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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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hannahxox Travelling long term - Eating disorder and depression
  • replies: 2

Hey all. So I'll try and summarize it all. I'm 23 year old female from the UK, I came out to Australia in Feb with the intention of doing the year as I have the working visa. 3 weeks in I fractured my collar bone but was also feeling extremely depres... View more

Hey all. So I'll try and summarize it all. I'm 23 year old female from the UK, I came out to Australia in Feb with the intention of doing the year as I have the working visa. 3 weeks in I fractured my collar bone but was also feeling extremely depressed/lost/struggling with lack of routine in terms of eating/excercise and so the collar bone was the perfect excuse for me to come home. Once home felt relieved, then the depressed/lost/empty feelings returned, novelty of being home wore off had zero motivation to find work, went through phases of wanting to run away, tried to move out at one point - just always trying to run away from my problems inside my head. I then decided to try Australia again as I still had what felt like 'unfinished business' over there, so impulsively booked my flight back and now here I am, back to that same old feeling, lost in Australia. I've wasted so much money, I feel depressed, my eating habits are all over the place. I have never been diagnosed with anything but known for a long time I've had issues I've just been too afraid to confront them. I'm a vulnerable mess over here and it's reached the point where I need help. I just want to disappear into nothing. In all honesty I should have stayed home and got the counselling I know I've needed for the past 10 years of my life. I've tried so hard to push through but all I'm doing over here is crying every night, then either not eating all day, or overeating all day in an attempt to control the pain. All I really want to do, is go back to England, get professional help and really finally get my life on track. I know I don't want to be here anymore but I really need help in what you think is best? I have a great support system at home, my family love and support me and my own mum is a counselor so she will understand (I hope) but it's just the shame and guilt, and wasted opportunity, and failing Australia for the second time, that is stopping me. I'm not ready to face family (except my parents) and friends and explain everything. I just want the comfort of my own home and professional help without having to see anyone for a while. Please someone help with what I should do?

Solosombra Too tired to pretend!
  • replies: 3

Anyone else feel like this? Too tired to even lie to myself anymore, when I want to frown I force myself to smile, when I want to cry I laugh. But lately its been catching up too me and its getting harder to keep it up! Feel like I'm heading for a br... View more

Anyone else feel like this? Too tired to even lie to myself anymore, when I want to frown I force myself to smile, when I want to cry I laugh. But lately its been catching up too me and its getting harder to keep it up! Feel like I'm heading for a breakdown of epic proportions! Maybe I just need to take a step back and catch my breath for a moment before life decides to start throwing more BS my way??

creativesoul Ways I have found useful to beat depression
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I have only just joined beyondblue but have struggled with depression for much of my life. If you suffer depression, you will know it is not something that simply just goes away or that you can just easily switch off. As such, support from th... View more

Hi all, I have only just joined beyondblue but have struggled with depression for much of my life. If you suffer depression, you will know it is not something that simply just goes away or that you can just easily switch off. As such, support from those who are going through it or have been through it is vital in my opinion.I have suffered from depression over the years and it is always hard, but there are ways to alleviate the problem. I have never been one for antidepressants and refuse to take them, but I am not knocking them either - if they help, that is what is important, at least to help lift your mood. I prefer the natural route myself, but that is just me. Not judging, it's just the way I choose to go. One thing I have found help me a lot when I feel depressed is humour. I normally have a great sense of humour, but when you feel depressed, you don't feel like laughing much! I have a great collection of comedy, which I use to lift me up and get myself to start seeing things differently. This works, but you might need to keep at it a bit and start slow.Deep breathing and a simple walk can do wonders to change your outlook. The worst part about depression is how it skews your perspectives and makes you see things negatively, and not necessarily as they really are. Its so hard to see outside the 'box' you are in when you are depressed. Even worse, others who are not going through it or have not been through it, often don't know what to say or do to make you feel better, I know. So, be your own best friend! I have found, thinking on paper helps a lot - at the very least, make a list - a long one, of things you are proud of, happy about, things that make you feel good, or confident, loved, respected, and elaborate on each one in writing. Keep it to yourself, so don't be afraid to write down anything - it's your list, no one else will see it. Just doing this, puts you in a better frame of mind.Hope these help, and lastly, please realise it is never as bad as it might seem in your own mind. There are ALWAYS answers and ALWAYS people who care and can help, if you give them a chance.Grant

Brent01 Problems sleeping with depression?
  • replies: 23

Hey does anyone else have the same issues as me,i will wake up atleast 4 times a night and the last one which always around 3.30 am i cant get back to sleep for atleast an hour and i start work at 5.30 am each day its ruining me

Hey does anyone else have the same issues as me,i will wake up atleast 4 times a night and the last one which always around 3.30 am i cant get back to sleep for atleast an hour and i start work at 5.30 am each day its ruining me

Lookingforpeace The blues
  • replies: 5

These waves that keep pulling me in Then washing me back out One after the other Can't breathe, I'm drowning I gasp for air But I'm under again

These waves that keep pulling me in Then washing me back out One after the other Can't breathe, I'm drowning I gasp for air But I'm under again

Leya22 I am a successful professional failure
  • replies: 19

Hello BB I am a 32yo female, a qualified health professional, in a wonderful secure relationship. I live in a nice house, drive a nice car, make good money & have good relationships with family & a handful of close friends. I generally have good phys... View more

