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: 0

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

ThebrokenKing How the hell is this supposed to work...
  • replies: 1

Hey Everyone, I need some advice, and because I don't really have anyone else to talk to about it, I have turned to you. Since being diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression about 3 years ago I was started on medication. Worked well for awhile, but my c... View more

Hey Everyone, I need some advice, and because I don't really have anyone else to talk to about it, I have turned to you. Since being diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression about 3 years ago I was started on medication. Worked well for awhile, but my chemistry adjusted and felt as though nothing worked. So my dose was doubled. Which was great, but still affected my work performance. After much discussion with both my Dr and Phsycologist it was determined that I may not actually have Depression and I was recently moved from my medication. In itself, this was great, I now know what is wrong as Depression and ADD have very similar symptoms. Thus where this story is now leading to.... I haven't found a good way to approach my boss and inform him about what's going on, sadly anxiety rears its head I clam up and decide I'd rather not have the stigma attached to me in a professional environment. Now that I have not been issued and form of anti-depressant, I'm having a hard time adjusting. It started on Saturday and continues today, the withdrawal symptoms. It's not fun. Head spins, little to no balance, headaches, pulsing electrical 'Zaps' from my ears to my toes. Its not safe to drive and as that is a large part of my job, in the name of being safe, took today off. Only to be greeted by an upset boss. I get that he doesn't understand what's going on because I haven't told him... But how the hell do you approach this subject with someone like that? Its not easy even thinking about it, because I know that as soon as I tell him, EVERYONE else in the office will know by the end of the day. Which is not something I desire greatly. Does anyone have any advice? Cheers.

elle_d Numbness
  • replies: 1

I don't really know how to explain anything. I'm lost and confused and a million different things but i just feel so lost. I am becoming disassociated with things and people. I've had a falling out with one of my close friends and another one has no ... View more

I don't really know how to explain anything. I'm lost and confused and a million different things but i just feel so lost. I am becoming disassociated with things and people. I've had a falling out with one of my close friends and another one has no interest in me anymore. I've spent weeks crying and being an emotional wreck however this past week i just feel nothing. I feel nothing when i do daily things or am with family or friends. I've been struggling for close to ten years now and i don't know why. I don't know what to do. I have to see a psychologist but at the present time i can barely get out of bed. My friend used to blame themselves but now when they say anything they say things similar to "oh but it shouldn't matter because you don't feel anything" which is true. Statements like that previously would've hurt me but i have nothing. I feel like everything's irrelevant and i'm falling back into old habits. I just don't know how to go about feeling anything. I can barely speak, i go nights and days without physically saying anything and no one notices. I can't cry. I can't taste anything when i do eat which is rarely at the moment. I'm just lost and i don't know what to do.

YS Feel like I'm drowning-Melancholic depression
  • replies: 18

Hi, this is my first post. I have been diagnosed with melancholic depression but have been experiencing the symptoms for many years prior. I am on an antidepressant but am struggling all the same. Due to the characteristics of melancholic depression ... View more

Hi, this is my first post. I have been diagnosed with melancholic depression but have been experiencing the symptoms for many years prior. I am on an antidepressant but am struggling all the same. Due to the characteristics of melancholic depression I.e. Avoiding contact, immense guilt and lying to the people I love, I have not seen a psychologist for >2 months and have been drinking to avoid feeling the guilt. I am in danger of being unemployed as I have been avoiding work (calling in sick too many times). All of this seem to be an endless cycle with no way out. I know that I need to take the step to go and see my G.P. and the psychologist but instead I stay at home stewing in my guilt. I work the the healthcare profession but I feel lost as I do not understand why I am feeling like this. I have a loving husband and a loving family so I have no reason to feel like this. It seems to add to me feeling lost and like I'm spiralling into a hole...

Retchey Had to let things go today.
  • replies: 3

Hi, Well I've been off work, for reasons that relate to work place issues I've been going through, I lodged a workers comp claim, and today I realised I could not cope with the enormity of what was about to take place, I had a massive melt down and I... View more

Hi, Well I've been off work, for reasons that relate to work place issues I've been going through, I lodged a workers comp claim, and today I realised I could not cope with the enormity of what was about to take place, I had a massive melt down and I put a stop to the claim for now. I feel relieved somewhat, but I've a long road ahead, it just seemed all way to much for me atm. I need to concentrate solely on my mental health as my primary objective, anyone else had to make decisions like these, I would love you're support on this. Regards

OU812 New Girlfriend depression , shuts down .
  • replies: 3

Hi guys , I been struggling with depression / anxiety for a while and in the last 8 months I have left my wife which has decreased my stress a lot but recently I have met someone new that gave me support and just a real boost in happiness . I feel re... View more

Hi guys , I been struggling with depression / anxiety for a while and in the last 8 months I have left my wife which has decreased my stress a lot but recently I have met someone new that gave me support and just a real boost in happiness . I feel recently that the honeymoon period is over and I'm seeing some unusual traits , I'm in the best shape myself but some things worry me. my girlfriend has these moments where she will find something difficult to deal with and she shuts down , more accurately she puts her head down for long periods of times and ignores anything around her and when you speak to her it's a mumble like when someone is drunk and just vomited and doesn't want to speak , I find this very unusual . I want to support her where I can and I wait it out and talk to her about what happens but I feel the talks aren't helping much. she does everything the hard way , she almost complains about everything around her except me but I am seeing that it could be rolling over me now from a couple of comments she has made . her kids don't listen to her and don't clean up anything after themselves , the house is always messy, I feel she is struggling everyday and I try to help her with chores I want to help her but I think there is some issues here with her and I'm not sure if she needs to talk to someone. her mother which suffered mental health problems passed away about 2 years ago and is still struggling with it , I'm not sure if her issues are hereditary but she also has hormone issues . i really don't know how to deal with this , I want to help her but I get the feeling she needs some help .

