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

JWMS1985 Advice on changing habits
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I’m Jack and I am new to the forums. I have depression, on medication and have managed it as best as I can. I have been honest with my family and partner but I recently realised I have not been honest with myself. Earlier this week I had a fe... View more

Hi all, I’m Jack and I am new to the forums. I have depression, on medication and have managed it as best as I can. I have been honest with my family and partner but I recently realised I have not been honest with myself. Earlier this week I had a few drinks, went to the strip clubs on my own, watched porn and wrote off Friday; thankfully I did not have to be anywhere. This is something I do every now and then but this time I ended up in a club with a group of people I did not know. I eventually came to, left and come home. My partner does know about what I have done but does not judge me for going but is upset I go by myself. I am looking to shake this habit as I often feel guilty about going afterward, spending money and that I have gone on my own again. I am looking to change my habit but unsure I where or how to begin. I am looking to go back to professional help but can not afford it at this moment. I would like to mention I do not have anything against those in the adult industry; I am looking for advice on changing my habits. Thanks in advance for help and support.

Mez79 Runaway
  • replies: 9

Do you ever wish you could runaway from yourself, to not have these constant woes hanging over your head.

Do you ever wish you could runaway from yourself, to not have these constant woes hanging over your head.

pawsy tough day
  • replies: 5

i went to a funeral today. i felt out of place because i didn't know anyone. i knew the deceased person a long time ago. i left early. after i got home. i called a friend. he had his own things going on and we didnt connect very well. i cut the call ... View more

i went to a funeral today. i felt out of place because i didn't know anyone. i knew the deceased person a long time ago. i left early. after i got home. i called a friend. he had his own things going on and we didnt connect very well. i cut the call short and fell into a nasty spiral. combination of thinking about the death of this person and all the time that has gone by, and feeling extremely isolated and frightened of the future. a feeling that all the years have just led me to this dark lonely place, and the future only holds worse and worse things. i feel i have failed everything and everyone and that people would prefer it if i just went away. i feel incapable of contributing anything of value at all. even though i know this is rather extreme and not objectively true, it is how i feel.

ZKRN Joining the work force with a history of depression
  • replies: 2

Hello, Usually, I don't like going online and asking around about these types of things, but it's been on my mind for about a year now. My dream was to join the Defense force, and now, it's obvious my chances of getting in now are slim. When I was 13... View more

Hello, Usually, I don't like going online and asking around about these types of things, but it's been on my mind for about a year now. My dream was to join the Defense force, and now, it's obvious my chances of getting in now are slim. When I was 13-14, I was spinning out and I got myself in a bit of a bad situation. Let's just say I wasn't the happiest guy, and I wasn't doing the best things to my body, and I wasn't really an ally to any other human near me. I hated everyone, and I hated myself. I attempted something I shouldn't have ever done. In the seconds I had to choose between life or death, I finally switched on and realized maybe doing this isn't the best option. But it was too late. I was in a hospital for two weeks and my already stained medical history got even worse. So, this leaves me with a problem. I know that the Army can reject me, and for good reason. So where do I go from here? I've been thinking about Emergency Services or just a Security guard, but I know both will probably reject me as well, thanks to my medical history. All I want to do is help people, and make my life and other lives better or defend Australia and its people. Well, I better cut to the chase anyway... My question to you adults, is, Is there a future for me if I have a history of clinical depression? I feel as though I'll be locked out of anything I try because I'm "Mentally Ill" just because of something stupid I did as a young boy. I'd love to hear your opinions and thoughts on this. Thanks.

asianaussie Still feeling guilt over a mistake
  • replies: 8

I'm a student studying, working and running a Freelance Beauty Business. It's not my #1 passion, but I need to make a living. Usually I'm tough with criticism, but this year has been challenging professionally and personally. My business has been oka... View more

