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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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Sara41 Depressed mum
  • replies: 5

I have three children under five and I'm so flat. I hate waking up in the morning and I'm exhausted with "faking it". I have been self medicating with alcohol. Help.

I have three children under five and I'm so flat. I hate waking up in the morning and I'm exhausted with "faking it". I have been self medicating with alcohol. Help.

Harpmum New baby and not liking it
  • replies: 7

Hi I am a first time mum and it's been hard, I knew it would be but I'm not handling it like I Thought I would. my baby is 5 weeks old but I feel like Iv been doing this for months already.....the past week Iv gone with finding it hard to not wanting... View more

Hi I am a first time mum and it's been hard, I knew it would be but I'm not handling it like I Thought I would. my baby is 5 weeks old but I feel like Iv been doing this for months already.....the past week Iv gone with finding it hard to not wanting to be a mum anymore, not wanting to deal with the same thing daily. My baby has had feeding problems and he screams whenever he is awake and he doesn't like sleep. Iv had thoughts of not wanting to do this, getting frustrated with baby and even watching him cry cos I don't know wat else to do. I'm crying and feel like I'm slowly drowning

Bluebird2492 Lost, Tired, Empty
  • replies: 2

I am walking bad luck. Nothing good happens in my world. I work a crappy part time job that abuses my hard working ethic while everyone demands to know when I'll get a "real job". I have no friends left where I live. My partner is very sick so we can... View more

I am walking bad luck. Nothing good happens in my world. I work a crappy part time job that abuses my hard working ethic while everyone demands to know when I'll get a "real job". I have no friends left where I live. My partner is very sick so we cannot do as much together as we use to - we were trying to be more active. I have no life prospects. I cannot find a line of work that captivates my enthusiasm. I'm so bitter about the world I see nothing in it but endless crap. I have fought my whole life to gain half a step, I'm sick of working so hard for nothing. I'm going nowhere! I'm trying so hard to claw out of this pit. I stay up til early hours everyday trying to make something of my miserable self. I cry myself to sleep - I'm so stressed. I'm panicked, I'm worthless unremarkable. I hate myself for being such a failure. I'm lost, I don't know what to do or where to go with my life. I'm scared. I'm tired, and burnt out. I'm desperate to make changes but I'm unmotivated or faced with my stupid empty head. I'm all over the place. I feel thinly spread. I really need some guidance from people that have been here - talking to a GP won't help, I'm very rational but very stressed and blue and angry. I'm not even sure if this depression I feel - I could be completely spastic and wasting your time. I apologise.:/

CJs_mum Mood Diary day 1
  • replies: 4

Hi so my new dr has suggested I do this- I wanted to share it with BB people because my mood swings/depression/anxiety are really affecting my relationships with those around. I share it because it may just help others. i hope it does! day one 2nd Ap... View more

Hi so my new dr has suggested I do this- I wanted to share it with BB people because my mood swings/depression/anxiety are really affecting my relationships with those around. I share it because it may just help others. i hope it does! day one 2nd April 2017. Wow what a day! I went from being absolutely miserable, to hyper (my super-happy-not-on-drugs-high), to feeling like I was in the darkest pit of no return in the space of 3 hours but it was my dad who would have normally put me down and told me I'm "stupid" who actually got me out of my little pit of doom. for the first time, he sat with me and we had an honest talk about a kind of future we'd both like in each of our lives and he helped me map out a budget. He saw me hurting myself over past mistakes and found a way gentler to turn those around - without anger or out downs or yelling, swearing, demanding or questioning, just a simple "here to help for a future" manner which I loved! weve never done that before. He's always just lectured or yelled at me until I switch off, walk away or forget any promises to him and end up doing the opposite, running away and spending all my money on bad sugary food to make myself feel a little better usually. dad was just patient and understanding. I think he finally gets me, my behaviour. I think I finally get him too. Its nice. Mum and dad both thanked me too for finally getting around to cleaning a few things today and cooking a meal last night. It was good to feel free to contribute again. I want to do that more and be more healthy, wholesome...yeh ghads, I'm becoming domestic agh lol but I'm liking it. Not feeling too moody/mood-swinging, feeling somewhat satisfied. And loved...and thankful to two members on here (White Knight and Croix bless you both) Hope that feeling stays and everyone here has a good night too!! youve got a (slightly sideways) friend in me bed time! Niight!

Infinite_Faith Something missing in your heart?
  • replies: 23

Hi, Just thought I would ask if anyone has experienced a sense that something is missing. Like a part of you. You are not complete?Or you don't feel connected to your family (Or close to others). I feel this huge emptiness, that seems to only be fill... View more

Hi, Just thought I would ask if anyone has experienced a sense that something is missing. Like a part of you. You are not complete?Or you don't feel connected to your family (Or close to others). I feel this huge emptiness, that seems to only be filled with sadness. I am crying all the time, for no real reason. (Apart from my diagnosis, Major Depression, Anxiety, Panic) I grew up in the Catholic Church, moved to Pentecostal, but lost my faith years ago. (I really believed in God when I was a child) In fact, our family lived in a old nunnery at one point. Right next door to the church. I was an alter boy. See that proves, I'm worthy But this emptiness. It feels like somehow I am disconnected with the universe (or other people) (If that's possible) But again, it brings with it sadness. (If I let it, and I do, because it feels right) ??? With that comes searching. You sense something is not quite right then ask "what's missing". Something is missing. Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks IF

