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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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Banksia17 Bipolar - struggles with changing meds and being able to work
  • replies: 4

Hi, this is my first post. I'm feeling terribly lonely about my condition. I have a supportive partner and family who always try their best, but it's so relentless struggling with bipolar symptoms and treatment. My current problem is how to be 'norma... View more

Hi, this is my first post. I'm feeling terribly lonely about my condition. I have a supportive partner and family who always try their best, but it's so relentless struggling with bipolar symptoms and treatment. My current problem is how to be 'normal' while going through major drug changes. I am so tired I can't get out of bed in the morning. I've got shakes, zaps and tearfulness. It's so hard to go to work. I have just lied and said i have had gastro for two weeks! That makes me ashamed. Does anyone have tips on how to better manage drug changes? Thank you for any help you can give. Xx

Lost not found I don’t know what to do
  • replies: 4

So I’m kind of new to this but I’ll try my best. for the past 2 years I’ve been feeling really depressed, obviously not all the time but more than I would like aha. Last year I was in a really bad place to where I needed counselling, but I didn’t rea... View more

So I’m kind of new to this but I’ll try my best. for the past 2 years I’ve been feeling really depressed, obviously not all the time but more than I would like aha. Last year I was in a really bad place to where I needed counselling, but I didn’t really like being there so I just acted fine and I was fine, for a few months until I started feeling depressed again and I’ve felt this way ever since. I don’t want to feel like this, it ruins my days and I just feel tired all the time. I think I should see someone to try and get medication but whenever I try and go see someone I get really anxiety and I can’t go into the hospital, it’s almost like a panic attack. I also don’t want to tell me parents that I’m back in that state because they were so hurt last year, I don’t want to put them through anything like that again, so I’m trying to do it by myself. My friends don’t know about it, but I’m thinking about telling them instead of my parents. Since I’m 18 it should be fine to get the medication by myself right? anyway I’m just kinda asking what I should do, kinda lost at the moment and I’m looking for help

Djordat Have lost hope, life is wasted on me, do not try, anymore. Only darkness and fear.
  • replies: 3

Have been lost for so long it is now a comfort to stay here. Do not want my life, and am of no use. I tried so hard. And now I am done with it. Have spoken to no one since last here. So, one last try. Djordat.

Have been lost for so long it is now a comfort to stay here. Do not want my life, and am of no use. I tried so hard. And now I am done with it. Have spoken to no one since last here. So, one last try. Djordat.

white knight Depression- how to survive it
  • replies: 4

Survival, what an ultimatum of a word. But in my 63 years I have survived and gone further, how to remain strong and healthy while enduring depression. Treatment. Yes, you might be doing the best you can- consider returning to your GP to tweek those ... View more

Survival, what an ultimatum of a word. But in my 63 years I have survived and gone further, how to remain strong and healthy while enduring depression. Treatment. Yes, you might be doing the best you can- consider returning to your GP to tweek those meds, a care plan to talk things over with a professional and so on. Stability. IMO the most delicate area of maintaining stability is other people be it there negative influence or our own problems like intolerance or intrusive thoughts that we tend to end up paranoid about. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/relationship-and-family-issues/fortress-of-survival Environment. Uprooting your family to move to a strange place isnt good for stability but if done wisely that improves your standard of living, it can be life changing that could minimalise moods and depressive episodes. Hobbies and sports. A passion has to come from within, no one can advise you which passion to choose, but if you were to find one then this is a major distraction to your illness. Talking endlessly about our illness often leads to counter productivity. Distraction and keeping busy is good keeping your mind occupied. Conflict resolution. We tend to argue more than others as we are not well. Find strategies that work for both of you to resolve. Consult relationship counseling. Here is one idea- https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/relationship-and-family-issues/relationship-strife-the-peace-pipe#qmy1OnHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A Acceptance. Easy to say. We are who we are. Our depression is as part of us as our limbs. It is unlikely to go on a planned holiday. Better to accept it with its ups and downs and be more at peace. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/accepting-yourself-the-frog-and-the-scorpion#qi1Wu3HzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A Relaxation. Includes holidays, even one night away with a campfire looking at stars can rejuvenate you and kids love it. Consider a camping unit like a camper trailer or start with a tent Expectations. Please dont expect others to understand your illness. That's what this forum is for, to share your problems. Care for your carer Inner peace. By far in the last 30 years my development personally has been invaluable in the form of spirituality (non religion). To appreciate what I have not what I dont. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/meditation---words-of-wisdom---it-helped-me-for-25-years#qe4ivHHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A TonyWK