I'm a student studying, working and running a Freelance Beauty Business. It's not my #1 passion, but I need to make a living. Usually I'm tough with criticism, but this year has been challenging professionally and personally. My business has been okay, but one particular event has really affected me. 4 months ago in May, I was contacted by a woman from Girl Guides who wanted me to do chair massages on 25 women for a Mother's Day event, 2 days beforehand. Initially, I agreed to go, but she insisted I needed to bring a partner. I had been very busy that week, and I was drained and exhausted, but still complied. However, I asked all my classmates (honestly did), and none of them were interested or able to. I told her this, but she still said keep searching. I researched Mobile Massage Business, tried contacting them, but didn't get immediate responses as it was after hours. Additionally, I was also called to work a night shift, which had tipped me over. I informed her I was unfortunately unable to attend anymore. She wrote a long, angry text saying, "Wow I hope that is not how you plan to run your business after you graduate. It was more than an opportunity with fair pay. How dare you scam and deceive our organisation - a charity that empowers and supports women. You have insulted us, especially all the mums who work hard for their kids, much harder than you do. You are selfish and heartless, all what Girl Guides is NOT about. Now we are left panicking and desperately scrambling to find a replacement in less than 24 hours, or cancel the event and have 25 disappointed mums. Won't be surprised if you get sued." I immediately apologised, offered to help and go to the event. Despite this, she replied she had found someone else and it was too late. I didn't respond and deleted her number. Obviously I was very angry and upset, and cried for a week. Even now, I still can't help but feel stupid and selfish, that I'm hearing her words repeating in my head. I've tried my best to combat it, volunteering Oxfam/Church, playing violin and counselling. Yet it's hard to fight through it. It's a one-off event, but especially the fact this woman leads 3 groups and 'actively involved in community' makes me sick. Being a sensitive, anxious introvert, it really hurts. I know I should 'get over it', as my family and friends have told me. I'm trying. But right now, I just needed to get this off. I'm just wanting to seek advice, support, whatever it maybe. Would appreciate it.

Andy999 Really struggling to feel good.
  • replies: 5

So I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression a lot lately and could really use some advice. ill try keep this as short as I can but I think I’d feel better getting it out there rather than keeping it all trapped in my head. it started when I w... View more

So I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression a lot lately and could really use some advice. ill try keep this as short as I can but I think I’d feel better getting it out there rather than keeping it all trapped in my head. it started when I was 17/18 (I’m now 23) I had taken an ecstasy pill and had a bad come down and it triggered the anxiety, I struggled through that for a few years, I saw a psychologist and did learn some techniques to help cope but I wouldn’t say it was a massive success, over time it would slowly improve had my ups and downs but started to feel really good eventually, got myself a proper full time job and was barely affected by my anxiety, lived a pretty normal life which was awesome but recently it all started crashing down and it hit me hard, I’ve slumped into a depressive state and I’m not sure what to do, I’m always on edge feeling agitated, when I’m out of the house I just wanna go home, I don’t even want to be around my friends which is completely new for me, it’s like an all day 24 hour thing I just feel down and out like I’m stuck in some bubble, but at the same time mind racing 1 millions miles an hour I can’t concentrate It hurts my head trying to converse with someone, its hard to explain but I just don’t feel good at all. For me my anxiety and depression is about my anxiety and depression if that makes any sense? It’s not about work, fitting In etc. thinking about trying some sort of anti depressants because it really does feel like some sort of chemical imbalance but yeh not sure if that’s the right thing to do. thanks, hope to hear back from someone soon

T_D Dealing with depression in everyday circumstances and strong episodes
  • replies: 4

Hi, I have had anxiety for as long as I remember so I have become quite used to coping with it, but I was recently also diagnosed with depression too. I honestly have no idea how to cope with depression so when I get to a really bad place I just turn... View more

Hi, I have had anxiety for as long as I remember so I have become quite used to coping with it, but I was recently also diagnosed with depression too. I honestly have no idea how to cope with depression so when I get to a really bad place I just turn to the people around me to help me. I have found that no matter how well-intended they are, none of these people know what to say and so often respond with something along the lines of 'don't feel that way' or 'stop thinking like that' and I'm only comfortable talking to very few people because I don't want to scare people or be judged. I struggled a lot with the decision to post this because I often feel like I don't have a right to be depressed because I don't have any significant issues in my life at the moment to have triggered it. But, my mind is constantly filled with a cloud of pain that makes me upset, frustrated, isolated, etc. I can't seem to escape it and it's almost like a weight is constantly pressing down on me. I was just wondering if anybody has been through similar or has any tips on how to deal with depression with the constant everyday weight it puts on you as well as the individual episodes when it is particularly hard to cope with and emotions are heightened even more. I would really appreciate some help. Thanks, T

tashajay92 It’s finally time I get myself help
  • replies: 2

Hey I don’t know how to do this so I guess I will start by saying I have been suffering anxiety pretty much since I was a child buy it’s only been very bad in the last 2+ years. My family lost one of my brothers who, from what I was told from my moth... View more

