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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 discussions in this section of the Forums have 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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inapoloriodpicture i cant cope with school
  • replies: 4

so i’ve just started year 11- like, JUST started. it’s my third week back and i already feel like i’m drowning. i cant go one day without completely breaking down because i just can’t deal with it. i used to love school, but now i just feel so nervou... View more

so i’ve just started year 11- like, JUST started. it’s my third week back and i already feel like i’m drowning. i cant go one day without completely breaking down because i just can’t deal with it. i used to love school, but now i just feel so nervous there and i don’t have anyone that i can talk to. i feel alone around people i used to be close with, and i have no friends now because i just keep isolating myself. i haven’t been to a councillor because i can’t bring it upon myself to speak up when i’m struggling and ask for help. i was suspended last year because the school didn’t think i was in the right headspace to come back until i had seen a psychiatrist, but i only ever went to a doctor who referred me to someone- who i never went to. i’m just in a really bad place, i’ve already missed three days of school and will probably skip more. i don’t know what to do anymore, i already have so much homework but all i can do when i get home is sleep, cry, stare into nothing then wonder where all the time went. when i try to do homework i procrastinate- then get into trouble for not doing homework. i’ve lost all interest, even in the subjects that i was so keen to do. i constantly wish that i moved schools and beat myself up for not knowing how to ask for help. everything just feels so difficult and i don’t know how i’m going to get through two more years of this.

Caro1107 Struggling
  • replies: 2

Hi All, I recently moved to Australia from NZ and am finding it really hard here. I’m stressed about money, angry and tired all the time. I cry if anything at all goes wrong in my day. This is not normal behaviour for me. I’m struggling to get into a... View more

Hi All, I recently moved to Australia from NZ and am finding it really hard here. I’m stressed about money, angry and tired all the time. I cry if anything at all goes wrong in my day. This is not normal behaviour for me. I’m struggling to get into a good exercise and eating routine. anyone in the same boat?

SilverLight Really struggling
  • replies: 2

Over the last 5 months Ive been through absolute hell. I found out on the 8th of October that I had fallen pregnant with a very much wanted and planned baby. A week later I had a bleed along with high fevers that we were told there was a hematoma (tu... View more

Over the last 5 months Ive been through absolute hell. I found out on the 8th of October that I had fallen pregnant with a very much wanted and planned baby. A week later I had a bleed along with high fevers that we were told there was a hematoma (tumour/clot) next to the baby. Three days later I was in emergency surgery for appendicitis. It then turned out my appendix was full of cancer. I had to have a major bowel reconstruction surgery while 12 weeks pregnant. After my operation my lower body shut down and I went into the shock and was uncontrollably vomitting to the point the hospital couldn't help me. On top of all of this I have Hypermesis Gravidarum. Im so freaking depressed and I am struggling to continue wanting this baby. I try to tell me family that there are so many days that I can't get off the couch and they just tell me to pull myself together and get on with it. I've got a toddler to care for as well and most days I barely have the energy to take proper care of him never mind the whole house and hubby too. It's no bloody wonder so many people just give up I've got a psychology appointment tomorrow with my birthing hospital and I'm so bloody desperate for it to help

lifeisbutadream Worried about my ex-boyfriend
  • replies: 7

Hi guys, About 2 months ago my ex and I broke up. At the time, he said that his mental health was not in the best shape and he needed time to work on himself. He suffers from clinical depression, at the time of the end of our relationship he was very... View more

Hi guys, About 2 months ago my ex and I broke up. At the time, he said that his mental health was not in the best shape and he needed time to work on himself. He suffers from clinical depression, at the time of the end of our relationship he was very closed off and wasn't really talking to me about what was going on. The main driver of our breakup was this and long distance. I don't know if he was taking his medication. The breakup has been immensely hard on me, and my own mental health has been struggling too. Since the breakup, I tried to reach out to him a few times but he ignored or left me on read for everything I said, so I figured it would be best if I stopped. He hasn't said anything to me since the breakup, the last time I tried to speak to him was 2 weeks ago. I noticed today that he has deleted his Facebook, I'm a bit worried that he could be going through something and feeling alone/ struggling, especially given the context of our last conversation, I don't know what I can do to help seeing as he's made it clear (through his silence) that he probably doesn't want anything to do with me, but I feel awful about the prospect of him suffering through something alone and feeling like noone cares for him. What can I do if I'm worried about him? I don't want my presence in his life to upset him anymore, and I don't know if my own mental health could cope with another rejection right now. Maybe he deleted his FB for a totally unrelated reason but I just have a bad feeling. Thank you for reading

Lunexy I'm fearful of death and its taken over my life...
  • replies: 3

Hi I'm new here. I wasn't sure whether to post this in the anxiety or depression section because I'm not sure what to think of what I'm going through. Ive been struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts since 2013 when I was in highschoo... View more

Hi I'm new here. I wasn't sure whether to post this in the anxiety or depression section because I'm not sure what to think of what I'm going through. Ive been struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts since 2013 when I was in highschool. Back tjen it was health anxiety that was quite bad but I got through it. I'm a 21 year old girl now. I would have issues coming and going with my mental health since I graduated high school in 2016 but I could cope with everything. But at the start ot this year I relapsed hard with anxiety and depression. Now for the past week seemingly out of nowhere I've just sunken to what feels like the lowest point Ive ever been at. I'm not sure what triggered this thought pattern but for nearly a week now (feels like an eternity) I can't stop obsessing over death. I keep playing over and over in my head the fact that I will die one day and theres nothing I can do about it. Its the thought of me no longer existing which is really getting me panicking and also the worst depression I have ever felt. I feel like this is just who I am now. I can't imagine breaking this cycle and stopping thinking about my own mortality.. my brain turns everything into my eventual death. I'm at the point where I've basically lost all motivation to do anything. All I want to do is sit and cry all day because I'm going to die one day. I feel nausea constantly and I've lost most of my motivation to even take care of myself. Is there a way out of this? How do I stop fearing and being depressed over my eventual demise? As far as I'm aware I dont have any diseases currently that will shorten my lifespan but this doesnt ease my mind at all...

