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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: 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

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Rochan2014 Feeling very down
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I joined the online forum a few days ago and posted in the anxiety section. I'm just trying a new medicine these last 4 days and finding my anxiety is less but now I'm feeling very depressed and down. Maybe because of the weather, or cau... View more

Hi everyone, I joined the online forum a few days ago and posted in the anxiety section. I'm just trying a new medicine these last 4 days and finding my anxiety is less but now I'm feeling very depressed and down. Maybe because of the weather, or cause my mate (who is always up for a good yarn) had an off day, or cause I'm not really comfortable with my GP, not sure the reason why I'm so down. Normally i suffer from anxiety mostly with a bit of depression, now its quite a lot of depression. I did meet my support worker today and we had a good chat for an hour and a half but the rest of the day I just felt really down. My family does all the unhelpful things like avoiding me when i need to feel people around me and say things like "keep busy" which doesnt help. I guess other people have or are going through something similar and I know it can take several weeks for a medication to work also but would be interesting to hear if others are going through this and what strategies they use (I have some already, the weather really fouled up everything today but that's another story).

Sherlocked 38 going on 13 - my emotional intelligence, that is.
  • replies: 3

I am trying to write this introduction but this huge ball of tangled feelings and thoughts is getting in the way and I don't know where to start. If I don't think about it, I am fine. As soon as I think about it, everything seizes up and I can't find... View more

I am trying to write this introduction but this huge ball of tangled feelings and thoughts is getting in the way and I don't know where to start. If I don't think about it, I am fine. As soon as I think about it, everything seizes up and I can't find the words and I just end up crying until I can calm myself back down again, stuff it all away behind the mask that I live behind and get back on with the everyday stuff. I can usually pretend nothing is wrong until something happens to crack my facade. Today it is a sore back. Other days it's emotional stuff. I never actually swing into severe depression, it's just an underlying low mood feeling that runs just below the surface. I think it's called dysthymia but I've never been to a doctor about it. I know I should do something about this state of being, but I am scared of change, and I don't have the strength of character to make the effort. It feels like too hard work. It's so much easier just to bury myself in a book or watch a show than to actually think about things. But I know I'm not doing myself any favours and my kids and husband need me to be better.

PSMahi I just want to feel happy
  • replies: 4

Not sure if there is anyone in the same boat as me but here goes my story. I am 30yo gay male moved here from interstate in January this year. I tried socializing and staying active which was great. But then I had alopecia and lost confidence and jus... View more

Not sure if there is anyone in the same boat as me but here goes my story. I am 30yo gay male moved here from interstate in January this year. I tried socializing and staying active which was great. But then I had alopecia and lost confidence and just felt so sad about myself.I took some time off from work and went traveling and felt great. But few days ago depression came back and I am back to square one. I just cant handle this anymore, it feels so exhausting and draining. I'd really appreciate if people would share their side of the story or give me any suggestions. I just want to feel happy and normal. Cheers

janazantar Not getting better
  • replies: 3

Seeing psych every week and back to the doc to change medication tomorrow. Even on a higher dose this one isn't working. Unfortunately those deepest fears are true, people you think are close don't really care if you shut down and give up your person... View more

Seeing psych every week and back to the doc to change medication tomorrow. Even on a higher dose this one isn't working. Unfortunately those deepest fears are true, people you think are close don't really care if you shut down and give up your personality, that spark that makes you who you are, as long as you don't appear upset. They'd rather you wear the mask than be who you are, worts and all even with depression. It's like that quote from Robin Williams, All it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are. I have four people who actually care but is that enough to build a life on. I don't think it's enough to try getting through these bad times. Cried in the morning, held it together at work, cried all the way home and some more once I got there. My trigger at the moment is seeing someone I may have wronged when this latest depression hit but I'm saddened that although my actions were from being unwell their actions are made from the position of being stable, a 'normal' person. Like most depressed people inwardly fearing there is nothing about you to like/love/care today I've had it confirmed that they are choosing to avoid me. While I understand that, I don't like it and I thought I meant more to them as a friend. I can't seem to let this go and accept that just because I cared, doesn't mean they did or had to. My psych has told me I avoid emotion which is understandable after a long stretch of being chronically depressed and while being well for a bit I tried to open a little and let some people in but I wish I hadn't. Let your guard down, give them a chance to hurt you and they will. The worst is the lack of sleep, knowing you'll have a long night ahead, the emptiness and feeling trapped in a life that you have to keep living. If I had emotion removed I could make it. My folks would be ok, I'd physically be here, I'd be able to survive cause I wouldn't feel and the person who is the real me would finally get to rest. I'm not suicidal, I don't have that option. I've battled this disease for almost 30 years and can be proud how hard I've fought. Only those with major depression know just how hard. It feels like asking someone to go one more round of excruciating pain for what, another flat line period of time until the next depression. I'm so sad, I'm so broken and its a long time till tomorrow night till my Doc might be able to give me a different pill that helps.