Hey I don’t know how to do this so I guess I will start by saying I have been suffering anxiety pretty much since I was a child buy it’s only been very bad in the last 2+ years. My family lost one of my brothers who, from what I was told from my mother, I had a special bond with. He was 9 and I was only 10 months old when it happened. I still feel our missing piece till this day. A couple of years later my father walked out on us and moved state and he was never around or had never bothered. I had to see a therapist when I was a child cause of it. All throughout school I was the main target for bullying, I still don’t know why but I guess it was because I was quiet and never stood up for myself so I was an easy target, I never wanted to go to school and I can remember going to sleep some nights and hoping I didn’t wake up or I woke up somewhere different cause I didn’t want to go back to that school. The bullying stopped when I was 14 and finally cracked and started standing up for myself. When I was 16 mum packed us up and we moved 4 hours away to the city where I could start fresh, I was in a new school, made new friends and every was actually going well for a while then when I was 18 I got into my 1st serious relationship. It was all fine at the start then it quickly turned into his gaslighting me, emotionally abusing me and constantly cheating on me, the relationship lasted about three years, my anxiety got bad again and I developed depression. He ended the relationship without a reason and all I wanted to do was end my life cause I thought I was the reason it ended and my self esteem was so low and I just felt empty and alone. I almost did commit one night but didn’t go through with it. Not long after I decided I needed to help myself and I slowly got myself better and the depression slowly went away. A couple of months later I got into my 2nd serious relationship, unfortunately he was here on a visa and when it ended the relationship was long distance for a while. He moved back over after a while and we started the visa and everything was fine up until the last 6 months of our relationship he he got very weird on me but would never communicate but would complain when I didn’t communicate. A couple of months later I caught him out cheating on me. My anxiety got real bad after that. i will continue this story on the comments cause there isn’t enough room for my massive vent on here.

NellieJ Feeling dark all over again.
  • replies: 3

I haven’t been on this forum for while. I guess not wanting to admit to the fact that I’m feeling exactly the same as I did 5 years. Only now the dark side is scary and affecting everyday life. Happy and fulfilled days are getting less. I’m back to t... View more

I haven’t been on this forum for while. I guess not wanting to admit to the fact that I’m feeling exactly the same as I did 5 years. Only now the dark side is scary and affecting everyday life. Happy and fulfilled days are getting less. I’m back to tears, for what appears to be no reason, restlessness and concentration are extremely difficult. I’ve taken to scrapbooking to try to get my mind thinking about a particular activity and “achieve” something. I’ve gotten so good at making cards for every type of occasion and decorative boxes that you can put just about anything in, to the extent that now I don’t know what to do with it all. Sleep is basically impossible. I feel as if I’m in a constant state of nervous unrest. I worry to the enth degree about everything to the point that I feel sick to the stomach and heart going a thousand miles an hour. I have a brother-in-law that has severe depression problems and have mentioned the way I feel a couple of times to family, but just get “you’re just worrying over nothing” or “suck it up, there’s nothing wrong with you” it’s probably just menopause. It’s taken me ages to write this as I keep deleting it thinking I’m just having stupid feelings.

sadvet Was unhappy at previous job, now unemployed and depressed
  • replies: 3

Hello, So I have posted several months ago that I was not happy working at my previous job. I was crying in the middle of the night, and was just anxious all the time. I have been seeing a clinical psychologist since I started working, and more recen... View more

Hello, So I have posted several months ago that I was not happy working at my previous job. I was crying in the middle of the night, and was just anxious all the time. I have been seeing a clinical psychologist since I started working, and more recently saw a career counsellor as well. Everyone has been supportive of me to quit my job, and after 6 months I have finally resigned. It has been over a month since I resigned. I have applied to several other clinics but so far all of them have chosen other candidates. Naturally, I started becoming anxious and depressed again, as I am afraid that I have just ruined my chance of getting a job. On hindsight, I should have found a job first, then quit. But work was becoming unbearable for me, that I have decided to quit regardless of my status. One of the interviewers might have implied that I lack resilience, and this was a stab to my heart. It felt like everything I did was a mistake, like quitting my job in just 6 months, choosing that job in the first place, and even choosing that degree. I could not stop thinking about what I could have done. I just wanted to know for those who have been in a similar situation, what did you do to keep yourself positive and motivated? I really only opened up to my psychologist and partner about my situation. I didn't want to disappoint my parents, who have been so supportive of me so far.