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

Jimmy112 Chef with depression
  • replies: 4

Hi guys first time post I'm a head chef and have been for 6 years now! Been trying to deal with my depression and anxiety witch is due from the massive amount of stress, pressure and lack of work life balance! Choosing alcohol to help deal but drinki... View more

Hi guys first time post I'm a head chef and have been for 6 years now! Been trying to deal with my depression and anxiety witch is due from the massive amount of stress, pressure and lack of work life balance! Choosing alcohol to help deal but drinking a bit to much every day! Just wanted some advice on how to deal with it and when and how is the best way to try and step back? Or quit. My heart isnt in the trade anymore and wanting to give it up but I cant financially Thankyou!

April30 Depressed but feel like I can't talk to anyone..
  • replies: 6

I have depression and anxiety. And I'm finding life really hard at the moment but I feel like I can't talk to any of my friends because I'm so worried they'll just think I'm attention seeking, and everyone already has enough problems of their own any... View more

I have depression and anxiety. And I'm finding life really hard at the moment but I feel like I can't talk to any of my friends because I'm so worried they'll just think I'm attention seeking, and everyone already has enough problems of their own anyway.. I feel so guilty for having depression and anxiety because I feel like I don't have an excuse to feel like this because I have a 'good' life, I know so many people have it so much worse than me so yeah I feel like what excuse do I have. I worry so much that I'm just making it all up because for years I thought something was off with how I felt and I tried talking to my parents but they just said I was fine. But finally years later someone convinced me to go see a doctor, who said I have bad depression and anxiety.. (Later my parents said they had figured that but hadn't wanted me to label myself with that.) But that just resulted in me feeling worse because I'm not fine, but I should be fine, but I'm not, but maybe I am, but I don't think I am, BUT I SHOULD BE... and feeling like what if I was making it all up and feeling so guilty. Even now after the doctor has told me I have depression and anxiety, I still feel so guilty and worry I'm making it all up.. So I don't know how to reach out to my friends..

Kittee679 Depression? Anxiety? Panic attacks?
  • replies: 1

I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve suffered with depression for years I’m one month Into trialling a new medication. 3 days ago I snapped I just woke up hysterical crying. My chest felt like an elephant sitting on it. Every time I hear noise or my ph... View more

I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve suffered with depression for years I’m one month Into trialling a new medication. 3 days ago I snapped I just woke up hysterical crying. My chest felt like an elephant sitting on it. Every time I hear noise or my phone goes off or someone moves I feel a jolt in my heart and a panic and can’t breathe properly. I was on the verge of harming myself after the first day. I’ve passed that point the hysterical crying has stopped but today three days later I still feel I can’t do anything. My chest hurts my heart hurts my soul hurts I feel like I can’t brwathe and every thing still makes me jump. I’ve never had a episode like this before. How do I make it stop? I went to my gp and broke down and she said I have a viral infection and sent me away she didn’t even listen. I’ve tried talking I’ve talked it alllll out with family and friends but nothing is helping this.

BOC64 Seeking advice to help a good friend
  • replies: 4

Hi I have a really good friend in his early 30s who I believe has depression based upon a number of things he tells me and that I observe. I have suggested he speak to someone however he continues to tell me he is fine and does not need to. Is there ... View more

Hi I have a really good friend in his early 30s who I believe has depression based upon a number of things he tells me and that I observe. I have suggested he speak to someone however he continues to tell me he is fine and does not need to. Is there more that I could be doing as I do not want to become a pseudo psychologist for him? Thanks J

JWMS1985 Advice on changing habits
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I’m Jack and I am new to the forums. I have depression, on medication and have managed it as best as I can. I have been honest with my family and partner but I recently realised I have not been honest with myself. Earlier this week I had a fe... View more

Hi all, I’m Jack and I am new to the forums. I have depression, on medication and have managed it as best as I can. I have been honest with my family and partner but I recently realised I have not been honest with myself. Earlier this week I had a few drinks, went to the strip clubs on my own, watched porn and wrote off Friday; thankfully I did not have to be anywhere. This is something I do every now and then but this time I ended up in a club with a group of people I did not know. I eventually came to, left and come home. My partner does know about what I have done but does not judge me for going but is upset I go by myself. I am looking to shake this habit as I often feel guilty about going afterward, spending money and that I have gone on my own again. I am looking to change my habit but unsure I where or how to begin. I am looking to go back to professional help but can not afford it at this moment. I would like to mention I do not have anything against those in the adult industry; I am looking for advice on changing my habits. Thanks in advance for help and support.

Mez79 Runaway
  • replies: 9

Do you ever wish you could runaway from yourself, to not have these constant woes hanging over your head.

Do you ever wish you could runaway from yourself, to not have these constant woes hanging over your head.

pawsy tough day
  • replies: 5

i went to a funeral today. i felt out of place because i didn't know anyone. i knew the deceased person a long time ago. i left early. after i got home. i called a friend. he had his own things going on and we didnt connect very well. i cut the call ... View more

i went to a funeral today. i felt out of place because i didn't know anyone. i knew the deceased person a long time ago. i left early. after i got home. i called a friend. he had his own things going on and we didnt connect very well. i cut the call short and fell into a nasty spiral. combination of thinking about the death of this person and all the time that has gone by, and feeling extremely isolated and frightened of the future. a feeling that all the years have just led me to this dark lonely place, and the future only holds worse and worse things. i feel i have failed everything and everyone and that people would prefer it if i just went away. i feel incapable of contributing anything of value at all. even though i know this is rather extreme and not objectively true, it is how i feel.

