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: 1

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

Unicorn_Sparkles Do you ever get the feeling that you're too caring and nice and people take advantage of that?
  • replies: 4

I've recently hit rock bottom. It was a scary experience, as I'm sure most of you know when reaching that point. I still haven't been to see someone yet, like my GP or a psychologist, as I'm still trying to work out what's best for me, in terms of tr... View more

I've recently hit rock bottom. It was a scary experience, as I'm sure most of you know when reaching that point. I still haven't been to see someone yet, like my GP or a psychologist, as I'm still trying to work out what's best for me, in terms of treatment options, so I've been doing a lot of self reflection, which has been great and really therapeutic. Anyway, one of the issues that seems to keep coming up is people are like "hey, you're my friend, i care about you blah blah blah" or "hey, i need help with something, are you free?" It's like they're telling you what you want to hear for that moment, but in reality they don't really they don't? Almost like they think a quick catchup for coffee will do, but then don't make the effort to Check in with a message, even though you've already opened up about everything, so they should know, they say they know and understand, they've been through it themselves, but don't Check in to see how you are. Or when people ask me for help with something, it's only because they know I'll drop things to go and help that person for whatever reason, because they claim I'm a friend and I consider them a friend, but in all honesty they're only really using you for their own personal gain?

Ningerie I'm finding it very hard to stop eating.
  • replies: 3

I've had a recent crash back into major depression. I have been prescribed SNRIs. It helps when I feel 'bloody' aka cranky and irritated, but not enough to keep me from eating constantly. I have gained 10kg in a month. The compulsion to eat is so str... View more

I've had a recent crash back into major depression. I have been prescribed SNRIs. It helps when I feel 'bloody' aka cranky and irritated, but not enough to keep me from eating constantly. I have gained 10kg in a month. The compulsion to eat is so strong when I am at home, so I have been trying to get out of the house as much as I can. The trouble is, when I go out, I get cranky. It's a real problem. I'm running out of clothes that fit, my food bill has gone through the roof and my body is screaming. It's not like a binge, it's an overwhelming compulsion. I have told my psychologist and my Mental Health Nurse, but they don't seem to get it. What can I do?

The_Abyss When you last truly happy?
  • replies: 43

When were you last truly happy? I came across this question while doing some self-research on a couple of therapy techniques, and it stumped me. When was I last truly happy? I'm not just talking about when did you last feel joy, do something fun, lau... View more

When were you last truly happy? I came across this question while doing some self-research on a couple of therapy techniques, and it stumped me. When was I last truly happy? I'm not just talking about when did you last feel joy, do something fun, laughed, or had a smile on your face. When were you last TRULY happy? It may just be a manifestation of this crippling disease, but I truly don't remember. So, I thought I'd throw the question out to YOU - when were YOU last truly happy?

SoundlyBlurred Endless Cycle Of Asking Why I Do Not Matter
  • replies: 5

Hello. I'm a 28 year old female who doesn't have any motivation or joy in anything I do, not even the things I love to do. I have a hard time convincing myself that I'm important enough to care about myself, but I don't. Everyday I wake up without ea... View more

Hello. I'm a 28 year old female who doesn't have any motivation or joy in anything I do, not even the things I love to do. I have a hard time convincing myself that I'm important enough to care about myself, but I don't. Everyday I wake up without eating breakfast and do the bare minimum of my morning routine before heading to work. Its so that I look normal enough to people so they don't assume I'm really broken inside. Everyone at work knows me as the Smiley, someone who is happy and friendly all the time, a ball of sunshine. The truth is I only smile to trick my brain into thinking that Im actually happy but I'm not. Each night I wonder if I could pass away in my sleep because I think maybe it would be the only way I feel happy. Is there something wrong with me that I feel happiness is some kind of short-lived illusion? I suppose I have some underlying issues to address, but I don't even know what they are. I really don't have many friends because its hard for me to relate to anyone. It feels lonely despite not being alone around people. I hope I can find some understandings as to why I feel this way, and why others like me feel the way they do.

