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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

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Ajay28 Really Struggling
  • replies: 2

Hey I'm a 42 yr old single mother of 4. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for around 20 years. This is my first time here. I am really struggling atm, lve had a lot going on for a number of years, especially recently. This is the worst l h... View more

Hey I'm a 42 yr old single mother of 4. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for around 20 years. This is my first time here. I am really struggling atm, lve had a lot going on for a number of years, especially recently. This is the worst l have ever been and l just can't seem to get myself out of it. I have some good days but mostly bad where l don't want to get out of bed let alone leave the house. I feel like lm a terrible mother coz l don't want to cook or clean or doing anything really. I'm so exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. I don't sleep very well due to just thinking about everything from past & present. There r so many things that lve done, experienced and been through that l haven't dealt with. I find it hard to talk to my friends or family as l don't want to burden them with my problems as they have their own. I was recently terminated from my job that l loved which l feel was unfair as l had been off work due to my mental health being so bad caused from my manager of 4 years that is very narcissist and manipulative. None of the issues were addressed when l was terminated, only a conversation l had with another staff member who l thought l could trust that caused my termination. Since then l have developed social anxiety, have had my first panic attack and suicidal thought which was terrifying for me. I didn't attempt, and only wanted to stop the pain, not end my life. Today is one of my really bad days where l lock myself in my room n stay in bed crying. I have been on medication for a few years which was doubled when l lost my job. Waiting to see a councillor. My Dr won't give me something to help me sleep which really mad me angry as it's literally driving me crazy at night it being able to sleep. I just feel so lost, worthless, useless and alone atm. In the past l have been able to pull myself out of it but not this time. I know exactly what l need to do as l have supported many people going through similar (my kids, friends and clients at work) My 22 yr old daughter is expecting her first child/my first grandchild in about 4 weeks which is giving me something to really look forward to. She also suffers with her mental health and in the past has self harmed and attempted suicide. So has my 23 yr old son. I think l must have been a really terrible person in a past life with everything that lve been through and still going through......It's just not fair

Fionablue I should be happy 😔
  • replies: 2

I should be happy .... 3 beautiful healthy happy children. One easy going hard working husband. Financially we are not great but surviving. Kids are almost always smiling hubby always says I love you ,food on the table and roof over our head . Howeve... View more

I should be happy .... 3 beautiful healthy happy children. One easy going hard working husband. Financially we are not great but surviving. Kids are almost always smiling hubby always says I love you ,food on the table and roof over our head . However I’m dying on the inside . I miss my extended family who live in another another state , I hate my 2 part time jobs which pay well so leaving them is not really an option. My mil has cancer and going through chemo and we are too far and have our commitments to be constantly there for support. Above everything I’ve had chronic carpal tunnel and knee pain and I know I’m addicted to my pain medication. I roll my eyes at myself typical first world problems I think so I smile and carry on . The outside doesn’t match how I feel though . My internal dialogue screams how awful I feel , how desperately I have become addicted to my meds and how I feel my life is spiralling out of control. I have ptsd from childhood trauma and take anxiety meds . Is there anyone else like me out there?? How do you deal with this . I do see a psychologist but can’t really afford her all the time . Thanks

GrievingGirl Relationship ended 12 hours later lost my best friend (cat)
  • replies: 2

I’m struggling a lot. My boyfriend and I ended out three year relationship (amicably) on Sunday. We just weren’t the one for each other. Regardless he was my best friend and the one I always sought support and comfort from. I left at 9pm Sunday night... View more

I’m struggling a lot. My boyfriend and I ended out three year relationship (amicably) on Sunday. We just weren’t the one for each other. Regardless he was my best friend and the one I always sought support and comfort from. I left at 9pm Sunday night. 9am Monday morning, 12 hours later, I took my precious 10 year old cat to the vet for a check up. I only recused her two months prior but she was a shining life changing beacon and lit up my whole life. 10 minutes into the appointment the vet told me she had aggressive cancer, was in significant pain and suffering, and there was nothing to be done for her. It was completely unexpected. I held her in my arms while she took her last breath and let her go that morning. I knew my boyfriend and I would break up that weekend. We had both planned it and wanted to spend quality time together to just enjoy the good parts before we went out separate ways. I had no idea my little cat was unwell and I would have to end her life that morning. It was 12 hours only after breaking up. It hurts because if it has been 12 hours earlier my best friend would have been there with me and comforted me and supported me through the grief. But we broke up so he’s not. I told him what had happened and he was sorry but didn’t want to be involved or change things. Im struggling ALOT to just function. Eating, drinking, using the toilet, sleeping, socialising, thinking. Life just seems completely and utterly impossible. I don’t have a lot of friends and don’t have family aside from my mum, who lives interstate. She’s helping as just as she can but I’m just so lost and feel alone in this grief. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be grieving, my beautiful cat who was my family, or the loss of my relationship. I don’t really know what to expect here. Am i overreacting and being too dramatic?

Imtrying Do I even want to be happy?
  • replies: 4

I think I’m numb. I don’t even know. I used to be really depressed and I’m not sure if this is just a different form of depression or I’m no longer depressed and I just don’t know. I don’t even think I want to get better. I’m comfortable being depres... View more

I think I’m numb. I don’t even know. I used to be really depressed and I’m not sure if this is just a different form of depression or I’m no longer depressed and I just don’t know. I don’t even think I want to get better. I’m comfortable being depressed. I just need someone to tell me what it feels like to be happy or mentally healthy because I could be there. I just have some questions so could someone please reply? Also I’m 16 and started feeling depressed when I was like 13 and got diagnosed and everything but that was a while ago.

