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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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Froggy-jane Scared
  • replies: 4

For 20 years I have gone OK then crashed, just to go OK then crash again. It's been a long time and I am so sick of it. My family has had no stability, and I always think that I am failing them. They get their hopes up when things are good, so do I. ... View more

For 20 years I have gone OK then crashed, just to go OK then crash again. It's been a long time and I am so sick of it. My family has had no stability, and I always think that I am failing them. They get their hopes up when things are good, so do I. But then I get sick again, most of the time resulting in a hospital admission, and I have to leave my children again. I just want a normal life, is that too much to ask. I see my psychiatrist each week and things have improved a lot over the years. But it's like I'm stuck now, I can't break this horrible cycle. The problem now is that I had to start homeschooling my 15 year old daughter, (who also has depression), I can't let her down. I thought I could get through any hard times with sheer determination and knowing that she needs me. Not so easy. I've been feeling really depressed again, not sleeping, too much thinking etc. but I can't let it get on top of me, I can't fail again. I can't do it to my daughter. I'm so scared. I don't know what to do. How do I fight a battle that I'm never going to win? Froggy -jane

bozza Challenges of a life with depression and anxiety.
  • replies: 2

Hi, This is my first post, i have suffered with mental health issues for many years and wanted to put some of it into words, and share it with you.. Sometimes I wonder, if as a female, it is within our nature to have poor self esteem and body image, ... View more

Hi, This is my first post, i have suffered with mental health issues for many years and wanted to put some of it into words, and share it with you.. Sometimes I wonder, if as a female, it is within our nature to have poor self esteem and body image, if we are genetically blessed, or should I say cursed, with an over powering mind. A mind that allows us to do some amazing and beautiful things, but at the same time causes us to spiral around in circles. Over thinking, under thinking, over analysing, always presuming that we know what is going on in other people’s minds. What if this happens, then this happens, then they say this then they think that? Is this the way I was born? Is this the way I was brought up, are these ideas that I have taken from people around me, from friends? Or have I slowly been brain washed, by the power of technology, by television, by social media, by newspapers and magazines. Has each and every day of my life slowly been grooming me to think this way, to act this way. Does everyone think this way? Does everyone have these same crazy thoughts that run through their head, and are some people able to just let them wash by like a stream of water, whilst others get stuck in the rip only to be pulled down deeper until someone or something can drag them out. This is sometimes what it feels like, that no matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, you always seem to come back to that same beach. To wade out into the same patch of water, beyond the red and yellow flags. You always seem to get stuck in that same Rip. Each time to be dragged out by that same familiar face and firm hand grip. Now you are safe again, your thoughts seem calm and rational again, yet somehow when you are in the depths of that ocean, you cannot seem to find your own way back to land. It’s a tricky thing to manage and deal with mental health. Sometimes you can feel as though you have the world at your fingertips, like you have everything under control. And yet sometimes, this sense of control can be gone within an instant, and you are left feeling small and powerless, with barely even a warning. I guess what I have learnt is that although this still happens, it becomes less frequent and each episode a little less daunting. I guess knowing that you have experienced it all before, and most likely to an even worse degree, it gives you the power to pull through the other side quicker and more resiliently. Thank you for reading this xo

KaraArtist schizoaffective disorder - Can any one relate?
  • replies: 20

Hi there world of BB. I have recently been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder, I have battled depression for most of my life and never had a clear answer until now. It has left me feeling like I am a burden, weak, angry, sad and generally unhapp... View more

Hi there world of BB. I have recently been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder, I have battled depression for most of my life and never had a clear answer until now. It has left me feeling like I am a burden, weak, angry, sad and generally unhappy. However, I now have a clear diagnosis and the path to recovery is already at hand. My psychologist has been amazing in helping me through this. Any one else out there with this particular diagnosis? I am feeling alone and would like to connect with others like me to just talk about it.

