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

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”.

Jeff2 Depression and anxiety - Medications
  • replies: 1

Hi folks, New to these forums. I just went back on antidepressants last night after 10 years of being off of them. My school studies are getting the best of me and I have self doubt about my abilities. It snowballs and then I simply cant think or stu... View more

Hi folks, New to these forums. I just went back on antidepressants last night after 10 years of being off of them. My school studies are getting the best of me and I have self doubt about my abilities. It snowballs and then I simply cant think or study anymore. It really brings me down. So, last night I took my antidepressant and a melatonin sleeping pill as prescribed by my GP. I went to sleep at 10 pm and was wide awake at 2 am and never slept after. I had sweats and dry heaved in the toilet at 4 am. I woke up fidgety and my teeth were chattering. Also, my face was twitching when I tried to smile. Anyone else experienced any of these symptoms before? Cheers

Problematic2008 BPD feeling like a monster
  • replies: 8

HI, I was diagnosed with bpd in 2014.Since then I have been in denial about it and the impact it has on me. There's so many symptoms in the criteria that I felt like anyone could fit into that. I now understand that others may fall into the same symp... View more

HI, I was diagnosed with bpd in 2014.Since then I have been in denial about it and the impact it has on me. There's so many symptoms in the criteria that I felt like anyone could fit into that. I now understand that others may fall into the same symptoms but it may not affect their lives and how they function, like it does me. All in all, researching this and seeing how I may be perceived by doctors and family and friends makes me feeling so alone and evil. I feel like people think I'm some crazy, psychopath/ sociopath. I honestly feel like a monster. And that people are just being fake polite to me. I don't know what to do.

DannyG BPD extreme reactions
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone are there anyone out there who have BPD (I don’t want to say ‘suffer from’ BPD) who have trouble with extreme reactions and how do you manage these? it happens to me off and on but I don’t really have a strategy that works for me to deal ... View more

Hi everyone are there anyone out there who have BPD (I don’t want to say ‘suffer from’ BPD) who have trouble with extreme reactions and how do you manage these? it happens to me off and on but I don’t really have a strategy that works for me to deal with it, except try to just ride there feeling out which isn’t really much of a strategy. usually with me it’s in reaction to something that happens or someone says and my reaction is anger or sadness. I cry or I want to yell at the person. thanks everyone

Brokengrl How to keep fighting
  • replies: 1

Hi i have a long history with depression. Long term medication and psychology. As is the case with depression. I get better, then it rears it’s ugly head again. I’m currently having an exacerbation of my depression. Usual symptoms. Poor sleep. Anxiet... View more

Hi i have a long history with depression. Long term medication and psychology. As is the case with depression. I get better, then it rears it’s ugly head again. I’m currently having an exacerbation of my depression. Usual symptoms. Poor sleep. Anxiety. Moody. Reduced capacity to make decisions. In the past I’ve had significant lows with the depression. And while I’m not there at this point. However I’m terrified I will get back to being that bad. And I just don’t know if I have it in me to fight my way back out of it again. I feel like fighting back is futile. To get well. Only to slip back to depression again after a while. How do I face a lifetime of knowing this feeling of feeling so bad will come back around?

Nawa21 Depressed and Lonely Because Of My Height
  • replies: 4

I understand that this may not be a post you would read usually but I have the exact same issue because I feel that it’s harder to explain this feeling when there isn’t many relatable posts to feel better about. Im young and a very career driven indi... View more

I understand that this may not be a post you would read usually but I have the exact same issue because I feel that it’s harder to explain this feeling when there isn’t many relatable posts to feel better about. Im young and a very career driven individual who always hides the real feelings of being short. I always tend to act normal by distracting myself but the real story is that I’m tired of being alone. I’m about 5,1 and 23 years old. it’s imposible to find a significant other because, as we always see in social media “girls love tall guys”. I treat and respect women well always because they always have me as that work best friend but it’s never more than that. To me, my height makes me unattractive to women. I feel that a women wouldn’t want to be seen with a shorter man. Not being able to find someone to care about puts me to a very lonely situation that always is depressing to me. I’ve accepted the fact that I’m short and tried to move on but it’s always at the back of my head bothering me, more than it should. Im constantly wishing that I was reborn as the same person but taller. The feeling of Being lonely is something that I’m tired of feeling. Those dream of having a perfect life to share with someone else has become a dream that’s impossible to have. I only wish to have a happier life!

