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Depression

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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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 1

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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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HeatherB I think I might have high functioning depression
  • replies: 1

From a few google and youtube searches I think I have symptoms of HFD including low self esteem, difficulty making decisions ( I procrastinate a lot) and feeling hopeless. I have also completed the test in beyond blue and it came up with the possibil... View more

From a few google and youtube searches I think I have symptoms of HFD including low self esteem, difficulty making decisions ( I procrastinate a lot) and feeling hopeless. I have also completed the test in beyond blue and it came up with the possibility of moderate depression. I am 32 y/o female, cant find anything I am interested in e.g hobbies, don't appear to be attractive to Men (only ever had 2 men show an interest in me and then I pushed them away after 1-2 dates) and find it hard to make friends incl approaching people or starting a conversation (on the other hand when I am involved in a conversation have been known to monopolies it or appear to be a know it all). I have had these symptoms for as long as I can remember. Could I be depressed or am I just a boring and lazy person?

Boymumma90 Is it depression?
  • replies: 3

Hi, so I've not long been looking into depression after thinking I might have it somewhat. I just googled, 'can you have depression for no reason' and it turns out you can. I didn't want to actually phone someone to seek help because I feel like I do... View more

Hi, so I've not long been looking into depression after thinking I might have it somewhat. I just googled, 'can you have depression for no reason' and it turns out you can. I didn't want to actually phone someone to seek help because I feel like I don't have problems compared to others. Honestly I don't know what my problem is but I feel like everything is just starting to take its toll on me. My son is nearing 2.5 and I haven't really had a break since he was born - not a single night apart. My partner works FIFO so he's barely home and I'm on my own more often than not. I work four days a week but lately barely even want to get out of bed let alone go to work. I felt like I hit an all time low the other week, several times I'd had the thought of dying and it didn't bother me in the slightest. I don't really hang around any friends often and usually I'm okay with being on my own but I've felt flat out alone as of late. When I get into these moods I think if things I wouldn't normally - like how much I miss the big family gatherings we used to have as a kid (they stopped because families broke up) or I want to see my nanna who passed away some time ago. I just want to know what I can do to help myself please? I don't want it to worsen to point of medication, if it is depression.

Sandy24 Relationship struggles
  • replies: 2

I'll start off by saying I never expected to be here. I have always been an incredibly optmistic positive person. However in the past eighteen months this has not been in the case. I have become withdrawn, fatigued and regularly pull away from those ... View more

I'll start off by saying I never expected to be here. I have always been an incredibly optmistic positive person. However in the past eighteen months this has not been in the case. I have become withdrawn, fatigued and regularly pull away from those around me. I confided in my best friend earlier in the year. Initially she was very supportive. We had regular coffees and discussions as to how she could help. We also work together, which when surrounded by a large group is when I feel at my worst. In recent weeks I believe this has weighed upon her heavily, she has blamed herself for her negativity when we talk and now we talk very little only discussing the most mundane of topics at limited times. She has now become very frustrated when I withdraw or don't greet her with the enthusiasm I once did. This has resulted in me being described as a bit of a shit bloke because of it.She is a quite blunt indivdual and tells it as it is which normally i do appreciate but not so much in recent times. I have few friends I truly would hang onto if I could, but at the same time I do understand her difficulties based on how I have been recently compared to what would be considered my normal personality. I try to be an open individual and have made attempts to air our grievances (as I have now become frustrated with her frustration) but these offers have been rejected. I have almost become anxious over this relationship and no longer know how to approach this situation or even if I should to keep the friendship together. Has anyone had any experience with this and if so what was the result?

