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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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Evie81 Do I have complex PTSD, BPD or BP? Help.
  • replies: 16

Hi guys, Just tapping into a communal knowledge base here. Thanks for reading. I am diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, I am on medication for this, which seems to have performed miracles for my depression. I have been hospitalised for BP several t... View more

Hi guys, Just tapping into a communal knowledge base here. Thanks for reading. I am diagnosed as having Bipolar Disorder, I am on medication for this, which seems to have performed miracles for my depression. I have been hospitalised for BP several times, for a manic episode, a mixed episode and twice for depression. A possible BPD diagnosis has never been brought up by any of the psychiatrists that I’ve seen. In fact, I’ve asked and it has been denied by 3 different professionals. However I feel that my symptoms have a lot in common with BPD, mostly the abandonment issues, and then there is the obvious overlap of mood instability with BP. I have been with my partner for nearly 7 years and also enjoyed long-term relationships before this. However my partner and I have been struggling lately due to a relocation and him starting a high pressure job with long hours. We have been on the verge of breaking up and started seeing a relationship therapist. A central theme within this therapy are my abandonment issues. I experience tremendous anxiety and/or rage when he has to go on yet another business trip, arrives home late or is not truthful about his whereabouts. I come from a family of junkies and lies about whereabouts/what they were up to/not returning home resulting in me living with family members, and 2 foster homes, were normal for me. In this context one might be able to see how this sort of trauma would affect future relationships. Our relationship therapist has floated complex PTSD on my part, this as well as several issues my husband is facing with lying and confrontation. Meaning we are on opposite ends of the spectrum as I need accountability and truth to make sure I’m ‘safe’ from past experiences. If not I can become hypervigilant, anxious and erratic. He says he lies because a confrontation can result in strong emotions on my part and round and round in circles we go. From my understanding complex PTSD is often interchangeable with BPD with the main difference being the abandonment issues. Obviously not negating the overlap with BP as well and one can see a red herring emerging. My psychiatrist denies both the complex PTSD and the BPD and says everyone, including him, has abandonment issues. My reactions are perfectly in line with what to expect when a partner lies and walks out to avoid confrontation according to him. Should I ask for a second opinion? What do you think?

SomeWeirdBoi I’m not sure what I have
  • replies: 3

I have some symptoms of depression and add/adhd i always have the symptoms of ADD such as forgetfulness and lack of concentration, and I’m usually fidgety and uncomfortable in one spot. 1-2 weeks ago I had my worst episode of depression like stuff. I... View more

I have some symptoms of depression and add/adhd i always have the symptoms of ADD such as forgetfulness and lack of concentration, and I’m usually fidgety and uncomfortable in one spot. 1-2 weeks ago I had my worst episode of depression like stuff. I didn’t feel positivity once for about 2 weeks. I felt useless, and down more than usual, and family got angry because I couldn’t do basic tasks. I always move very slowly and I never have motivation for anything, even the few things I enjoy. I’ve also lost interest and pleasure in most things the past 1-2 Year’s and now the only things I can enjoy regularly are video games and music. These things cause me huge problems at home and school. At school I leave big assessments for home and do none at school, but then wait until their almost due and take way longer than I should and almost fall asleep doing it. At home I can’t even remember and follow basic instructions and I always make ridiculous mistakes. I’m only 15 and the only stress I have is at home when family get annoyed because of my uselessness. i need to know what I could be diagnosed with, because I want to be sure before I get help or my parents get help for me.

Brooke_K Struggling to cope... want to stay in bed all day and binge tv
  • replies: 3

Hey Guys Long story short, I have had depression before (though am not sure if it was mild or not), used to self-harm and saw GP. Was never in therapy or meds but managed to get back on track using this 'life alignment' thing the doctor did, after a ... View more

Hey Guys Long story short, I have had depression before (though am not sure if it was mild or not), used to self-harm and saw GP. Was never in therapy or meds but managed to get back on track using this 'life alignment' thing the doctor did, after a good year of working at it. This was in 2012. I often fall into depressive states, but they usually only last a day and then I am back at it with my usual motivation. However, I am really struggling this week. My partner is away for work for 2 weeks and won't be home in a while. I recently started watching anime and since he was away I started to binge watch in bed. Long story short, I watched 500 episodes and completed a series, watched 2 movies and 63 episodes of a new series in the span of 3 days. I didn't leave bed unless I was going to the toilet, I ate only 2 pieces of toast one day and 4 the next and a breakfast biscuit on the third. I didn't have a shower, I didn't even change clothes. My muscles were in so much pain from just laying on my sides all the time it made it hard to sleep. I stayed up until 6 am one night then slept until 11. My whole life is falling apart and I don't know how to pick it back up. I am a uni student and still have until the 30th before school starts. I want to keep writing a book I have going, but I am struggling to even hold it together. Finishing the anime series has made me feel worse like I have lost a part of myself. It's like I convinced myself for 3 days that was my world and heading to work last night (night filler, 3 hours easy work) was like a bucket of cold water on my face that the world is shit. It's so annoying because I like these adventure shows where they work hard and train hard for rewards but I can't even leave the bed. Now I am binge eating one meal of McDonalds or dominoes a day and eating nothing else all day. I managed to get up today but I still haven't gotten dressed and I really just want to go lay back down. I have no friends since we moved here recently and my partner is two hours away. I was at work and was coming up with excuses to go home, like saying my dad was in hospital. I know I only do that when I am super depressed. I was on the verge of tears all night and it was so hard to keep it together even though it's such a short shift. I feel like if my partner was home I would probably get it together because he would be like let's get out of bed and have a shower, even if that was all I did. But I can't gain the motivation myself.

