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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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SilverLight Can't take much more of this...
  • replies: 3

Bit of backstory: I have a very small, very close family. My only uncle is currently fighting stage 4 brain cancer and no matter what they do he's terminal. My mum is his next of kin because he is also divorced. She is falling apart because if it all... View more

Bit of backstory: I have a very small, very close family. My only uncle is currently fighting stage 4 brain cancer and no matter what they do he's terminal. My mum is his next of kin because he is also divorced. She is falling apart because if it all. She is so depressed. It takes nothing at all to make her cry and she's too tired to cook, clean or do anything she usually does. My mum has admitted to me, because she knows of my struggles, that she feels she needs help but she doesn't deserve it because it's my uncle that's sick not her. She's taking her anger and frustration out on me with smart comments about how I don't do enough excercise or chores even though I've spent the last three days doing all her laundry, cooking, shopping, cleaning etc with some help from dad whilst in full care of my 7 week old son. I'm EXHAUSTED. I'm a new first time mum trying to get used to my new life and enjoy my son but I constantly feel like I can't. I'm constantly thinking to myself 'hurry up and stop feeding' or 'go to sleep already' because I need to do more for my mum... tired and fed up...

ImmenseLiz Depressed, hormonal or something else?
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm new here. Not sure where to start. I am a single mum of 1, I work and I am doing my PhD. I've never felt like I really belonged anywhere or that I was ever good enough. I act really extraverted around people and everyone knows me for my laugh... View more

Hi, I'm new here. Not sure where to start. I am a single mum of 1, I work and I am doing my PhD. I've never felt like I really belonged anywhere or that I was ever good enough. I act really extraverted around people and everyone knows me for my laugh and being "smart". But then I cry my eyes out behind closed doors (usually!).I get very depressed and have terrible pms. I am getting to a point where I just can't contain my emotions anymore and people are starting to notice and it makes me feel even more worried and terrible. I turned 30 and got drunk at my party and completely flew off the handle... Now everyone thinks I'm crazy. I am trying to apologize to everyone but the damage is done. I saw a doctor a few months ago about severe insomnia and they just told me "to wait and see" and that they wouldn't prescribe me anything. I told them I couldnt cope at the time and I just left feeling like there wasn't any solution given but to "buck up". I'm worried that even though I'm a good mum and my son is completely taken care of (and probably spoilt), that if I seek further help that I will be labelled crazy and have my child raising ability questioned. I have desperately wanted another child for so many years and now if I did people would think I was doing the wrong thing. So I have to maybe give up my long held desires. I'm just not sure what to do at this point....

Just Sara Depression in people born after 1984 (Millennial's) -> -> -> ('All' members are welcome to post a comment)
  • replies: 4

The following is a link to an interview discussing why a large percentage of young people suffer the effects of depression more than at any other time in history. Please watch it (YouTube) and discuss your thoughts here with others... https://www.you... View more

The following is a link to an interview discussing why a large percentage of young people suffer the effects of depression more than at any other time in history. Please watch it (YouTube) and discuss your thoughts here with others... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8XkJNaHbs As a parent it wasn't easy to hear their comments, but as with all generations, I passed on good and bad thru my parenting because; 'we learn as we go', and that's forgivable. I think their comments need to be heard and digested. Hopefully it'll resonate with many here, so please, write and chat among yourselves. I'm sure you all have your stories and opinions... If disagreements occur, that's fine as long as people are respectful and accept that sometimes not agreeing's ok. Could both young and older people please allow for (or applaud) and respect generational experiences (or inexperience) and insight? The main focus of this thread is depression and its causative factors in children, adolescents and young adults. The interview focuses on generalisations so it doesn't address trauma. (As a side note:) Do you think what [he's] saying could be translated into dealing with (or not) trauma responses in young people? Kind regards; Sez

GreenHeart Not able to speak
  • replies: 13

So this can be both metaphorical and physical. Today it was physically - I'm finding it hard to speak when I'm low and nobody really understands it, and they can be really nasty about it. I don't know what to do in these situations, and I usually dis... View more