Rebeccaxo Lonely depressed and cant stop crying
  • replies: 4

I feel so lonely. I have nobody here in Australia anymore. All my “Friends” are my boyfriend’s friends. This weekend it really made me realise how alone I am. Myself and my boyfriend are constantly arguing at the moment because I feel like he is bein... View more

I feel so lonely. I have nobody here in Australia anymore. All my “Friends” are my boyfriend’s friends. This weekend it really made me realise how alone I am. Myself and my boyfriend are constantly arguing at the moment because I feel like he is being distant. Its just not the same at the moment between us. I feel like I am always walking on egg shells and the past 7 days I have cried myself to sleep most nights. I hate it when he shouts but then he says its my fault and never takes responsibility for his actions. He makes me believe I am mental which I think he is right and I am. I hate to cry in front of him because he just calls me a drama queen and doesn’t comfort me. It hurts even more that I am so anxious and exhausted for all the negativity and when I cry next to him in bed he just ignores me, how can you see the person that you ‘love’ struggle so much. It is absolutely draining me. I have nobody to turn to or talk to about anything in my life and I can’t just get away to see a friend because I don’t have any. I have suffered with severe depression before I moved to Australia 2 years ago and even though I am not as bad as I was I suffer daily still with anxiety and bad thoughts. This weekend I have been in a very dark place, the worst since I have been over here. I don’t want to watch tv, sleep, eat, speak or do anything and just find myself staring at the wall or floor for hours. I just don’t really know what to do, does anyone have any advice? I think I should have some counselling but its so expensive here I think and because I am not a permanent resident I don’t think I can get it. Any support is appreciated

Lily78 When depression kicks in
  • replies: 6

Hi I am new to this forum. Over the last few weeks I have taken time off work as I have fallen into a depression. Sadly a job in a sector I enjoy, however due to contracts in the public sector my contract ends in a few weeks time. Although I have enj... View more

Hi I am new to this forum. Over the last few weeks I have taken time off work as I have fallen into a depression. Sadly a job in a sector I enjoy, however due to contracts in the public sector my contract ends in a few weeks time. Although I have enjoyed the work office politics always seems to appear and my acting manager for some reason has caused me a bit of extra stress which I feel was unnecessary however it got the better of me and did contribute to some time off. Struggling with what appear to be depression. A lack of support doesn't help however I always try to push through. It feels like it has finally got the better off me and everything is out of control. I feel like such a mess, unsure of how to get out of this hole I keep sinking back into. Money is not everything but mortgages and the cost of living is causing me so much stress as I can't afford to stop working. At what price though does the cost of my health and wellbeing continually win over money? I have always worked unless I have taken leave or mental health days. I have never felt so unhappy and are at a crossroads now as to just finish up now knowing it ends in three weeks anyway. I don't think I could get any more down and going there increases my anxiety levels. I have recently cut out benzo use which I realised with the help of a good psych were just a mask to help me cope or ignore the real issues. Does any of this resonate with anyone here?

Quivz Anything Else
  • replies: 3

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety several years ago (six maybe?). I had trouble maintaining employment. Its now been twelve years since i've been able to stay employed for more than a month. It has been six years since i was last employed a... View more

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety several years ago (six maybe?). I had trouble maintaining employment. Its now been twelve years since i've been able to stay employed for more than a month. It has been six years since i was last employed at all. I have been through 4 therapists and 5 or 6 medications and i'm worse than when i started. I've lost the ability to care about anything. I have been unable to maintain my treatments for any other conditions. I cant meet centrelink requirements and cant be bothered even trying to do so. My only motivation to get better is so that i'm not a burden on my parents any longer and even that barely registers as an issue. It took me a year to get enough motivation to make a doctors appointment. But i now have one in two weeks time. What should i do at that appointment? Get another therapist to tell me about CBT and mindfulness even though it doesnt help me? Get another prescription that zonks me out and doesn't help with my motivation? I only made the appointment because its all i can think to do, but no treatment has had any effect so far. Is there something else i should be asking for?

JamieBall1988 I just want happiness again.
  • replies: 1

For the past year or so I can not remember feeling happy or finding any joy in anything. I can not remember what I used to find enjoyable and all I want is to be alone. when talking to people I don't take in what they say and just want to be alone. I... View more

For the past year or so I can not remember feeling happy or finding any joy in anything. I can not remember what I used to find enjoyable and all I want is to be alone. when talking to people I don't take in what they say and just want to be alone. I am scared that I will never feel happiness again and will live my life feeling numb and distant from people, including my wife and daughter

Lonewog89 Building up bring me down.
  • replies: 4

Hi life hasn’t been the best for the last few months. Seems like one little bad thing apon another have been compiling together. It’s all feeling to much now and I need vent it out before I fall of into the abyss. I don’t really have anybody I can’t ... View more

