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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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Chloe89 Drinking depressed
  • replies: 4

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen a... View more

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen as an ‘unfit mother’?

Phill10 Centerlink
  • replies: 3

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no ... View more

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no customer service. Last week I was sent to train for a job that is 20 to 38hrs a week and is 100% customer service. I did the first four days and then had a panic attack on Friday. I cant go back there, I just cant. my employment provider said "try again on Monday". what happens if I refuse to go back

MisterM None of my friends and family ask how I am going
  • replies: 42

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

Jimson19 How to explain!
  • replies: 2

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.

Rain-Dancer Psychitrist Retired, Long term patient
  • replies: 1

Hey ladies and gents, i have been seeing a psychitrist for 13 years and 4 months ago he mentioned he was retiring in 12 months i than seen him again two months ago and it was mentioned we still had 12 months to plan stuff out I showed up today an the... View more

Hey ladies and gents, i have been seeing a psychitrist for 13 years and 4 months ago he mentioned he was retiring in 12 months i than seen him again two months ago and it was mentioned we still had 12 months to plan stuff out I showed up today an the doc said it was my last visit he was retiring today i may be able to see another psychitrist but unsure if he will take on my case i have been diagnosed with schitzaphrenia spectrum order other problems i have are ocd, major depression, anxiety, paranoia I have had the paranoia and schizaphernia since i was 13 years old i went into hiding most of my life not leaving the house for months and months but came out of my shell around 20 years old around 16 i started getting depression but it didnt hit me untill 24-25 now i struggle from than to today im 38 with deep depression i smile on the outside but i am mentally a mess its rare a day passes i dont get suicide thoughts since being on medication my depression is still the same, my paranoia went very silent for several years but iver the past year it is creeping back up i just lost several friends due to it Who or what do i do now? Im on centrelink and have been pretty much my whole life i have had around 15 jobs when i was younger but couldnt work anymore than 2 days at ghe same place, i have been on dsp for the past 12-13 years and i understand the pension gets reviewed in febuary my doctor is no longer around what do i do who do i turn to now?

Anzacspirit I can’t seem to forgive myself
  • replies: 4

Four months ago I made a huge mistake, everything I’d ever stood for morally I threw away. I have been forgiven by those that matter most for what I’ve done but I can’t seem to forgive myself. I can be ok for days and then the nightmare of what I’ve ... View more

Four months ago I made a huge mistake, everything I’d ever stood for morally I threw away. I have been forgiven by those that matter most for what I’ve done but I can’t seem to forgive myself. I can be ok for days and then the nightmare of what I’ve done comes back. My psych says I have to forgive myself, I’m human and we make mistakes. I just can’t get over the guilt of what I did. I get so angry at myself for letting things get out of hand that led to my mistake. How can others forgive me but I can’t . It’s doing my head in.

Guest_9043 Not sure what's even happening.
  • replies: 4

I feel so lost. I had big dreams. I don't know where they are. It's almost like I lost my zest. It's been a truly MASSIVE year from begging right until now. So many huge thing have happened. Im thinking about 2020. I have to move again asap in 2020. ... View more

I feel so lost. I had big dreams. I don't know where they are. It's almost like I lost my zest. It's been a truly MASSIVE year from begging right until now. So many huge thing have happened. Im thinking about 2020. I have to move again asap in 2020. I'm closing down one business and starting another. I've changed so much in myself this year. I just don't know where to even begin. I know baby steps. I just don't know where to start. I'm having difficulty formulating a plan. I feel lost cause I have no beginning point. I have a flatmate that picks on me real bad to the point I no longer sleep in my room or am in the house during the day. I stay in the shed when I'm not home and slept in the shed last night just to get away from her. I just want to feel hope again. I'm feeling sad, lost and despondent. Just a heads up,please don't suggest therapy. I have other posts here talking about my journey with therapy. Thank you.

MJL Fallen back into depression
  • replies: 3

I go in and out of depression and tonight I’ve fallen in deep. It feels almost impossible trying to reach out to my loved ones. It’s difficult trying to verbalise what i feel when I don’t fully understand it myself. I can’t stop crying and I’ve resor... View more

I go in and out of depression and tonight I’ve fallen in deep. It feels almost impossible trying to reach out to my loved ones. It’s difficult trying to verbalise what i feel when I don’t fully understand it myself. I can’t stop crying and I’ve resorted to drinking. My depression is like quick sand. One step in and I feel like I sink deeper and deeper with no possibility in getting out.

Alannah57 Should I seek help for a delusional period that stopped nine years ago?
  • replies: 2

When I was fourteen I started believing bizarre delusions that were implausible, such as that I was being watched by the world, and that objects could communicate with me. I also had very excited, energised feelings. I managed to stop those delusions... View more

When I was fourteen I started believing bizarre delusions that were implausible, such as that I was being watched by the world, and that objects could communicate with me. I also had very excited, energised feelings. I managed to stop those delusions somehow when I was fifteen, but I’m just wondering if it sounds like something to be concerned about now, even if I haven’t been affected by delusions in a long time.

Vanillacar Seeking a tangible managenent plan (26m)
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, I've taken a few good hits in life and always managed to bounce back, resilience has always been one of my stronger points. Although at the moment, and in the last few months, I've been suffering in silence. My partner of 10 years has cotton... View more

Hi guys, I've taken a few good hits in life and always managed to bounce back, resilience has always been one of my stronger points. Although at the moment, and in the last few months, I've been suffering in silence. My partner of 10 years has cottoned on that something isn't quite right, and pushing me to seek help. Not something I've ever done in my life, I've always sorted things out on my own. I've always felt (as messed up as this is) that it's weak, inferior, and pathetic, and I just can't shake the stigma. Worst of it is that I'm the first to make sure that my friends are doing ok and should seek advice, but I can't even get myself together to do it myself. My concern is that this has become a flaw, a weak spot in my character, which will prevent any further career progression in my profession. I know this is wrong. But the voice in my head telling me that I'll never make it to management, never be considered for a senior position, tearing down all of my ambitions all day relentlessly just never seems to end. I'm remunerated generously, I live in a nice house, in a nice suburb, in my mid 20s with the love of my life. I just want more, I don't know why, but I feel like every day I'm in a losing battle with my own negative thoughts. What are some rock solid, tried and tested techniques? What do people do other just talking about it? Do I need to start a though diary or something? I've just started with the headspace app, wasn't overly impressed that they want to squeeze money out of people already at a low point, but thats the world I guess. I wake up at the same time every day (5:50am), and manage my sleep apnea to the best of my ability. I eat reasonably healthy, and have started working out regularly again after a 6 month hiatus. I feel like things should be better by now. But still I just shut off emotionally, run in auto pilot, and just watch everything pass me by. I'm done with this selfish wallowing in self pity and for lack of a better word, need to get my sh*t together, for those who care about it. I'm sorry if anything of this is vague, or poorly explained, I'm at a loss and wanted to seek some form of guidance before I either relapse or actually speak about it. Regards, A