Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

Start a discussion

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
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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: 0

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

Failing_wonderfully Controlled by mental illness
  • replies: 1

My life is controlled by mental illnesses I try not to let it control me but no matter how hard I fight the anxiety and depression it stays. I have suffered anxiety and depression since I was 16. I had tried to make something of my life as a teenager... View more

My life is controlled by mental illnesses I try not to let it control me but no matter how hard I fight the anxiety and depression it stays. I have suffered anxiety and depression since I was 16. I had tried to make something of my life as a teenager by finishing school and getting a job but since I moved out with my partner 5 years ago I haven’t been able to work or study again since. The anxiety makes it hard for me to leave the house and socialise with strangers. I have hardy any independence and rely heavily on my partner to get me to appointments or even to travel to see my family an hour away as I’m terrified to catch a bus on my own. I’ve been on medication and seeing social workers and phychologists for the last 6 years with only very small improvement. I’m trying to look after myself and get all the professional help that is available to me I can get but doesn’t seem enough. I constantly worry about the future I will have as a result of my mental health and the toll it takes on my partner. Anyone else in a similar situation or have any advice?

RC16 I feel as though I am stuck
  • replies: 2

I’m a 24-year-old female who was first diagnosed with depression, GAD and PTSD and 16. I grew up in a turbulent and violent household which had an overwhelming impact on my life. Since then, I have always been on this “roller coaster” of mental healt... View more

I’m a 24-year-old female who was first diagnosed with depression, GAD and PTSD and 16. I grew up in a turbulent and violent household which had an overwhelming impact on my life. Since then, I have always been on this “roller coaster” of mental health. Consistent highs and lows. Now at 24, I feel more confused, afraid and alone than I ever have before. I have no one to talk to about what is going on in my head, and when I have talked about it I’m met with responses such as: “do you think you’re the only one?” and “all you do is complain and I’ve reached my threshold with you”. This has come from family, friends and worst of all, my partner. I feel so desperately alone and I’m struggling to maintain my life. I work 3 days a week and attend university and every single day is a battle to manage, both work and uni have suffered because most days I struggle to leave my house. For the past 2-3 years, I’ve been addicted to smoking marijuana. It is a secret that I have kept from every single person in my life, and it’s the only thing that helps me to feel ok. I have no motivation to do anything else, I don’t enjoy anything that I used to enjoy. I just don’t know what to do. I don’t want to live but I’m too scared to die. I don’t know who to talk to or where to turn. I feel like I’m being tortured by my own mind. I just don’t know what to do and I’m scared. I just want to be understood

viexon66 Reaccurent depression
  • replies: 1

For at least the last 10 years I’ve had depression episodes, I’d be on medication and have another episode switch medication or up the dose and maybe 3 months later the episode would go away. I would be going to therapy pretty consistently and I mana... View more

For at least the last 10 years I’ve had depression episodes, I’d be on medication and have another episode switch medication or up the dose and maybe 3 months later the episode would go away. I would be going to therapy pretty consistently and I managed to treat anxiety and panic disorder pretty well with therapy and medication and I’m a few years free of panic disorders and anxiety that really impacts my life. However I haven’t seen anywhere near the same change with depression. I usually have depression episodes that last 3-5 months regardless of medication and therapy. This time I’m not really sure if medication is even helpful and it might be better to ride it out since they haven’t worked in such a long time. Other than regular exercise, maintaining a routine, eating good food, as much sunlight as possible is there anything that might help reduce the severity? I do still see my psychologist who is also pretty stumped at how to deal with it.

BlissfulPilgrim When everything else has failed
  • replies: 4

I have suffered from depression and anxiety as long as I can remember (about 30yrs). Like most people, I have been willing to try anything to make the pain stop. I have given up asking the doctors for help, and given up on trying any more medications... View more

