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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: 1

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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Possum_Magic1 I think I'm finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel
  • replies: 4

Hi Everyone I'm new to the site, but not to depression. I had an episode over 20years ago and have been well since then until May this year. I can assure you I was totally amazed that I was once again heading into a darkness I never thought I would s... View more

Hi Everyone I'm new to the site, but not to depression. I had an episode over 20years ago and have been well since then until May this year. I can assure you I was totally amazed that I was once again heading into a darkness I never thought I would see again. This episode has been nowhere near as bad as my first one but debilitating to say the least. Different time in my life with 2 teenage children to worry about , and not letting on that I'm not 100%. I can't tell them.....they would be devastated. I am lucky enough to still have the same loving and supportive man in my life that was there for the first episode. I have hated every minute of this episode and can't wait for it to be over. I have been counting down the days weeks and months! Finally I am into my 9th week of medication and I'm starting to lift. Fingers crossed this continues to be the case. To those that are struggling , be rest assured there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep pushing and trying everyday no matter how hard it is. Set just one goal everyday and achieve it. All those years ago when I became well after my depression, I felt grateful that I have suffered. It made me a better person, more compassionate , caring as well as patient. May whatever demons you are fighting start to lift. May you see the Sun in the sunshine and may you be well.

lobbymusic Being honest
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I'm relatively new to these forums as a poster, so hello :). In short, the last few years have been trial after trial and I suppose I reached breaking point a few days ago. It was as though all the little coping mechanisms I had clung onto ju... View more

Hi all, I'm relatively new to these forums as a poster, so hello :). In short, the last few years have been trial after trial and I suppose I reached breaking point a few days ago. It was as though all the little coping mechanisms I had clung onto just slipped out of my fingers. I found myself breaking down on my drive home, yelling at my boyfriend over the phone through a stream of tears and snot. Not my most glamorous moment, for sure. Truth is, this can be a lonely and isolating disease. Some years ago, I fractured my ankle - it seemed the whole world was willing to help and be accommodating of my newfound disability. Depression/anxiety are infinitely worse but the support seems to become so much scarcer. No one wants to hear it and the advice is often patronising and dismissive. You feel like you are burdening people so you don't say anything - and when you do open up, you realise the ears you had hoped would be there turn away. 'I don't know what to do or how to help'. I'm here because...I just needed to be around people who get it, even if it's just virtual. The people in my life can relate to depression about as well as I can relate to Iron Man and sometimes being looked at like an alien isn't the best feeling. As abnornal as this disease feels, I know it's also a 'normal' reaction when you feel like you're sinking, when problems and frustrations and obligations build up so much they make the Great Wall of China seem like a little child proof gate. The hard part is climbing out, especially when you feel like your legs have been cut off at the knees. I know there's always hope - some light at the end of the tunnel that isn't yet visible.

Out_the_window Comfort foods killing me... ( depression)
  • replies: 9

Lately ive noticed that my depression could be killing me.. With yummy foods.. And that is no joke. Ive stacked on the weight since my family passed away. And i dont seem to care. Reaching for a packet of C'Cs or nervously pigging on a packet of bick... View more

Lately ive noticed that my depression could be killing me.. With yummy foods.. And that is no joke. Ive stacked on the weight since my family passed away. And i dont seem to care. Reaching for a packet of C'Cs or nervously pigging on a packet of bickies during a footy game is inevitable. I seem to treat it as normal. Am in the mid to high 90 kgs. And dont fit into my favourite clothes. I have a huge double chin. And i constantly laugh at it. A doctor said... IT WILL KILL YOU... i said YEP. And didnt stop my ways. What can i do???? Its linked to my depression. Since my families death. . Cheers.. Wayno.

Lightfeathers Running nowhere
  • replies: 3

Hi there im young but have suffered with depression for more than 10 years right now I'm at a stand still were everything is happening and I'm just going along for the ride unwillingly. i have desicions that need to be made, but I feel so lost, so us... View more

Hi there im young but have suffered with depression for more than 10 years right now I'm at a stand still were everything is happening and I'm just going along for the ride unwillingly. i have desicions that need to be made, but I feel so lost, so useless and have no hope. I have amazing support from those around me, but it just doesn't seem to be enough anymore. iv seen many councellors and psychologists over the years to the point that I inform the qualified and they don't have much to feed me. Im not saying there not good, I'm great full for their knowledge but I feel like it's now a broken recored. i feel iv exhausted my options on therapy. I know that many things factor into creating a good wellbeing I'm Trying to balance this, but something's lacking

