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

learningtosmileagain Is this a normal part of depression?
  • replies: 2

I've been dealing with GAD and health anxiety for about 12 years, (I'm a 21 year old male). As a 9 year old, I would make my parents take me to the doctor at least once a week to confirm that I didn't have meningococcal, and throughout my teen years ... View more

I've been dealing with GAD and health anxiety for about 12 years, (I'm a 21 year old male). As a 9 year old, I would make my parents take me to the doctor at least once a week to confirm that I didn't have meningococcal, and throughout my teen years I was convinced that I had three different types of cancer, HIV, and Lyme disease. I generally do a good job of seeking help, I see a psychologist once a fortnight and I regularly talk to my family about my mental health. I am more anxious than depressed most of the time. I've had periods of depression throughout my life, but I would never say that I've experienced it to the extent that other people have. I'm wondering if depression is what I'm experiencing now, and hoping that someone on here can reassure me that what I'm feeling is a normal part of depression. I usually have a pretty easy time describing how I feel, and discussing my feelings with people. However, lately, I don't feel as able to do this. I feel this overwhelming sense of numbness, lack of interest in people and things that I usually care about, and a sense of impending doom. I feel like sleeping all day, I don't want to be around anybody and don't feel like things will ever get better. I don't feel like I am able to articulate how I feel to people, there are no really strong emotions, it just feels like an internal pit of emptiness. I don't know how to describe it any better than that. I wonder if this is depression, I feel a little bit sad, but more than anything I just feel hopeless/helpless, like I don't care about anything anymore, and that my quality of life will never improve. Has anyone ever experienced this, do you think it is depression? If so, do you have any tips on feeling better? Any responses are valued, I just don't really have anyone that can relate to me in terms of dealing with depression and anxiety, so I thought I would try to get some responses on this forum. Thank you, and to anyone reading this that feels similar or has experienced anxiety, I hope you feel better soon and know that you have a friend in me.

Alyca Is this really depression or something else, what should I do?
  • replies: 3

I seriously can't tell anymore. I have this constant emptiness(maybe vulnerbility) and anxious feeling gnawing at me. It might alleviate some time, but it will grow back. I don't dare to go to sleep unless I'm tired enough to fall asleep in a manner ... View more

I seriously can't tell anymore. I have this constant emptiness(maybe vulnerbility) and anxious feeling gnawing at me. It might alleviate some time, but it will grow back. I don't dare to go to sleep unless I'm tired enough to fall asleep in a manner of seconds, or go quiet and do any quality works even if I really want to. I had to always watching something or forcing my mind both not to think and not to stop at the same time (Like watching TV), or the darkness and emptiness will find its way and seep in, making me feel anxious, scared, cold and meaningless. The smallest thing can set me off, and I'm constantly sensing and worrying about things that can go wrong, feeling I'm not prepared for such accidents or mishaps, no matter how slim the chances are. In fact I can't tell whether the chances are small or not, after all there is something called Murphy's Law. And this renders all my efforts, as everything, as long as it can go wrong, will go wrong. How can anyone make anything absolutely perfect? So it's always there, this gnawing voice, this very deep level of emptiness, powerless, and this angst, I can't even know the reason because anything can lead to that. In this case living alone is burdensome, for the future to me is not something to be looking forward to but something to be feared. I tried to talk to the family, none of them understand what I was saying, for they don't have the same problem. So all they can say is stop worrying, or you are worry about nothing. Does anyone here know about this kind of situation? Please share if there is a cure for that.

Bam2317 Marriage separation
  • replies: 1

Hi, recently my wife and i separated. We had been together for almost 9 years and married for 7 years. Im finding it hard to cope with the separation, i dont feel like doing the things i love to do, i dont feel like eating, i dont feel happy only sad... View more

Hi, recently my wife and i separated. We had been together for almost 9 years and married for 7 years. Im finding it hard to cope with the separation, i dont feel like doing the things i love to do, i dont feel like eating, i dont feel happy only sad, i get frustrated and anger with every thing and ever one and im also having negative thoughts like no one cares about me etc. We are currently still living in the same house and i wanted to leave but theres kids involved. Any advice will help

garysdash SELF HELP TIPS FOR DEPRESSION
  • replies: 0

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

hannahj I'm a terrible person
  • replies: 2

I am a really terrible person I've been hiding it because otherwise if I don't no one would like me and I would feel lonely I was pretending that I love everyone and I understand everything But I am a very pessimistic person who would never agree wit... View more

I am a really terrible person I've been hiding it because otherwise if I don't no one would like me and I would feel lonely I was pretending that I love everyone and I understand everything But I am a very pessimistic person who would never agree with anyone I don't like myself being this way but I'm just too tired to change it I don't know why the chat is unavailable when it's 11pm maybe they blocked me

mate01 Is this depression?
  • replies: 4

So I've been thinking for a little bit that I might have depression, but I was unsure, so I didn't say anything to anyone. Now, people around me have noticed things about me that I see as well. So here is a list (kind of matched up with a symptom lis... View more

