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Depression

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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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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.

YS Feel like I'm drowning-Melancholic depression
  • replies: 18

Hi, this is my first post. I have been diagnosed with melancholic depression but have been experiencing the symptoms for many years prior. I am on an antidepressant but am struggling all the same. Due to the characteristics of melancholic depression ... View more

Hi, this is my first post. I have been diagnosed with melancholic depression but have been experiencing the symptoms for many years prior. I am on an antidepressant but am struggling all the same. Due to the characteristics of melancholic depression I.e. Avoiding contact, immense guilt and lying to the people I love, I have not seen a psychologist for >2 months and have been drinking to avoid feeling the guilt. I am in danger of being unemployed as I have been avoiding work (calling in sick too many times). All of this seem to be an endless cycle with no way out. I know that I need to take the step to go and see my G.P. and the psychologist but instead I stay at home stewing in my guilt. I work the the healthcare profession but I feel lost as I do not understand why I am feeling like this. I have a loving husband and a loving family so I have no reason to feel like this. It seems to add to me feeling lost and like I'm spiralling into a hole...

Retchey Had to let things go today.
  • replies: 3

Hi, Well I've been off work, for reasons that relate to work place issues I've been going through, I lodged a workers comp claim, and today I realised I could not cope with the enormity of what was about to take place, I had a massive melt down and I... View more

Hi, Well I've been off work, for reasons that relate to work place issues I've been going through, I lodged a workers comp claim, and today I realised I could not cope with the enormity of what was about to take place, I had a massive melt down and I put a stop to the claim for now. I feel relieved somewhat, but I've a long road ahead, it just seemed all way to much for me atm. I need to concentrate solely on my mental health as my primary objective, anyone else had to make decisions like these, I would love you're support on this. Regards

OU812 New Girlfriend depression , shuts down .
  • replies: 3

Hi guys , I been struggling with depression / anxiety for a while and in the last 8 months I have left my wife which has decreased my stress a lot but recently I have met someone new that gave me support and just a real boost in happiness . I feel re... View more

Hi guys , I been struggling with depression / anxiety for a while and in the last 8 months I have left my wife which has decreased my stress a lot but recently I have met someone new that gave me support and just a real boost in happiness . I feel recently that the honeymoon period is over and I'm seeing some unusual traits , I'm in the best shape myself but some things worry me. my girlfriend has these moments where she will find something difficult to deal with and she shuts down , more accurately she puts her head down for long periods of times and ignores anything around her and when you speak to her it's a mumble like when someone is drunk and just vomited and doesn't want to speak , I find this very unusual . I want to support her where I can and I wait it out and talk to her about what happens but I feel the talks aren't helping much. she does everything the hard way , she almost complains about everything around her except me but I am seeing that it could be rolling over me now from a couple of comments she has made . her kids don't listen to her and don't clean up anything after themselves , the house is always messy, I feel she is struggling everyday and I try to help her with chores I want to help her but I think there is some issues here with her and I'm not sure if she needs to talk to someone. her mother which suffered mental health problems passed away about 2 years ago and is still struggling with it , I'm not sure if her issues are hereditary but she also has hormone issues . i really don't know how to deal with this , I want to help her but I get the feeling she needs some help .

Evilnut I can't see the light.
  • replies: 2

I am so lost now after 8 years of trying. To find my way out is so hard.

I am so lost now after 8 years of trying. To find my way out is so hard.

Lambo Depressed mummy
  • replies: 2

I struggle getting out of bed everyday. I hear the kids awake, often crying in their rooms having been awake for some time. I feel like a failure. A terrible mother. A pathetic and worthless human. I always plan to get up early and do workouts before... View more

I struggle getting out of bed everyday. I hear the kids awake, often crying in their rooms having been awake for some time. I feel like a failure. A terrible mother. A pathetic and worthless human. I always plan to get up early and do workouts before the kids wake up but that only happens about once a week. I know I am fully capable to do the things I want to do but it is so hard to bring myself to do them. My oldest is two and second 9 months. I find myself wishing I didnt have to be a mum anymore more times than I like to admit. I love my kids to pieces ofcourse but I never realised it would be so hard. My hubby will play with the kids but doesn't help out often. I feel like I have no purpose. I don't contribute anything. I wish I could put the kids in daycare and work but that isn't an option for another 6 months at least. I hate talking face to face about how I feel. Husband thinks it's just something I can get over if I want to. Sometimes there only seems to be 2 options. End it or leave and be a single mum. It's so hard to love when emotions don't come easy. I'm lost and don't know where to go. Any advice?

Depressed24 My voices
  • replies: 6

My voices are more distressing when I m alone or when I m depressed . They call me lots of things that I cant mention mainly swearing and they call me weird when I m not I m not weird . I get lonely all the time my parents brought me a parrot but tha... View more

My voices are more distressing when I m alone or when I m depressed . They call me lots of things that I cant mention mainly swearing and they call me weird when I m not I m not weird . I get lonely all the time my parents brought me a parrot but that has not helped I still get lonely I have no friends and if I want to make friends on E harmony or RSVP I don't have a credit card so I get more depressed if RSVP was a better website I would find friends but I will keep trying even if it hurts . I m 24 years old and no guy wants me at all the more I cry and the more sad I get is annoying looks like I got schizophrenia and bipolar 1 . I wish me mom and dad could move but we probably cant anyway thanks to these voices . Can or does anyone want to be my friend if not then that's okay I get use to it