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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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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.

Basboos About to explode
  • replies: 2

Im not Australian and neither is my husband. He’s been living in Australia for 6 years now. We got married in our country and i moved to Australia. My husband goes to work, coming back home at 6:30ish. During the day im always alone i know no one her... View more

Im not Australian and neither is my husband. He’s been living in Australia for 6 years now. We got married in our country and i moved to Australia. My husband goes to work, coming back home at 6:30ish. During the day im always alone i know no one here and i cant find a job. I deeply miss my family, my friends and my life. I cant cope, i cant get used to living alone. im about to explode out of loneliness. I dont have any power, will or energy to do anything. Everything i do is because i have to not because i want to. This has deeply affected my life and my relationship with my husband. I don’t usually express my feelings so its only translated into anger. Life here is soo much different than it is in my country. I feel lost and helpless and i think im going through depression. thanks.

Zwebs98 Seeking advice on what to do next.
  • replies: 2

Hi, my name is Zac and I have depression. Recently my long time girlfriend and I split up due to her being unfaithful and I have not handled it well. It was a very happy relationship and due to this I have stayed very close friends with her. However ... View more

Hi, my name is Zac and I have depression. Recently my long time girlfriend and I split up due to her being unfaithful and I have not handled it well. It was a very happy relationship and due to this I have stayed very close friends with her. However the breakup has had a large impact on my life and lifestyle. I lived with my girlfriend for close to a year and due to us splitting up I have had to move back home. This wasn't an issue as my parents welcomed me back straight away and had a room ready for me. Although they haven't said anything to me and they keep assuring me that it's ok, I can tell that me moving back into home has been a struggle for them. Due to us being a moderate to low income family, My presence has meant them spending more money in order to support me aswell. Things such as food, hygiene supplies etc have had a bit of an impact on the amount of money spent each week. Although I offer to buy my own food and supplies, they keep assuring me it'll be ok for them. This has had a large impact on my mental health as constantly I feel like i'm such a burden to have in the house, and I feel so bad and sorry for them that all of a sudden I've moved back in and they have had to adjust their lifestyle. Often at night I can't sleep because I feel so bad for them and this has a large impact on me constantly being sad. Due to this, I have lately been buying fast food as an alternative to my parents cooking food for me. In the last month or so, I've noticed a weight gain and this is starting to upset me, and I also have a lack of motivation to go the gym which i used to go on a daily regular basis. Another thing Is that I have all motivation to do anything. Simple things such as going to the shops for example. I don't want to leave my house, I don't want to speak to anybody or do anything, and I dread going to work. When I am at work I'm just as miserable there. I don't know what to do. I went and spoke to a GP who then referred me to go speak to someone at a local mental health clinic, But I found the one on one interaction a little awkward and wasn't sure what to say. It's rare for a day where I don't end up crying. I constantly think about what my girlfriend did to me and I always blame myself for not being better, even though she herself has told me this isn't the case. I'm just constantly sad now 24/7. I'm not suicidal or ever have been, I'm just over being constantly sad. I'm sorry but I just need some help

demonblaster Your MI (Mental Illness) / Issues. What goes on?
  • replies: 19

Hey I think it's important for people, everyone to know what struggles there are with MI & any issues that people go through for hopefully understanding & support. Could create more tolerance in society. We NEED a voice Hoping people would like to co... View more

Hey I think it's important for people, everyone to know what struggles there are with MI & any issues that people go through for hopefully understanding & support. Could create more tolerance in society. We NEED a voice Hoping people would like to contribute here to what you have to deal with for understanding & learning. I'm Bipolar, done a fair whack of research & deep thought. I believe with want & determination this can be beaten, worse scenario getting emotional control which I think although mammoth is the key to our survival and reaching peace from the beast.(Depression) Diagnosed Type 1 & 2. There's others (later) Type 1- more likely not necessarily to have visual & auditory hallucinations, grand deur, delusions. The highs (mania) are very high. Type 2 - slightly elevated mood (mania, but OH SOOOO GOOD too) There's more depression Deep, recently heard there's far more suicide attempts than any other MI with BP (Bipolar, or BPD - Disorder & heard from Psychiatrist too staggering, something like 6 in 10 people attempt. The downs are horrific. Absolute HELL as most here understand that pain. I attempted in teens 4 times and really wanted out. Clearly failed & glad I did, since loss of partner recently has been an option but now outta equation, I'm gunna get this, pulled me down all life. Many people get it around teens yrs or common later in life. Stress induced? Some can have one episode in their life and be BP. I'm more than a rapid cycler that is 4 or more a yr. I have 8-10 major cycles (episodes) MANIA: BLOODY MAGIC!!! You feel sooo damned good, pure utter happiness, confidence, self assured, promiscuity, erratic over spending,reckless,ideas flood with such clarity, your mind keeps up at rapid pace, unbelievable (moreso super fast in type 1), projects, belief, energy, motivation, determined, ALL tools for success, but think the brain knows it can't keep pace up for long is why it all slams at once, OH & sleep, nah can do so many all niters without and booming with energy, I get some never enough through meds. NO BODY ON THIS EARTH DOESN"T WANNA FEEL THIS WAY, Gift from God with devils pricetag. DEPRESSION: For most it's heavy & before cycles, I get both worse on coming down, WOW, complete opposite. DEEP as. So hard to cope, the exhaustion from it all is mighty, use to hit the wall and it'd keep pushing but got highs down over yrs but still takes wks for recovery. More to say but later. Thx 4 time/listening & contributing if so