Moonstruck My Best Friend rang - why didn't I tell her how low I've been?
  • replies: 4

What is wrong with me - am I stupid? Do others find themselves automatically smiling and chatting away cheerily to others they've known for many years as if all is OK? Or is it just me? My oldest friend - since teenagers - we've shared so much over t... View more

What is wrong with me - am I stupid? Do others find themselves automatically smiling and chatting away cheerily to others they've known for many years as if all is OK? Or is it just me? My oldest friend - since teenagers - we've shared so much over the decades - although not seeing each other in person much, don't even email very often - doesn't make any difference - she lives in another town - shared intimate conversations and supported each other thru romances, marriages, divorces, love affairs, kids, jobs, even the same hobbies and interests - we were each other's bridesmaids -the lot! Just pick up where we left off...easy like old slippers. She rang yesterday out of the blue instead of emailing..."G'day". We chatted about our grown up kids, grandkids, the mutual hobby we both have and our plans for those activities - and not once did I say how bad the last few months had been re my anxiety, depression, indecision about quitting my job (hers is much more secure and due to a rich husband, has no money worries..half her luck!!) worry about d.i.l's depression, son's unhappy marriage, my seeing a psych, crying all the time - not a word! As far as she knows. when I hung up she'd obviously think "Well Moon seems to be going along OK - good for her!" Anyone know why I did this? I trust her. I love her. I admire her. I told her nothing! Some "friend" aren't I?.....confused Moon S.

mudjimbaboy reward those who care about you
  • replies: 5

Today someone proved to me they care about me. That to me means more than anything.no gift or moment can match it.that magical moment of hearing a viice that cares. Lifted my spirits. Recharged me. So im already thinking....how will i make it up to t... View more

Today someone proved to me they care about me. That to me means more than anything.no gift or moment can match it.that magical moment of hearing a viice that cares. Lifted my spirits. Recharged me. So im already thinking....how will i make it up to that person. I will. I always do.im proud of that quality i have. So please. Think about those who do care about us. Cause theyr special too. Max.

Barnzey87 Need Help
  • replies: 3

So I've had a really tough year with relationships that caused me earlier in the year to have 2 panic attacks. Since then i managed to get through my life pretty well but i always didn't feel right. I've had constant headaches plaguing me, with any t... View more

So I've had a really tough year with relationships that caused me earlier in the year to have 2 panic attacks. Since then i managed to get through my life pretty well but i always didn't feel right. I've had constant headaches plaguing me, with any type of pain relief not really helping. Over the past 4 weeks ive taken a turn for the worst, my headache won't stop, i got extremely tired and exhausted and I'm having painful stomach pains which i believe is my IBS. I recently switched to a new drug for depression but unsure if its helping or making me worse. I've had to take leave from work but im currently really struggling. I'm unsure if depression can cause this type of headache, as anyone else had troubles? I feel like my body has just given up caring because i always seem to have this headache its making my day to day life impossible. I can't enjoy playing video games, and even playing board games is hard. I need to be able to concentrate and think. I understand with depression and anxiety you should be going out enjoying the things you can, but how can i when i feel this sick. If anybody has any ideas what to do please provide them, I'm really starting to lose this battle.

Loula I can't control bipolar. Holiday from hell
  • replies: 3

I thought I was strong enough to fight bipolar I went to QLD for a moth to visit family. on the plane was a semi nightmare but a few relaxing pills & vodka on a empty tummy had me breathing in a bag Day 2 I went on a high. Every day I did something. ... View more

I thought I was strong enough to fight bipolar I went to QLD for a moth to visit family. on the plane was a semi nightmare but a few relaxing pills & vodka on a empty tummy had me breathing in a bag Day 2 I went on a high. Every day I did something. My husband thought I was amazing as I did things I'm normally scared of. Thinking bout it now swimming with tiger sharks what the hell But after the high comes the low. Last week I started to hate leaving the house. I canceled going out. I would just lock myself in the room for hours We went away for a weekend with his family. Well I cracked. I hated it! So loud so talked at!!! Zero organisation and no one listened to me He's family then started talking about Tv Shows with people with Bipolar & laughing about it and how crazy they are. I went into my room and didn't come out nor eat for 2 days. I just broke down. The day we left I didn't even say buy to them. My husband and I went further up north to our dream holiday. I was an anxious mess. I could only have 3 mouths of food a day & was throwing it up & zero sleep. Every day we where out in the water outside my comfort zone and I was on a low. I just felt myself getting smaller and smaller and the panic attacks started settling in The night before we flew I lost it big time. I was not flying because in my mind we where going to die! My husband rented us out a car to drive from the GBR to VIC. We went the inland way. end of the day in a gas station in central QLD I passed out. I woke back up and the workers called an ambulance. I was in and out of it & had pins and needles to my elbows & couldn't feel my legs & hardly breath. I was rushed to hospital to find out it was a panic attack. A panic attack caused me to pass out The next day my husband took us costal way back to our family. He booked a plane for both of us. got to the airport high of my face and yes started seeing black again. I trained it home. I'm now home & on bed rest. Im completely broken. I feel worthless & like a joke. Im over having to explain my illness. Im over my husband getting texted by his family saying poor him.I know poor him. I hate myself everyday being married to him because of who I am. I offer every week that he can leave me. Now I live with the knowledge his family thinks I make his life a living a hell. I don't want to make his life hell. I love him so much. Sometimes I think it's better if I just end my life so he has to move on

