Support
Support

Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Want_support_please Why do I feel like this all the time 🙁
  • replies: 4

I have been struggling with depression for at least 15 years, I've had enough, I've been through too much shit, I feel like I can't ever be happy again, all I do is sleep unless I'm working, it actually hurts to smile, I am soo lonely but when I have... View more

I have been struggling with depression for at least 15 years, I've had enough, I've been through too much shit, I feel like I can't ever be happy again, all I do is sleep unless I'm working, it actually hurts to smile, I am soo lonely but when I have someone around who actually wants to do something with me and I force myself to go I want to be back home alone

Soph101 I’m new to depression and anxiety and need some help
  • replies: 5

Can someone please tell me how they work around depression, what are some tips for me I have severe anxiety and depression and I finally came out about depression last week and I’ve had depression for three years, but now that people know I feel like... View more

Can someone please tell me how they work around depression, what are some tips for me I have severe anxiety and depression and I finally came out about depression last week and I’ve had depression for three years, but now that people know I feel like I have more anxiety and I don’t know why

StitcherMum Struggling - 10m postpartum
  • replies: 8

So. Background. I have had depression from aged 13, most seriously in late teens, early 20s. I learned to manage it very effectively with a great selfcare routine and some cognitive behavioural therapy. I had a baby at the end of 2016 and he has been... View more

So. Background. I have had depression from aged 13, most seriously in late teens, early 20s. I learned to manage it very effectively with a great selfcare routine and some cognitive behavioural therapy. I had a baby at the end of 2016 and he has been a very easy baby. I actually coped quite well until the last month or so. I get angry/frustrated very easily, insomnia is making it worse, I cry at the slightest hint of everything. I feel awful I get impatient with my son when he won't nap or shrieks his god awful ear splitting squeal, I don't do anything, just internally scream and tense up. I can feel that my depression is taking over again and that frustrates me too as I know that I have had it under control before. Then I feel bad for whining because sooo many people have it worse and I have everything a person could want. Frustrated

Dinky1234 I feel nothing.....
  • replies: 2

I am reaching out with the hope that someone else may be in the same prediciment I married a guy, who I met at Uni we had things in common at the time. We had a pretty good first 5 years of marriage, until his father died, their family business was i... View more

I am reaching out with the hope that someone else may be in the same prediciment I married a guy, who I met at Uni we had things in common at the time. We had a pretty good first 5 years of marriage, until his father died, their family business was in a dire stituation, they eventually had to claim bankruptcy.We had a baby in the mix of all of this, so I was tired, our daughter had reflux and food allergies, so I was sleep deprived and not in a great place, I felt isolated and lonely. My GP diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. At the time, I was so upset, I was actually offended when she first suggested that I had a problem. So I decided to start taking the prescribed medication, I put weight, close to 10kg, drank excessively at functions, made a dick of myself in a quite few instances. I finally pleaded with my GP that I was stacking on weight and not well, and she reluctantly changed me to another medication. I felt slightly better on this, sleep was welcome, but I felt nothing, I hated that feeling, so I just decided to stop taking medication, eat properly and stop drinking. My husband is away this weekend and he left his iPad on the bench, click the home screen to google Peppa Pig and "My wife is not remotely interested in me." Subtle! At first I was angry, I thought far out cut me some slack. Then I thought he is probably right, I feel we are drifting apart, I no longer trust him. I no longer even feel like being intimate, which is where his frustration lies. He excessively gambles owes thousands on credit cards, he is secretive and took a margin loan on our home loan to buy risky startup company shares, which are not performing. Our account called me when he compiled our tax returns, to inform me that he thinks he has a gambling problem.I was shocked when he showed me the transactions on his credit cards. I feel like he is heading down the same track as his father and it scares me. Sometimes I think I should just leave, our daughter is the only thing that really stops me, she loves him dearly. I am stuck feeling nothing for the person I share a life with, I don't think I love him anymore, and I feel we would be quite possibly be happier apart. I tried to leave him once, he put on such a performance, called my parents and made out my depression is the problem and every time we have an argument it's always my fault.I know I probably sound like poor me, but not really sure where I should start. Any adivce from the community would be greatly appreciated.

