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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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interloper No help available
  • replies: 20

I live in a country town in Victoria, so options are automatically limited. I have seen 3 GPs, 2 psychologists, 1 counsellor, 1 mental health care nurse, tried meds, etc. I am at my wits end. Firstly nothing.... nothing, relieves my symptoms. The fir... View more

I live in a country town in Victoria, so options are automatically limited. I have seen 3 GPs, 2 psychologists, 1 counsellor, 1 mental health care nurse, tried meds, etc. I am at my wits end. Firstly nothing.... nothing, relieves my symptoms. The first psych gave me the "google-list" of self-help (exercise, diet, music, gratitude lists, hobbies, etc) and that I was being dismissive, even though I had been doing all that stuff. Then I saw the counsellor, who straight up told me he couldn't help. My current psych is making no headroad with me at all and said so herself that she was running out of ideas. My GP suggested trying meds again, which I was reluctant about. I keep hearing you need to try different medication, so I made myself open to the idea. A liver function test showed issues (despite not being a heavy drinker, taking nothing else, and living a clean life), so he won't prescribe one type of meds and says another type won't help me. He is focussed on the next option being a psychiatrist two hours away. I did some research, and saw a different GP to get a referral to a visiting psychiatrist (again, not keen, but I'm trying to stay open minded). New GP said that psychologist was rubbish, meds are rubbish, and to "try being more positive" and had I "heard about homeopathy". I am done with this. It is plastered everywhere that help is available, but my experience over the last couple of years says that unless you are a bored housewife or have a lust for material things and need to come to terms with this stuff then it goes in the "too hard" basket. The basket where I live. There is no real help available. I've spoken with phone counsellors here and on LifeLine, and they are in a difficult position and ultimately cannot do anything. Ultimately, I am convinced that there is no help available. If you've made it this far, thanks. If you've been in a similar situation and found a way to access meaningful help please let me know what you did, because I am ready to give up.

Nicegirl To nice
  • replies: 3

Hello I just need some help. I've been feeling upset lonely jealous nasty all the time at late. I have reasons to feel like this as I'm always the nice person. Counselling hasn't helped I've tried numerous times My marriage is in tatters and I've got... View more

Hello I just need some help. I've been feeling upset lonely jealous nasty all the time at late. I have reasons to feel like this as I'm always the nice person. Counselling hasn't helped I've tried numerous times My marriage is in tatters and I've got rid of many so called nasty influences out of my life . I'm the one most people unload on but when I need someone no one is ever there for me. I feel though I'm never ever happy. Is this depression? I'm not sure and when I sit and think ok what's going to make me happy I go blank please help I feel desperate and my feelings are getting worse

Milliana A newbie with an old problem..do I resign from yet another job because Bi.P 2 is getting the better of me?
  • replies: 4

Hi there I'm Milliana.. currently on unpaid leave after 5 weeks of sick/annual leave to sort my head out. Have an awesome job in broadcasting that I used to love..worked so hard to get where I am, an now on the brink of throwing it all away because o... View more

Hi there I'm Milliana.. currently on unpaid leave after 5 weeks of sick/annual leave to sort my head out. Have an awesome job in broadcasting that I used to love..worked so hard to get where I am, an now on the brink of throwing it all away because of work anxiety. This is a pattern, I've done it before.. walked away feeling ashamed that I couldn't cope in a workplace. I'm medicated and was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about 18 months ago. Trying so hard to get up and running but feeling pushed down by a bad patch. Anyone else been here? Cheers, M

Terry_lost No energy,no drive no purpose
  • replies: 9

A year and a half ago i was diagnosed with depression at the time i had a beautiful home massive mortgage 2 beautiful little girls and a loving partner but i hit the drugs pretty hard as was working 7 days a week servicing mortgage and keep home and ... View more