Living57 Depressed. Anxious. Lonely and lost
  • replies: 4

How do people cope? Its all too much and it seems to keep piling up. I dont know where to turn. I pretend to everyone it is much better than it is. I just dont tell them how I really am. I live with my daughter and son-in-law and 2 adult grandsons. M... View more

How do people cope? Its all too much and it seems to keep piling up. I dont know where to turn. I pretend to everyone it is much better than it is. I just dont tell them how I really am. I live with my daughter and son-in-law and 2 adult grandsons. My daughter is so good but has her own issues. I dont want to overburden her. My son-in-law doesnt like me talking or even mentioning my late husband..he passed 2 yrs ago...apparently it is too negative. He tells me to get OTC sleeping tablets as i hardly sleep. I take meds, see a doctor regularly and try and eat well. But the black hole I sit at the bottom of is winning...i feel like i want it to close over me. I cry sometimes for no reason. I have little interest in anything. I try to be happy. I try to find positives. I worry. I can't shut down amd relax then i worry more and panic sets in. I feel like I am loosing control and my depression ramps up. Have you felt this way? What do you do? I just really want to feel a sense of normality..whatever that is. I want to feel useful but the way I am now I hardly function let alone feel as if I am contributing to life. I just feel lost lonely unloved useless worthless...the list could go on My depression is winning and I feel like I have no way to fight back. I guess I dread where my life is going. I can see where it could end up and I hate that thought. any ideas? Any suggestions? Thank you

Kate_T Trying
  • replies: 10

I've been depressed for a long time. I've been medicated for a about 5 years. I have recently started re-seeking help (seeing someone, changing my meds) but i'm having a really hard time. I feel like nothing good ever happen to me and everything that... View more

I've been depressed for a long time. I've been medicated for a about 5 years. I have recently started re-seeking help (seeing someone, changing my meds) but i'm having a really hard time. I feel like nothing good ever happen to me and everything that's about to falls through. I talk to my friends about it but they just say that I need to be proactive and good things will happen for me but I am. I feel like they think i'm lazy and i'm not trying to be better because they don't always see the things i'm doing (this for example). I often feel very lonely but I also struggle to leave the house sometimes so they use that as "why didn't you come to this?". It's so hard to explain to them that I want/need to see them but sometimes I can't face and that it doesn't make sense to me either. Then I just become more depressed because of what I feel they think of me.

Jamiebr Depression nearly 2 years - worried creativity, passion, interests will never return
  • replies: 4

Hi there, My name is Jamie. I've been dealing with a depression that has gone on for nearly 2 years. I have had short bouts of depression prior to this but have always come out the other side after a month or so. This bout of depression has really pu... View more

Hi there, My name is Jamie. I've been dealing with a depression that has gone on for nearly 2 years. I have had short bouts of depression prior to this but have always come out the other side after a month or so. This bout of depression has really put me through the ringer. I am self employed and my work involves me utilising digital media on projects often related to community and education sectors. Prior to becoming depressed I was an energetic, creative, motivated, passionate person who had lots of interests. These are fairly essential qualities for the work I do. It is like the parts of my brain that house these characteristics and abilities has gone to sleep, or worse disappeared. I struggle in meetings where I am called on to think creatively and be enthusiastic. Once upon a time this kind of stuff would come so naturally and now its just not there. My fear is I wont get it back. I'm really trying to get myself well again with the help of psychologist, psychiatrist, support groups and family etc. I just cant seem to get that 'magic' back that was the core of who I once was. I don't know if anybody on here has had a similar experience? I'm thinking I may have to look at changing careers to something less creative which breaks my heart but I am part of a family and we cant just survive on my wife' income. Needless to say the business is nothing like it was prior to a couple of years ago as I just haven't had the energy or motivation to market myself and chase work. I am doing my best to keep the anxiety I have about the work I do have in check. I don't really want to do any of it but have to for the money it brings. Anyway maybe someone will read this any be able to relate, even offer some suggestions. Jamie

snowflitzer Depressions ok but I get set off by little things
  • replies: 7

I suffer from Depressions and Anxiety. After 2 years I can feel happy and ok only to struggle with little things which can really upset me. It is when I loose control over the issue. I can get sad first, then really angry and feel even rage. It can t... View more

I suffer from Depressions and Anxiety. After 2 years I can feel happy and ok only to struggle with little things which can really upset me. It is when I loose control over the issue. I can get sad first, then really angry and feel even rage. It can take me sometimes up to 3 days to recover from such event. Does anyone have tips how I can try to mitigate this issue? It does really take a toll from me and I want to handle it better. Maybe if I can let go quicker it may help? Thank you for any tips.

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.