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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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FireflyXX Not coping at work - HR process?
  • replies: 5

Hi, I've worked as a nurse at a public hospital for 30 Years. Struggling with treatment resistant depression the last couple of years. Motivation finally improving but not coping well at work. Have a supportive, but junior manager who has made some t... View more

Hi, I've worked as a nurse at a public hospital for 30 Years. Struggling with treatment resistant depression the last couple of years. Motivation finally improving but not coping well at work. Have a supportive, but junior manager who has made some temporary accommodations for me but management are saying to continue to do so would be unfair on the other staff and I'm supposed to be finding a position "more suitable". I applied recently for a job in a less challenging area of the hospital but was unsuccessful. A very stressful situation at work last week resulted in a worsening of my condition and I'm now taking some (more) sick leave. My question is, do I now ask for a formal HR process to assist ("manage" me)? I havent done so untill now as my psychiatrist advised strongly me against it, saying they would "F*&*k me up", deliberately put me in a position I hate in order to get rid of me. I know this does happen. His advice was to actively seek other employment myself . I'm at the point of needing (small) doses of a sedative at work to calm my thinking which really is dangerous and untenable. Taking leave has not been of any benefit work-wise and I need some more permanent changes. I am planning to see a psychologist to assist with coping strategies. What are people's experience with HR processes at work? Should I push for a more formal process? I know I'm within my rights.

Another1one2 Not sure what's wrong with me
  • replies: 3

Hi. First time on here, but really it's my last option. Two years back when I was 16, out of the blue I felt as if I just couldn't think properly anymore and felt like I had lost all emotional responses to things. Previously easy social interactions ... View more

Hi. First time on here, but really it's my last option. Two years back when I was 16, out of the blue I felt as if I just couldn't think properly anymore and felt like I had lost all emotional responses to things. Previously easy social interactions became a challange, like that natural flow of ideas and thoghts was just gone. At the same time my sleep went to crap. Like two hours of sleep every second night. waited for it to pass but it never did, I also thought it may have been that medication I was taking for my adhd had stopped working. Got my doctor to change my adhd medication but it did nothing to improve these issues. Doctor put me on antidepressants and I think I was diagnosed with depression. So far I've tried multiple different medications. None of them have done much to improve these issues. It's been 2 years now, been on 4 antidepressants, been to 3 specialist and 2 psychologists, and no one has given me a straight answer to what's causing my issues. My sleep issues have went away, but nothing else has. Either I'm crazy or they're avoiding my questions. So yeah, that's where I'm at, still don't know what's wrong with me. Thanks -Matt

Lost_and_Confused Is there a way out?
  • replies: 11

I feel so alone sometimes. So unloved and uncared for, forgotten and ignored. There is a dark fog over me.. and I cant find my way out. Talking about it just makes it worse. Will I ever get back to my normal self? Will I even get out, or will I be tr... View more

I feel so alone sometimes. So unloved and uncared for, forgotten and ignored. There is a dark fog over me.. and I cant find my way out. Talking about it just makes it worse. Will I ever get back to my normal self? Will I even get out, or will I be trapped here forever?

Unicorn_Sparkles I took the step today and went and spoke to my GP
  • replies: 4

It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It was scary, don't get me wrong, but I think it's because I've spent so long feeling like I've been judged. I know I really had nothing to worry about in the end. My doctor was amazing... View more

It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It was scary, don't get me wrong, but I think it's because I've spent so long feeling like I've been judged. I know I really had nothing to worry about in the end. My doctor was amazing We've got a plan and I'm seeing the psychologist in a couple of weeks. The first avaliable appointment that was there. I don't need to bore you all with the details, although I can if you really want to. I just wanted to share this with you all, just to let you know that if you are considering seeing your GP, please do so. Just opening up to mine felt like a whole new world . I'm nervous, but excited at what the future holds. I've spent almost my entire life putting others first, that was how I was brought up from the time I could walk and talk. I've never looked after myself. To a point I love helping and caring about other people, i guess that's why I'm taking this step. To put me first for once. I feel like I can't stress this enough, please, to everyone reading this, put yourself first. It's the best thing you can do. It's a small step,but finally I might be able to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Much love and best wishes to everyone.

AspieD New here, hello
  • replies: 7

BB linked me here from a post I replied to on Facebook. If they saw what I recently posted on my own FB page, they'd probably be alarmed. A good mate also recommended that I get help. I hope I haven't let him down. My brain has broken before - not li... View more

BB linked me here from a post I replied to on Facebook. If they saw what I recently posted on my own FB page, they'd probably be alarmed. A good mate also recommended that I get help. I hope I haven't let him down. My brain has broken before - not literally of course. See I suffer from depression, and I'm on the autism spectrum; specifically I have Aspergers. I'm also 35, single, and gay. That's quite a mixed bag of "goodies". I'm already on anti-depressant meds, and they're barely working. I've been on them since 2010. I don't know if any other medication would help. I seem fixated on having a partner sometimes. All I want is someone special to be with me until the end. But no matter how many times I try to find that someone, it never works. People say "there's someone for everyone" or "you never know what's around the corner", but I don't believe that anymore. Yet at other times, I couldn't care less if I have anyone or not. The feeling, the want, it comes and goes. I don't know what else to say. I'm honestly not sure if anyone can help. But I suppose if anyone can try to help, maybe BB can.

