Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

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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: 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

J83 Feel like im losing it
  • replies: 3

Hi, I suffer from BPD and 7 months ago my fiancee had an affair and left myself and our daughter who is 19 months, I wanted to sort things out but he no longer loves me. He chased me for so long, adored me, I was his everything and I felt so safe. Th... View more

Hi, I suffer from BPD and 7 months ago my fiancee had an affair and left myself and our daughter who is 19 months, I wanted to sort things out but he no longer loves me. He chased me for so long, adored me, I was his everything and I felt so safe. Then he just left after 3 years and I simply cannot get through it. I'm drowning in depression, feeling worthless, I feel like everyone including my daughter would be better off if I wasn't here. I have been suffering from back issues and have had several surgeries to correct it so I can't do much and play with my daughter or go out etc, I'm sick of the pain and pain meds, I'm sick of looking terrible, feeling terrible, I am just barely holding on. I've had to take unpaid leave from my job since my back issues so I feel even more useless because I'm not working and finances are tight. I'm so stressed, I cry every night missing the love of my life, I don't know how to cope without him, or how to move forward as we co parent. I'm not strong enough to cut him out of my life and I don't want that for our daughter. My heart is literally broken, if I wasn't so awful, ugly, or if I was prettier and thinner he might have stayed. I put on a brave face for everyone else but I've been in bed for days now just crying and thinking how much I just want and need all of this pain and suffering to end. I know BPD can increase emotions incredibly and I'm not sure how to handle a break up whilst suffering from a mental illness. I have stopped seeing friends as I hate that they are happily married and have wonderful lives, and I'm a single mum with nothing going for her. I just don't think I can survive this. It's been a while and any "normal" person would have started to move forward now but I am too broken, defeated and exhausted to keep going. Can anyone give any advice or have been through something similar? Xx

UnderTheMoonlightWithMyFe Lost my lover under the moonlight..
  • replies: 1

Hello. I would like to introduce myself as a sad 15 year old girl losing hope. I am currently in a relationship with someone who I have no shame in introducing as the love of my life. We have talked for 2 years and dated officially for 9 months. Thes... View more

Hello. I would like to introduce myself as a sad 15 year old girl losing hope. I am currently in a relationship with someone who I have no shame in introducing as the love of my life. We have talked for 2 years and dated officially for 9 months. These past two weeks have been very hard for me. I have detached myself from the norm, my sleeping schedule is irregular, I can’t be bothered taking care of myself, I can’t be bothered eating, I have emotion outbursts which hurt a lot of my friends and my amazing boyfriend and I also need attention a lot and validation. I however have a bad habit of unintentionally making people feel at fault for my situation.. I don’t mean to do it, it just happens. (This is where my boyfriend comes in.) I also have a bad habit of overthinking. I believe my boyfriend hates me. I believe he wants to stay with me for my body even when he constantly tells me he doesn’t... and tbh.. I don’t know anymore, because when we’re together he can’t seem to control himself and we end up having sex 2-3 times in a row. He’s been here for almost 3 years so what if all these bad thoughts are true? He constantly validates me and tells me What he loves about me and I trust him.. but I’m very insecure and overthink every little situation. I end up having emotion outbursts and taking things out on him.. because he has a rough past which would make any girl leave. I don’t know what to do. I love him genuinely... but I feel and though I’ve been bothering him so much lately that he hates me.. ~ Moonlight

LMQ I don’t know how to keep going..,
  • replies: 7

Hi there I’m a mother of 4, nearly 45 years old and I’ve suffered from Depression for as long as I can remember. I’m particularly bad right now. I have no friends and no desire to have any. I have a wonderful husband who is supportive but over it. I ... View more

