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: 0

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

Madie_Madz Feeling empty and less motivated
  • replies: 1

Last year i was diagnosed with depression, i thought i was going through was "Normal". As the year went on i started to go down hill, my mood went down even more and at the same time i was feeling Empty/numb. I'd feel a small amount of emotion then i... View more

Last year i was diagnosed with depression, i thought i was going through was "Normal". As the year went on i started to go down hill, my mood went down even more and at the same time i was feeling Empty/numb. I'd feel a small amount of emotion then it would just vanish leaving me feeling dull, along with that i've lost the motivation to do anything, i bearly go outside, i'm getting sick more often, i am withdrawing from my friends. I am seeking help but i am not sure if its working, i am taking medication but i still feel the same as when i started taking these meds, i am just so confused. What can i do to feel more uh motivated and less numb?

Creek24 Anger and inability to feel happiness
  • replies: 2

Hi! Just wanting some advise on how to change behaviour for feelings of unhappiness when I have nothing to be unhappy about and feeling like I have an inability to feel happiness. Progressively getting worse, even though I can function perfectly well... View more

Hi! Just wanting some advise on how to change behaviour for feelings of unhappiness when I have nothing to be unhappy about and feeling like I have an inability to feel happiness. Progressively getting worse, even though I can function perfectly well in my job and career. Desperately wanting to change but can’t

Arifa De
  • replies: 2

Hi , I’m really feeling like crying but can’t cry, have a very grifing and feeling sad ,

Hi , I’m really feeling like crying but can’t cry, have a very grifing and feeling sad ,

Ijord8 advice please 🙏
  • replies: 1

I need advice, I live with my wife and we've just had our son. I never get a break every single day my legs are in pain and I can't sleep over stress, I feel as I have no mates no one to turn too and on top of this my bpd kicks the crap outta me ever... View more

I need advice, I live with my wife and we've just had our son. I never get a break every single day my legs are in pain and I can't sleep over stress, I feel as I have no mates no one to turn too and on top of this my bpd kicks the crap outta me everyday, I'm so drained and exhausted but the worst I'm getting suicidal, I gotta stay and fight for my son and care for his future I can't just leave him but everyday I feel numb I'm not even interested in anything anymore and me n my wife argue I can't even try to express how I feel cus it's get into an argument. I'm tryna find an alternative for my son's sake, does anyone have any suggestions for me??

cant-think-of-a-name Going on claim
  • replies: 1

Hi all,looking for some guidance from others.ive been dealing with depression for a number of years now, and been on meds and saw psychiatrist for medications.im still just constantly feeling flat, foggy in the head and just seem to get no enjoyment ... View more

Hi all,looking for some guidance from others.ive been dealing with depression for a number of years now, and been on meds and saw psychiatrist for medications.im still just constantly feeling flat, foggy in the head and just seem to get no enjoyment from things.I’ve started feeling like I need to take a step back from work to focus on myself more.I struggle getting through the day at work and I have to start studying again soon, which is already stressing me out. Last time I was doing study I was in a really bad place and started having bad thoughts. I’ve been putting off studies but have to start soon.those who went on an income protection claim, how was your overall state? Am I being too dramatic about it?

Rosaki Lack of motivation and no interest
  • replies: 1

Hi. I got diagnosed with depression a few years ago and quit university after year one in the UK due to eating disorders and depression. Because of this, most of my friends have graduated. I started university again in Australia last year. As some of... View more

Hi. I got diagnosed with depression a few years ago and quit university after year one in the UK due to eating disorders and depression. Because of this, most of my friends have graduated. I started university again in Australia last year. As some of you may have noticed universities recently started semester one, and I had no motivation to study or do the required readings. I just want to lay on my bed and do nothing. I have no passion for doing anything, not only studying but also doing other hobbies. I don't know what should I do now. No matter what I do, I can't feel any pleasure. I did seek help, but I do not think it helps. My mum just blamed me and sarcastically told me not to waste her money on studying. Other than that, my case has transferred to a psychiatrist and psychologist who are totally different from my original one. They do not know my background well. I felt a little bit pushy when they kept on asking me to figure out how to tackle my own issues. Does anyone have a similar experience and can share what I should do? I saw some of you are really brave and handled mental health issues well. Please give me some advice and I wish all students here have a good start of uni and good health to everyone.