Unknownperson I can't sleep
  • replies: 3

I think i need help. Ive been to multiple doctors and psychologist yet im still stuck in the same position as always. I cant sleep and the only time i do is when i pass out from being over tired but even then i still don't get enough sleep to feel li... View more

I think i need help. Ive been to multiple doctors and psychologist yet im still stuck in the same position as always. I cant sleep and the only time i do is when i pass out from being over tired but even then i still don't get enough sleep to feel like i have energy. Im not sure what to do anymore.

scarley I don't like who I am
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm new to this thing but I really need somewhere to vent, I just want to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Im 22 years old, I'm a girl and My whole life I've just felt like a failure, a nobody. I never knuckled down and concentrated p... View more

Hi, I'm new to this thing but I really need somewhere to vent, I just want to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way. Im 22 years old, I'm a girl and My whole life I've just felt like a failure, a nobody. I never knuckled down and concentrated properly in school because I hated being there. I felt as though nobody really liked me, like I was constantly being made fun of behind my back. I worried about my appearance and wether I'd be bullied about my big nose, my goofy teeth or if my voice sounded weird. I look at my younger sister who is so beautiful, confident and smart and I can't help but feel like such a failure. I have never been outgoing or confident and it effects how I now perform at my job, how I am with my friends, I just feel so dumb and scared of people all the time. Sometimes I go out of my way to avoid people, I always cancel on plans last minute because I freak out and overthink things. I can't even talk to strangers without mixing up my words or getting red faced and clammy. I look at myself in the mirror and I cannot stand what I see. I feel as though everyone around me are doing great things with their lives and I'm just stuck in this deep pit with no way out. I do not like who I've become and it makes me feel so low that I have come this far and not gotten any better. I feel as though no matter how hard I try to fix myself, I'll never feel good enough. I don't know what to do anymore, I wish I could change.

hopeless_amp_helpless I've tried everything and nothing works long term, i don't know what to do now????
  • replies: 15

Hi there,I feel likethere is no hope for me to treat my depression. I've been on countless Anti-Depressants for the last few years but they only last for a few months & I have to go back to my Psychiatrist and increase the dosage or change to another... View more

Hi there,I feel likethere is no hope for me to treat my depression. I've been on countless Anti-Depressants for the last few years but they only last for a few months & I have to go back to my Psychiatrist and increase the dosage or change to another type. This was not only emotionally draining but also financially as it costs around $250 each time I see my Psychiatrist. Thankfully my Mum helped me out on several occasions to pay the fees coz I can't afford it on my own.This cycle was going on for a couple of years but I would continue to get bad bouts of depression at least once a month. I suggested to my Psychiatrist that I might have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is a condition where a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation so we tried medication for that also but again it didn't work. I was also taking something to help me sleep which lasted about a year but then it stopped. I wouldn't sleep for days and I would be absolutely exhausted at work. I'd go through my day like a zombie. I got so desperate, I resorted to over the counter sleeping pills to help me sleep but again, they didn't really work. In May this year, I went to Peru to try an extreme form of alternative therapy. This was my last resort to get help and during the 2 weeks I was there and for about a month after, I felt amazing. I really felt like something had shifted in me and I was happy, energetic and enthusiastic about life again.Now this feeling of elation has worn off and I am right back to where I was before, feeling depressed, crying all the time, no motivation or energy to do anything and not wanting to socialise with people. I'm also not sleeping again. I haven't been on any medication for just over 11 weeks but I don't want to go back on Anti-Depressants again & start that cycle all over again.I've seen 3 Psychologists which was helpful at the time but as soon as my 10 sessions were over, it's like I forgot everything I had learned or something.I know I need help but I don't know what else to try? I don't want it to get to the stage where I am attempting suicide again, which I've tried three times, 2 earlier this year. I have my Mum to talk to but she can't really offer any advice & I don't have any friends, I pushed them all away & I don't want to burden anyone. I just ended a friendship with my ex coz I don't want to put him through more crap Please help I' m desperate....

Wrenny So down so worthless
  • replies: 4

I feel so negative and I feel as though I'm such a waste of a life just spreading negativity aroudn to everyone around me. I just need somewhere to vent, so sorry if im bringing anyone down too... I'm feeling so worthless..hopeless... does anyone fee... View more

I feel so negative and I feel as though I'm such a waste of a life just spreading negativity aroudn to everyone around me. I just need somewhere to vent, so sorry if im bringing anyone down too... I'm feeling so worthless..hopeless... does anyone feel that way? It seems like everyone around me has their life together and I've been left behind. My parents always confirm their regrets for having me. It hurts ofcourse, but I agree with them. Sometimes I wish i weren't born so i didn't have to make them so miserable. I wish I could just vanish into thin air. The only person I seemed to connect with for a while was my sister, but all of a sudden she's turned her back on me. It feels cold. I feel do lonely. Im connected to do many people on facebook but why do I feel this way. I would consider myself 'normal' in frontof my friends but it just feels so tiring. I'm rambling. My thoughts are a mess. I'm sure this made no sense. Sorry if you've read through it all. I've just wasted so much of your precious time. Sorry. I just needed someone or something to talk to.