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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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Sujema Skepticism and lack of support from family.
  • replies: 2

I have lived with Major Depression, (unresponsive to medication), also Anxiety for over 10 years. I have found that the lack of understanding, their skepticism about my diagnosis and lack of support from my daughters causes further grief. I would lik... View more

I have lived with Major Depression, (unresponsive to medication), also Anxiety for over 10 years. I have found that the lack of understanding, their skepticism about my diagnosis and lack of support from my daughters causes further grief. I would like to know if others have experienced the same?

schwangberry I dont understand my situation and appreciate any help
  • replies: 4

Hi All, This is the first time i've done somethingl ike this, i believe i am depressed and possibly severely for a few years. It's gotten pretty bad the last few months and started after i lost my two grandparents with whom i was pretty close with an... View more

Hi All, This is the first time i've done somethingl ike this, i believe i am depressed and possibly severely for a few years. It's gotten pretty bad the last few months and started after i lost my two grandparents with whom i was pretty close with and lived with them for a year last year, anyways i took a few days off work just cause i was a bit upset, and those few days turned into what is now nearly three months, where i've only gone back 4-5 days in total. I just stay in my room and dont leave the house, i sleep alot nearly 10-12 hours a day and get nervous at the thought of going out and seeing people, im afraid to tell people how im feeling because i feel like they wont understand or just tell me im dumb and to get over it, i feel like a burden, my parents dont know any of this, they dont know im not going to work, my dad would just laugh at me, i told my mum today that i'm going to a GP tonight to speak about a mental health care plan as someone suggested Anti Depressants might be a good place to start. My boss at work called me last week to chat and he was pretty supportive which suprised me, told me to come in the next day and we can chat and said to not feel pressured to stay the whole day at work, i ended up making an excuse as i always do the next morning and ignored his calls the following day (This was just last week) I received an email from HR today about a formal absent meeting which will cover all my days i've had off and not being in contact with any of them, i think communication on my end is a big issue as i just feel like they dont believe me and think im lying. I'm constantly down, i feel lonely and im pretty overweight, i comfort eat alot and have been doing that for years. I think the weight plays a big part in how im feeling, but usually it doesnt bother me as people aren't too much of an asshole these days. Basically the thought of going to work scares me, i feel like everyone will talk about me, look at me and just laugh. Im behind in rent/debts and have absolutely no money, my housemate stresses me out to no end and i dont feel comfortable, i feel cold most of the time and my body shakes regularly, i apologise if this thread is all over the place i dont really know how to explain everything in order.. I was just wondering if anyone is experiencing the same kind of thing and knows a way around it? I feel like im going to lose my job and get kicked out, i cant bring myself to return. I feel like the world hates me

stace11 Nighttime sadness
  • replies: 2

Hello! I just want to know how other people handle the same situation as me. I can only assume it’s depression... over the past I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety & PTSD. Generally it’s the anxiety and ptsd that tend to run my life, not s... View more

Hello! I just want to know how other people handle the same situation as me. I can only assume it’s depression... over the past I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety & PTSD. Generally it’s the anxiety and ptsd that tend to run my life, not so much the depression. Lately at night things have been different. After a long day at work, dealing with children, cleaning etc etc etc. My husband will leave for work (he works nights), I get myself all sorted, finally after a full day of everything, I sit on the couch or on the bed. And I just feel this overwhelming wave of sadness. Nothing causes it, nothing triggers the feeling. I just sit down and feel sad. I’m not thinking of anything and the sadness doesn’t make me think of anything specific either. Just feel sadness, watch a sad movie and cry by myself type sad. I have felt things before in the past but this sadness just feels different, it’s just so...... lonely, sadness, like someone has died. Why is this only happening now? Depression has never been the major disorder in my mental health. Why is it such a different sadness to the usual? Why at night? what can I do?? I just feel so sad?

sokunn Feeling depressed
  • replies: 2

Hi i feel depressed because i cant get a girl friend. I also worry about money a bit

Hi i feel depressed because i cant get a girl friend. I also worry about money a bit

OptimisticQuail Motivation depleted, sadness exhaustive
  • replies: 20

Hello All. First time poster. It's great to see that I'm obviously not alone which I knew. Over the last month I have felt down and sad for reasons I really can't seem to understand. At times I sit there and tears are about to flow but I stop myself.... View more

