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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

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willow89 Reality is hard.
  • replies: 3

I dont know what to say. I guess I feel uneasy in life. For years my moods have been all over the place; from overly happily and excited to ignorant, distant and cold. I have anxiety about communicating with people or what people think of me. I get s... View more

I dont know what to say. I guess I feel uneasy in life. For years my moods have been all over the place; from overly happily and excited to ignorant, distant and cold. I have anxiety about communicating with people or what people think of me. I get stressed when people invite me to events that I know I will have to attend or 'should' attend and then the whole time leading up to it Im stressed, anxious and distant that it effects my work. I have been sent home, called in sick, and managed to gain a group of haters because of my moods and "depressingness".. The worst part is I am fully aware of all my potential and how great I am at my job, but I am soo unmotivated with EVERYTHING in life that I just don't apply myself. Nothing seems important enough to try. Im not motivated by money and although I like my job I still would rather lay in bed all day instead. I struggle to focus my thoughts on the good in the world when my perspective only sees hate. Things like war, poverty, animal cruelty, technology, government deception. Things like this cross my mind everyday and I wish for death away from this place of hate and greed. I feel trapped in a society/culture that I don't agree with. This makes it hard to fit in and feel accepted. Having noone to speak to, noone to turn to, noone who thinks like me, I turn to myself and unfortunately I am a horrible person. I have nothing nice to say about myself, I always judge myself and think the worst and sometimes I think I hear people talking about me when I know they are not.. that sounds weird but its really Fkd-up. I have kept a diary for a very long time and before that in my teen years I wrote letter. This does help but I dont do it as often and all I ever seem to write is miserable stuff. I have companions whom I love. I have always had some type of substance in my life. At one point it was meth, ectasy, alcohol, and marijuana. Currently I smoke weed and have found this to be the most stabilizing of them all but i dont promote it at all, infact I would reccommend otherwise. Unfortunately for me it helps me feel less. Which is my way of coping at the moment.I will refuse medications or pharmaceuticals and the doctors as they have been nothing but failures to me in my past experiences. My beliefs apose this industry and the community rules apose me for speaking in depth on this. Any ideas for feeling importance in life for daily activities? Or how to want to get out of bed each day.

Destiny_Driver I'm new to BB
  • replies: 6

Thought I'd better do an intro post. I'm a 50ish female who has battled depression for most of my life. Over the years I've had numerous psychiatrists and psychologists - none helped much. Medication makes me feel like I'm living in a bubble OR doesn... View more

Thought I'd better do an intro post. I'm a 50ish female who has battled depression for most of my life. Over the years I've had numerous psychiatrists and psychologists - none helped much. Medication makes me feel like I'm living in a bubble OR doesn't appear to do anything. I just can't win! Most people are unaware of my depression - I've become a master at masking my feelings. The only ones who know me well are my animals. I've moved house from the city to a rural idyll to better accommodate my animals - I have horses and dogs. I've also just started seeing a new counsellor and she has given me some hope..... I'm sorry if I'm rambling on.......... today is not one of my better days

interloper Running out of ideas
  • replies: 9

I am getting desperate and have no idea what to do. My issue has been built up over 15-20 years of growing up and ruminating as an adult. I want to proven wrong but unfortunately it never happens. It is my belief that life is completely devoid of mea... View more

