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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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bc303 Starting from scratch
  • replies: 1

For the past 4 years I have been on varieties of anti depressants for my professionally diagnosed chronic depression. Non seemed to work with the most evident factor being the side effects. Still I persisted in an effort to be 'normal'. Coupled with ... View more

For the past 4 years I have been on varieties of anti depressants for my professionally diagnosed chronic depression. Non seemed to work with the most evident factor being the side effects. Still I persisted in an effort to be 'normal'. Coupled with counseling and psychiatric professional help, I was determined to beat it. But it just got worse. The highs higher and more erratic, and the lows devastating. I lost my job, family, friends, house, car - my life disintegrated with me as an active participant. Recently is sought further professional help and have been told that that in fact I suffer from/with BP2. The anti depressants I had been taking were exacerbating my condition. Now mood stabilizers have been added to the daily regime so it's back to square one, but the damaged caused has been done so why this constant pursuit to be socially acceptable. That is enough pressure to drive anyone mad. I'll give it 3 months then reassess what, if any, meaning there is to all of this

thisaquarian Binge Eating & Depression
  • replies: 13

Hi everyone. I've looked through the threads before and I can never find anyone else struggling with binge eating, so I'm here to start my own, and perhaps find others who are in the same boat as me. I've just eaten an insane amount of food. I couldn... View more

Hi everyone. I've looked through the threads before and I can never find anyone else struggling with binge eating, so I'm here to start my own, and perhaps find others who are in the same boat as me. I've just eaten an insane amount of food. I couldn't even tell you *what* I ate, as all I did was go from the couch to the fridge. I feel sick now, and this is not something strange for me. Binge eating has always been the way that I deal with anything... I'm now a very large person with a heap of medical issues. Why hasn't that scared me to turn it all around?! Depression is unfair, and it never makes sense. However, I think that I can think of some things which may have brought the dark cloud back. Last week at work, I was stressed and overwhelmed. I'm in a job which I find incredibly stressful in a company I don't believe in. Then on the weekend my partner and I had to put one of our kittens down after it was attacked by a dog. The heat isn't helping and makes me want to just hibernate inside my house, in the air con. I am disappointed in myself for not going to work yesterday or today. I am disappointed that I am back here.

Grunt The rollercoaster ride continues ...
  • replies: 6

Hi All, I joined beyondblue a while back and I believe I may have even posted back then, however it wouldn't have been a lot as I can barely recall what I posted. No doubt it would have been about my struggles at that time. I've been absent from the ... View more

Hi All, I joined beyondblue a while back and I believe I may have even posted back then, however it wouldn't have been a lot as I can barely recall what I posted. No doubt it would have been about my struggles at that time. I've been absent from the site as I believed my depression was pretty much in check, if not gone. As it does and as it has continued to do for the past two years my dark companion reminded me of its existence. I have come to accept this time around though that this will infact continue to be a rollercoaster ride, my decision however is do I ride 'The Beastie' or 'The Demon'? (I'm hoping most of you are familiar with Australia's Wonderland lol) I acknowledge that I need to make positive lifestyle changes and commitments in being able to effectively manage my depression and anxiety and am hoping to use this forum, to interact with as many of you as possible as a healthy and proactive companion in managing my condition. I hope to be able to share my story with you soon

saz88 Depression anxiety long term and managing in the workplace
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I have been a sufferer of depression anxiety ongoing on and off over the last ten years or so. i the last couple of years I have started a career and I have been in my current job 2.5 years. I had a bad episode last year and took some time of... View more

Hi all, I have been a sufferer of depression anxiety ongoing on and off over the last ten years or so. i the last couple of years I have started a career and I have been in my current job 2.5 years. I had a bad episode last year and took some time off work. Work related stress may have also been a contributing factor. Now my work is wanting to contact my dr. I have not disclosedmi am a sufferer. They are also saying I have a "pattern" of excessive absences. What at do I do. How do others manage this ongoing. I don't want to give up my good job or earning potential ongoing but I am hesitant to disclose to be discriminated against or seen as a liability. I want to manage my leave and now I am feeling better, but with my condition I cannot promise it will not happen again in future. Am I doomed to a life of excessive leave or lower paid jobs/ part time employment. What is the answer. Interested to know if anyone has found ways to negotiate this with their employer which work. Someone give me some hope/advice.

