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Depression

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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

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Infinite_Faith Something missing in your heart?
  • replies: 23

Hi, Just thought I would ask if anyone has experienced a sense that something is missing. Like a part of you. You are not complete?Or you don't feel connected to your family (Or close to others). I feel this huge emptiness, that seems to only be fill... View more

Hi, Just thought I would ask if anyone has experienced a sense that something is missing. Like a part of you. You are not complete?Or you don't feel connected to your family (Or close to others). I feel this huge emptiness, that seems to only be filled with sadness. I am crying all the time, for no real reason. (Apart from my diagnosis, Major Depression, Anxiety, Panic) I grew up in the Catholic Church, moved to Pentecostal, but lost my faith years ago. (I really believed in God when I was a child) In fact, our family lived in a old nunnery at one point. Right next door to the church. I was an alter boy. See that proves, I'm worthy But this emptiness. It feels like somehow I am disconnected with the universe (or other people) (If that's possible) But again, it brings with it sadness. (If I let it, and I do, because it feels right) ??? With that comes searching. You sense something is not quite right then ask "what's missing". Something is missing. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks IF

Unknownperson I can't sleep
  • replies: 3

I think i need help. Ive been to multiple doctors and psychologist yet im still stuck in the same position as always. I cant sleep and the only time i do is when i pass out from being over tired but even then i still don't get enough sleep to feel li... View more

I think i need help. Ive been to multiple doctors and psychologist yet im still stuck in the same position as always. I cant sleep and the only time i do is when i pass out from being over tired but even then i still don't get enough sleep to feel like i have energy. Im not sure what to do anymore.

scarley I don't like who I am
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm new to this thing but I really need somewhere to vent, I just want to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Im 22 years old, I'm a girl and My whole life I've just felt like a failure, a nobody. I never knuckled down and concentrated p... View more

Hi, I'm new to this thing but I really need somewhere to vent, I just want to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Im 22 years old, I'm a girl and My whole life I've just felt like a failure, a nobody. I never knuckled down and concentrated properly in school because I hated being there. I felt as though nobody really liked me, like I was constantly being made fun of behind my back. I worried about my appearance and wether I'd be bullied about my big nose, my goofy teeth or if my voice sounded weird. I look at my younger sister who is so beautiful, confident and smart and I can't help but feel like such a failure. I have never been outgoing or confident and it effects how I now perform at my job, how I am with my friends, I just feel so dumb and scared of people all the time. Sometimes I go out of my way to avoid people, I always cancel on plans last minute because I freak out and overthink things. I can't even talk to strangers without mixing up my words or getting red faced and clammy. I look at myself in the mirror and I cannot stand what I see. I feel as though everyone around me are doing great things with their lives and I'm just stuck in this deep pit with no way out. I do not like who I've become and it makes me feel so low that I have come this far and not gotten any better. I feel as though no matter how hard I try to fix myself, I'll never feel good enough. I don't know what to do anymore, I wish I could change.

hopeless_amp_helpless I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????
  • replies: 15

Hi there,I feel likethere is no hope for me to treat my depression. I've been on countless Anti-Depressants for the last few years but they only last for a few months & I have to go back to my Psychiatrist and increase the dosage or change to another... View more

Hi there,I feel likethere is no hope for me to treat my depression. I've been on countless Anti-Depressants for the last few years but they only last for a few months & I have to go back to my Psychiatrist and increase the dosage or change to another type. This was not only emotionally draining but also financially as it costs around $250 each time I see my Psychiatrist. Thankfully my Mum helped me out on several occasions to pay the fees coz I can't afford it on my own.This cycle was going on for a couple of years but I would continue to get bad bouts of depression at least once a month. I suggested to my Psychiatrist that I might have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is a condition where a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation so we tried medication for that also but again it didn't work. I was also taking something to help me sleep which lasted about a year but then it stopped. I wouldn't sleep for days and I would be absolutely exhausted at work. I'd go through my day like a zombie. I got so desperate, I resorted to over the counter sleeping pills to help me sleep but again, they didn't really work. In May this year, I went to Peru to try an extreme form of alternative therapy. This was my last resort to get help and during the 2 weeks I was there and for about a month after, I felt amazing. I really felt like something had shifted in me and I was happy, energetic and enthusiastic about life again.Now this feeling of elation has worn off and I am right back to where I was before, feeling depressed, crying all the time, no motivation or energy to do anything and not wanting to socialise with people. I'm also not sleeping again. I haven't been on any medication for just over 11 weeks but I don't want to go back on Anti-Depressants again & start that cycle all over again.I've seen 3 Psychologists which was helpful at the time but as soon as my 10 sessions were over, it's like I forgot everything I had learned or something.I know I need help but I don't know what else to try? I don't want it to get to the stage where I am attempting suicide again, which I've tried three times, 2 earlier this year. I have my Mum to talk to but she can't really offer any advice & I don't have any friends, I pushed them all away & I don't want to burden anyone. I just ended a friendship with my ex coz I don't want to put him through more crap Please help I' m desperate....