Lookingforpeace Please tell me it will be ok
  • replies: 3

Have been feeling much better lately. then today, just woke up and feel anxious and depressed for no reason. I just want someone to tell me it'll be ok (and mean it). The thought of this happening for the rest of my life is unbearable.

Have been feeling much better lately. then today, just woke up and feel anxious and depressed for no reason. I just want someone to tell me it'll be ok (and mean it). The thought of this happening for the rest of my life is unbearable.

SBD 8 hours and 19 minutes
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone I recently started a journal about living with my depression and anxiety. I was a little ashamed of it, and considered deleting it, but a friend of mine who is a psychiatrist suggested sharing it here. I was going to paste the whole po... View more

Hello everyone I recently started a journal about living with my depression and anxiety. I was a little ashamed of it, and considered deleting it, but a friend of mine who is a psychiatrist suggested sharing it here. I was going to paste the whole post here but it's too long and I'm not able to so only the opening is below. I really hope that I can work through my own problems while helping others to understand that they are not alone, so I'm happy for anyone to share this content with friends who might be suffering depression but don't want to be involved in the forum personally. ----Hello, World.I decided to start this blog, because today it took me 8 hours and 19 minutes from the time I woke up to drag myself out of the house and go for a walk. 8 hours. And 19 minutes.Last night, I’d jokingly said to my partner that my intentions today were to go for a run, but who knew how that was going to go! In the morning, the joke became self-mocking reality as I dragged myself out of bed with my feet seemingly encased in invisible concrete blocks.A weak voice flitted through my head stating that I should go for a walk straight away so the rest of my day would get a productivity boost, and maybe I could even go for two today since I had time! Instead I found myself seated in front of my computer, hating myself a little more as every minute passed, and with every ounce of hatred the effort required grew and grew until simply putting on clothes and walking outside seemed like an impossible task.“Life is OK, I guess”I’m sure, if you’re reading this, you’ve had days like this too. And maybe, like me, you don’t feel entitled to even feel this way.I just want to state, candidly, that I have nothing to complain about. From outward appearances, I am a well-educated, reasonably successful, middle-class first-world citizen. I have a full time management-level job, went to a good high school, have a tertiary education, a roof over my head, a nice car, and enough food to get a little bit fat. I have good friends, and family and a partner who love me.To the outside eye, I have nothing much to complain about... and don’t seem to exhibit any symptoms of being depressed. Anxiety is probably a little more obvious... But the fact that I have nothing to complain about just makes me all the more self critical. I don’t deserve to be unhappy.

Mares73 Thoughts on common symptoms of depression
  • replies: 4

Dear friends, I've been around this forum for over 2 yrs now & I've noticed a thought pattern similar to each person experiencing depression. I'm going to generalize so please don't take these symptoms as common to all of us. Nor am I medically train... View more

