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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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Slippers Self Diagnosis
  • replies: 2

This is a self-diagnosis. I work in a large corporate company and I had a fight with one of my team mates yesterday and it has left me stressed and asking myself whether any decisions I make are right or not; I had been invited to a get together for ... View more

This is a self-diagnosis. I work in a large corporate company and I had a fight with one of my team mates yesterday and it has left me stressed and asking myself whether any decisions I make are right or not; I had been invited to a get together for tonight and tomorrow night but I have cancelled as I don’t want to go after the fight with my team mate. Maybe it’s me feeling sorry for myself, my intuition tells me to run away from bad things and I sit at home and I normally sleep for most of the weekend and I hate separating myself from the world when things go wrong. If I keep cancelling from fun things that I have been invited to then friends are going to stop inviting me to anything. Maybe I am feeling sorry for myself and separating from everything is my way to ask for other people to care, similar to throwing my toys out of the pram. I have a good feeling of self-worth; I am not going to be throwing my any heavy machinery

mel121 What should I do?
  • replies: 6

hey guys, new here. I was diagnosed with depression since I was 14. I’ve been to many councillors found one that I liked, and also was anti-depressants at one stage. I don’t want to go back on them as I had a relapse and turned me for the worst. I’ve... View more

hey guys, new here. I was diagnosed with depression since I was 14. I’ve been to many councillors found one that I liked, and also was anti-depressants at one stage. I don’t want to go back on them as I had a relapse and turned me for the worst. I’ve learnt to manage without them from then.. having ups and downs. At 23 I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for years I was denial about it but now I’m starting to take care of myself. As of current, I’ve just started a new job after working at my old job for a year it has messed me up. The manager was a narcissist would threaten I would have no job, nothing I ever did was good enough, I wasn’t the only employee in this field that got it, but I feel like she broke me. It made my depression the worst it has ever been. Now I have a new job you would think I would be much happier. I’m currently going back to uni to study nursing so working temporarily at a retail shop. I’m just so lost, I’m 29, single still living at home although I should be blessed as there’s so much opportunity to work on myself and be better. I feel defeated and I’ll never get back on top or I’ll never make it. I feel excited for nothing, just numb

Rosegold5899 Am I depressed or just lazy?
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I am 20 years old and have spent most of this year battling with myself about whether I am depressed or just lazy. I severely lack motivation and on most days I don’t do anything productive or I procrastinate things until it’s almost too la... View more

Hi there, I am 20 years old and have spent most of this year battling with myself about whether I am depressed or just lazy. I severely lack motivation and on most days I don’t do anything productive or I procrastinate things until it’s almost too late. Fortunately I was able to see a psychologist until August and my GP prescribed me antidepressant medication which I have been taking for about 5 weeks now. My GP expects it be having some kind of effect by now, however I’m only noticing side effects which include a very low libido and fatigue. I’m also feeling as though it’s levelling out my emotions to a point where I don’t really feel anything, or at best a little spike that disappears soon after. Lately I have felt incredibly tired and sometimes take a nap only a couple hours after I get up. I get about 7-9 hours of sleep a night and yet I don’t feel refreshed and often awaken feeling anxious. Very recently my bedroom was renovated and I’ve spent the last couple of weeks cleaning furniture and moving things back in. For a few days I felt great and was very motivated to do things, however now I’m really struggling to find that motivation again. This is where I can’t figure out if I’m just lazy and desperately trying to use depression as a justification or if I’m actually depressed. I’m aware I’m on antidepressants for a reason yet I have never been told “you are diagnosed with depression”, which makes me question myself. I feel like I’m wasting my youth away but I can’t seem to pull myself out of this routine. To be perfectly honest, I am most comfortable when I am doing nothing, and that makes me feel free yet very guilty at the same time. Part of me doesn’t even want to change my lifestyle. I am so torn. I don’t have access to a psychologist until February so any kind of advice would be very much appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read.

cfalz Just feeling so empty - don't want to do anything anymore
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone - I'm just looking for some advice here. I just feel so numb and empty all the time. It's not even sadness, just this crushing nothingness. It feels like there's nothing left inside but a heavy fatigue that's settled into my bones. I don'... View more