ZKRN Joining the work force with a history of depression
  • replies: 2

Hello, Usually, I don't like going online and asking around about these types of things, but it's been on my mind for about a year now. My dream was to join the Defense force, and now, it's obvious my chances of getting in now are slim. When I was 13... View more

Hello, Usually, I don't like going online and asking around about these types of things, but it's been on my mind for about a year now. My dream was to join the Defense force, and now, it's obvious my chances of getting in now are slim. When I was 13-14, I was spinning out and I got myself in a bit of a bad situation. Let's just say I wasn't the happiest guy, and I wasn't doing the best things to my body, and I wasn't really an ally to any other human near me. I hated everyone, and I hated myself. I attempted something I shouldn't have ever done. In the seconds I had to choose between life or death, I finally switched on and realized maybe doing this isn't the best option. But it was too late. I was in a hospital for two weeks and my already stained medical history got even worse. So, this leaves me with a problem. I know that the Army can reject me, and for good reason. So where do I go from here? I've been thinking about Emergency Services or just a Security guard, but I know both will probably reject me as well, thanks to my medical history. All I want to do is help people, and make my life and other lives better or defend Australia and its people. Well, I better cut to the chase anyway... My question to you adults, is, Is there a future for me if I have a history of clinical depression? I feel as though I'll be locked out of anything I try because I'm "Mentally Ill" just because of something stupid I did as a young boy. I'd love to hear your opinions and thoughts on this. Thanks.

asianaussie Still feeling guilt over a mistake
  • replies: 8

I'm a student studying, working and running a Freelance Beauty Business. It's not my #1 passion, but I need to make a living. Usually I'm tough with criticism, but this year has been challenging professionally and personally. My business has been oka... View more

I'm a student studying, working and running a Freelance Beauty Business. It's not my #1 passion, but I need to make a living. Usually I'm tough with criticism, but this year has been challenging professionally and personally. My business has been okay, but one particular event has really affected me. 4 months ago in May, I was contacted by a woman from Girl Guides who wanted me to do chair massages on 25 women for a Mother's Day event, 2 days beforehand. Initially, I agreed to go, but she insisted I needed to bring a partner. I had been very busy that week, and I was drained and exhausted, but still complied. However, I asked all my classmates (honestly did), and none of them were interested or able to. I told her this, but she still said keep searching. I researched Mobile Massage Business, tried contacting them, but didn't get immediate responses as it was after hours. Additionally, I was also called to work a night shift, which had tipped me over. I informed her I was unfortunately unable to attend anymore. She wrote a long, angry text saying, "Wow I hope that is not how you plan to run your business after you graduate. It was more than an opportunity with fair pay. How dare you scam and deceive our organisation - a charity that empowers and supports women. You have insulted us, especially all the mums who work hard for their kids, much harder than you do. You are selfish and heartless, all what Girl Guides is NOT about. Now we are left panicking and desperately scrambling to find a replacement in less than 24 hours, or cancel the event and have 25 disappointed mums. Won't be surprised if you get sued." I immediately apologised, offered to help and go to the event. Despite this, she replied she had found someone else and it was too late. I didn't respond and deleted her number. Obviously I was very angry and upset, and cried for a week. Even now, I still can't help but feel stupid and selfish, that I'm hearing her words repeating in my head. I've tried my best to combat it, volunteering Oxfam/Church, playing violin and counselling. Yet it's hard to fight through it. It's a one-off event, but especially the fact this woman leads 3 groups and 'actively involved in community' makes me sick. Being a sensitive, anxious introvert, it really hurts. I know I should 'get over it', as my family and friends have told me. I'm trying. But right now, I just needed to get this off. I'm just wanting to seek advice, support, whatever it maybe. Would appreciate it.

Andy999 Really struggling to feel good.
  • replies: 5

So I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression a lot lately and could really use some advice. ill try keep this as short as I can but I think I’d feel better getting it out there rather than keeping it all trapped in my head. it started when I w... View more

So I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression a lot lately and could really use some advice. ill try keep this as short as I can but I think I’d feel better getting it out there rather than keeping it all trapped in my head. it started when I was 17/18 (I’m now 23) I had taken an ecstasy pill and had a bad come down and it triggered the anxiety, I struggled through that for a few years, I saw a psychologist and did learn some techniques to help cope but I wouldn’t say it was a massive success, over time it would slowly improve had my ups and downs but started to feel really good eventually, got myself a proper full time job and was barely affected by my anxiety, lived a pretty normal life which was awesome but recently it all started crashing down and it hit me hard, I’ve slumped into a depressive state and I’m not sure what to do, I’m always on edge feeling agitated, when I’m out of the house I just wanna go home, I don’t even want to be around my friends which is completely new for me, it’s like an all day 24 hour thing I just feel down and out like I’m stuck in some bubble, but at the same time mind racing 1 millions miles an hour I can’t concentrate It hurts my head trying to converse with someone, its hard to explain but I just don’t feel good at all. For me my anxiety and depression is about my anxiety and depression if that makes any sense? It’s not about work, fitting In etc. thinking about trying some sort of anti depressants because it really does feel like some sort of chemical imbalance but yeh not sure if that’s the right thing to do. thanks, hope to hear back from someone soon