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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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Darkedawn Depression symtpons
  • replies: 2

Is it possible to have all the symptoms (or most) of depression and not have it?

Is it possible to have all the symptoms (or most) of depression and not have it?

mmads1 I don't know what to do anymore
  • replies: 1

I feel as if I'm turning into the person I've always feared. One who feels as if they cannot ever be the best version of themselves. All I feel like I'm doing is hurting the one I love because I become so insecure. My flaws create me to become so def... View more

I feel as if I'm turning into the person I've always feared. One who feels as if they cannot ever be the best version of themselves. All I feel like I'm doing is hurting the one I love because I become so insecure. My flaws create me to become so defensive, so defensive that I begin to take out my anger on others with vocally. I want to be better, there's no doubt about that. I want to not lose my temper. I just keep crying at night, hating myself for who I am and what I can become. I always try to be helpful to my friends and be kind, but there's always this hidden part of me that can come out and I want it to go away. I need help and advice on how to change. I don't want to be the person who lets there insecurities hurt others. I need to find out ways that I can better myself and not get sad, angry and jealous in a romantic relationship. I just want to find ways to also feel a greater amount of self love and to learn how to handle more situations calmly in the moment, rather than exploding. Thank you for reading.

Laz19 Help
  • replies: 8

I don’t know what to do anymore, I can’t make friends or relationships. Everyday it is becoming harder to go to work and the gym because I don’t know what I’m doing it for. Im finding it hard to enjoy things anymore and struggle to leave the house. I... View more

I don’t know what to do anymore, I can’t make friends or relationships. Everyday it is becoming harder to go to work and the gym because I don’t know what I’m doing it for. Im finding it hard to enjoy things anymore and struggle to leave the house. I wish someone would just show me what to do to feel good again.

Laz19 Help me please
  • replies: 7

I sit at home and play video games all day or go to the gym or walk the dogs. I do nothing else, not by choice. All my friends never have time for me, never invite me to things. Im terrible at social connections now, even with people I call my friend... View more

I sit at home and play video games all day or go to the gym or walk the dogs. I do nothing else, not by choice. All my friends never have time for me, never invite me to things. Im terrible at social connections now, even with people I call my friends I never feel like I can connect. Im depressed, everything I try and do be it friends, relationship or work blows up in my face. I don’t see why I bother anymore and maybe that’s why I don’t try anymore. im a disappointment to my parents, I’ve achieved nothing in the time since I left school and things have only gotten worse since then. Now nothing makes me happy, I have no one to talk too. I don’t know what to do anymore, it’s been so long and im just tired of it all.

Mayfreed Ashamed, middle aged, feeling at rock bottom
  • replies: 11

I am 46 and have long dealt with depression and anxiety, I have been separated for 2 and a half years now and have been managing well, I have a good job I enjoy although am quite a bit older than my colleagues, and although they are lovely this can f... View more

I am 46 and have long dealt with depression and anxiety, I have been separated for 2 and a half years now and have been managing well, I have a good job I enjoy although am quite a bit older than my colleagues, and although they are lovely this can feel very isolating at times. I thought I was doing better after my separation and have been on a couple of dating sites but remove myself shortly afterwards because it is a blow to my self esteem. Last night I went out with some drinks with a friend and ended up inviting a man in his 20s who I had been chatting to on a dating site to my apartment. I thought it was flattering for someone to tell me I am sexy. I ended up having sex with this much younger person who I don’t even know, which is out of character for me, my little apartment has been my sanctuary since my separation and I don’t let many people in here, which is why I feel so ridiculous and bereft. I know this person is not unsafe and have respectfully asked that he does not contact me again. I feel like a pathetic, middle age woman and I am so ashamed and embarrassed. I don’t want to leave my apartment today, I don’t want the world to see my face. I feel so alone, I thought I was doing well but this feels like an absolute low point that I am not sure how to move on from. I have managed to shower and absolutely had to put fresh sheets on my bed. I know I need to avoid alcohol, I think I’d be too ashamed to even tell this to my counsellor. Does this happen to other people?

