Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

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
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

Delphinium feeling so socially isolated at the moment
  • replies: 4

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water ... View more

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water since. Also studying full time at uni and not doing as well this year as the previous one which is really frustrating me. Only really have my mum to talk to and nobody else and she can only do so much. My self-esteem has plummeted since the separation and I am realising I have elements of social anxiety which I need to deal with. The lack of a decent social network and studying mostly at home is making me feel so alone and I feel like the walls are closing in sometimes. Also gained a lot of weight over past few years which is now making me feel really unhappy with myself and tired all the time. Just starting to wonder when life will pick up again as it seems like a never-ending series of challenges and no fun at all. Finding it hard to get motivated and do anything positive for myself. Thanks for reading and hope to get to know some of you on here.

MichW Depression and Addiction
  • replies: 6

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and... View more

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and got clean after almost dying and losing everything in my life.. well everything that was important to me. Stayed clean for 2 1/2 years, up until last month... How could I be so stupid? Its pathetic, how can I let this drug control my life, why cant I stop? What did I do? I don't want to become who I used to be again - I wont survive RELATED THREADS My alcohol addiction and depression is really hurting me Anxiety with loving someone who is addicted to drugs

ci Help!! newly diagnosed but confused
  • replies: 6

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them... View more

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them and cant deny that totally agree. the part of my diagnosis i have trouble with is one phyc told me i have bipolar but other have said no i dont agree with the bi polar i dont have the highs. my brother is bi polar so i know a bit about it i dont think i'm the same. the other said panic disorder and depression with the ocd so that brings me to my question could this be right i was told the depression doesn't come and go like my moods do. i can be ok one day and unable to stop crying the next. i am so irratable feel like im going to explode alot of the time. is this normal for depression to be up and down and to be so on edge and frustrated. some days i so exhausted its hard to move and do anything but i'm a mum of 3 so not an option to curl up and hide. other days so anxious and irritated im so fidgety still exhausted and dont have energy but i really restless. I cant keep going like this need to know what is happening i dont know much about depression would really appreciate some advice does this sound like depression. i not on meds i refuse untill someone says for sure whats wrong but im at the point where i need to do something fast im in a state i dont have family support except for my husband no otherfamily to support us havent told my husbands family they not the supportive type i did stupidly tell mine and then heard my mother has been making fun of my ocd issues. ive distanced myself from all friend havent seen them for about 2 years i just shut myself off. i contacted two recently trying to reach out explained a little about whats happening with me but i think its a lost cause cause havent heard back from them even though they said wish they new could have helped ect, i seem to attract people that find me useful not the kind to return the favour. anyway this has turned into a rant thought it would all i wanted to post was like i said does any of this sound like depression mixed in with my ocd?

Victoria_Point Are you sick of feeling like crap?
  • replies: 5

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of t... View more

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of the problem I think) and I feel completely dead inside. I am 46 years old. Life is wasting away I want to enjoy everything around me and I cant. I go for a walk along the beach with my dog thinking this will help everyone says exercise helps and the whole time im walking im thinking is it too soon to turn around id rather be home with a coffee and a menthol cigarette, ill go a bit further. I went to Mental Health yesterday and they want me to come off all meds and try cognitive therapy with a Psychologist. It would make sense as they haven't worked for 16 years why poison myself and still feel crappy???? I am okay when im with people which is interesting. I went to a birthday party Saturday and had a great time chatting to all the adults and felt on a kind of high when I left like yes that's how I want to feel again every day. I'm naturally bubbly and funny without sounding too modest but I am and I have this horrible illness that is taking it away from me. My old GP told me he linked depression to loneliness as in studies around the world certain countries have literally no depression like The Philippines as they are surrounded by family all day long.I know I need to get a job but im a Teachers Aid and it is soooo boring and dull. I love the kids but I want something to lift me up where ill be chatting with people all day long like shop work or something. I need to get our of the house that's for sure. Anyway I feel better from just writing this down even so thanks x

FlowersBloom Constant crying, guilt, perfectionism, sadness and I don't know why
  • replies: 1

Hi, I am wondering if there is anyone that suffers from depression and gets similar symptoms to the ones that I have - and how you can control them so that I am able to function at work and in public properly and I can return to feeling normal again ... View more

Hi, I am wondering if there is anyone that suffers from depression and gets similar symptoms to the ones that I have - and how you can control them so that I am able to function at work and in public properly and I can return to feeling normal again (especially dealing with constant crying) These get worse when i let my anxiety get really bad and I tend to fall into a depressed state shortly after. Symptoms: Crying constantly, in public and alone - I get episodes where I can cry for up to 7 hours straight - at this point I will probably start hitting my head against the wall because I feel like I have gone crazy Breathing difficulty Trouble concentrating Everything makes me feel guilty There is no point to anything I do in life! It takes too much effort to do simple things - they feel so difficult. Nightmares Feeling tired and lazy Basically, I have no idea why i am feeling so sad all the time. Everything i think of even happy memories makes me feel so sad. I think it has something to do with my perfectionism and being too self reliant i deal with everything on my own and bottle everything inside. I have struggled since I was about 16 years old. Each but gets worse as the years pass. I never spoke to my parents or anyone about the constant pain I was feeling. And now my body doesn't know how to handle it anymore. I am on medication and seeing a therapist. Medication seems to help the best. I also encourage that if anyone else does not know what to do or if u feel like you are crazy or abnormal you are not. And you are not alone. Talking to someone has been the best thing. Don't bottle up and hide from the world. Seeing a doctor and my medication is the one thing seeing me through this episode.

