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

uplift123 I dont see my life getting better despite how hard I try
  • replies: 3

I'm new to this all so I am not quite sure what to say but any advice is welcome and I'm appreciative of it, I felt unhappy and alone for most of my life since my teenage years but lately it has been much worse. I feel like there is no hope, I'm exha... View more

I'm new to this all so I am not quite sure what to say but any advice is welcome and I'm appreciative of it, I felt unhappy and alone for most of my life since my teenage years but lately it has been much worse. I feel like there is no hope, I'm exhausted all the time, alone, sad and I don't have a positive outlook on life despite my best efforts. A bit about me, I'm 21 year old and I'm almost done with university, I am the type of person to try very hard in all things I do. I get excellent grades and will hopefully have a good career in engineering, I work out and get lots of exercise but I am disappointing in my love life. I have never had a girlfriend before and have been told multiple times I'm not relationship material and that I'm not good looking, once by a girl who I had become friends with by helping her with the course work and I asked her out only to be rejected and made to feel inadequate because of my face. The thing is that I am quite slim and have a fit physique, but I just have a ugly face and I'm not good enough for a relationship. I just get the feeling that those around me get the happy ending, my first found a guy she wants to be with, my friends are in happy multi-year relationships. I just want to feel accepted for who I am, someone to care about me and not overlook me for someone else, and someone to care and love me. I know that being in relationships doesn't automatically make you happy, however the feeling of not being good enough is horrible and I strongly believe is impacting me. I'm afraid to see what my life would be in 5 years time, alone, miserable and trying not to be bitter. I don't blame or hold anger towards the girls who rejected me or overlook me, I can only blame myself. I cant turn to my family because my mother is insistent that I am incredibly good looking and every time she says that It really hurts knowing your mother is either lying to you are unable to see you for who you really are. Hence I'm here asking for advice.

David Depressed Again
  • replies: 2

I recently found myself becoming depressed and dissatisfied with my job. I was also dissatisfied with my home life. It then led to me having a sick day, then a 2nd day, then a whole week off. After that i decided to have a 2nd week off. (Not sure if ... View more

I recently found myself becoming depressed and dissatisfied with my job. I was also dissatisfied with my home life. It then led to me having a sick day, then a 2nd day, then a whole week off. After that i decided to have a 2nd week off. (Not sure if I was just lazy or I really needed it). As I was casually employed the employer decided to let me go as they needed someone reliable. I was sorry about losing the job but felt i wasn't totally happy with it anyway. Before i started taking the time off I was just going through the motions at work, I would look at the clock all the time and just go through the motions. At the moment I am home but I have this restless feeling inside, yet when I try to get things done it takes me ages. I guess you could say I am bored at the moment.

wolfspirt556 can i get some advice on my depression
  • replies: 3

its my first time posting. i am looking for some advice to help me deal with my depression. i have been in depression for 6 years now and it gets worse every day. its that bad i have no reason to live. my parents hate me, none of my family loves me, ... View more

its my first time posting. i am looking for some advice to help me deal with my depression. i have been in depression for 6 years now and it gets worse every day. its that bad i have no reason to live. my parents hate me, none of my family loves me, i have no Friends i am always alone. can i get some advice plz.

josh88 How do you truly change and become a happy person?
  • replies: 10

Hi, like most people posting on here my life is in the pits. I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety around 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve seen around 8 different psychologists, 2 psychiatrists, and have been on 7 different medications. Aft... View more

Hi, like most people posting on here my life is in the pits. I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety around 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve seen around 8 different psychologists, 2 psychiatrists, and have been on 7 different medications. After getting all the tools and knowledge I need to understand my illness and what healthy ways of thinking look like, why can’t I change? Little, insignificant things annoy the hell out of me in an unhealthy way. I am a sad, negative person to be around. I’m moody and angry at the world. I know all of this and I am disgusted in myself, yet despite all of that I can’t change. I’m stuck being this sad, miserable person. I see happy people all of the time and I would do anything to be like them and to see things in a different light. All I see is the darkness and I’m about to lose my wife and kids because they don’t want to live like I do. What does it take to truly change? Taking a medication or seeing a psychologist to tell me what depression is for the 20th time isn’t working. Has anyone else been at this point where nothing works after so long? What did you do?

Rbilsy15 Massively struggling right now
  • replies: 5

I am a teacher who is dealing with anxiety and depression from starting a new job a term ago. I came in with little handover at a busy time of the year. Each week something new is brought up which I am expected to learn. I have told my line manager t... View more

I am a teacher who is dealing with anxiety and depression from starting a new job a term ago. I came in with little handover at a busy time of the year. Each week something new is brought up which I am expected to learn. I have told my line manager that I am struggling and not sure where to prioritise my time and it has lead to little support. I feel worthless in my role and I am not having any joy for teaching anymore. I have been teaching for 10 years and this is the first time I have felt like this and it is worrying. I struggle to get up in the morning and spend most of my nights planning and trying to solve my issues with zero success. Each day is a stuggle to get through. I am seeing a councillor and have taken many mental health days where I have seen my doctor and he is at the point of prescribing anti depressants. Today I had a meeting with my line manager and principal with the sole intention of expressing my thoughts and feelings and desire to give my two week notice. As predicted they tried to keep me by saying everything I have been doing is great and I am a valued member. Sadly I caved in my decision which has made me feel worse that I have put their needs and the school needs ahead of my own mental health. The I am the second teacher already for the class this year as the first one left on maternity and I can understand they don't want to have to go through it again but I shouldn't worry about that as much as i should. I hate confrontation and fear I will always give in to what someone else wants instead of looking out for myself. They don't see how much I struggle at home and alone in the classroom. I know I am not doing the best job I can as I have lost that passion. I fear how dark some of my thoughts are getting. I wish for a reason to not go in like a sporting injury or someone hits my car. Nothing I am responsible for but it saves me from having to face my issues. I don't know what the answer is and almost need someone to be there and push me into it so I don't back out.