tylerrw I’m not sure?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m new here and I’m not sure whether I’m fine or actually have depression. I’m confused because when I’m talking people I’m fine and quite loud and bubbly. But when I’m by myself or not talking, my mind attacks itself or something. Something is ... View more

Hi, I’m new here and I’m not sure whether I’m fine or actually have depression. I’m confused because when I’m talking people I’m fine and quite loud and bubbly. But when I’m by myself or not talking, my mind attacks itself or something. Something is telling me that I’m worthless and hopeless and all I can do is believe “it”. It’s weird because lots of things still motivate me.. Thanks.

Skitz I am depressed, highly stressed, lonely and overweight, what are some simple everyday steps i can take to happiness
  • replies: 15

I will start by saying that I have suffered with depression for about 15 years. A couple of years ago I found who I thought was my soulmate, but all he did was take advantage of my kindness and just used my emotions up like a sponge. Today i took the... View more

I will start by saying that I have suffered with depression for about 15 years. A couple of years ago I found who I thought was my soulmate, but all he did was take advantage of my kindness and just used my emotions up like a sponge. Today i took the first step by telling him that i will not accept this treatment anymore and i need a week without contact so i can self reflect. I have PCOS, chronic pain and chronic insomnia (the later two caused from an accident 6 years ago) I take meds to sleep and for the PCOS and losing weight is pretty much impossible. I could eat a salad leaf and still gain weight. I do know that if i exercise every day that i can lose weight, i just lack the motivation. I recently bought a treadmill and hope to walk every day, But i am having difficulty with motivation. I have had some dark times due to my depression and apart from steps every day, i really need some help in some basic everyday steps i can take to help with my motivation, and motivational posters and sayings dont help, just annoy me. I found that doing small things like drinking a glass of tea at night, with a heatpack, which has helped in the past with stress to relax me a little, I just need more ideas. Sometimes I dont even feel like i have the energy or motivation to brush my teeth, shower or eat. Ideas anyone?

Skyshay Depressed woman with an even more depressed male partner
  • replies: 3

I am reaching out for some tips or to gain more perspective about depression. I have depression and am responding well to medications and therapy. I feel great. My partner entered into the darkest place yet. been going on about 7 months now its overw... View more

I am reaching out for some tips or to gain more perspective about depression. I have depression and am responding well to medications and therapy. I feel great. My partner entered into the darkest place yet. been going on about 7 months now its overwhelming for him and i. He admitted he needed help which was amazing as he never has before and is back on the game in terms of trial and error of medications. The side effects hit him like a tonne of bricks i feel so mich pain for him. Always tired, Headaches upset tummy. And no change to his mood. Still trying to find the combo for him. He gave up years ago after 3 years on unsuccessful medications.He uses marajuana as it is the only thing that keeps him calm. Alot of it and i dont like condoning it. But i do beacuse when he doesnt have it nothing can ease his cripling amxiety. His anger and anxiety is causing me frustration. We have dogs to help us. He is linked at the hip to them both and he doesnt like walking due to weight gain. Lake of motivation. Anxiety. Especially anxiety about the dogs. Other people walking their dogs. He doesnt seem to trust me walking them. I am a bit more go with the flow now that i am feeling more like myself. I love the dogs but i am able of leaving them for a holiday in the right hands of freinds and dog hotels... but he will never accept that. I can cope for a while but i am struggling to see a way clear I cant even take the dogs for a walk cause he gets upset and anxious and begs me to understand his perspective but i am at the point now where i need to walk them with or without him for their health. Not mine or his. Theirs. Its the same for shopping. Sometimes i bite my tongue from saying just get over yourself and come. The dogs are fine. But i know how much thay would piss me off when i am in my own hole. However after a certain length of time i struggle to be as easy going to just accept it.His mother is here and she helps out at home cookinf cleaning etc and it makes him annoyed cause her cleaning makes him feel bad. I appreciate it so much. I am exhausted with coping to work and manage myself and look after myself aswell as being there and support. I am jist getting exhausted of so much anxiety and negativity from him.We cant drive anywhere far. If we do ever walk the dogs its stressful and he is full of anxiety and makes a scene and i cannot tell him to be logical. He usually is logical Any advice from someone in a similar boat ever. Advice from a male who can relate?

