a read and a cool drink or sometimes meet with a friend. Usually there were other people to chat with and I knew the staff at the cafes, it was a little town. Now in Big Inland Town I feel lost. The only dog friendly cafes are in the street near traffic and unpleasant in the hot weather. It's too hot to walk and there is no sea breeze here! I miss the sea and the beautiful places I used to live and I am beating myself up over making such a horrible mistake moving here, only realising now that what I had was a cramped tiny Housing flat but I did have lovely walks and outdoor cafes go to with my beloved dog. Here I have lost all those things. I saw the house in the snow and wasn't really aware of just how terrible the drought was and didn't know how hot the summers had become. There are almost no shady walks here. The cafes are mostly in the shopping malls. Without aircon the house is hot, it has no verandahs it's an old 1950s fibro and the yard is hot, dry and full of burs so not the lovely yard I was hoping for my dog to enjoy. My poor dog seems depressed and I am sleeping in until almost midday because there is nothing to do and no company. I've been to two GPs here, both women were rude and one was quite abusive, yelling at me because I called her Dr and her first name (as the reception staff told me to do) and didn't call her whatever her surname was. They've halved my antidepressant medication and anti-anxiety meds at the worst possible time. I tell myself in Autumn we will be able to walk more but how do I keep my spirits up when I am so homesick, can't move back, and am beating myself up for making such a mistake and for making by beloved dog so miserable? Any help please, I know there is no clear solution, just some kind words would help. Thanks.

Beggar36 My partner seems like she has given up & I feel like I'm starting to struggle with depression myself.
  • replies: 11

In our 8 year relationship my partner has spent the majority of the past 6 years unemployed. She is intelligent & highly educated. I am not a high income earner & have pretty much finacially supported both of us. We get by by but struggle to indulge ... View more

In our 8 year relationship my partner has spent the majority of the past 6 years unemployed. She is intelligent & highly educated. I am not a high income earner & have pretty much finacially supported both of us. We get by by but struggle to indulge ourselves very often. There have been times she has broken down before but showing my support & telling her I love her have always helped in the past. A few months ago a workmate tried to set her up with a job & I dont think she went through with applying. I have never pressured her into finding work before but I really felt let down by this & perhaps I wasnt emotioanlly there for her & there was a slight disconnection between us. This meant I would work, come home & tidy up cook etc & thats when I first started feeling like this was all our relatioship was ever going to be. I have been holding out for our lives to improve but felt she might never get work again & was becoming suspicious of how hard she tried. She has a poor relationship with her family & I seem to be her only emotinal support. A few weeks ago she came home from her mothers upset like she usually is after spending time with her & I learnt she owed $500 on a credit card. I have bailed her out in the past but atm money is really tight. I came up with a plan to resolve everything by selling some items which would help her start up a business she seemed positive about & things seemd good for a week but I was struggling worrying about finances. I began crying for no reason at work & at home This week My partner started off very distant with me & the past few days has spent locked up in a dark room wanting to be left alone. Nothing I tried could console her. Last night I visited my sister for help for myself & advice on how to handle my partner. My partner rang me when I was gone & when I told her I was at my sisters she seemed mad. When I came back I tried speaking to her but she wanted nothing to do with me. I ended up sleeping on the couch to be woken up by her yelling at me. She had breached my privacy by reading my messages to my sister. There was nothing bad but I did mention the room stank which upset her greatly. We then spoke & I tried to tell her that I was struggling & we both needed to see a doctor but she doesnt want to go. Shows no empathy for my emotions & seems like she has given up almost daring me to break up with her. Im worried if we did break up what she would do as I am her only support & worry she could end up homeless or worse

Michael89 Why even bother?
  • replies: 4

After years of doing all known medications and so called talking therapies, nothing has helped. With all the suffering everywhere and meaningless, why even bother going on? Life seems to be one big practical joke.

After years of doing all known medications and so called talking therapies, nothing has helped. With all the suffering everywhere and meaningless, why even bother going on? Life seems to be one big practical joke.

Domaincircuit Don't know what to do
  • replies: 3

Hello, This is my first time posting on anything so im sorry if it is just me rambling, I don't really know how to type these sorts of things . For 3 years now I have been feeling just down no matter what I do, I don't know who to talk to hence why I... View more

Hello, This is my first time posting on anything so im sorry if it is just me rambling, I don't really know how to type these sorts of things . For 3 years now I have been feeling just down no matter what I do, I don't know who to talk to hence why I am posting here, Among family and friends I am seen as the "funny guy" but I feel that now that they just wont take me seriously anymore and I don't want to burden them with my issues as they already have there hands full. I was unemployed for 2 years after I finished school and honestly there were some time where I thought maybe death was the easier option, I know that never would be the solution as it would just hurt my family and friends. After I finally got a job I thought these feelings would go but if anything they feel the same. I just have no drive to do anything and honestly im surprised that I am writing here. Thank you for reading and sorry again for the ramblings.