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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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RoseToez Sick of being told tales!
  • replies: 2

I am utterly sick to death of people making up or exgerating stories just to upset me. I don't understand why people make things up at all.. don't they hear what comes out of their mouth? It's really been effecting me lately.. to the point I'm depres... View more

I am utterly sick to death of people making up or exgerating stories just to upset me. I don't understand why people make things up at all.. don't they hear what comes out of their mouth? It's really been effecting me lately.. to the point I'm depressed for days. I just get better then someone tells me something.. I look into it and what do you know it's a lie and I look like an idiot. I'm a single mum of 2 under 4, everyone knows I'm not coping very well. My ex who I left 5 months ago has a 21 year old girlfriend living with him, I was obsessing over it really badly.. but are getting better until this happens all over again. My dad did it for his own pleasure and a family friend has been coming out with really out there stuff. I dont know why theyre doing this! I find it hard to just ignore it because once ive heard it i cant stop thinking about it. I have no social media, I'm just sick of it!

Chapin Poem - Men's struggle
  • replies: 3

Hi, I wrote this poem about how I was feeling being a man suffering depression. It's not meant to be a male only thing, but of course I don't know what it is like facing depression as a woman! There are some of us who live our lives according to conv... View more

Hi, I wrote this poem about how I was feeling being a man suffering depression. It's not meant to be a male only thing, but of course I don't know what it is like facing depression as a woman! There are some of us who live our lives according to convention, Knowing there's a part of us we don’t feel free to mention To others we don't wish to hurt, or who wouldn't understand, The daily inner struggle that in our lives was never planned It happens to so many, different backgrounds, different ages And unfolds just like a story, as we slowly turn life’s pages As we battle with the sadness deep inside that’s always there And at times it seems to reach the point we simply cannot bear Loving husbands, caring fathers, in a never ending fight As we struggle with our demons, ever present dark as night And we hold it in, aware that it can tear our lives apart Too frightened to reveal the truth, and share what’s in our heart We think no-one can understand the pain and isolation The complexity, the sadness with no easy explanation And we ask ourselves, what have I done to end up with this life- That delivers me such hopelessness and never ending strife? We wonder how can we go on, get through another night? And every day before us is the constant, endless fight Why me ? what will I become?, how will this anguish end? But we tell ourselves for now at least, “just continue to pretend” Our depression seems so constant, causing conflict and divisions And we worry that ahead of us are difficult decisions For we are caught, just like a trap, we are not really free And for some of us we think that is the way it has to be But we need not walk this road alone, there are many who do care And if we open up our feelings, and be prepared to share We will find that there’s assistance, a friendly helping hand From people who have empathy, who really understand There is help and great resources, and we all should make that choice But it does take strength and courage to release our inner voice Remember we are decent men just living life the best we can And our inner secret doesn't mean, we're any less a man.

Rabbit33 Depression mood swings depending on the weather?
  • replies: 7

Is it just me or do others tend to find that there depression heightens when the weather is cold, dark and gloomy and then when the weather is beautiful, blue skies, nice warm breeze, suddenly you feel a whole lot better as if the depression almost l... View more

Is it just me or do others tend to find that there depression heightens when the weather is cold, dark and gloomy and then when the weather is beautiful, blue skies, nice warm breeze, suddenly you feel a whole lot better as if the depression almost left with the ugly weather? I asked my Psychologist the other month and she said that some people are actually emotionally affected by the weather a lot more than others and it can make our depression worse during the colder months! If so, does this mean if i travelled around the world, always surrounding myself with blue skies, warmer days and sunny atmospheres that i would concur my depression? And, just my luck to live in Melbourne where in 1 day, we can experience all 4 seasons, Wet, Sunny, Windy, Dark, Sunny, Windy!! No wonder I'm struggling haha

Bbool Squalor and self-neglect
  • replies: 9

Hi everyone I am extremely embarrasssd about what I am going to share, but here goes. On the face of it, I am a 33 year old with a modest job, live in the city in a small apartment that I own. Some may think I’m successful. In reality I have had seve... View more

