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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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viexon66 Reaccurent depression
  • replies: 1

For at least the last 10 years I’ve had depression episodes, I’d be on medication and have another episode switch medication or up the dose and maybe 3 months later the episode would go away. I would be going to therapy pretty consistently and I mana... View more

For at least the last 10 years I’ve had depression episodes, I’d be on medication and have another episode switch medication or up the dose and maybe 3 months later the episode would go away. I would be going to therapy pretty consistently and I managed to treat anxiety and panic disorder pretty well with therapy and medication and I’m a few years free of panic disorders and anxiety that really impacts my life. However I haven’t seen anywhere near the same change with depression. I usually have depression episodes that last 3-5 months regardless of medication and therapy. This time I’m not really sure if medication is even helpful and it might be better to ride it out since they haven’t worked in such a long time. Other than regular exercise, maintaining a routine, eating good food, as much sunlight as possible is there anything that might help reduce the severity? I do still see my psychologist who is also pretty stumped at how to deal with it.

BlissfulPilgrim When everything else has failed
  • replies: 4

I have suffered from depression and anxiety as long as I can remember (about 30yrs). Like most people, I have been willing to try anything to make the pain stop. I have given up asking the doctors for help, and given up on trying any more medications... View more

I have suffered from depression and anxiety as long as I can remember (about 30yrs). Like most people, I have been willing to try anything to make the pain stop. I have given up asking the doctors for help, and given up on trying any more medications. I have tried exercise, mindfulness, affirmations and every other suggestion under the sun (including drugs and alcohol). Nothing I have tried has made this life meaningful. One of the most common suggestions I hear is to talk about my feelings. There is 2 reasons why this is nearly impossible for me. The first is I have no-one to talk to, no one willing to listen. The second is, from my past experience, talking about things only makes the situation worse. When I see/hear people talking about their feelings and asking for help, I notice that others often respond with sympathy, empathy, or even pity. And the same old same old - tomorrow will be better, find someone to talk to, exercise, meditate blah blah blah. Maybe this approach is helping some people, but to me having complete strangers trying to reassure me is again, meaningless. Having people say nice things and "caring" (for the few minutes that I have their attention) does not in any way make my life easier or more bearable. When I go to bed and get up again the next day- these people aren't there to help me get through the day. They are only listening because it makes themselves feel good. Am I so messed up that I am just a cold heartless bitch? Or is there something else that I haven't tried yet? Please don't suggest that i try to "write these feelings down". Again - that is just another way to make it easier for you to deal with my depression. If people actually cared, wouldn't they be here helping me? If no one cares enough about me to call me or visit or contribute to my wellbeing, why would I want to share my innermost feelings? Just so I can have the pleasure of hearing you say something "nice"? If I am asking for help, I dont want nice words. Nice words are just a waste of time - yours and mine

Guest_21 Beating the Depressive Demon!
  • replies: 18

Hi All, Well I've finally taken the first step to "fixing my broken mind" and making my life work this time around for I want a life free of negative thoughts and despair. Currently I am in a progress of medication, counseling, eating well, getting s... View more

Hi All, Well I've finally taken the first step to "fixing my broken mind" and making my life work this time around for I want a life free of negative thoughts and despair. Currently I am in a progress of medication, counseling, eating well, getting sleep and doing positive thought practices. Have found a site called pinterest which I find rewarding for things that I like doing, check it out. This illness is such a destructive mechanism in our brains and I would not wish it upon anyone for that matter!!! Family is so important when we are in these times of decline but I believe that we can make change for the better if we choose to fight it rather than let it fight us!!! I have changed some things in my life so far for the good with just retraining my thinking process and find it does work with constant day to day positive thinking. A lot of my depression has come from long term unemployment, financial stress but also a hereditary gene in my family. I am willing to beat this "Black Dog" and make my life better!!! I have made a folder with positive thoughts that I can reflect on each day which helps a lot I must say, things in my life and the way I think and want to change, also I try to focus on the future and not reflect on the past. I do not drink alcohol any more, period, this is such a bad coping mechanism for us, never solves the problems, just makes it worse than it really is!!! I am grateful that we have websites like Beyond Blue because talking about our issues is one of the best starts we can make to a better positive life. Retrain that brain everyday with the tools that you need, I guess we are like cars somewhat, if we don't service them regularly they break down so it is important to eat well and get rest when required to build up our brains and body. In my past I have been to some VERY dark places and now choose never to go back and if something in life presents dealing with it in a different way I find is the key to making positive happy thoughts overrule this. Thanks for letting me pop in and say hello, share my thoughts and desires, you can beat this but sometimes it takes time and the right tools. Take Care of you all.