Wrenny So down so worthless
  • replies: 4

I feel so negative and I feel as though I'm such a waste of a life just spreading negativity aroudn to everyone around me. I just need somewhere to vent, so sorry if im bringing anyone down too... I'm feeling so worthless..hopeless... does anyone fee... View more

I feel so negative and I feel as though I'm such a waste of a life just spreading negativity aroudn to everyone around me. I just need somewhere to vent, so sorry if im bringing anyone down too... I'm feeling so worthless..hopeless... does anyone feel that way? It seems like everyone around me has their life together and I've been left behind. My parents always confirm their regrets for having me. It hurts ofcourse, but I agree with them. Sometimes I wish i weren't born so i didn't have to make them so miserable. I wish I could just vanish into thin air. The only person I seemed to connect with for a while was my sister, but all of a sudden she's turned her back on me. It feels cold. I feel do lonely. Im connected to do many people on facebook but why do I feel this way. I would consider myself 'normal' in frontof my friends but it just feels so tiring. I'm rambling. My thoughts are a mess. I'm sure this made no sense. Sorry if you've read through it all. I've just wasted so much of your precious time. Sorry. I just needed someone or something to talk to.

Lost_drifter Press post this time
  • replies: 4

I've been Writing for days but just can't press post. Maybe this time? So hard to share this. The find it hard to talk about. just so tired of everything and it seems I'm spending a lot of time fighting to keep going but, you know, now I'm tired. I c... View more

I've been Writing for days but just can't press post. Maybe this time? So hard to share this. The find it hard to talk about. just so tired of everything and it seems I'm spending a lot of time fighting to keep going but, you know, now I'm tired. I can't cope with it like this. I'm worn out. I worry I'm getting weaker. I usually walk sometimes an hour or more when I'm getting bad, 2 or 3 times a day some days, to try and get away from house. That helps sometimes. Not tonight. I'm in a dark room shaking, crying just feeling pressure from everything. I can't tell my family I'm not I'm just shaking more at the thought. I go to my doc with serious health problems but can't get the courage to tell him about this. Sit there with my phone and numbers but just can't ring. I know I need help I know I do but I don't know why i can't ask. how do I ask for help? I know who but can't get the courage. Small town so not a lot of help here. I just need to take the step. Maybe this time will be the next step?

white knight Depression, is it rocket science?
  • replies: 1

Well it is in some ways otherwise we’d have a magic pill and no need for the psychiatric profession. That’s because we are all unique, no brain the same and no lifestyle identical. But if we leave that aside for those professionals , everything else ... View more