AnxiousAndy Seeking guidance - return to work.
  • replies: 5

So I started a new job and within the week I was having horrible panic attacks and feeling depressed. I had taken myself off my medication about 6 weeks prior to this episode. The doctor puts me back on the meds and gives me one month sick leave. In ... View more

So I started a new job and within the week I was having horrible panic attacks and feeling depressed. I had taken myself off my medication about 6 weeks prior to this episode. The doctor puts me back on the meds and gives me one month sick leave. In this time I have been found to be anaemic and am being investigated for reasons for this. I also have contracted another cold despite being (mainly) away from society and having spent all of January battling a nasty reoccurring sinus infection. Now I am approaching the end of my sick leave and I am still suffering fatigue and have a poor immune system. Furthermore, a big side effect of the medication for me is insomnia. Anxiety and depression still having 'those days' but generally under control. I spoke with my manager and my options are to come back to work in a week and I was warned I would need to hit the ground running, or have another month off and come back when it is less busy and I could potentially ease back into it. I got the idea they would prefer I come back 100% - no fatigue/issues with my immune system, however the con is that I continue to miss work and fall further behind. I do not want to let the team down if I come back to work and am not performing well/need to take further sick leave, however I am feeling ready to return to work. Just a little lost and am wondering if anyone has some wisdom...?

rusticgreen New user, feeling overwhelmingly depressed
  • replies: 6

hi, I am new to the forum, I actually came across it when I typed into google 'why do i hate myself so much' I'm the crankiest mum and wife, I despise that about myself at the moment... I want to be happy and loving again. I sometimes believe I sound... View more

hi, I am new to the forum, I actually came across it when I typed into google 'why do i hate myself so much' I'm the crankiest mum and wife, I despise that about myself at the moment... I want to be happy and loving again. I sometimes believe I sound like my father who would constantly put me down and would yell and scream at us as kids, because he was so anxious we would get the blame for all sorts of things, I sound exactly like that, then when I calm down, nice mum appears for 10 minutes because I feel terribly guilty for my kids, then sad stroppy me appears again. I'm always in tears when no one is around I am depressed yet again, but I feel I have anxiety more so this time around. I really don't want to resort to medication as the first time was horrendous. I know what I can do to help I.e a walk a day, healthy eating, friendships, but do not have the care or energy to do this. Sorry for the sad long post.

goalstosmile All kind of going down hill
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I'm at a point where I don't know what to do anymore and how to find my purpose in life? There are things I enjoy, but I have no motivation to get out of bed. I quit my job, lost my friends (because of anxiety and depression) so now it's... View more

Hi everyone, I'm at a point where I don't know what to do anymore and how to find my purpose in life? There are things I enjoy, but I have no motivation to get out of bed. I quit my job, lost my friends (because of anxiety and depression) so now it's all getting worse. i have a partner who is a chef so he is barely ever around but when he is I have my moments and he never understands but makes me feel so small. I don't know to explain myself anymore? I don't know what to do anymore... no job, no friends....nothing I'm just in my early 20s also I feel like everything is just so wrong I would love any possible help lots of love, goalstosmile

Faithh When will I feel like "me" again?
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, Ive been feeling so disconnected, emotional, sad and frustrated with myself. Ive been going through some anxiety tagged along with some mild depression and the healing process is getting me down because im not where i want to be. and often w... View more

