Support
Support

Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Guest_63674208 i’m lost
  • replies: 4

i have a horrible relationship with food, i overeat and genuinely can’t help myself and eat until i feel sick. my sleep schedule is horrible, i had something very bad happen to me a bit over a year ago regarding consent, i’m sad every single day and ... View more

i have a horrible relationship with food, i overeat and genuinely can’t help myself and eat until i feel sick. my sleep schedule is horrible, i had something very bad happen to me a bit over a year ago regarding consent, i’m sad every single day and have self harmed previously but haven’t in a long time but it’s hard to ignore the temptation. i’m so demotivated and i don’t know what to do anymore i can’t keep my feelings bottled up anymore. i went through a really bad breakup with who i thought was the love of my life and still haven’t completely gotten over that. i just need someone to talk to

NannyK Need tools to escape depression
  • replies: 3

Hi Everyone, A bit of background first. I've been diagnosed with Agoraphobia, Depression and PTSD as well as suffering from akathesia and am neurodivergent. I have had therapy to deal with these things and have tools that I use to help. Due to the ak... View more

Hi Everyone, A bit of background first. I've been diagnosed with Agoraphobia, Depression and PTSD as well as suffering from akathesia and am neurodivergent. I have had therapy to deal with these things and have tools that I use to help. Due to the akathesia I can't take SSRIs. I also suffered chronic pain in both my knees for 15 years that caused a lot of depression and as a result I became suicidal. A few years back I had surgery to replace my knees and blessedly, no more pain. My previous bouts of depression had morphed straight to suicidal thoughts, and all the therapy has dealt with that specifically. My current dilemma. I have over the last year lost all interest in everything. I do nothing and get frustrated and cranky when I have to do anything. I don't feel things how I used to mostly I'm just "meh". Now it has got to the point where I just lay in bed, I don't sleep and am not tired. I have a very vivid imagination, and I go off into that. Something I did all the time as a kid to escape what happening around me. I rarely shower, brush my teeth, cook, clean or any of the things I normally do. I recognise I am depressed but do not know how to get out of this. I function well with routines, and they have always been very important to me to function properly, but I can't seem to get back into it. Previously, therapy for my depression we only looked and helping with my suicidal thoughts and tools around that. This is the first time in my life I have felt this way. I have no tools or for some reason can't modify the tools I have to help. My doctor of 25 years has retired, and I have got a new one now and he doesn't understand why I can't use SSRIs. My akathesia goes crazy and I can't sleep at all or function properly due to lack of sleep and I can't sit or stand or remain still in any way. I can't afford to see a therapist and the waiting list is long for a free or cheaper one. What I would like to know is how to get back into my routines and habits of self-care and care for my home environment. I know if I can do this, I will be ok but can't seem to get it started. I know this is my escape but currently do not know what it is I am escaping. My life is ok and no major stressors but this. Sometimes I think I am escaping my escape. What tools have others used with depression to help them get back their self-care?

LoneWolf Dysthymia, PTSD
  • replies: 10

Hello Good People, I am 78 and a hyper-sensitive male struggling with dysthymia and PTSD for the last 68 years. (A victim of a very immature narcissistyic father!) I tend to pick up on every subtle nuance in my surroundings. I play the game of life, ... View more

Hello Good People, I am 78 and a hyper-sensitive male struggling with dysthymia and PTSD for the last 68 years. (A victim of a very immature narcissistyic father!) I tend to pick up on every subtle nuance in my surroundings. I play the game of life, get hurt then socially isolate for several months. Fortunately I am blessed with musical and artictic talents which appears to soothe the savage beast. What I would like to know from other sufferers: Is it normal to run and hid for for such a long time or should I be seeking help? I am already on prescription medication! Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Numb No sledgehammer to break down my wall
  • replies: 2

Hello lovely people I am not new to here, however, sometimes, either I fall deep into my pity pot, or I wake to an impenetrable wall of overwhelming sense of hopelessness, and I am unable to break that wall down! I try each day, to achieve a small st... View more

Hello lovely people I am not new to here, however, sometimes, either I fall deep into my pity pot, or I wake to an impenetrable wall of overwhelming sense of hopelessness, and I am unable to break that wall down! I try each day, to achieve a small step forward or goal. I've mostly succeeded, but there are situations where life slaps me back into reality to remind me of my own ineptitude to triumph over adversity. Everyday, I am on the brink of crying. In fact, my heart aches daily. Regret eats my soul and I truly dislike the person who looks back at me in the mirror. I have a tremendous amount to be grateful for, but accepting to settle with my worthless contribution to life, is crushing my spirit. I've retired. Little friends, whom I hardly see, children grown with family of their own. Phone mostly silent daily! I am truly lonely. I feel judged because I don't work. I am trapped in my home perusing activities I find no pleasure in. In fact, I find most activities a useless objective only good in filling time. Why am I here. What's my purpose in life other than cleaning the same furniture/floors everyday. I volunteer (only to be guilted into more hours and days). I read at daycare (I love that) and I study to keep my mind active and alert. So why do I despise my life and especially the aged no body I've become, or in reality, always was and will be. I think I am a good person, but avoidance by others makes me wonder. My children prefer their fathers presence, as he buys their love and has connections in places that can benefit should they need. I can only offer my heart, hands, willingness, ears and food on the table. My goodness I am truly a worthless pathetic!

