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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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Hope4betterdays I have no idea
  • replies: 1

I don't usually show my emotions or feelings. Depression has taken over the better part of my life for a while now I guess you could say it started a little over 4 years ago when my brother died. that was the first time I felt different. It's just we... View more

I don't usually show my emotions or feelings. Depression has taken over the better part of my life for a while now I guess you could say it started a little over 4 years ago when my brother died. that was the first time I felt different. It's just weird how one day out of nowhere someone can be taken from you, and then 2 years ago I lost my big sister. Since then I have tried to make everyone happy to the point where I don't even know how to make myself happy. I sacrifice everything for everyone and then they turn around and say "I never told you to do that". But when I'm not there for them "I never do anything for anyone". Some days just get harder with dealing with everyone's problems and trying to find solutions for them than most. and I guess today is one of those days. I just feel like there is so much to do in so little time, to the point where my memory gets a little foggy, after forgetting something the blame game starts and I turn out to be the winner every single time.

Blackthorn No will
  • replies: 2

I don't know what to do anymore. My mental health have been decreasing since my early teens (I am currently 20) and it isn't getting better, in fact over the past year it has gotten worse. I have been writing my thoughts down trying to at least get i... View more

I don't know what to do anymore. My mental health have been decreasing since my early teens (I am currently 20) and it isn't getting better, in fact over the past year it has gotten worse. I have been writing my thoughts down trying to at least get it out of my head but I don't feel better, everything just feels wrong, so wrong. I have gone to headspace a few time and though they are trying to help there is a lot of time between sessions, and a lot of negativity around myself and my life. I guess the best way to try and describe how I'm feeling is out of place, empty, alone, useless, exhausted, drained, unconnected just naming a few things. Nothing brings me joy, nothing makes me feel truly happy, I have no prospects for the future, I don't know where I'm going in life or what I'm doing. I feel I have no will to live, no reason to live, I stated before that I feel alone and unconnected, and I do to family and friends, but the only time I feel content is when I'm able to be alone, reading. Even though that makes no sense even in my own head I feel so alone but I like to be alone ?!? I'm drowning in my own thoughts and problems that aren't mine, I know I have a big heart and for most of my life everyone comes before me and now that I'm trying to focus on my I feel extremely guilty and selfish. Im having anxiety attacks at least 3 times a week and bad thought at least twice a day. I am either 'okay' or anxious or I can't do this or moody... I've been having a lot of mood swings and little things are triggering my anxiety and irritability. I don't want feel or be this way, but I don't even know who I am

16_12_18 help talking to parents about depression?
  • replies: 7

hi, i don’t know who to turn to anymore so i guess that’s why i’m here. i talked to my closest friends and asked for help about my depression and bad habits and accidently influenced them in doing so. i’ve tried explaining to my parents how i felt an... View more

hi, i don’t know who to turn to anymore so i guess that’s why i’m here. i talked to my closest friends and asked for help about my depression and bad habits and accidently influenced them in doing so. i’ve tried explaining to my parents how i felt and what i’m going through but they just tell me to “get it together”, or they mock me and tell me i’m just being useless and lazy. i’m just so sick of everything. i’ve stopped talking to people, i’ve been staying home a lot more rather than going to school and to be honest, im constantly on the verge of breaking down. i hate being around people because it makes me feel so much more out of place and alone. its a constant struggle just for me to leave the house. i don’t know what to do. i choke up trying to talk about my depression, it’s so impossible to talk because i feel like everybody just thinks i’m a moody teen or just ‘going through an attention seeking phase’. i don’t know who or how to ask for help, but i do know that i need it really bad. i guess i’m just asking for help on how to talk about it and ask for support after being rejected and made fun of so many times.