166 Sad and Lost Enjoyment in Life....
  • replies: 14

This is my first time posting. I have had depression on and off for many years. This year I think has been my worst. I struggle with keeping my 'sadness' under control and usually immerse myself in my work which has always helped. I like to be busy. ... View more

This is my first time posting. I have had depression on and off for many years. This year I think has been my worst. I struggle with keeping my 'sadness' under control and usually immerse myself in my work which has always helped. I like to be busy. This year though I think I have suffered 'burn out' and work has not been so enjoyable. I just don't seem to enjoy anything....work, food, friends, tv. I have confided in family and my Dr (all of whom are very supportive) but nothing seems to be 'working' for me. Just feel a bit lost and like it will never be better. I decided to let my bosses in on the fact that I thought I was doing too much and needed to not do so much.....this was a mistake and now they think I am 'not coping' and I feel like they are attaching stigma....always referring to my 'not coping'. I wish I had not said anything now as I feel like they will always think this now. I feel like I have let myself down admitting it...was it wrong to be honest? And will I get better? Advice on how to lift myself back up again when I am finding everything hard and just want to avoid life???

Mavin depression affecting my school work, feelings of fear, self doubt and self loathing
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with depression/anxiety for a long time (I am currently not seeking help for it due to financial reasons) but over the recent years, it has become a real hindrance to my school work and potential career prospects. I a... View more

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with depression/anxiety for a long time (I am currently not seeking help for it due to financial reasons) but over the recent years, it has become a real hindrance to my school work and potential career prospects. I am doing a creative arts degree that I really love; I love what I am being taught and the processes but I just cannot bring myself to complete my work or sometimes attend lectures; I feel so inadequate compared all of the other students that are producing high quality, industry-standard work yet I can barely sketch or produce work I feel is quality, so I just don't hand my work in. I then hate myself because I feel I cannot produce work to the same standards as the others and feel I don't belong there; I am also terrified of speaking to my lecturers because I feel they dislike me and think I am pathetic for constantly coming up with pathetic excuses when so many other students can cope but I can't... I am worried that because I am so awful at what I do that I won't make it in the industry I want to enter and I am becoming too old to change my career path or try something else. I hate that I can't just be like all of the other students and produce work they are happy with...I want to be motivated again and feel like I actually have a chance in this industry that I love so much. I want this fear of failure and self-doubt to disappear and to be able to function as a human being again; I have so many sleepless nights because my brain goes into overdrive and tells me I am doomed to be a jobless wannabe for the rest of my life and to just give up. It has gotten so bad that I have to sleep with headphones on and listen to music to fall asleep and keep the voices at bay. I just want to function again, I want to be proud of myself for once and feel like I can achieve something. I just don't know where to go or what to do anymore, I just want to feel normal again. Thanks for reading.

Moonshadow86 Post Natal Depression
  • replies: 2

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had PND with both my babies and still recovering. My husband and I are having troubles and I just want someone to talk to because I feel so lonely! I have zero support from family. My kids are beautiful l... View more

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had PND with both my babies and still recovering. My husband and I are having troubles and I just want someone to talk to because I feel so lonely! I have zero support from family. My kids are beautiful little people and I just want to give them the best life. I feel like there is nothing good about me and I struggle to find the energy to do anything a lot of days.

Pipppa Feeling lost, worthless, angry and depressed.
  • replies: 2

Hi, Im not sure how to start with these things.. I just want to get things off my chest to complete strangers because I feel like it’s the last resort.. Everyone I’ve talked to or tried to has dismissed everything I’ve said and how I’m feeling except... View more

Hi, Im not sure how to start with these things.. I just want to get things off my chest to complete strangers because I feel like it’s the last resort.. Everyone I’ve talked to or tried to has dismissed everything I’ve said and how I’m feeling except one person who is always far away from me to do anything to help except to listen to me cry over the phone. I’m just feeling gutted, sad but really sad like the top part of my chest / heart feels empty but the bottom feels very heavy and painful. I just see the point in life if there’s too many bad than good happening.

Tiffi Is depression affecting my career??
  • replies: 2

Hi there. I have been diagnosed with depression since 2011. Depression runs in the family. My mum has it and my brother has it. I have been on anti-depressants since 2012. My concern of lately has been my career. I have been a job hopper, with my lon... View more

Hi there. I have been diagnosed with depression since 2011. Depression runs in the family. My mum has it and my brother has it. I have been on anti-depressants since 2012. My concern of lately has been my career. I have been a job hopper, with my longest ever job being at 2 years and that was a casual position which did not require me to be on the job regularly. I find myself feeling very down and out about work. I have worked full time but have never seem to find a full time job which I have stayed in for more than 5 months. I let my work overtake my life..... Those close to me have told me that they are sick of hearing about my work and the problems that I have there. I think to myself...how can some people stay so long in their jobs and I cant? I have come to the conclusion that maybe I am not meant to be working full time. I should go back to part time or casual...30 hours a week would be enough. But even so...I think I have a problem with job hopping. I always feel that when I have a problem with a "somebody" it escalates and I end up leaving the job..."running away" rather than to be unhappy and face my problems. I have also come into some realisation that maybe it is also my depression which has affected my career. I tend to opt for lowly skilled jobs, even though I am a uni graduate....This reason being that work stress gets to much for me and causes me to go into an episode of depression. Has anyone had a similar experience in which their depression may have impacted their career/work??? How have you overcome this problem and where can I seek help? Please let me know.