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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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Lycan Hi....rant ahead
  • replies: 12

I was wondering how taking pills can fill the emptiness from inside, I have had bipolar most my life, [ Im 55} and lately it is getting worse. I have asked my doctor for help, and he gave me new pills, but when i asked to speak to someone, he said i ... View more

I was wondering how taking pills can fill the emptiness from inside, I have had bipolar most my life, [ Im 55} and lately it is getting worse. I have asked my doctor for help, and he gave me new pills, but when i asked to speak to someone, he said i was not covered for that with government helping. I can see a podiatrist, or dietrician,or physiotherapist. My four children have grown up and left, and i have no real contact with them apart from the looking at their facebooks. They live near their father, who played the injured party throughout our marriage breakdown, and so i am this villain who left them. { I had no choice as hubby then was in navy, and i was booted out when i asked for a divorce] Anyway, life seems so empty now, as my whole life resolved around my boys. I live on a disability, which has isolated me. My new hubby is my carer, but he has his own issues. trying harder and harder each day to find reasons to live. We have no life savings, no friends, no assets. I find myself trying harder and harder each day trying to find a reason to live. I keep looking for the silver lining at the end of the tunnel, but its only darkness. When i reach out, im condemmed for seeking attention. help

Shel1 Can’t leave the house
  • replies: 11

For the past month I’ve been too depressed to go to school. Every new week I promise myself I’ll go but I keep putting it off and when I wake up, I get so anxious about it I force myself back to sleep to calm down. I don’t know what to do anymore and... View more

For the past month I’ve been too depressed to go to school. Every new week I promise myself I’ll go but I keep putting it off and when I wake up, I get so anxious about it I force myself back to sleep to calm down. I don’t know what to do anymore and I’ve gotten numerous calls from my school asking where I am. I don’t live with my parents anymore and I’ve found that without the pressure of authority it’s hard to get anything done. Does anyone have any tip on how I can overcome this? I need to keep going to school but the thought of it makes me so scared I want to cry, and it feels like there’s a weight in my chest

Voond I should be so lucky...
  • replies: 5

It is great to find this community as it is hard to talk about this as everyone is so caught up with their 'own stuff' that I feel I can't talk about this. I have struggled enormously with motherhood. I was a corporate executive travelling the world ... View more

It is great to find this community as it is hard to talk about this as everyone is so caught up with their 'own stuff' that I feel I can't talk about this. I have struggled enormously with motherhood. I was a corporate executive travelling the world and was offered my dream job when I had just had my baby. I was under the erroneous view that I could be a good mum and keep my career. Well this I found out was not the case, and due to a lot of pressure to 'be a good mum', I quit my career with the intention of returning. I really struggled to find myself and hit post natal depression in a big way as I felt a failure on all fronts - I resented my children and my family for the financial struggle and lack of purpose I felt - and then I felt a failure as all the previous career doors seemed to slam shut around me. I am still underemployed - grabbing low paid work and working in my husband's business - which is not fulfilling me. I also do a lot of 'free' work for the local community, as no one seems to think what I do is worth being paid for (and yes I have asked!). I can't get interviews as I am either overqualified or other applicants are more attractive. As this continues, my confidence is dying. As a result I start to wish for this life to be over as it is such a mess. We have no money for anything fun or that would be fulfilling as every cent goes to keeping the business alive or a roof over our head. I look at what my potential was and I despair every day that I have been such a complete failure. My family don't acknowledge depression. I get no encouragement or help as everyone thinks I am the person 'who had it all' and I 'should be happy'. Well I'm not and it is affecting my patience with my kids and our relationship. It is self-indulgent to want to talk about your issues when everyone 'has their thing' so I should get over it, has been the subtle and not-so-subtle message. I don't know what to do, and I am worried that the blackness is settling in again and I won't be able to get out this time. I know the advice will be to see a GP, but taking that step scares the hell out of me for facing it as well as costs involved. Just getting this out has helped.

