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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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Drewf2 Malaise from depression
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I am a new member here and just wanted to ask if anyone who suffers with depression ever gets malaise? 'Malaise' is not a very specific term but in my case I get an overall 'sick' feeling without actually having a flu, a discomfort in my body... View more

Hi all, I am a new member here and just wanted to ask if anyone who suffers with depression ever gets malaise? 'Malaise' is not a very specific term but in my case I get an overall 'sick' feeling without actually having a flu, a discomfort in my body, it almost feels as if I am poisoned, it is the worst feeling and makes it hard to function at all. No matter what methods I try or what supplements I take it does not relieve this feeling. I have not taken anti depressants because I believe I can beat it naturally and I do not like all the side effects from them. I have started taking CBD oil and it has helped but doesn't relieve the malaise. I should also mention I got very sick 4 months ago with ross river virus, this is what kicked off the worsening depression and anxiety. It is very hard for me to distinguish whether depression is causing malaise or it is post viral malaise, it is hard to believe that depression could cause this feeling but I can't rule it out as I know I am depressed. I am new to depression and anxiety so it has been a learning curve to try and understand it and deal with it. Any info would be much appreciated.

Cloud_Catcher Just feel very alone and rejected, I don't really belong anywhere
  • replies: 3

I guess it all started from school, I've been bullied and rejected quite harshly through high school, and in general just disrespected. I hated it so much, I just want to be normal I guess, just have some chill friends to hang out with who aren't mea... View more

I guess it all started from school, I've been bullied and rejected quite harshly through high school, and in general just disrespected. I hated it so much, I just want to be normal I guess, just have some chill friends to hang out with who aren't mean to me. I'm currently on a gap year because I am planning on taking a pretty intensive course and My anxiety and depression had gotten so severe that I knew I wouldn't be able to function. I've tried stuff like meetups, volunteer work and I also have a job now, but it all seems so hopeless. Nothing worked, there were pretty much nobody my age to talk to. I keep getting thoughts to do with all the bullying and stuff and its just irritating. I try to gain control and get some semblance of happiness from playing music, but its very difficult to sustain, but I do enjoy it very much. I'm not sure what to do at this point, besides waiting for uni and hoping that people aren't as mean to me as in the past, but I can't bring myself to do it, it just seems so hopeless :/.

M2 Tips on holding back the tide of self hatred?
  • replies: 1

Hi all, I know I tend to ask similar questions on here, but I'd love to know if anyone knows how to stem the tide of depression, self loathing, early on when it begins? I tend to see it coming days/weeks before and know what it is, but that knowledge... View more

Hi all, I know I tend to ask similar questions on here, but I'd love to know if anyone knows how to stem the tide of depression, self loathing, early on when it begins? I tend to see it coming days/weeks before and know what it is, but that knowledge doesn't help to stop it. Ive tried exercise, being kind to myself, positive thinking, avoiding sad songs (clutching at straws I know!) but it seems to be inevitable. The pain comes and huts hard and nothing short of riding it out over weeks/months/more seems to help. Its too late this time, it is already all-encompassing, but for next time: surely there's something I can do early on to stop/slow it? Thanks so much, x

saturnzoon Depression getting worse
  • replies: 2

The past 3 weeks I've noticed my depression has gotten worse and now at breaking point, i think i need to be hospitalized but have a 11yr old son, 24 & 25 yr old boys, i know the older 2 can look afer themselves but youngest one cant he has Autism an... View more

The past 3 weeks I've noticed my depression has gotten worse and now at breaking point, i think i need to be hospitalized but have a 11yr old son, 24 & 25 yr old boys, i know the older 2 can look afer themselves but youngest one cant he has Autism and does not get along with his father as where not together. I can not work out why it's gotten this badand don't know what to do to help it. I've agraphobia so can't leave the house, i have tried and all my family live interstate so apart from my sons i have no one and no friends as i also have social anxiety, i feel so alone, my daughter who i was very close to moved to newcastle 2 years ago from being treated like a slavecfrom her father and now she doesn't want me talking about my depression and anxiety. i dont have an appointment with my physicists until next year. Does anyone have somethings that i could try please and meditation doesn't work either.I believe my hardest thing is the, lonliness

Blue_skies Entering menopause
  • replies: 10

Hi all, It's been a long time since I've posted, lots of big changes over the last 18 months. Over the past 6 months we've had a series of bad news with family members' and friends' serious health issues and many other stresses. In saying this, there... View more

