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

Miiss I dont even know who I am anymore. Lost all sense of purpose.
  • replies: 1

First time posting and while I think it's still pointless, At least I finally said it, gotten it off my chest. *Edited* I'm sorry, I know it's meant to be kept short-ish, but this is the first time I have even spoken about this and it just kept going... View more

First time posting and while I think it's still pointless, At least I finally said it, gotten it off my chest. *Edited* I'm sorry, I know it's meant to be kept short-ish, but this is the first time I have even spoken about this and it just kept going. So please please dont feel like you need to read it! I just needed that outlet. I have had server depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember I've learnt to "handle it" by numbing it out. Hasnt always worked in my favor tho. Ive written this a few times now and just lost on what to write well actually just lost in general. I have to keep telling myself that although I dont feel it I'm lucky and blessed. As I know no matter what, there are people out there worse off then me. I have gotten to the stage that I have buried every crappy thing that was thrown my way. Where I've convinced myself that it was just a book that I had read. I dont even know if that makes sense. I've haven't been dealt the best hand when it comes to life. From the time I was 10 I was on my own. Slept on the streets, stuck with people that only dealt with me because they got paid. Never had anything that was just mine, Lost everything over and over again.(I Was placed in the foster system) obviously a lot to that story. But I've never been able to forgive my mum and dad for abandoning me, and putting me in that situation. while my siblings had the life that people would dream of. And it just kept going downhill from there, finally moved back here at 18. Where I met my ex, Feel pregnant. Ended up homeless again. Lost my child to his mother. The list goes on. The last few years Ive worked extremely hard and im finally in the best situation in my life. I have a loving partner, I have my 3 beautiful boys who I adore, who have made me a better person, we have a roof over our head, and food on the table. But I cant help but feel the lowest I have ever been. I dont even know who Iam anymore. Everything I once used to love to do has disappeared, I feel like I'm losing my mind. Like im going bat shit crazy. I'm over being all over the shop, over constantly being anxious, sad, angry, and emotional and just straight out numb. Surely theres more to the world then this, more than just emptiness. I have to hope....

BBFFC_95 Is this normal?
  • replies: 3

I feel like a completely different person when im with my friends. I don't get to see them often as we all work different schedules, but on that rare occaision it's great. I feel genuinly happy with them, I can laugh and smile with them without feeli... View more

I feel like a completely different person when im with my friends. I don't get to see them often as we all work different schedules, but on that rare occaision it's great. I feel genuinly happy with them, I can laugh and smile with them without feeling any stress. I love them. However as soon as they're gone I hit the wall again, every single time. It's like as soon as i close the car door after saying goodbye i go numb and weak. Does anyone else experience this? Or any advice to combat this? I haven't brought it up to my doctor or psychologist, but I plan on it next time I see them. Thank you.

Merkles Feel completely lost
  • replies: 9

Hi guys, Not sure where to start.. I'm a 27 year old male, however I feel so lost in life, I find 0 enjoyment in any activities, everything feels like a chore that I need to build up effort to do. My brain is constantly thinking 24/7 about all of lif... View more

Hi guys, Not sure where to start.. I'm a 27 year old male, however I feel so lost in life, I find 0 enjoyment in any activities, everything feels like a chore that I need to build up effort to do. My brain is constantly thinking 24/7 about all of lifes stress. Since a young age I've always been a constant worrier, felt like I used to have to walk on eggshells in my house to keep the peace between my brothers & my father (They never got a long) The early years of my twenties were not too bad, I did suffer a few panic attacks and had anxiety, however I did enjoy life and what it had to offer, now it seems the older I get, the less I enjoy things, I don't see the point in anything. One of the emotions I do feel is loneliness, I have family that care about me, but my friends are moving on with their life and I'm still yet to find anyone that will give me a chance, I have low self esteem that stems from bullying when I was younger, so I find it hard to trust people when they compliment me. I've been on medication in the past for my anxiety, however I am strongly considering getting back on it as each day is so bleak I feel like crying and giving up. I have this constant fear in the back of my mind that I'll be alone forever, I'll be an old man with no family or friends or anyone, and I'll die alone, and it scares the shit out of me. Does anyone else feel like this, or have any advice? I work full time, I come home and I smoke cannabis as it seems to be the thing that relaxes me, but now I'm not sure if this is adding to making me worse? I'm just so confused and lost

Chermimi Depression from unexpected broke up and relationship issues
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I am currently experiencing huge relationship issues with my boyfriend. Both of us tried to broke up with each other many times due to unsolvable family issue in the past couple months but all failed. We used to have so many beautiful me... View more

Hi everyone, I am currently experiencing huge relationship issues with my boyfriend. Both of us tried to broke up with each other many times due to unsolvable family issue in the past couple months but all failed. We used to have so many beautiful memories/times together. I could still remember the time we were holding our hands and keeps kissing each other everywhere we go. However after so many on and off in this relationship, I can no longer feel any joy and happiness between us, however every break up makes me extremally painful, there are many times I want to finish my life, but I still don't have enough nerve to do so. Now, I found myself extremely depressed and feeling very uncomfortable both mentally & physically. I do not want to share all of this with my friends and family because I don't want people to worry and don't wanna answer any follow-up questions.

