Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Shestrying123 What's wrong with me?
  • replies: 1

I don't know what is wrong with me. I start to cry randomly and often I can't even comprehend why I am crying. From the outside, my life seems near perfect but I am not happy. I haven't been happy for quite some time. Its not constant. I can go about... View more

I don't know what is wrong with me. I start to cry randomly and often I can't even comprehend why I am crying. From the outside, my life seems near perfect but I am not happy. I haven't been happy for quite some time. Its not constant. I can go about my daily life, but I am not happy inside. If you asked why I was crying at any given moment, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you. I want to stop feeling like this.

Rebecca94 Does anyone else feel the same?
  • replies: 3

I’m not sure what the feeling is but I’ve felt strange for over 7 years. I go through waves of feeling great to being extremely down to the point that arguments take over my emotion and make me feel so low to the point life is not worth feeling these... View more

I’m not sure what the feeling is but I’ve felt strange for over 7 years. I go through waves of feeling great to being extremely down to the point that arguments take over my emotion and make me feel so low to the point life is not worth feeling these emotions anymore. Because it comes in such waves and isn’t consistent, I’ve struggled to seek help with this because quickly I can feel fine and I think it must be a ‘blip’. Does anyone else experience this?

Pineapple8 DEPRESSION IS TAKING OVER MY BODY
  • replies: 4

Ive been anxious for many year and as of recent have fallen into a deep depression. I physically can not move some days, I feel so sick to my stomach, tired, extremely unmotivated and see no point in anything. My thoughts have gotten more negative an... View more

Ive been anxious for many year and as of recent have fallen into a deep depression. I physically can not move some days, I feel so sick to my stomach, tired, extremely unmotivated and see no point in anything. My thoughts have gotten more negative and I’m always thinking ‘what if?’ and it is honestly debilitating. I don’t see the point in anything, I have no motivation and I’m SO SCARED. The depression began when my partner went away with his friends to Bali. He was away for nine days and has been back for almost a month, but I still have not been able to shake this depression. I’m so angry at myself. I’ve seen a psychologist 4 times and have been prescribed an antidepressant which I have just started today. Any tips or can anyone share their experience? it feels like a death sentence and I truly feel like I’m in the process of dying? I feel so scared and want to feel my old self again.

Find_hope My adult Sons depression and diagnoses of bipolar
  • replies: 8

My Son who is in his early thirties has fallen into very deep depression. Nearly 3 months ago he was having delusions. And was exhibiting some psychotic behaviour. For someone who has worked hard since he moved to the city. He has never shown any sig... View more

My Son who is in his early thirties has fallen into very deep depression. Nearly 3 months ago he was having delusions. And was exhibiting some psychotic behaviour. For someone who has worked hard since he moved to the city. He has never shown any signs of anything like this. After being admitted to a hospital he was given high does of medications. His doctor didn't give him a chance to describe what happened properly. I believe five minutes or so. He has anew psychiatrist now and another hospital admission. And changes to medications. He has now been diagnosed with Bipolar, which has really shocked and upset him. Before his first hospital admission he wasn't as depressed. Now it's overwhelming him and he says he can't try anymore. He has now will he says. There maybe a new type of medication prescribed.his psychiatrist is on holidays. So here is back living with us his parents on a rural property away from friends. He's feeling like he's in prison and everything is hopeless. He left he's job and sold his home just prior to the psychotic episodes. I'm not sure if the reality of this triggered the Bipolar. Or that he had used some recreation drug during that time. Again something he had never done. He says he has no future and regrets leaving his job. He has also had a relationship breakup three years ago. At that time he suffered depression. He worked so hard to get back on his feet. He also suffered depression 7 years ago after another relationship breakup. I am making sure he is eating and sometimes I can get him to walk. He can't read a book or listen to music as he said it makes him feel sick. He can't understand why all his friends are happy and have everything going well for them. He wonders why he's been punished. He does have feelings that his father abandoned him emotionally when he was growing up. His father argued a lot with me his Mum. He says he feels abandoned as he should have realised what his yelling was doing to him as a child. He also feels abandoned by the women in the relationships he had. I give him all my support and love. His father does too. But is oblivious to the harm he may have caused to our Son. I try to encourage him and tell him everything will be ok. After nearly 3 months he has lost hope. There have been many medication changes. Nothing is helping with his depression yet. Can anyone tell me how to help him

Costa_72 Depression - I write poems
  • replies: 7

Hi all, I have pretty bad depression. My only outlet is writing poems. Don’t know if it helps but I do like being creative and putting my thoughts down. Thought I’d share some of my stuff. Not very good but hope you understand it. Trees of Self Image... View more

Hi all, I have pretty bad depression. My only outlet is writing poems. Don’t know if it helps but I do like being creative and putting my thoughts down. Thought I’d share some of my stuff. Not very good but hope you understand it. Trees of Self Image A tranquil roseate forest full of life Echoing with both sound and silence You’d think a peaceful place to be Amongst all its magnetic beauty There is much we don’t quite know The constant struggle to survive The never ending chain of command The eternal and biter cycle of life Winged creatures fighting for their nest The four legged will die for their next meal Undergrowth begging For attention And of course the dignified trees Thick roots always searching the Earth Heavy limbs writhing and weaving Contorted boughs searching for the light Competing for a chance at supremacy In the silence they shed bark like tears Through the sounds they hide their fears A fate that can never be escaped They can never exist beyond just being I wonder what Judas was thinking in the forest that day.... C.K.

