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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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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.

Alannah57 Irritable and very low self esteem
  • replies: 1

Hi, I returned from staying with family, and had a great time; but within hours of getting home I felt irritable, had low self esteem and I couldn’t stop a strong amount of negativity from being said. I think it’s a result of feeling sad and talentle... View more

Hi, I returned from staying with family, and had a great time; but within hours of getting home I felt irritable, had low self esteem and I couldn’t stop a strong amount of negativity from being said. I think it’s a result of feeling sad and talentless, and talking to myself out loud is a way to prove that I’m not a pushover to other people. I don’t understand where this whole thing is coming from. Does anyone else relate, or have advice for those sad/grumpy feelings? I hope I can get to a more positive, constructive, focused and relaxed place in general life.

I_got_it_too_late I don’t think I’ll get another chance
  • replies: 2

Hi all first post here. after 8 years of being on a total roller coaster of behaviour which has lead to many arguments with my wife of 13 years I have finally been give a dose of antidepressants which seem to work and make me feel normal but the last... View more

Hi all first post here. after 8 years of being on a total roller coaster of behaviour which has lead to many arguments with my wife of 13 years I have finally been give a dose of antidepressants which seem to work and make me feel normal but the last 2 months behaviour I think will be too much to overturn. i have over the years blamed her for not making me happy despite being pretty much a perfect wife . I have said she does t show affection , is lazy at sex, does t put out enough , is nicer to other people than me , have said things about her sexual past and even worst of all shared some of them with her parents . i have know what I was doing was wrong but I physically couldn’t stop my cycle of behaviour . I would be good for two weeks , slide for a week then bad for a week . Then ask what was my wife’s problem for her not being nice to me as I’d moved on from what I had just done i have moved out 6 weeks ago and had a week on week off good bad behaviour which I was triggered by white lies that would totally set me off on an accusational rampage . the last straw was when I was t told about my kids Christmas carols at school which I unloaded on her mother in law at which point I knew I was at the end of what was acceptable and seriously considered ending it all . Only the thoughts of my 3 kids stopped me . i spent 4 days in a psych hospital at my own request for my safety . i am now level for the first time in 7-8 years and feel excited about things and energetic . I feel butterflies in my stomach about my wife as I can see and appreciate her again . It then there’s what I’ve done. Despite me now seeing the light it thinking’s too late any thoughts

Up_the_Villa Newbie and very confused.
  • replies: 1

Hi my name is Rob and i am 59 years old. My story is that over that last 4 years or so i have lost both my parents who were a good age (87 and 91) i have also lost my son in law tragically at the age of 30, and then after a very short illness my youn... View more

Hi my name is Rob and i am 59 years old. My story is that over that last 4 years or so i have lost both my parents who were a good age (87 and 91) i have also lost my son in law tragically at the age of 30, and then after a very short illness my youngest sister who was 68. Shortly after she passed away last June i remember waking up one night with a horrible sinking feeling that scared me so much that i woke my wife to tell her about it. Around a week later i had the same feeling but this time after i got home from work. Around this time i started suffering with insomnia along with this feeling happening more often. I saw my GP and started me on talk therapy for my sleep issues. Things over the next couple of months didn't improve much and i started feeling in a low mood. Went to see my GP and he suggested i take an SSRI which i dually did, and can honestly say it was the worst two weeks of my life. I was waking up extremely depressed in the morning, i was waking in the night with anxiety and panic attacks, i would have no energy at all until around 4pm, then it was almost as though someone had flicked a switch and my energy came back. Anyway after 15 doses i had a chat to my GP and decided to stop them. That was 4 weeks ago now and i feel worse than before i went on them. I am really confused about what to do, my sleep has improved markedly over the last 6 or 7 weeks, i have also joined a gym. But i get these horrible sinking feelings mostly 2 or 3 times a day that last around 3or4 minutes, and also feel tired most of the time. Still most of these feelings dissipate towards evening time. I am unsure whether I'm depressed, suffering with anxiety because of some sort of fatigue syndrome. I am thinking about going to see another GP for a second opinion. Sorry for the rambling story but looking maybe for a little advice as life isn't as fun as it was 6 months or so ago.

Youre1 H.A.L.T. Depression
  • replies: 1

An acronym for helping combat depression that my mum used to say is H.A.L.T, so don't be Hungry, Angry, Lonely Tired. If you tick those boxes, your depression might be more manageable. This has helped me cope with extremely severe depression which I'... View more

An acronym for helping combat depression that my mum used to say is H.A.L.T, so don't be Hungry, Angry, Lonely Tired. If you tick those boxes, your depression might be more manageable. This has helped me cope with extremely severe depression which I've had for 12 years.

Youre1 Inspirational song
  • replies: 2

I have come across a song which is calming and so very true of life, have a listen when you're having a bad time. Its called Desiderata, there are several artists that sing it but my favourite is by Kamahl.

I have come across a song which is calming and so very true of life, have a listen when you're having a bad time. Its called Desiderata, there are several artists that sing it but my favourite is by Kamahl.