I am getting desperate and have no idea what to do. My issue has been built up over 15-20 years of growing up and ruminating as an adult. I want to proven wrong but unfortunately it never happens. It is my belief that life is completely devoid of meaning. Objectively, there can literally not be meaning to anyone's life because there is no way to have lasting or significant impact. It is simply an issue of not having a viable option available. Subjectively, people can create their own meaning, but it is false and empty. Subjective meaning is an oxymoron because what I find meaningful may be completely meaningless to every other person, which by any measure is meaningless. Anyway, I have raised this with friends and family and they simply shrug and make platitudes about their meaningless life and that they enjoy it. I am sick of feeling bleak and listless. I have sought help but nothing has worked. I live in a regional town and options are limited. I have seen a few gps but they are stretched and it doesn't seem like the forum to discuss big ideas. I have seen a psych who after two sessions could only offer the advice of writing a "gratitude list" and to find hobbies. She simply didn't understand the depth of what I was trying to tell her and that I was a "bit upset about life". I saw a councillor who literally told me he couldn't help me and to not come back. I am out of options in my local area. I also tried some meds but they made me feel worse. I feel even worse now and that I am spiralling out of control because I don't even have the hope that treatment can help. I've had blood tests (nothing to pin this on), I eat healthily, exercise regularly, am in a stable relationship, have stable employment, no financial issues, etc. My issue is the belief that life doesn't matter and don't care anymore. I actually think there isn't anything defective in my belief, but don't want to be sad about life anymore. I feel like I've woken up, seen the truth, and cannot unsee it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Kann So scared of rejection, depression kicks in.
  • replies: 7

Hi, I'm new here. My biggest worry at the moment is that I'm so scared of rejection I'm fearing I'm driving my partner away. They also suffer depression. I want to support them and try the brave face. Unfortunately I'm so overcome with fear and watch... View more

Hi, I'm new here. My biggest worry at the moment is that I'm so scared of rejection I'm fearing I'm driving my partner away. They also suffer depression. I want to support them and try the brave face. Unfortunately I'm so overcome with fear and watching everything I say and do I feel like I'm sinking. I don't want to feel this way. Any suggestions welcomed.

lulucauli Been crying for 3 days
  • replies: 6

that feeling comes back again after i felt better for the last 2 years. Loneliness and desperation. I'm 35 yo female and have no friends, no partner and no children now. After I talked to guy I was dating for the recent one year, I feel desperate aga... View more

that feeling comes back again after i felt better for the last 2 years. Loneliness and desperation. I'm 35 yo female and have no friends, no partner and no children now. After I talked to guy I was dating for the recent one year, I feel desperate again. He is not willing to buy a property with me and move forward. All my married friends are working together for a better life. But i have no one to rely on. Bank will only lend me 300k ish, which is not enough to buy property here. I have been covered with tears this week, can't stop crying.

Adz0h HELP Bipolar 2, hiding from responsibilities. Tax, insurance, household duties.
  • replies: 4

Hi friends, this is my first post.I've recently been diagnosed bipolar 2 after years of depression treatment. Had a bit of a breakdown after a close family death and a family member with an ice addiction.I'm a subcontractor snake catcher and don't ea... View more

Hi friends, this is my first post.I've recently been diagnosed bipolar 2 after years of depression treatment. Had a bit of a breakdown after a close family death and a family member with an ice addiction.I'm a subcontractor snake catcher and don't earn alot due to physical injury. In the middle of adjusting the bipolar meds and I'm a mess. But can't afford to see a psychiatrist at the moment. Just don't have the mental energy.I'm worried because I haven't put last years tax earnings in due to mental breakdown and falling off a roof and breaking a few ribs. Has anyone had a similar experience with their tax etc?Trying so hard not to just sit around and do nothing with my life, but all these things business owners have to do are closing in on me and I'm starting to panic. Psychologists I've seen have no idea what to do about this, so who do I see for help? I'm trying so hard to keep it together.Thankyou very much for reading

zaidoo12 "I understand you"
  • replies: 8

I am a 27 turning 28 next month and still wondering why I have never heard anyone say "I understand you" to me. every time there is something that I feel and see that is unfair for me, people always say their opinion but never saw where I am standing... View more