So this can be both metaphorical and physical. Today it was physically - I'm finding it hard to speak when I'm low and nobody really understands it, and they can be really nasty about it. I don't know what to do in these situations, and I usually dissociate heavily when it's happening. This morning I was sitting with my friends and I couldn't even look them in the eyes - I was just so low I felt like I was suffocating. I think not being able to speak is mainly because I feel like I'm suffocating, and I've found ever since this feeling has emerged I've gained a fear of having my nose and/or mouth covered (because lack of breathing) even when snorkelling. I don't know how to stop this feeling. It's been going on for so long I just expect it now, and it's as if my depression is getting worse. It's hard to explain, it's literally as if someone has their fist around my throat and I can't speak or will myself to. I can go hours or days without speaking, and this makes my friends and family upset/mad. How do I explain this to them? How do I stop this from happening? Metaphorically not being able to speak involves me being too afraid to talk to people about certain things - but I guess everyone experiences this at some point or another, so it's not my biggest concern.

LilyLilyLily Boyfriends Depression - I need help
  • replies: 7

To paraphrase: My Boyfriend of 6 months started declining in behavior significantly after the first 2 months and it's reached a point where he won't socialise with anyone, make any decisions on what to do, what to eat, or where to go... but will just... View more

To paraphrase: My Boyfriend of 6 months started declining in behavior significantly after the first 2 months and it's reached a point where he won't socialise with anyone, make any decisions on what to do, what to eat, or where to go... but will just sit there awkwardly all the time. He won't even interact with me, yet he still comes over every weekend. He has existing depression issues of 10 years or more that haven't completely come to light till now and i'm worried about him. I myself struggle a bit. I'm 27 and i haven't had a lasting relationship for 6 years. I've dated more than a few that have depression/bipolar/anxiety issues, and each failure has taken it's toll on me. I feel like it's selfish of me to abandon ship and get back out there, but his actions have left me feeling empty, unattractive and feeling like a total stranger, i almost feel obligated to stay with him. But do I keep going with his road to recovery, regardless of my own mental state? Or do I let him go? I'm not sure i'm properly equipped to help him... but i feel terrible for even thinking of leaving him.

Slaugh Quit my job a few months ago due to the fear of being out of the house.
  • replies: 9

Hello, Where do I begin. My professional working life has been absolute hell since it began when I was 16. I'm 33 years old now. I have never been fired for misconduct but have been made redundant from all 14 positions I have had. basically at the 1.... View more

Hello, Where do I begin. My professional working life has been absolute hell since it began when I was 16. I'm 33 years old now. I have never been fired for misconduct but have been made redundant from all 14 positions I have had. basically at the 1.5 year mark the people I work with realise they cannot stand me and start to exclude me, talk about me behind my back, and generally bully me. Unfortunately when this begins it is a matter of weeks before I get the boot. They never mention anything about my work ethic or quality but excuse the redundancy as a financial burden and rather condescendingly inform me that they reluctantly have to let me go. I quit my last position on the first sign of bullying as I knew this would be the subsequent result. I can get a job easily, my skills are in high demand, however I don't think I can live like this for the rest of my life, hopping from one job to another, until inevitable bullying and redundancy. I don't know what it is about me that makes people hate me so much. I can spend hours sitting and thinking what it could be. One thing is for sure, I cannot face employment anymore. I have no idea how I'm going to survive but I cannot face it. It's too much for too little. I honestly do not understand how anyone can go through a day at work a be smiling by the end of it. I have worked hard every job I have had but it doesn't matter, hard work never gets you anywhere, social skills is all that matters in this world. Literally the be all or end all.

Maui757 Anger and depression?
  • replies: 7

Hi, So I’ve had depression and anxiety for years now. I see a Psych when I can (Work commitments make it tricky) and generally keep things under control and practice lots of healthy coping mechanisms (exercise, keeping social, relaxation techniques, ... View more

