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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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 0

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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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randomxx l dunno wth is wrong with me
  • replies: 10

Hi dear bb people, a few might know me, formally randomx. l've had to take a break for awhile gather thoughts but just of late in need of just talking things through once again.l'm 59 now and feeling very strange although in RL people usually guess m... View more

Hi dear bb people, a few might know me, formally randomx. l've had to take a break for awhile gather thoughts but just of late in need of just talking things through once again.l'm 59 now and feeling very strange although in RL people usually guess me at mid 40s and that's about what l've felt too so l'm very lucky in that way but unfortunately on the inside just of late usual zests seems to have left me and l can't be bothered with anything.l've always been moody and also in and out of depressed stages too but of late that's more so than not these days and it seems ridiculous to me but ldk wth is wrong and why the change- it's different now.l've also lost interest in work but worse lately feel like l can't even cope with it any more.l only work pt for myself at home so no pressures l've also always quite enjoyed it to but lately ???Been living alone mostly last 12 mths as my d moved out and gf has been interstate so we just visit a mth a time usually but l also might've blown it.last she was down at mine was gonna be for 3mths and she was so gorgeous, l really couldn't ask for more but yet, l was in the dumps so much that l eventually cut the 3mths short- hence probably blowing it with her now too bc that did not go down well at all and also really really hurt her.l should've been so happy to have her here again but yet l could hardly hold a smile. l feel like that with everything atm and of late been wondering if the other me the mostly old me is coming back this time or not. l don't want meds bc really compared to most depression, l'm actually quite light, but it is still enough to ruin things.ldk. Any thoughts appreciated.

tapeace I think I've been depressed since a very young age.
  • replies: 3

hi everyone, it's my first post so please forgive any mistakes I might make in where I am posting or what I am asking. I think I have had depression for so long that it feels normal. I don't feel overly sad, in fact I would rate myself pretty happy g... View more

hi everyone, it's my first post so please forgive any mistakes I might make in where I am posting or what I am asking. I think I have had depression for so long that it feels normal. I don't feel overly sad, in fact I would rate myself pretty happy go lucky. growing up I was always at every party, never part of the drama, always felt I had a very grounded view on things. if a friend hurt me I would understand and get over it very quickly. I know I have no self-esteem. I've never thought my issues were important. I was abused as a child and have never told a single soul, I've never really felt pain from that just blocked it out. I still see the person who did it and have a very normal relationship with him. I had absolutely no motivation or care about the future for as long as I can remember, but no anxiety about it either. As I've gotten older in life (now near 40) I've spent the last 2 years in bed watching TV. getting up to do what I had to do (feed my son or get him ready for school), completely secluded myself from everyone of my friends and I don't even miss them. it's been months since I've done basic things like showering and brushing my teeth. but I still don't feel sad or anxiety or worried or cry. has anyone else dealt with anything similar?

Ponder Navigating Deep Depression, Agoraphobia & Deteriorating Health
  • replies: 21

My purpose in creating this thread is to discover a safe space where I can freely express my inner struggles, while also seeking ways to alleviate the ongoing psychological and physical distress I experience. This perspective may resonate more with i... View more

My purpose in creating this thread is to discover a safe space where I can freely express my inner struggles, while also seeking ways to alleviate the ongoing psychological and physical distress I experience. This perspective may resonate more with individuals who tend to retreat in response to extroverted expressions. However, I wholeheartedly welcome those who can relate to such profound emotions.My primary intention is not merely seeking sympathy or commiseration; instead, my goal is to uplift myself from the deep hole I currently find myself in. My struggles with morbid obesity and experiencing signs of a looming heart attack have been daunting. I even had a mild one before, but I resisted seeking medical help due to feeling misunderstood. Being reduced to just a panic disorder in the community's eyes, with multiple diagnoses, hasn't been beneficial for me, and it only adds to my depression.Today's industry and its clinical approaches haven't resonated with me, as I've operated differently for many decades. I prefer not to adhere to any particular narrative or advocate specific ways of survival in this confining world. My aim isn't to tell others what to do, but rather to explore and influence my own path. Perhaps, this thread will serve as an outlet for this purpose if it endures, or if I choose to continue sharing.Lately, the cycles of despair have been getting longer, and I find myself wrestling with a tight chest every night, both psychologically and physically deteriorating. Despite having plenty of support, I struggle to find conventional methods that truly resonate with me.I hope to write about the various strategies I plan to adopt, as I embark on the journey to overcome this latest extreme cycle. At times, even simple tasks like mowing my own front lawn feel challenging, and I no longer concern myself with the notions of right or wrong. Perhaps, the government could provide assistance, but I fear it might only lead to further disempowerment or unwanted confrontations.Admittedly, I write better in the mornings, and I am uncertain if this format suits me well. Nevertheless, this seems to be my only outlet to reach out and express myself.