Hoodinny I feel so alone
  • replies: 5

Only new here an I dont even know where to begin, it feels like I'm worthless, hopeless an domt know what to do

Only new here an I dont even know where to begin, it feels like I'm worthless, hopeless an domt know what to do

rusted_through Deepened low-level depression
  • replies: 4

I've had self-diagnosed, low-level depression (dysthymia I guess) for as long as I can remember. I've never sought any treatment before as I've been able to manage mostly okay. I've had my share of potholes in the past but always come back out of it ... View more

I've had self-diagnosed, low-level depression (dysthymia I guess) for as long as I can remember. I've never sought any treatment before as I've been able to manage mostly okay. I've had my share of potholes in the past but always come back out of it again soon enough. Recently a family member brought up a long-unrequited love which was tangled up in the mess of my brother's suicide and I've been struggling. For a few weeks now I've been barely managing to hold back tears at work and crying to all the usual songs once I get home most days. I've been wondering if maybe a short course of anti-depressants might be able to get me out of this hole and back to my normal manageable level. Does anyone with expert knowledge/similar experience think anti-depressants could help me?

D Walsh Relapsing for no reason
  • replies: 5

Hi, I am back in a bit of a funk after having about three months symptom free (that is a loooong time for me!). Even though I’ve had depression for the best part of 15 years I still find every funk difficult and fear that it won’t go away this time. ... View more

Hi, I am back in a bit of a funk after having about three months symptom free (that is a loooong time for me!). Even though I’ve had depression for the best part of 15 years I still find every funk difficult and fear that it won’t go away this time. I just find it hard to accept that I have this disease as I have a lot of things going for me and I generally don’t have any major troubles in my life - just a brain that doesn’t want to function normally. I don’t really know what I am getting at with this post but just felt the need to blurt it out

Warren2103 Diagnosed with Dysthymia
  • replies: 8

Hi all, This is my second time in 5 years posting here and I guess I'm posting again for a number reasons, self therapy, feedback and well, just to get it out of me. Not sure if this is relevant but I always seem to answer these questions when fillin... View more

Hi all, This is my second time in 5 years posting here and I guess I'm posting again for a number reasons, self therapy, feedback and well, just to get it out of me. Not sure if this is relevant but I always seem to answer these questions when filling out forms - I'm a 43 yr old single gay male that lives on my own with my awesome dog, work a corporate job, have family and friends and try to maintain a social life while trying not to let the depression and anxiety get in the way. In 2015, I experienced my first panic attack which led to an acute bout of anxiety and depression. A restructure at work during this time while building a house on my own brought all the ugliness of depression and its twisted sidekick anxiety to the surface and as a result, I took a month off while I sought help. I went on antidepressants for about 12 months but didn't like them as they made me feel sort of numb. I was 'ok' for a while but recently hit a roadblock in September this year and had to take a month off work again. Work has been extremely stressful which no doubt has contributed (among other things) to triggering this latest episode. I asked my GP for a psychiatric assessment so that I could better understand my condition and ultimately myself and was diagnosed with Dysthymia. I'm currently seeing a Psychologist but not sure it's helping yet, however this Friday will be my third session so I suppose it's still early days. Lately when at home on my own I've been bursting into tears with underlying feelings of loneliness, helplessness and a complete lack of motivation and enthusiasm for life. If I had to choose the strongest feeling, I would say it is loneliness even though I have great family and friends around me. I feel very disconnected from life even though I have been making efforts to see family and friends just so that I have something to focus on as opposed to this heavy and lonely sinking feeling. I'm becoming extremely self analytical and question whether people actually enjoy my company anymore. I do not show anyone this side of me although they do know that I have anxiety and depression. I'd prefer not to rely on medication as I don't want a bandaid solution. I just want to overcome this once and for all and move on with my life so that I can just live and feel free to focus on the important things. Warren.

jacrafferty Description of Symptoms
  • replies: 1

I feel like sometimes it is hard to accurately describe symptoms/right verbiage to physicians and family/friends. I want this to be a thread where people can post their symptoms, and hopefully people can learn from each other but also feel understood... View more

I feel like sometimes it is hard to accurately describe symptoms/right verbiage to physicians and family/friends. I want this to be a thread where people can post their symptoms, and hopefully people can learn from each other but also feel understood when hard to explain symptoms match up with another. For me, I feel it is hard to describe how I feel depression affects memory/how time feels. When it is 3 or 4 in the afternoon and I think back about the morning, it feels years away. Memory feels just numb and distant so it feels like its a long time ago. Has anyone else experienced this?