Jwp I need a hobby!
  • replies: 3

Hi guys. First time poster, long time sufferer of depression and anxiety (10 years). I find myself lost. I'm about to turn 38 and due to injuries and a body that it aging at a very fast rate, I no longer have the ability to do the things I love. So, ... View more

Hi guys. First time poster, long time sufferer of depression and anxiety (10 years). I find myself lost. I'm about to turn 38 and due to injuries and a body that it aging at a very fast rate, I no longer have the ability to do the things I love. So, I've lost my "escape" or my "happy place" I have played rugby league my whole life, finally gave it away at 36. That was winter sorted. For summer, it was water skiing/wakeboarding. My wife and I recently packed up our lives and moved from Canberra to Toowoomba, so not knowing anyone up here and the costs of owning a ski boat, we sold the boat 12 months ago. Due to shortage of money, I have found it very difficult to find "something to do". My wife owns 2 horses, so she has her happy place. I enjoy camping, but it's not something I'm able to do all the time (work some Saturdays, chores at home, lack of money). Getting old sucks! My question is to people that have played/enjoyed sport their whole lives, what did you do when the sport stopped??? I've tried photography. Which I enjoy, but it's not overly fun/exciting. I used to be good at going out and meeting people, but my anxiety has put a stop to that. Any help/feedback/suggestions woukd be very much appreciated!!

goldilocks WHAT DOES THIS EVEN MEAN?
  • replies: 20

He's got an intervention order against me but says to me: "I have always liked you but I have kept it from you." Why is he playing games with me?

He's got an intervention order against me but says to me: "I have always liked you but I have kept it from you." Why is he playing games with me?

Hermione I feel like a waste of space
  • replies: 7

I haven't spoken to anyone about this. I'm not sure where to start. So my college finals are in a month & I can't get myself to study. I've been staying at home for the past 20 days but I hardly study. I either do stuff that lets me ignore my real li... View more

I haven't spoken to anyone about this. I'm not sure where to start. So my college finals are in a month & I can't get myself to study. I've been staying at home for the past 20 days but I hardly study. I either do stuff that lets me ignore my real life like movies, YouTube & music or do nothing (literally I can sit on my bed for 4 hours and stare at the wall). I keep telling myself to go study but that just can't even move and open the book. All of a sudden I breakdown and start sobbing. I start thinking about everything wrong with my life and that can go wrong if i continue to be like this. But I can't motivate myself (may be I'm not trying hard I don't know). I sleep at 3 am and get up at 10 am. I've been lying to my parents that I'm studying all night when I just lay in bed all night doing nothing or crying. In the first year of college I wasted a lot of time and ended up getting through a minimal percentage. Since then I've been like this. I was one of the top students in class till 12th grade. I don't know what happened when I entered college. Now I feel like I'm not as smart as I once was. I used to love studying alone. But nowadays I can't think straight when I' m alone. So I study with my friends sometimes. Only then I can be productive. I feel so guilty that I'm wasting my parents money. Sometimes when I'm driving I wish something would come and hit me so I don't have to deal with this anymore. All of a sudden I get happy and positive out of nowhere and I'll start studying... then 15 min into it negative thoughts set in. And I just leave everything (I don't even bother to close the book) and sit or sleep on my bed and listen to music or browse the internet or sleep or cry. Then I get physically incapable of moving out of my bed, I just stare at the books making mental study plans which I never accomplish (I don't even get close and change the plan the following day). I'm so angry at myself and everyone that I get angry at my parents for no good reason. If they ask me, I say I'm ok. I feel really guilty. I'm the worst daughter ever and don't deserve anything they do for me. They are such nice people. They probably would be better off without me. I'm a disappointment and shame to my parents. I'm a loser. I'm not the kind of person who would physically hurt myself. If I am, may be I probably would have done something of that sort by now. Deep inside I still have hope that 'everything will be ok". I want to be normal and happy I' m so lostbeyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

Mockturtle Tired, nervous and highly sensitive
  • replies: 2

Hi there, This is the first time i've done this, so i'm a little new to this! I think i've always been this way; melancholy, quiet, easily distracted, vague but cheerful. I'm happy when i'm making things. But i distinctly remember these feelings, my ... View more

Hi there, This is the first time i've done this, so i'm a little new to this! I think i've always been this way; melancholy, quiet, easily distracted, vague but cheerful. I'm happy when i'm making things. But i distinctly remember these feelings, my extreme sensitivity and shyness, coming out when i hit puberty. My tears come with no warning, and have been for years, and can be quite inconsolable. My lack of drive to speak to my friends and my family coupled with a strange tiredness is exhausting. The worst part is that i'm scared this is going to be the rest of my life, just like holding my breath. At the age of 23, I'm wasting what should be happy, careless and fulfilling years. Thanks for reading

Yassie That alone feeling
  • replies: 2

This is my story... My ex partner decided to end the relationship a week before Xmas without any explanation. We were meant to be getting married & starting a family this year. My dreams were taken away from me.. I have no family in the city I’m curr... View more

This is my story... My ex partner decided to end the relationship a week before Xmas without any explanation. We were meant to be getting married & starting a family this year. My dreams were taken away from me.. I have no family in the city I’m currently living in which makes me feel even more alone. I don’t sleep or eat well. I have started seeing a therapist but I just struggle to open up. How to move on ??