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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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Jay86 Health professionals who bulk bill...
  • replies: 2

Ok so ive been in a bad space for a while. Ive been self medicating with benzos and booze but i really would like to speak with a professional. Trouble is my gp gives me referrals for professionals who charge $80 per session. I dont have private heal... View more

Ok so ive been in a bad space for a while. Ive been self medicating with benzos and booze but i really would like to speak with a professional. Trouble is my gp gives me referrals for professionals who charge $80 per session. I dont have private health and im supposed to be saving for a wedding....if i actually get there. Can anyone give me any advice. Located Perth

Wild_ Strategies needed for moving cities.
  • replies: 2

Hi all, Firstly, its nice to be back here on the Online Forums. As soon as I logged in, I felt supported. It's a bit of a long story, but I'll try and shorted it for you. For the past two years, I lived in another country. I'm now back in my home tow... View more

Hi all, Firstly, its nice to be back here on the Online Forums. As soon as I logged in, I felt supported. It's a bit of a long story, but I'll try and shorted it for you. For the past two years, I lived in another country. I'm now back in my home town. I moved overseas for work, and while it was good at the beginning, it turned out to be a toxic workplace with bullying bosses and colleagues. I slipped into a huge depression when I was over there, to the point that I took 6 months off to travel and clear my head. Now I'm back in my home town, the job search is on and it's getting to me. I worked in a very particular field, where people get very emotionally-charged with every meeting, and I'm facing a situation where people are asking me when I'm returning to 'The Dream Job.' To me, it was very shiny from the outside, but once you get into it, its a lot of hard, dirty work with a lot of competition and difficult people. I've returned to my home town where it seems that my network has shrunk considerably. I have a boyfriend here who is amazing, but he's new to this city so as a result, doesn't have any networks here either. I'm feeling friendless and I'm sleeping a lot (which is a big sign for me). It seems like a bit of rambling, but I guess I'm looking for a bit of a helping hand so I can get to the next stage without falling into a depression again. I can feel one lingering around, but so far it has only been patches of a few hours that are bad, and they're no where near as bad as last year's days. Any strategies out there for moving to a new place? I'm not a very good socialiser as it is, so 'going and making friends' is not really possible for me. Happy to hear any words of positivity and/or suggestions and/or support. Wild.

Bella888 I'm so confused about depression
  • replies: 3

My mental health has been declining steadily for a few months. Ive never felt like this before in my life. I was prescribed medication but it made me so ill. Its like I'm not here at all, I've just disappeared and no one even noticed. Its strange. I ... View more

My mental health has been declining steadily for a few months. Ive never felt like this before in my life. I was prescribed medication but it made me so ill. Its like I'm not here at all, I've just disappeared and no one even noticed. Its strange. I get a long ok, and then i have a massive meltdown and cry for hours and just want anyone to help me but no one is ever around. When ever I see the psych I'm having a good day, as I can never get in when I'm having a bad day. No one ever sees my bad days and it makes me feel like I'm making it up. Does this happen to anyone else?

Brokenmind How do I explain it when I don't know?
  • replies: 7

I've been struggling with depression for 5 years. Almost two years ago I had a major breakdown which ended in a hospitalization. Since then my parents have kept tabs on me. Particularly my mum. I went to therapy for a while as per the hospitals recom... View more

I've been struggling with depression for 5 years. Almost two years ago I had a major breakdown which ended in a hospitalization. Since then my parents have kept tabs on me. Particularly my mum. I went to therapy for a while as per the hospitals recommendation and the wishes of my parents. My issue is that both my parents and my therapist are always asking what I'm thinking or if I'm ok. Or they're asking if there is anything that I want to talk about. I know that they're being supportive but it stresses me out. How am I supposed to explain my mind to people if I can't even make sense of it myself? It's become easier to pretend I'm ok to stop the questions. As a result my therapist has suggested we stop appointments and my parents haven't been asking questions as much. I know that I want and need help because everything is too much. But I can't verbalise anything. I'm noticing that my behaviour and thoughts are in the same place as before my breakdown but as last time I'm too nervous to seek help. I feel like because I can't explain my thoughts and emotions clearly that they won't understand. Any advice or help on how to explain your head to others when you can barely make sense of it yourself.?

