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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 chats on this Forum having 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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Bellaboo2 Sensitive and confused
  • replies: 1

Hi I’m new here and quite nervous about posting. I experience anxiety and depression symptoms quite frequently. I suffer from episodes of depression, anxiety and panic attacks. My moods shift quite rapidly I can be netrual one minute than anxious or ... View more

Hi I’m new here and quite nervous about posting. I experience anxiety and depression symptoms quite frequently. I suffer from episodes of depression, anxiety and panic attacks. My moods shift quite rapidly I can be netrual one minute than anxious or angry the next. I feel as though I don’t know who I am.I subconsciously pick up traits of others, I always change my career choice and feel myself trying to be like other people. I feel as though I don’t really enjoy anything I don’t have any hobbies or any friends I hang out with. I find myself very attached and clingy in my relationships though. I’m having a hard time knowing if I’m living or in a dream. I often feel as though I’m looking at myself from outside my body. When faced with stressful situations or conflict I am at my worst. I do not know how to cope with the difficulties of life. I am very sensitive and often over analysis everyone around me trying to see if they like me, if I’m doing something wrong. I feel as though I am wearing a mask in the surface I am happy bubbly (sometimes) and on the inside I am breaking down. When I was 19 I was diagnosed with BPD. I recently went to a professional and from what they seen I did not meet the diagnosis. I’m really confused with what I’m experiencing, I feel like I don’t have the answers I need. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

Tealover675 Am I just lazy or is there something wrong with me?
  • replies: 2

Hi there, I don't know how to put this into good words but I feel like I just lost interest in most of the things and I've been feeling empty, hard to make myself do things for the past two years. Before that I wasn't that super active but I had rout... View more

Hi there, I don't know how to put this into good words but I feel like I just lost interest in most of the things and I've been feeling empty, hard to make myself do things for the past two years. Before that I wasn't that super active but I had routines and kept myself fairly busy most of the time. It started from when I was studying at uni in Europe two years ago. Few months into the course I noticed that I was in constant stress (course work, not making any close friends, long distance relationship and homesickness etc) and I couldn't sleep at night at all. I'll wake up at 3am and I felt like someone was choking me. I struggle to do my course work and was constantly crying before/after lectures. I wasn't eating a lot and lost some weight. It got to the point that I couldn't handle things anymore and decided to live with my bf who is my husband now. Things have become better after I left uni and started living with my husband. I can sleep, I'm not in a constant panicky mood or constantly crying but the emptiness and my motivation hasn't came back since then. On my days off from work, I usually drop off my husband at the station and go back to bed. I just stay in there, nap or just mess around in general and I just can't get any motivation to get out from bed. I don't feel tired but I just don't want to do anything. I do "feel" like doing stuff but I can't be asked. Just before my husband comes back from work, well of course I have to do things so that's when I finally get motivation to cook and clean. He does try to keep me company and come up with things that we can do together. That helps a lot to distract me from those empty feelings. The funny thing is I am absolutely okay when I am working. I can wake up, get out from bed, go to work and work all day without having any negative feelings. Not that I love working but it definitely helps me get through the day. I don't know if I'm just lazy, tired or if I'm depressed or something. I'm most likely fine when I'm doing things with my husband and working. It's just when I'm alone is when the emptiness hits me. I guess I should just call out some friends but even that I just can't be asked anymore.

Lonely_and_Lost Depressed, lost and lonely
  • replies: 7

Hello I am new here and this is my first post. I was diagnosed with depression 15yrs ago after a bad breakup and recently I was also diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (I thought I was just an introvert). I have been seeing a really great female ... View more