MyLadyGirl Feeling depressed due to different thinking
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone, I just want to express my slight depression that I am facing with my partner. My partner is a lovely and kind person that makes me happy and laugh most of the time. He does thing silly just to make me smile. He have been through a lot... View more

Hello everyone, I just want to express my slight depression that I am facing with my partner. My partner is a lovely and kind person that makes me happy and laugh most of the time. He does thing silly just to make me smile. He have been through a lot from his pass and he want to help people that he knows not to be down. We are from different background and beliefs. But the problem is not that. He has been texting two friends (women). I am glad that he confessed that he was doing it and they have been his friends for a long time. They have problems with relationship, and he tries to lift them up by saying beautiful thigs just to lift their spirit up. Basically my partner tells me everything which I am happy and honour that he does. The problem is ME. Because I am from a different country and different background where I find it hard for a person that I love texting another person for a good cause. I know I should not feel upset or depress but sometimes I do feel sad and upset where negative thought disturbed me thinking that he is having an affair or cheating me where he assures me it’s not. I am happy that he is helping others that have problem with their relationship where he wants to build their self confidence back and let them think that there are people out there that are great and can be loved again. Saying that because of that fear, I kept asking him question about if he is cheating and what they text and etc even though I know what’s happening. I also told him that I am too old for dramas and relationship that involve cheating. Additional to that, he told me numerous times where I kept asking him (probably in a same manner which he said) the same question over and over again and he hates to repeat them until we argue. Now we don’t talk too much and I feel lonely even though we stay together. He even says that I don’t want to learn about his culture where I always give an excuse and want to follow my way only without compromising and seeing his point of view which I should in order to sustain the relationship. I know you all would probably say the same things as I should trust him, Give it a chance on knowing things, not to thinks like wise and etc which I am in that state of mind as I have pass that stage and grew to know what I should or should not do as I don’t feed to my negative thoughts. I help relating to me as individual.

MikaP37 What should I do?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m not really sure how this works but I figured I need to talk about it. My problems seem to be a mix of anxiety and depression and I wasn't really sure where to post it but I think here will do. My problems aren’t as bad as others. But someone ... View more

Hi, I’m not really sure how this works but I figured I need to talk about it. My problems seem to be a mix of anxiety and depression and I wasn't really sure where to post it but I think here will do. My problems aren’t as bad as others. But someone said to me the other day, your pain is not diminished by the pain of others. I’ve found myself getting really down lately. I’ve had cold symptoms for the past 3 months constantly. I googled it last night and it said it could be stress related. A few weeks ago I realised that I felt as though if I went to sleep and didn’t wake up, I wouldn’t mind. I told my partner and he didn’t know what to say. I feel as though my parents don’t care about me. Whenever I’ve challenges in my life, they don’t seem to notice or care. A few years ago, I went to a work dinner. It didn’t go so well because I was getting a bit anxious. I told my mother when I got home and her response was, ‘Well, that’s your own fault.’ I was already hesitant to tell her stuff before that but ever since then even more. I see and hear other parents worrying about their kids and think, ‘Why can’t my parents be like that?’ I didn’t ask for them to be my parents. I feel as though I struggle to make friends with people I connect with. A few times I’ve found friendships that I feel guilted into or the other person doesn’t have friends so they desperately try to make me their best buddy. I’ve been at uni in hopes of getting another job. I’ve studied to be a teacher. I’m currently a relief teacher. The work is either feast or famine and in times of famine I get really anxious about money. On days I don’t get offered work, I struggle not to see it as a personal reflection on myself. I’ve studied at uni for 6 years now and can’t find steady work. I feel as though I’m high-functioning because when I’m in a routine and busy, life is good. When things are lullish and my finances aren’t organised and I don’t feel cared for, I get down. A few years ago I tried to get into the police force and nearly got there. I’d like to try again. But am worried my current mental health state will let me down. I’m also worried about seeking help because I have to declare it in application if I try again. I guess I’m looking for advice in all of these areas.

