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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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Xanda Bipolar and Pregnancy.
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, So late last year I was diognosed with bipolar disorder. My medication was changed and life has been improving and generally great. i found out a few weeks ago that I am pregnant (very unexpected as it has a less than 5% chance of happen... View more

Hi everyone, So late last year I was diognosed with bipolar disorder. My medication was changed and life has been improving and generally great. i found out a few weeks ago that I am pregnant (very unexpected as it has a less than 5% chance of happening) but as a result I have been taken off all my medication I have an appointment with my psychologist next week, but I'm finding everything a huge struggle. I don't sleep, my moods are terrible and my thoughts are dark. As a first time mum I'm terrified as it is, but putting the lack of medication, no sleep and pregnancy symptoms together I am an absolute mess. Is there anyone who has or is experiencing something like this? Or anyone with any advise on how to get through the next week before my appointment? i would really appreciate it. thank you

LolyWorm Bipolar, Centrelink and finding a job. Advice?
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I've been a long time reader, but haven't posted here for a long time. I am after help, advice or just a few words. Honestly I feel very al one with my issues because I don't know anyone with any mental illness and it's very alienating. ... View more

Hi everyone, I've been a long time reader, but haven't posted here for a long time. I am after help, advice or just a few words. Honestly I feel very al one with my issues because I don't know anyone with any mental illness and it's very alienating. So I've had depression and anxiety since I was 15, diagnosed at 17, then when I was 25 I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar type 2. I've been trying to get my own business going, but it's slow obviously, so in the meantime I looked into getting on the disability support payment through Centrelink. It was rejected and I'm now on Newstart allowance (I absolutely loathe being on Centrelink by the way). In November I had another relapse which included bouts of violence, anger, mania and severe depression. I'm still not back to what I was earlier last year, but I'm very slowly getting there. So I want to start finding a job part time job again to help me out until I can get back to work on my business. So I ask, how did anyone here find a job, or keep one with any mental illness and have your dealings with Centrelink been as discriminating as mine? I've basically been called a liar because I'm a very good actress and put on a brave face in public, when I rarely go out. And one woman from a job support centre actually told me to suck it up. My psychologist and psychiatrist recommend I only work 10 hours a week, which seem so low I won't ever find a job that's under 20 hours a week. Sorry for the long rant! And thanks in advance.

Vorbis How to not think too much
  • replies: 5

Hi I have a slightly weird form of depression that I searched for but didn't see much come up about. Anyone else get existential depression? I tend to have long patches where I'm doing fine, and then stumble into existentialism and wonder what the po... View more

Hi I have a slightly weird form of depression that I searched for but didn't see much come up about. Anyone else get existential depression? I tend to have long patches where I'm doing fine, and then stumble into existentialism and wonder what the point of it all is. I had a weird childhood because I had a perfect memory. Made me have to do things differently because I'd be forced to live with the consequences of my actions forever. It also meant that I had limited space for what I'd give my attention to - I really struggled with other children who changed their minds constantly and contradicted themselves daily (I'm friends with Sophie! Now I'm not! Actually we're all a giant group of friends except we hate Alex!) I'd get sick from having to live with all the mismatched data. They weren't even lying! They just changed their minds, and that constantly rolling game was the point of their world. It wasn't mine. Fortunately I had a son when I was 26, and then became a single mum. He never slept, and was still waking up seven times a night when he was one and a half years old. Turns out they use sleep deprivation as a form of torture because it completely destroys a person. Far from an eidetic memory, I have no memories at all for the first three years of his life. So now my mind is a much happier place. I can mess things up and forget about it! But I occasionally slip back into wondering what the point of it all is (the What is the meaning of life question I was driven to answer, back when answering it was a genuine possibility). And it makes me find all the small things I do day to day pointless. Does anyone know how to stop sliding into big picture thoughts? It feels very similar to meditation. So... how to not meditate?

Izzyly I have depression and he has cancer
  • replies: 2

I have had clinical depression for over 20 years. I manage it with medication and a very supportive partner. Now he has cancer and I can't support him the way he needs. I just cry all the time which is no good for him. What dan I do?

I have had clinical depression for over 20 years. I manage it with medication and a very supportive partner. Now he has cancer and I can't support him the way he needs. I just cry all the time which is no good for him. What dan I do?

Jaimi17 I just want to be happy
  • replies: 8

Hi There, I feel like I have been living in hell for years now just struggling to get through the days. I feel as though i take 2 steps forward and then 10 steps backwards. I am constantly trying to talk myself into a happy state, to be strong but it... View more

Hi There, I feel like I have been living in hell for years now just struggling to get through the days. I feel as though i take 2 steps forward and then 10 steps backwards. I am constantly trying to talk myself into a happy state, to be strong but its all very short lived. I feel like Im a burden to everyone, im restless, unmotivated, tired and just want the world to pause so I can catch up mentally and emotionally. Does anyone have any tips or tricks that helps them calm down. Its getting to the stage I get this pain through my shoulders neck chest and back most days.. i feel so fidgety and so sad all the time. It almost feels like its something more than depression now.. I just feel completely out of control and lost.. I have no idea how to fix it. If you have any ideas, advice, please let me know. Thank you.

