Support
Support

Depression

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

Start a conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Jonahs123 Will these feelings ever stop and go away?
  • replies: 3

Everyday I feel empty. I wake up feeling empty, I eat feeling empty, I fall asleep feeling empty. The emptiness doesn't seem to go away. On top of this I have a sense of guilt, but im not sure what I exactly feel guilty about. I'm more of a type to b... View more

Everyday I feel empty. I wake up feeling empty, I eat feeling empty, I fall asleep feeling empty. The emptiness doesn't seem to go away. On top of this I have a sense of guilt, but im not sure what I exactly feel guilty about. I'm more of a type to bottle up my feelings before releasing it all out at once, which i've noticed makes me feel even worse, but I can't really stop myself from blocking out my emotions until it gets too much. I dont know if anyone feels this or if its just me, but everytime I go out with friends or others I feel like i'm not mean't to be there,my mind tells me that they dont want me to be there, despite also knowing that they aren't showing any signs of rejection towards me. I just feel like i'm jeporadising their time of fun, I feel like i'm ruining it for them. But, I want to be there at the same time cause I don't want to miss out, I don't want to go back to school and have them talk about this event which I decided to skip. I don't want to be seperated and unrelatable. I'm really fed up of feeling like this. I can feel offended and sad about someones comment or something they did despite it being such a small matter. An example would be me getting upset and angry at my friend because after me continiously trying to spend time with him because he had something happen to him, but everytime he would find a way to tell me that he doesnt feel like going or that he can't go. I know deep down that he probably isn't feeling well and that he wants some time alone, but I can't stop myself from being annoyed at him. Will this ever stop? Why have I become so sensetive?

Big_Red_Cat Relying on others for happiness
  • replies: 4

I recently confided in a friend that I feel very lonely and depressed because I have so little social contact with any of my friends anymore. I am now in my fourth year of uni and each year has been more difficult because friends don't have as much f... View more

I recently confided in a friend that I feel very lonely and depressed because I have so little social contact with any of my friends anymore. I am now in my fourth year of uni and each year has been more difficult because friends don't have as much free time. I spent a lot of Fridays and Saturdays working over the last three years and couldn't go out but no one is free to do anything anymore now that I'm more freed up. My social life is one-way texts (me texting friends and not getting anything back) and brief coffees every few months that I have to work hard to arrange. I also feel bad because the only time my friends usually reach out to me is when they need help with assessment. I know they aren't trying to hurt my feelings but it's very bad for your self-worth when people only contact you unexpectedly when they need to improve their grades. My birthday is also coming up in two weeks and I don't want to plan anything because I can't deal with being turned down by people anymore. With so many knockbacks when I try to have fun, I've resorted to doing heaps of things on my own. Some of these things have been good but I still feel really lonely and depressed. When I told my friend all of this, she said I shouldn't rely on other people for my happiness. It's not that she wasn't otherwise supportive, I just feel out of ideas since I need to be social to be happy. After months of going alone, I need more social time with my friends but that seems impossible. And given my struggles right now, that's all I need. Making new friends at 22 is confronting, terrifying and humiliating. Any advice is welcome. I am still friends with that friend but I was a bit taken aback by her advice not to rely on people when I was just saying I need more contact.

Olive96 Struggling with Depression from Lost Relationship
  • replies: 1

I have been through some bad relationships in my past. I've been through two very emotionally abusive relationships and I've dealt with men seeing me as something to "conquer" for the past few years. It's made me very untrusting of men. I recently op... View more