So I've been thinking for a little bit that I might have depression, but I was unsure, so I didn't say anything to anyone. Now, people around me have noticed things about me that I see as well. So here is a list (kind of matched up with a symptom list): - I lack motivation for just about anything, except for the things that make me happy - I create roadblocks for a majority of tasks and opportunities - I go through different emotions throughout the day (e.g. I'm not sad for all the day) - Rumination (can be about literally anything, often ends in a feeling of worthlessness) - Am quite tired or worn out (could just be school as I am in year 12) I also did an online test which stated that I fell into the category of moderate depression, but I know that they are only a guide. What do you guys think? It's really playing on my mind and I need to do something about it

Supporting_Partner Bipolar - desperate to support a loved one
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m posting here because I don’t know where else to turn. I love my partner very much. My partner was diagnosed with bipolar and although there have been many ups and downs, my partner’s current depression has me so worried than ever. She’s locke... View more

Hi, I’m posting here because I don’t know where else to turn. I love my partner very much. My partner was diagnosed with bipolar and although there have been many ups and downs, my partner’s current depression has me so worried than ever. She’s locked up in her room and won’t allow me to talk to her in any way. She sometimes gets violent when I try. My phone has been blocked so there’s no way to contact her when she’s not home. Our child is being so strong but is very sad because my partner won’t even acknowledge her unless she’s yelling at her to get out of the room. I want her to know that I’m there for her and I’m so desperate to help but I’m so lost and afraid she’ll hurt herself. I’m afraid if I ask friends to check in on her it’ll get worse. Is it in any way inappropriate to ask her psychologist to check in on her? Any advice would be appreciated Thank you

Alexa1401 Toxic Mind.
  • replies: 3

Hi, I would really appreciate it if someone could help me. I can't get out of my own mind. I have depression. Its getting to a point where it feels like it will never ease up. Life has thrown a massive curve ball once again. My mum has been diagnosed... View more

Hi, I would really appreciate it if someone could help me. I can't get out of my own mind. I have depression. Its getting to a point where it feels like it will never ease up. Life has thrown a massive curve ball once again. My mum has been diagnosed with stage 4 non smokers lung cancer and bone cancer. Im to young to lose my mum. I cant get past the thought that she will never see me get married, have children or even see me go through life. I never really got to spend quality time with her as we have all been working non stop. And now the quality time i have with her is because shes sick and needs 24/7 care. Theres so many other factors as to why i have decided to reach out to someone, anyone for help. I just feel so alone and not my happy bright self. I would do anything to go back to being happy. Even for a day. I would appreciate if anyone could help me or even reach out and say tat they feel the same so its not so lonely. Thanks

Melanie01 How to cope
  • replies: 3

I’m feeling a little lost. My mum had oesophagus cancer and went through radiation, chemo and then an operation that she came through with flying colours. Started to get up walk around and eat like normal and then it took a sudden turn, and passed aw... View more

I’m feeling a little lost. My mum had oesophagus cancer and went through radiation, chemo and then an operation that she came through with flying colours. Started to get up walk around and eat like normal and then it took a sudden turn, and passed away 13 days after surgery. My brother passed away 11 months and 3 weeks before that from a heart attack and my dad 9 months prior to that from pancreatic cancer. All I do is cry and I don’t know how much longer I can try and hold it all together. I’m the oldest of 3 girls left and I’m trying to hold it together for the other 2 but I don’t know how much longer I can. I’m emotionally and mentally exhausted and don’t know where I go from here.

Desedrata Overwhelming feelings of being otherworldly.
  • replies: 7

Hello, This was a topic I wasn't originally going to bring up but since I have noticed a couple of other people have mentioned having similar feelings and thoughts, I thought I'd brave mentioning my experiences. I am an athiest however I was raised a... View more

Hello, This was a topic I wasn't originally going to bring up but since I have noticed a couple of other people have mentioned having similar feelings and thoughts, I thought I'd brave mentioning my experiences. I am an athiest however I was raised a Catholic and was also exposed to a lot of mythology and folklore. It was/is believed that some members of my kin see ghosts and have premonitions, myself included. I have always had a curious mind which lead to me seeking answers wanting to know how to become more intune with these gifts. I read and then I read some more and what I discovered broke my heart. For some reason or another I believed science and magic were the same thing which is probably fortunate really because I searched for answers in the non-fiction section and I found them. They just weren't what I wanted. I did not find how to strenghthen my gifts. I did not find how to get back to the world of Faye instead, I found reality. It was a shock to say the least and I spent a good decade or two coming to terms with my discovery and the loss of an entire world. I also commited the most unforgivable crime against God next to being Athiest. Which since then has left me with a feeling of being trapped in Pergatory as punisment and what better way to punish me then to force me to live the life I wished so, very much to escape. I feel trapped here in reality and have a constant longing to return to my world. I feel like when I see things or have very vivid dreams that they are my real kin trying to get me back, take me home. I know this is not the case but sometimes I still google to try and find away home, just incase. Part of me wants to forget, to live my life but the other part of me is afraid to because then the demons that put me here will have won or is it by holding on that I have failed the angels that put me here to protect me from the Faye?. I don't actually want anyone to answer that question as I know it is not real. I just can't shake the feeling is all. I have written this to let others know they are not alone in feeling that they do not belong to this world. What you think does not define who you are, what you do does.