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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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Kassidy Depression and parenting
  • replies: 3

Hey everyone, first time poster here. So im 23 and was diagnosed with depression at 15 and I have a 3yo son which is suffering more than i am. Today is definately a new level of breaking point, i couldnt feel like a worse parent. Back when i was firs... View more

Hey everyone, first time poster here. So im 23 and was diagnosed with depression at 15 and I have a 3yo son which is suffering more than i am. Today is definately a new level of breaking point, i couldnt feel like a worse parent. Back when i was first diagnosed with depression looking back now id say its was all pretty normal these days for a teen, i was medicated etc and all was ok. When i was 18 I entered what turned out to be a mentally abusive relationship and fell pregnant with my son. His dad was in and out of the picture the whole time which put so much stress on me. When my son was born, i couldn't even look at him, this lasted a few hours and for the first few months i had no connection to him at all. As if i didnt feel bad enough about that right? Anyway, time went on and ive just established i dont have a maternal bone in my body which really bothers me. I just want to be the best mum i can be for him. My beautiful boy is now 3 and the easiest child ive come across to parent and look after. He deserves so much more than what hes getting. Ive been trying to find the right medication since i had him, to bring me back i guess. The one im on at the moment i don't feel is doing anything, just like the others. I have an amazing partner who helps me so much but i think that only makes me feel worse knowing i don't know where my son would be without that support. I have the kind of side effects where i would sleep all day if i could. The kind where you don't wake up to anything like alarms or when your childs in trying to wake you up in the morning. Yes, when my 3yo son is TRYING to wake me i don't even know. My partner went to work this morning and left the back door open for our dog. I woke up at 10am to find my child on the couch, the door open and the back gate unlocked (which he can open). So much could have gone wrong all because of me and my problems. I've never felt like such a horrible mother. I go to the gym when i can to try help, i try my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, i take the medication im currently on, im doing everything i can to try stop being the way i am and its just not working. I feel like the doctor i use just doesn't understand but im yet to find one who truly does. I guess i just dont know what to do anymore and im petrified of not being concious when my son needs me and not hearing him if he screams at night. I want to be the best parent because hes the most perfect thing thats ever happened to me. Thanks for reading

Justagirl16 Depressed, lonely, worthless
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone,I find myself on these forums having searched the Internet for some kind of relief and comfort, as I have been feeling particularly bad depression lately, and definitely today.I'm a 26 yo female who has recently been diagnosed with C-PTSD... View more

Hi everyone,I find myself on these forums having searched the Internet for some kind of relief and comfort, as I have been feeling particularly bad depression lately, and definitely today.I'm a 26 yo female who has recently been diagnosed with C-PTSD resulting from intermittent physical abuse and prolonged emotional neglect throughout my childhood + teenage years. I have coped 'decently' until the last couple of months, however have not been doing very well recently.I feel so worthless, with no hope for my future in sight. I don't like myself, and I feel so lonely. I have many acquaintances, but no true friends. No one that I can confide in, spend time with outside of work, talk to. I have family, but none that I am close to and feel I can reach out to. The family I am closest to are those that neglected me in times of need as a child, and I could not speak to them about my depression, feelings of worthlessness, as they would tell me to "snap out of it". I am lucky that I have a wonderful and supportive partner, but I worry that my depression is taking its toll on him. I am not interested in sex, I cannot do anything with him, I am always crying in bed, and he is worried about me but cannot do anything. I am starting to think he would be much better off without me. I just wish I wasn't here. I have had job for the past couple of years, in which I engage with many different people very frequently. I resumed after the holiday season, and it was more difficult than ever to come back and hear everyone's stories of their wonderful holidays. I spent most of mine in bed, sick, feeling lonely, wishing I were someone else. I am a people pleaser and project a very friendly and confident disposition at work, and after 2 days, it had exhausted me. Now I have taken a sick day and have been lying in bed crying. I'm worried my boss will be angry as I have taken quite a few sick days over the last year, but being at work was far too difficult, with me on the verge of tears the whole time and unable to concentrate at all. It is exhausting keeping up a facade of happiness in an incredibly social job. I feel terrible. I wonder if things will get any better, but I don't think they will. I hate myself, I wish I were someone else. I guess, amongst all of this that I'm hoping someone might tell me that things will be ok, and that I won't feel like this forever. I don't have anyone except my partner to talk to that could possibly understand, or care.thank you beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

Evet Hi everyone 😀
  • replies: 3

My first post ! Been in a dark place for a while now. Unfortunately didn’t seek help. Realise now that I need to do something if I want my quality of life to change. I’m relocating to a warmer state to rejuvenate and rebuild but with all the professi... View more

My first post ! Been in a dark place for a while now. Unfortunately didn’t seek help. Realise now that I need to do something if I want my quality of life to change. I’m relocating to a warmer state to rejuvenate and rebuild but with all the professional support so can get. Hard part is that I’m leaving my wife behind as I feel I need a completely new environment and just don’t have the love to give to anyone let alone myself. Now I’m covered in guilt as well as depression. I know in my mind I need to do this however scary the future may be. Just feel so sad for letting people down

Quietwulf Slowly coming apart
  • replies: 2

I'm 39, having worked full time since I was 20. I hold down a fairly well paid job in I.T and have done so for 10 years. I have no debt, rent a place on my own, pay my bills. I have a girl I've been seeing for the last 2 years. She says she's in love... View more

