Support
Support

Depression

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

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Countrymusicgirl Emotionally burnt out/ breakdown at work/ work place counseling
  • replies: 2

On Sunday, I had a breakdown day work. Im not focused, I'm lacking motivation, I'm tired the list goes on. I've had this before- emotionally burntout. So I lost it emotionally where I couldn't talk to people, couldn't talk to other staff without want... View more

On Sunday, I had a breakdown day work. Im not focused, I'm lacking motivation, I'm tired the list goes on. I've had this before- emotionally burntout. So I lost it emotionally where I couldn't talk to people, couldn't talk to other staff without wanting to cry. ​I've now noticed I'm since sunday- im drinking, my insomnia has hit a new extreme (no sleep), I want to distance myself from work so I'm rocking up late so I don't get to say hi to people etc. I'm now a walking zombie. Like I'm lacking something. Now above the rosters- is an information about work place counselling- work pays only get 4 sessions. I'm in between psychologist since the last one left. Even though I love my boss I can't go up to him and go hey can take advantage of this counselling? My boss isn't a stupid person - he knows there's something that clicked over in my head. He asked me how I'm doing I said fine. He didn't believe me.

20oney What if nothing helps?
  • replies: 14

Hey all at BB, I'm 22, treatment resistant depression for the past two and a half years.. Recently diagnosed as treatment resistant.. Chronic pain is another new diagnosis.. But they're all just words that I really do not want to take in at this stag... View more

Hey all at BB, I'm 22, treatment resistant depression for the past two and a half years.. Recently diagnosed as treatment resistant.. Chronic pain is another new diagnosis.. But they're all just words that I really do not want to take in at this stage. I've been seeing a psychologist for close to 2 years now.. Maybe 9 months with the current psych.. I donno, I like them, and I am extremely glad to know that they are there, but when it comes to talking to them, I close up. It's always been that way for me, with everyone. I kind of thought I was being fairly open, up until the last couple of session where it's all sort of turned to crap. I've got it stuck in my head, that this is how it's going to be, until my final breath. Nothing seems to help in any way. I've tried meds, psychotherapy, exercise, eating well, seeing friends and family, drinking, weed, holidays, quitting my job, ending my 2 year relationship, I even went out and bought myself a trusty pooch to stand by my side (probably my best decision). But yeah, despite all of this, here I am, in the thick of it all still. I feel like there's no hope left for me, and that nothing is ever going to lift this dark, low mood. Like I am going to be hiding this horrible side of myself forever, with no relief.. What sort of a way is that to live? I'm just really fed up with trying, and getting nowhere, in fact, going backwards. I want it all to end, but I know that's not going to happen. Currently, I'm looking at a big change, a move to a new city. Somewhere fresh, with new smells, new everything. Away from all that I know and trust. In theory, I know that this may not be a great idea, especially when constantly battling away.. But, staying here, in this town isn't exactly doing me any good anyway. Anyway, I just needed a rant, and know that someone will read this. So that's something I guess.. Thanks all

Della4 Time Frames
  • replies: 3

I have been recently diagnosed with depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse. I have to see a psychiatrist and psychologist as well as a regular gp. All of my life I have been a very strong person who has dealt with a lot of major blows in life. I used... View more

I have been recently diagnosed with depression, anxiety and alcohol misuse. I have to see a psychiatrist and psychologist as well as a regular gp. All of my life I have been a very strong person who has dealt with a lot of major blows in life. I used to tell the story about the camel and the straw to people, when things went wrong I'd think, I don't know just how much more this camel can take. I lost my parents when I was young, had disasterous relationships mainly with domineering, controlling men who used and took from me. Divorced my husband who was an alcoholic and couldn't stop doing things that were destructive to out relationship no matter how I tried to ask or get him to stop. I have begun over from scratch with nothing more then once, just driving myself to survive and just when I thought I may have finally have my life on the right track I allowed it to be destroyed by another domineering, thoughtless, aggressive man in my workplace. I threw away my dream job and two years of study away because of his aggressive, thoughtless opinions that noone else shared and now after so many years of trying so hard I have finally quit. I no longer care about things I once thought so important and wonder why I bothered even caring. Just seems a waste of time to me now, why'd I even bother. I picture that old camel splay legged on the ground now. People keep saying I need to eat properly and drink less and exercise etc, etc and I can't even bring myself to care anymore. I drink because it makes me feel better and numbs everything, I no longer care about my health and fitness, if I die who cares. I used to be very fit and sporty and now I don't even care and there are several physical health problems that I used to ignore as I just used to work hard and soldier on that are now causing me pain and grief. I have a rotator cuff injury, disc damage in my neck and problems with arthritis in my hands and bad knees, mostly from working my ass off most of my life for people who never gave a damn about me. I feel like I just want to remove myself from all of society right now and do little more then just breathe, I don't care about so much, except my pets, that's all. I am getting sick of people who seem to expect me to just get over it and switch on again, be the dynamic person I once was. I try to explain it as it's like there is a big switch there but I have lost to ability to switch it on and I don't know if or when that will ever come back.