A year and a half ago i was diagnosed with depression at the time i had a beautiful home massive mortgage 2 beautiful little girls and a loving partner but i hit the drugs pretty hard as was working 7 days a week servicing mortgage and keep home and property in check i took myself away from home,family and bad influences to get clear and clean and left for 6 months solid whilst i was away partner decided after 15 years that it was over we sold the house and she moved into a rental with girls.All of last year i was a mess tryed numerous different jobs all over the country to try and find something to make me happy.Nothing worked.I am back where I started .When first diagnosed i was put on medication which helped went off them after a cupla months.Since coming back to be closer to daughters have had to move into my mums.Pretty shattered!About 4 weeks ago found myself back where i was a year and a half ago(no drugs though, clean) only worse have been put on a stronger does of medication for last 3 weeks but do not have any energy or drive to do anything can't even get any enjoyment with my girls don't want to work and feel like my whole purpose for being here is gone .I am seeing a psych and doing meditation but don't know where to go from here just feel like crawling into a hole.Used to be highly motivated and driven.Miss my partner and my family as a whole.I don't know what to do!

depressed2 monster come down off drugs has forced me to realise the true magnitude of my depression
  • replies: 3

I feel that I have a "can't live with em, can't live without em" mindset concerning alcohol and drugs that has severely impacted my mental health. I'm not a hard drug user or anything like that, but upon coming down today from a night of mdma use, in... View more

I feel that I have a "can't live with em, can't live without em" mindset concerning alcohol and drugs that has severely impacted my mental health. I'm not a hard drug user or anything like that, but upon coming down today from a night of mdma use, in which I made a complete fool of myself at a club and lost my phone/wallet I've realised just how bad my depression is. I've had it for a very long time, but somehow I just never thought of myself as being "depressed". I know that I won't feel this way forever and that eventually my seratonin levels will be back to normal, but it begs the question to me: what next? I fear that I lack the confidence necessary to make the colossal changes needed to get my life back on track, and I'm disturbed by how totally I've managed to block out any self reflection on the creeping depression and anxiety that's followed me throughout all of my life. I've registered an account on this site on a whim, and I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who can relate to this? Anyone care to share their experiences or thoughts?

Debzmites relevant?
  • replies: 2

In the past 18 months I've come to realize that I am simply irrelevant and powerless in the greater scheme of life. I have no legal rights because at the time I couldn't afford to see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist and I am irrelevant, apparently not... View more

In the past 18 months I've come to realize that I am simply irrelevant and powerless in the greater scheme of life. I have no legal rights because at the time I couldn't afford to see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist and I am irrelevant, apparently nothing is taken serious unless these professionals say it. At the moment, I've had a change of thought and actually enrolled in the Diploma of Mental Health, I can be an outreach worker and help others who struggle with mental health problems. I'm also going to get my MR licence so I can get some casual driving work, hopefully. A bit part of the problem is money and power, although my finances are getting better and I have a plan in place to get my finances moving in the right direction, what on earth do I need to do to be relevant? I can't do a Medical Degree, obviously. I wont be of much influence with as a bus driver and/or mental health outreach worker. hmmm

Wanderlustress It's been 4 days. Recovery and how to deal with regression
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I am looking for advice from those who have recovered or are recovering from depression on how to cope when you feel the "pangs" of depression slowly come back. I had severe depression and anxiety for over a year, together with other health i... View more

Hi all, I am looking for advice from those who have recovered or are recovering from depression on how to cope when you feel the "pangs" of depression slowly come back. I had severe depression and anxiety for over a year, together with other health issues. With the right help - GP, therapy, self-care, I've gotten over the worst bits of it. Things are on the up, it seems. But a few days ago - IT came back. It was slow, like a python slowly swallowing up its prey after strangling it. I've tried my usual coping mechanisms...but it's getting worse. I feel like I'm slowly sinking and I don't want to go back there. I don't want to risk my job, health and mental health again. I've already binged for 3 days straight. Didn't go to work because I just...felt...so low. I changed all my appointments to see my therapist to the next week simply because I couldn't deal with meeting people. I increasingly notice I am slipping into obsessing over terrible things that at the height (or low) of my depression made me abuse myself mercilessly mentally and physically every minute/hour/day/week. As someone who's so far recovered and has never been in this position...how do I deal with this? I want to keep feeling.