Hi life hasn’t been the best for the last few months. Seems like one little bad thing apon another have been compiling together. It’s all feeling to much now and I need vent it out before I fall of into the abyss. I don’t really have anybody I can’t talk openly at home as we have very different coping methods to what’s happening. - First of I found out my niece and nephews are moving two states away in October. I’ve been like a father to them since they where born 7 years ago. I don’t believe I will be seeing them much anymore and it’s killing me. - Second my one and only close friend I have hasn’t wanted to catch up a lot lately. Not to sure what has happened? - Third work has been super stressful, more than normal and money has been tight. - Forth one of my childhood friends is getting married in the next few weeks. We drifted apart but never had bad blood. He didn’t invite me to it even though I invited him to mine and he came. Was a bit of a kick in the guts as everyone else from our old friend group did. - My migraines have escalated because of stress and smoke from cane fires. I was in a chemist getting my script filled when I was ridiculed by the pharmacist in front of all the other shoppers. Saying all my migraines are my fault and lucky he’d give it to me. (BTW it isn’t painkillers) My doctor is happy with it and the pharmacist made me so feel so bad. Even before pressing the post button I feel better getting this off my chest. I’m on antidepressants which helps some, therapy doesn’t help me. Writing on here seems to help a little bit for me. My wife doesn’t like talking about these things. Her vault puts Fort Knox to shame but she is my one and only reson for living at the moment. Thank you for taking the time to read this. chris

Wantinghelp BFs sudden lapse back into depression
  • replies: 8

Hi, im wanting some advise. My partner is going through a tough time, and in the last couple of weeks Ive seen him take a massive downturn in his mental health. He had gone through depression a couple of years ago and nearly took his own life. Ive be... View more

Hi, im wanting some advise. My partner is going through a tough time, and in the last couple of weeks Ive seen him take a massive downturn in his mental health. He had gone through depression a couple of years ago and nearly took his own life. Ive been seeing some signs for awhile and this last week has had me very concerned. I also have anxiety so feeling the affects of this quite deeply. All of a sudden hes become easily aggitated and angry, given me the silent treatment and not telling me what Ive done wrong. We have been arguing a bit over his problems with communicating effectively. Hes neglecting all his responsibilities and is totally consumed with his fathers failing health, and is shutting out all other areas of his life. Unfortunately this is causing me more stress as Im now left with all financial responsibilities along with currently having to find a new place to live. He is in NZ at the moment with his parents so the distance is also adding pressure. As I have been so distressed this week in not being able to reach him, I emailed his mother expressing my concerns. They had seen him through his last bout of depression and felt they would know what to do. I didnt feel like I had any other option and needed to reach out to them for help. Unfortunately its angered him more and hes ended the relationship. Im doing what i can to cope but wondering if I did the right thing? I couldnt just not do something, and i know he wasnt asking for help. I dont believe in walking away from some one you love. I dont know what Im asking for...maybe some advise on how to handle this. Ive also not heard from his mother and I honestly thought we got on well with each other. Any advise you gave for me would at the very least help me make sense if all this. Thank you.

Goosey6 Am I okay?
  • replies: 1

So lately I’ve not been feeling okay. And I get that’s normal for depression blah blah. But it’s different. I’m in bed all the time, last night I was on the floor for an hour breaking down. I’m having major issues and it’s normal for a teen to go thr... View more

So lately I’ve not been feeling okay. And I get that’s normal for depression blah blah. But it’s different. I’m in bed all the time, last night I was on the floor for an hour breaking down. I’m having major issues and it’s normal for a teen to go through issues yes? But my depression is worse than it’s ever been. It’s getting in the way of everything. Work, study, my routine. I’m gaining weight like crazy, and this isn’t good for me. My medication I’m on have a side effect of weight gain. I was getting so good with my weight and now I’m huge again. I’m falling apart slowly. And I just can’t take it. people always say “it’s okay not to be okay” and this means so much to me. Yeah I’ve got a lot going on, but this simple sentence has put a lot of light in my dark mind lately. Stay safe friends -J