Hi, So I’ve had depression and anxiety for years now. I see a Psych when I can (Work commitments make it tricky) and generally keep things under control and practice lots of healthy coping mechanisms (exercise, keeping social, relaxation techniques, I try meditation). But recently I’ve been finding myself uncontrollably angry. It’s like the little things start nagging me and I get more and more annoyed until I snap and become a raging psychopath. When it happens, I feel nothing except anger and occasionally a hint of sadness. I feel void of all other emotion. I don’t care who I hurt, just so long as I hurt them. I know I will regret it later on, and my mind thinks ‘good. You deserve to suffer’. I plan to see my psych but I can’t get in this week. So does anyone else have problems with anger with their depression? I find once the anger wears off I become completely overwhelmed with pain and desperation, and fear that I will never get better. I’m hurting the people I love and I can’t seem to help it. I’m so desperate I feel like I’m going to crack and break down. I don’t even know what started all this but I can’t seem to get a grip :’( Maui

2518 Counselling Addict?
  • replies: 3

My psychologist cancelled my appointment, which means my next one is a whole month from now. This is the 1st time in my life seeing a psych, & I'm starting to become needy for it, which frightens me. In the past, I stuffed my pain down, which allowed... View more

My psychologist cancelled my appointment, which means my next one is a whole month from now. This is the 1st time in my life seeing a psych, & I'm starting to become needy for it, which frightens me. In the past, I stuffed my pain down, which allowed me to function like an automaton (or a walking corpse). I was stiflingly numb. But ever since revealing my pain to him, it's like I've opened a pandora's box of suffering, & I can't shut it. It feels awful to open my wounds, only to stitch it back up again after the 50 minute session is up, & having to wander around with fresh wounds for two weeks till it's time for another session. I'm halfway through the bulk billed sessions, & won't be able to afford the full price of the sessions, so I feel like I'm in a worse situation than I was before, b/c at least previously, I could (or at least I could pretend to) stuff my feelings down & remain numb & distracted to it, but ever since I started talking about it, I can't seem to shut that box anymore. It's crept to the surface of my mind & is bleeding all over my daily life. I just know I won't have scratched the surface of my past trauma by the time the 10 sessions are up. I'll just be one big fat walking wound. We're talking about a life time of misery that I have to address. Childhood physical/emotional abuse, sexual assault, job issues, toxic relationships, low self esteem etc. It's like by seeing a psychologist, I've become addicted to talking about my problems & my pain, that I'm constantly like a drug addict waiting for my next fix every fortnight. Anyone relate to these feelings?

Monty0401 Feeling Overwhelmed
  • replies: 1

I cannot shake this overwhelming feeling of being on edge all the time. It drains the little strength I have. I feel flat sad and frightened all the time. I’m tired mentally and physically, become overwhelmed with everything. Can’t wait to go to slee... View more

I cannot shake this overwhelming feeling of being on edge all the time. It drains the little strength I have. I feel flat sad and frightened all the time. I’m tired mentally and physically, become overwhelmed with everything. Can’t wait to go to sleep and feel even worse when I wake up. This has been going on for months now and I am worn out.

Hannah_S Mixed state bipolar 2?
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about six years ago but it never really felt right in terms of what I experienced so I didn't take on what I felt was a label - and my psychologist agreed at the time. Many years ago I did go manic when I was ... View more

Hi there, I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about six years ago but it never really felt right in terms of what I experienced so I didn't take on what I felt was a label - and my psychologist agreed at the time. Many years ago I did go manic when I was on medication (ironically I was scared of taking anti-depressants and they did send me over the edge). I did start taking a different medication and felt things were a lot easier. I had been stable for 10 years (including having two kids). But about a year ago I separated from my partner (of 25 years). It was my choice and was perhaps the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Straight after the separation, I felt quite liberated. I moved house, started doing lots of courses, hanging out with friends. Underneath all this was absolute exhaustion and despair at the feeling of having to be separated from my kids when co-parenting. But in March this year I stupidly took drugs - way too much of it. I pretty much never take drugs. The following week I became deeply depressed and it never seemed to wear off. But just this past week I feel like I am rapidly going from top of the world, I can do anything, to bottom, completely falling apart and crying all the time, utter despair. I have a PhD due at the end of this month and I was hoping to keep it together for the next three weeks. The weird thing is, I feel like I did when I was a teenager (I'm finding friendship difficult, feel excluded/abandoned by little things, and no longer want to go out). I don't really know where to begin. I know when I had serious depression in the past, it usually was preceded by the feeling of hitting the bottom (a breakdown/release), needing to acknowledge it. This is where I'm at, I guess.

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