Xavius Medical redundancy.
  • replies: 4

Hey everyone, It's been a while since I've posted on the forums. It felt as if I was getting back on track, I wasn't even thinking about suicide any more. That felt like huge progress to me. I've had a back injury at work at the end of 2015 and it's ... View more

Hey everyone, It's been a while since I've posted on the forums. It felt as if I was getting back on track, I wasn't even thinking about suicide any more. That felt like huge progress to me. I've had a back injury at work at the end of 2015 and it's still not better. Being in pain every day gets the best of me sometimes, but you learn to cope I guess. But recently I was called in for a meeting to explain the options I have at my current workplace. The good thing is, it's part of an agency, but finding work within it is tougher than I thought. My skill set is rather limited and haven't had the chance to study too much due to financial strain. Maybe a quick course here and there, nothing significant enough to get me ahead. If I can't find a job within 3 months within the agency, then I'll be given a medical redundancy package. I honestly don't want it. It's going to make my life even harder to find a job. There is a major lack of skill improvement in the work place and the ladder to success is closely guarded here. I have no idea what to do about it. I've been looking every single day, hoping something will pop up which I can apply for. This is stressing me out quite a bit. The bullying and attitude I've been receiving doesn't help either. I know that I'm trying my best, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough. At least I've quit smoking and drinking. So I have that going for me, which is nice. Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday, if not, I'll hug you all. Peace & Love

borderlinefemale89 Borderline Personality Disorder - Welcome to comment :)
  • replies: 4

Hello Everyone. I am 27 years old and for years I had been mis-diagnosed for 15 years as Schizophrenic, Schizo Affective, Bi Polar until finally, I got the right diagnosis of BPD. I find it really hard to relate to people that don't understand what B... View more

Hello Everyone. I am 27 years old and for years I had been mis-diagnosed for 15 years as Schizophrenic, Schizo Affective, Bi Polar until finally, I got the right diagnosis of BPD. I find it really hard to relate to people that don't understand what BPD people go through. We really do get misunderstood. My relationships can be intense, Like love interests. There is definetely the fear of being abandoned and for me constant re assurance that I was loved in my previous relationship. I also have extreme trust issues. I have learnt to try not to tell people to much anymore. I hate myself some days, then i think I am great? Struggle with self image and identity all the time its infuriating. I haven't worked in almost a year, but may be getting a full time position in something I haven't done before. I feel I can do it, but I am also worried that I will be criticised too harshly by co workers, or even mainly by myself. Please comment BPD community xx

The_lost_one I dont want to be crazy anymore
  • replies: 6

Does anyone else cry themselves to sleep at night? Ive been doing it for the past 2 years I contantly have panic attacks and currently this will be my 3rd day without any sleep. Sorry for all the grammer and spelling mistakes in advance. Im so sick o... View more

Does anyone else cry themselves to sleep at night? Ive been doing it for the past 2 years I contantly have panic attacks and currently this will be my 3rd day without any sleep. Sorry for all the grammer and spelling mistakes in advance. Im so sick of feeling down all the time like a walking zombie I have days were im so happy I look crazy then other days were I stay naked in bed for days crying not wanting to talk to anyone. I just want help I dont want to have to keep making excuses for going to seek help. I dont want to give up on myself but everyone else has given up on me so maybe its time to just end it. Ive thought of suicide so many time all different ways of how I would die, am I crazy? What do I do im a complete mess I just need someone to talk to

Bluegirloz Where do I begin?
  • replies: 2

Hello, I'm new to the online community. I've been suffering depression & anxiety for the past two years since a relationship breakdown (10 years) I'm currently living with a friend she's been a great support but I'm very focused on helping her and he... View more

Hello, I'm new to the online community. I've been suffering depression & anxiety for the past two years since a relationship breakdown (10 years) I'm currently living with a friend she's been a great support but I'm very focused on helping her and her family but have no interest in doing something for me. On the outside I appear fine to others except those extremely close who know I'm not going that well. I've tried psychological help and medication which I don't feel have helped and would rather try to help myself with other options. So I'm just looking for some advice on where to start. I have times when I spiral into thoughts of panic about my future on a myriad of levels. I am not the person I once was and am not sure how or if I will be again. Today I drink,smoke,rarely socialise,little exercise. I previously was running marathons,gym junkie,social drinker & non smoker..so I thought I'd see if anyone might have some suggestions as to where I begin...thank you for reading

hannalogy I dunno
  • replies: 4

I wasnt sure what to call this thread.. I basically have some questions.. Sometimes it just hurts to be around people. Like I just want to lay on the floor or go home. There is just something so painful about it sometimes. I have to go to the bathroo... View more

I wasnt sure what to call this thread.. I basically have some questions.. Sometimes it just hurts to be around people. Like I just want to lay on the floor or go home. There is just something so painful about it sometimes. I have to go to the bathroom and calm down. I don't really understand why this is.. I just feel so sad. For no reason. Sometimes life just doesn't seem to have much meaning or point. Why do i work? So I can pay the rent and feed myself. Why pay the rent and feed myself? To what end? Like I know that's kind of dramatic and silly, but it's how I feel some times. Life just seems to be this thing to "get through". Are these depression things? Or just my own immaturity?