Myzz_Harper Overwhelmed exhausted and over everything.
  • replies: 1

Hello this is my first post. I have visited + read threads on and off over the years this is my first time back in a long time. I have noticed a change in Beyond Blue for the better and have made use of some of those improvements so good on all who a... View more

Hello this is my first post. I have visited + read threads on and off over the years this is my first time back in a long time. I have noticed a change in Beyond Blue for the better and have made use of some of those improvements so good on all who are involved. I am 60 years old and my life has evaporated without me noticing. I am so angry upset disappointed in myself and a system that allows people like me to slip through the cracks. I am a functioning depressive functioning enough to work when I can to earn just enough to live.i feel tired, anxious, apathetic at other times and just about gave up on finding help. Having to repeat a selection of problems a lifetimes worth in 1 hour to a new shrink or psychologist who is often overworked or actually just bored to death by other people’s problems often just make you feel worse. It’s not OK being a depressive, I am not OK and no amount of govt funding is going to make that campaign any more than a feel good except size. Oops I digress. I don’t want Dysthymia, Existential Depression (I think therefore I am depressed) to ruled what time I have left. I have so little hope or energy left, no money for expensive help and find 8 sessions a year with a shrink or psych ( if you can find one) very unsatisfactory ( useless) also SA seems to have limited resources if you don’t fit into the right category. White, post menopausal, slowly dying.

Andy999 Could do with some advice, doing it tough
  • replies: 2

Hey i’ll try Keep this short, Im a 23 year old male play a lot of sport, have a big social life and in general have a pretty good life, I started suffering anxiety 5-6 years ago (triggered from an ecstasy pill, lots of ups and downs but eventually im... View more

Hey i’ll try Keep this short, Im a 23 year old male play a lot of sport, have a big social life and in general have a pretty good life, I started suffering anxiety 5-6 years ago (triggered from an ecstasy pill, lots of ups and downs but eventually improved heaps over the last 2 years through learning how to manage it, basically my life was good again, I’ve recently relapsed but into a way more depressive state, I’m struggling more then ever before and with my gp I’ve decided to start medication, it seems like my last hope. Any way I thought I’d write down some of my feelings and worries to see if anyone out there had some advice on how to go about this and yeh any tips or even anyone who can relate to me, thanks feelings- Like there is a constant dark cloud over my head, Sometimes i can break out of it when I’m keeping busy or with friends but not a lot -Things become overwhelming, just everything around me freaks me out -It can feel like I’m in some sort of dream state, maybe like a derealization -Things just become less enjoyable, I’m not concerned with the fun things I once was eg (girls and sports and hanging out with mates) -I feel confused -Sometimes it just feels like I’m going crazy, like I’m about to breakdown and just lose my mind -Sometimes can just feel empty and emotionless -It can sometimes feel like I’m dying almost, just like nothing matters anymore and like the old (happy/normal) me is gone, that life is over, something like that it’s hard to describe that feeling -I can feel like I’m I stuck in some sort of drug trip, just like a big loop -Lots of flashbacks of previous good and bad times thoughts/worries- -I keep worrying that I’m stuck like this and it won’t get better -I worry that I won’t be able to handle this anymore and will get to the point that I’m suicidal -I worry that this isn’t just anxiety and depression and that possibly something else is causing it and that I’m not getting treated properly -I worry medication might loop me out and send me crazy -I’m concerned and stressing about my mental health nearly 100% of the day rather then filling my mind with thoughts on other normal day to day stuff -Sometimes I’m able to think about other normal stuff but it always comes back

Jen27 Recently diagnosed with bipolar
  • replies: 3

Hi i was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and high anxiety 15 years ago and have been struggling ever since. 2 weeks ago a psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar. I'm feeling very confused and don't know what to make of this. I've researched ... View more

Hi i was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and high anxiety 15 years ago and have been struggling ever since. 2 weeks ago a psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar. I'm feeling very confused and don't know what to make of this. I've researched a lot on bipolar on line and keep going back and forth in my mind on whether I agree with her diagnosis or not. I was hoping I might be able to reach out to others here that might relate and help me understand what this diagnosis means. I guess I'm just feeling a bit lost and looking for guidance. Hope that's ok.