Sammmmmmm123 Am I depressed?
  • replies: 2

For the past 3 years I've had some depressive symptoms but I don't know if I actually have it. Those symptoms are: 1) It's hard to get out of bed in the morning (because I dread school, I have undiagnosed S.A.D. and I'm always at the library by mysel... View more

For the past 3 years I've had some depressive symptoms but I don't know if I actually have it. Those symptoms are: 1) It's hard to get out of bed in the morning (because I dread school, I have undiagnosed S.A.D. and I'm always at the library by myself because of this crippling social phobia) 2) I cry sometimes at night 3) Sometimes I'd want to be dead for a day to see if anyone really cares 4) I get angry/fustrated over small things sometimes (apparently that's a symptom of depression) 5) Feeling demotivated at school 6) I'm kept awake at night thinking of why I'm the way I am and other stuff But also I still get enjoyment from music and video games. And my weight is normal, I think. Also am I doomed to be homeless if I make it to 18 because I'll be too socially anxious to get a job? Because I'm 15, and my S.A.D. has only been getting worse. The future doesn't look too bright, even though my grades are pretty good. :c

blythebee feeling alone, scared and unsure
  • replies: 6

I have not been diagnosed with any mental health disorders but I think there's something wrong with me. I've been going through a really tough time lately and recently its been getting a lot worse. I want to get help but I can't do that without talki... View more

I have not been diagnosed with any mental health disorders but I think there's something wrong with me. I've been going through a really tough time lately and recently its been getting a lot worse. I want to get help but I can't do that without talking to my parents and I really don't want to. I don't have a very close relationship with my parents (or anyone in my family really) and I feel like I can't trust them and that they won't understand what I'm going through (whatever that is). I don't talk to be friends about this stuff either because I don't want to be a burden to them. I can't get anything done because I can never focus and I don't get much sleep, this is causing me to fall behind in school. this causes more tension with my parents and family and makes me feel inadequate compared to my friends as they are so much smarter than me. this forum is kind of a last resort for me and I would normally never do something like this but I just want to feel happy again, without having to actually talk to someone. sorry for how messy this, this is more a vent of my feelings

Himi I Miss Being Sad.
  • replies: 2

All I feel is apathy now. Sadness used to consume every waking moment of my life (along with loneliness) but now I feel nothing at all. I would rather feel sad and live with the pain of it than live in a constant state of apathy. Because at least it ... View more

All I feel is apathy now. Sadness used to consume every waking moment of my life (along with loneliness) but now I feel nothing at all. I would rather feel sad and live with the pain of it than live in a constant state of apathy. Because at least it WAS is something. Instead of being nothing.

Milesjo Depression and anxiety days after drinking
  • replies: 3

I suffer from anxiety and have been self medicating. While most of the time i drink in moderation on some weekends i drink alot. Apart from a hangover i feel fine (as fine as i get) the day after however 2 - 3 days later i suffer from severe anxiety ... View more

I suffer from anxiety and have been self medicating. While most of the time i drink in moderation on some weekends i drink alot. Apart from a hangover i feel fine (as fine as i get) the day after however 2 - 3 days later i suffer from severe anxiety and depression, i cant think straight and get stuck in my head.

Themolequeen Feeling hopeless no one to talk to
  • replies: 9

Hi, This is my first time posting. I guess I am just venting what I am currently dealing with I am not sure how much information I am suppose to provide ( I have a tendency to "overshare" with detail) I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with ASD. I ha... View more

Hi, This is my first time posting. I guess I am just venting what I am currently dealing with I am not sure how much information I am suppose to provide ( I have a tendency to "overshare" with detail) I am 27 and was recently diagnosed with ASD. I have also just recently had a kidney transplant ~6 months ago. I am so grateful to be given a second chance at life but I haven't had the chance to live that yet. There has been ongoing complications that just haven't stopped since It's gotten to the point that I don't really feel "human" anymore. I am typing this from my bed in the transplant ward. I have lost count at the amount of admissions I have had. This place feels more like home to me then the outside world. On-top of all of that I am also confused about my relationship with my partner. I'm not sure if I can objectively make informed choices on his behaviour when I have a deficiet in social communication. It seems like when I say things (maybe i do play a role) I say them objectively without emotion intended. He takes them the wrong way and reacts emotionally saying not nice things to in return. Lately I have noticed the words he has said before have been replaying over in my head. I have tried many times to explain to him that I wasn't attacking him to point where I feel shaky. My brain just can't come up with other words to explain things so he understands. I have a special interest in chemistry,kidneys, the human body and the "connection" between those topics. I have been pursuing a science degree whilst waiting for my transplant. The thing I was the most excited about was going back to uni and being well enough to basically "shout it from the rooftops" how much I just love that stuff. I did go back for 2 weeks before being hospitalized again. The feeling just wasn't mutual I wasn't able to talk about my interests and when I did I was shut down. It feels like everything that has happened has affected my self confidence. I don't have much support and this is the first time I have been able to just get it all of my chest Thank you for listening Jess.

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