Paullus It never lets go does it.
  • replies: 5

I was starting to believe that my constant companion, my pervasive melancholy, had given up and left my body/psych. I had 11 days where I felt normal, not manic, not depressed, just normal or what I call it at least. Nothing was an effort, I was func... View more

I was starting to believe that my constant companion, my pervasive melancholy, had given up and left my body/psych. I had 11 days where I felt normal, not manic, not depressed, just normal or what I call it at least. Nothing was an effort, I was functioning at a level I had forgotten about. It was wonderful and it was noticed by family and friends and I felt on top of life for the first time in years. But my 11 days of mental peace has evaporated and has plunged me back to what has become my tortured life. Nothing happened in my life that gave me 11 days of respite and nothing happened that took that away and therefore I am even more convinced that depression has brain chemical impacts of some description. For a while I had hope that this mental affliction had run its course, but no. I think it would have been better not to have experienced the brief lifting of the swirling black fog that many of us live with. I've not had much success with medication in the past, perhaps its time to try again although it is difficult living in the bush. Cheers and thanks for listening.

MzVicki72 FIRST TIME POSTER. A SUMMARY. I have Bipolar II.
  • replies: 5

My birthday. I thought that M would have cooked me breakfast or at least made me a coffee in bed but no. I feel unimportant. Then I feel horrible because he is going through so much stress at work. Mel tells me that she must be the worst sister in-la... View more

My birthday. I thought that M would have cooked me breakfast or at least made me a coffee in bed but no. I feel unimportant. Then I feel horrible because he is going through so much stress at work. Mel tells me that she must be the worst sister in-law because she never remembers my birthday. I don’t know WHY she felt like she had to tell me this. No hug from B & M. I thought J may have had the kids ring me on my birthday to wish me HB but I just got a quick text. I think that if I had small children I would have them call because I know it would make the other person feel great. I guess people don’t think like me. I need to not have expectations of people. Everyone has their own shit. I look at the photos on Instagram and everyone is so thin and beautiful and gorgeous with amazing clothes. I look at myself. Yet I can’t stop looking. Why do I torture myself? I know it’s not REAL. I now weigh 107kg. I feel so so gross. But I also feel so sad and so tired. I just want to sleep. Then I feel like I’m useless. Just get up & get out and DO something then. But I feel so anxious and so sad. And so tired. I don’t want to work . I want to work on myself. I want to feel good. I want to feel happy. I want to feel important. Like I matter. I’m afraid. Of failing again. I don’t WANT to get the job I applied for. I really don’t want to do it. Then I feel horrible and guilty. I want to go to L’s BD dinner but I feel so disgusting and fat I’m embarrassed. I ache. My stomach hurts. My hips hurt SO much all the time. My leg hurts SO much ALL THE TIME. I want to sew but then I feel horrible in the clothes because of my size. I think what’s the point. I need help. Who can help me though? I don’t want to talk to my friends. People have their own shit. I fail. I don’t see things through. Then I fail. I start but never finish. How do I pull myself up? How do I stop relying on the actions of others to make myself feel good? I need help.

Mjtsb Will I ever get over it
  • replies: 1

So when I was 13 I moved here to Australia from the UK I feel like I've never fit in and I know all my depression and anxiety has stemmed from that but I can't get over it! I'm forever thinking what my life would be like if I was there and what would... View more

So when I was 13 I moved here to Australia from the UK I feel like I've never fit in and I know all my depression and anxiety has stemmed from that but I can't get over it! I'm forever thinking what my life would be like if I was there and what would of happened in me life who I would be with etc. it's so hard I have a family of my own now but still feel like this.