Lilly18 Is this what 'normal' people feel, or is it a kind of hypomania?
  • replies: 8

Hi all, I'm on to my fourth antidepressant, first three were ssri now an snri. I'm not sure if what im feeling is 'normal'? II'l have a few really really bad days being depressed. They are very panicky depressed days where i even rang my psychologist... View more

Hi all, I'm on to my fourth antidepressant, first three were ssri now an snri. I'm not sure if what im feeling is 'normal'? II'l have a few really really bad days being depressed. They are very panicky depressed days where i even rang my psychologist on the weekend because I didn't know what to do, they were closed unfortunately. Some days are seriousy good. Like a little too much, for example, I had to go into a shop, but wanted a coffee & smoke first, bunnings was next door so I ducked in to get my coffee, got the coffee but also $100 of plants. Ill clean out cupboards, and constantly do things around the house to the point I don't eat all day, then I feel good about that, my tummy is empty and feel like I'm winning. I have to make myself go to bed by 12am, otherwise I could stay up for hours more. Im not sure if the medication has taken away some social anxiety but most of the time i can talk to people now, but not sure if I'm talking too much to them & i sort of wonder after the chat if i was being wierd. Iv even talked to strangers in the shops which I would never do before. I feel that there' is so much to do but so little time in the day.. Is this what to expect?

coleworld94 Why sometimes does it almost feel pleasurable to 'give in' to our depression?
  • replies: 5

Sometimes, when overwhelmed with negative thoughts, I find myself saying "okay have 20 mins to just lie down and give in to the negative thoughts". I will lay there, and just sought of "bathe in the depression". I will completely let go of any techni... View more

Sometimes, when overwhelmed with negative thoughts, I find myself saying "okay have 20 mins to just lie down and give in to the negative thoughts". I will lay there, and just sought of "bathe in the depression". I will completely let go of any techniques I use to try to offset my bad mood, and just be absorbed by it. I will tell myself horrible thoughts in my head and absolutely be engulfed in self-loathing and criticism. And strangely, it feels sort of as if I am getting pleasure out of this? or it is like a little treat and then I will get back to trying to remain positive later on. Am I the only one who seems to do this?

Peter35 Enough is Enough
  • replies: 1

Hi, I believe Ive been severly depressed now for a long time. I tried to seek help a few times in the past but the underlining feeling of helplessness and mistrust I felt made me cease all treatment. I felt a numbness in life like I was either nothin... View more

Hi, I believe Ive been severly depressed now for a long time. I tried to seek help a few times in the past but the underlining feeling of helplessness and mistrust I felt made me cease all treatment. I felt a numbness in life like I was either nothing or enjuring extreme emotional pains over and over again via painful memories. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family where my parents divorced and my mother is what I believe to be a covert narcisist. She used splitting tactics between us siblings and often we communicated to each other via her and not directly. Any type of confrontation or issue was squashed down and denied unless it was a problem for my mother it didn't exist. No surprises I am very distant from them all today in my mid 30s. I endured alot but it became too much a few years back. My aunty passed away from cancer and while I was not that close to her leading into the illness I did the best I could to care for her pets who she loved dearly and drove her to and from the hospital for treatment. It pained me at this time to see the way my family acted towards her and each other. My mother particularly started acting up and playing the look at me Im the greater victim here dont worry about her and stole alot of attention away from my aunty who needed it most at this time. My mother and aunty were also spit growing up by my grandmother whom I also believe to be a covert narc. It was also at this same time I started a new job and was under alot of pressure to perform. My father also popped up and became unemployed and refused to seek assistance at the risk of homelessness. I helped him best I could at the time. At the same time without going into much detail my manager at work was nothing less then a terrible person started a situation that pushed me over the edge. She did this knowing my aunty had just passed away for reasons I am not sure of as I was performing well. At this point I broke mentally, left my job and started travelling without any thought. For 2 years I travelled abroad. I also spent alot of time in isolation when not travelling and had no trust or expectation in people anymore. Now I cant find a job even though I have a solid resume due to what I believe is the 2 year gap I took travelling and my confidence is very low.I dont know what to do about finding stable work but I just keep trying anyway. I am going to seek help tomorrow and it feels good to finally surrender as I know I can't continue like this alone anymore.