I have suffered from depression and anxiety as long as I can remember (about 30yrs). Like most people, I have been willing to try anything to make the pain stop. I have given up asking the doctors for help, and given up on trying any more medications. I have tried exercise, mindfulness, affirmations and every other suggestion under the sun (including drugs and alcohol). Nothing I have tried has made this life meaningful. One of the most common suggestions I hear is to talk about my feelings. There is 2 reasons why this is nearly impossible for me. The first is I have no-one to talk to, no one willing to listen. The second is, from my past experience, talking about things only makes the situation worse. When I see/hear people talking about their feelings and asking for help, I notice that others often respond with sympathy, empathy, or even pity. And the same old same old - tomorrow will be better, find someone to talk to, exercise, meditate blah blah blah. Maybe this approach is helping some people, but to me having complete strangers trying to reassure me is again, meaningless. Having people say nice things and "caring" (for the few minutes that I have their attention) does not in any way make my life easier or more bearable. When I go to bed and get up again the next day- these people aren't there to help me get through the day. They are only listening because it makes themselves feel good. Am I so messed up that I am just a cold heartless bitch? Or is there something else that I haven't tried yet? Please don't suggest that i try to "write these feelings down". Again - that is just another way to make it easier for you to deal with my depression. If people actually cared, wouldn't they be here helping me? If no one cares enough about me to call me or visit or contribute to my wellbeing, why would I want to share my innermost feelings? Just so I can have the pleasure of hearing you say something "nice"? If I am asking for help, I dont want nice words. Nice words are just a waste of time - yours and mine

Guest_21 Beating the Depressive Demon!
  • replies: 18

Hi All, Well I've finally taken the first step to "fixing my broken mind" and making my life work this time around for I want a life free of negative thoughts and despair. Currently I am in a progress of medication, counseling, eating well, getting s... View more

Hi All, Well I've finally taken the first step to "fixing my broken mind" and making my life work this time around for I want a life free of negative thoughts and despair. Currently I am in a progress of medication, counseling, eating well, getting sleep and doing positive thought practices. Have found a site called pinterest which I find rewarding for things that I like doing, check it out. This illness is such a destructive mechanism in our brains and I would not wish it upon anyone for that matter!!! Family is so important when we are in these times of decline but I believe that we can make change for the better if we choose to fight it rather than let it fight us!!! I have changed some things in my life so far for the good with just retraining my thinking process and find it does work with constant day to day positive thinking. A lot of my depression has come from long term unemployment, financial stress but also a hereditary gene in my family. I am willing to beat this "Black Dog" and make my life better!!! I have made a folder with positive thoughts that I can reflect on each day which helps a lot I must say, things in my life and the way I think and want to change, also I try to focus on the future and not reflect on the past. I do not drink alcohol any more, period, this is such a bad coping mechanism for us, never solves the problems, just makes it worse than it really is!!! I am grateful that we have websites like Beyond Blue because talking about our issues is one of the best starts we can make to a better positive life. Retrain that brain everyday with the tools that you need, I guess we are like cars somewhat, if we don't service them regularly they break down so it is important to eat well and get rest when required to build up our brains and body. In my past I have been to some VERY dark places and now choose never to go back and if something in life presents dealing with it in a different way I find is the key to making positive happy thoughts overrule this. Thanks for letting me pop in and say hello, share my thoughts and desires, you can beat this but sometimes it takes time and the right tools. Take Care of you all.

Flat_Battery What do I do now?
  • replies: 2

Hey Everyone, I'm 31 years old, single, currently working in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer, living at home with Mum and siblings. I have depression and mild anxiety/social anxiety that have been clinically diagnosed but have not ever use... View more