KA2007 self love
  • replies: 4

I'm not depressed. At least I think I'm not. I just didn't know where else to post this. I hate myself. I hate the way I look, the way I act, and I'm incredibly insecure. Whenever I do something or say something I always question myself afterwards. W... View more

I'm not depressed. At least I think I'm not. I just didn't know where else to post this. I hate myself. I hate the way I look, the way I act, and I'm incredibly insecure. Whenever I do something or say something I always question myself afterwards. When I dress up or put on makeup I'm always comparing myself to others. I go on diets to loose weight but they never end up working because I can't control myself. My self worth plummets to the ground, because if I can't control myself or motivate myself to loose weight, I'm worthless. When others have things that I don't: a skinny body, confidence, good academic results, and guys to go on dates with I start to resent them. And what makes it even worse is that these people are my friends. Whenever they achieve great things or score a date with a guy I should be happy for them. Instead I feel a raging swirl of jealousy and I hate that I feel this way. Am I really that insecure that I'm jealous of my own friends? I don't want to be that person. Late at night I'm consumed by my thoughts that tell me: "why can't I be a better person?", "why am I so lazy?", "why am I grades so bad?", "why am I so fat?", "why do guys never talk to me?", "I hate myself". Its a never ending cycle. I don't know what to do. People always say : "Love yourself!" or "find a hobby! that self confidence will find its way to you soon!". Yet no matter what I do I still hate myself. And I hate that I hate myself.

Misty2410 Just not coping mentally
  • replies: 2

As the title says im not coping mentally at the moment. My life is a mess I am 32 with nothing to show for my life i spend all my time carer for my mum. I have no friends and the rest of my family is fucked. They only call when they want something. A... View more

As the title says im not coping mentally at the moment. My life is a mess I am 32 with nothing to show for my life i spend all my time carer for my mum. I have no friends and the rest of my family is fucked. They only call when they want something. And crack it with us if we say no. I am tired all the time. I barely sleep. I just want to end it all

x_BLUE_MOON_x Severe OCD
  • replies: 2

Hi,I’ve been struggling with severe OCD for 1 year now relating to a specific theme, and I’m feeling mentally exhausted and burn't out.I’m dealing with depression, anger issues, cognitive difficulties, brain fog, and a significant loss of motivation.... View more

Hi,I’ve been struggling with severe OCD for 1 year now relating to a specific theme, and I’m feeling mentally exhausted and burn't out.I’m dealing with depression, anger issues, cognitive difficulties, brain fog, and a significant loss of motivation.Things that used to bring me joy no longer do, and some emotions I used to feel, I don’t really experience anymore.I’m currently seeing a psychologist who specialises in OCD at an OCD clinic.I also have Autism, ADHD, and Specific Language Impairment, which makes everything feel even more overwhelming. I’m currently taking antidepressants.I’ve been doing exposure therapy since February, and I’ve told my psychologist that I’m struggling even with very small steps. Despite this, she still wants me to continue.I’m planning to get a referral from my GP to see a psychiatrist regarding my ADHD and OCD, to explore whether ADHD medication or a change in antidepressants might help.I’m really not sure how much longer I can keep going like this before I have another meltdown. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.

BrightEyes-1234 Not ok.
  • replies: 4

I’m not ok. I just want to be happy. But it’s like my brain won’t let me and now I can’t even be bothered trying anymore. I’m tired. Everything is getting to me. I wish u could just escape…run away. But I can’t. And I feel stuck.

I’m not ok. I just want to be happy. But it’s like my brain won’t let me and now I can’t even be bothered trying anymore. I’m tired. Everything is getting to me. I wish u could just escape…run away. But I can’t. And I feel stuck.

Sav142025 How do I tell my parents that I have depression and anxiety
  • replies: 8

How do I tell my parents that I have depression and anxiety I am 14 you have probably read my other post if not I am 14 with very bad depression and anxiety if you have any ideas of how I can tell my parents please say something. Have a better day th... View more

How do I tell my parents that I have depression and anxiety I am 14 you have probably read my other post if not I am 14 with very bad depression and anxiety if you have any ideas of how I can tell my parents please say something. Have a better day than me 🫥

Griffyn My life is "good" but I'm not happy.
  • replies: 3

Hi all. I'll start by saying that by most peoples standards my life is good. I own my house, I have a fiance, I have friends and family who i reguarly catch up with, I have stable job in which I am respected and treated well, I have as much money as ... View more

Hi all. I'll start by saying that by most peoples standards my life is good. I own my house, I have a fiance, I have friends and family who i reguarly catch up with, I have stable job in which I am respected and treated well, I have as much money as I need to do things that I want to do without really doing any budgeting. Despite all this, I'm not happy. In fact I'm miserable. Previously I would expect 4- 8 months a year of feeling bad, this was standard for years but the last 2 years I have only really felt good for days at a time. I'm nearly always tired, I have next to no energy for doing the things I enjoy let alone all the life maintenance stuff I have to do. It just feels like all I do is eat, sleep, work and on the weekends, pass the time until I have to go to work again. Honestly life just feels like a huge waste of time and effort. I don't see the point of spending the next 40-50 years working just to retire, maybe do a bit of travelling and then die. All that time and effort for nothing. I know the script at this point is to tell me to reframe my perspective or practice gratitude but it doesn't make any sense to me to change my mind, to lower my expectations just so I can live out my boring regular life. I want to do something extraordinary, I want to be someone who really matters, not to other people, but to myself. The issue of course is that I'm not extraordinary. I'm just a regular person who is going to live a regular life like all the other regular people. Anyway, I'm not sure why I'm writing this because I know I won't find the magical solution to all my problems here but a small part of me hopes that I will. I've tried talking to several psycologists but they can't tell me anything that I don't already know. I don't think SSRIs would benefit me because I don't think I have issues with regulating seratonin. I just don't know what to do, I don't know what to try next. I feel like I'm going to be miserable and dissatisfied for the rest of my life and my only options are to find a way to deal with it or KMS.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map