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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 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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Littlevegannurse Having a bit of trouble
  • replies: 2

I can't seem to figure out how to shake this feeling. I'm usually down most of the time and when people continue there day not paying attention it makes it worse even though I'm glad they are happy it saddens me and makes me feel neglected and I cry ... View more

I can't seem to figure out how to shake this feeling. I'm usually down most of the time and when people continue there day not paying attention it makes it worse even though I'm glad they are happy it saddens me and makes me feel neglected and I cry for hours about this

JayEss Workcover making things worse
  • replies: 5

Now I'm not very good at expressing myself so im just gonna start typing and see what happens. Also if this is posted in the wrong area i apologize On the 6th of May 2016, 4 days into a new job working in a warehouse i suffered a left thumb injury. U... View more

Now I'm not very good at expressing myself so im just gonna start typing and see what happens. Also if this is posted in the wrong area i apologize On the 6th of May 2016, 4 days into a new job working in a warehouse i suffered a left thumb injury. UCL Tear and a bone abrasion. Essentially my thumb bent a way its not meant too, damaging ligaments and tearing a small chunk of bone off also. This new job was just after a period of time off work due to my mental health. I was put onto workcover by the employment agency i was hired through, and it has been one of the most horrible experiences of my life. The original diagnosis of my thumb was just extreme swelling which my gp advised me would be gone in 3 days. After a week of no improvement i went back to the doctors and saw a different gp. He reffered me to a local hand therapist and my thumb was put into a plastic splint, to keep the joint stable while the ligaments healed. I was immediately put onto 'light duties' in the employment agencies office, as I technically still had a capacity to work and the doctor/hand therapist where hopeful my thumb would recover with rest. It didnt. My light duties are shortened hours, sitting in a tiny room with a table and a laptop, doing work which they say is used, but nobody has ever even opened the spreadsheet. I dont receive my payments unless I do the hours specified each day. After 5 months of being in the splint, xrays, an inconclusive ultrasound, an mri and an independent medical examination, i was finally reffered to a surgeon and given an actual diagnosis; UCL tear. I was given 6 weeks off work fully after surgery, then put back onto light duties. Its been 3 months now since surgery, and while it 'went well' progress on movement and building strength has been painfully slow. Monthly hand therapy appointments are apparently enough, and while they say things are looking good its hard to believe that when i can barely move the joint. My motivation has hit rock bottom, and some days (like today) I get so anxious i just shut down. The thought of going to work and sitting in that room make me feel sick. I just feel lost. I've grown to despise anything to do with this place and i know its not helping me. Im thinking about asking my gp about a mental health plan again? Its now been over 9 months and I feel useless Has anyone else whos been through the workcover nightmare got any advice or help?

Maxiewolf Looking for support....
  • replies: 7

Hi All, I've come here for some support as I usually just take this 1 problem at a time, I've been depressed for over half my life, And suffered anxiety for the past few years since I became a bit of a recluse due to having severe spinal issues, I'm ... View more

Hi All, I've come here for some support as I usually just take this 1 problem at a time, I've been depressed for over half my life, And suffered anxiety for the past few years since I became a bit of a recluse due to having severe spinal issues, I'm in pain 24/7 so my threashold for everything is low. I also have Existential Death Anxiety. These kind of things deprive me of sleep, I also have night terrors. I've got so many issues I don't know where to begin,Or where to post. If there's an edge to be driven to that isn't suicide, Then I think I've reached it. Just some of the things I've had going on Abused sexually as a child by a family member. I have only just started to pick at this.eg Told my dad for the first time. Arguing and disagreeing about said family members inheritance with my mother after I was cut out of the will. Mother loans me money from inheritance, has hounded me ever since. Coming to grips with the fact my mother is a Narcissist and I've had to go no contact for my sanity. Disowned by a best friend of several years, no contact no reason given. Was told "you know what you did" Was never told what. Mothers family takes their side and spends Christmas with them. I spent that year feeling more worthless and suicidal. With anxiety getting worse I decided to move from QLD to NSW to live with dad so we (hubby) could save money to buy a house. Moving made me breakdown for weeks later I have now been told I have bipolar2 disorder, told I've had it most of my life and that it's affected every crazy decision I've ever made, So this has left me feeling even more depressed and lost as I can no longer trust my own thoughts. Psychologist feels she has diagnosed me and all will be ok when I take enough meds One of our 2 Dogs died suddenly in November Dad has been off work with no income due to a knee injury in December so we are paying our bills and his I'm on DSP and hubby on carers. On Friday the 10th one of our indoor cats was accidentally let out Friday the 13th My 9 year old Dog collapsed of a heart attack and died in my arms. We rushed him to the vet in vain but he was too gone. While on the floor saying my goodbyes to my dog, I get a call from the neighbour. Telling me our missing cat had been mauled to death by his dog 3 days ago. he had left him to rot in the sun and gave him back to us in a garbage bag. I feel like everything has been pulled from under me Where should I go from here?