Celery Fed up with Dysthymia
  • replies: 3

I was diagnosed Jan 2017 with dysthymia. I came out of a severe depression in March 2017 that lasted for 7 months. Im not sure if the diagnoses is right as I am now in another deep depression that is causing me great pain and anxiety. Can anyone who ... View more

I was diagnosed Jan 2017 with dysthymia. I came out of a severe depression in March 2017 that lasted for 7 months. Im not sure if the diagnoses is right as I am now in another deep depression that is causing me great pain and anxiety. Can anyone who has dysthymia please tell me about their episodes so i have something to compare. I have many episodes over 40 yrs..just discovering this now...but not sure if this has been dysthymia. I am so tired and disappointed as I dont think I can make it through this time

Callumm Surviving
  • replies: 2

Hey there, Im feeling really depressed, i just got off the phone to a acquaintance and i had to lie about how i was feeling. they were going on and on with how things are great and wonderful for them and i felt like screaming,im happy that their happ... View more

Hey there, Im feeling really depressed, i just got off the phone to a acquaintance and i had to lie about how i was feeling. they were going on and on with how things are great and wonderful for them and i felt like screaming,im happy that their happy but my life is just me surviving day to day, i suffer with bipolar bpd anxiety and depression so things change each day, i just need some support i think

Scout28 Back on meds
  • replies: 4

Hi there After months of tapering and 8 weeks of being SSRI free I have fallen in a hole. Deeper than I could dig myself out od so I am back on medication, I have seen my GP, i have a MHCP and a new psychologist and it looks like I am going to have t... View more

Hi there After months of tapering and 8 weeks of being SSRI free I have fallen in a hole. Deeper than I could dig myself out od so I am back on medication, I have seen my GP, i have a MHCP and a new psychologist and it looks like I am going to have to quit my job. Its been a.catalyst anyway. I am getting help but I feel like I failed. I have a supportive husband and a nice house and I know I am lucky..Just wish I felt worthyof it. And some joy. It would be nice to feel that again. Only 3 days back on meds though. Iknow it takes time. Just wish I was strong enough to not have to quit my job. I just feel so crappy and scared when I am there and I have to sneak into the toilets to cry. I dont trust anyone there enough to talk it through. Everyone knows everyone, HR, management and I think they will be happy to see the back of me because of all the time I take off for anxiety, migraines and depression. Thanks for listening. Scout

Jinja New on here
  • replies: 3

Over the past couple of months I’ve been in a really dark space. Like many others ... I blessed with a loving family, material satisfaction and my physical health... but deep down I’m curling up and slowly dying. I find no joy in anything and life fe... View more

Over the past couple of months I’ve been in a really dark space. Like many others ... I blessed with a loving family, material satisfaction and my physical health... but deep down I’m curling up and slowly dying. I find no joy in anything and life feels contrived. I’ve developed immense anxiety over work and having to deal with criticism...I get anxious every morning for going to work. whilst on the outside everything seems okay ... deep inside I’m really struggling. My wife knows and she’s really supportive. I feel sorry that I can’t be the man she needs as her health isn’t that good. She’s much more stoic than I am. I don’t know what to do and how open to be with my employer...who I’m just contracting with. i feel low and then say to my self “get a grip of yourself and get on with life” i cried this morning and sitting on the train now i could burst out with a deep sense of despair ... I really don’t know how to deal with this now and long term ... I’m scared

lilsleepybih I really just be feeling sad
  • replies: 2

When you just always sad and alone even wen u work to be happier and more social smh

When you just always sad and alone even wen u work to be happier and more social smh

demonblaster HELPFUL numbers, Threads, Apps & Internet sites. Quick forum reference.
  • replies: 27

Hi. BB home page-getting support has numbers & info If it's not clear in title please a brief explanation & mention Phone (PH:) Apps & Internet sites Please feel free to add inc; category thx I'll randomly do summaries BB 1300224636 (for talking to t... View more