Hello BB I am a 32yo female, a qualified health professional, in a wonderful secure relationship. I live in a nice house, drive a nice car, make good money & have good relationships with family & a handful of close friends. I generally have good physical health, I really have nothing to complain about. BUT....... That is the exact problem, despite all this I feel like a failure. I feel like I am not good enough, I feel like I'm a useless burden to everyone. I have battled depression since I was a child, my parents first sought help for me when I was about 9 or 10, & I have seen various professionals since. It wasn't until a few years ago that I accepted depression was with me for life, & was something I would need to tackle EVERYDAY for the rest of my life. I've been medicated on & off for years, but I useto take myself off it as I knew how to do it safely, I have been pretty good for the last 2 years I stuck to my meds & had regular CBT with a psychologist who I really clicked with. I built good support networks, opened up about my depression & even weathered a few 'storms' (difficult times that could potentially unravel me). The issue is that the negative self talk is winning the battle at the moment, I've had a few challenges lately, but nothing severe, and nothing that should have been so unraveling to my mental health, which only adds to the feelings of failure, 'why am I so emotionally usless?' Is a question that runs around my head frequently. I started a new job & am finding it difficult, because even tho it's in the same field, it's a new skill set & I am not feeling confident at all! My partner is overseas for work at the moment, he is a huge part of my support network & I guess I underestimated the effect his absence would have on me. I started the downward spiral about 6 weeks ago, I hit rock bottom last week, I have had to take a few weeks off work, am changing medications (having awful withdrawl at the moment) & need to find a new psychologist because the one I saw previously has stopped practicing due to her own poor health (this makes me so sad, she is young with 2 small children and a beautiful soul). I guess I don't really need advice, I've been on the 'merry go round' for years & have started the process of getting better yet again. I am just a bit lonely & edgy at the moment, I'm alone at home & I guess I want to hear from people who understand what it's like to face the internal challenges again, & again, & again. Thanks Leya x

AverageAusGuy Young man trying to figure out life
  • replies: 11

Hi all I wanted to get some feedback from some men who have experienced similar to myself and come through it. As a 28 year old guy trying to find my way in the world I have recently been experiencing anxiety and depression and have started seeing a ... View more

Hi all I wanted to get some feedback from some men who have experienced similar to myself and come through it. As a 28 year old guy trying to find my way in the world I have recently been experiencing anxiety and depression and have started seeing a psychologist and taking meds. All of my stress comes from my chosen career path as a tradesman and wanting to make a career change. Also supporting my girlfriend while she is at uni. Moving to a new city. Being away from family and friends etc I have been super reflective the past few months and really been evaluating my life. I feel like I'm wasting my life in a career I don't have a passion for. Feeling internal pressure to support my partner and make our move to the new city work. Also not wanting to let us down. Has anyone else gone through this sort of thing at this age?

acordial8 There's no way to get rid of this, is there?
  • replies: 4

I am not up for spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on psychiatric help to tell me I'm afflicted with something that can't be fixed. I've researched for 20 years now and have never come across a fix or anything that works, even slightly. I need... View more

I am not up for spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on psychiatric help to tell me I'm afflicted with something that can't be fixed. I've researched for 20 years now and have never come across a fix or anything that works, even slightly. I need someone honest enough to give it to me straight: I'm depressed, and there's no fix. I have to live with this forever, don't I?

MisterM I have relapsed
  • replies: 3

After 3 months of feeling great due to a medication change and starting uni I have gone backwards. An incident with a girl I asked out (see my thread in relationships & family) has left me feeling down. I thought I was over depression and anxiety for... View more

After 3 months of feeling great due to a medication change and starting uni I have gone backwards. An incident with a girl I asked out (see my thread in relationships & family) has left me feeling down. I thought I was over depression and anxiety for good, wouldn't have thought it would return. I even recently met with my psychiatrist a few weeks ago for him to see how the change in medication is going and I was so happy and told him great.

Bpooch Life seems...pointless?
  • replies: 4

Hi all. First time here so a bit nervous, but I figure this is the first step, right? Anyway. I'm here because I'm desperate to go back yo the way I was - happy. I've had anxiety and depression on and off during my life (well, since my teens). About ... View more

Hi all. First time here so a bit nervous, but I figure this is the first step, right? Anyway. I'm here because I'm desperate to go back yo the way I was - happy. I've had anxiety and depression on and off during my life (well, since my teens). About over a year ago now I was overweight. After finally having enough, I went through a big bout of determination and as of October last year, I had lost over 30kg. I was (and still am) finally a healthy weight. But since then, my eating and exercising habits have not been very good. I've somehow maintained my weight, but my eating habits are poor. So recently, my wifes uncle just found out after having a tumour removed from behind his eye and being in remission - that the cancer has returned at the base of the brain and is inoperatable. This got me thinking about my own mortality and since then I have dug myself in deeper and deeper to a state of depression. Lately, all I've thought is that life is pointless. I can do and say anything, but what is the point? We all die. Nobody will remember anything I do or say. I make no difference. Everything I like doing I just think "What's the point. It's all going to end and everything you do or have as a hobby is just a momentarily happiness that will just end." So as you can tell, I'm pretty deep in this. I will do anything to get out of this. Another thing I probably should add is that lately, I've been questioning my faith. I've never been heavily into religion and have only just recently learning that perhaps there is nothing out there. No afterlife. No anything. I had always believed in "something" and that made me happy and hopeful, but know nothing. Please help! It's affecting my wife and I can't bear to do this to us.

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