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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 chats on this Forum having 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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Outofsorts I'm struggling
  • replies: 3

Hello, I just need to get all of this out. I rarely get time to myself to put my thoughts in order; my son is asleep and I usually nap when he does, but decided to use this time to write here. I have suffered mild depression for years, but this past ... View more

Hello, I just need to get all of this out. I rarely get time to myself to put my thoughts in order; my son is asleep and I usually nap when he does, but decided to use this time to write here. I have suffered mild depression for years, but this past year it has gotten severe; my doctor has changed and just increased my meds. I have a serious foot injury that's been ongoing nearly a year, only recently diagnosed and being treated for. I have a nearly 3 year old very active son whom I adore, but he's driving me mad as well, being the age he is. Because I'm so depressed I have very little patience with him, especially when we are out and he's 'misbehaving' which in reality is just him being his age. I worry so much about how my depression is affecting him. I get angry with him and that's not fair on him and then I feel guilty which makes things worse in my head. My husband and I love each other but have a lot of conflict. The other day he berated me about having meat from the shops in the fridge and not having put it in the freezer yet "you know you can't freeze OFF meat, you know that don't you?" I had just bought the meat the day before and was dealing with a very sick child. He is very anal about food going off (and many other things!), yet I have never ever given us food poisoning. It was so uncalled for and that is his attitude. He has a lot of anxiety and his way to deal with it is to try and control things. He also deflects a lot; won't apologise for things but say "I was just joking" or "But you do it too". Anyway, after the meat incident I finally said out loud what I'd been thinking for ages: We have to go for counselling or we have to split up. I cannot take it anymore. I feel I take all the blame and my depression often gets the blame. Good news is he agreed to counselling and he has organised our first appointment for Monday. I'm not from Australia. I have been here 10 years and while I sort of have some friends, I don't feel I have "my people" or anyone I can just ring and say 'hey let's go get a drink' or hang out with and vent. I don't feel like I've really settled in here. Whereas hubby did grow up here. Of course, if we were to go back to my country it wouldn't be the same, as all my friends have moved on. Anyway, in a nutshell I'm really struggling. I have lots of projects to do at home but no energy or motivation to do them. I struggle just to do the daily things. Thanks all for listening.

Guest_128 BLACK/WHITE UP/DOWN LOVE/HATE
  • replies: 14

Is it good or bad to be on here????? not sure if this is makes sense , to be alone with all this your alien conditions or to be filled with everyone's shit as well. bit like you can't be a little bit pregnant. You are or your not! On a funny note; ho... View more

Is it good or bad to be on here????? not sure if this is makes sense , to be alone with all this your alien conditions or to be filled with everyone's shit as well. bit like you can't be a little bit pregnant. You are or your not! On a funny note; how funny it would be if all the others left and it was just US

Juliet_84 I hate my life today
  • replies: 4

Hi, About a year ago, I left my partner of 11 years which devastated me, and still does. When I met him, everything that I'd never been sure of, I suddenly was. I have had a chronic illness since I was young and I had never felt truly accepted, until... View more

Hi, About a year ago, I left my partner of 11 years which devastated me, and still does. When I met him, everything that I'd never been sure of, I suddenly was. I have had a chronic illness since I was young and I had never felt truly accepted, until he came along and showed me what life could be like when someone works with what you can do and can't do. It was never an issue to him. He was my soulmate, but there was also another side to him. In arguments he would turn violent and mean, and it hurt so much that my best friend could turn on me so swiftly. It kept escalating over the years, interspersed was the person I loved. Anyway, I've been on my own for a year now and I'm going through a particularly bad flare of my condition and I honestly wonder how I will ever meet anyone again in this state. My house is a mess, I haven't washed, my clothes are terrible and I feel miserable. A part of my thinks what a fool I was to leave and think I deserved better.