Hi. BB home page-getting support has numbers & info If it's not clear in title please a brief explanation & mention Phone (PH:) Apps & Internet sites Please feel free to add inc; category thx I'll randomly do summaries BB 1300224636 (for talking to trained professional) BB chat online: 3pm-12am 7 days a week ( scroll to bottom on left in Red click on link) BB EMAIL (Response within 24 hrs) (Click on link bottom L) of page) Suicide call back service 24/7 helpline 1300 659 467. Support after suicide (03) 9421 7640 Lifeline 131114 Black Dog institute (02) 9382 4530 (9am-5pm) Sane Australia 1800 18 7263 Headspace for ages 12yrs -25yrs 1800 650 890. Kids Helpline (for ages 5yrs -25 yrs 1800 551 800 LGBTI-Qlife 1800184527 (3pm-12pm Internet-Naccho- National Aboriginal community health organisation (not sure which no: to put up? Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 Mensline 1300 78 99 78 Carers Australia 1800 242 636 Young Carers Australia 1800 242 636 (up to age 25 yrs Mindspot 1800 61 44 34 VVCS Veterans & Veterans family counselling service-1800011046 (24 hrs) Head to health internet site. PH: Apps Meditation Smiling mind BB threads (Search bar top R) of pages Suicidal section Suicide why not? Tips for surfing urges Staying well Saying no to the unhelpful thoughts How do you make yourself do the things that make you feel better Mindfulness what is it? Even if you don't know please post to grow forums Do you love yourself? Your thoughts are welcome Store your happy memories here Be kind to yourself Sleep Multicultural What makes you proud of your ethnicity? We are more than we are! How do You Respond to Racist Remarks? Relationship & family issues Loneliness what choices are there Anxiety: Helpful Books and Products for Anxiety and Depression (staying well section) BB Web Anxiety in men Health professionals & treatment Forums Got a question related to mental health? ASK DR KIM BB Web Helpful contacts and websites BB Web Helpful contacts and websites for young people BB Publications: Brochure -Coping with a serious health event: How to keep mentally well BB Publications: Booklet -Managing mental health conditions during pregnancy and early parenthood: A guide for women and their families PTSD & Trauma Sharing strategies to help with PTSD How do others deal/manage their triggers? How do you let people know about your PTSD without stigmatizing yourself? I strongly believe we can win over depression...together Best to all

NellieJ It's like looking from the outside in and it is not you
  • replies: 22

I've been on and off this site that many times.Scared and nervous about what to say, here goes. There are times when I feel happy, but there is an enormous amount of times that I just don't feel right. I can't concentrate on things, feel restless a l... View more

I've been on and off this site that many times.Scared and nervous about what to say, here goes. There are times when I feel happy, but there is an enormous amount of times that I just don't feel right. I can't concentrate on things, feel restless a lot of the time, burst into tears at the slightest, and not know why. I think not knowing why I have these feelings is the thing that worries me the most. Which just makes me feel even worse. Sometimes when I have been sitting with friends, everyone is laughing and having a good time. I get the feeling of isolation. I then put on a front that I'm enjoying what is going on. It's like looking from the outside in and it is not you. It's like being on a roller coaster. I can exude confidence really well and hide the way I feel, but inside my stomach in churning. My father died back in 1995 and I have just neverI really felt the same. Here I am yet again looking for reasons/excuses for the way I feel. I'm unsure of myself nearly all the time. I go through mood changes where I get this strong "not a problem" "whats the worst that can happen" attitude, a sort of high, then I go downhill fast and the wave of uncertainty comes back full on. I more times than not have a feeling of unsettled nerves. Small things that most people seem to just handle, set me off, making me so stressed that I cant eat, sleep and break out into cold sweats. I'm scared for some reason of going to a GP, fear of what to say. Any advise or help would be greatly appreciated.

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