Flat_Battery What do I do now?
  • replies: 2

Hey Everyone, I'm 31 years old, single, currently working in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer, living at home with Mum and siblings. I have depression and mild anxiety/social anxiety that have been clinically diagnosed but have not ever use... View more

Hey Everyone, I'm 31 years old, single, currently working in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer, living at home with Mum and siblings. I have depression and mild anxiety/social anxiety that have been clinically diagnosed but have not ever used medication to treat these. I have had CBT Therapy before and have been told that I have a fear of attachment from my Parents divorcing as a 12 yr old and that my Mother's voice I have also created to be a trigger for my depression. I had a Law Of Attraction life coach for a year up until recent and found it to be complete waste of time and money. From the audio tapes to the goal setting methods, and the skype sessions, then the application of these into the real world with the expectation of significant long-term desirable changes relying purely on belief and "letting go" I found very airy-fairy and had no concrete evidence of progression, in fact I felt that I went backwards. It is not a very stable profession working in the fitness industry. The Market is oversaturated and the pay is ordinary like below $40k p.a. My career options are limited given that I was not an academic in school. Still can't decide what I want to do in life for a career, tried online uni course couldn't do it and am paying hecs off, options are limited as the longest I've held a job is 2 years and at the age where employers are less likely to consider as an apprentice. In comparison to both my younger brothers that are fully qualified plumbers and my sister that manages a team of 8 sales reps for the biggest stationary supplier in Australia. This affects me in every area in life particularly as I've only had less than a year and half relationship experience with 5 different partners in which I did not find attractive. The concern is that not only do I doubt that I can have someone attractive but if I were to get lucky then it wouldn't last because I can't support a family, let alone myself comfortably. I do not connect much with my siblings as I'm the eldest and have achieved very little compared to what they have in a career sense. This makes me jealous, envious and feelings of no self worth as a man. Don't have many friends. I don't go out and often stay in my room to watch tv series or live promiscuously by going on online dating sites then meet with women that I don't even find attractive for casual fun or even worse case paying for sex. I neglect taking my dog for walks and find it hard to get motivated to train or work hard.

imaginetheresnosadnessits wanting to seek help and medication
  • replies: 3

sorry if i am not doing this right, im new. I have been feeling very depressed for four years now, and i want something to change. i have doctors appointment next week and i was wondering if anyone had tips on how to tell doctors that you think you h... View more

sorry if i am not doing this right, im new. I have been feeling very depressed for four years now, and i want something to change. i have doctors appointment next week and i was wondering if anyone had tips on how to tell doctors that you think you have a mental illness. fr me personally i have taken online tests (which i know is not a hundred percent legitimate) and i am fairly certain i have borderline personality disorder. i feel like the doctor wont take me seriously because im 14 but these types of illnesses are genetic and i have been feeling like this for the longest time and yeah. i finally want to seek help. how o i tell my doctor i want medication/certain i have a mental illness? im naturally shy.

GeorgieBelle Food Punishment
  • replies: 1

Idon't know if anyone will read this, but I could use some help. I had a falling out with my best friend about two months ago (no chance of reconciliation) and have been stuck in a depression ever since and have begujn to eat as a form of punishment.... View more

Idon't know if anyone will read this, but I could use some help. I had a falling out with my best friend about two months ago (no chance of reconciliation) and have been stuck in a depression ever since and have begujn to eat as a form of punishment. I have put on almost 6kgs in two months and I am so disgusted with myself that I continue to eat unhealthy food as punishment. I can't break the cycle and I am destroying myself.

