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Depression

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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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 0

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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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spunkyturtle How are you? What are you up to?
  • replies: 7

I just thought I'd do a relaxed post and ask how you're coping with depression and what things you're trying at the moment. I just finished ACT - Acceptance Commitment Therapy, a 12 week course, one day a week. It's been interesting. I kinda realise ... View more

I just thought I'd do a relaxed post and ask how you're coping with depression and what things you're trying at the moment. I just finished ACT - Acceptance Commitment Therapy, a 12 week course, one day a week. It's been interesting. I kinda realise I can live with depression and anxiety and still live a fulfilling life. Now I'm like, oh uh what do I want to do!?!? As my Dr said I lack direction. I guess that's my next goal. How about you?

Hopefullseeking Feeling disappointed and down
  • replies: 3

I have been seeing a shrink for many years and have been medicated for the last few years for major depression/dysthymia/anxiety, ptsd, etc. For the last two years I have also been seeing a psychologist and have come a long way. I am on two types of ... View more

I have been seeing a shrink for many years and have been medicated for the last few years for major depression/dysthymia/anxiety, ptsd, etc. For the last two years I have also been seeing a psychologist and have come a long way. I am on two types of anti-depressants, we tried to reduce one of them earlier on in the year but I didn't cope to well so they were upped to the origianal dose agian. This time we have tried to reduce the other ant-D and a bit slower but still with negative results. I am feeling like a failure, I am so much better than I was a couple of years ago so thought I could cope with the reduction but no it doesn't seem to be working. I go down hill with my depression and my coping abilities suffer too. I don't want to be on meds as they do affect my liver but I can't seem to cope without them. Any feed back will be appreciated. Anne

Airies Preassure to work
  • replies: 7

Just been on the phone: 30 minutes of questioning re depression symptoms and the last year.to cut a long story short claim paperwork for inability to work.Repeated the same questions as previously. How do you begin to describe how depression has impa... View more

Just been on the phone: 30 minutes of questioning re depression symptoms and the last year.to cut a long story short claim paperwork for inability to work.Repeated the same questions as previously. How do you begin to describe how depression has impacted on you?thoughts of suicide?attemps? How worthless at times you feel? And then planting the seed that you are young enough to work? 53 and then wanting someone to touch base with you in that regard. i spent 25 years working in Justice Department totally burnt out and then returned in casual capacity and the wheels well and truly fell off last year.Only now am I beginning to return to some sort of normality. But only at a fraction of my former self. I don't need the triggers, prompts to return to work. If I could I would. A couple of driving trips to Melbourne stressed me out. Ended up going to bed @ 5:30 last night taking extra meds so I bombed out and 15 hours later stuffed.Every day is just a battle. I can only do a few things before it starts to take its toll mentally and physically. Sorry about the rant. As always blow things out of proportion. cheers Len

always_blue new here can't function on meds....
  • replies: 5

hi my name is simon I'm 53 yrs old and bipolar.i have over theyears had 20 or so episodes none of which were good.now I'm stable on a drug usually for schitzoprenia.whilst being stable is good the side effects aren't. I'm currently in a depressed sta... View more

hi my name is simon I'm 53 yrs old and bipolar.i have over theyears had 20 or so episodes none of which were good.now I'm stable on a drug usually for schitzoprenia.whilst being stable is good the side effects aren't. I'm currently in a depressed state.i can't get out of bed to face the day.. I'm flatline with no desire physical mental sexual.. there is nothing.i spend my days killing time wondering what to do next, with o desire to do anything.I'm currently seeking help went to my gp looking for a psychiatrist earliest appointment 2 years can you believe it.im desperate and at a loss as to how to turn all this around.not even walking the dogs seems an option i just can't be bothered ,anyone else suffer the same? my life is a big fat 0. nothing am suicidal but would never do it i don't have the courage.hope to hear from someone?thanks

Airies 15 hours sleep and not refreshed
  • replies: 2

Been requiring more sleep of late, last night in bed by 6:00 pm and woke at 9:00 am tense and tired. Had a few good days as in I'm doing a lot more these days. Spent like 6 hours cleaning 2 cars from top to bottom yesterday and pulling out weeds and ... View more

Been requiring more sleep of late, last night in bed by 6:00 pm and woke at 9:00 am tense and tired. Had a few good days as in I'm doing a lot more these days. Spent like 6 hours cleaning 2 cars from top to bottom yesterday and pulling out weeds and gardening for a few days before this. So sort of like doing a full day's work. But I have my moments and guess I always will. When my mood plumats I am at a bit of a loss. Felt a bit emotional yesterday as my eldest son rang and reminded me how far I, we had progressed in the space of a year. This time last year I was suicidal. I still have thoughts but I can dismiss them. Had a na na nap this arvo and trying to stay up till my wife gets home from work. Maybe watch the olympics if I can stay focused. The past 3 nights I've gone to bed really early. It feels like in going downhill again.im realising that every day will be a battle of some sort. Being here on beyond blue helps heaps.

soyedmilk Does anyone else experience this feeling?
  • replies: 2

I was just wondering if anyone could relate to this? Sometimes I feel shrunken down inside my own head. Like I’m a small person using my own eyes as a window. Everything is disconnected, noise passes over my head. Occurences of this are more frequent... View more