Hi there I’m a mother of 4, nearly 45 years old and I’ve suffered from Depression for as long as I can remember. I’m particularly bad right now. I have no friends and no desire to have any. I have a wonderful husband who is supportive but over it. I have zero libido and he’s sick of it and I’m wracked with guilt because of it. I have a job I enjoy but which is currently causing me substantial stress and anxiety. I have had many jobs over the years. About 2 years is usually my limit, by then I’m miserable and desperately unhappy. I hoped this job would be different... it’s not... I’m not able to maintain our house, it’s a mess. My kids are wonderful and I love them more than life itself but they’re lazy and entitled. I feel looking back that I should never have had kids, not because they’re not wonderful but because I should not have brought anymore versions of myself into the world. I feel ill to my stomach when I see them behave like me. I wouldn’t wish myself upon my worst enemy. I’m lying in bed feeling nauseous and exhausted. I’ve told my husband I’m so very low and he doesn’t know what to do. I don’t know what I want him to do. I don’t want to leave my room, nevermind leaving the house. My anxiety levels are through the roof and I’m feeling completely helpless and overwhelmed. im not taking medication. I was on medication and it always stops working. I’ve put on 20 kilos since going on it and it doesn’t help anymore. I’ve tried other medications and they don’t work for me. They make me feel sick or awful and fuzzy in the head. One gave me major heart palpitations. I’m tired of trying. I got a mental health plan from my Dr but couldn’t bring myself to go, now I’ve lost it. I can’t bring myself to go back and ask again. I don’t know where to turn or what to do. I don’t know how to keep going..,

Across Trying to find someone to talk to.
  • replies: 1

Hi I have been depressed and trying to work though some issues. I was trying to find the best place to find a professional to talk to. Thanks

Hi I have been depressed and trying to work though some issues. I was trying to find the best place to find a professional to talk to. Thanks

A_League_of_One Brain Shivers, flu like symptoms, Overwhelming waves of fear, Isolated,
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I just wanted to know if anyone else has suffered with the above symptoms with their depression? 4 weeks ago I had a severe attack which was accompanied by neck and shoulder pain (which had built up over weeks). It was like I had the flu and ... View more

Hi all, I just wanted to know if anyone else has suffered with the above symptoms with their depression? 4 weeks ago I had a severe attack which was accompanied by neck and shoulder pain (which had built up over weeks). It was like I had the flu and my brain was shivering like your body does when you have flu symptoms. It wasn't like the 'zaps' you usually get when you've missed an anti depressant but an actual shivering. I ended up in Emergency as the overwhelming and uncontrollable fear combined with the neck pain out weighed me. I've been on anti depressants for nearly 20 years & have been stable for around 90% of the time. Now all of a sudden I'm having a set back and have had to increase my dosage to 40mg, it's been 5 weeks and doesn't seem to be helping at all. Do you think it might be time to change medications? Do they sometimes just stop working? To add to my set backs my world has changed greatly over the last 5 years. I had my Mum & a friend pass away, a sister I was close to I no longer see (long story). I've turned 50 (struggling with peri menopause & not liking the aging thing much!!) I moved to a remote town where I don't know anyone (My extreme anxiety and lack of confidence, prevents me from meeting new ppl). I lost my job so have ALL day to think, plus my hubby works away every other week so I'm here alone with the dogs (I have not children either). The rest of my family are scattered to the winds & we aren't close at all. We have never really talked about depression openly, it's like they just don't know how to deal with it so ignore it. I have a few friends but no one super close I can talk to. I don't want to burden them anyway. I'm seeing a psychologist but as it's free the appointments are few and far between. I know most people suggest getting a job, meeting people but how? How do I get out of this cobweb of fear when getting out of bed is a chore? Sometimes it's crippling and I'm asking myself what's the point? I know this is the place to find some help and like minded people. Any advice other than the normal? Are there other ways to meet like minded people offline? (not that there's anything wrong with online I thought it'd be easier to talk to people who understand the battle.

Katherine22 Sick of the fight
  • replies: 18

Hi, it’s been a year or two since I last posted. I have had depression for 15 years and anxiety for 5 or 6. I have lost 3 jobs over my anxiety and depression and today my fourth. I go along nicely for a few months and try my hardest to be positive an... View more

Hi, it’s been a year or two since I last posted. I have had depression for 15 years and anxiety for 5 or 6. I have lost 3 jobs over my anxiety and depression and today my fourth. I go along nicely for a few months and try my hardest to be positive and push myself every day then something just tips me over the edge. This weekend it was my 10 year old being defiant and tantruming. I saw a psychologist for 4 years but moved to the country 1 year ago which has limited resources. I feel like I want to give up but know I can’t. I have a 17 year old and a 10 year old at home and two adult kids that live elsewhere. I was 2 weeks out from finishing my tafe course but now just want to give up on everything. I’m so tired of the fight and my family not understanding.