I'm 39, having worked full time since I was 20. I hold down a fairly well paid job in I.T and have done so for 10 years. I have no debt, rent a place on my own, pay my bills. I have a girl I've been seeing for the last 2 years. She says she's in love with me. From the outside, my life appears to be pretty set. Inside, I am slowly coming apart. Slowly dying a little more each day. Unable to deal growing sense of crushing failure and disconnection. I am bitterly disappointed that having worked so hard to build my life... I'm unhappy. Miserable. Empty. Nothing brings me any real joy. I never feel elation, or pride. I never feel the rush of passion when I make love to my girlfriend. I'm numb. I set goals, achieve them and feel nothing. I strive to make some positive change in my life, only to find that when I finally achieve them.. I feel nothing. Then I feel anger.. So much anger at being cheated. Where is my peace? Where is my satisfaction in a job well done? Where is the warmth of holding a lover? I've tried a variety of drugs, spent thousands on therapy. In the end, they usually just send me away. They're used to dealing with people who've had real problems. Child abuse, PTSD, divorce, bereavement. What am I doing wasting the time of a therapist. I have failed in every way that mattered to me. I am broken inside and I just don't know what to do anymore. I think about leaving my girlfriend daily. I think about calling my best friend and abusing him for abandoning me when I need him the most. I think about the disappointment of my family. I thought I'd have it figured out by now, but I'm lost. Why does it have to be this way? Why can't I just be happy.

ZacNz Feeling worthless
  • replies: 1

6 January 2018 Hello im a 25 year old male living in au. For the last 2 years ive had really bad social anxiety which has made me drink in social situations to get through. But in the last 6 months ive just been feeling worthless like lifes not worth... View more

6 January 2018 Hello im a 25 year old male living in au. For the last 2 years ive had really bad social anxiety which has made me drink in social situations to get through. But in the last 6 months ive just been feeling worthless like lifes not worth living anymore. I wouldnt do anything though. I wake up everyday tired no matter how much i sleep. I have no motivation or energy to workout. I come home from work and either sleep or lie in bed from 2.30pm till the next day. I find it easier to hide away at home than to see friends . My bed has become my safe place . I feel to anxious to go to the doctor to get sorted out . Im not sure what to do. Ive never posted anything about this ever. I think i might have low testosterone because i have many of the symptoms . I just dont know

Bluebird46 Struggling - very good at hiding feelings
  • replies: 15

Hi, totally not sure where to start. On the outside I have it all together but inside it's all in pieces. I'm very functional but am about to lose it as am at the end of my tether. Been to doctors and told have anxiety and depression - can't take tim... View more

Hi, totally not sure where to start. On the outside I have it all together but inside it's all in pieces. I'm very functional but am about to lose it as am at the end of my tether. Been to doctors and told have anxiety and depression - can't take time off as am self employed and professional career. Even though I have found love he has his own issues and the only thing that brings me comfort is my cat

Hillyee Unsure what's wrong with me..keep having negative thoughts
  • replies: 9

Hi, I don't know whether I need some treatments or simply mood disorder.. I do not have any friends or family here, just my family. Therefore I resigned and decided to stay home to look after my baby. Before I was working I still could manage my emot... View more

Hi, I don't know whether I need some treatments or simply mood disorder.. I do not have any friends or family here, just my family. Therefore I resigned and decided to stay home to look after my baby. Before I was working I still could manage my emotion. But not anymore, I am having very negative thoughts, worries, anxiety these 6 months. I cant talk to any one as it seems there is no one willing to listen , even my husband. So I started to talk to myself, there is a voice inside me keep talking and bringing up all my problems. Most of the time I feel so empty, like I am sitting with my baby, but not feeling like I am actually here. And because of these problems, it makes me lost power to appreciate, to see the good side of others, even my husband, I keep blaming him and very easy to lose my temper.. Though I am going through this, I still can smile and feel happy sometimes. So my questions are : Does people have depression still feel happy? What is wrong with me? Do I need to see specialist? (Sorry for my grammar ....I tried my best..) If you have gone through similar situation, can you please share with me .. Thanks, A new mum who wants to enjoy life...

white knight Getting depression into perspective. Please read this, it might help YOU
  • replies: 11

Every now and then, along comes an article that blows your mind and makes incredible sense. The one I'm refering to is just what I needed to explain the modern day depression in some of us. So please google the following: depression is not a disease ... View more

Every now and then, along comes an article that blows your mind and makes incredible sense. The one I'm refering to is just what I needed to explain the modern day depression in some of us. So please google the following: depression is not a disease but an indication that consciousness needs to change Open for discussion.

Joe1 Over my mental health being so labeled
  • replies: 3

Dose anyone else just wish their mental illnesses just disappear or be fixed tomorrow? Today all anyone has spoken about all day is the fact that I have a mental health illnesses. From my boss to my girlfriends mother! I'm over it! I just want the fa... View more

Dose anyone else just wish their mental illnesses just disappear or be fixed tomorrow? Today all anyone has spoken about all day is the fact that I have a mental health illnesses. From my boss to my girlfriends mother! I'm over it! I just want the fact that I have a mental illness to be forgotten. I'm over everybody saying stuff about my mental illness and I'm crazy ect. Anyone else feel like this at times?? Need help dealing with it all, its really getting to me.

hm83 Best self help books for Depression
  • replies: 2

Would love to know if anyone has read any books that helped them while severely depressed?

Would love to know if anyone has read any books that helped them while severely depressed?