Hi all, It's been a long time since I've posted, lots of big changes over the last 18 months. Over the past 6 months we've had a series of bad news with family members' and friends' serious health issues and many other stresses. In saying this, there has been lots of good things happen too. The thing I have noticed just recently is that it seems I'm beginning to enter menopause, with hot flushes, cycle changes, etc. I already manage long term depression and anxiety, so everything seems heightened, along with a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion. I'm struggling dealing with the physical & emotional aspects of this new 'stage', along with the usual management of my mental health. I used to exercise regularly, but a minor knee injury and subsequent surgery with ongoing chronic referral pain has slowed me down. With Christmas just around the corner, I can't seem to get into the spirit either, and just find I'm dragging my feet, wishing I could just put the brakes on and curl up in bed. Anyone else having similar entering menopause experiences? Thanks

blondguy How to Explain Depression/Anxiety to a Non Believer
  • replies: 42

Hello Everyone! and any new posters too! Having had depression and anxiety for over 30 years explaining the illness whether to a boss, partner or family member can be difficult. I have seen numerous people post desperate to find a way to explain it t... View more

Hello Everyone! and any new posters too! Having had depression and anxiety for over 30 years explaining the illness whether to a boss, partner or family member can be difficult. I have seen numerous people post desperate to find a way to explain it to people that just don't understand. Even worse is explaining depression to ignorant people that think we should just 'snap out of it' and 'move forward' I have a couple that have worked In Business When I have had a boss that has a closed mind I have told them 'its like claustrophobia without the closed in spaces' Family Member non believer. I have explained it as 'Diabetes of the Brain' as there is a chemical link. 'Invisible Crutches' also works A Community Champion on the forums mentioned to copy the info under 'The Facts' (or Supporting Someone with depression) print it and provide a copy to the person that is trying but cant understand depression. A fabulous idea! Lastly we have the people that tell us to 'snap out of it' and wont listen or even try to understand....I find communicating the following to them can 'wake them up'.............. 'Depression is a serious illness........just like diabetes or heart disease Expecting positive thinking to cure depression is like expecting a person with diabetes to lower their blood sugar level by thinking happy thoughts' The name (noun) of this illness 'depression' is a failure of the english language as we know it. The illness is badly named, inaccurate and gives no justice to the severity of the illness and its symptoms. There are many people that read the Beyond Blue Forums and choose not to post which is fine. There are also many people on the forums that may find your advice beneficial too! If you have any ways of 'Explaining depression' when people give you that 'there is really nothing wrong with you look' please do share any knowledge or advice so we can help others find some peace in their lives Thankyou for reading my post Kind Thoughts Paul ​

Ritchie_31 The impact of depression and anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi Dools for given me the inspiration to post a thread. 30years ago started experiencing anxiety and depression, I find anxiety symptoms worse. Through determination I became a mental health nurse and my main goal was to help others, over the years I... View more

Hi Dools for given me the inspiration to post a thread. 30years ago started experiencing anxiety and depression, I find anxiety symptoms worse. Through determination I became a mental health nurse and my main goal was to help others, over the years I developed PTSD symptoms. I have been relatively stable over the years until the last 6 months, my husband had an agitated depression which resulted in hospital admission. He has become a stranger to me and our children and we are trying to support him however I have found that I have become depressed however the anxiety is bad. He is progressively getting better and I feel I am struggling with my mental health

Timmy87 Dealing with severe depression and Work
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone. First time poster so Hai. Im gonna get straight to it. Ive been battling pretty strong depression and anxiety for a couple of years now. The biggest concern I have is how much this is impacting my job. I also have a fair amount of debt. ... View more

Hi everyone. First time poster so Hai. Im gonna get straight to it. Ive been battling pretty strong depression and anxiety for a couple of years now. The biggest concern I have is how much this is impacting my job. I also have a fair amount of debt. I have a good job that pays very well the problem is I haven't been for the last 2 weeks and I'm only new at this place. My depression has hit me so hard I can barely get out of bed. I feel like a husk of a person. I've started a new medication thanks to my GP whom I know well and trust. But it's taking a while to kick in and I'm not functioning in the mean time. Im scared I'll lose my job and wind up with a stack of debt that can't be paid. I'll lose my car etc. My new employer is a bit miffed. I've tried to be as transparent as I can to keep them on side but I don't know how long it can last. Thanks Tim.

RoadTripin71 Vertigo - link with anxiety/depression?
  • replies: 3

Has anyone experienced vertigo as part of anxiety and/or depressive episodes? I have recently been diagnosed with Cervical Vertigo hand in hand with a major depression episode and I am wondering if there is a link between the two conditions.

Has anyone experienced vertigo as part of anxiety and/or depressive episodes? I have recently been diagnosed with Cervical Vertigo hand in hand with a major depression episode and I am wondering if there is a link between the two conditions.