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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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open_up Nothing helps...imploding
  • replies: 2

Hi, have had severe depression and anxiety over past few years. Been getting worse lately. Over time, I have tried numerous counsellors/psychologists, inpatient/outpatient psychiatrists, many antidepressants, TMS, hospital admissions, recommended ECT... View more

Hi, have had severe depression and anxiety over past few years. Been getting worse lately. Over time, I have tried numerous counsellors/psychologists, inpatient/outpatient psychiatrists, many antidepressants, TMS, hospital admissions, recommended ECT but declined. Also have physical health issues that have resulted in multiple referrals/appointments over the past couple of years. GP put everything down to depression years ago but it wasnt just that. Even the current diagnosis leaves things up in the air, and have been told it may or may not progress in future and appointments come as symptoms change. I have previously been a very fit, healthy, active, private and independent person, so its all hit pretty hard. I work casually now in a low-key job, but had to speak to boss recently about cutting back days as just not coping at all with the overall load of work/home. Got emotional, now fear prejudice. Work was one place I was safe to keep on my mask and not feel questioned or judged as nobody knew..but now I have let my guard down and many saw it happen. I have 3 kids. Finding it really hard as just want to be alone. My husband and I have been having issues, he has been speaking to his family about our issues, so they side with him and now dont speak to me. His dad even told him to move on with his life. Tears my heart out as I have done nothing wrong except fight every day against all odds - quick to judge when he has no idea what I have/am going through and have always tried to be there for them. I asked him not to speak to his family because I knew they would side with him - I had asked him to speak to a third party who would be mutual/not take sides if he needed to talk. He had an affair a couple of years ago, but vows hasnt done anything since. Not sure if I believe that. My family are not a very open family and we dont see each other much. Friends tend to be school mums whose children are friends with mine. A couple know the depth of whats happened but very much have the 'pull your socks up' demeanour and avoid me except for arranging kids stuff. Dont feel able to search out new friends or activities. Hard to feel hope when even my GP, psychologists and psych have all pretty much said they dont know how to help. If they cant, who can? I feel alone, exhausted and empty. I feel like there's nothing left to try. Feel pretty dark some days...all goes round and round like a washing machine. Nothing I do/have done helps anymore. All feels too much to bear

Confused2 I've just been rejected by a job by indicating I've had depression
  • replies: 7

I thought I was being honest by saying I'd had depression. It was a medical assessment as the last step before taking the job. I'd already been offered the job (over the phone); my referees had given me a 'glowing report'. Then, out of the blue, the ... View more

I thought I was being honest by saying I'd had depression. It was a medical assessment as the last step before taking the job. I'd already been offered the job (over the phone); my referees had given me a 'glowing report'. Then, out of the blue, the day after the medical assessment they called to say the job had changed and I wouldn't meet their new criteria. (The medial assessment came after two successful interviews, a psychometric test and referee check). So I've done some research this morning and apparently it's a bad idea to mention this upfront to a potential employer - because despite all the pretence about diversity, it's ultimately about the business bottom line and you're therefore potentially a liability. (Even if the depression was in the past). In two minds a out whether to confront the HR rep from the company about this but have no idea if it's worth it.

Pineapple26 Dating a person living with bipolar
  • replies: 1

So I have been dating my boyfriend for a year and a half now and at the 6month point I thought he had reached rock bottom and he engaged in some psychology appointments and then just stopped . Things seemed to get better for a bit and now the past th... View more

So I have been dating my boyfriend for a year and a half now and at the 6month point I thought he had reached rock bottom and he engaged in some psychology appointments and then just stopped . Things seemed to get better for a bit and now the past three months he’s just spiraling downwards through manic and depressive stages . I thought he may have bipolar disorder but didn’t want to approach him around it as he was no longer willing to engage with psychologist and I came across as naggy around everything . The past two weeks he has been ignoring most of my messages then will arrange something and stand me up .. I got fed up as it has been emotionally drained . I spoke to his best friend last night and he told me that he had been diagnosed in high school with bipolar but refused medication for fear of being uncool and weak and has been 6 years Unmedicated and has turned to alcohol in a bad way lately to solve his problems . Hasn’t been showing up to work and is just pushing away everyone who cares . I honestly am stumped at what to do cause I ultimately can’t do much until he is willing to want to recover and seek help . Has anyone been through a similar experience and have any advice ?

_violent_delights_ i don't care about anything
  • replies: 1

i have been having more and more trouble enjoying anything i feel so incredibly bored with everything and just don't really care about anything anymore. i am struggling to motivate myself to get up and go to work everyday. my job is boring and i just... View more

i have been having more and more trouble enjoying anything i feel so incredibly bored with everything and just don't really care about anything anymore. i am struggling to motivate myself to get up and go to work everyday. my job is boring and i just don't care about it. i have no idea what i want to do job/career wise and it brings such huge anxiety whenever i think about it as i think i'm too stupid to go to university anyone else feeling the same?

