Depression

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

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

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: 1

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

Tiggles121 Pretty depressed.... :(
  • replies: 3

Hey guys im New to these forums. I'm only posting as I feel I need to talk to someone atm. Ive always had depression since I was a little girl and was always on medication to help it but for the past year and a half I haven't been depressed, I've bee... View more

Hey guys im New to these forums. I'm only posting as I feel I need to talk to someone atm. Ive always had depression since I was a little girl and was always on medication to help it but for the past year and a half I haven't been depressed, I've been able to get it under control. So I came off my meds and actually have been doing so bloody good without the meds and I havent been depressed. Well since Friday that has just passed something happened in my family that I can't really say cause its personal but for the last 3 days I've noticed I've become really sad and its been creeping up on me slowly and just tonight it's hit me like a tonne of bricks. I swear ive cryed since 10 and now it's 12. I'm just really sad. And I havent worked this hard to keep my depression away for it just to come back really quick and hard like this. I hate taking meds as it makes me feel not right not normal. Why can't I be happy without meds? I feel like a bad mummy cause I'm down. This sucks.

Marc_M Where to go when I feel isolated and alone?
  • replies: 4

Folks Dnot know what to.say... I put on a positive face each day but live increasingly in a lonely vacuum.

Folks Dnot know what to.say... I put on a positive face each day but live increasingly in a lonely vacuum.

BCWallaroo Have been doing well, but the last few years have gotten worse and worse...
  • replies: 4

I don't know why, but it seems to have gotten worse and worse for me: I studied and finished my bachelor degree in digital media in 2014, but can't seem to get a job with it (I did 2 internships in graphic design, and both said my knowledge was lacki... View more

I don't know why, but it seems to have gotten worse and worse for me: I studied and finished my bachelor degree in digital media in 2014, but can't seem to get a job with it (I did 2 internships in graphic design, and both said my knowledge was lacking). The course was very artsy, I have no clue how to design a brochure or anything useful . So, I got a job in retail, and I really enjoyed it! i worked there for 2 years, but things got worse in the 2nd year, as most ppl left because things were unorganized, machines kept breaking down or they got better offers. Well, even my bf told me to quit, and I did and feel really good about it. However, I've been taking a month break to find out what I want to do, I don't have money troubles as I saved enough. I just have no clue what I want to do with my life: everything seems crap; I don't want to work in the food industry anymore because I hated that, as well as sales (I just couldn't lie to a customer). I don't mind working as a cashier again, but they all want teenagers and young adults, I'm too old (almost 30). I wanted to study something else, but I just can't get out of my funk and be passionate about anything anymore...I tried working on a graphic novel but nobody is interested so I don't have any hopes for it at all, and honestly I've been too depressed to even work on it properly again... I keep looking at seek or gumtree to maybe find a job that would spark my interest, but nothing seems to make hopeful that it might be worth it all. I just am starting to loose it and not find anything worth it anymore, not even playing video games ...I just sleep or stay up while my boyfriend is at home so he doesn't think anything is wrong. I just want to know how can I get passion for life and being more positive about any job again? Everything I do I seem to just be crap at: i get the feeling compared to other people I learn extremely slow and even if I try really hard, I always mess up or things still turn out for the worst.

Dinosore Leaving work due to depression
  • replies: 5

Hello, First time posting here, so sorry if I'm awkward. I have to leave my current job (about 40k) because of an undiagnosed depression I've been taking too many sick days because I'm unable to go to work because when it comes time to leave in the m... View more

Hello, First time posting here, so sorry if I'm awkward. I have to leave my current job (about 40k) because of an undiagnosed depression I've been taking too many sick days because I'm unable to go to work because when it comes time to leave in the morning I throw up or I start having a panic attack. I had a meeting with my employer and he said my options are to resign and go seek help or take more time off and face dismissal upon my return. He suggests resign because it'll be easier to come back into the company that way that if I was dismissed. I guess I'm posting because I don't know what to do next, that will take away my income and while I live with my partner, who is so amazing and supportive. But, its a lot of pressure to cut the household pay in 2. I'm sorry for the sap story, I'm not looking for charity, I just don't know what to do next. Thank you p.s. I'm currently seeing a mental health professional (my appointment is tonight, thankfully)

melmie Constantly sad...
  • replies: 10

Hi I haven't been diagnosed with depression or any mental disorder, my parents have never considered seeing a therapist or anyone for mental health, so no one knows I haven't been feeling too good mentally. I'm not sure what's wrong, but during the d... View more