Hi guys, Ive been feeling so disconnected, emotional, sad and frustrated with myself. Ive been going through some anxiety tagged along with some mild depression and the healing process is getting me down because im not where i want to be. and often wonder when i feel like me again. Theres been an emergency in my family a couple of days ago and naturally this has triggered my anxiety ("oh no what if that happens to me") which sounds selfish when i read it out loud, but thats what ive been thinking to the point of creating my own symptoms. So that coupled with the sadness im feeling for my family member has been very hard for me. Im trying to be strong for them (thankfully they are pulling through now) but im also trying to be strong for me too. I schedule my motivation but i feel myself treading water somewhat this week. I constantly ask myself, when will i feel normal, when will i feel "right", when will I feel like me again... am I losing my mind? My eyes watering even writing this. Im going to the gym and exercising at least 3 days a week, i eat well, i have support but this current situation has pushed me back a few steps. Any words of encouragement and familiarity to the situation would be really helpful right now. Thanks BBB (Beyond Blue Buddies) Faithh

GemAndLogan Depression and people's expectations
  • replies: 17

I've been living with depression for a few years, it has been made worse by a lot of traumatic things happening this past two years including losing my mum to cancer, my partner becoming addicted to ice then cheating on me and losing my gran just to ... View more

I've been living with depression for a few years, it has been made worse by a lot of traumatic things happening this past two years including losing my mum to cancer, my partner becoming addicted to ice then cheating on me and losing my gran just to name a few;seriously my life has been like a horrible movie, I didn't think so much could happen to me at one time. I have always been the bubbly, positive and strong person and I feel like now that I'm not, I still have to pretend to be because people expect me to be. I no longer want to reach out to people because in my head I think that creates more expectations such as the expectation to get better etc. It's so stupid and it's my issue, I know that my family and friends are there for me but I just want to be alone or just be with my pets. What am I doing? I'm pulling away from everyone because when I'm alone I have no pressure on me to be anyone or act a certain way. Why am I doing this?

white knight Depression and concentration
  • replies: 4

There is not much worse a feeling that having what l call a "scatter brain". The term isnt meant to be derogatory, but in fact accurate. When my depression was at its worse 1992-2009,l had extreme difficulty focussing on the job at hand. My mind woul... View more

There is not much worse a feeling that having what l call a "scatter brain". The term isnt meant to be derogatory, but in fact accurate. When my depression was at its worse 1992-2009,l had extreme difficulty focussing on the job at hand. My mind would wander and this had consequences. Flying a model airplane you need 100% concentration. I often crashed and other modellers wondered why. I'd also fall into an emotional low bevause of it. Mind overload, burnout, stress,all leave our minds in a state that feels like we've lost half of our capacity to think. We have to come to terms with this massive change to our lives. That's the hard part. To claw back our thinking/concentration ability we need to drop off other unwanted cargo we can do without. Eg friends that are taxing...takers that dont return the goodwill. Be kind because they often have no clue they are takers. Drift away if possible...less drama...the aim is to lessen your drama not create more. Finances. Get them in order. Years ago my wife revamped our bill payment methods. We now do a lot of monthly direct debit. We buy power when we get our power account in surplus. Etc Health. We grow vegies galore. Our carrots always twist but are great for juicing. Cherry trees great for prevention of gout. The vitamins must assist the mind. Fresh is best. Exercise. At least 20 minutes of fast walking will result in the dropping of your blood pressure then it will rise again. Its best for a fit and healthy cardio vascular system. More oxygen for the brain. Check with your GP as to what is advisable. Relaxation. Everyone has their own technique. For me its finding a place near home amongst forest trees where l can listen to pan flute music or my favourite Youtube Maharaji Sunset. It feels like l create empty mind space once l do this. Our minds need time out. Laughter. A good comedy lifts my mood. Prioritise. Focus on one thing at a time. Distractions. My wife and l came to an agreement. If she talks to me and l raise my hand, she knows I'm concentrating on my bb forum. She also knows l will give her attention within a short time. Some of us dont have the capacity to divide our attention to several things at once. We might not be able to focus well, to counter our scattered mind, but we can make changes to move aside some obstacles to give our mind space to think better. Less clutter. Have you got ideas on how to focus better? Tony WK