White_Rose I have changed my (again)
  • replies: 17

Hello Everyone I feel I am getting better again and have decided to go back to my original on-line name. I am trying to be more positive and I think White Rose is more positive than Life is not good. Please BB moderators, leave this post on this foru... View more

Hello Everyone I feel I am getting better again and have decided to go back to my original on-line name. I am trying to be more positive and I think White Rose is more positive than Life is not good. Please BB moderators, leave this post on this forum as this is where I post most often. Mary

Cassar Migraines and depression
  • replies: 6

Migraines and depression, not a good combo.Having a bad one today they last 3 days,and the pain is so bad try to keep doing things but it makes you feel real sick through in my mood and i have spent my day trying to do house work and crying most of t... View more

Migraines and depression, not a good combo.Having a bad one today they last 3 days,and the pain is so bad try to keep doing things but it makes you feel real sick through in my mood and i have spent my day trying to do house work and crying most of the day the pain gets unbearable ,I have had them for30 odd years and they can come on by simple day to day things.I pray that depression can simply be fixed and not return ,i struggle enough emotionaly with the migraines...These 2 together to much i just want to curl up in a fetal position and wake up normal and my old happy self that i havn,t seen in a long time....

Saber What is this dark night of the soul?
  • replies: 6

Hello fellow humans, I have an issue that I would like to discuss. Throughout my life I keep getting this reoccurring feeling of agony in my soul. I don't understand it, what it wants, how to satisfy it, how to make it go away. I can't even fully des... View more

Hello fellow humans, I have an issue that I would like to discuss. Throughout my life I keep getting this reoccurring feeling of agony in my soul. I don't understand it, what it wants, how to satisfy it, how to make it go away. I can't even fully describe it, it's like a feeling of being stuck, trapped, confined and having your soul screaming for something but you can't understand the words. What is it that it wants? I've had many changes through my life and yet this feeling keeps coming back, it doesn't stay with me all the time but when it returns, it's very painful. I have family, I've had friends, I've had great love, I've had different jobs, I've lived in the city and country, I've had money, I've gotten to my goal weight, I am healthy, I have freedom, I've been to church, I've prayed, I've meditated, I've pursued hobbies that interest me, my belief systems have changed, I've had fun, I've developed self esteem and self love, I am very self aware and I both work on my problems and reflect on things. There are times when I have suffered from depression and anxiety and there are times when I have been mentally happy and healthy. I am grateful for the good things I have and have had. Yet despite everything, this feeling returns. I am in no danger of self harm, I have no intention of suicide. But I cannot stand feeling this way anymore, I want to know if there are other people who experience this? I don't know if this is a depression issue. Does anyone understand it? Does anyone have any ideas as to how to satisfy the beast? How to heal whatever it is?

_lady_ Denial
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I'm new here. I'll try to keep this short. On Friday I perked up the courage to go see a Uni councillor to talk about my decline in mental health over the past few months, particularly this past month where it's been almost daily and I have b... View more

Hi all, I'm new here. I'll try to keep this short. On Friday I perked up the courage to go see a Uni councillor to talk about my decline in mental health over the past few months, particularly this past month where it's been almost daily and I have become too fatigued to function (but have to function in order to keep my life going with work etc.) this is regardless of how much sleep I have had. I wake tired, and that level didn't change all day. I made about 5 GP appointments and cancelled them all over the last few months, as I have a complex where I feel as though I am faking what ever I am feeling (I think this has something to do with upbringing and being called a drama queen my whole life). Anyway, the Uni councillor did a screening test with me in which I rated high for depression and anxiety. She booked me in with the school GP (she's fantastic) the same day so I wouldn't avoid it. I went, she diagnosed me with depression and anxiety and prescribed me medication and set up a plan for me and some referrals to good psychs. I felt relieved, I felt like someone believed me and it was a relief to know that was I was experiencing wasn't something I've made up in my head. I'm now waking up to day 4 on the anti-D's (the side effects were a little less harsh yesterday thank god but still there), but I've woken up today with this overwhelming sense that I need to stop and that nothing is wrong with me and that I feel extremely guilty and selfish and stupid for even seeing a doctor because none of this is real. My fiance and I don't talk about it much - which is fine with me, he doesnt know how to deal with it so he just tries to cheer me up and we kinda avoid conversation about whats going on - which is fine because none of it overly concerns him. The problem is, last night in jest I said something about the medication and his response was "You don't even need them". And this really hurt me. Because I had yet another person in my life reject what I was going through. I don't think he meant to hurt me, I think his mentality is that he has seen his brother and dad go through pretty severe depression and bipolar and maybe I don't equate to that, or maybe it's that he feels I shouldn't be depressed and if I am maybe it's because of him. I don't know. It's irrelevant anyway, my post here today is to hopefully talk to people who have felt similar? I don't know how to deal with it. I keep thinking I need to get off the medication (I promise I won't).