Depressed24 Depressed24's history of mental health
  • replies: 2

Hi at 15 years old I did not want to be around anymore I got hurt in primary and high school primary school it was another student who hurt me and in high school it was a teacher . My sister Kylie doesn't call me a sister at all I try to talk to her ... View more

Hi at 15 years old I did not want to be around anymore I got hurt in primary and high school primary school it was another student who hurt me and in high school it was a teacher . My sister Kylie doesn't call me a sister at all I try to talk to her on face book but she does not reply . And I had to put up with my sister come and then go that's why I don't call her a sister she had a bad boyfriend who did not treat her right t all. And ever since she left home at 16 years of age I haven't been the same mentally . And I live with my parents there the only ones who care . I m sadly single as well no guy wants to accept me just because thanks to the voices I hear . I cant live on my own cause I got 2 serious mental disorders and OCD Anxiety as well . I m just angry in high school and primary everyone teased me more than my sister. And I was annoying to her she wanted to call other high school students her sister.

happyannie Inside Struggle
  • replies: 4

Hi Im writing to have a whinge because today Im having a really bad day, Im just so down and depressed, my anxiety is out of control. I have been sick with the flu as well, which isnt helping. I haven't left the house for over a week and when I did i... View more

Hi Im writing to have a whinge because today Im having a really bad day, Im just so down and depressed, my anxiety is out of control. I have been sick with the flu as well, which isnt helping. I haven't left the house for over a week and when I did it was for a appointment with my GP. My agoraphobia is really taking a hold of me now, its out of control. My psychiatrist comes back at the end of the week, so hopefully going on the emergency waiting list will get me to see him, as I dont want to go back to Hospital again. Just wondering if anyones got some ideas that I could try. I haven't even wanted to go on my computer until now... Thanx Annie

Poppy24 Hormones and Depression
  • replies: 3

Hi, This is my first time on a forum so please be kind. I have suffered depression and anxiety for many years. I have seeked help and spent thousands and I am at a loss. I have two extremely supportive people in my life but they don't seem to underst... View more

Hi, This is my first time on a forum so please be kind. I have suffered depression and anxiety for many years. I have seeked help and spent thousands and I am at a loss. I have two extremely supportive people in my life but they don't seem to understand. My partner who I have been in a long and committed relationship of 8 years is a wonderful man but we are polar opposites. I over think he does not, I over obsess he does not. My mother is beautiful and I love her but she only knows the basics as I am afraid of judgement. I need help and I don't know where to go. I suffer terrible hormonal issues and find doctors don't quite understand how to help me. I just feel I am alone with it all and I am suffering silently yet I know I don't have too. I love and am loved so not all is negative but I feel this unstable feeling is putting immense pressure on the ones I love. Thank you for reading and I hope someone can give some wise words. I really appreciate any help x

Missberri Feeling empty
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone I just wanted to post as I haven't really been feeling like myself lately. I don't feel like I'm full on depressed, but lately I have just been feeling very empty like just nothing is really making me feel good or happy or excited and I d... View more

Hi everyone I just wanted to post as I haven't really been feeling like myself lately. I don't feel like I'm full on depressed, but lately I have just been feeling very empty like just nothing is really making me feel good or happy or excited and I don't know why and I don't know what to do about it.. When I see my friends and meet up with people I just don't feel good how I used to. I used to be super excited, but now I just feel like I don't know what we would do I don't know what to say and I don't enjoy myself. It's starting to make me feel a bit anxious because I feel like I'm boring them and I'm starting to not want to see them at all because I'm scared of ruining my friendships with this attitude i have.. but I'm just genuinely finding it difficult to have fun and find things to talk about with everyone even with my closest friends I'm also having a bit of trouble with work.. I've been working in a retail job for the past 6 months and it's starting to get very repetitive and i don't feel fulfilled and excited when i go there. I don't get that much time off either so all the time I wanted to spend doing exciting with friends and family during my uni holidays has been instead spent in this boring empty store which I know is a part of working but I'm getting tired of trying to make plans with people to do things i actually enjoy and then being told no you have to stay here to do this 3 hour shift because no one else is available. A lot of my close friends have moved away in the past few months and it just would be nice to be able to see them while I have the time before things get too busy and crazy with uni again.. Anyway I really just don't know why I'm feeling this way I'm used to feeling pretty happy and having a lot of fun and I feel like I'm just filled with negativity and negative emotions right now.. I just wish I wasn't feeling this way and wish I knew what to do about it.. Thanks in advance if anyone has any advice or stories they can relate or anything it is much appreciated!! :):)

