Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

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 discussion

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 discussion

Unicorn_Sparkles I took the step today and went and spoke to my GP
  • replies: 4

It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It was scary, don't get me wrong, but I think it's because I've spent so long feeling like I've been judged. I know I really had nothing to worry about in the end. My doctor was amazing... View more

It feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It was scary, don't get me wrong, but I think it's because I've spent so long feeling like I've been judged. I know I really had nothing to worry about in the end. My doctor was amazing We've got a plan and I'm seeing the psychologist in a couple of weeks. The first avaliable appointment that was there. I don't need to bore you all with the details, although I can if you really want to. I just wanted to share this with you all, just to let you know that if you are considering seeing your GP, please do so. Just opening up to mine felt like a whole new world . I'm nervous, but excited at what the future holds. I've spent almost my entire life putting others first, that was how I was brought up from the time I could walk and talk. I've never looked after myself. To a point I love helping and caring about other people, i guess that's why I'm taking this step. To put me first for once. I feel like I can't stress this enough, please, to everyone reading this, put yourself first. It's the best thing you can do. It's a small step,but finally I might be able to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Much love and best wishes to everyone.

AspieD New here, hello
  • replies: 7

BB linked me here from a post I replied to on Facebook. If they saw what I recently posted on my own FB page, they'd probably be alarmed. A good mate also recommended that I get help. I hope I haven't let him down. My brain has broken before - not li... View more

BB linked me here from a post I replied to on Facebook. If they saw what I recently posted on my own FB page, they'd probably be alarmed. A good mate also recommended that I get help. I hope I haven't let him down. My brain has broken before - not literally of course. See I suffer from depression, and I'm on the autism spectrum; specifically I have Aspergers. I'm also 35, single, and gay. That's quite a mixed bag of "goodies". I'm already on anti-depressant meds, and they're barely working. I've been on them since 2010. I don't know if any other medication would help. I seem fixated on having a partner sometimes. All I want is someone special to be with me until the end. But no matter how many times I try to find that someone, it never works. People say "there's someone for everyone" or "you never know what's around the corner", but I don't believe that anymore. Yet at other times, I couldn't care less if I have anyone or not. The feeling, the want, it comes and goes. I don't know what else to say. I'm honestly not sure if anyone can help. But I suppose if anyone can try to help, maybe BB can.

166 Sad and Lost Enjoyment in Life....
  • replies: 14

This is my first time posting. I have had depression on and off for many years. This year I think has been my worst. I struggle with keeping my 'sadness' under control and usually immerse myself in my work which has always helped. I like to be busy. ... View more

This is my first time posting. I have had depression on and off for many years. This year I think has been my worst. I struggle with keeping my 'sadness' under control and usually immerse myself in my work which has always helped. I like to be busy. This year though I think I have suffered 'burn out' and work has not been so enjoyable. I just don't seem to enjoy anything....work, food, friends, tv. I have confided in family and my Dr (all of whom are very supportive) but nothing seems to be 'working' for me. Just feel a bit lost and like it will never be better. I decided to let my bosses in on the fact that I thought I was doing too much and needed to not do so much.....this was a mistake and now they think I am 'not coping' and I feel like they are attaching stigma....always referring to my 'not coping'. I wish I had not said anything now as I feel like they will always think this now. I feel like I have let myself down admitting it...was it wrong to be honest? And will I get better? Advice on how to lift myself back up again when I am finding everything hard and just want to avoid life???