lee_2014 do I have depression?
  • replies: 11

Hi, I was just wondering how do you know if you have depression? I have thought about killing myself because I' m not afraid of dying isn't the unknown what gets me. Thinking about my family also stop me from doing it because I don't want to hurt the... View more

Hi, I was just wondering how do you know if you have depression? I have thought about killing myself because I' m not afraid of dying isn't the unknown what gets me. Thinking about my family also stop me from doing it because I don't want to hurt them. But I don't see the point in life and I just want it to end already, and I often think can accident just happen to me so I don't get labelled a cowed. This normal? beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

rererestarting Struggling to keep it together
  • replies: 11

First post here. Sadly lots of problems and very little solutions. I'm 32 and am struggling to keep it together after a string of bad decisions in my 20s coupled with some poor socialisation in my youth that has led me to a very desperate point. I ha... View more

First post here. Sadly lots of problems and very little solutions. I'm 32 and am struggling to keep it together after a string of bad decisions in my 20s coupled with some poor socialisation in my youth that has led me to a very desperate point. I have been unable to find ANY work for almost 18 months. I used to be a youth worker in my previous role, but I couldn't find another agency that would hire me despite them being apparently desperate for staff, and being out of work so long means I've lost all my skills... I'm stuck in the holy trinity of unemployable: too old, zero experience, too much education with no qualifications from it. I tried to complete a bachelor of nursing 2010-2015; but had to quit due to bullying, then moved to a bachelor of arts doing sociology that I have completed a minor in so far, but centrelink has cut me off from austudy. I did a certificates and diplomas in music industry before that and a whole lot of good that achieved... Basically I am no longer allowed to study to try and improve my employability. I cannot even get a job pushing trolleys at coles because I'm not the "exploitable" type. It was dehumanising. I tried volunteering with two separate community organisations in fields that I used to thoroughly enjoy; servicing the elderly migrants and teaching refugee kids English, but without any income my will to continue just evaporated. I got a white card and several certificates that are useful for trades, but unless I'm under 20 tradies don't want a bar of me. I didn't get my first job until I was 27 as an assistant in nursing and I cannot go back to the health and support industry due to PTSD from the bullying (undiagnosed, but avoiding the whole industry is all I need to keep it in check). I have a string of issues that keep me out of certain industries: I can't work nights due to the mood destabilisation from sleep deprivation, I cannot work sales due to anxiety. I cannot cold call businesses due to anxiety either, and I struggle at the best of times to send in job applications because rejections REALLY badly affect me psychologically. What are some suggestions for PAID entry level work. I need cash, not experience. I am at the point of considering picking up a drug habit just so it would make a pension claim easier because of all the horror stories I have read of trying to apply with mental health alone

demonblaster With Depression: Is it all the time?
  • replies: 15

Hey I ask out of interest, learning & gathering info for my purposes which are to get on top of Bipolar (BP) Flog the demons & when I get there thinking to public speak (Paid hopefully) & would help many. A goal I HAVE to reach. Our depression beyond... View more

Hey I ask out of interest, learning & gathering info for my purposes which are to get on top of Bipolar (BP) Flog the demons & when I get there thinking to public speak (Paid hopefully) & would help many. A goal I HAVE to reach. Our depression beyond eventually goes when we've recovered fortunately. Questions: Sufferers of depression: Does it lift at times during depression? Do you find you get depressed when tired? (I've spoken to a few over the yrs with/out M.Illness or ? undiagnosed, but most have said no. I always have but may have been the BP.) A Psychiatrist said the depression causes tiredness which I get why but... I'm not so sure, I think other way round too but might be wrong, open to that Cheers