Julie3392 Feel like quitting job just one month in
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I graduated with a degree that I thought would lead me to my dream job, but years in the degree made me realise this isn’t for me. Yet, my degree is so specific that I don’t have a lot of options for a career. After going to a career counsell... View more

Hi all, I graduated with a degree that I thought would lead me to my dream job, but years in the degree made me realise this isn’t for me. Yet, my degree is so specific that I don’t have a lot of options for a career. After going to a career counsellor, I’ve decided to take on the so called dream job of mine. Currently a month in, I feel like I’m a burden more than anything, and I don’t always appreciate my boss’ sense of humour (he gives constructive advice plus some destructive words eg you fail, or something sarcastic in front of others to add humiliation). I have made mistakes, but my boss tends to harp on it while the other employers just point it out and let it go after. I’m also so drained by the end of the day, that I just go home, and eat dinner and sleep. I’m trying to lose weight to make myself feel better but it’s so hard at the end of the day, or even at the start. I’m considering going for regular counselling, just to keep myself sane, otherwise I’m not sure how long I can last. Thanks for the read and I appreciate any advise!

JadeRebekkah losing hope
  • replies: 3

in 24yo I have been suffering from depression, anxiety and anorexia since I was 11. as i have gotten older everything has just gotten worse. I have been in therapy and medicated since was 18, been hospitalised the whole deal and nothing has ever help... View more

in 24yo I have been suffering from depression, anxiety and anorexia since I was 11. as i have gotten older everything has just gotten worse. I have been in therapy and medicated since was 18, been hospitalised the whole deal and nothing has ever helped. I don't know what to do anymore and im losing hope that I will ever feel any different and I can't keep doing it anymore

MiaApollo5 Here - Alive - But - Struggling.
  • replies: 3

It makes me angry, it makes me so angry. It makes me feel so small and the world is going to forget me or move on without me. I lost my mum four years ago and I still struggle with it. I can't tell if I was depressed afterwards or even before she pas... View more

It makes me angry, it makes me so angry. It makes me feel so small and the world is going to forget me or move on without me. I lost my mum four years ago and I still struggle with it. I can't tell if I was depressed afterwards or even before she passed. She went out one morning for her morning run and at 3am the next day she was found, police knocking at our door. How she passed still traumatises me to this day, it was of no ones intent. But it still sits with me in my mind at often strange times. I remember going to the supermarket that morning with family friends and wondering how I should be screaming. I wanted to scream at these people, I wanted the world to stop because mine had. And there I was buying chocolate croissants when my mum had just died. To this day I struggle to say 'she died' its so harsh and abrupt I usually opted for passed because it sounded so much more peaceful. I was 15 at the time, just starting VCE and felt like a failure because I couldn't focus on studying. We moved house and with it came the dawning sense of she really never would be coming home. I remember someone knocking on the door at the old house while I slept and in my half-awakedness I thought it was her, I cried long and hard. I remember even three years later police again knocking at the door and it all came back, they were after something or someone else. But my world sank and again I cried long and hard. I still think she will return one day. I still think she's at work and she's late. I remember sitting around the table the night of day we found out us four eating baked beans on toast, but all still hollow in our stomachs. So here I am now, struggling still. Because I really am. I have spoken to a grief counsellor, someone at headspace, a GP and now someone new. Maybe I'm doing this wrong, but I can't think of a right way to do it. I think when my depression flares it's ruddy head my anxiety flares too. Its new for me this anxiety but it's been gobbling me up whole, I have been crying at work thinking they all hate me and maybe they do. I feel so alone in this and maybe I am. So I guess I want to know what to do, how to do it, where to go, when to do things, whats right, whats wrong and will I ever feel like depression isn't sitting on my shoulders give me a nudge or push when I can take no more. I know life is worth living and there is beauty in it, I see it in the sun filled fields with morning fog just as I still see her, but I am struggling. I really am.

EmsLouise I feel empty.
  • replies: 4

My partner walked out on me half way through a mental break down and is on her way home which is 9 hours away. I had pleaded with her to stay but she left anyway. I feel empty but full of emotion, I need some sort of release, just to let the pressure... View more

My partner walked out on me half way through a mental break down and is on her way home which is 9 hours away. I had pleaded with her to stay but she left anyway. I feel empty but full of emotion, I need some sort of release, just to let the pressure out. She won’t answer my calls and she’s illiterate so I can’t text her how I’m feeling. I think this is the end of us. *side note* I am diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety and PTSD but think there’s more undiagnosed issues.