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
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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: 1

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Mayfreed Ashamed, middle aged, feeling at rock bottom
  • replies: 11

I am 46 and have long dealt with depression and anxiety, I have been separated for 2 and a half years now and have been managing well, I have a good job I enjoy although am quite a bit older than my colleagues, and although they are lovely this can f... View more

I am 46 and have long dealt with depression and anxiety, I have been separated for 2 and a half years now and have been managing well, I have a good job I enjoy although am quite a bit older than my colleagues, and although they are lovely this can feel very isolating at times. I thought I was doing better after my separation and have been on a couple of dating sites but remove myself shortly afterwards because it is a blow to my self esteem. Last night I went out with some drinks with a friend and ended up inviting a man in his 20s who I had been chatting to on a dating site to my apartment. I thought it was flattering for someone to tell me I am sexy. I ended up having sex with this much younger person who I don’t even know, which is out of character for me, my little apartment has been my sanctuary since my separation and I don’t let many people in here, which is why I feel so ridiculous and bereft. I know this person is not unsafe and have respectfully asked that he does not contact me again. I feel like a pathetic, middle age woman and I am so ashamed and embarrassed. I don’t want to leave my apartment today, I don’t want the world to see my face. I feel so alone, I thought I was doing well but this feels like an absolute low point that I am not sure how to move on from. I have managed to shower and absolutely had to put fresh sheets on my bed. I know I need to avoid alcohol, I think I’d be too ashamed to even tell this to my counsellor. Does this happen to other people?

Sammmmmmm123 Am I depressed?
  • replies: 2

For the past 3 years I've had some depressive symptoms but I don't know if I actually have it. Those symptoms are: 1) It's hard to get out of bed in the morning (because I dread school, I have undiagnosed S.A.D. and I'm always at the library by mysel... View more

For the past 3 years I've had some depressive symptoms but I don't know if I actually have it. Those symptoms are: 1) It's hard to get out of bed in the morning (because I dread school, I have undiagnosed S.A.D. and I'm always at the library by myself because of this crippling social phobia) 2) I cry sometimes at night 3) Sometimes I'd want to be dead for a day to see if anyone really cares 4) I get angry/fustrated over small things sometimes (apparently that's a symptom of depression) 5) Feeling demotivated at school 6) I'm kept awake at night thinking of why I'm the way I am and other stuff But also I still get enjoyment from music and video games. And my weight is normal, I think. Also am I doomed to be homeless if I make it to 18 because I'll be too socially anxious to get a job? Because I'm 15, and my S.A.D. has only been getting worse. The future doesn't look too bright, even though my grades are pretty good. :c

blythebee feeling alone, scared and unsure
  • replies: 6

I have not been diagnosed with any mental health disorders but I think there's something wrong with me. I've been going through a really tough time lately and recently its been getting a lot worse. I want to get help but I can't do that without talki... View more

I have not been diagnosed with any mental health disorders but I think there's something wrong with me. I've been going through a really tough time lately and recently its been getting a lot worse. I want to get help but I can't do that without talking to my parents and I really don't want to. I don't have a very close relationship with my parents (or anyone in my family really) and I feel like I can't trust them and that they won't understand what I'm going through (whatever that is). I don't talk to be friends about this stuff either because I don't want to be a burden to them. I can't get anything done because I can never focus and I don't get much sleep, this is causing me to fall behind in school. this causes more tension with my parents and family and makes me feel inadequate compared to my friends as they are so much smarter than me. this forum is kind of a last resort for me and I would normally never do something like this but I just want to feel happy again, without having to actually talk to someone. sorry for how messy this, this is more a vent of my feelings

Himi I Miss Being Sad.
  • replies: 2

All I feel is apathy now. Sadness used to consume every waking moment of my life (along with loneliness) but now I feel nothing at all. I would rather feel sad and live with the pain of it than live in a constant state of apathy. Because at least it ... View more

All I feel is apathy now. Sadness used to consume every waking moment of my life (along with loneliness) but now I feel nothing at all. I would rather feel sad and live with the pain of it than live in a constant state of apathy. Because at least it WAS is something. Instead of being nothing.

Milesjo Depression and anxiety days after drinking
  • replies: 3

I suffer from anxiety and have been self medicating. While most of the time i drink in moderation on some weekends i drink alot. Apart from a hangover i feel fine (as fine as i get) the day after however 2 - 3 days later i suffer from severe anxiety ... View more

I suffer from anxiety and have been self medicating. While most of the time i drink in moderation on some weekends i drink alot. Apart from a hangover i feel fine (as fine as i get) the day after however 2 - 3 days later i suffer from severe anxiety and depression, i cant think straight and get stuck in my head.

Themolequeen Feeling hopeless no one to talk to
  • replies: 9

Hi, This is my first time posting. I guess I am just venting what I am currently dealing with I am not sure how much information I am suppose to provide ( I have a tendency to "overshare" with detail) I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with ASD. I ha... View more