Andy82 I'm not sure?
  • replies: 12

Hi all, Just did the typical 'Dr Google' and typed into the text box, "I don't have anything that interests me" - top hit - this website. I'm not entirely sure if I have depression, however here is my story. A few years ago I suffered a shoulder inju... View more

Hi all, Just did the typical 'Dr Google' and typed into the text box, "I don't have anything that interests me" - top hit - this website. I'm not entirely sure if I have depression, however here is my story. A few years ago I suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery and a lot of rehabilitation and has not returned to normal function. A year or two later my wife and I welcomed our beautiful daughter, and I subsequently took a new job elevating to Management in a large company and we purchased our first home. Sounds like a good progression right? Now two years later, I don't have anything that interests me, or motivates me. My job is very demanding and I feel a void moving away from the engineering role I was previously in. I work long hours, and look after my daughter on the weekends (which I love, however can be exhausting after a long week). My wife and I also have another girl on the way which is exciting, however I don't feel the same excitement I did with my first daughter, I'm not sure whether this is because I'm so busy or not! Prior to all of this I was happy, motivated and generally enjoyed things. I feel it's the job I'm in which is possibly bringing me down, however it's making me feel terrible at times. I find myself lazy, taking shortcuts not doing day to day things like organising a car service - it just seems too hard. Sorry for the long post. Not sure who to chat to before I see someone. Thanks.

Cabbage_Patch_Kid Tips for when it all just seems to much and the emotions are too strong and I feel hopeless
  • replies: 1

I’ve suffered depression for over 20 years but in the last 10months my depression has gotten worse. Lately I feel like my body mind and heart can’t deal with how I’m feeling at the moment. I feel like I’m at capacity and I just don’t know what to do.... View more

I’ve suffered depression for over 20 years but in the last 10months my depression has gotten worse. Lately I feel like my body mind and heart can’t deal with how I’m feeling at the moment. I feel like I’m at capacity and I just don’t know what to do. Most mornings I wake up vomiting and then I cry most days. I’m exhausted and can barely do anything. I’m finding it hard to see that I will get better and get my life back. I don’t want to feel this way and some days I would do anything not to feel so sad and depressed. can anyone help?

WaterVeil Is this real?
  • replies: 3

Hi All, I'm new here. I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. When I'm well, I'm a zainy, intelligent, creative people person but I'm going through a particularly long patch of depression. I just really needed someone today but... View more

Hi All, I'm new here. I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. When I'm well, I'm a zainy, intelligent, creative people person but I'm going through a particularly long patch of depression. I just really needed someone today but discussing this is pretty exhausting, especially when it's in person, so I'm posting here instead. I'm tired of being sad. I'm tired of carrying it. I'm just so tired. The most difficult thing is that I feel like I have no options. It's not like there is anything tangible to point at to say, "See, look, there you go I'm actually sick". Half the time I think I'm just making it up and that, if I weren't so lazy, I could be happy and productive if I needed to. I feel like the people around me expect so much and that on the days where I'm sinking in it, which at the moment is most days, I just can't do it. I think they will think I'm incompetent, lazy or negligent. I want to have a big open wound to point at so I can say, "Look that's why I couldn't get that work done over the weekend" or "See that's why I couldn't pick up the phone when you called". So I guess my question to you all is. Is this real? Is it as tangible as having pneumonia or cancer or breaking a bone? and How do I keep going on with so much weight on my shoulders? In sincerity, WaterVeil

Polpetto Telling your partner about your depression
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, Just recently joined the forum and would really appreciate some advice or have someone share with me their experience of telling their partner about their depression. A little about me: I am a male, 25 years old and ex-military. I was di... View more

Hi everyone, Just recently joined the forum and would really appreciate some advice or have someone share with me their experience of telling their partner about their depression. A little about me: I am a male, 25 years old and ex-military. I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder in 2015 following my return from an overseas deployment to the middle-east. Early this year I was diagnosed with ADHD sub-type inattentive following a neuropsychological assessment. As of today, my social anxiety disorder is quite well-managed thanks to some CBT that I received a few years ago however, my depression has been ongoing since 2015 and I have been on and off medication since then. As for my ADHD, I currently am trying to find the right treatment to alleviate my symptoms through medication. I'm on my 2nd trial of stimulant medication, but I am finding that it has been hard to find a middle ground between the benefit and negative symptoms associated with the stimulant medication. I am currently taking two medications daily, though to little effect towards controlling my symptoms. As time goes by I find that my depression, though sporadic, has become worse and the medication is doing little to help. I feel that quite soon I am going to find it very difficult to cope and will need more support, with the potential for admission to a mental health facility. This issue I have is that as a result, I will no longer be able to hide my condition from my partner. We've been together almost 3 years now and are engaged, we both want a future together and a family. I, however, can't come to terms with telling her about my depression. Regardless of how irrational it may seem, I feel that as a man I need to be strong and be able to carry this burden on my own. I feel like by telling my partner about my condition it will change the dynamic of our relationship, and that her perception of me will change from her provider and protector to someone she can't look towards for strength, that my reactions to an event from then on will be indicative of my condition. Once that has happened there will be no going back from it and I will be forever constrained to that persona. I figure that if anyone can give me some advice or share their experiences with telling their partner of their condition it may help me take the necessary step towards talking with her about it. Hope to hear from you guys soon. Regards, K