Rockstar Love shy and Depression
  • replies: 5

I don't know if anyone has heard of the term loveshyness I'm not sure if it is formally recognised but I am a sufferer I am 41 and have never been on a date let a lone had a girlfriend they always reject me or put me in the creep zone, my last incide... View more

I don't know if anyone has heard of the term loveshyness I'm not sure if it is formally recognised but I am a sufferer I am 41 and have never been on a date let a lone had a girlfriend they always reject me or put me in the creep zone, my last incident got me banned from a major gym. I believe this is partly linked to my depression. I stared seeing another doctor for convenience of appointments I was very tired all the time and he sai it was due to the depression, he sent me to a psychiatrist who diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. I've tried heaps of medications, and just the last few times this doctor started getting into me about getting a girlfriend and that will fix all my problems I tried to explain the problems I have and he was giving me anxiety attacks he was doing more harm than good. I have since gone back to my old doctor Matthew

startingnew validating feelings?
  • replies: 9

Hi guys uhh so im in abit of a situation atm so im on another forums- not going to say which one but its a social forum for people with MI as well. Ive been told by 2 people on the forum and a 3 friends which I thought was a friend off the forum tell... View more

Hi guys uhh so im in abit of a situation atm so im on another forums- not going to say which one but its a social forum for people with MI as well. Ive been told by 2 people on the forum and a 3 friends which I thought was a friend off the forum tell me that im really annoying and that they are sick of validating my feelings. Firstly I had no idea I was doing that, considering most peoples stories and comments etc on where I am want you to also validate their feelings but they havent been plled up about it. I feel very targeted as im the youngest member on there. I feel really uncomfortable now and like I have to limit what I say, where I say it, how I say it and that I can no longer express my feelings openly. Secondly- how do I stop doing it

Lucy22 So concerned that my depression and anxiety has ruined my employment prospects.
  • replies: 6

Ok, first of all, I thank you for taking the time to read this. I've had i anxiety and depression since I was as young as 15, but now that I am 26 it has hit me the hardest in my life. Although mental health issues always loomed in the background, I ... View more

Ok, first of all, I thank you for taking the time to read this. I've had i anxiety and depression since I was as young as 15, but now that I am 26 it has hit me the hardest in my life. Although mental health issues always loomed in the background, I managed to get a degree, held a part time job for 4 years and had an active social life. I moved to a new city in 2016 as I wanted the change. I worked in a new job for 8 months but was not able to meet the targets of the job (KPIs) and it got to the point that my doctor had to sign me off of work due to a mental health decline. I felt like a total failure and spent 2 months of hell, unable to get out of bed, eat, shower and care for myself but I was lucky to find a fantastic psychiatrist who helped me get back on my feet. After two months of recovery, I landed a job in a large company and I finally felt this amazing turning point in my life & that all the darkness was finally over. After 2 months into the job, I was commended for my professionalism and work ethic. However, one week later (last week) I was pulled aside and told that I have 1 month to show performance improvements, or they'll make the 'executive decision' to terminate my employment. Apparently I made too many small mistakes and they are concerned that if I continue, that it would be a cost to the business. I was devastated as I had put my heart and soul into it and deferred my master's degree so I could focus on settling into the job. Today the pressure was so overwhelming and I was making many silly mistakes and it was at this moment I decided to resign as I had realised that I was not capable of working under these conditions. I have set up many plans to ensure I am safe and have the best support possible, but I am feeling so scared about the future. I am so concerned that I am getting older and my mental health issues are just robbing so many important years of my youth. What's more, I can't stop worrying that I am too incompetent to survive in the workplace, that I wont be able to find a workplace that is a good fit for me and that the gap in my resume (7 months so far and counting) as well as the short, 8 month stint in my last job will make recruiters reluctant to hire me. Has anyone been in a similar position and managed to come out of it the other side?