Dear friends, I've been around this forum for over 2 yrs now & I've noticed a thought pattern similar to each person experiencing depression. I'm going to generalize so please don't take these symptoms as common to all of us. Nor am I medically trained. Just thoughts from me as a forum regular.I've noticed many of us--Have high self expectations &/or perfectionism-often feel like a failure with low self esteem, lack of confidence-highly sensitive & fear criticism-struggle with diagnosis & treatment options whilst feeling "weak" as a person for having this illness-often isolate ourselves as we feel Noone could understand-experience anxiety as a precursor or as part of their depression-fear other people's reactions at a time we are highly vulnerable-blame ourselves for not being able to "get on with it"- set ourselves unrealistic high self expectations about what we "should do" despite our illness requiring us to slow down & let go of some pressures or triggers-feel unable to talk openly to those close to us-feel alone & isolated- have personal stigma ie struggle to accept depression as an illness-fear things will never improve-need a sense of hope & the ability to limit thinking to short term as we often fear & generalize about things that may never happen-can lack insight when very low & experiencing suicidal thoughts. It's not our lives we want to destroy but rather the pain & thoughts we are experiencing-struggle with doing things that would usually be simple tasks-feel the fight/flight response heightened-want to be supported but feel too vulnerable so stay isolated. May fear going out or doing daily tasks-wear a "mask" when around others-generally feel exhausted, lacking hope & battles to get through each day.One other common thread amongst the stories on here is that many if not most people have experienced some forms of a traumatic, upsetting or certain life situation that could be seen as a precursor to depression. I'm sure there's other common symtoms the ones above are just straight from my thoughts without any research etc- thoughts I feel common on the forum. So if you relate to any your not alone.Lve Mares

StefT Depression stir in mid age
  • replies: 2

I became depressed around a month ago. Working night shift and getting as little as 4 hours sleep in 3 days bought my repressed subconscious thoughts from years ago to the surface. The love of my life who left me, left me feeling gutted. It doesn't m... View more

I became depressed around a month ago. Working night shift and getting as little as 4 hours sleep in 3 days bought my repressed subconscious thoughts from years ago to the surface. The love of my life who left me, left me feeling gutted. It doesn't matter that she ticked most of the traits of a sociopath, I adored her, l always will. This coupled with being now years later middle aged and realizing that l have very little and have wasted years. Not addressing asocial behavior years ago has it's cost. The depression is ridable, it's not the first time, I know not to throw in your job. The freight train in the face for what I have wasted is stunning. Youth, time to develop, experience life, really enjoy life and stack bricks financially for comfort in older age.. wasted. It's been an interesting month. All these emotions awakened. Where I was cutting out drinking, I have been drinking heavily just to get to the next day, thats ok, whatever it takes. When I thought I was finally coming out the other side, I wasn't. I started researching how to gas myself in my car. Now I don't know if this roller coaster is slowing or not but I know when it does I have to change things. Falling back into a semi depressed comfort zone is toxic. Depression can be a wake up call, almost a rebirth, thats great except we retain our negative thoughts, our subconscious to haunt our dreams and impede our future. One help I found is the Internet, there are guides for everything including videos, articles for say positive thinking. I've started, it feels like a foreign language but if even a little sinks in thats good. I no longer want to feel like a reactionary victim. I hope someone gets some worth out of my post.

MisterM "you have no friends, nobody loves you"
  • replies: 18

"you have no friends, nobody loves you" How does one not get affected and feel hurt where their own mother says this to them? My mum just said this to me after an argument.

"you have no friends, nobody loves you" How does one not get affected and feel hurt where their own mother says this to them? My mum just said this to me after an argument.

Applee Is it depression?
  • replies: 5

I'm lost. I found myself googling the phrase "what to do when you don't know what to do" and arrived on a forum post here. Nothing seems to be great at present and I am finding myself spending every waking moment thinking about well everything. I can... View more

I'm lost. I found myself googling the phrase "what to do when you don't know what to do" and arrived on a forum post here. Nothing seems to be great at present and I am finding myself spending every waking moment thinking about well everything. I can't seem to get my mind to stop thinking. It's an odd feeling, thinking about what to have for lunch and end up asking myself why I haven't gone anywhere in life. Wondering to myself what's holding me back. Feeling worthless and ashamed. I have had bouts of depression in the past that have usually been triggered by an event of some kind. This feels different I'm not sad, I'm not angry... I just don't know. My partner often asks me what's wrong, why are you in such a bad mood and that is my answer " I don't know". I can't describe how I feel. Writing this is the closest I've come to being able to pen my emotions. Nothing in my life is worth being depressed over. I live a very privileged life. TrAvel a lot, do very little work, enjoy all of the finer things yet here I am. i don't know what I'm looking for here. I just thought I'd would try to say how I am feeling. kind regards M