I have been through some bad relationships in my past. I've been through two very emotionally abusive relationships and I've dealt with men seeing me as something to "conquer" for the past few years. It's made me very untrusting of men. I recently opened myself up earlier this year to someone who I got along with very well. I've been quite closed off to the idea of being with anyone as I find I'm my most productive and my happiest self without the emotional weight of dating. This guy tried for quite a while though and eventually I allowed myself to enjoy being with someone. He made me feel really happy and appreciated, we spoke every day and given my experiences I thought I had a good read on him and could trust him. We slept together a few times, but then he began to change and wasn't the same kind, friendly person he'd been before. I became panicked at the thought that I'd let something like this happen to me again.When I voiced my feelings of upset to him, he didn't understand and tried to make me think that it had been in my head and I didn't have a right to be feeling manipulated the way I was. Whenever I try to express how I feel he tells me that I am being aggressive, having attitude or that I'm just starting an argument. He now treats me with no respect. This all happened in July and I thought I'd be feeling better by now but I feel worse. I've been through bouts of depression the past few years and am medicated for it. I usually manage to get over things quite fast as a result of the other things I've been through but for some reason this one is crippling me. I cry every night, sometimes I cry out of sadness and others its anger. He has no respect or feeling towards me and I feel like I didn't just lose a friend, but someone who I'd begun to open myself up to romantically for the first time in so long. I trusted him and he turned around and hurt me. Sometimes I feel like I don't want to do anything all day and the idea of getting out of my bed is even too hard. I regret ever speaking to him and I just feel broken. I rarely cry over a relationship or a boy but this one has hurt me so much worse than anything else. I just want to stop feeling how I feel towards him and feel like myself again. I usually know how to pull myself out of these low periods but it's been a few months now and I am really struggling.

emd2 Does talking about depression actually help?
  • replies: 1

I'm reaching out because I have been depressed for a long time and haven't been able to make changes to get out of it. My depression stems from financial pressures and the toll that is putting on my family. The financial situation is getting worse an... View more

I'm reaching out because I have been depressed for a long time and haven't been able to make changes to get out of it. My depression stems from financial pressures and the toll that is putting on my family. The financial situation is getting worse and I'm wanting to change my thinking to help change how I approach my work and make it more successful. I feel like by keeping focusing on the negative I can't see a way out. I have little so motivation do what's necessary even though I have things I could do to help. My thinking is very clouded with the stress of it so finding it very hard to make good decisions. My husband has lost his patience with the way I'm thinking and wants me to get help. I can't afford to go to a therapist right now. I tried earlier in the year but felt it was a waste of time. I guess I want to know if it's possible to fix depression and how long it takes, I don't have years. What are some good strategies to change to more positive thinking that people have tried when the problem they are facing seems beyond fixing?

bee2003 Isolation
  • replies: 2

Lately i've just felt this emptiness and sadness that won't go away. Even if I see people I always feel lonely? I used to have a problem with drugs and part of recovering was me cutting off the majority of the friends I had at the time. I'd known mos... View more

Lately i've just felt this emptiness and sadness that won't go away. Even if I see people I always feel lonely? I used to have a problem with drugs and part of recovering was me cutting off the majority of the friends I had at the time. I'd known most of them my whole life and even though cutting them off was the right thing for my recovery I still feel this pain of not having anyone who really knows me. It feels like most people my age have groups of friends they've known for years and thats what gives them confidence to meet new people and expand their circle. For me it feels like I'm starting from scratch all on my own and it's gotten to the point where my self esteem is so low and I'm so jealous of everyone around me. I don't know how to get out of this hole and I can't stop crying from the loneliness. Any advice on rebuilding friendships would be helpful.

Rainbow1234 Depressed Family Member
  • replies: 3

Hi all, i have a close family member who has depression (not diagnosed), she has had it for a long time and it’s continuing to get worse and I don’t know what to do anymore. She gets extremely jealous If positive things happen to others, she is insec... View more

Hi all, i have a close family member who has depression (not diagnosed), she has had it for a long time and it’s continuing to get worse and I don’t know what to do anymore. She gets extremely jealous If positive things happen to others, she is insecure about her looks & weight and hates going to crowded places, she’s always negative and becomes irritable easy and thinks she is a victim of the world basically. I have tried being patient and listen, being positive to boost her mood, I have snapped at her at times because I seem to be her outlet for all she is feeling which is makes me feel down after speaking with her and she just won’t get help. She doesn’t think she needs to talk to a professional or that it will do anything and her physical health is not the greatest (she won’t do anything about that either). So I just don’t know what to do anymore without getting dragged into her negative feelings. Her workplace have pulled her up on her negative attitude and approachability but even this isn’t a trigger for her to change. Any advice is appreciated!

MysticMark Centrelink Review
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I have to relocate interstate and terrified about a Centrelink review for my DSP. I will have new GP's, Clinical Psycologists etc. Not sure how they will understand me and support me with CL and the DSP. Is the CL review process for the DSP a... View more

Hi all, I have to relocate interstate and terrified about a Centrelink review for my DSP. I will have new GP's, Clinical Psycologists etc. Not sure how they will understand me and support me with CL and the DSP. Is the CL review process for the DSP as bad as applying for it in the first place? Thank you and you’re feedback will be greatly appreciated.