Doolhof What I want to go away today!
  • replies: 29

Hi Everyone, While replying on a different thread, I came up with this idea due to a comment the person made about "wanting it all to go away". This is a thought I am sure many of us have experienced! It may help if we can express what it is that we ... View more

Hi Everyone, While replying on a different thread, I came up with this idea due to a comment the person made about "wanting it all to go away". This is a thought I am sure many of us have experienced! It may help if we can express what it is that we want to go away, and than look at ways of dealing with those thoughts, how we can change life to be more beneficial and consider the good things of the day. I will make a start with my own list of things I'd like to go away: - waking up in the morning thinking oh bother, here comes another day! - depression, dizziness, poor concentration, headaches, back ache, neck ache...etc! - not having employment - juggling conversations with a husband who may be on the Autism spectrum but declines to be assessed - the days are heating up...I'm already looking forward to winter! - feeling like I need to struggle with my thoughts every day - uncertainty, wanting to run away frequently I know that if I continue to entertain these thoughts, they will just keep on growing into something even more terrible. I can consider ways of making my life better. Starting with one of these issues at a time. Okay, now any of you have an opportunity to share. The next step though is to be thankful for something today despite maybe feeling like the day has been less than average. Today I am thankful for: the laughter I shared with a lady in the Op Shop today. Who knew that folding plastic bags and chatting could be so much fun! So what do you want to go away today, how can you help to lessen the impact this issue has on you, and list something good from your day. Cheers all from Dools

acute-ava How to get through this?
  • replies: 2

Hi there, I am new to this forum so thought I would introduce myself. I have battled mental health issues my whole entire life - chronic anxiety, depression, PTSD and now.. perhaps borderline personality traits. I am 27 years old. I had one acute epi... View more

Hi there, I am new to this forum so thought I would introduce myself. I have battled mental health issues my whole entire life - chronic anxiety, depression, PTSD and now.. perhaps borderline personality traits. I am 27 years old. I had one acute episode of depression at 17, and we've come full circle now, 10 years on and I am in another acute episode. I recognise it and I feel especially ashamed as I work in a mental health focused profession. Anyway, I thought I would never be back here. But, every minute is an agonising battle to keep on going. I am meeting with my psychiatrist tomorrow to discuss hospitalisation. I am keeping myself safe with no alcohol and I am away from my partner & his family, who for various reasons, had no tolerance of this. They believe you can choose to "just get over stuff", and I never make that choice. I keep reading the Sane "myths & facts" that depression isn't a choice. Hell, I tell people in my profession, "depression isn't a choice." But the shame and guilt remains so fixed and it suffocates me. My sense of myself as an adult has been shattered, and I have lost the trust I had in myself. I am this broken mess. My housing & employment & finances are all up in the air, but problem solving seems impossible when getting through a minute of being inside this head is supremely difficult. I am living with my mother, who at least believes I am not choosing this (mostly). I am so tired and this pain is crushing me. Please tell me - how do you get through this?

meercat What have you Achieved Today
  • replies: 9

Hi! meercat here! Big or little we all like to achieve. What's urs? My achievement Today is .. **After a long long time, iv made a date with a neighbour and we're meeting for coffee n chat. ☺ Howz about you? meercat xx

Hi! meercat here! Big or little we all like to achieve. What's urs? My achievement Today is .. **After a long long time, iv made a date with a neighbour and we're meeting for coffee n chat. ☺ Howz about you? meercat xx

SallyJones Living a fake life
  • replies: 10

I have been a sufferer of depression for a long time as a result from traumatic experiences as a child being bullied. Now at 28 I live a life that most wish they had. Married, daughter, built our home, well paying jobs ... That's at least what people... View more

I have been a sufferer of depression for a long time as a result from traumatic experiences as a child being bullied. Now at 28 I live a life that most wish they had. Married, daughter, built our home, well paying jobs ... That's at least what people think I manage to struggle day to day anxiety attacks and feel depressed most of my day. I feel selfish that I hadn't put myself first and tackled this condition but I've lived my life this way forever, I'm use to it and think 'I'll try tomorrow'. Given myself no credit, constantly setting myself high expectations and always putting others before me. My family turn a blind eye, my husband try's to be supportive but he is a go getter and can't truly understand depression, I know he finds it unattractive. My friends/work have no idea how I feel but I have become very unsociable and I get the impression I'm not that fun person to be around anymore. I've been able to keep it for a secret for this long and I'm burning.. I've tried medication and I hated it, I have seen a psychologist and I'm so unstable I can't maintain my visits. Lately, I just want to sleep.. My job is stressful and I emotionally eat and in result I have gained a lot of weight which is a huge contributor to the way I feel/and see myself. How do I overcome not feeling guilty for having 'me' time, how do I even have 'me' without feeling so bored and sad and guilty from being away from my husband and daughter. It makes me sick that my daughter has an unhealthy mother, I want to be her role model!! And I feel terrible that I'm holding my husband back from life with having such a miserable person to be around. I need to start changes now before I continue this fake life and have no one left around me..

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.