Hi, This is my first time posting. I guess I am just venting what I am currently dealing with I am not sure how much information I am suppose to provide ( I have a tendency to "overshare" with detail) I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with ASD. I have also just recently had a kidney transplant ~6 months ago. I am so grateful to be given a second chance at life but I haven't had the chance to live that yet. There has been ongoing complications that just haven't stopped since It's gotten to the point that I don't really feel "human" anymore. I am typing this from my bed in the transplant ward. I have lost count at the amount of admissions I have had. This place feels more like home to me then the outside world. On-top of all of that I am also confused about my relationship with my partner. I'm not sure if I can objectively make informed choices on his behaviour when I have a deficiet in social communication. It seems like when I say things (maybe i do play a role) I say them objectively without emotion intended. He takes them the wrong way and reacts emotionally saying not nice things to in return. Lately I have noticed the words he has said before have been replaying over in my head. I have tried many times to explain to him that I wasn't attacking him to point where I feel shaky. My brain just can't come up with other words to explain things so he understands. I have a special interest in chemistry,kidneys, the human body and the "connection" between those topics. I have been pursuing a science degree whilst waiting for my transplant. The thing I was the most excited about was going back to uni and being well enough to basically "shout it from the rooftops" how much I just love that stuff. I did go back for 2 weeks before being hospitalized again. The feeling just wasn't mutual I wasn't able to talk about my interests and when I did I was shut down. It feels like everything that has happened has affected my self confidence. I don't have much support and this is the first time I have been able to just get it all of my chest Thank you for listening Jess.

blondguy Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression - How Do You Cope?
  • replies: 27

Hello Everyone....and Readers of the forums too! I was only asking as I have a close friend that has Rheumatoid Arthritis and has developed clinical Depression/Anxiety as a result. I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for years and doing... View more

Hello Everyone....and Readers of the forums too! I was only asking as I have a close friend that has Rheumatoid Arthritis and has developed clinical Depression/Anxiety as a result. I have had chronic anxiety followed by depression for years and doing okay..... yet am at a loss where Rheumatoid Arthritis & depression is concerned Any advice/counsel would be greatly appreciated on how people cope with RA and Depression/Anxiety Thankyou for taking the time to read my post Paul

blueangel Any fellow CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) sufferers?
  • replies: 41

Hi Everyone So I've had chronic fatigue syndrome for about 13 months now and honestly I can't remember what it's like to feel energised and not tired (ugh so over it..). I exercise daily, eat well (most of the time haha) and have quite bad caffeine h... View more

Hi Everyone So I've had chronic fatigue syndrome for about 13 months now and honestly I can't remember what it's like to feel energised and not tired (ugh so over it..). I exercise daily, eat well (most of the time haha) and have quite bad caffeine habits (on average I have equivalent of 8-10 cups of coffee per day) but I'm feeling extra somnolent of late and need some new ideas. Any advice or suggestions would be awesome!

Julian14 Centerlink Help
  • replies: 8

Hi guys, Need some help and advice not sure if this is the correct forum but oh well at least I'm doing it. I have struggled on and off with Depression/Anxiety my whole life and lost my Dad and Job about 5 years ago and was off work for about 2 years... View more

Hi guys, Need some help and advice not sure if this is the correct forum but oh well at least I'm doing it. I have struggled on and off with Depression/Anxiety my whole life and lost my Dad and Job about 5 years ago and was off work for about 2 years and was good for a while and working again but then last year lost my job and was bullied at work last Sept and had a breakdown and went on centerlink for the past 6 months with medicla certificates, lost my cousin on Christmas Day who I was close with and helped me get through the death of my father and have had trouble dealing with as well. Centerlink knocked back another 3 months from my doctor and I met with the pscolgyst at Centrelink and she gave me another 4 months of not having to look for work to try and get better. This was a month ago and i saw an email from centerlink a couple of weeks ago that I have to do upto 8 hrs a week and I crashed and went in deep depression and couldnt deal with it and havnt spoken to centrelink and now I am freaking out that they are going to cut me off as i havnt done anything and can't bring myself to call or go in and see them. I have an appointment with them next wed and im freaking out that they are going to cut me off. Should I go in and see the Social Worker who I spoke with before or wait until the appointment. Don't know what to do. If I get cutt off I don't know what ill do. Help please?

Vidzzz No matter what happened today, I made progress
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I’ve been in touch with beyondblue (via phone and chat services) since November 2017 when I was initially diagnosed with Melancholic Depression and Anxiety. I’ve been living with this mental illness for more than 2 years now. In the initial s... View more

Hi all, I’ve been in touch with beyondblue (via phone and chat services) since November 2017 when I was initially diagnosed with Melancholic Depression and Anxiety. I’ve been living with this mental illness for more than 2 years now. In the initial stage, I was not even aware that I’m suffering from something known as “Depression”. Being an International student in Australia, I always missed my family and childhood friends but managed to focus on my career. I always kept myself busy in something or another that may be studying, networking, socializing, yoga, dancing, etc. I wanted to do as much as I can until I assure myself that I’m worth of something in my life. After first year of uni, my body slowed down and with time I came to a position where I was not able to get up from bed (not able to brush my teeth also, still pushed every bit of my energy), started withdrawing from my friends, lost control over my actions and felt like complete stranger in my head. I extended one semester, lost all close friends and just kept on crying and beating myself every single day. Till date, I don’t know whether I’m worth something or not. The more I do the less I feel I can do. I’m still guilty of losing friends and wasting time lying on bed doing nothing. Every morning still feels fake and I’m working hard to fill that inner void within myself. Now, I’m a graduate and have a full time job. I’m studying for professional qualifications simultaneously. I do visit GP & Clinical Psychologist whenever I can. Every single day, I apply make up and get out of the house with a lump in my throat and with few questions “Will I ever meet the genuine me?” AND “Will there be a day when I’ll feel fulfilled from inside?”. I’m still finding answers to above questions but what I know for sure is I’m much more stronger than I was before. But, will I remain the same forever is something I’m learning everday. But, what I know for sure is “No matter what happened today, I made progress”.