Depression

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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 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

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 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.

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 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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Relieve depression by helping others

replies: 1

Hi I sit at home and read alot on here. It amazes me how much help we all get. Last year just before Christmas I had my family go through their clothes and my son grabbed a heap of toys, bikes and skateboards he'd grown out of. We packed the car up and went to the local community centre where they also have emergency accommodation for people. It was easy finding things even nice jewelry I'd brought online and never worn to donate. This year though like most money is tight we are still going to do the same. People in our area give away free bikes etc either beside the road or on gumtree. Knowing in some small way that come Christmas just a bit of a smile will be on a person' face leaves a happy feeling inside. Even school shoes or runners my son grows out of can mean a parent struggling doesn't have to find the extra money and can ease the burden.

It's getting really hard

replies: 3

Need to talk

Getting worse

replies: 10

Hi, i have bipolar, ADHD (and possibly Aspergers), but since a relationship break up two and a half years ago I've been depressed. I think for the most part I am over the relationship break up and betrayal now. The depression overwhelms me. The reason I stay alive is for my family and friends. I feel I am dragging down my family and friends with my sadness. I am lucky a lot of people love me. I live with my parents who are retired. I have no job, am on DSP, and I am ashamed of that. Most days I stay in bed till the afternoon then drag myself out of bed to watch tv with my parents. I know life can't continue like this but I am not sure what else to do. I am stuck. I have just started seeing a new psychiatrist (4 in two and a half years one died, one quit, one didn't understand) and I am going to change my psychologist this week because the last one could only see me once every two months. The last six days I haven't left the house except to feed my neighbours pets while they were away. Thanks for reading

Hi I’m new to this forum

replies: 7

Hi, I’ve been struggling with depression and anxiety for a number of years... I’ve never been part of a forum, so I don’t really know how things work, but I just thought I’d introduce myself quickly, and find out how things works.

Genetics and environment

replies: 4

So I first want to start off by saying that I'm currently a 3rd year PhD student focusing on molecular biology. I only bring this up because its relevant to how I feel about myself. I'm a big believer in thinking that who I am is a result of my gene-environment interactions, i.e. nature and nurture. I have very little doubt about this, as it explains why there is so much variation in human behaviour and what some might find acceptable and others abhorrent and why some choose to do art and others business. I think this is a good thing as diversity in thought is a good way for the best ideas to compete and win. I also strongly believe that as a unique society, there are certain genetic traits that allow for higher levels of success and enjoyment of life and that brings me to how I feel about myself. There are clearly certain people who are "better" at life than others. We often describe these people as role models, people that work hard, are more resilient, kind, compassionate, intelligent etc. I only say this as I want to demonstrate that their are "ideal" traits to have. At the same time, we don't wan't too much of any one trait. Being too kind will not allow us to tell people hard truths or will simply allow others to take advantage of us. And if we are comfortable making this assumption about “better” people we have to then make the assumption that there is another end to the spectrum. I’ve had depression for close to a decade starting from high school. Although I could blame the other kids, teachers or whoever, theres a reason I (and others) can be singled out. We’re different. Maybe different looking, different thinking, or we simply aren’t that great at socialising. For myself, my depression started with the clear examples id see everyday of how others could socialise and not become victims to bullying. Although this affects me less so now, I feel a growing collection of what I see as negative traits within myself bearing down on me. Although I can point to some goods things in myself, I feel that what I was, I currently am and will be will not result in a happy life. I’ve gotten to a point that I feel confident knowing who I am, at the same time it demonstrates to myself that I won’t ever be happy with my life especially like some other people I know. I’m not really sure what I’m expecting to get out of this as I don’t normally get any relief from talking about my issues. But I’m at a point where I feel disabled by my thoughts and need help.

Just wanted to talk

replies: 2

I just wanted to talk to someone, but couldn’t get through on the phone. And then I thought this chat meant someone real was there. Where are the people to talk to when you need it?

Malaise from depression

replies: 2

Hi all, I am a new member here and just wanted to ask if anyone who suffers with depression ever gets malaise? 'Malaise' is not a very specific term but in my case I get an overall 'sick' feeling without actually having a flu, a discomfort in my body, it almost feels as if I am poisoned, it is the worst feeling and makes it hard to function at all. No matter what methods I try or what supplements I take it does not relieve this feeling. I have not taken anti depressants because I believe I can beat it naturally and I do not like all the side effects from them. I have started taking CBD oil and it has helped but doesn't relieve the malaise. I should also mention I got very sick 4 months ago with ross river virus, this is what kicked off the worsening depression and anxiety. It is very hard for me to distinguish whether depression is causing malaise or it is post viral malaise, it is hard to believe that depression could cause this feeling but I can't rule it out as I know I am depressed. I am new to depression and anxiety so it has been a learning curve to try and understand it and deal with it. Any info would be much appreciated.

Just feel very alone and rejected, I don't really belong anywhere

replies: 3

I guess it all started from school, I've been bullied and rejected quite harshly through high school, and in general just disrespected. I hated it so much, I just want to be normal I guess, just have some chill friends to hang out with who aren't mean to me. I'm currently on a gap year because I am planning on taking a pretty intensive course and My anxiety and depression had gotten so severe that I knew I wouldn't be able to function. I've tried stuff like meetups, volunteer work and I also have a job now, but it all seems so hopeless. Nothing worked, there were pretty much nobody my age to talk to. I keep getting thoughts to do with all the bullying and stuff and its just irritating. I try to gain control and get some semblance of happiness from playing music, but its very difficult to sustain, but I do enjoy it very much. I'm not sure what to do at this point, besides waiting for uni and hoping that people aren't as mean to me as in the past, but I can't bring myself to do it, it just seems so hopeless :/.

Tips on holding back the tide of self hatred?

replies: 1

Hi all, I know I tend to ask similar questions on here, but I'd love to know if anyone knows how to stem the tide of depression, self loathing, early on when it begins? I tend to see it coming days/weeks before and know what it is, but that knowledge doesn't help to stop it. Ive tried exercise, being kind to myself, positive thinking, avoiding sad songs (clutching at straws I know!) but it seems to be inevitable. The pain comes and huts hard and nothing short of riding it out over weeks/months/more seems to help. Its too late this time, it is already all-encompassing, but for next time: surely there's something I can do early on to stop/slow it? Thanks so much, x

Depression getting worse

replies: 2

The past 3 weeks I've noticed my depression has gotten worse and now at breaking point, i think i need to be hospitalized but have a 11yr old son, 24 & 25 yr old boys, i know the older 2 can look afer themselves but youngest one cant he has Autism and does not get along with his father as where not together. I can not work out why it's gotten this badand don't know what to do to help it. I've agraphobia so can't leave the house, i have tried and all my family live interstate so apart from my sons i have no one and no friends as i also have social anxiety, i feel so alone, my daughter who i was very close to moved to newcastle 2 years ago from being treated like a slavecfrom her father and now she doesn't want me talking about my depression and anxiety. i dont have an appointment with my physicists until next year. Does anyone have somethings that i could try please and meditation doesn't work either.I believe my hardest thing is the, lonliness

Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started replies: 0

How do I talk to my doctor? replies: 9

SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING DEPRESSION replies: 132

Relieve depression by helping others replies: 1

It's getting really hard replies: 3

Getting worse replies: 10

Hi I’m new to this forum replies: 7

Genetics and environment replies: 4

Just wanted to talk replies: 2

Malaise from depression replies: 2

Just feel very alone and rejected, I don't really belong anywhere replies: 3

Tips on holding back the tide of self hatred? replies: 1

Depression getting worse replies: 2