Mavin depression affecting my school work, feelings of fear, self doubt and self loathing
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with depression/anxiety for a long time (I am currently not seeking help for it due to financial reasons) but over the recent years, it has become a real hindrance to my school work and potential career prospects. I a... View more

Hi everyone, I have been dealing with depression/anxiety for a long time (I am currently not seeking help for it due to financial reasons) but over the recent years, it has become a real hindrance to my school work and potential career prospects. I am doing a creative arts degree that I really love; I love what I am being taught and the processes but I just cannot bring myself to complete my work or sometimes attend lectures; I feel so inadequate compared all of the other students that are producing high quality, industry-standard work yet I can barely sketch or produce work I feel is quality, so I just don't hand my work in. I then hate myself because I feel I cannot produce work to the same standards as the others and feel I don't belong there; I am also terrified of speaking to my lecturers because I feel they dislike me and think I am pathetic for constantly coming up with pathetic excuses when so many other students can cope but I can't... I am worried that because I am so awful at what I do that I won't make it in the industry I want to enter and I am becoming too old to change my career path or try something else. I hate that I can't just be like all of the other students and produce work they are happy with...I want to be motivated again and feel like I actually have a chance in this industry that I love so much. I want this fear of failure and self-doubt to disappear and to be able to function as a human being again; I have so many sleepless nights because my brain goes into overdrive and tells me I am doomed to be a jobless wannabe for the rest of my life and to just give up. It has gotten so bad that I have to sleep with headphones on and listen to music to fall asleep and keep the voices at bay. I just want to function again, I want to be proud of myself for once and feel like I can achieve something. I just don't know where to go or what to do anymore, I just want to feel normal again. Thanks for reading.

Moonshadow86 Post Natal Depression
  • replies: 2

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had PND with both my babies and still recovering. My husband and I are having troubles and I just want someone to talk to because I feel so lonely! I have zero support from family. My kids are beautiful l... View more

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had PND with both my babies and still recovering. My husband and I are having troubles and I just want someone to talk to because I feel so lonely! I have zero support from family. My kids are beautiful little people and I just want to give them the best life. I feel like there is nothing good about me and I struggle to find the energy to do anything a lot of days.

Pipppa Feeling lost, worthless, angry and depressed.
  • replies: 2

Hi, Im not sure how to start with these things.. I just want to get things off my chest to complete strangers because I feel like it’s the last resort.. Everyone I’ve talked to or tried to has dismissed everything I’ve said and how I’m feeling except... View more

Hi, Im not sure how to start with these things.. I just want to get things off my chest to complete strangers because I feel like it’s the last resort.. Everyone I’ve talked to or tried to has dismissed everything I’ve said and how I’m feeling except one person who is always far away from me to do anything to help except to listen to me cry over the phone. I’m just feeling gutted, sad but really sad like the top part of my chest / heart feels empty but the bottom feels very heavy and painful. I just see the point in life if there’s too many bad than good happening.

Tiffi Is depression affecting my career??
  • replies: 2

Hi there. I have been diagnosed with depression since 2011. Depression runs in the family. My mum has it and my brother has it. I have been on anti-depressants since 2012. My concern of lately has been my career. I have been a job hopper, with my lon... View more

Hi there. I have been diagnosed with depression since 2011. Depression runs in the family. My mum has it and my brother has it. I have been on anti-depressants since 2012. My concern of lately has been my career. I have been a job hopper, with my longest ever job being at 2 years and that was a casual position which did not require me to be on the job regularly. I find myself feeling very down and out about work. I have worked full time but have never seem to find a full time job which I have stayed in for more than 5 months. I let my work overtake my life..... Those close to me have told me that they are sick of hearing about my work and the problems that I have there. I think to myself...how can some people stay so long in their jobs and I cant? I have come to the conclusion that maybe I am not meant to be working full time. I should go back to part time or casual...30 hours a week would be enough. But even so...I think I have a problem with job hopping. I always feel that when I have a problem with a "somebody" it escalates and I end up leaving the job..."running away" rather than to be unhappy and face my problems. I have also come into some realisation that maybe it is also my depression which has affected my career. I tend to opt for lowly skilled jobs, even though I am a uni graduate....This reason being that work stress gets to much for me and causes me to go into an episode of depression. Has anyone had a similar experience in which their depression may have impacted their career/work??? How have you overcome this problem and where can I seek help? Please let me know.

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?