Hello All. First time poster. It's great to see that I'm obviously not alone which I knew. Over the last month I have felt down and sad for reasons I really can't seem to understand. At times I sit there and tears are about to flow but I stop myself. I know it not weak, but I feel lost. I have a great job (albeit demanding), a great family and other extra-curricula activities (coach of footy and cricket teams). Recently, as stated above I have no motivation to get up each morning, my productivity at work is rapidly decreasing, I dont seem to care as much for my work. I also have no general motivation for extra-curricula activities including maintaining my lawn which I used to love doing. I have seen a psychologist once after a referral from my G.P but it was only a 'meet and greet as such. I want to lock myself up in my room and keep away from people. I start things but have no desire to complete them (can't believe I am forcing myself to do this). I know I need to address this concern but I feel ultra guilty to be absent from my workers and my family at times to get myself better. I sit here, typing this thinking of the next thing I have to do and already this is making me sad. I'm lost. I'm not really asking questions as such but I would love to understand what could come next for me with some insight from others who may have been in this situation. I am not sure I will act on it though. I want to get better but I dont know if I want to act upon it (if that makes sense). Thanks for reading. Ahhhhh.

Ggrand When your left to live all alone...with mh..
  • replies: 4

Hello Everyone.. It’s been 6 yrs since my hubby passed away..even more since my sons flew the coop...and I’m still struggling to motivate myself to do anything..Maybe because it’s just me here and doing things for me is something I’ve never really do... View more

Hello Everyone.. It’s been 6 yrs since my hubby passed away..even more since my sons flew the coop...and I’m still struggling to motivate myself to do anything..Maybe because it’s just me here and doing things for me is something I’ve never really done before....I was always looking after other people...and their needs.. Living alone with depression/anxiety and C-PTSD....really does overwhelm me at times...and the constant battle of trying to get out of the dark place on my own..can bring on non stop crying....which can get extremely frightening and most times it’s impossible to do things to lift my spirits....I only go out one day a week because of my anxiety.. I really want to ask you..do you get any satisfaction out making things..like new cushion covers, curtains, blankets, clothes etc..or playing internet games,reading..gardening...art.. etc..and how do you get yourself motivated to do them?...especially when no one but you will see the finished result...Is it worth doing these things?..Do you get satisfaction or just feel meh.. Even shopping is difficult..I never know what to buy..because cooking for one is no fun....eating meals alone becomes more of a choir then pleasure...most nights it’s cheese toasties..or a simple salad..or a couple of boiled eggs...food for some reason just doesn’t taste good...and I’m only eating because I need to... How do others cope with living alone after many years of being in a relationship and your partner and the kids are no longer at home......mine live many hours drive away...and I rarely see them.. I would love to know how other people manage...and if your happy living on your own..or does loneliness become a major problem at times... I would really appreciate any suggestions on knowing how you you live alone...and if you’re comfortable doing so...I’m having a lot of difficulty.. Kind thoughts.. Grandy...

Floss89 Ex depression dumped me
  • replies: 3

Last week my ex dumped me we sorted it out he explained how he got depression we sorted it out after a goof weekend Monday he breaks it off we havent spoken or anything what do i do im loosing my mind he in depression and stressed bout all these bill... View more

Last week my ex dumped me we sorted it out he explained how he got depression we sorted it out after a goof weekend Monday he breaks it off we havent spoken or anything what do i do im loosing my mind he in depression and stressed bout all these bills i do not know what to do

stace11 Long story, feeling defeated
  • replies: 3

Hi! this will be a long one but I really don’t know how to shorten it. I don’t know if i need advice or if I’m just letting it all out, to give my head some much needed space. Plus, with my anxieties I always worry that I seem attention seeking for m... View more

