Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with 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: 1

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

All discussions

Emmers Overwhelmed and exhausted
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I have never posted on an online forum before, so here goes. I am 32 yo woman who has recently been diagnosed bipolar. I have had manic episodes in the past which have upturned my life. I have a psych degree but have been working in reta... View more

Hi everyone, I have never posted on an online forum before, so here goes. I am 32 yo woman who has recently been diagnosed bipolar. I have had manic episodes in the past which have upturned my life. I have a psych degree but have been working in retail for the past 10 years because of consequences of mania and low motivation, as well as having to move to a small town with little opportunity due to having to care for my mum, who passed away a few years ago now. I am now studying to be an occupational therapist, but juggling work with study is really hard and on top of that I am medicated now so I get tired really easy and keep having depressed feelings and depressed days where I can hardly get the motovation to do anything. I got a not so great grade today from uni (I am studying online) and I know it sounds stupid and petty but it just felt like the last straw. I don't know how to keep going. I am just so tired. With the work and the study I have hardly any time for me. Before I started studying I was doing better but at the same time I want to do something different with my life. Going to see a psychiatrist on monday so maybe different medication might be the answer I don't know. I try to talk to my partner about it but because she is not depressed it is hard for her to understand. Just wanted to put my thoughts out there, thanks for listening.

jjac Do I have to?
  • replies: 33

I'm not entirely sure I really want to live a full life. I feel like I have already. I can see my entire life for what it is, what it will be and there isn't really anything worth hanging around for. I'm not suicidal per say, I fear death, suffering,... View more

I'm not entirely sure I really want to live a full life. I feel like I have already. I can see my entire life for what it is, what it will be and there isn't really anything worth hanging around for. I'm not suicidal per say, I fear death, suffering, failure (for the guilt trips from loved ones and possible disability) and something so final...but I don't want to be a part of my life anymore. I'd rather a clean slate. In all facets of my life I am not happy, and haven't been for quite a long time. If not all of them at once, just one or two more than others. I can see exactly how each option will work out. I am not happy at work, I struggle with relationships, I'm just lazy and don't care while caring too much. The solutions are always "have you tried yoga?" Seriously? Yoga? How on earth would that help?! Yeah, yeah, serotonin and movement. Of course, I am just in the "wrong" mindset and if I actually tried I could be happier. Sure sure. I just can't be bothered even entertaining such time wasting, it's just a pety distraction from the reality. This green smoothie and stretching sure makes me feel less like life is a waste of time! YIPPEE! At work everyone demands too much, or asks stupid questions. My field is purely dealing with all of the dregs and nonsense and having to answer the same questions constantly. A problem to solve puts a cloud over me that I can't lift until the issue is resolved or gone. I don't know how much longer I can deal with stupid people and their stupid demands. How much longer can I come into work and stare at a screen all day? I've tired of all of the take away. I'll have to do this for the rest of my life? Why bother? Before you say get a new job, I am a few years away from long service leave, so why cut loose now? That and everything I have experience and training in is the same. Same crud, different workplace. Nothing would change. I find no satisfaction in anything. I get bitter at the car that runs the red light, the subpar food I am served in a restaurant, the rude person, the rain, my washing machine, anything. I'm cynical before anything else and can't imagine constantly looking on the bright side, because when I do I am put in my place and realise I shouldn't have bothered. I'm seen as wrong all of the time by my partner, because he just doesn't understand me. I can't get my points across. I just want to cancel my life, cut the subscription and start again as a new person with better prospects.

bluewater Depression and Anger
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone Im newly signed up but have been around for a while!I've had an awful two years and wont go into it all but have been diagnosed with PTSD and generalised Anxiety Disorder.So far my medication have got me through but i know they are only s... View more

Hi everyone Im newly signed up but have been around for a while!I've had an awful two years and wont go into it all but have been diagnosed with PTSD and generalised Anxiety Disorder.So far my medication have got me through but i know they are only short term and now im becoming angry!I've been prescribed another medication but am scared to take them due to other issues.my main problem is i appear to be getting worse and everything feels like its snowballing not getting better even with the help of my psychologist!Im snapping and yelling at my children to the point its upsetting me more and my anger is getting worse! Im honestly standing on the line of seeing how much I can take and giving up!!!

Imas 9 year battle and still counting
  • replies: 2

I am so pleased to have found a forum as tonight was one of the lowest points I have been in for over three months now. Since 15 years old I have suffered from Major Depression. I am a practicing nurse and chose this path to learn more in-depth about... View more

I am so pleased to have found a forum as tonight was one of the lowest points I have been in for over three months now. Since 15 years old I have suffered from Major Depression. I am a practicing nurse and chose this path to learn more in-depth about why my mind works how it does. I don't have a bad story, I had a beautiful upbringing in a wonderful family, with no bad turns happening throughout growing up. I did always have issues keeping friends, purely because at 15 I felt like I was too tired to bother with anybody. From then on I have been on a rollercoaster of constant emotions with nothing slowing it down. I have tried to observe for triggers, but with no avail. The most frustrating part is I had nothing to be upset about but I still feel to this day that my world crashes down around me for no reason. The current trigger is my father's health, but he is alive and for that I am so thankful - but I still feel extremely emotional. I look into the future and think about where I will be - I am engaged to an amazing boy who I couldn't complain about. But when I look into the future, I don't see one. It's like I would rather disappear and end this uphill battle because it's the same thing repeating itself month in month out. I am here because I need help. I need to know how long term sufferers are handling and coping with this everyday because this past month I have given up. My last option is to reach out because I have nobody who understands how this feels and how much I want to be better but it's not as easy as snapping out of it. So I have three questions. With severe depressive episodes - how do you cope?. With constant relapses into depressive episodes, how did you delay the relapse if it is possible? && Final question - I have refused to be put onto medications, should I take this path? I know it will help I want to know what you are taking if you could share this information with me Thank you wonderful people and god bless

the_lyricist Long time illness, new found freedom. 15 years and I found it.
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I've had schizophrenia for about 15 years now and I've never really used a forum for it before. I'm doing ok here, I manage to plod along, 3 steps forward for each step back... but it's better than 2 and 1 right? I found that music and espe... View more