Evilnut I can't see the light.
  • replies: 2

I am so lost now after 8 years of trying. To find my way out is so hard.

I am so lost now after 8 years of trying. To find my way out is so hard.

Lambo Depressed mummy
  • replies: 2

I struggle getting out of bed everyday. I hear the kids awake, often crying in their rooms having been awake for some time. I feel like a failure. A terrible mother. A pathetic and worthless human. I always plan to get up early and do workouts before... View more

I struggle getting out of bed everyday. I hear the kids awake, often crying in their rooms having been awake for some time. I feel like a failure. A terrible mother. A pathetic and worthless human. I always plan to get up early and do workouts before the kids wake up but that only happens about once a week. I know I am fully capable to do the things I want to do but it is so hard to bring myself to do them. My oldest is two and second 9 months. I find myself wishing I didnt have to be a mum anymore more times than I like to admit. I love my kids to pieces ofcourse but I never realised it would be so hard. My hubby will play with the kids but doesn't help out often. I feel like I have no purpose. I don't contribute anything. I wish I could put the kids in daycare and work but that isn't an option for another 6 months at least. I hate talking face to face about how I feel. Husband thinks it's just something I can get over if I want to. Sometimes there only seems to be 2 options. End it or leave and be a single mum. It's so hard to love when emotions don't come easy. I'm lost and don't know where to go. Any advice?

Depressed24 My voices
  • replies: 6

My voices are more distressing when I m alone or when I m depressed . They call me lots of things that I cant mention mainly swearing and they call me weird when I m not I m not weird . I get lonely all the time my parents brought me a parrot but tha... View more

My voices are more distressing when I m alone or when I m depressed . They call me lots of things that I cant mention mainly swearing and they call me weird when I m not I m not weird . I get lonely all the time my parents brought me a parrot but that has not helped I still get lonely I have no friends and if I want to make friends on E harmony or RSVP I don't have a credit card so I get more depressed if RSVP was a better website I would find friends but I will keep trying even if it hurts . I m 24 years old and no guy wants me at all the more I cry and the more sad I get is annoying looks like I got schizophrenia and bipolar 1 . I wish me mom and dad could move but we probably cant anyway thanks to these voices . Can or does anyone want to be my friend if not then that's okay I get use to it

Ippygirlgr Hard time at present
  • replies: 4

Hi, I am currently having a major depressive episode at the moment that flared up following the 5th anniversary of my late grandad's death (23/08/2012). I was very close to Grandad and losing him has turned my mental health upside down. I am finding ... View more

Hi, I am currently having a major depressive episode at the moment that flared up following the 5th anniversary of my late grandad's death (23/08/2012). I was very close to Grandad and losing him has turned my mental health upside down. I am finding it hard to not cry but haven't really stopped since yesterday (23/08/2017). In consultation with my GP, I have increased my medication but it hasn't taken effect yet. Work is very understanding, they have said they want me to concentrate on my health before returning to work. But being casual, I only get paid for hours worked. Trying to be stronger but finding it very hard. How do others handle work with depression?? Thank you for any helpful tips/guidance.

AGentleSoul It feels like I am sinking again
  • replies: 5

Hi Everyone, I have been meaning to post here again, but I felt like I was bothering people when I did. I feel like I needed to post again because I need to talk/write more. The past year has not been so good for me because I hate living where I am, ... View more

Hi Everyone, I have been meaning to post here again, but I felt like I was bothering people when I did. I feel like I needed to post again because I need to talk/write more. The past year has not been so good for me because I hate living where I am, I am getting mixed results studying at university and it feels like I am slowly losing my trust and faith in people again. I will openly admit that some issues I have put on myself because I have been going to strip clubs and my only physical contact with women has been with sex workers. This is because I am starting believe the only positive interactions I will have with women is if I pay them! I hate where I am living because are neighbor's son in law coward punched and assaulted my dad whilst he was on the ground! The neighbour's son in law also abuses his children and it's hard listening to that almost every single day! My neighbor claims he has it under control, but he doesn't. I want to stay at uni, but I am starting to feel isolated and having doubts if I can pass. I am worried that I will fail and get kicked out! It is also stressful because I am also on centrelink payments, so if I get kicked out I lose payments which is only my only source of income at the moment. It feels like I am standing in quicksand! I guess I am just asking to be heard and if anyone else can relate? Regards, AGentleSoul