Hi everyone - I'm just looking for some advice here. I just feel so numb and empty all the time. It's not even sadness, just this crushing nothingness. It feels like there's nothing left inside but a heavy fatigue that's settled into my bones. I don't find happiness in the things that used to make me happy - not even music (my favourite thing) makes me feel the same way it used to. I just feel empty. Next year is my final year of school and all my friends are excited to graduate but I'm dreading it because it means having to go to university and get a job and work just to make enough money to survive. It feels so hopeless and overwhelming. I feel sick thinking about it. I don't even feel like eating. Eating feels like a chore to me - nothing tastes good or sounds appealing. I eat because I have to. Sorry for this rant - I just wanted to get it off my chest and ask if anyone had any advice. Thanks

MELJO Overwhelmed
  • replies: 1

I can't find a balance to cope with everyday things at home. I finished a degree last year and have my first full-time job since having kids. I have 3 teenagers and all my energy goes to my job. I feel hopeless at home, I'm letting down my husband an... View more

I can't find a balance to cope with everyday things at home. I finished a degree last year and have my first full-time job since having kids. I have 3 teenagers and all my energy goes to my job. I feel hopeless at home, I'm letting down my husband and kids as all I feel like doing is sleeping when I get home. Just feeling very overwhelmed by everyday tasks. I have had many challenges in the past 18 months where I dont think I have delt with them all yet. I feel like there is no time for my kids, me and my husband. Feeling hopeless and overwhelmed and cant seem to get myself out of this mindset.

Chloe89 Drinking depressed
  • replies: 4

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen a... View more

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen as an ‘unfit mother’?

Phill10 Centerlink
  • replies: 3

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no ... View more

Hi. Im Phill, 63yo. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety 17yrs ago. I am having trouble finding suitable work. I am registered with centerink and one of their employment services. 2 of the criteria for my work are required to do 15hrs a week and no customer service. Last week I was sent to train for a job that is 20 to 38hrs a week and is 100% customer service. I did the first four days and then had a panic attack on Friday. I cant go back there, I just cant. my employment provider said "try again on Monday". what happens if I refuse to go back

MisterM None of my friends and family ask how I am going
  • replies: 42

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

I feel so unworthy, like I don't matter, like noone cares. None of my friends and family have asked how I am going with my depression. I feel so alone. Anyone here have the same experience as me?

Jimson19 How to explain!
  • replies: 2

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.

anyone else out there who's done jack all in life and feels like an odd ball in society? would love to hear from you and how you go about coping the days out.

Rain-Dancer Psychitrist Retired, Long term patient
  • replies: 1

Hey ladies and gents, i have been seeing a psychitrist for 13 years and 4 months ago he mentioned he was retiring in 12 months i than seen him again two months ago and it was mentioned we still had 12 months to plan stuff out I showed up today an the... View more

Hey ladies and gents, i have been seeing a psychitrist for 13 years and 4 months ago he mentioned he was retiring in 12 months i than seen him again two months ago and it was mentioned we still had 12 months to plan stuff out I showed up today an the doc said it was my last visit he was retiring today i may be able to see another psychitrist but unsure if he will take on my case i have been diagnosed with schitzaphrenia spectrum order other problems i have are ocd, major depression, anxiety, paranoia I have had the paranoia and schizaphernia since i was 13 years old i went into hiding most of my life not leaving the house for months and months but came out of my shell around 20 years old around 16 i started getting depression but it didnt hit me untill 24-25 now i struggle from than to today im 38 with deep depression i smile on the outside but i am mentally a mess its rare a day passes i dont get suicide thoughts since being on medication my depression is still the same, my paranoia went very silent for several years but iver the past year it is creeping back up i just lost several friends due to it Who or what do i do now? Im on centrelink and have been pretty much my whole life i have had around 15 jobs when i was younger but couldnt work anymore than 2 days at ghe same place, i have been on dsp for the past 12-13 years and i understand the pension gets reviewed in febuary my doctor is no longer around what do i do who do i turn to now?