Lola90 Afraid of failure and embarrassment - BPD /CPTSD
  • replies: 1

I have felt for a long time the anxiety towards failing goals and letting friends/family down. Being diagnosed borderline was a lightbulb moment in "normalising" my sense of self as I thought it was the embarressment and shame I carried around from c... View more

I have felt for a long time the anxiety towards failing goals and letting friends/family down. Being diagnosed borderline was a lightbulb moment in "normalising" my sense of self as I thought it was the embarressment and shame I carried around from childhood trauma. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia one year ago, lost my job because I could not carry out the duties anymore. I found myself down the path of study to find a job that would not need manual handling. The trouble I have is that I cannot overcome my fear of failing, it is that bad I am so indecisive that I cannot get any work done on my essays. I am afraid and ashamed although a step by step process has been laid out. any insight anyone would have on this would be wonderful as I not sure how therapy could help?

dizzyd Sad, Depressed, Loss of interest/motivation, feeling lost and alone with some crying
  • replies: 7

Hi, I moved to Australia from Canada with my husband (who is Australian). One year later, I find I am sad, depressed, lost most of the time, and lack interest and motivation for pretty much everything. As of late, the tears kick in and I have no idea... View more

Hi, I moved to Australia from Canada with my husband (who is Australian). One year later, I find I am sad, depressed, lost most of the time, and lack interest and motivation for pretty much everything. As of late, the tears kick in and I have no idea why. Sometimes I’ll think about why I am crying, concluding it just comes from deep within. It’s wearing on me. I read then get bored. Finding work is nearly impossible without motivation or interest. Working out is limited to walks and wandering outside. If I work out intensely I find it makes me anxious. Being new here, it’s difficult to make friends thus the feeling of loneliness is extreme. My husband doesn’t understand and it gets frustrating. Activities and hobbies don’t help. I wander the cafes, the galleries, the streets, the tourist attractions and sights, and anywhere where people congregate. All this activity does not help. If anything, it makes me feel worse. I am on auto pilot trying to fit in but really, I have no interest. Even as I write this, expressing it has made me cry.

harmonyx Not in a great state right now..
  • replies: 2

Hiya, I'm Harmony. I'm almost going to be 16 soon. I have been quite depressed for 3 years now due to really bad bullying from those 3 years. My parents do know about the bullying, but I only came out about the depression around a month ago, as it wa... View more

Hiya, I'm Harmony. I'm almost going to be 16 soon. I have been quite depressed for 3 years now due to really bad bullying from those 3 years. My parents do know about the bullying, but I only came out about the depression around a month ago, as it was getting too much and it's really starting to affect my schooling. To be very honest, I often say to myself 'I don't feel like living today'. I find it quite hard to get out of bed, as I see no point in going to school or making friends, but I have to because life needs me to. Life just seems really, really hard. I have isolated myself from my family, as 85% of the time I'm in my room. I don't have the highest opinion of myself, and my self-esteem is quite low. I often eat a lot (especially sweets) and I feel like a burden to my family because I'm now not performing well as I used to at school. I feel like a failure. I have many coping/escapism methods. The big two are video games and the internet. I know they aren't going to be good in the long run, but it keeps my mind off thinking about myself. Or should I say, it gives me a break from my head. Another one is making others happy, as I don't see the reason to be sad if everyone else is happy, and seeing others be happy should make you happy. I guess being a happy, cheery individual who tries to make others happy. But it's just an act I put up for many friends and family. I feel awful and small. I have talked to counselors at school, who did talk to my parents. However, it seems that this stuff is not really in my parent's priorities right now. My parents say they're going to take me to a doctor, but that was almost 3 weeks ago. And as I see it, it just seems they're pushing it to the side because they claim 'well, you look fine when you're on the internet' and stuff. When I can't even get out of bed because of this, they accuse me of taking advantage of my feelings to not do anything or help out or even being manipulative. They accuse me of laziness when I don't have the best grades or bringing assessments because I'm literarily scared of the people at school to even go. They complain that I don't open up to them, but that's because they're pressuring me to talk instead of waiting until I'm comfortable. All I ask is to give me advice.I don't really have any friends or close family members right now. It would help me. Thanks for reading my story

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map