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: 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

Start a discussion

BB89 Mum with depression..how do other mums cope?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm a mum to two gorgeous boys 4(almost 5) and 2 and I have depression. I have my good and bad days. It can be so hard to cope with everyday things. Having depression makes me not have as much patience as I use to have I used to be so calm and ha... View more

Hi, I'm a mum to two gorgeous boys 4(almost 5) and 2 and I have depression. I have my good and bad days. It can be so hard to cope with everyday things. Having depression makes me not have as much patience as I use to have I used to be so calm and happy. Now I'm on edge all the time and find it hard to relax. Every few months I reach my limit and break down into tears then I pick myself up again. I just wish I didn't have depression so I could be a happy fun mum. anyone else have a similar story?

Mr_Wombat1 Struggling
  • replies: 2

Hey all. So I find life hard most of the time since everything seems to have a negative effect on me. I work 5 days a week and my work mates just don't make me feel welcome. They make smart remarks and laugh at my stupidity. Don't get me wrong, most ... View more

Hey all. So I find life hard most of the time since everything seems to have a negative effect on me. I work 5 days a week and my work mates just don't make me feel welcome. They make smart remarks and laugh at my stupidity. Don't get me wrong, most of the people at work are fantastic and friendly. My "friends" do pretty much the same. I have a handful of genuine friends that support me, but just feels like I have to make all the effort. I am 21 and have had depression for a while now. But just feels like it gets worse and worse over time. I don't want to have to take pills or anything like that. I just would like help with finding a solution to ignore the remarks and stay happy. I know people say just don't take it to heart.. But that is easier said then done. I have some problems with myself also. I am overweight, I sweat a lot also. From my armpits and hands mostly. It's a weakness of mine that keeps me from going out often. The only thing that really makes me feel happy is video gaming with my online friends, and going to music concerts to see my favourite bands. But obviously that is not healthy for me. Anyway, I hope there is some advice or someone going through a similar situation that I can connect with and talk to. Thanks for reading

Binksy Depression..out of the blue
  • replies: 2

Why does this overwhelming depression come over me out of the blue? I'm travelling along nicely... yes I'm on medication and have regular sessions with my psychologist.I get so fed up with feeling this way I want to cry. Yes this may be therapeutic b... View more

Why does this overwhelming depression come over me out of the blue? I'm travelling along nicely... yes I'm on medication and have regular sessions with my psychologist.I get so fed up with feeling this way I want to cry. Yes this may be therapeutic but the medication dulls this area and I am not able to cry. I've been on hols so out of routine-have I answered my own question? I just want this pain to stop I can't share this with anyone so decided to join BB online forum I find it very hard to connect with anyone when in this frame of mind.

jammajammamohuma Dont know where to start
  • replies: 1

I am feeling pretty depressed in the 2nd week of the school holidays looking after 3 children 2x3 year old and 1x6 year old plus looking after my 87 year old mother in law which thank god goes back saturday. my depression comes and goes but its alway... View more

I am feeling pretty depressed in the 2nd week of the school holidays looking after 3 children 2x3 year old and 1x6 year old plus looking after my 87 year old mother in law which thank god goes back saturday. my depression comes and goes but its always still the same just a feeling of utter dispear all the time. Im 42 years old. a stay at home dad and all ambition and passion for life has left me. Doing anything these days is hard. Ive actually had depression since I was young but it would come and go though plus I was young so I always felt some kind of hope. Now I feel like Ive already got 1 foot in the grave. I dont want happy pills. I dont want to talk to my wife about it shes no help at all. Im eager to get out into the workforce again but I need some kind of energy. My self confidence is shot.