Hi everyone I am extremely embarrasssd about what I am going to share, but here goes. On the face of it, I am a 33 year old with a modest job, live in the city in a small apartment that I own. Some may think I’m successful. In reality I have had severe depression for many years and have zero self-worth. A lot of it stems from childhood trauma. I am currently going through the following: 1. I live in squalor. My home is extremely filthy with rubbish everywhere on the floor, clothes everywhere, dusty, cobwebs etc. Things need to be repaired. My home stinks but I’m so used to it I don’t notice the smell anymore. I am so deeply ashamed and embarrassed about my living circumstances I make excuses to friends/family to not invite them over. This is not a lifestyle choice, I hate it. But I am so overwhelmed by the squalor I don’t know what to do or where to start. I fee paralysed by my lack of motivation. 2. Self neglect. For example, although I shower everyday, I don’t wash my hair frequently. I only wash my hair once a month or two. It’s itchy and I get scabs on my head. I have long curly hair down to my waist that most people would say is beautiful. I hide it by tying it back in a bun. I love the feeling of clean freshly washed hair, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I struggle doing basic tasks at home like pay the bills on time (not because I can’t afford it). I can’t explain it, it’s like a strong brick wall in my head stopping me from doing tasks. I also compulsively pick my skin. I have scabs/sores on my chest, legs and worst of all my face. I have had this one scab on my face for 3 years because of the urge to pick. My mum once made a comment that the scab on my face makes me look like a meth user (I don’t do drugs and I rarely drink, though I am a heavy smoker). There are other things but I won’t go into detail. i literally feel like trash. Has anyone else experienced forms of self neglect and squalor? How did you tackle it? Does anyone know of any online support groups for squalor?

Florek When you feel nothing is going right
  • replies: 10

Hi all, so lately my emotions are out of control not only do I feel like everyone is on a different page then me I know they are never in my life would I put someone down to feel good about my self, I’ve resentently decovered that no one else seems t... View more

Hi all, so lately my emotions are out of control not only do I feel like everyone is on a different page then me I know they are never in my life would I put someone down to feel good about my self, I’ve resentently decovered that no one else seems to think the same way . I started a new job and found that working with people is way harder then I remember, I am finding it hard and at the moment I’m just not able to cope with the smallest this without bursting into tears ive always been such a strong person and I don’t understand why this is happening the last few years has been mentally and physically straining, I’ve been really sick and I don’t mean cancer, but it was bigger then the flu, I went from being able to run to not even being able to stand with out being in constant pain. I’m now at the point I can stand for 15 mins before pain sets in still really can’t walk for to long I get around 20mins before needing a rest but I still can’t shift the weight that was stacked on with all the hormones that were unbalanced . at that point I was feeling low and angry so I went to see my doc and got some meds they seamed to have worked and I was not as angry or upset all the time, deciding I wanted to make the choice to go of them I was so wrong I’ve started a new job and the bull that comes with that has sent me on a mental downwards spiral , I spent all last night crying my eyes are so sore today I can barely see what I am typing, i had a script of a mild does of my meds so last night I started on them again and I’m booked into see a doc on Friday. im just wanting to talk to someone I just can’t control anything now and I thought if I can have a chat it may help any one up for a chat ?

Guppy123 So confused don’t know how to keep self on track
  • replies: 1

Hi.. first post that hopefully passes the rules!! Need some staying on track over ‘festive’ season where judt feel like a loser (who can’t type!!!). bipolar 2, recently been hospital for overdose and had ect, precious/ continue eating disorders: issu... View more

Hi.. first post that hopefully passes the rules!! Need some staying on track over ‘festive’ season where judt feel like a loser (who can’t type!!!). bipolar 2, recently been hospital for overdose and had ect, precious/ continue eating disorders: issues . been trying to stay off the piss bit keep drinking when happy or sad. Feel like loser and keep doing it - 2 kids 9 and 11 and struggle to read to them when on the piss. Bring such bad example but otherwise good to them. failing self, kids and hubby what s fool I am dont know how to stop would think being hospitalised would fix but have realised have so few real friends, hard to feel that any one I see gives a damn. Of all people I know only 3 people made contact her I was in the nut house. No one from my full time work - been there 7 years, they send flowers to everyone else who is crook,! Find it hard to work out what is wrong with me.

mmmmmmm I can't stop thinking about sad things?
  • replies: 12

But not sad things in my life, my life is actually great. I think about completely random things. The level of sadness completely varies. E.g. sometimes it would just be a father and son having an argument, but sometimes it would be a man being dying... View more

But not sad things in my life, my life is actually great. I think about completely random things. The level of sadness completely varies. E.g. sometimes it would just be a father and son having an argument, but sometimes it would be a man being dying violently in front of his wife. Yep, that escalated quickly. There are others, those are just two examples. You're probably thinking it represents something that's happened in my life, but it really didn't. I have a great relationship with my parents, and I've never witnessed real death or violence. I don't think it's depression, because I'm not exactly sad for no reason. I start off completely happy, but then I get these thoughts, and I feel really sad for the next few hours. What could it be?