Well it is in some ways otherwise we’d have a magic pill and no need for the psychiatric profession. That’s because we are all unique, no brain the same and no lifestyle identical. But if we leave that aside for those professionals , everything else to do with our depression is standard stuff, some things harder than others to process. Some “standard” things are often overlooked. I have a friend that said yesterday “yes, I know” and “yeh, I suppose you’re right” but taking that step to the next stepping stone is often never taken. "It's too hard". Basically improvement for your depression (you might know more ideas?) are- proper diagnosis (very important lets not undermine that but denial is still a problem), treatment including medication and professional care/therapy, sleep a minimum of 8 hours, diet and exercise, relaxation by multiple means eg classes, muscle tensioning exercises, music, holidays, lifestyle changes some being radical (google- Topic: be radical- beyondblue), seeking peace by spiritual harmony (Google- Topic: inner peace, the glory of being YOU). Your goals- to function, to seek basic happiness, to be realistic. That’s basics. Then there are some particular topics to address in my view that are essential- putting in personal boundaries (Topic: fortress of survival- beyondblue), Building confidence, avoiding toxic people and identifying your triggers (Topic: depression triggers- beyondblue) So if these are mostly logical steps why the need to list them? Because in my own experience and observing loved ones with their journey of life with MI they aren‘t obvious to us. Also our mind doesn’t spit out obvious remedies. We read here daily, members asking these basic questions of what they can do. Being mentally ill often results in learning the hard way. But that way can result in arriving at a black hole and not recovering, it isn’t ideal is it?. Use self help ideas from those that have been there. Birds of a feather think together. The “cake” of Mental illness has many wedges to recovery. Just medication from diagnosis is a great start, ongoing therapy is another essential slice but without all the other basic self help pieces of the cake you are only consuming a portion of the cake. Eat the full cake, approach depression in a calm methodical and persistent manner for the best possible chance at a better life taking into account any suggestion that can help you. Have you got self help ideas? Post please. Tony WK

white knight Depression triggers
  • replies: 6

One week ago it happened. A neighbour is a good mate but his wife, a nurse, had her matron hat on when they visited. Cutting words found their target and once left it was like my brain was being squeezed. I had no control over my mood so, as I usuall... View more

One week ago it happened. A neighbour is a good mate but his wife, a nurse, had her matron hat on when they visited. Cutting words found their target and once left it was like my brain was being squeezed. I had no control over my mood so, as I usually did, l just allowed the depressive cycle to run its course. Nobody can help me...but me. I knew not to "fight" it. I also knew not to let myself slide away so l continued with my daily tasks. This time though l wrote out some stickies with the words "remember when its good, that good will return"...and stuck them everywhere, the garage, my car, my office and my bedside table. When in our cycle we dont think it will end so we think negatively and although I've not in 20 years gone down the path l did then of two steps from self destruction, l do, while in these cycles...think about it. Why? Because I'm low. It's a hollow sad feeling of helplessness that my good wife can only hold my hand to help.. we watch the Rosella's feeding, the wild ducks land in our dam and l smile but my laughing was on hold until two hours ago. Two hours ago l walked into my garage and read my sticky..."remember when its good...." l knew l had come out of my cycle and life was good again. One week is a long cycle for me, I'm a 3 day guy nowadays, and pre medicine was a two week guy. At 61yo I'm the result of a narcissistic mother that had all the ingredients for dominance, manipulation and expectation. Nurturing was certainly there but it wasnt enough. So bossy, dominant people often women, triggers my episodes. If they point their finger and demand you comply then that will trigger it. Knowing a trigger is wonderful. One can work on it to avoid it. Our neighbours came over today. I was quieter, still talking but l had a lump in my emotional throat. My mates wife had no reason to repeat her actions of the week before so the visit went well. Of course the price l paid for harmony was l was not fully myself. As a sufferer that's studied my triggers, l believe most times I'm triggered after becoming sensitive for a few days. I'm learning and its productive. Learning about yourself sounds stupid. But we cannot rely only on meds, psych visits, friends and family to fix us. We have to gently assess ourselves to seek out the pattern as to what sparks the depressive session. Only then will we be able to act upon it. And dont forget those sticky notes..."remember when it's good, that good will return".... Tony WK

IronKitty Depression Buddies.
  • replies: 4

Hey All, I am new here, I haven't ever used something like this before but I just need someone to talk to who actually understands what depression is like. This maybe a long shot, but I was hoping to find someone on here to keep in contact with and b... View more

Hey All, I am new here, I haven't ever used something like this before but I just need someone to talk to who actually understands what depression is like. This maybe a long shot, but I was hoping to find someone on here to keep in contact with and be able to talk to, essentially a friend. But unlike all my other friends, I need someone who I can actually tell of my past and of my current experiences of depression. I tend to keep a lot of people at arms length because I am always deathly afraid they're going to reject me or leave anyway, so I guess using the internet to me seems slightly safer (although posting this is making me feel extremely anxious still). I wondering if anyone else was looking or needed a friendship like this? Looking forward to any responses.