ChiefMoots Tough weeks but looking forward
  • replies: 4

have had a major depressive episode this week, scariest I've ever felt. There are constant pangs of guilt for those left to pick up the pieces behind me but I'm determined to get better. Anyone out there involved in their own business who battle depr... View more

have had a major depressive episode this week, scariest I've ever felt. There are constant pangs of guilt for those left to pick up the pieces behind me but I'm determined to get better. Anyone out there involved in their own business who battle depression? Keen to discuss your challenges and triumphs

MichelleR Depression & Social Phobia
  • replies: 4

Hi, My first post! I haven't seeked help before but maybe asking if anyone else experiences social phobia might make me feel less alone. i find it hard getting out of bed each day but having to shop or even get fuel for my car is frightening. I stay ... View more

Hi, My first post! I haven't seeked help before but maybe asking if anyone else experiences social phobia might make me feel less alone. i find it hard getting out of bed each day but having to shop or even get fuel for my car is frightening. I stay home more than I go out. Work has suffered and Im 27 with no social life. Gained 20kg in first 12 months of depression, which doesn't help either. i feel like the phobia of seeing people or talking face to face, won't ever leave! Anyone have any tips?

Oceans Struggling with anxiety and depression
  • replies: 5

hi, I have recently been experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression that are. Making it hard for me to function as normal. I have seen my doctor and she has scheduled an appointment tomorrow for me to probably be prescribed medication. I feely r... View more

hi, I have recently been experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression that are. Making it hard for me to function as normal. I have seen my doctor and she has scheduled an appointment tomorrow for me to probably be prescribed medication. I feely really uneasy about this. I know that I need help and I started seeing a psychologist 3 months ago when I first realised I was struggling. I thought it was issues related to deaths in my family but other things have come out of the therapy and I now feel like I am spiralling out of control. I am having trouble sleeping because my heart won't stop pounding, I feel in a constant state of fear or really low. I am finding eating difficult. I have been off work for over a week and have managed to say it was due to asthma and infection but I don't know how much longer I can hide the truth. I am worried I won't be able to work if I can't control this. I feel to ashamed to admit what is going on as it is a relatively new job. If I try to go in I am worried I will have a break down at the slightest thing because I am so jumpy, on edge and exhausted. i just don't know what to do would love some advice

D Walsh Relapsing for no reason
  • replies: 3

I've had depression for about ten years now and I am on maintenance doses of antidepressants under a specialist. I am someone who is generally highly active with work and exercise. Every few months I still have relapses in my depression and for no re... View more

I've had depression for about ten years now and I am on maintenance doses of antidepressants under a specialist. I am someone who is generally highly active with work and exercise. Every few months I still have relapses in my depression and for no real apparent reason. I know it is an illness and their doesn't have to be a trigger, but it is really hard to deal with. I usually notice it coming on when my dreaming becomes really vivid and I can't get into a deep sleep and I get the early morning waking cycle back. I was wondering whether anyone else experiences the same thing and what are their way of dealing with this?

bek0812 Does it get any easier?
  • replies: 3

I don't know how many times I have wondered what's the point? I have recently been diagnosed with depression anxiety and ocd but I can't remember a time that I've been truly happy. i feel like my self worth has hit an all time low. I find myself cons... View more

I don't know how many times I have wondered what's the point? I have recently been diagnosed with depression anxiety and ocd but I can't remember a time that I've been truly happy. i feel like my self worth has hit an all time low. I find myself constantly doubting every decision I've ever made. I am unable to hold a steady relationship because I self sabotage and question their motives. I often wonder why I'm here and why someone would be put on this earth to feel this bad... i know I'm not the only person to have depression and to feel like this. I want to be happy. I look at my beautiful nephew and the smiles he gives me and I wanna be the person he sees that isn't broken. Thankyou for reading about me and making it to the end of my rambles. I don't know what I was trying to accomplish by writing this down. I will forever be amazed at how many tears the human body can produce...

onward_and_upward_ Feeling so lonely...Depression gone but so have all my friends
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, it is so nice to find this forum. I have been through a really tough few years and didn't want my friends to experience me so low and what I believed 'self consumed.' I used to have many friends and now that my old self has returned I do... View more

Hi everyone, it is so nice to find this forum. I have been through a really tough few years and didn't want my friends to experience me so low and what I believed 'self consumed.' I used to have many friends and now that my old self has returned I don't have any friends. Worse still, I am trying to reconnect but they don't seem interested. I am 42 now and miss my friends. This alone makes me feel like I am going back into a depression. I am so desperate for friends and lonely but I feel like people think something is wrong with me. I can't communicate like I used to. I tried a yoga group but even found that clicky and I felt excluded. Has anyone experienced this? Thankyou for listening. X