FreedomCat The struggle is real
  • replies: 5

Been struggling with depression for over 10 years It was worsened last year with the passing of my sister. Now my family are all fake and drive me insane. I quit my stable job because other lazy people weren’t pulling their weight and I was doing mor... View more

Been struggling with depression for over 10 years It was worsened last year with the passing of my sister. Now my family are all fake and drive me insane. I quit my stable job because other lazy people weren’t pulling their weight and I was doing more I’ve started a new job that sounded promising but it turns out it’s just a total slog (physically intense, no opportunity to use my knowledge and experience in the field which I thought I could) More often than not I would just rather be dead. Suicide isn’t an option because that would be slack to my fiance Im a poor partner in my relationship because I’m often angry, upset, numb, accusing or jealous. We have been together for almost ten years but now there is no intimacy. Nothing seems to go right, can’t be happy. Just don’t know what to do anymore Have organised a free counselling session/meeting with Beyond Blues assistance program but only available dates are during work. Also organised a mental health plan with my GP to arrange free counselling but I haven’t heard from them. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I give up.

Djordat Alone, forgotten, saddend, no self respect, no motivation, totally disillusioned, outcast???
  • replies: 47

Hi, not sure whether this is the right thing to do? I have no one else to speak with, about how things are with my position. I know I have allowed things in my life to way me down, to the point where, I can not seem to see the way out. Some days are ... View more

Hi, not sure whether this is the right thing to do? I have no one else to speak with, about how things are with my position. I know I have allowed things in my life to way me down, to the point where, I can not seem to see the way out. Some days are better than others, I find great solace, in the animals in my life, of which are many, mostly wild. I seem to feel great empathy and sadness for the hopelessness, I see in all things around me, and take it on board. I try to help others of all species, and cant help myself. Once, I was the most trusting of all that I met, and gave of everything I could freely and honestly, only to be tossed aside each time. And still, I leave myself open to the users and the self indulged, blinded to there indifference, I accept there words and smooth ways. It's in disbelief, and distrusting suspicion that I thrive now, detached and isolated from all but nature, in that I trust. It's very hard to describe the way of things, but in this way I remain distant and detached, where it's safe. I still have to endure dramas and problems in my life due to commitments and responsibility's every day. I hide well my ashamed self, and put up a good front to all those I deal with every day, at arms length. A social life I have none, interacting with others closely none, alone in mind, alone in body, alone in spirit. Have recently been accumulating my rubbish around me on display, so as to remind me what I am. Sorry to burden any who read this with my silliness, but would like any comments, may be out of all the self analysis, other views and opinions or experiences may help me turn around this endlessness. I know I have much more to give in many ways, but cant get the pointlessness out of me!! With much respect and a kind heart, Thank You.

Devilmandan Lonely
  • replies: 1

Hey, I'm new on here but wanted to let people know what I'm going Through. I have just recently moved out of the family home to work On my mental health, and now it has created an even bigger Separation between me and my wife. It just feels like ever... View more

Hey, I'm new on here but wanted to let people know what I'm going Through. I have just recently moved out of the family home to work On my mental health, and now it has created an even bigger Separation between me and my wife. It just feels like everything I Do or say to her at the moment sets her off. I know I haven't been Very pleasant to live with at times but I am trying to deal with it This time and it's been hard. Will she forgive me down the track If I give her space or am I destend to be lonely. I do have two beautiful Teenage kids and they are very understanding of what's going on. They also can't understand why there mum is being this way either But I just tell them, she is scared and worried about me, Am I wrong?