Han1 FEELING ALONE, depression, anxiety, bipolar and ptsd
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I’m new to this so don’t really know what to even say, but basically I just want to be mentally healthy. Im 20 years old, I do have a boyfriend of two years who is supportive, but I feel like I’m being more of a burden rather than someth... View more

Hi everyone, I’m new to this so don’t really know what to even say, but basically I just want to be mentally healthy. Im 20 years old, I do have a boyfriend of two years who is supportive, but I feel like I’m being more of a burden rather than something good in his life, and I have only one friend left (who I never even see) , after the rest decided to get back out of my life after I lost my baby and the rut I spiralled in, I have no family aside from dad who isn’t supportive of anything, I am feeling lost and lonely and don’t know what to do. I have no hobbies as I just can’t focus on anything or stay interested (I’ve tried a lot) I have health issues which makes me in pain physically daily, which contributed to why I dropped out of my University course and quit my job as I couldn’t even go, I see no hope of even my life getting on track and currently am seeing a psychologist, it helps while I’m there but after I just forget about it all. I don’t know what to do anymore, I have been trying for the last two years but am starting to give up, nothing seems to be improving, everything I do feels like it’s a waste and for nothing, I was on medication and that barely helped, I feel like mentally I have given up

BCWallaroo Normally have depression under control, but so many life events are happening at once and having trouble...
  • replies: 6

It's been a very very bad week: taxes are due and I know I will owe a huge amout to pay things off...I feel like an idiot, I am so lucky to get money and I try so hard to save, but with rent, bills and groceries it all added up...plus, I paid for a c... View more

It's been a very very bad week: taxes are due and I know I will owe a huge amout to pay things off...I feel like an idiot, I am so lucky to get money and I try so hard to save, but with rent, bills and groceries it all added up...plus, I paid for a course and a holiday (not even a really big one)... I started smoking again, after not smoking for years. I'm doing a vet nursing course that I really enjoy, with it I need to work or volunteer at a real clinic to gain exerpience...since I'm too old (here you have to be paid over a min wage after a certain age), nobody wants to hire me as a beginner , so I only get volunteer positions (it sucks so bad: I see younger nurses starting out the same course, with no experience and I already have so much more to offer). Not to mention its an online course, and even though I keep up with studying and work hard because I love it, the pratical side makes me so nervous as I am only allowed to volunteer once a day (I already asked for more days but they can't offer. I already changed over from another 2 clinics because one I wasn't even allowed to watch surgeries and wait 4 hours and do nothing, the other the manager told me she didn't want me to do anything anymore because she wanted the work to be saved to train the people she is newly hiring). Tomorrow I volunteer and so nervous when they ask me to do practical stuff again and fail... I feel so lonely an frustrated, my partner is happy and comes home from work and talks about his day, but its gotten to hte point he has had enough of listening to me and doesn't know how to cheer me up (or he has problems of his own getting used to night shift work again)... I have been trying so hard for the last few weeks to find a job, nothing I am qualified for with just 2 years customer service experience that not a younger, cheaper kid can do...and then I have a bachelor degree of arts which I can't seem to get into with anything because my art isn't good enough (I tried so hard getting into graphic design, I just don't "get" the commercial side of things, the vector art...mine is all hand drawn and "messy"...)... I'm starting to loose hope. I prayed for the first time in years, wishing I could finally find something i was good at and make a living out of, and that my partner gets used to his night shift easily and keep up his good health...I don't know what to do, I feel stuck.

Valerie_Cherish My depression has stopped me from doing my work for months - what do I do now?
  • replies: 8

I've really messed things up. I have a major project at work that I have to complete in the next 4 weeks, but the truth is that it will be impossible for me to complete it. For the 3 months I have found myself incapable of doing any work, I have turn... View more

I've really messed things up. I have a major project at work that I have to complete in the next 4 weeks, but the truth is that it will be impossible for me to complete it. For the 3 months I have found myself incapable of doing any work, I have turned up to work each day, and done the bare minimum, but have probably done less than 1 hour of work each day and have done almost no work on my project. My manager is interstate and thinks that I have things under control but I do not. I've spent the last month in an absolute panic waiting for the moment when I get found out. I can't sleep, I'm beside myself all of the time, and when I'm at work I'm so overwhelmed by the outstanding work that I don't even know where to start. I am applying for other jobs because I need to get out before they realise how badly I've messed up.

Bell 81 Feelin down and have lost all hope
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new to the forums. I am feeling really down at the moment and don't really see a way forward. My job is really stressful and I have started to look for a new one but not sure I will be successful due to my current mind set. I just don't feel... View more

Hi, I am new to the forums. I am feeling really down at the moment and don't really see a way forward. My job is really stressful and I have started to look for a new one but not sure I will be successful due to my current mind set. I just don't feel like doing anything and sleep a lot. Sometimes I feel so down that I am not sure I want to continue as life is very hard at the moment. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.

iamtrying tired
  • replies: 4

hi all, so i too wanted to mention that i suffer depression heavily and it affects me everyday! i don’t feel good enough or worthy of love and almost all the time i feel like i have no real purpose for life or have no idea what i’m doing. im alone an... View more

hi all, so i too wanted to mention that i suffer depression heavily and it affects me everyday! i don’t feel good enough or worthy of love and almost all the time i feel like i have no real purpose for life or have no idea what i’m doing. im alone and have no real friends or support around me and often deal with everything on my own, especially my depression! i cant seem to get it better and it just drags me down everyday. but yeah thanks for listening and i hope everyone else who’s struggling knows they’re not alone and it’ll be okay

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