Ajay28 Really Struggling
  • replies: 2

Hey I'm a 42 yr old single mother of 4. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for around 20 years. This is my first time here. I am really struggling atm, lve had a lot going on for a number of years, especially recently. This is the worst l h... View more

Hey I'm a 42 yr old single mother of 4. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for around 20 years. This is my first time here. I am really struggling atm, lve had a lot going on for a number of years, especially recently. This is the worst l have ever been and l just can't seem to get myself out of it. I have some good days but mostly bad where l don't want to get out of bed let alone leave the house. I feel like lm a terrible mother coz l don't want to cook or clean or doing anything really. I'm so exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. I don't sleep very well due to just thinking about everything from past & present. There r so many things that lve done, experienced and been through that l haven't dealt with. I find it hard to talk to my friends or family as l don't want to burden them with my problems as they have their own. I was recently terminated from my job that l loved which l feel was unfair as l had been off work due to my mental health being so bad caused from my manager of 4 years that is very narcissist and manipulative. None of the issues were addressed when l was terminated, only a conversation l had with another staff member who l thought l could trust that caused my termination. Since then l have developed social anxiety, have had my first panic attack and suicidal thought which was terrifying for me. I didn't attempt, and only wanted to stop the pain, not end my life. Today is one of my really bad days where l lock myself in my room n stay in bed crying. I have been on medication for a few years which was doubled when l lost my job. Waiting to see a councillor. My Dr won't give me something to help me sleep which really mad me angry as it's literally driving me crazy at night it being able to sleep. I just feel so lost, worthless, useless and alone atm. In the past l have been able to pull myself out of it but not this time. I know exactly what l need to do as l have supported many people going through similar (my kids, friends and clients at work) My 22 yr old daughter is expecting her first child/my first grandchild in about 4 weeks which is giving me something to really look forward to. She also suffers with her mental health and in the past has self harmed and attempted suicide. So has my 23 yr old son. I think l must have been a really terrible person in a past life with everything that lve been through and still going through......It's just not fair

Fionablue I should be happy 😔
  • replies: 2

I should be happy .... 3 beautiful healthy happy children. One easy going hard working husband. Financially we are not great but surviving. Kids are almost always smiling hubby always says I love you ,food on the table and roof over our head . Howeve... View more

I should be happy .... 3 beautiful healthy happy children. One easy going hard working husband. Financially we are not great but surviving. Kids are almost always smiling hubby always says I love you ,food on the table and roof over our head . However I’m dying on the inside . I miss my extended family who live in another another state , I hate my 2 part time jobs which pay well so leaving them is not really an option. My mil has cancer and going through chemo and we are too far and have our commitments to be constantly there for support. Above everything I’ve had chronic carpal tunnel and knee pain and I know I’m addicted to my pain medication. I roll my eyes at myself typical first world problems I think so I smile and carry on . The outside doesn’t match how I feel though . My internal dialogue screams how awful I feel , how desperately I have become addicted to my meds and how I feel my life is spiralling out of control. I have ptsd from childhood trauma and take anxiety meds . Is there anyone else like me out there?? How do you deal with this . I do see a psychologist but can’t really afford her all the time . Thanks

GrievingGirl Relationship ended 12 hours later lost my best friend (cat)
  • replies: 2

I’m struggling a lot. My boyfriend and I ended out three year relationship (amicably) on Sunday. We just weren’t the one for each other. Regardless he was my best friend and the one I always sought support and comfort from. I left at 9pm Sunday night... View more

I’m struggling a lot. My boyfriend and I ended out three year relationship (amicably) on Sunday. We just weren’t the one for each other. Regardless he was my best friend and the one I always sought support and comfort from. I left at 9pm Sunday night. 9am Monday morning, 12 hours later, I took my precious 10 year old cat to the vet for a check up. I only recused her two months prior but she was a shining life changing beacon and lit up my whole life. 10 minutes into the appointment the vet told me she had aggressive cancer, was in significant pain and suffering, and there was nothing to be done for her. It was completely unexpected. I held her in my arms while she took her last breath and let her go that morning. I knew my boyfriend and I would break up that weekend. We had both planned it and wanted to spend quality time together to just enjoy the good parts before we went out separate ways. I had no idea my little cat was unwell and I would have to end her life that morning. It was 12 hours only after breaking up. It hurts because if it has been 12 hours earlier my best friend would have been there with me and comforted me and supported me through the grief. But we broke up so he’s not. I told him what had happened and he was sorry but didn’t want to be involved or change things. Im struggling ALOT to just function. Eating, drinking, using the toilet, sleeping, socialising, thinking. Life just seems completely and utterly impossible. I don’t have a lot of friends and don’t have family aside from my mum, who lives interstate. She’s helping as just as she can but I’m just so lost and feel alone in this grief. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be grieving, my beautiful cat who was my family, or the loss of my relationship. I don’t really know what to expect here. Am i overreacting and being too dramatic?