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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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ScarlettR Does heat cause mental illness?
  • replies: 2

As it's well known, Australia has intense heatwaves. In recent years, the summers had gotten hotter (global warming?) and the Bureau of Meteorology said that heatwaves could cause mental illness. I agree with this. Any thoughts?

As it's well known, Australia has intense heatwaves. In recent years, the summers had gotten hotter (global warming?) and the Bureau of Meteorology said that heatwaves could cause mental illness. I agree with this. Any thoughts?

white knight Mood changers
  • replies: 5

It is understandable that those with mental illness are more moody. An extreme of this is bipolar. Moods are an inherent part of day to day life...such is why mood stabilizer medication is usually prescribed. Along with such medication, bipolar or no... View more

It is understandable that those with mental illness are more moody. An extreme of this is bipolar. Moods are an inherent part of day to day life...such is why mood stabilizer medication is usually prescribed. Along with such medication, bipolar or not, we should seek a bundle of remedies to approach our illness. Just like relaxation is good for anxiety and therapy good for BPD sufferers, a multi pronged approach is the best way. With moods we can add these ideas to our arsenal. We have several body sensors that can trigger good feelings and alter our mood. Hearing. How many of you have a change in mood when you turn the music on? Make sure you select the up tempo happy music though or your mood can plummet as mine did recently when a sad song from the 1970's reminded me of my dash to the bush escaping society. Eyes. Look up. See the blue sky. Today a neighbor told me he saw 13 wedgetailed eagles in the sky at one time. Wow! Clouds, wow! Look at nature. Adore the animals in the sanctuary. Observe. Skin. How many of us welcome a hug? Just someone touching us. Words aren't always needed. Argh...someone is here, that's good, that's peaceful...I'm not alone.... Taste. A mint. A simple lolly can distract your mind that's in a bad place. I love cooking, different tastes. It's turned into a hobby that changes my mood. careful not to bake cakes....they flop = bad mood. Instead I cook thins easily done like donuts, vegetable pies and Anzac biscuits. It also gets positive reaction from family taste testers. That boost confidence. Smell. Ever got out of a car at the top of a mountain or in a forest and taken a deep breath? Argh...that's so nice. What about picking roses from your garden and placing them in a vase in eyeshot of your seating position in the lounge? You instantly smile as you sit down. A mood stimulator!! With the mind we should feed it. Give it what it wants. What is clear is that just remaining stagnant saying to yourself "I'm in a bad mood" is not allowing for any stimulation and we don't believe we can be stimulated because of our mindset. Bad moods are like automatic negative irritations that we think are not controllable, not unlike depressive states. We can usually do something about it. Remember the senses and the apology to the person on the receiving end of our mood. It might not be your fault but it certainly isn't theirs. Tony WK

Coadie I’m broken
  • replies: 2

I need help, I loved her and she’s hurting, I’m hurting. She said she needs time to heal, she said I can’t help but that’s all I want to do. I just want to help her, I can’t even help myself

I need help, I loved her and she’s hurting, I’m hurting. She said she needs time to heal, she said I can’t help but that’s all I want to do. I just want to help her, I can’t even help myself

jax_in_my_heart Bipolar 2 - suspect medication is slowing me down and I hate that
  • replies: 1

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 about 18 months ago, and it took a good 12 months for me to adjust to this and try to take my medication regularly. My biggest problem is that I feel I’ve lost part of what made me ‘me’. I used to be able to a thousand ... View more

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 about 18 months ago, and it took a good 12 months for me to adjust to this and try to take my medication regularly. My biggest problem is that I feel I’ve lost part of what made me ‘me’. I used to be able to a thousand different things, I worked full-time and had several very busy volunteer jobs, and studied, and I always crammed it in. Now I find that I’m not really interested when I get home from work. I still go out all the time, work full-time, see friends, etc, but I just don’t go at the frantic pace I used to. And I really miss that, because it gave me so much joy and fulfillment. I can’t work out if this is because the pills make me slow down and more ‘normal’ speed, or if it’s due to my relationship break-up six months ago, or maybe I’m just getting older (I’m 35). Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Meowface Only feel safe at home
  • replies: 5

I’ve always been a homebody but have felt my depression and anxiety get worse in recent months. At the moment I really only feel safe and comfortable when I’m at home - I’m very anxious to get home when I’m out and even have left work conferences ear... View more

I’ve always been a homebody but have felt my depression and anxiety get worse in recent months. At the moment I really only feel safe and comfortable when I’m at home - I’m very anxious to get home when I’m out and even have left work conferences early in a fluster to get Home. I’m often tired because of my meds but this is really getting in the way of my life - especially being able to stay and focus at work. Any tips for coping with being out??