Hey Everyone, I'm 31 years old, single, currently working in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer, living at home with Mum and siblings. I have depression and mild anxiety/social anxiety that have been clinically diagnosed but have not ever used medication to treat these. I have had CBT Therapy before and have been told that I have a fear of attachment from my Parents divorcing as a 12 yr old and that my Mother's voice I have also created to be a trigger for my depression. I had a Law Of Attraction life coach for a year up until recent and found it to be complete waste of time and money. From the audio tapes to the goal setting methods, and the skype sessions, then the application of these into the real world with the expectation of significant long-term desirable changes relying purely on belief and "letting go" I found very airy-fairy and had no concrete evidence of progression, in fact I felt that I went backwards. It is not a very stable profession working in the fitness industry. The Market is oversaturated and the pay is ordinary like below $40k p.a. My career options are limited given that I was not an academic in school. Still can't decide what I want to do in life for a career, tried online uni course couldn't do it and am paying hecs off, options are limited as the longest I've held a job is 2 years and at the age where employers are less likely to consider as an apprentice. In comparison to both my younger brothers that are fully qualified plumbers and my sister that manages a team of 8 sales reps for the biggest stationary supplier in Australia. This affects me in every area in life particularly as I've only had less than a year and half relationship experience with 5 different partners in which I did not find attractive. The concern is that not only do I doubt that I can have someone attractive but if I were to get lucky then it wouldn't last because I can't support a family, let alone myself comfortably. I do not connect much with my siblings as I'm the eldest and have achieved very little compared to what they have in a career sense. This makes me jealous, envious and feelings of no self worth as a man. Don't have many friends. I don't go out and often stay in my room to watch tv series or live promiscuously by going on online dating sites then meet with women that I don't even find attractive for casual fun or even worse case paying for sex. I neglect taking my dog for walks and find it hard to get motivated to train or work hard.

imaginetheresnosadnessits wanting to seek help and medication
  • replies: 3

sorry if i am not doing this right, im new. I have been feeling very depressed for four years now, and i want something to change. i have doctors appointment next week and i was wondering if anyone had tips on how to tell doctors that you think you h... View more

sorry if i am not doing this right, im new. I have been feeling very depressed for four years now, and i want something to change. i have doctors appointment next week and i was wondering if anyone had tips on how to tell doctors that you think you have a mental illness. fr me personally i have taken online tests (which i know is not a hundred percent legitimate) and i am fairly certain i have borderline personality disorder. i feel like the doctor wont take me seriously because im 14 but these types of illnesses are genetic and i have been feeling like this for the longest time and yeah. i finally want to seek help. how o i tell my doctor i want medication/certain i have a mental illness? im naturally shy.

GeorgieBelle Food Punishment
  • replies: 1

Idon't know if anyone will read this, but I could use some help. I had a falling out with my best friend about two months ago (no chance of reconciliation) and have been stuck in a depression ever since and have begujn to eat as a form of punishment.... View more

Idon't know if anyone will read this, but I could use some help. I had a falling out with my best friend about two months ago (no chance of reconciliation) and have been stuck in a depression ever since and have begujn to eat as a form of punishment. I have put on almost 6kgs in two months and I am so disgusted with myself that I continue to eat unhealthy food as punishment. I can't break the cycle and I am destroying myself.

Setsail001 The cycle starts again
  • replies: 6

Hi all I’m so glad I found this place. Already reading through other’s comments and posts I feel not so alone. I hope it makes others feel this way too. ive struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 yearsnow and it is a cycle. Once I think I’... View more

Hi all I’m so glad I found this place. Already reading through other’s comments and posts I feel not so alone. I hope it makes others feel this way too. ive struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 yearsnow and it is a cycle. Once I think I’m through it, it starts again. Today is one of those days I can’t get out of bed which makes me feel guilty and pathetic (not saying that anyone here who can’t get out of bed are those things) and like I’ve taken a step or three backwards. I just can’t see a happy future for myself and feel like it is always going to come back. I have a full time job, a good partner though I’ve been questioning whether it feels right being with him anymore (don’t know if that’s the depression talking) and see a psych once a month or so. I’m a bit hopeless at the moment.. any support or advice would be great, thank you

vc21 im done
  • replies: 2

im not happy anymore. I know that for sure. but I dot talk about it to my mother because she never listens. she never does anything anymore, we used to be so close and now we can't be further apart. it has gotten to the point where I have learnt to s... View more

im not happy anymore. I know that for sure. but I dot talk about it to my mother because she never listens. she never does anything anymore, we used to be so close and now we can't be further apart. it has gotten to the point where I have learnt to say goodnight to myself because no one else will. I hate talking about my sadness because I hate sympathy. I have learnt to cope without attention to my feelings and so when someone asks me its so foreign and I don't like it. my soul hovers around this fake happy girl when she is at school to make it seem like im okay and nobody would notice but then when I am isolated with my thoughts the real me comes out.my hate for attention Maes it hard for me to speak out about my pain and see help because I don't like the foreign feeling. I have no love in my life and its slowly cutting me off. I feel so alone and im one.