Hi there, I've had schizophrenia for about 15 years now and I've never really used a forum for it before. I'm doing ok here, I manage to plod along, 3 steps forward for each step back... but it's better than 2 and 1 right? I found that music and especially writing lyrics was a turning point in my life and my ability to manage my depression and anxiety to a much higher level.I'd love to share some of that with you, as I explore the forums. I built a site today to house the songs, but it's very under developed. I need to work out how to get it built properly at some point, but if you are curious, you can ask and I'll post some.I'd love to talk to anyone about creativity and how it can help anyone. Truthfully, I started with nearly no experience 2 years ago. You know what, here's a sample of a song lyric.BLISS, LYRIC SHEET.We have only known each other for a little whileBut I already knowHow deep and sweet the beguileAnytime you smileI'm not about to say I love youWhen I want it to mean everythingNot about to sweetly lead youInto any kind of deceitThis feeling between usFeels a lot like a kissAnything less is a missThis chance to be an usIs not remise It's so much BlissCould fill the deepest abyssThis feeling between usFeels a lot like a kissThis chance to be an usIs not remise it's so much BlissBelieve in meThere's nothing up my sleeveBreathe with meAs free as the breezeBelieve in meThere's nothing up my sleeveBreathe with meBreathe with meI'm not about to say I love youIf I can't show youNot about to sweetly lead youInto any kind of deceitI'm not about to sayThat I love you...END LYRIC SHEET.A cute little poppy love song, but I do all ranges from very damaged lyrics to very hopeful ones. I think it's important to realise that we are a range of things all at once after all!Cheers for reading. I'm about to go explore some threads.Matt.P.S. I'd love to share some ACTUAL tracks with you guys and girls, but the forums wont allow me to post actual links, so hit me up and I can show you directly what I do and tell you how it's really been a massive help in every day life.

Brent01 Just been diagnosed with anxiety and depression
  • replies: 6

Hey im 31 years old and have just got depression really bad for the first time 2 days ago now,all the stuff i used to love doing not interested in doing anymore,waking up in the middle of the night with nausea cant go back to sleep loss of appetite f... View more

Hey im 31 years old and have just got depression really bad for the first time 2 days ago now,all the stuff i used to love doing not interested in doing anymore,waking up in the middle of the night with nausea cant go back to sleep loss of appetite feel full and nauseous all day just really down anyone who tries to talk to me i hear them but the negative thoughts always take over

Debzmite No idea how......
  • replies: 3

I'm 35 in October, I'm on a disability pension from the Army and a carers pension. I have depression and anxiety. all I want to do is get married and have a couple kids, I just have no idea how to get a boyfriend, I just seem to hesitate because one ... View more

I'm 35 in October, I'm on a disability pension from the Army and a carers pension. I have depression and anxiety. all I want to do is get married and have a couple kids, I just have no idea how to get a boyfriend, I just seem to hesitate because one minute I think I have a lot to offer, I'm adventurous, smart, love sports then I get negative and think I'm over weight from my meds, my finances suck and I'm currently unemployed, who the heck would want that!?!?!? Uuuugggggg just so frustrated.

Tri-addict Books to share with children about depression
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new to the forum and have only recently disclosed my depression to my employers, which was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life!!. My wife and I have started to talk to our children (15) and (9) about my illness. It is hard fo... View more

Hi, I am new to the forum and have only recently disclosed my depression to my employers, which was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life!!. My wife and I have started to talk to our children (15) and (9) about my illness. It is hard for our youngest child to understand and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions, maybe even picture books or children's books that deal with depression or dealing with the 'The Black Dog'? Looking forward to your thoughts/recommendations. Thanks everyone

J_dun Not sure what to do...
  • replies: 2

Honestly I don't no what to do anymore, I don't no the first step. I don't no what will help ? Will going to see a doctor even do anything ? im just scared of the next step. Help

Honestly I don't no what to do anymore, I don't no the first step. I don't no what will help ? Will going to see a doctor even do anything ? im just scared of the next step. Help

olly1 Not sure how to proceed...
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, 3 years ago I had a bad depressive episode. I quit my job and was hospitalized. Since then I've crawled my way back out of the hole. I got another better job, joined a gym- became able to cope with life again. Lately I've been apathetic.... View more

Hi everyone, 3 years ago I had a bad depressive episode. I quit my job and was hospitalized. Since then I've crawled my way back out of the hole. I got another better job, joined a gym- became able to cope with life again. Lately I've been apathetic. I've been avoiding social situations again (social phobia) and although I'm not what I call sad. I don't care about anything. Life is pointless. I really feel like I'm just waiting for my life to end. I've tried to get a hobby. Find an interest to give me some purpose in life but I don't enjoy anything and not only that I am too tired to put the effort in. I'm terrified I might relapse. Should I go back to my gp?