Ryan_C New and Seeking Advice
  • replies: 4

I’m not diagnosed with anything or on any medication. Hi, for the last few years I’ve suffered only what I can describe as depressive episodes, and other emotional mood swings. There seems to be very little that prompts these, as I can be with friend... View more

I’m not diagnosed with anything or on any medication. Hi, for the last few years I’ve suffered only what I can describe as depressive episodes, and other emotional mood swings. There seems to be very little that prompts these, as I can be with friends and enjoying myself one moment and then the next suicidal, I’m aware the whole time that nothing is wrong or should be but I am reduced to near tears. I rarely act on these impulses, and there’s enough of a period between them where I question if there’s anything actually wrong. Mostly I am also struck by a great deal of lethargy and try to stay asleep as long as I can, and a lot of the things I once enjoyed no longer hold any interest to me. It feels like the luster has gone out of life and I’m only existing out of obligation. Though, I do not feel I am in any immediate danger to myself, I have made attempts in the past and it is a daily thought or consideration, and I find thoughts such as “kill yourself”, “go die” come unprompted and even to the point I sometimes verbalise them without thinking. I will be taking steps to see a GP and work on my mental health plan, it's just all a little confusing and I feel lost in it.

Mejo Never thought I would be doing this.
  • replies: 1

Hi, I don't even know what to say...I'm an international student in melbourne (almost 2 years), for the first time in my life I need support and need to talk. I was wondering if there is any support group you know of...I'm sorry if this is not the ap... View more

Hi, I don't even know what to say...I'm an international student in melbourne (almost 2 years), for the first time in my life I need support and need to talk. I was wondering if there is any support group you know of...I'm sorry if this is not the appropiate thread or forum I'm new to this. Thanks

Not_today How do I tell my boyfriend? Also Uni and depression
  • replies: 4

So I've told my partner that I have depression from the start of our relationship 2 and half years ago. Although it's been so bad lately I've been crying everyday and not wanting to get out of bed. Although when I do see him a couple times a week I'm... View more

So I've told my partner that I have depression from the start of our relationship 2 and half years ago. Although it's been so bad lately I've been crying everyday and not wanting to get out of bed. Although when I do see him a couple times a week I'm happy and it feels like I'm hiding it all unintentionally. Like I feel my whole world crumbling apart but to him I must look fine. I feel like I need to say something but I don't know how. Like hey I'm really depressed! Wooo and then I ball my eyes out and hell just be sad. Like what does that achieve is it better just keeping it as it is? I don't know how to be depressed and not bring people down with me that are around me. How should I go about this without being a burden? Also for anyone out there doing university how do you deal with uni and depression literally can't cope anymore. I'm in my 3rd year about to graduate yet I can't cope I'm having mental breakdowns and am so depressed. But the idea of stopping just makes me feel like a failure and letting everyone down. Ive made it through the whole semester just have to pass the exams but I just don't even know if I can do that. Help

Lambofsam Feels like depression is my comfort zone
  • replies: 1

This is extremely difficult for me to talk about, as it always is when I even try to talk about my depression and anxiety. I'm 26 year old male who worries about eveything, was in a long relationship about to get married, and she ended it (which was ... View more

This is extremely difficult for me to talk about, as it always is when I even try to talk about my depression and anxiety. I'm 26 year old male who worries about eveything, was in a long relationship about to get married, and she ended it (which was the best thing for both of us, but lonlyness is a hell of a thing), everytime I get close to being a little happier I screw it up for myself,still hung up on my father's deaths when I was 17. . I quit my dream job out of fear of time off due to endless hours of wanting to end it, pretty much every day and I had to put on a face of basic maleness as just pretend shit was good. It got to the point where I just couldn't do it anymore so I left. I have tried to hold 2 jobs since then but all I seem to do is struggle getting out of bed and have to try and get through it. I'm on my third job now which I actually enjoy, everyone is nice and I enjoy the work. But I have had time off and I'm so early into the job again. I'm back on my medication on a high dose which has messed me up big time. Headaches, feeling worthless, the usual? Today I had to take another day off because I had a massive panic attack before I was about to leave and just felt off, feeling numb and just not myself today. I don't know what to do, I'm probabaly going to lose my job in the end I think. Honestly it feels ever since everything that's happened, I try and I try but it never gets better, it always just goes back to shit. I don't know what to do anymore. If you read this thank you.