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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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Unknown_Feelings the whole story
  • replies: 3

Where do i begin, ive been depressed, had behavioral issues most of my life. but recently over the past 2 days, its gotten to the point where ive had suicidal thoughts. But here's the backstory Growing up i was physically, mentally and at two points ... View more

Where do i begin, ive been depressed, had behavioral issues most of my life. but recently over the past 2 days, its gotten to the point where ive had suicidal thoughts. But here's the backstory Growing up i was physically, mentally and at two points sexually abused. My mother was abusive, schizophrenic and on drugs, dad was a alcoholic and not ended up moving to Sydney growing up. My father was out of the picture pretty much after the divorce. He was an alcholic, gambler and suffered depression himself because of his parents dying. I didn't know at the time how he felt but seeing him as bad as he was just got to me. He passed away in august 2014. And its what triggered my depression. I stopped going out, i stopped doing things i liked, i basically went into this shell. Not talking to anyone, started drinking more. not eating, showering, not wanting to get outta bed. I think it was the big tipping point for me. Since that day it comes and goes in waves. not long after his passing, its fathers day and 2 weeks after that would have been his birthday. So august/September is really had for me emotionally. I did something in my past that my family found out about, so now they dont talk to me which im fine with. We haven't been much of a family at all. I lost friendships due to this also. I havent told anyone this at all, not even my close friend of 26 years. Lately all ive been thinking about is killing myself, no one will miss me when im gone, no one will greive for me if i went through with it. even had a suicidal thought about a hour ago at the time im writing this. I dont think talking about it will help because everyone i talk to either 1. Dosent understand 2. Dosent know what to say 3. And this is the most common, say ill be here always, you can tell me, and then f***s off. Its happened so often ive lost count I dont usually open up like this but i need to know im not alone feeling like this right? its so f***en hard to talk and convey how im feeling but it feels like i dont have much choice left.

JohnC1 Bipolar 2
  • replies: 7

Hi, First timer user here, i have a great need for good advice regarding bipolar2 partner, i hope someone can help. I am 62 and have been in a relationship with my lady for 6 years. She has been on antidepressants for 14 years until 11 months ago whe... View more

Hi, First timer user here, i have a great need for good advice regarding bipolar2 partner, i hope someone can help. I am 62 and have been in a relationship with my lady for 6 years. She has been on antidepressants for 14 years until 11 months ago when she tapered off them because they were not helping. Since then it has become clearly apparent that she is bipolar 2. The issue is that she does not want to recognise that she has this condition (being so happy that she is not depressed) Therefore getting treatment is impossible. But, being in the manic phase the whirlwind continues which is destructive and fraught with danger. Any talk whatsoever about the matter sets her off. I have notified her treating psychiatrist but the laws (or interpretation of them) in Australia prevent any real dialogue. She has now finished the beautiful relationship and asked me to leave! What do I do?

Leel Awaiting admission to private facility
  • replies: 7

Hi I got a referral from my GP today for admission to a private mental health facility. I have never been before and just the decision to go has been excruciating. Not even sure if I am sick enough to go. i have anxiety, depression, social anxiety an... View more

Hi I got a referral from my GP today for admission to a private mental health facility. I have never been before and just the decision to go has been excruciating. Not even sure if I am sick enough to go. i have anxiety, depression, social anxiety and panic disorder. I have to wait until 9am to see whether there is a bed - the wait is awful. Just wondering if anyone knows if private facilities usually have wait times? also, what should I expect there? thank you

Mummatoboys I’m new here...
  • replies: 3

Hi Everyone, I am wanting to reach out for help, guidance and reassurance. I’m 33, married with 2 children. I know something isn’t right and I’m just not coping with life at the moment. My youngest who is 3 is really testing at the moment and I feel ... View more