Hello I am new here and this is my first post. I was diagnosed with depression 15yrs ago after a bad breakup and recently I was also diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (I thought I was just an introvert). I have been seeing a really great female psychologist and she has been helping me a lot but last week the clinic called and told me she has unexpectedly left the practice. Now I have to start all over again with a new psychologist. I am now 35, single and very lonely. I don't have any friends and I cannot seem to find a boyfriend. I am highly stressed about my ages and situation as all I ever wanted was to be a wife and a mother. I am a biology teacher and I know all about reproduction. People keep telling me that any man would be lucky to have me but all I feel is that I must be such a loser because no man wants me. I do not want to ge to a sperm bank (as suggested by several people, including family) because then I will be a single loser with a child. Having no man want me is the worst feeling in the world. I am also struggling in my job. My management are making things very difficult in a bid to push me out. It is making me question everything. Should I be doing this? Should I return to my previous career in hospitality where I feel my strengths are stronger? Should I move overseas? Several people have told me if they didn't have kids, they would move overseas in a heartbeat and said I should go since I have nothing to tie me down (except my cat). I am just so conflicted and confused and indecisive. I have no clue what to do. I literally spend all my time outside work at home alone. I have done a lot of internet research and I still can't work out what I want or what to do. I am frightened of making the wrong decision. If I move, maybe things will be better but maybe they will be worse. I don't remember the last time I was genuinely happy and excited about life. I feel like everyday I am just existing, going through the motions, like an empty vessel. I hate everything and find little joy in anything except cuddles from my cat. I feel like I am down a big deep dark hole and I have no idea how to get out. If there is anyone out there who can relate or has any advice I would love to hear it. I just need someone to talk to and, if possible, the fairy godmother to wave her wand and solve all my problems.

Jaco09 Am I just Overreacting?
  • replies: 2

Im 16 and in year 11 this year, living in a country town. I'm pretty sure I don't have depression, but i feel as though I'm gradually becoming more and more down on myself. The worst its been is this year, my two best friends moved to the city for sc... View more

Im 16 and in year 11 this year, living in a country town. I'm pretty sure I don't have depression, but i feel as though I'm gradually becoming more and more down on myself. The worst its been is this year, my two best friends moved to the city for school and my sister moved over seas. I feel as though I am alone. I know I still have my family, and I know they love me but I've never been close with them like I am with my two friends and sister. Without these people in my life anymore, I don't fit in with anyone because being in a small town all the social standings are already sorted, friendship groups are full and aren't going to budge anytime soon. school has also gotten harder for me. I've never been a straight A student or anything but its becoming more and more of a struggle to the point where I'll get so overwhelmed that I'll break down in tears and and feel this need to hit or throw something in frustration and then have no motivation to do anything. I cant make decisions, I can't remember the most simplest of things, I can't do anything right for anyone and I've never been good at anything or felt as though I had a purpose and this really eats at me. I don't really want to be at home, I don't want to be with friends, I don't want to be at school, i don't want to be anywhere and i feel have no one I can talk with. Is this just one of those silly teenage things? or is it something else? is there anything I can do to stop it?

Scared91 Relapse ??
  • replies: 28

Hey I posted on here in May of this year i wasn’t doing to good but everyone was very helpful and super nice and supportive .. i am on ADs was on diff ones back then that weren’t working then got switched to the ones I’m on now .. they were working r... View more

Hey I posted on here in May of this year i wasn’t doing to good but everyone was very helpful and super nice and supportive .. i am on ADs was on diff ones back then that weren’t working then got switched to the ones I’m on now .. they were working really well or atleast so I thought?? i was doing fine felt like my usual self for about 4months I reckon. Then the long weekend came and BAM I WOKE up and felt like crap just meh and crying and just felt like shit anxious feeling in my stomach pending doom just craziness.. I did drink a fair bit I don’t know if that has some affect on my tablets ? I know ur not meant to drink on ADs but was a good night a good time (AT THE TIME) and so im rambling here sorry is relapse something I can expect should expect I mean I’m not anywhere near as bad as I was ... and I’m not anywhere near as good as I was .. I just wanna get back to my happy place and stay there forever ... please anyone good advice saying that it will all be over soon anything reassuring please ... TIA sorry about the all over the place of the post don’t really know what I’m asking I guess ....

Zoegirl I feel so alone
  • replies: 6

Hi there. I feel silly as I should be so blissfully happy, but feel so incredibly sad and alone. We have been travelling around Oz for the last year and found a lovely place on the NSW south coast that we have fallen in love with. We have bought a bl... View more

Hi there. I feel silly as I should be so blissfully happy, but feel so incredibly sad and alone. We have been travelling around Oz for the last year and found a lovely place on the NSW south coast that we have fallen in love with. We have bought a block of land and I have been very lucky to find work in a job that I enjoy, but I just feel so sad and alone. My husband is 16 years older than me and we have been married for over 10 years and I love him, but I am starting to feel like the age gap is making a difference now. He suffers from depression and I was on medication for for depression a couple of years ago, but managed to wean myself off. I yearn for a female friend that I can just, well be friends with, if that makes sense? I love my dogs and love walking them and just would like to be friends with someone who has the same interests as me. I do not have children by choice and am happy with that. I was sexually abused as a child and never felt the need to breed as I would hate anyone to got through what I went through. I know that I sound like I am rambling, but I just feel so alone.

