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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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ItsWhatever New feelings.
  • replies: 3

I've been struggling for these past few months now with feelings I'm not sure how to describe. I have plenty of good days i think, but i know that deep down-- I'm really not happy. It feels like I have all this pent up sadness and frustration but I c... View more

I've been struggling for these past few months now with feelings I'm not sure how to describe. I have plenty of good days i think, but i know that deep down-- I'm really not happy. It feels like I have all this pent up sadness and frustration but I can't fully feel it. I feel a little empty I suppose. Or like I've been hurting for so long, that now it's just faded into the background and just lingers constantly in the back of my mind. But I would go to school, get busy with school work and volleyball so it wasn't that bad I suppose. But with this virus I'm suddenly left alone with my thoughts. Now I'm struggling to see anything to look forward to anymore. School work is beginning to pile, and I'm too nervous to look at it and I constantly feel like I'm not good enough because I'm avoiding the work, while my friend is acing every assignment. Even now as I'm writing this I feel the pressure of not studying. My friends and I have made a list of things to do when we're allowed to do so, but it's just hard to fully feel excited about them because of what I'm going through. I'm just so tired. I've never been one to tell friends how I'm feeling especially because I can barely comprehend these feelings myself. I can't talk to my parents about it. I don't really know what to do. I just want to cry and lay down-- but I haven't even be able to do that really either. I've never felt this exhausted and nervous and empty before. And I don't know what to do, because these thoughts are so new I'm scared. I just want it to stop. Does anyone know what these thoughts could mean? Am I being unreasonable? Is there anything I can do, myself, to get better?

Kay17 My relationship with Depression
  • replies: 2

I have struggled with anxiety for many years and thought that was the worst feeling in the world. but this, what I believe is depression is completely unknown and it’s hard to explain how I’m feeling. perhaps numb? I feel a lot of guilt too. I’m not ... View more

I have struggled with anxiety for many years and thought that was the worst feeling in the world. but this, what I believe is depression is completely unknown and it’s hard to explain how I’m feeling. perhaps numb? I feel a lot of guilt too. I’m not me anymore. im especially finding work difficult. I work with children and I used to be a good worker! But I am struggling to connect with the children at this point in my depression and this makes me feel so guilty. The children I work with deserve a much better version of me that I am struggling to give right now but I can’t afford to just give up my job either. my patience is minimal, all I do is eat my feelings constantly (gained 30kg in the past 12 months) which further harms my mental health and I just don’t know how to snap out of this. i refuse to take medication, I just can’t! I’m sure it helps some people, but my mum has had a rough journey with antidepressants and I can’t go down that road. I’ve just started taking something natural to help with stress so let’s see how that goes. i know this was caused by alot of stress. An emotionally abusive relationship breakdown, raising a child alone and not being able to connect with anyone at all really. My support system is low.

ABCDefgHIJ Need some advice about talking to parents
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I am currently a student of age where parents are relevant. My issue may be trivial however, I am currently struggling to talk to my parents regarding mental health. I have already prompted the issue indirectly and my parents do believe I hav... View more

Hi all, I am currently a student of age where parents are relevant. My issue may be trivial however, I am currently struggling to talk to my parents regarding mental health. I have already prompted the issue indirectly and my parents do believe I have mental health issues. They are also willing to provide me support. However, despite their openness and acceptance, I am having trouble discussing the results of an online test to them. I am worried for no logical reason and do really want to tell them. However, I am not able to work up the courage. By the way, the online test (by Blackdog institute) gave results which showed severe depression and severe anxiety. Please provide any advice you find relevant.

katinha Help
  • replies: 3

Because we feel tired and no power to do anything?

Because we feel tired and no power to do anything?

Mads_ Self-worth and others
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I don't really know why I'm writing this, maybe just to get some insight on the matter and see if anyone feels similar and has some advice. I really dislike (I don't like using to word hate, because then I feel like I'll never recover because... View more

Hi all, I don't really know why I'm writing this, maybe just to get some insight on the matter and see if anyone feels similar and has some advice. I really dislike (I don't like using to word hate, because then I feel like I'll never recover because its so severe) myself, and feel like I have little self-worth and value. But this isn't the issue. The issue is that sometimes I become so apathetic when I get in an episode, that I feel like nothing I say or do has worth or purpose, and therefore no one is going to care. I'm scared that one day I will say or do something and hurt someones feelings, but not realise it because I thought what I said had no worth, therefore no one took notice. I try to be a kind and loving person, so hurting peoples feelings really isn't my nature, but I'm scared one day it will be and I'll have no idea. Anyway, sorry this was kind of a ramble. Thanks.