Hi Everyone, I am wanting to reach out for help, guidance and reassurance. I’m 33, married with 2 children. I know something isn’t right and I’m just not coping with life at the moment. My youngest who is 3 is really testing at the moment and I feel like i’m constantly yelling, screaming and angry all the time. I still get up, do what needs to be done, care for my family... But I feel empty inside and I can’t put my finger on why. Not a day goes by where I’m not bad tempered, impatient or irritated by something. It sucks! I want to be happy again. My husband doesn’t believe I have any mental health issues and puts it down to having kids, life in general and our youngest who is very testing at the moment. My parenting and coping with my older child who is 7 is different. I can cope, I am more patient, He listens haha. Could it be my youngest is going through this stage and I’m finding it so challenging and it will pass as he’s older? I seem to go through some down times at various times in my life and have been to counseling and then i feel “better” and think i’m fine until it hits again months down the track? All i know is i’m feeling meh with life. Wouldn’t dare take my own life, but want to cope better, stop feeling so angry, hot headed and irritable. I feel so bad for my children and husband. They deserve better.

Now Unable to settle and overwired
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, I guess many people have difficulty at Christmas and I feel for them, this year I am finding it harder to settle myself to get through it. Even now I have uneasiness sitting in the quiet, I hear birds, cars see trees and outside there is... View more

Hi everyone, I guess many people have difficulty at Christmas and I feel for them, this year I am finding it harder to settle myself to get through it. Even now I have uneasiness sitting in the quiet, I hear birds, cars see trees and outside there is a bit of a cool breeze. It has been a difficult year riding a roller coaster of emotions, anxiety and depression, and at the moment I think I am in heightened anxiety. This time of year has been hard since my mother passed when I was pregnant, my son is 11yrs old. The first Christmas without her my M.I.L manipulated my husband and said my Dad said something to her and I was caught in the middle trying to settle things it didn’t work, my husband took it out on me, my dad went back home a few days later and he didn’t say anything to her as, I confronted him, the day she was leaving, she said to me for what ever the discussion was, she knew how to get her way and manipulate, so in general I find it hard at Christmas, I make it nice for my son. I dread it myself. I have been through a lot since the passing of mum. My maternal family are deceased and I think I feel stuck where I am. My husband said to me earlier this year you haven’t been right since your mum died, he is right, but I had no support from him and still don’t, he has never understood anxiety and depression and never will, doesn’t believe in medication or psychologists. There is too much involvement from his mother and her involvement the last 2 years has been full on and continues. Mid way through the year I had discussions with my psychologist about leaving and when I think of this it eases me, what causes me anxiety is custody of my son. If it was me I could walk out. I do everything for my son, but in his eyes his dad is the best. My son does have special needs; level 1 autism; speech delay, cognitive processing issues and if he has a meltdown, my husband and MIL say oh he’s tired. He gets overwhelmed, they don’t get it. I would never turn my son against his dad. As my husband has spent so much time with his mother, in July this year she went away for 6 weeks, I thought we could reconnect but he spent all his time at hers renovating stuff and being up there was our family time, but my son and I didn’t go up there much either. My son wanted to go to the Gold Coast in January after Christmas which we are. I think my anxiety is more about being away with my husband as I really have nothing to talk about anymore. Any suggestions please.

Talitha93 Trying to fight these thoughts
  • replies: 3

Hi my name is Talitha, I have been battling these depressive thoughts for a few weeks now, some days I’m okay and I can get on with my day while other days these thoughts hit me like a brick. It’s so hard and challenging because I feel so alone in th... View more

Hi my name is Talitha, I have been battling these depressive thoughts for a few weeks now, some days I’m okay and I can get on with my day while other days these thoughts hit me like a brick. It’s so hard and challenging because I feel so alone in this world. I have a friend who I reach out to often but I feel bad because she has a lot going on herself and I feel like me constantly opening up to her is annoying her.. I’m going to have a huge operation in a few weeks and my mum hasn’t been on my side for the last three years. I feel so lost in such a big world and I don’t know what to do anymore. Nights I just want to run away..

fred2018 checking in as in a tired space
  • replies: 2

Think my medication is only doing a quarter of what its supposed to now , will see psychiatrist tommorow, ah the brain is great when its well hah but when its not. Anyways taking it a day at a time but its a struggle right now, in case people wonderi... View more

Think my medication is only doing a quarter of what its supposed to now , will see psychiatrist tommorow, ah the brain is great when its well hah but when its not. Anyways taking it a day at a time but its a struggle right now, in case people wondering yes I know the emergency numbers if need be thanks to all.