Goldclooud07 Just want to talk
  • replies: 3

I have a constant feeling of worthlessness and loneliness that I want to shake but don't even know how to start...

I have a constant feeling of worthlessness and loneliness that I want to shake but don't even know how to start...

Retchey Why does my anxiety depression feel better in the evenings.
  • replies: 22

Hi, Can anyone answer that question, it's odd, every evening I'm full of hope, eg: tomorrow I will do this and that and be proactive, next morning, step out of bed into a pre dug hole. Regards

Hi, Can anyone answer that question, it's odd, every evening I'm full of hope, eg: tomorrow I will do this and that and be proactive, next morning, step out of bed into a pre dug hole. Regards

pinkkookaburra99 Always bored?
  • replies: 4

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only depressed person who experiences this, and I would love some advice. I’m always bored. Always, always, always. None of the things I used to like bring me any enjoyment, such as baking, writing, painting, reading. In f... View more

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only depressed person who experiences this, and I would love some advice. I’m always bored. Always, always, always. None of the things I used to like bring me any enjoyment, such as baking, writing, painting, reading. In fact, they honestly make me more depressed because I know they aren’t working to make me happy. i’ve tried doing new activities, old activities. I’ve tried spending more time with friends and family, I’ve tried doing nice things for people, still doesn’t improve my mood. The only thing that helps is sleeping, because then at least I’m not concious and not having to deal with my constant terrible mood. Unfortunately my GP has advised against me napping so much and I know in my heart he is right, it doesn’t help. This is real hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced depression, but basically it is the most terrifying thing ever when nothing can bring you joy, because you feel like you’ll be miserable forever. I would love to know if anyone else has experienced this and what you do to deal with it.

TheOatmeal Insomnia - Ups and Downs
  • replies: 1

Hey everyone, This is my first post -- I'm hoping someone has been in the same position. So, a bit over a year ago I started to get insomnia, waking up too early every day and not being able to get back to sleep (waking up somewhere between 2-5am). A... View more

Hey everyone, This is my first post -- I'm hoping someone has been in the same position. So, a bit over a year ago I started to get insomnia, waking up too early every day and not being able to get back to sleep (waking up somewhere between 2-5am). After about 6 weeks of this, I started to feel in a really low mood and felt upset in the morning for no reason (apart from the tiredness). My wife suggested I go see the GP and he said it sounded like I have depression and referred me to a psychologist. The sessions were fine, I felt good afterwards for a few hours, but after 5-6 sessions felt like it wasn't helping me. So, I went back to the GP and he prescribed anti-depressants to try help out with the insomnia, this was in January. I put off taking them until about 2 months ago (August), the reason being is I tried some supplements in January that helped me feel quite a bit better and cut down on my irritability. For 6+ months I had many days at work where I couldn't do anything but I still went into the office. My brain refused to function because of what I thought was tiredness, but was likely a combination of tiredness and depression. I let my boss know that I'd been diagnosed with depression and he was very understanding and said I can take off time as needed. The thing is, it's not like I'm permanently depressed, I only feel terrible for at most 2 days in a row, then have a couple of really good days then return to depression and repeat. I have a feeling that my good days may be a little too good, I tend to take on a heap of projects, have lots of ideas, feel really optimistic and confident about everything, buy more stuff for my hobbies, but then a day or two later I sink back into a struggling depression. Thinking back, I've always been kind of like this, it makes me wonder if I have a mood disorder that includes depression. Anyway, now I'm seeing a new psych and think I'll stay with him for the long haul until I get to the bottom of this, but I'm wondering if I should ask my GP for a psychiatrist referral since the medication doesn't seem to be working, in fact I think it may be making things worse. Does anyone have any suggestions or a similar experience? Thanks for reading. In case you're wondering, this is one of my good days