Big_matt Struggling with depression
  • replies: 2

I have been diagnosed with depression and have been medicated and on way off medication and stopped counciling over 12 months ago recently been struggling feeling like I'm slipping back down and I have had so much help of family and friends but I don... View more

I have been diagnosed with depression and have been medicated and on way off medication and stopped counciling over 12 months ago recently been struggling feeling like I'm slipping back down and I have had so much help of family and friends but I don't want to reach out to them as I feel ashamed and that they would be like harder up your just been soft and your just after attention after We Helping you before I just want to run leave everything behind but also find that I am now crying every couple days over the absolute rubbish i work in a harsh work place high stress prison officer

BobbyMay First Timer
  • replies: 3

Hey everyone, My name is Bob and I think I suffer from depression. This is my first post because seriously, I have no idea what I am doing. I cant seem to focus on my own happiness and it cuts my wound deeper when I see others move on and easily mana... View more

Hey everyone, My name is Bob and I think I suffer from depression. This is my first post because seriously, I have no idea what I am doing. I cant seem to focus on my own happiness and it cuts my wound deeper when I see others move on and easily manage themselves (especially an ex partner). I'm afraid I cant be strong enough, because everything is just going from bad to worse. I have forgotten how to be happy and I wish I could find it again. I know what I am probably saying is silly but I don't want to fall in love ever again. the pain feels so heavy and I feel really lonely. Sometimes I wish I could pop my brain out of my head and wash it. and disconnect any attachments to the heart. I'm currently studying and its just distracting my life. If anyone knows a method that helps them that could possibly help me, I would really appreciate it. ill even buy you a coffee or something. However, knowing I'm not the only one feeling this gives me a bit of courage to do something you know? Anyways I hope everyone is on the road to recovery and I'd be more than happy to help anyone else out there. Bob

Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

Terrimanian have suffered from depression since childhood
  • replies: 2

I'm in my 50's & have suffered from depression since childhood. My illness has seriously impacted on my ability to manage my affairs,particularly financially. I have lived in rental accommodation since arriving in arriving in Melbourne over 10 years ... View more

I'm in my 50's & have suffered from depression since childhood. My illness has seriously impacted on my ability to manage my affairs,particularly financially. I have lived in rental accommodation since arriving in arriving in Melbourne over 10 years ago. In April, the job I had held for over 10 years was made redundant. 8 of my colleagues were also made redundant. I was very angry about being forced to leave the organisation in this as it was very clear that the nature of my role & its value to the organisation had not been properly assessed or understood. I have had several months of casual & contract work since April. I sufficient funds (just) to purchase a very modest apartment, but have not been able to proceed due to my uncertain situation. I was recently hospitalised for depression & discharged just over a week ago. I felt considerably better while on hospital but have relapsed since my discharge. I live alone & am desperately lonely. I am in desperate need of a support group & mentor to assist my decision-making

Gerby Lost hope in life and love
  • replies: 22

I've visited this forum from time to time when I'm feeling down but this is the first time it's felt so bad that I thought maybe I should post something. I'm 28, male, Software Engineer by trade and living alone in an apartment in East Melbourne and ... View more

I've visited this forum from time to time when I'm feeling down but this is the first time it's felt so bad that I thought maybe I should post something. I'm 28, male, Software Engineer by trade and living alone in an apartment in East Melbourne and never had a girlfriend in my life and it's completely destroying me at the moment having nobody in my life for companionship. I've been sitting here for 10 minutes trying to think how to even start to explain my problems but I think I'll just recap briefly up to this point. I feel like I was a normal kid up until about the age of 14 or 15 when suddenly I just stopped wanting to go out, I'd avoid my friends requests to hang out with made up excuses and the times I couldn't escape going out I'd be filled with anxiety and unable to enjoy myself. Then at age 16 my father died of lung cancer which was devastating for both me, my mother and my sister so from that point on I didn't have any male role models in my life. The following year my grandfather died (mother's side) so as you can imagine my mother was not in a great place mentally herself, after I graduated year 12 I started playing 'World of Warcraft' and doing virtually nothing else. 'World of Warcraft' was my life for about 6 or 7 years and it was not a healthy habit in the slightest, my anxiety issues worsened along with depression until it got to a breaking point where my mother sent me to see a psychiatrist for a year because I vomited from anxiety of something as basic as going to get my haircut. I slowly worked through my anxiety issues and eventually was able to leave the house again without turning into a train wreck, then came my mothers new boyfriend. Things seemed fine at first but then he'd just snap at me some days and call me things like "worthless", "lazy" and "not a real man" (because I didn't like drinking or going to pubs) so this did wonders for my already low self esteem, my mother would defend me but in the end she'd still keep him around. To quickly sum up the next few years I ended up going to Uni and walking straight out of Uni into a job, I moved out of home and now I sit alone in an apartment every night wishing I could just find a woman I can relate to or connect with. Every year I lose hope that I'll ever find that someone and I'm starting to seriously question if I'll even make it to 30, I took Tuesday off as an example because I couldn't get myself out of bed. Can anyone tell me why I'm failing at life so badly?