BlackOnBlack Is it necessary to be happy?
  • replies: 6

I have suffered with depression for most of my life, but was only diagnosed a couple of years ago. For as long as I can remember, its been a rough ride. All through my life, and even after being diagnosed, people tell me to "cheer up", "smile", or "b... View more

I have suffered with depression for most of my life, but was only diagnosed a couple of years ago. For as long as I can remember, its been a rough ride. All through my life, and even after being diagnosed, people tell me to "cheer up", "smile", or "be happy" - as if it is that easy. Being happy seems a big ask at the moment. I'm not even sure what that would feel like. Lately I have been asking myself - is it necessary to be happy, or is it enough not to be miserable - at least not all of the time? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this, and how you cope/react to being told to "cheer up".

diaplayname hugs?
  • replies: 7

Just curious if anyone has gone a substantial period of time without hugs, how does/did it effect your depression and self esteem. My last hug was seven years ago, sometimes I feel like that is all I am missing from life. I feel like I am a friendly,... View more

Just curious if anyone has gone a substantial period of time without hugs, how does/did it effect your depression and self esteem. My last hug was seven years ago, sometimes I feel like that is all I am missing from life. I feel like I am a friendly, outgoing and reasonably confidant guy. I just can't convince someone to hug me. I would really appreciate any feedback from someone in a similar situation. "You were right, it is good to have something to do with my hands, sometimes I can almost forget what I have lost, sometimes. Then the memories return and I feel as if I am choking on them."

MrsOverwhelmed I think my final diagnosis may be wrong?
  • replies: 3

Hi all, Apologies if this post is a bit muddled, I find it hard to explain myself a lot of the time recently. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and have had both since I hit puberty, maybe even a bit before. I had a dysfunctional chi... View more

Hi all, Apologies if this post is a bit muddled, I find it hard to explain myself a lot of the time recently. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and have had both since I hit puberty, maybe even a bit before. I had a dysfunctional childhood with a bit of trauma sprinkled in there, a troubled adolescence, and even though I have what most would consider a successful life i.e married, new house, new car, good job that I'm moving up in, etc I feel like a complete fraud because I don't even know how I've managed to do all of this, I feel so fractured all the time I don't even know how to explain it. I have been to a few psychs throughout my life none of which I have felt have truly understood what I am trying to explain to them. They'll ask a question and I'll answer and then they'll repeat back to me to make sure they've understood but what they repeat isn't what I've said and even if I try explain it seems to get nowhere. The therapy has helped to some degree for sure, but I feel I may have been diagnosed with GAD and depression as that's what they usually diagnose, and they haven't understood the full picture. From the research I have done, I believe I may have bipolar, probably bipolar 2, however when I mentioned this to my psych she dismissed it. Probably thought I was exaggerating? Who knows. I have gone through every disorder that may even slightly resemble how I feel and narrowed it down to the ones that overlap and that I have the most symptoms of, and have got to a psych and shown her what my research has come to and she didn't take much notice of it at all, at least from what I could see. i feel at a bit of a loss because I don't have the energy or time or money to keep going to a psych or finding a new psych. I work in a demanding industry and time off is very limited, and with all the other stuff in my life I feel like I don't have the time to contact any try fix these problems and get no results. I now have digestive issues, sleep issues, I've developed severe OCD and social anxiety in the last 2-3 years and my arachnophobia has become so intense it's a problem. I don't feel like myself, but then I don't even know who "myself" is. I feel like I lost my identity long ago. Can anyone with bipolar 1 or 2 possibly give me some insight? Or does it sound like I was correctly diagnosed as GAD and depression? I just don't know what's wrong with me or how to fix it