PeterBR Work place bulling
  • replies: 3

I have been with a company for almost ten years. Over the last 2 years I just feel like that are doing their best to get rid of me. They have even gone as far as making up lies and aligations against me. I was stood down for this but have proved them... View more

I have been with a company for almost ten years. Over the last 2 years I just feel like that are doing their best to get rid of me. They have even gone as far as making up lies and aligations against me. I was stood down for this but have proved them wrong. I am now off on stress leave and don't want to go back because it's not going to stop. My other concern is if I leave now I will loose my long service leave. I have asked every one I can think of about this but nobody can give me an answer. So do I go back for 2 months to complete my 10 years knowing they will try find something to get me fired or do I walk away now and loose my long service leave. Knowing this makes me even more stressed and anxious and worried which is not good. Any help would be great, thanks.

onedad Need help coping while working away from family for an extended time
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone I am currently in the middle east, away from everyone/thing i know and love. Working 6 days a week on a project in this part of the world i am finding myself feeling so along and missing my 3 year old boy and wife to the point i break dow... View more

Hi everyone I am currently in the middle east, away from everyone/thing i know and love. Working 6 days a week on a project in this part of the world i am finding myself feeling so along and missing my 3 year old boy and wife to the point i break down and cry most nights when im alone. I usually try to stay up till 11pm here to catch them in their morning routine.and for those 5.5 hours after work i usually walk somewhere with some work colleges grab a bite to eat and return to the hotel. i try to work out a bit to help pass tim and release some natural endorphins... Nothing is working currently... i have only been here 5 days and have another 33 to go.. i have little to no support, and really need some help to cope Thanks

learningtosmileagain Is this a normal part of depression?
  • replies: 2

I've been dealing with GAD and health anxiety for about 12 years, (I'm a 21 year old male). As a 9 year old, I would make my parents take me to the doctor at least once a week to confirm that I didn't have meningococcal, and throughout my teen years ... View more

I've been dealing with GAD and health anxiety for about 12 years, (I'm a 21 year old male). As a 9 year old, I would make my parents take me to the doctor at least once a week to confirm that I didn't have meningococcal, and throughout my teen years I was convinced that I had three different types of cancer, HIV, and Lyme disease. I generally do a good job of seeking help, I see a psychologist once a fortnight and I regularly talk to my family about my mental health. I am more anxious than depressed most of the time. I've had periods of depression throughout my life, but I would never say that I've experienced it to the extent that other people have. I'm wondering if depression is what I'm experiencing now, and hoping that someone on here can reassure me that what I'm feeling is a normal part of depression. I usually have a pretty easy time describing how I feel, and discussing my feelings with people. However, lately, I don't feel as able to do this. I feel this overwhelming sense of numbness, lack of interest in people and things that I usually care about, and a sense of impending doom. I feel like sleeping all day, I don't want to be around anybody and don't feel like things will ever get better. I don't feel like I am able to articulate how I feel to people, there are no really strong emotions, it just feels like an internal pit of emptiness. I don't know how to describe it any better than that. I wonder if this is depression, I feel a little bit sad, but more than anything I just feel hopeless/helpless, like I don't care about anything anymore, and that my quality of life will never improve. Has anyone ever experienced this, do you think it is depression? If so, do you have any tips on feeling better? Any responses are valued, I just don't really have anyone that can relate to me in terms of dealing with depression and anxiety, so I thought I would try to get some responses on this forum. Thank you, and to anyone reading this that feels similar or has experienced anxiety, I hope you feel better soon and know that you have a friend in me.

Alyca Is this really depression or something else, what should I do?
  • replies: 3

I seriously can't tell anymore. I have this constant emptiness(maybe vulnerbility) and anxious feeling gnawing at me. It might alleviate some time, but it will grow back. I don't dare to go to sleep unless I'm tired enough to fall asleep in a manner ... View more

I seriously can't tell anymore. I have this constant emptiness(maybe vulnerbility) and anxious feeling gnawing at me. It might alleviate some time, but it will grow back. I don't dare to go to sleep unless I'm tired enough to fall asleep in a manner of seconds, or go quiet and do any quality works even if I really want to. I had to always watching something or forcing my mind both not to think and not to stop at the same time (Like watching TV), or the darkness and emptiness will find its way and seep in, making me feel anxious, scared, cold and meaningless. The smallest thing can set me off, and I'm constantly sensing and worrying about things that can go wrong, feeling I'm not prepared for such accidents or mishaps, no matter how slim the chances are. In fact I can't tell whether the chances are small or not, after all there is something called Murphy's Law. And this renders all my efforts, as everything, as long as it can go wrong, will go wrong. How can anyone make anything absolutely perfect? So it's always there, this gnawing voice, this very deep level of emptiness, powerless, and this angst, I can't even know the reason because anything can lead to that. In this case living alone is burdensome, for the future to me is not something to be looking forward to but something to be feared. I tried to talk to the family, none of them understand what I was saying, for they don't have the same problem. So all they can say is stop worrying, or you are worry about nothing. Does anyone here know about this kind of situation? Please share if there is a cure for that.

Bam2317 Marriage separation
  • replies: 1

Hi, recently my wife and i separated. We had been together for almost 9 years and married for 7 years. Im finding it hard to cope with the separation, i dont feel like doing the things i love to do, i dont feel like eating, i dont feel happy only sad... View more

Hi, recently my wife and i separated. We had been together for almost 9 years and married for 7 years. Im finding it hard to cope with the separation, i dont feel like doing the things i love to do, i dont feel like eating, i dont feel happy only sad, i get frustrated and anger with every thing and ever one and im also having negative thoughts like no one cares about me etc. We are currently still living in the same house and i wanted to leave but theres kids involved. Any advice will help

garysdash SELF HELP TIPS FOR DEPRESSION
  • replies: 0

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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