Rose2021 I wish I was happy
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I wish I wasn’t depressed and sad. I won’t do anything to harm myself which is good. I am safe. I am just super sad and depressed.

Hi everyone, I wish I wasn’t depressed and sad. I won’t do anything to harm myself which is good. I am safe. I am just super sad and depressed.

stell_a178 Moving Out at 20 (Family Issues)
  • replies: 6

I don’t have the best relationship with either of my parents. My dad is abusive and I no longer talk to him and my mum tends to shut down any of my issues relating to mental health. More recently the fights between my mum and I have become unbearable... View more

I don’t have the best relationship with either of my parents. My dad is abusive and I no longer talk to him and my mum tends to shut down any of my issues relating to mental health. More recently the fights between my mum and I have become unbearable, and I have been looking to move out. However, in one fight I said I would completely cut ties with her once I moved out. I somewhat agree with what I said and somewhat don’t. But since then, my family has been telling me that I’m just a lazy spoiled brat that should be thankful for all that my mum has done for me. I understand that her financially supporting me is incredible and I will forever be grateful of that, but she also does not support me in regard to my mental health whatsoever. She believes I am faking my mental issues, and that my psychologist is just saying yes to everything I say and not actually helping me. I disagree completely. Anyway, I am just feeling really alone and stressed because of this. I don’t know if I am using my mental issues as an excuse for behaving badly and that I should be grateful for her and just keep it at that. I thought my sister would support me when I said I would cut ties, but she said my reasons for doing so are not valid. She said that if my mum didn’t physically abuse me, I should be keeping in contact with her. But I feel as though my mum has only been detrimental to my mental health. She constantly talks about my weight, compares me to other people my age, tells me that I never work as hard as she does, that I just sleep all day and don’t do anything (I work and go to Uni), that I never cook and clean because I am lazy etc. I am so utterly tired of being judged for every single thing that I do, that I am finding it hard to find a reason to keep in contact with her. She has made me so bad about myself and everything that I do, so why would I continue to go out of my way to talk to her.any advice or notes are greatly appreciated. Thanks guys and my heart goes out to any one else in a similar situation x

Captain T Im not coping
  • replies: 352

Hi all. I just need to get this out somewhere. I am in a very dark place. I feel as though someone is sitting on my chest and have so much emotional pain yet feel numb at the same time. Im alone and lonely. I hate myself and who I am. I am so tired o... View more

Hi all. I just need to get this out somewhere. I am in a very dark place. I feel as though someone is sitting on my chest and have so much emotional pain yet feel numb at the same time. Im alone and lonely. I hate myself and who I am. I am so tired of fighting to get well and when I go to bed I pray to not wake up. I can’t keep going on like this. I need to get better

lilykitten The Black cloud
  • replies: 3

I once imagined where I would be at 58. It wasn't an unreasonable dream. It was how I saw my parents life play out. I would work hard, pay off the mortgage and retire at 60 with both my kids settled in their own lives. I would travel the world with m... View more

I once imagined where I would be at 58. It wasn't an unreasonable dream. It was how I saw my parents life play out. I would work hard, pay off the mortgage and retire at 60 with both my kids settled in their own lives. I would travel the world with my wonderful husband and in between trips work on my artistic practices and my garden.Instead I find myself divorced with a mortgage even larger than the first one I had almost paid off.My eldest daughter now 20 is still finding her way after covid and the family breakup. Her confidence is shot and she can't find her direction in life.My widowed mother who moved next door to help out after my marriage broke up, aged very quickly and now needs more care than I can give her.My youngest daughter now 18 was diagnosed ASD with a PDA profile 6 years ago. She is in a constant state of anxiety. I am constantly on knife point balancing pacifying her to avoid her striking out and trying hundreds of different therapists and techniques to help her control the meltdowns. I know how it feels to be unable to remove myself from domestic violence.Then there is work. I'm an art teacher and I thought I was good at it. I have been teaching in the same country school for 27 years. I planned to keep this job for life. At the time of my divorce and my daughter's diagnosis the school leadership changed. The new principal actively started changing the dynamic within the teaching staff favouring younger staff who were cheaper to employ and I was constantly having to justify my actions leading to a drop in my confidence and a feeling of paranoia which has left me with PTSD. The principal has since left but my insecurity never did. I had to reduce my hours due to my carers role and have felt increasingly isolated from my colleagues. Last week when I felt things couldn't get any worse, a student made up a story about something I had supposedly said, to get himself out of trouble at home, and the parent complained about me to the school. This is possibly a career ending complaint and will be investigated. It will be a case of my word against the student's.So this is my life. It's the lack of control that gets to me. Every solution is out of my hands. All I can do is let things play out. My only possible action is to strengthen my own mental health and get my head above this cloud