Dan145 In the pits again
  • replies: 1

I'm new to posting here about my experiences, but this is my fourth or fifth year living with depression? (I think) It's been a pretty steady decline these past few years; to the point where these changes have been so gradual, that these avoidant/anx... View more

I'm new to posting here about my experiences, but this is my fourth or fifth year living with depression? (I think) It's been a pretty steady decline these past few years; to the point where these changes have been so gradual, that these avoidant/anxiety relieving behaviours (declining social things, social anxiety, over eating,(not good food either), over sleeping, over thinking, drinking (not too much, but drinking to get drunk nonetheless), have crept their way in so silently, that I feel like a 'new me' has come to exist. And now, its like one small part of me thinks 'hang on, what has just happened' (kind of like a house party that has gone of for 4 years straight, and you're now starting to notice the unsavoury types that have made their way in to your house). I've very strategically (and cleverly might I add) constructed a social circle around me that doesn't exist, so I don't have to endure socialising and enjoying things. This in turn develops deep anxiety within me, as i'm becoming increasingly aware of this passage of time that is quickly being filled with my inaction to do things I enjoy, seeing people I want to see, sustaining relationships in general. It truly has reached a point where me sitting around all day, watching videos and movies on the internet mindlessly as I quietly acknowledge the fact about how im wasting my life away in a digital world of never-ending entertainment and getting my dopamine hit, rather than facing my problems, has become my life (PS: if anyone has any good tips of overcoming YouTube/movie/internet addiction, because my impulsiveness tells me it is an addiction, I would really appreciate that) The fact that I have recently decided to quit my job as a primary school teacher without any idea of other things I want to do is also snowballing things right now. Teaching is something I love, but it feels that my nervous system is so shot that I cant even concentrate sufficiently, which is a must with school kids. My mind is clouded, I'm stressed about income, the fact that im cloudy about thinking about what I want to do flares up anxiety, which makes me clouded with anxiety rather than coming up with solutions (feedback loop from hell, if anyone has read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, great book ). I feel a general hum of confusion and career misdirection. I guess im just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar spot that I am right now, and if anyone could help a fellow struggler out, cause I am struggling.

Steve_San Seeking Advice/Help
  • replies: 1

Hi All I am seeking advice to deal with depression from this thread. The story goes I am currently seeing this girl for over two months now, I think she likes me but when I trying to ask about her feelings, the answer was uncertain. Only until very r... View more

Hi All I am seeking advice to deal with depression from this thread. The story goes I am currently seeing this girl for over two months now, I think she likes me but when I trying to ask about her feelings, the answer was uncertain. Only until very recently I found that she has been depressed for a while, I don't think it a major depression, but she doesn't feel attracted to anyone at moment and she wasn't at her best/her prefer states. Of course, I want to continue seeing her, even though we rarely have physical contact (I mean holding hands). I also want to help her get out of depression regardless of the outcome whether we will continue dating or not. Because I have little or no experience in dealing with depression in my life, I am here seeking valuable advice from the community. What should I do in this situation? She refused to go out (I mean like meeting other people), she told me she is having difficult thoughts like low self-esteem, stressed, and life in general. Please, if you have experience in how to help a depressed person or you been through the same state, leave your advice/recommendation. Thank you Steve

Kamilley Struggling
  • replies: 1

I’m new and haven’t really spoken to anyone about my anxiety/depression. I was diagnosed with PTSD/PND when my first child was born 9 years ago and after a short period on medication I came off it and tried to manage on my own. 9 years and 3 kids lat... View more

I’m new and haven’t really spoken to anyone about my anxiety/depression. I was diagnosed with PTSD/PND when my first child was born 9 years ago and after a short period on medication I came off it and tried to manage on my own. 9 years and 3 kids later and I am a total wreck. I’m an overthinker, have regular panic attacks that come out of the blue and alternate between angry/overly happy and super down very quickly. My kids deserve a happy, fun mum who takes them out places rather than a mum who panics if our routine isn’t followed or we are out the house too long. I have periods of time where I am totally numb to everything, like I have passed the panic stage and have just given up on everything. Social interaction at the moment is just in the too hard basket and I don’t have the energy to think about getting help. I would be happy just to crawl into a hole and not come out. and that’s me. I feel a bit better writing it as I don’t have anyone in my life that cares. Thanks for reading