backtobliss Sad mum: depression triggered by hair loss
  • replies: 5

Hi anyone and everyone, I'm new to the site but definitely need to be here. I've been suffering from anxiety and depression this time round for the past 4 months. My marriage broke down late 2015 and I moved from the family home, I was happy with the... View more

Hi anyone and everyone, I'm new to the site but definitely need to be here. I've been suffering from anxiety and depression this time round for the past 4 months. My marriage broke down late 2015 and I moved from the family home, I was happy with the decision and possibly the happiest I have been in a very long time, my how times have changed. My trigger has been hair loss, my hair has been falling out noticeably and rapidly since last year - doctors put it down to stress from my change of life circumstances. I have lost about 60% of my hair and this has sent me into a downward spiral of depression, that I feel like I cant get out of. At the moment I cry almost hourly and have a very unhealthy obsession with searching and researching and googling and youtube-ing Hair Loss, Head Shaving and bald women. Before this bout I was so happy, happy with myself, my appearance and my life - now I don't know how Ill keep going or if I even want to - I find nothing enjoyable at the moment just stressful and difficult even the simple things like school pick up and groceries I find an uphill battle. I've made an appointment to see my GP (again) but this time to talk about medication, I think the onslaught of negative feelings and thoughts have effected my hormones and digestion and inturn caused massive skin breakouts also - adding to my despair over my appearance. Many friends have tried to reach out but I have completely dropped out of the social scene and cant bare to look at Facebook - I know people are worried about me and they have reason to be but I don't know what to do to get back on track. My obsessive thoughts about my hair means I sit at home most every day online or walking between bathrooms and mirrors to look at my hair. Its no way to live - I'm considering just shaving it off completely but am so worried about everyones reactions and the "Britney" effect - lost her mind, shaved her head. I don't know if this is a suitable post for this section so I apologise if its a bit brash or TMI. Hoping others are getting help and feeling well, hope to meet people around the forum.

Feli0818 Getting depression during bad weather?
  • replies: 1

So recently i havent understood why i have gotten so depressed. My partner says that he has noticed that was a lot happier before, but i hadnt even noticed my mood dropping. I want to understand why this has happened because i want to be happy again,... View more

So recently i havent understood why i have gotten so depressed. My partner says that he has noticed that was a lot happier before, but i hadnt even noticed my mood dropping. I want to understand why this has happened because i want to be happy again, it hurts being so sad. Some people are saying that its because of the weather constantly changing but mostly being cold, rainy and windy all the time. Others say it could possibly be the decrease in hours at work. but i dont know.

rosi What's the next step?
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone, I've looked through some posts and my heart breaks for the things you are all going through - i can empathise with many things. my long long story short is i dont know what to do from here. I've been married nearly 21 years to an emot... View more

Hello everyone, I've looked through some posts and my heart breaks for the things you are all going through - i can empathise with many things. my long long story short is i dont know what to do from here. I've been married nearly 21 years to an emotionally abusive and controling man. Then he switches and is lovely. five children from 9-20 (older one not at home anymore). youngest child has autism, second has GAD and has recently been accepted thru a hospital mental health plan and is also autism borderline. 17 year old has manjor anxiety and depression, seeing a pysch and on meds but quit year 12 a few months ago right before graduating and he is also agressive and controntational towards younger kids so i often leave the house with them. he goes up and down. i know i have reached a point of almost breaking down a couple of times in the past but right now am at that point again. and can't hide it. i have no one to turn to, no friends. i know i have to do something but don't know what my next step is - so I've come here. I've had major sleep issues since last child was born and drugs for anti depressants or sleeping do not work. even at four times the dose. so im a zombie as well. I'm trying to do what's needed for the kids but I'm failing badly and can't put a face on anymore. have no cash - how do i see a pysch or someone for meds? i honestly do think i may have a disorder that needs medicating but can't figure out what's wrong with me or how to fix it - to stop the panic attacks and thoughts and depression. maybe just start with a gp?