Dandannydandan Tension Headaches
  • replies: 6

Hi guys! Does anyone else suffer with tension headaches? I've been suffering with them literally 24 hours a day for the last 18 months or so. I didn't know what it was until I went to the doctor and he diagnosed that they were tension headaches, appa... View more

Hi guys! Does anyone else suffer with tension headaches? I've been suffering with them literally 24 hours a day for the last 18 months or so. I didn't know what it was until I went to the doctor and he diagnosed that they were tension headaches, apparently brought on by depression and a serotonin imbalance. I'm finding it really debilitating and have no idea how to get rid of them. Has anyone else had them, and if so how do did you manage or get rid of them. Thanks Dan

maggie23 Depression and Anxiety at work
  • replies: 3

I am finding it really difficult to deal with my job as a primary school teacher while suffering depression AND anxiety. My mind is always in a state of chaos. My mind had the anxiety, so its spinning a million miles a minute, while my body has the d... View more

I am finding it really difficult to deal with my job as a primary school teacher while suffering depression AND anxiety. My mind is always in a state of chaos. My mind had the anxiety, so its spinning a million miles a minute, while my body has the depression and I lack the energy and motivation to do anything about the problems that I'm anxious about. It's a vicious cycle. At school however it's really hard. The kids that I teach are very challenging, and I leave here almost every day tired, cranky, and doubting myself about my abilities. Can I do this? Am I doing a good job? Do the kids even like me? Maybe I should just go and teach somewhere else, somewhere easier. But I know in my mind that it is a hard job, and that a lot of the staff here struggle, it is a hard school. And I have only been teaching for 3 terms. I'm only 24, I'm fresh out of uni, and I picked one of the hardest places to teach. I've been sworn at by students, called every name you can think of, they mock me, they don't listen, and they are disrespectful. It is so hard to keep coming back here. But the staff here are amazing, I have made some really good friends, so I don't want to leave. I just don't know if I can do this. I worry that the higher up execs are looking at me drowning and talking about me behind my back, saying that I can't cut it, and that they should never have given me the job. I have a lot of self doubt. I've been a sufferer of depression and anxiety for 8 years. I am on medication to help me, I have seen a psychologist before, and she really helped. I know that the things going on in my head is my "pathological critique" talking. Saying terrible things to me. I know I just need to tell it to shut up, but it's so hard when I just don't have the energy at the moment. Does anyone have any coping strategies that they use while they are at work to get through the day/week?

Scrapper Newbie and living with depression and anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi I am Claire I am new to the online forum. I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety a year ago. It has been a big roller coaster in learning that I have depression and anxiety and how to cope with it. Learning what my triggers are and how to try... View more

Hi I am Claire I am new to the online forum. I got diagnosed with depression and anxiety a year ago. It has been a big roller coaster in learning that I have depression and anxiety and how to cope with it. Learning what my triggers are and how to try and live with them. As stress is a trigger I was studying full time and working casually. It has been really hard but trying to get through.

jdragon depressed, ptsd, anxiety
  • replies: 3

mum passed away 12 months ago very suddenly (brain cancer)... 3 days after diagnosis. cant seem to get passed the fact that shes's gone. gone into a state of mental depression/anxiety++++, ptsd, chronic insomnia as my GP and psych described.need to m... View more

mum passed away 12 months ago very suddenly (brain cancer)... 3 days after diagnosis. cant seem to get passed the fact that shes's gone. gone into a state of mental depression/anxiety++++, ptsd, chronic insomnia as my GP and psych described.need to move forward with my life, potential new business...just stuck, proscratination, totally lost and bored to death at work as mum was my listening post so to speak. How do I move forward from this nightmare!!!!

sarahivy Depressed, overwhelmed and grieving
  • replies: 1

I lost my mum 3 years ago and I've never felt like I could replace her. I miss having her to talk to and not be judged by what I have to say. My friends don't understand what it's like and I feel guilty going to my dad all the time. I've been struggl... View more

I lost my mum 3 years ago and I've never felt like I could replace her. I miss having her to talk to and not be judged by what I have to say. My friends don't understand what it's like and I feel guilty going to my dad all the time. I've been struggling to find the right person to unload to for the 3 years and I feel like I'm going to explode!

Ashtree Bipolar and me
  • replies: 2

Hi, This is hard for me to talk about so I will keep the back story short. I found out I'm bipolar about 6 months ago after possibly suffering with it for 10+ years. I guess the reason I created an account was just to try find some help in figuring o... View more

Hi, This is hard for me to talk about so I will keep the back story short. I found out I'm bipolar about 6 months ago after possibly suffering with it for 10+ years. I guess the reason I created an account was just to try find some help in figuring out who the real me is. How do I know if I’m in a “normal” state and happy or I’m actually manic? Am I feeling depressed because I’m thinking about how I’m bipolar or am I actually just in a down swing? What does it actually feel like when you’re not manic or depressed? Thanks in Advance

sadandpsyco I am nothing
  • replies: 3

Hi. I am 27 years old at age 22 I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. I do not recall what happiness feels like. Occasionally life isn't completely painful and I guess that is as close to happy as I get. I have no idea what to do with mysel... View more

Hi. I am 27 years old at age 22 I was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. I do not recall what happiness feels like. Occasionally life isn't completely painful and I guess that is as close to happy as I get. I have no idea what to do with myself at one point I was mechanic but now after a few days of any job stress kick in and I end up back in hospital. I enjoy life I have friends but they are only really there when I am well, understandably so as even I know I am a pain when Im in a bad place. My life has now becomet 90% attempting to distract from hallucinations and bad feelings so I can barely function as a human. I only stick around because I am scared to die.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map