Joey218 How do I connect with my boys when depressed?
  • replies: 3

Hi, I’m a 44 year old single Mum of 4 amazing sons, 19,17,15 and 12. To most people I look like I’m an organised loving mum and nurse but I know that isn’t really the case. i have struggled with depression for years and can hide it well. When I work,... View more

Hi, I’m a 44 year old single Mum of 4 amazing sons, 19,17,15 and 12. To most people I look like I’m an organised loving mum and nurse but I know that isn’t really the case. i have struggled with depression for years and can hide it well. When I work, I am this amazing person who runs a unit effortlessly and is well respected and loved by her colleagues. Then I go home .... and all I want to do is go to bed and sleep or watch Netflix. The boys spend far too much time on the Xbox or watching tv as I just don’t have the energy to do anything. I look after their needs..... feed them, wash for them, keep up a happy appearance most of the time, but I never do anything with them. Just do what I have to then retreat back to bed. I hate being like this but I don’t know how to claw my way out of it. Can anyone help?

BlissfulPilgrim Do antidepressants make your life less stressful?
  • replies: 21

I know some people suffer from depression as a chemical imbalance, and others are depressed because of their circumstances. If there is no imbalance, then it is unlikely antidepressants will help. Or do the drugs just make you numb so that you learn ... View more

I know some people suffer from depression as a chemical imbalance, and others are depressed because of their circumstances. If there is no imbalance, then it is unlikely antidepressants will help. Or do the drugs just make you numb so that you learn to just put up with the situation, rather than dealing with it? Like brainwashing, instead of fixing the problem you just learn how to put up with the suffering in a socially acceptable way. Then throw in the therapist for good measure - they can tell you how even though your life is stressful, you are just dealing with it wrong. Maybe I am not dealing with it wrong. Maybe I just have TOO MUCH STRESS. What can a therapist do about that? How can a psychiatrist make your life less stressful just by talking about it? Talking doesnt change the circumstances. All the psychotherapy in the world wont make people any nicer, or the world a better place to live in.

Rainn I'm not sure if I'm depressed again
  • replies: 1

I went off my medication and stoped seeing my theripast last year because my parents pressured me to. I chose to in the end because I was too anxious at the the sessions with my therapist and never ended up improving anything. My parents complained a... View more

I went off my medication and stoped seeing my theripast last year because my parents pressured me to. I chose to in the end because I was too anxious at the the sessions with my therapist and never ended up improving anything. My parents complained about the cost of therapy and told me that the drugs weren't helping me and were actually unhealthy. I'm scared to tell them how scared and sad I feel all the time for no reason. I act normal and try not to show it and everyone has been telling me how much better I'm doing. But I'm really not enjoying anything and I spend so much time mulling over trying to find joy in anything I never really feel happy. I always want to go out with my friends but when I do I feel like I'm searching for a feeling that isn't there anymore and feel isolated from them. I'm not sure if I would be able to go back on medication or see a therapist again but I'm not really sure how to feel good about myself either. I keep taking on new projects and trying my hardest to help people but it's hard because I feel so alone and no one really wants to help. It's scary talking about it because I feel like when I told people last time they treated me different and my parents tell me how happy they are that I'm better. I don't feel better. I dont really know what to do. But I don't feel like it's going to get better soon. It's so hard to get up for school in the morning and the whole day I'm just waiting to come home. I'm tired all the time and I can't sleep at night feeling like this. I don't understand any reason why I could feel this number empty or alone mabye I'm just making up that I'm depressed. I'm going to school fine and I'm not failing classes anymore. I'm so confused and scared I don't really know what to do. I feel like no one really likes me no matter what they say and nothing I do is right no matter how well I go or what people say about the end result. It's so exhausting. I just want to give up. Sorry I don't really know how to end this or how to post on a thread but I would appreciate some advice