Earth Girl People talking about me at work
  • replies: 3

I've been working as a cleaner in an office for a bit over a year now and I really like my job, but some of the people who work there (in one of the computer rooms) talk about me. I know this sort of thing happens at work or anywhere really, but they... View more

I've been working as a cleaner in an office for a bit over a year now and I really like my job, but some of the people who work there (in one of the computer rooms) talk about me. I know this sort of thing happens at work or anywhere really, but they talk about me A LOT. They even talk about me while I'm in the very next room, thinking I can't hear them. They say things like "She's so awkward! Like, she's nice enough, but..." (I'm really shy and don't know how to socialize properly), "Why can't she work at a grocery store?" (I tried really hard to get a job in a grocery store, but wasn't successful. Also, if they know how much I struggle socially in this job, shouldn't they realize how much of a mess I would be in a job like that?), "N, use to do her job." "Haha, I love N." "Like, if that is your only job..."My Mum told me that they are ignorant and still need to learn that for people with disabilities, it takes longer for them to learn how to do things. A lot of people at work also make fun of how I talk. (I have something wrong with my voice - long story). I get paid a little under $6 an hour, but my Dad told me I would get paid a lot more if I didn't have a support worker with me. I'm going to be with a new support worker this coming week, but the support worker I had said I was very independent and that I could do the job by myself. I'd be kind of scared to work by myself though because a lot of people there don't seem to really like me. I'm not really sure what to do though. I would like to work longer hours at this job, but then I'll have to listen to them talk about me more and in the last hour of work, my support worker and I struggle to find more things to do. We ask the people working there if there is anything else they would like us to do and they usually say there isn't anything else. I want to get another job as well, but I don't know where I could work. Maybe in a cafe washing dishes and wiping tables?

geelt Feeling overwhelmed and lost with life
  • replies: 20

Lots of things are happening at once and I just need an outlet to vent my emotions. My head is full of useless unnecessary thoughts and worries that I keep making up for myself. I can start a new activity or hobby only for me to hyper-fixate and get ... View more

Lots of things are happening at once and I just need an outlet to vent my emotions. My head is full of useless unnecessary thoughts and worries that I keep making up for myself. I can start a new activity or hobby only for me to hyper-fixate and get myself burnt out and wasting a lot of time and money that I really shouldn't be spending. I overthink things and that affects my enjoyment of the activities I do. Thinking and worrying about buying things to do or thinking about doing things but when I get to doing things I start loathing it. I have no impulse control and stress over money when its just a dollar wasting so much brain power over nothing. No discipline. Currently on Job Seeker applying for work with low qualification/ no education needed. I decided that I'm not going to try going back to University because it doesn't feel worthwhile, but also realized how limiting employment opportunities are. Having to rely on public transport with transit taking 1-2 hours at worst to the closest available work. I've recently begun volunteering at a 2nd hand shop as well just to get out the house and interact with people. I worry about having no time to do things I enjoy if I start doing paid work which is contrasted by not enjoying the things I do for enjoyment or overthinking and stressing over small details. I haven't driven in a year and only have my Ls. Stressing and loathing about it wont help and it feels exhausting trying to ask help from my parents. Paranoid about crashing the car and I've been overthinking when going for walks near/crossing the road when the cars are nowhere near me but the hesitation makes worry and is affecting my alertness. I've even begun worrying when going up escalators even though the fear is unreasonable. A lot of hesitation and a lack of confidence with everything I do. The support groups I've been going to so I can take my mind off things have had their funding cut so they've been changed to fortnightly and the counselor I've been going to won't be able to see me for a couple months. I don't know what I want to do long term so I'm trying to change my mindset. Its fine to not make a lot of money, its fine to keep living at home with my parents, its fine not to accomplish anything grand and have a simple life. I have lots of ideas and thoughts of things to do but never follow through and just wallow in self pity and feeling restricted and limited in what I can do having to compromise I dont know

Mal50 Lifelong depression
  • replies: 1

Hello all,this is extremely difficult for me. I've lived with depression, and a sense of worthlessness, my entire life.I did the online Depression test, and was rated 'Very High Risk'.I'm not suicidal, per say. I simply don't want to live any longer.... View more

Hello all,this is extremely difficult for me. I've lived with depression, and a sense of worthlessness, my entire life.I did the online Depression test, and was rated 'Very High Risk'.I'm not suicidal, per say. I simply don't want to live any longer. Death has become far more attractive to me, than life. Life offers me nothing, whereas death offers me freedom. I was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, about a year ago, and regret undergoing radium treatment. Recently, I refuse to take the prescribed medications that the doctors have given me.Thank you for reading my post.

tirina Myself
  • replies: 1

Today I woke up feeling not well just having flashbacks it’s all got to do with my partner I feel lost nobody knows it

Today I woke up feeling not well just having flashbacks it’s all got to do with my partner I feel lost nobody knows it