Hi I haven't been diagnosed with depression or any mental disorder, my parents have never considered seeing a therapist or anyone for mental health, so no one knows I haven't been feeling too good mentally. I'm not sure what's wrong, but during the day at school, I'm completely fine and happy, though when I arrive home I never feel happy. It seems like I feel sad when alone, but I can't be surrounded by people for too long or I'll feel sad and out of control. I've felt like this for a while, but I have no one to talk to because it is either awkward or I don't want to feel like a burden. Someone help me please, I've been crying myself to sleep nearly every night. Seeing a therapist or talking to someone about this in real life isn't an option. I don't want people to think I'm trying to seem 'cool' because at my age, many people tend to say they have depression or whatever to seem cool, and I might be over-thinking it, but I really need advice Thanks

tjg83 Depression unsure what is wrong
  • replies: 3

Hi there been off work since August waiting for knee surgery, struggling at home i tend to get angry real easily, also stress from my 7 year old daughter isn't helping. The other night i felt very upset i just wanted to walk away from all the problem... View more

Hi there been off work since August waiting for knee surgery, struggling at home i tend to get angry real easily, also stress from my 7 year old daughter isn't helping. The other night i felt very upset i just wanted to walk away from all the problems in my life. My mind was telling me to do things that I'd never do personally. Then again this morning with the pressure of not working, problems at home and various health issues on top of my daughter not even getting dressed for school has just about brought me to breaking point again and unsure what to do. Even thinking of talking about worries gets me upset.

Ulysses Christmas woes
  • replies: 7

Hi I know I posted about my job anxiety on here but now I’ve realised what’s been driving the other side of my illness...depression. I realise that my kids have no time for me and have decided not to come for Christmas, despite living one hour away. ... View more

Hi I know I posted about my job anxiety on here but now I’ve realised what’s been driving the other side of my illness...depression. I realise that my kids have no time for me and have decided not to come for Christmas, despite living one hour away. Christmas was so very special each year, but apparently that’s no longer the case. I just get a sigh and “I’m just not into it this year”. But it’s not just Christmas. It’s every special occasion, or even any excuse to see them. I just can’t stop wondering, what is life without family? Friends have been letting me down lately so family is all I’ve got. I paid for a friend to fly and visit but she didn’t even get on the plane. I kind of wish I could adopt a family who would appreciate being spoilt for Christmas.

mum0f2 Postpartum Depression
  • replies: 3

My partner works 5-6 days a week, leaves at 4:30am and gets home at 6-7pm depending on traffic. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I have a toddler, I spend most of my days crying in the kitchen. Everyday is getting harder. The other day I was having... View more

My partner works 5-6 days a week, leaves at 4:30am and gets home at 6-7pm depending on traffic. I just had a baby 2 months ago and I have a toddler, I spend most of my days crying in the kitchen. Everyday is getting harder. The other day I was having an anxiety attack and I called my partner to come home and help me because I have no one else around and he said he couldnt come home. I dont know how to make him understand. I keep telling him I need a break but he isn't listening.

Blisstinia Am I faking my depression?
  • replies: 5

I’ve reached a point where I’m starting to believe what my family have been telling me all alone. Maybe I have made myself depressed. For so long I’ve been able to suck up my pain, remain positive and get on with my day, until I started feeling flat ... View more

I’ve reached a point where I’m starting to believe what my family have been telling me all alone. Maybe I have made myself depressed. For so long I’ve been able to suck up my pain, remain positive and get on with my day, until I started feeling flat and dissatisfied even after making it into law school and landing an amazing job. I’ve been feeling so dissatisfied to a point I always call in sick and have stopped going to uni, everything is so hard now, I don’t have that same strength I did 3 years ago. However in my family’s eyes I am throwing my life away, which I’d understand why they’d think that. But why can’t they help me get it back then, not beat me down and tell me to stop looking for attention, and that my “depression” is costing me my friendships, without providing ANY support since I’ve started my journey 3 years ago. All they want to see are results, but they are not willing to help me get them, not even willing to hear me vent. I have reached a point when I now regret even looking into this “depression” I wish I’d just continued masking my pain, at least that way I was still functioning. I am constantly ashamed of myself for allowing myself to say “I have depression” for thinking that by coming out people will support you. Now I’m constantly cautious of what people think of me, I’ve made things worse for myself.

Lockup How to talk to someone when you just don't want to
  • replies: 4

I've always found it hard to share how I truly feel to anyone, especially a stranger. This year I lost a close family member which has left me, well, depressed. I feel like I need help but every time I try to talk to someone I just clam up and say so... View more

I've always found it hard to share how I truly feel to anyone, especially a stranger. This year I lost a close family member which has left me, well, depressed. I feel like I need help but every time I try to talk to someone I just clam up and say something to the effect of "Actually, I'm fine". The same thoughts always go through my head... This is stupid! There is nothing wrong stop embarrassing yourself! Your just doing this to get pity from other people! You're just being a big sook, man up! So my question is, how do I talk to someone when everything in me screams not to?