Esc ONE BAD DECISION AFTER ANOTHER
  • replies: 5

I have been struggling with negatives thoughts. My facade appears approachable and amiable, my persona strong, and I am never without a smile in public. A people pleaser and generous to a fault. A lie I've lived with for years, because I felt that's ... View more

I have been struggling with negatives thoughts. My facade appears approachable and amiable, my persona strong, and I am never without a smile in public. A people pleaser and generous to a fault. A lie I've lived with for years, because I felt that's not who I really am underneath my skin nor in my soul. I recently sold my home. A home that afforded me security and wonderful memories. I bought a house for which I absolutely regret. I dislike it immensely and wish not to move in at all. Finances see me with no other choice but to move in and wait to sell. Packing has been a nightmare. Everything appears to be going wrong and I can't catch a break. Whatever I have been holding inside all these years, as finally reared its ugly head and hit me with both barrels. I am defeated, lost, regrets fill my waking hours and I dislike myself for being so stupid. I have tears down my cheeks and regret in my heart as I type. I feel miserable and oh so lonely. Hitting a brick wall at such a high velocity of hurt and anxiety, has, I believe, finally broken me. My patience, endurance and willing myself to be strong, are no more. I churn with emotion inside and shake on the outside. I cry at a blink of an eye. I fight to redirect my future for the better, only to receive the slap of defeat and once again feel the pain of remorse. I've tried booking professional help, but most are booked out weeks in advance. I am climbing walls, snapping at others, impatient and turning into Mr. Hyde. I feel so disjointed and even when I do mingle, I get no pleasure as I feel inadequate amongst others. I've tried walks, self-help, long drives etc., to no avail. Prayer, reading, music, everything is only a stop gap. I am a yo-yo of emotions. Tonight, I have energy to run a marathon, yet my very being is despondent. I don't like going to the Doctors and even then, they're always fully booked for a week or so. How does one turn these palpable, tangible, consuming and overwhelming feelings around?

Speechless Independence hijacked by my parents
  • replies: 1

Im an an adult, im nearly 41. i lived with my parents most of my life due to social phobia and agoraphobia and anxiety.i never really got support when i was a young adult for those things and in fact had traumas that made them worse. But despite thos... View more

Im an an adult, im nearly 41. i lived with my parents most of my life due to social phobia and agoraphobia and anxiety.i never really got support when i was a young adult for those things and in fact had traumas that made them worse. But despite those things, Ive still been independent even living with my parents. My parents are in their early 70s and ive been caring for my mum for a long time, shes able but was born with limited hearing and cant drive and ive always been the one to help her things. My dad I have alot of passive aggressiveness towards him. He is dominating in the family and always has ultimatums and hypocrisy. At the start of this year his car burst in flames and was written off. It was a new car he didnt insure. Since then, financially unable to get a car hes been relying on me and my car to take him to his bowls and everywhere else.I also take mum everywhere too. I got burnt out of constant driving everyone with little of my own time and energy to basically have my own life. Ive been depressed and feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion.And that was b4 dad pronounced he was selling where we live as he wants to invest money and that we have 3 months to find a new place so he can invest in the shares he wants. So that happened and its been like hell. But prior to all that, a year earlier I had no car but my dad had a car. Basically, I didnt go anywhere at all for a year pretty much because Dad would complain about petrol and he was always off at bowls. I had to use his car only once a week to take mum out shopping and her social outing and that was when i shopped and that was it. I saved so hard a whole year for my car ( im on dsp). I pay bills at home, so i was just living bare bones until i finally got my dream car id been saving for. And fast forward now, and its the family car now. All the milage and petrol all paid by me and used 90 percent by my parents. And now dad says when we move, hes not going to get a car, hes going to get an electric bike instead . Hes in his early 70s and thinks he can drive to bowls and back.But again, that means my car will be the family car and everytime i want to go in my car i get my parents sitting in there and i have to take them places. I literally dont get a chance to be independent even when i have done all I can. And no, moving from them is not an option for so many reasons. i feel completely stepped on by my parents.

Sunflower23 September blues
  • replies: 2

Coming into september I have been feeling low about my upcoming birthday, along with uni assignment stress and trying to balance other personal stressors. I feel like I have been in 'survival mode' for so long. Some days when I don't have a commitmen... View more

Coming into september I have been feeling low about my upcoming birthday, along with uni assignment stress and trying to balance other personal stressors. I feel like I have been in 'survival mode' for so long. Some days when I don't have a commitment, its hard to get out of bed and get motivated to work on my assignments. The other day I saw someone from the past which triggered some pain and loss emotions, unexpectedly. At this stage, I'm trying to take each day at a time and I'm hoping that these feelings will pass and that joy is around the corner.