Yosh Depression and the Extrovert
  • replies: 3

Hello community. I've had this question on my mind for a long time and if anyone can shed some light, I could do with some help. I'm 24 and looking to start my career - which ironically is in counselling. When I look back at everything I've managed t... View more

Hello community. I've had this question on my mind for a long time and if anyone can shed some light, I could do with some help. I'm 24 and looking to start my career - which ironically is in counselling. When I look back at everything I've managed to do and accomplish, I have a whole list of amazing moments. I have a great support network and I genuinely love meeting new people and socializing. Everyone around me knows me for my positive energy and humor. But what they don't know is that I spend a lot of time hating myself, feeling anxious and worried and, at least for the last month, crying alone. My depression is getting worse because I'm thinking I won't make it. When I'm in my lowest low I hate myself and I feel powerless. Every time I do something, I do it wrong. I've realised that I social with others as a mean to pretend that everything's fine but it's just fake. The people around me aren't actually friends and I have no one to turn too. I've never felt more alone and yet I find myself being the typical extrovert. I'm tired of putting up with front. Has anyone else felt like this? Is it somewhat okay to go against the typical symptoms of depression as an extrovert?

apricotandcreams Just before all the bad feelings kick in, I feel insanely happy, why?
  • replies: 1

In the last year or so, I have started to experience depression. It isn't too severe, only lasting a few days at a time before my head clears and I am back to my regular self. What I have figured out is a pattern is starting to emerge though. In the ... View more

In the last year or so, I have started to experience depression. It isn't too severe, only lasting a few days at a time before my head clears and I am back to my regular self. What I have figured out is a pattern is starting to emerge though. In the days preceding my mental health taking a turn for the worse, I am very happy, energetic, productive and ready to do anything that is going to use up the energy I have. Then, sometimes in the space just a couple of hours, I will become lifeless. I'll be tired, unable to think, super distracted and most of all numb - all the things you'd expect from depression. If anyone out there has tips on ways to smooth the transition from going form super high to crashing lows I would appreciate it. Or even for when I am in that state, tips for dealing with the numbness that would also be appreciated! Cheers fam

AnxSam Unemployed- Feeling Depressed
  • replies: 3

Hi All, Just recently (last month) I lost my job after only being there 7 months. This wasn't my fault but a company restructures and I, unfortunately, was one of the ones that had to go. Its been 6 weeks and all I've done is focus all my time and en... View more

Hi All, Just recently (last month) I lost my job after only being there 7 months. This wasn't my fault but a company restructures and I, unfortunately, was one of the ones that had to go. Its been 6 weeks and all I've done is focus all my time and energy on trying to find another job. I've been unsuccessful multiple times and find that I'm not getting far in my search. I'm getting severely anxious and depressed in the process because i think as time goes on my chances of being hired are going to drop. I have signed up to multiple agencies and have had no luck with them also. I'm exhausted and feel like I cannot do anything until I find something so I don't end up in a downward spiral that I cant get myself out of. FEELING STRESSED, CANNOT SLEEP AND REALLY WORRIED ABOUT MY FUTURE.

buster44 My story
  • replies: 2

2015... The year of disasters, the year of pain, the year I loss the person I was. In 2015 i was diagnosed with high levels of depression and anxiety, I never admitted to it and I never accepted it. I moved to another city this year, to find out who ... View more

2015... The year of disasters, the year of pain, the year I loss the person I was. In 2015 i was diagnosed with high levels of depression and anxiety, I never admitted to it and I never accepted it. I moved to another city this year, to find out who I was, find my feet and wonder what happened to me throughout those years. No one understood why I left home, many probably didn’t care and many thought it was a phase. I was surrounded by drug abuse, domestic violence and fear. I was 15years old when i removed myself from my home and tried to find my own way, many would say it was stupid, but to me it showed strength, courage and bravery. 2016 I moved back to home, back to a town where I lost the person I had become but giving it another shot. 2017 I finally admitted the illness, I have depression and Anxiety. I am not in anyway someone who thrives off attention, It could seem that way but I simply am the one who is afraid of people seeing who the real me is. I was the one who never told the truth about my family because I was simply embarrassed, but letting everyone know what I battled for many years wasn’t embarrassment it showed independence . Something I am so passionate about now, how I could come this far after everything I went through growing up, and of course I didn’t go through it alone, I had family, i had friends. I don’t enjoy going out all the time, getting drunk, sleeping around; simply because that’s not where I want to go in life, I saw how that turns adults, I saw how that can destroy families, I was a victim of abuse, violence and I got this far and i’m not willing to give up everything i have fought for now I lost friends simply because they wanted the party life and i couldn’t keep up with it because they could never understand how much it made me hurt inside, so i distance myself from them, and I know that was one of the best decisions, because I know have friends who will ask how I am Admitting my depression was one of the strongest things I have ever done, and although I will always have it I now know I have people around me