Sueetties Are we more prone to depression in winter than summer ?
  • replies: 4

Hello, i haven’t been to this forum for awhile as I thought I had done enough work during my deepest dark days through counselling and exercises. but seems now I am slowly sliding into the deep rabbit hole again. Is it the weather? Winter triggers de... View more

Hello, i haven’t been to this forum for awhile as I thought I had done enough work during my deepest dark days through counselling and exercises. but seems now I am slowly sliding into the deep rabbit hole again. Is it the weather? Winter triggers depression more than summer or are we more prone to depression in winter? I was at around the same time last year when I first identified my mental health issue. Has anyone experienced similar things? How do you deal with it ? thank you

Stephanie285644 Loosing myself
  • replies: 1

Hi all, I'm not sure how important this is in relation to other cases but I wanted to reach out for some help. I was made redundant from my job last August (I was only 23 at the time, now 24). I have been in employed and unemployed since- about 2 mon... View more

Hi all, I'm not sure how important this is in relation to other cases but I wanted to reach out for some help. I was made redundant from my job last August (I was only 23 at the time, now 24). I have been in employed and unemployed since- about 2 months ago I took on a permanent job, out of desperation as I was unemployed at the time. I couldn't be any more unhappy in this current position. I am alone, isolated, feeling unchallenged and overall feeling lost with my overall self. I'm left at a desk for 8 hours a day with my own thoughts where every single day is Groundhog Day. Unfortunately I have attempted to reach out to management (who are interstate- all correspondence is via the telephone or email) and have been brushed off numerous times. My point being, since being made redundant I feel like I have lost all self worth and who I am as a person. I feel lost, dealing with constant rejection and knock backs is impacting me mentally and emotionally. I have been told I have changed as a person, I'm more negative and I'm not my bright self. I see it myself too. Its like I'm in a deep dark hole and I'm trying to jump out of it but it's getting deeper instead. I want a change, but I don't know where to start. I've lost all interest in life itself and where it's taking me even trying to figure out what sort of interests I have is a blank now but I want to change that. I want a chance to prove my self worth but getting knocked down time and time again has now influenced who I've become. If anyone can offer some sort of advise. It would be greatly appreciated.

glaceon Medication causing hunger?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone. I am currently taking two SNRI medications once daily. I started the the first in November 2015 and the second in January 2017. The most prominent side effect for myself has been the intense hunger, cravings and uncontrollable binge eati... View more

Hi everyone. I am currently taking two SNRI medications once daily. I started the the first in November 2015 and the second in January 2017. The most prominent side effect for myself has been the intense hunger, cravings and uncontrollable binge eating. I crave carbs and anything sugary. White bread, doughnuts, biscuits, chocolate, potato chips and so on. While I'm eating these kinds of foods, I feel happy and energised. Shortly after I feel guilty and lethargic. And then the cycle resets. This has caused me to gain about 25kg (55lbs) in a relatively short time. I should probably mention this weight gain started immediately after I stopped smoking weed. I was smoking heavily every day from April 2017 to July 2017. (Approx 4 months) I didn't gain any weight. In fact, I actually lost weight. Is anyone else on a medication combination? If so. How do you manage your diet, weight and exercise? PS. I try to exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes. (Skipping rope) and I walk an average of 5,000 to 8,000 steps every day. I loathe exercise but I know it's good for me, so I do it. Thanks

Andrew_W Confused an feel alone
  • replies: 5

This is my first time on hear as only really looked in to beyond blue today as trying to find answers an opening up. I am a shy person that’s finds its hard to talk about my feeling face to face to people. I am married with two young beautiful boys w... View more