DarkSunshine Am i depressed?
  • replies: 15

Hi everyone, I've started a thread as I am not sure as to whether I am actually depressed or just very over-dramatic / moody. I have completed the beyond blue checklist and it came out with a high. I didn't want to self-diagnose anything and so i dec... View more

Hi everyone, I've started a thread as I am not sure as to whether I am actually depressed or just very over-dramatic / moody. I have completed the beyond blue checklist and it came out with a high. I didn't want to self-diagnose anything and so i decided to try out all the online checks i could find - of which all also said the same. Even after so many tests, I wasn't satisfied as I am in my teenage years anyways so it may just be me being over-dramatic and moody. I have come here to ask if anyone could help me figure out whether i may actually be depressed or if it's just a phase (age). I am willing to answer any questions (may be brief though). The reason I have been reluctant but to come here is because I can't go to my GP or anyone as I'm too scared for my parents to find out - I don't think they'd be very happy. Would mean a lot if someone could help me out because my behavior lately has been driving me and (pretty sure) everyone around me crazy. Thank you for your time and sorry for bothering everyone on here who have to go through so much more while i whine about my minor problems.

cordimag 25 years old feels like I have no future
  • replies: 2

I basically live mooching off my family, I have no education, no work experience and I have not left my house in years. I stopped taking care of myself a while ago. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety a long time ago and getting help has alwa... View more

I basically live mooching off my family, I have no education, no work experience and I have not left my house in years. I stopped taking care of myself a while ago. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety a long time ago and getting help has always been a hassle. I can't drive because I have no license and I have to rely on family to get me to sessions. After a while scheduling becomes too much of a pain and it falls to the back burner before I stop going entirely. I just don't know what to do, especially when it comes to sustaining myself in the future. I don't expect people to support me my whole life and I feel like garbage for having done it for so long. I am facing a future where if I do get treatment I won't be able to get a job, at least from what I hear no one will hire someone who is almost 30 and has nothing to put on a resume and I am gonna go out on a limb and say that telling an employer you didn't work due to mental illness isn't going to increase my chances. I just feel like I have no where to go in life

Unicorn_Sparkles Feeling so overwhelmed with everything in my life
  • replies: 6

It's at the point where it feels like it's impacting every aspect of my life, that I'm shutting down completely. I'm one of those sad people who still plays Pokemon go, which I loved, because it got me out and about socialising (because basically all... View more

It's at the point where it feels like it's impacting every aspect of my life, that I'm shutting down completely. I'm one of those sad people who still plays Pokemon go, which I loved, because it got me out and about socialising (because basically all my friends are married and have their own lives now, so I feel like the single loser) and I loved that the group I was part of was so inclusive and didn't judge people on level, team etc, but lately it's like everyone has become so cliquey that people are going off and doing their own thing and not wanting to help and I don't understand why people would be so selfish. I admit I've been lashing out coz I'm frustrated, but I don't understand why people would want to be selfish and not include people and leave people out. Yet I feel like whenever I'm like "that's pretty crappy behaviour, not everyone is as elite or has their own crew they can hang outwith" some people give me this "some people have access to enough accounts to do things themselves, people will get left out, get over it" or "soz, wasn't thinking. I had enough accounts to do it myself" attitude (at least that's how the responses make me feel) and then it's like there's so much pressure that I feel like I need to do this and that, or play a certain amount and it's overwhelming. Then I get frustrated, coz I feel like nobody is listening to me and my concerns, so lash out, yet it somehow ends up being my fault. And then I also feel like a worthless loser, coz I'm unemployed, live at home with my parents. Mum has bad arthritis, so she's super slow, then dad makes fun of her being so slow. Also went to a family gathering recently and got cornered by cousins who were like "When are you gonna have kids? Isn't it time your parents have grandchildren?" I'm 37, this weighs on my mind on a daily basis as to why I'm single and why nobody wants me, not just on a relationship basis, but work and friends (I've all but given up on asking my bestie if she's free for coffee, she's always busy with her mother's group friends) It feels like I'm drowning in negativity and it feels like no matter what I do it's always my fault. I feel useless, worthless and not good enough. I'd much rather hide in my room forever and never come out. I also looked at speaking to a psychologist, but they're like $200, an unemployed bum like me can't afford it.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map