Hi! this will be a long one but I really don’t know how to shorten it. I don’t know if i need advice or if I’m just letting it all out, to give my head some much needed space. Plus, with my anxieties I always worry that I seem attention seeking for my post. obviously I know in my heart that it’s not true, in my head it is. let’s start at the beginning. After a massive panic attack when I was 16 years old, I ended up in hospital and that’s where my journey started. I’m now just over 30 so it’s really hard knowing I have been dealing with this struggle for half my life, half of my life is only fighting to get through another day instead of living. My panic attack was because I was broken up with by a boyfriend who I didn’t realise was mistreating me until a long time later. I honestly feel he is who started my depression and severe anxiety, it all stems back to that. Anyway! My life hasn’t got a whole lot easier since... dealing with years of depression and anxiety usually can make a person crumble but adding more on top has been a handful. - my current husband TRIES his absolute hardest to understand and support me. But before I arrived he didn’t believe in mental illness & just thought it was made up in people’s heads for attention. So I do give him sooo much credit for being able to adapt and realise the severity of this illness, but it’s hard to confine and feel understood by someone who once felt that way. - I’m a step mum, I love it. Their mother is extremely high conflict, she’s caused 8 years of constant and unbearable abuse. We have majority care of the children and they are thriving. But going from no children to 2 was a massive step. - I now have 2 kids of my own now. I had SEVERE ppd with them, so bad with my first I had to be hospitalised. I did not connect with my child for a long time & the guilt from that is just eating me up inside. - my oldest step child has severe behavioural issues, adhd & is on the autism spectrum, that’s definitely not something I’m complaining about, but adding that to the mix is hard. I love the child but I’m relied on so much for his support that I throw myself on the back burner to help them, like any mother would! But feeling as terrible as I do in general, when he’s in a “moment” and he says how terrible of a parent I am, how much he hates me and how he wants to kill me is exhausting I feel like I’m just complaining, but days are getting harder. Yes I see a therapist. But sometimes I just need to know that I’m ok.

sparrowhawk Feeling bad about feeling bad?
  • replies: 2

Hi guys. I have had a low mood for several months following sustained emotional trauma. i and am getting support from my GP, psychologist and a good friend. I have a lot of negative self-talk and generally feel very lethargic and flat. People around ... View more

Hi guys. I have had a low mood for several months following sustained emotional trauma. i and am getting support from my GP, psychologist and a good friend. I have a lot of negative self-talk and generally feel very lethargic and flat. People around me sometimes notice and that tends to make me feel really guilty. I feel really bad about myself for feeling bad, though in reality I know it's not through my own fault, it just IS. Yesterday I apologised to my friend for being down and she challenged me on it - I know she was trying to help but it made me feel awkward and worse about myself. Do you guys go through similar feelings? How do you manage them?

Edward75 Here we go again..
  • replies: 2

Depression. How does that feeling manage to sneak in under the armour. I swear I got on top of it 2 years ago. The anxiety comes and goes as I have learned to look at it objectively. But this time it must have got away, bloody depression. It feels li... View more

Depression. How does that feeling manage to sneak in under the armour. I swear I got on top of it 2 years ago. The anxiety comes and goes as I have learned to look at it objectively. But this time it must have got away, bloody depression. It feels like it has been lurking most of my life. Like a monster my mum set on me for being such a horrible child. I want to pull it out of my gut but it feels like its melted black to my DNA. Its symbiotic. If I cut it off and scrape it free will I die without it? If anybody could see my inside they would run away. It is sickening, unlovable, a fraud. Stupid, dumb, not fit for anyone. Like a moronic animal born without a brain. Evil, toxic. A selfish, mean spirit closed off to the world.. But these are my mothers words that I learned by rote. So yeah, I am 44, completely single for 2 years. Realise how I treat partners by pushing them away..I get so scared. I know exactly what I do, so as soon as i find somebody who there is a possibly of something. I mean we have not even been on a a proper date I have emotionaly shut down. I know my patterns now so why not fast forward 12 months and just hurt me. She is better off without me. I know I would be. I guess I am not ready to open up properly, maybe I never will be. Anyway, feel better opening up. Actually thought I had tamed the black dog, but in a way my walls were just a little taller. Tonight I will remove the black monster from my gut. And scrape it free. Tomorrow I will visit my ageing mother & remember that she did not give this to me. It escaped from her. My poor mum, who did she get it from. I will never know. But I forgive her without excepting some of her behaviors. I can accept her love as it is with no expectations. And not pass on the bitterness, but just love to my wonderful daughter and everybody else in my life. If anybody reads this, I'm hoping I'm only as crazy as the rest of the world. I could delete it but maybe somebody can relate.. tomorrow is going to be better.