Scared1 Lost family
  • replies: 2

HI. I don't really know what to say. I have isolated and have no living family. And now I just lost interest in anything. Any friends are long gone. Real friends anyway. I know I have things to attend to but just can't face the world. Struggle to get... View more

HI. I don't really know what to say. I have isolated and have no living family. And now I just lost interest in anything. Any friends are long gone. Real friends anyway. I know I have things to attend to but just can't face the world. Struggle to get out of bed. Have no self esteem or confidence. Is there somewhere I can connect or talk to as I have no idea and am getting worse I know. Does anyone else experience this and get thru it all. I know I'm rambling. There is just so much pain and lonelyness since my mum who I nursed for yrs passed away. I lost contact with everyone. Hence now isolation and loneliness come with not wanting to get up and function. Im not eating or sleeping. I'm hiding from life and yet need to get things done or I'll end up homeless. I'll stop rambling. Please is there anyone who knows where I can get help or hear of positive outcomes

Eizie I compulsively lie about small things and I can’t help it
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m new here, but I’m looking for some support in regards to lying. Ever since I was young I had a brother whom was addicted to meth and myself and my family were constantly belittled and abused verbally. I learnt to lie about everything just so ... View more

Hi, I’m new here, but I’m looking for some support in regards to lying. Ever since I was young I had a brother whom was addicted to meth and myself and my family were constantly belittled and abused verbally. I learnt to lie about everything just so it wouldn’t trigger my brother because he was a ticking time bomb and would go into rage for the smallest things, the problem is it’s continued into my adult hood and I now lie to make things seem better than they are or so I don’t get the wrong reaction out of someone. My partner is constantly frustrated because he will ask if I used something of his and if I have I say no anyway because I’m scared of the reaction (not that he reacts) and he just says “just don’t lie it’s not hard” but I honestly can’t help it, I never tell big lies just little lies but honestly I just don’t know how to stop. I’ve never spoken to someone about my problems, I have anxiety and depression also which I’m on medication for and I feel like I’m trying to hold up this persona of being so happy and bubbly that I almost think I believe it myself. I don’t even know where to start, I’m 24 and I’ve never seen someone or spoken to a professional for the hell I went through as a child/teenager and I think it’s effected everything in my life- help me

Matai88 Think I have CFS - no support from GP or anyone else in my life
  • replies: 7

Hi all I think I might have CFS, however I'm not entirely sure as it's never been diagnosed by a doctor. The closest I've been to a diagnosis was around 2 years ago when I was told that my medication was creating "CFS like symptoms" by my GP, however... View more

Hi all I think I might have CFS, however I'm not entirely sure as it's never been diagnosed by a doctor. The closest I've been to a diagnosis was around 2 years ago when I was told that my medication was creating "CFS like symptoms" by my GP, however he never provided any more advice on what to do about it. I changed GPs and medications not long after that and felt OK for a few months. Then the fatigue hit again. I haven't felt 'right' since Christmas last year. Sometimes I feel good for weeks but most of the time I'm tired, aching (muscles and joints that feel like they are about to explode), confused/foggy and I feel worse after exercise, even just a 30 minute walk. I tried a gym trial the other day and after 15 minutes of lifting light weights I was done. It took me 3 days to stop aching and feeling tired. A year ago I could ride my bike to and from work (15km each way) most days, easily do a couple of hours of yoga a week, walk for 60+ minutes and hike for a couple of hours. Now I'm lucky if I manage a 20 minute slow walk. I try my best to do an hour of hatha yoga once a week but sometimes I'm just in too much pain and too exhausted. Most of my days consist of coming to work via bus and train, then going home and collapsing on the couch. I'm depressed, grieving for who I used to be and intensely jealous of anyone in good health. I've gained 8kg since I started feeling like this. I have bought up the fatigue and pain with my doctor three times now. This usually results in my iron, vitamins and thyroid being checked (always normal) and being sent to the psychologist. My psychologist says I'm depressed but what if that's only because I have this fatigue and near constant pain? I also get monthly migraines which don't help me. I try my hardest not to dwell on my health, I use relaxation techniques and don't push myself anymore but I'm steadily feeling worse and worse. So what do you do when you have little/no support from your GP, or for that matter anyone else in your life? Whenever I try to talk to family and friends I'm met with sympathetic comments then just awkward silences or a change of subject. I'm beginning to think everyone (including my GP) thinks I'm a hypochondriac. I'm suffering here, I WANT to be healthy, active and fit, I WANT help but I don't know how to get it or who to talk to about it.

Ritz20 Feeling alone while not actually being alone...
  • replies: 1

Hi This is my first time posting something like this. I normally keep to myself about everything but lately I'm finding it hard to deal with things. I'm 27 and when I look at my life I can't really say I have achieved much. Both my parents are sick(e... View more

Hi This is my first time posting something like this. I normally keep to myself about everything but lately I'm finding it hard to deal with things. I'm 27 and when I look at my life I can't really say I have achieved much. Both my parents are sick(especially my mum. She's on dialysis) I'm also dealing with my own health issues( Lupus SLE) I used to work when I was younger but I don't anymore. I spend most my days waking up, watching TV and trying not to fall asleep during the day. I don't get out or have any friends. I've tried in the past to make friends but I get stressed and just ruin everything. I have a partner but she lives in another state and is also dealing with her own anxieties and depression. Lately It's been getting harder too deal with everything. I'm constantly feeling alone but I'm always surrounded by loved ones. I just don't ever feel like being near people and I'm constantly shutting myself off from everyone and everything. I find it extremely hard to show emotions with anything and I'm always too tired or in to much pain to go out and do anything. I just hate everything for no reason. I have no motivation for anything and I don't have anyone I can talk to. I've seen a psychologist and yes she helped a little bit but it wasn't enough. Anyway. I wasn't feeling great and needed somewhere I could share my worries. Thanks