Heda23 Depression returning
  • replies: 4

Hi, Mother of 3. Months ago I had an experiencing which helped me get off my antidepressants and I felt amazing I was on the right path, I wasn't angry all of the time, I didn't snap over little things with the kids, I learnt how to shift negative an... View more

Hi, Mother of 3. Months ago I had an experiencing which helped me get off my antidepressants and I felt amazing I was on the right path, I wasn't angry all of the time, I didn't snap over little things with the kids, I learnt how to shift negative and impulsive thoughts and in general I really just felt like a new person! Until a couple of months ago when I started to lose myself again. Ever since then I've felt myself slowly slip back into a dark hole and I can't seem to find the light to make my way back out! I'm back to being that not so fun grumpy mum and wife! I hate it... I tell myself I will wake up in a better mood tomorrow, things will change, I'll do it different. It never happens. It always goes the same way like a vicious cycle. My husband doesn't understand and I don't expect him to. He lost his happy, fun, outgoing wife and now has me. The complete opposite. I was never this person, I'm not this person. Currently trying to find ways to think better, pause and stop before I speak... Even typing this right now is so easy and some people would say, well just do it! It's really not that simple, if it was would we all be here reading these forums and adding to them? No. We wouldn't. Our mental illnesses do not define who we are. Remember that...

Black_Kat Depressive Autistic re-adjusting
  • replies: 12

I have recently had to completely change my habits. My Dad (bless his heart) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. So I am having to get used to being on my own again and meeting new people in the form of support networks. But the depression side a... View more

I have recently had to completely change my habits. My Dad (bless his heart) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. So I am having to get used to being on my own again and meeting new people in the form of support networks. But the depression side and autistic side is struggling. Thank you for hearing me out.

SashyP What’s happening to me :(
  • replies: 1

Hi, new here and first time mum. Baby is 2 weeks old and I feel like my whole world has changed I knew it was going to but I didn’t know it would feel this lonely I don’t think the current climate helps with this virus and social distancing but I rea... View more

Hi, new here and first time mum. Baby is 2 weeks old and I feel like my whole world has changed I knew it was going to but I didn’t know it would feel this lonely I don’t think the current climate helps with this virus and social distancing but I really feel out of it and I’m struggling. My husband went back to work pretty quick and I am from the UK originally but living out here now with no family and I love my baby the world over but it’s soo hard it’s constant and I have had zero sleep and struggling breastfeeding I feel like such a failure and want to run away!

SarahInnes Self sabotoer, dependent but strong
  • replies: 4

I am a walking contradiction. 46, single mum strong but weak. I am legally blind and this has made me strong but very weak. I’m strong in the sense I can alley take care of my son and can do most things myself. Weak in the sense when I get a male I m... View more

I am a walking contradiction. 46, single mum strong but weak. I am legally blind and this has made me strong but very weak. I’m strong in the sense I can alley take care of my son and can do most things myself. Weak in the sense when I get a male I my life I change myself to be who he likes then chases him relentlessly when he leaves. My last relationship of 6 years I pushed him away so often eventually throwing him out because I was so angry at myself for what I’d become then after he moved out I find myself chasing him wanting him back. I know I’m really pathetic and I don’t really want him back but I’m scared of being alone because of my disability. I have depression and anxiety, I used to self harm but I have been strong enough to stop that. I hate myself every day for being weak with men and chasing relentlessly. I just wish I had more respect for myself but with the anxiety and depression I crave to be looked after. My family has abandoned me. Long time ago with both parents passing and my sisters hating me as I was the youngest and they saw me as spoiled. The only real love I hav in life is my son.

Eboni Princess Eboni
  • replies: 3

Hi I have no human family n regret not having any friends, I am 69 in a few months time I live with my tiny furdaughter whom I love with all my heart. My mobolity is not very good after having 3 back surgeries 2 shoulder surgeries n 2 hip replacement... View more

Hi I have no human family n regret not having any friends, I am 69 in a few months time I live with my tiny furdaughter whom I love with all my heart. My mobolity is not very good after having 3 back surgeries 2 shoulder surgeries n 2 hip replacements. I can go 2-3 weeks without talking to anyone, but at least I could go out for coffee with my assistance dog who is always beautifully dressed n very small n very cute, so she gets a lot of attention n that was my wsy of having communication but now not being able to go out I am finding it so hard. I have suffered with depression n anxiety for many many years, loneliness has been the biggest thing to try n handle I have lived on my own for 30+ years, but lost the last of my family 13+ years ago it has been so very hard. Now as I have got older n struggling with mobility problems life is just so hard.

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