Setsail001 The cycle starts again
  • replies: 6

Hi all I’m so glad I found this place. Already reading through other’s comments and posts I feel not so alone. I hope it makes others feel this way too. ive struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 yearsnow and it is a cycle. Once I think I’... View more

Hi all I’m so glad I found this place. Already reading through other’s comments and posts I feel not so alone. I hope it makes others feel this way too. ive struggled with depression and anxiety for over 10 yearsnow and it is a cycle. Once I think I’m through it, it starts again. Today is one of those days I can’t get out of bed which makes me feel guilty and pathetic (not saying that anyone here who can’t get out of bed are those things) and like I’ve taken a step or three backwards. I just can’t see a happy future for myself and feel like it is always going to come back. I have a full time job, a good partner though I’ve been questioning whether it feels right being with him anymore (don’t know if that’s the depression talking) and see a psych once a month or so. I’m a bit hopeless at the moment.. any support or advice would be great, thank you

vc21 im done
  • replies: 2

im not happy anymore. I know that for sure. but I dot talk about it to my mother because she never listens. she never does anything anymore, we used to be so close and now we can't be further apart. it has gotten to the point where I have learnt to s... View more

im not happy anymore. I know that for sure. but I dot talk about it to my mother because she never listens. she never does anything anymore, we used to be so close and now we can't be further apart. it has gotten to the point where I have learnt to say goodnight to myself because no one else will. I hate talking about my sadness because I hate sympathy. I have learnt to cope without attention to my feelings and so when someone asks me its so foreign and I don't like it. my soul hovers around this fake happy girl when she is at school to make it seem like im okay and nobody would notice but then when I am isolated with my thoughts the real me comes out.my hate for attention Maes it hard for me to speak out about my pain and see help because I don't like the foreign feeling. I have no love in my life and its slowly cutting me off. I feel so alone and im one.

future_ Please help me I am so sad all the time, I can not find anything to do after work to pick me up
  • replies: 9

I don't want to get out of bed anymore, I have to to go to work so I survive to keep a rented roof over my head. I have a 15 year old daughter how wants nothing to do with me anymore she has found her family in the internet, youtube or talking with f... View more

I don't want to get out of bed anymore, I have to to go to work so I survive to keep a rented roof over my head. I have a 15 year old daughter how wants nothing to do with me anymore she has found her family in the internet, youtube or talking with friends over facetime, skype. we argue every time i turn the internet off or ask her to sit with me and watch some telly. I am so sad about renting and want to just run. I am so ugly no one wants to date me at 50 years old, my neighbours hide from me, it's cold and my heart is broken

svetln No motivation to do uni work
  • replies: 1

Hello. I've been struggling with depression for a bit more than three years now. Recently I've hit a pretty low point in my life, and I found that my motivation to be productive with uni work has become almost none. I can manage to get myself out of ... View more

Hello. I've been struggling with depression for a bit more than three years now. Recently I've hit a pretty low point in my life, and I found that my motivation to be productive with uni work has become almost none. I can manage to get myself out of bed and go about my life, while it may not be all that exciting, it's something. I will be seeing a psychologist within the next week to manage this, but before then I can't exactly ask them for advice. While I was at school, towards the end of the year I noticed that my motivation to do work was becoming less and less. This became an issue because of exams, but I managed to do enough to not struggle through them. Now I'm at uni, and I find that I can see the same problem arising, although this time I've practically lost all motivation to do my work. I love the course I'm doing with all my heart, but I just can't seem to get myself to be productive about the work anymore. At home when I go to do my work, I find I just sit at my desk doing something other than what I'm supposed to be doing. Same goes for being in my lectures and studio session, I always seem to avoid the work, or not go in altogether. Sure, I've never loved doing school or school work, but I certainly know how important it all is, and I was never afraid to study that bit longer then the recommended time. Now that uni is more mature and stricter about deadlines, I'm unsure as what to do, particularly with the end of the semester coming up I can't get the date extended. This reason also makes me hesitant to speak to my lecturers, as not much can really be done. I was wondering if there could be any motivation tips/techniques that would be useful in my circumstances. Or is there anything else that could be recommended? Thanks

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