This is my first time on hear as only really looked in to beyond blue today as trying to find answers an opening up. I am a shy person that’s finds its hard to talk about my feeling face to face to people. I am married with two young beautiful boys who mean the world to me. I own my own business as a builder an am very successful in what I do as I am a very hard worker. That’s just the way I have been brought up. The problem is that unless I’m at work busting my arse an keeping busy I feel really down an have no motivation or energy. I’ve been like this now for a long time an I feel really guilty when I carnt give the boys or my wife the energy that I give to work. Please don’t take this the wrong way as I am not a bad person but I found having small amounts of drugs(meth) when I’m at my lowest point really helps me. Its like it just brings me out of that dark deep hole that I get stuck in. I now down deep that this is wrong but it make every happy when I’m happy. An that make me happy. It could be once every 2 month or 3 months but I no it’s not the right things to do. I’ve herd so many bad stories about anti depressants as I long term damage. Don’t get me wrong I now having the other is probably worse but it’s long time between. I guess I’m at the stage for some good advice as I don’t really want any drugs prescription or not. I am very strong headed when it comes to taking drugs so I no it’s not going to become a addicting as I have so much pride it my family an what I have accomplished in life. I actually feel beta just saying this on this page with out people looking down on me an making me feeling worthless. Thanks

fred2018 Dealing with people when depressed
  • replies: 3

Would love to hear of people's experiences navigating the difficulties of being more sensitive to criticism some pyschs call this interpersonal sensitivity when depressed/anxious/irritable , I sometimes find dealing with friends or family tricky.

Would love to hear of people's experiences navigating the difficulties of being more sensitive to criticism some pyschs call this interpersonal sensitivity when depressed/anxious/irritable , I sometimes find dealing with friends or family tricky.

TodayImHolly I’m struggling and my partner is making me feel worse
  • replies: 1

Hi Everyone. I’ve had a long battle with mental illness stretching back a few years. However it has worsened over the last 12 months. Resulting in 2 hospitalisations this year. I am getting help from my GP and psychiatrist, I have been diagnosed with... View more

Hi Everyone. I’ve had a long battle with mental illness stretching back a few years. However it has worsened over the last 12 months. Resulting in 2 hospitalisations this year. I am getting help from my GP and psychiatrist, I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD and dissociative disorder. It’s been a difficult year and due to my depression and hospital stays I found myself unable to leave bed most days and stopped working. Financially I had savings to use until they ran out a few weeks ago. This is not an issue for my partner. His issue is that he doesn’t understand mental illness and doesn’t really care to educate himself. Often he is so understanding and patient, but when I’m struggling he calls me lazy. Today we were talking about building a life that you want and he commented that I haven’t managed to build myself any kind of life so far. It was so hurtful because it’s not true. I worked incredibly hard for the last ten years until my brain betrayed me. On another occasion He laughed at a decision I made years ago that he didn’t agree with, but that I stand by. I asked him to not laugh at my life, he told me if I didn’t want to be laughed at I shouldn’t have made my life such a joke. I know alone these Sound horrible and reason to distance myself, but at other times he can be so compassionate. It’s just that all these comments are wearing me down more and triggering a week long depression each time where I find it hard to leave a dark room. Advice on a healthy way to handle these feelings is appreciated. How do I stop myself feeling so affected by this stuff?

BirdieBro Treading Water
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I am a mother of a teenager who suffers from GAD - Generalised Anxiety Disorder. He has come off his medication with the assistance of his psychiatrist earlier this year, however against the psychiatrists recommendation. I have been keeping... View more

Hi there, I am a mother of a teenager who suffers from GAD - Generalised Anxiety Disorder. He has come off his medication with the assistance of his psychiatrist earlier this year, however against the psychiatrists recommendation. I have been keeping a very close eye on him with out pressure. Just sitting with, listening too and chatting. Looking for body language signs etc. So far so good, until a few weeks ago. He lost a work book for school and the seemingly simple task of raising his hand to say, 'Ive misplaced my book." is so debilitatingly terrifying. His breathing was tight and his face red. It totally breaks my heart. Not supposed to rescue him, but watching him suffer is so incredibly painful. Ive contacted the school asking for them to provide a safe space for him to tell them, without him knowing i have rung and I've provided him with a new book in the mean time so he doesn't fall behind. Ive cuddled, sat with, listened to and even sat in silence. Im wondering if any other parents find themselves becoming overwhelmed and sinking while trying to keep their children afloat? Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for your support.