Alexa1401 My cry for help....
  • replies: 9

This is the first time i have really done anything like this. I have never spoken to anyone about how i truly feel or whats going on inside my mind because for some reason i don't know how to explain what i feel. I haven't been able to sleep and i ha... View more

This is the first time i have really done anything like this. I have never spoken to anyone about how i truly feel or whats going on inside my mind because for some reason i don't know how to explain what i feel. I haven't been able to sleep and i have never felt so lonely. I have lost all of my mates for no reason. All i do is help everyone because i know how it feels to hurt, i know how it feels to be bullied so bad you believe the fake rumours about you. I work so hard all the time and try to do peoples jobs or help so they have a good day at work and all i get is more work or staff members tell me i don't work hard enough and that because I'm a female i should make them a coffee because I'm not doing anything. Everything i used to love doing i can't get into anymore, i don't feel inspired and i am to tired to do anything. I have anxiety and depression. These past 2 years i have been so sick, first with tonsillitis so bad i was in bed for 2 weeks straight, then a bad case of glandular fever and then minor surgery. I have been so isolated that i can't connect with people anymore. I was so bubbly and happy but now I'm shy and scared to open up to people because I'm afraid they will leave me like most people have. I can't stop crying when I'm alone and i can't help but wonder if i should just leave. The only 2 people who are keeping me here are my parents. But they don't know what I'm going through because i don't want to worry them. I just don't know what to do anymore. Im so tired of feeling like i don't belong anywhere and being lonely. Ive lost who i used to be and i don't know how to become someone who loves life and enjoys the things i used to love. Someone please help me, i don't know how much longer i can do this for anymore.

ColinN Not alone ❤
  • replies: 4

Hi All, My Name is Colin, I've been reading a lot about people's experiences about depression. Trying to figure out what is wrong with me. My Story. Around 5 weeks ago something happened to me that utterly destroyed my confidence (I won't bore you bu... View more

Hi All, My Name is Colin, I've been reading a lot about people's experiences about depression. Trying to figure out what is wrong with me. My Story. Around 5 weeks ago something happened to me that utterly destroyed my confidence (I won't bore you but talked to my GP and friends about it). I felt absolutely worthless, like I didn't exist and like a piece of crap. After a week or so later I thought I was ok but the tiniest little thing annoyed me, I started taking things far to seriously (Still do but I am trying my best on positive thoughts). Slowly things got worse, some days were ok but most of them were not. I would get extremely lonely, cry and question myself a lot. About two weeks ago I broke down, not acting myself and my family reached out to me but being a man I said I was ok. Few days later I googled for signs/syptoms of what I was going through, thought I can handle this, I'm a man we are tough! No, when I got home from work last Monday I was ok but during the evening I broke down again and said some stupid things to the nicest people on this planet. I had so many negative thoughts running through my mind, again questioning myself, am I good enough, am I even appreciated you name it I questioned it. This time it was bad, worse then before but I eventually realised that I need proper help. On top of that I have been barely eating, hardly sleeping barely 4 to 5 hours a day if that. Even on my so called good days I was still self doubting myelf. I took that first step and reached out to here via email, explained everything and suggested I go to a GP asap. I also took the K10 quiz and rated 32. Today I went to see a GP, I was extremely nervous and at the point of being sick before I went, even thought of skipping it I was that bad. But glad I didn't, she made me feel so comfortable, went through the K10 test (was very high) sent me off for a blood test for my thyroid and I booked myself into see a psychologist. She was absolutely amazing and extremely helpful. Before this I was a very happy, energetic and positive person. I even had my gallbladder taken out and had so much pain prior to that the surgery was a breeze even recovery, but this.. this scares me, scares me a lot. The hardest thing I had to do was take that first step, it was hard! But I am glad I did so I can get help, I'm by no means 100% but I am determined to fight this and get better!. Thank you for listening ❤❤❤

IsaJett If you are not your own best friend ...who are you to yourself ?
  • replies: 1

I recently had a revelation ..maybe it’s been an overdone thing ...I’m not sure but I feel the need to highlight it to people who have depression and also to serve as a gentle reminder to myself . I have cut out a few friends and choosing to have no ... View more

I recently had a revelation ..maybe it’s been an overdone thing ...I’m not sure but I feel the need to highlight it to people who have depression and also to serve as a gentle reminder to myself . I have cut out a few friends and choosing to have no friends ...rather than having friends that are ..not quite there for me . So now ..I am my own best friend ,,,really ...sometimes it doesn’t always turn out that way though ..hahah because I am sometimes unkind to myself . I say stuff like that ..omg u so useless etc but u all know that negative voice in our head , why cant we just be consistently kind to ourselves ? Why do we fall back into the enemy’s hands time and again ?