Tcoul05 I’m confused and need advice please
  • replies: 6

For the past few years I’ve felt very emotional numb. I haven’t felt happiness or sadness or anger or anything. I don’t know what to do and I’m scared to tell someone because I feel like they will say I’m being dramatic. I don’t know what to do or wh... View more

For the past few years I’ve felt very emotional numb. I haven’t felt happiness or sadness or anger or anything. I don’t know what to do and I’m scared to tell someone because I feel like they will say I’m being dramatic. I don’t know what to do or what it means and I’m so very confused. I’ve lost all interest in activities that I used to enjoy, I’ve hardly have any energy, I don’t have any disire to do anything.

Youre1 Giving up alcohol successfully
  • replies: 4

I am a 46 yo man who has struggled with severe depression for the last 12 years. I was drinking heavily for 10 of those years. I would drink a case of beer and some wine and whatever I could get my hands on and afford, not working meant I had to get ... View more

I am a 46 yo man who has struggled with severe depression for the last 12 years. I was drinking heavily for 10 of those years. I would drink a case of beer and some wine and whatever I could get my hands on and afford, not working meant I had to get the cheap stuff. It took 3 goes at detox at a hospital but in the end it was worth it. After the first two times I went for a few months and something triggered me off and the heavy drinking started again. I only woke up to get drunk and went back to sleep. A never ending cycle. I have been off any alcohol for just over 2 years now. My blood pressure has returned to normal, as well as all my blood tests including liver function. I used to wake up and vomit and then have a few drinks, again and again. I now don't think about drinking at all, I have simply put into my mind that if I do, the last 2 years would have been wasted. Its not easy, but now that I don't drink my depression is a little more manageable. I would recommend taking the leap and going for a detox in hospital. Its about 5 days of having nurses looking after you followed up with medication. I wish I had done it sooner. As they say 'never give up giving up'.

Alex_h Seeking advice
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, I’m 23 year old male and I think I’m going through depression and am seeking advice. About 11 months ago I was taking a hair loss drug. I reacted pretty badly to the drug and it has completely messed up my hormones and endocrine system. ... View more

Hi everyone, I’m 23 year old male and I think I’m going through depression and am seeking advice. About 11 months ago I was taking a hair loss drug. I reacted pretty badly to the drug and it has completely messed up my hormones and endocrine system. I have been really sick for the last 11 months as a result. I am working with an endocrinologist who has managed to restore my testosterone levels, and do feel physically better now. But the ordeal has left me scarred and has had a huge impact on my life. Before this ordeal, I was energetic and motivated, I was really into health and fitness, loved camping, snowboarding, 4wding. However, now I have lost all aspiration, am hopeless and do not find enjoyment in the things I once did. All I want to do is spend all day in bed under the covers and eat junk food - a full 180 to how I once was. I recently moved to a different city, so have very little friends and family here. I thought I would get better once my hormones were fixed, but I still have no interest in socialising and meeting people. I work a stressful and high demand job. I love what I do and love the people there, however waking up every morning to go to work is a struggle at the moment and I am contemplating quitting. I want to work, but the day by day is just a struggle at the moment. I have not told anyone, not even family about what I’m going through. I don’t want my parents to worry. How do I get my life back on track. I am considering antidepressants at this point to help get me on the road to recovery so I can rebuild my life. Current symptoms include: - Fatigue and tiredness - oversleeping - overeating and weight gain - brainfog - sad mood - hopelessness - isolating from friends and family - low libido really appreciate any advice anyone can give, thank you

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