I am a 27 turning 28 next month and still wondering why I have never heard anyone say "I understand you" to me. every time there is something that I feel and see that is unfair for me, people always say their opinion but never saw where I am standing. I grew up from a small country with poor family. Never complained with anything i have had because i dont want my family especially my parents to feel that what they did weren't enough. I worked and helped family after my studies; and even if while I was studying I do extra job to earn money for school and family too. I always help everyone who is in need as much as i could especially family. I saw how easy life was with other people while most of everything was a struggle. But then again, people that i love are my priority. It is very rare for me to say "NO" to anyone because I have had lot's of "NO's" in my life too. And that feeling wasn't pleasant. I grew up trying to understand everyone's needs and situation until now that i am married (3yrs). But I guess I have reached my end of understanding everyone, the end of giving without having in return. i never wished for material things but to hear and feel that someone understand. Someone said I am naive. i give all i can even if i know i will not have anything left. I did this to myself. I have let myself feel like this. Now I am feeling guilty that I am exoecting something in return. But is it wrong to care and understand everyone hoping someone, even just one from them will give the same thing even if i don't ask for it. Just as simple as "i understand you" response when I am feeling heavy.

Boulvard Scared unsure alone
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm new to this so please forgive me if i am posting in the wrong place, i am 51 and have been struggling with depression since my early 20s. 2010 my mother in law passed away from pancreatic cancer,2012 my father in law passed from lung cancer, 2... View more

Hi I'm new to this so please forgive me if i am posting in the wrong place, i am 51 and have been struggling with depression since my early 20s. 2010 my mother in law passed away from pancreatic cancer,2012 my father in law passed from lung cancer, 2012 my dear friend in her mind 40s passed away from lung cancer May 2013 my 20 yr relationship broke down and ended, nov 2014 my stepmum passed away after a long battle with stomach cancer, jan 19th 2015 my mum passed away after a long and horrible battle with parkinson's, jan 19th 2016 my father passed away after a stroke, heart attack then finally bowel cancer. I feel that i am currently in the darkest place i have ever been, i live alone with only my two dear little cats as company as i have steadily since approx 2014 withdrawn from most social contact not deliberately it's just happened that way. my doctor has said i have major depression and ptsd, i am on meds and now he wants to start a treatment of ketamine, Im scared and alone and i guess just wanted to talk

Snoggle Lost
  • replies: 2

Hi I'm new here and not sure if this is where i should post it or not, but i feel lost, I'm not sure where i belong. I'm a father of three gorgeous girls and a wife of 12yrs. I recently had a bad time at work, getting picked on as a manager could nev... View more

Hi I'm new here and not sure if this is where i should post it or not, but i feel lost, I'm not sure where i belong. I'm a father of three gorgeous girls and a wife of 12yrs. I recently had a bad time at work, getting picked on as a manager could never do the right thing, was always in trouble, no friends, everyone stabbed me in the back etc. I left to join Bunnings and for 4 months was good then i got fired for a minor incident. Due to no income i was forced to return to my old job, feeling like i let my family down so had to do the right thing and earn an income( sole income earner). I thought i was mentally tough and could handle it but recently I've just been feeling like I'm lost, nothing goes the way i want it to, I'm getting emotional (admittedly I've had a couple of drinks). I feel like i just want to be alone for a while with no one around. I just can't be bothered with people at the moment even my wife and kids, it's making me angry and frustrated to be around others. Some days are ok and in general work has been good considering, but i just can't help feeling lost. I'm not sure what to do, I've always been a loner, able to entertain myself, so I'm not sure if it's just a mood or something more. Just hoping to get some answers. Thanks Aaron

lookingforme Does anyone ever truly beat depression?
  • replies: 8

Does anyone ever truly beat depression? I experience those "waves" my psychologist told me happens; waves of good and bad. But it never gets easier, it always blindsides me and each time I'm left wondering how much strength is left in me actually. Th... View more

Does anyone ever truly beat depression? I experience those "waves" my psychologist told me happens; waves of good and bad. But it never gets easier, it always blindsides me and each time I'm left wondering how much strength is left in me actually. The better you feel the worse it hits you, or the worse it seems anyway. Even in the good days are not always good, it just a higher ratio of good to bad. Just wondering I suppose...

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