I was just wondering if anyone could relate to this? Sometimes I feel shrunken down inside my own head. Like I’m a small person using my own eyes as a window. Everything is disconnected, noise passes over my head. Occurences of this are more frequent during bouts of depression. I have anxiety, depression and ocd just for reference! Thanks xox

Guest_322 lonely in a crowded room
  • replies: 6

Not sure where I'm going with this post. I have both nothing to say yet so much to say at the same time. Just trying to figure out how to do this thing called life (which apparently I'm not very good at sometimes). I haven't been feeling like myself ... View more

Not sure where I'm going with this post. I have both nothing to say yet so much to say at the same time. Just trying to figure out how to do this thing called life (which apparently I'm not very good at sometimes). I haven't been feeling like myself for a little while now. I sort of felt "dead" (indifferent like just going through the motions) earlier this year. Then something snapped inside me, the floodgates opened and now I am feeling again but it's not exactly pleasant. Mostly just overwhelming sadness. Anyway, I'm just putting one foot in front of the other right now. Not sure what else to do. It has been hard for me to accept that I'm struggling to cope. Early last year, I had so much energy and motivation. I was studying, working, volunteering, part of various student societies and joined a uni leadership program. Earlier this year, I was invited to join an academic program (separate to the units that I'm taking). But this year, I've been slack with the volunteering, which I feel lazy and guilty about not being as involved as last year. Also, I'm behind on the community activities for the leadership program. The frustrating part is the black dog and I are very well acquainted. We have quite a history together. Last time, he had me suicidal but not to worry, I won that battle And I don't know, maybe it's silly but I thought that I had tamed (even "conquered" the black dog). But the sneaky little thing is yapping at my heels again. I think that's the part that bothers me most. It's like "really?! Not this again?! Why?!!!!!" So I'm just basically having a long whinge about "why this again?"

Giggy89 Been battling depression for 9 months now!!
  • replies: 5

Hi so my name is Stephen and i started battling depression last year coupled with GAD!! I have tried numerous antidepressants to no avail. I am currently going through ECT but this doesnt seem to be making any difference. I have spoken with a few dif... View more

Hi so my name is Stephen and i started battling depression last year coupled with GAD!! I have tried numerous antidepressants to no avail. I am currently going through ECT but this doesnt seem to be making any difference. I have spoken with a few different psychologists. but nothing is helping!!!I want to know whether people have tried many ADS and then tried the older class of MAOIS and found it helped.. Please i am desperate to get better!!! any response will be greatly appreciated!!

Rock I can't bring myself to do anything
  • replies: 35

I don't usually reach out like this because I'm a very secretive person, but I'm just so desperate right now. I've had severe depression for years now. I'm stuck in a real bad down time at the moment. I've been on medication for a while which has blu... View more

I don't usually reach out like this because I'm a very secretive person, but I'm just so desperate right now. I've had severe depression for years now. I'm stuck in a real bad down time at the moment. I've been on medication for a while which has blunted my emotions and stopped my panic attacks. I can usually pick myself up, at least enough, after a week or so but this time it's just not faltering. I just can't bring myself to DO anything. I've tried making a schedule and just forcing myself but I just end up feeling even more empty and lost. I used to be so passionate about art and studying just for the fun of it. Nothing feels fun now, not even games, and I just sit here all day doing nothing. I don't know how to kick myself into action. Please, if anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.

Mandy2787 Feeling hopeless
  • replies: 2

I'm off to the Dr on Monday. I need to start feeling better about myself! i can't stop feeling like I'm worthless and useless. I can't stop crying that nothing seems to go right in life and fail at everything. since moving from Sydney to Brisbane a f... View more

I'm off to the Dr on Monday. I need to start feeling better about myself! i can't stop feeling like I'm worthless and useless. I can't stop crying that nothing seems to go right in life and fail at everything. since moving from Sydney to Brisbane a few years ago, everything's gone wrong. From having two great jobs to not being able to get more than 7 interviews in 10mths with no success. I lost a baby at 14wks. I moved to a state where I didn't know a single soul other than my partner. Making friends as an adult is so so hard!! And it's so lonely. we've now moved to Victoria, still no friends. Every time family are down I never get a call, text.. Nothing. I feel as though I mustn't be good enough to be around. Like I mustn't be an enjoyable person to be around. I just want to be included and thought of. Whenever I call family , I rarely get a hold of anyone and I don't get a return call. Fair enough if I had caused a problem or done something wrong to people, but I haven't. It feels like people were happy I moved away and now want nothing to do with me or can't be bothered. I do have a beautiful 1yo daughter and I want to be a happy, positive influence on her. i do work, other than that I lack time to have hobbies as my daughter is still so young. I feel so down all the time. if it wasn't for my daughter I really don't think I'd be here. I never get asked to come to functions, celebrations nothing. And I'm not a downer around people, I just want to be included. i just don't know how to get out of this funk and stop feeling down and negative all the time. I'm over crying. I'm over hurting and stressing about things that I should just let go of. I want a positive outlook on life but nothing goes right or how it should be. im worried about anti depressants and what the next step should be, but I can't keep crying day in day out. I'm over it. This can't be how life is meant to be, if it is.. It sucks!