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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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Imas 9 year battle and still counting
  • replies: 2

I am so pleased to have found a forum as tonight was one of the lowest points I have been in for over three months now. Since 15 years old I have suffered from Major Depression. I am a practicing nurse and chose this path to learn more in-depth about... View more

I am so pleased to have found a forum as tonight was one of the lowest points I have been in for over three months now. Since 15 years old I have suffered from Major Depression. I am a practicing nurse and chose this path to learn more in-depth about why my mind works how it does. I don't have a bad story, I had a beautiful upbringing in a wonderful family, with no bad turns happening throughout growing up. I did always have issues keeping friends, purely because at 15 I felt like I was too tired to bother with anybody. From then on I have been on a rollercoaster of constant emotions with nothing slowing it down. I have tried to observe for triggers, but with no avail. The most frustrating part is I had nothing to be upset about but I still feel to this day that my world crashes down around me for no reason. The current trigger is my father's health, but he is alive and for that I am so thankful - but I still feel extremely emotional. I look into the future and think about where I will be - I am engaged to an amazing boy who I couldn't complain about. But when I look into the future, I don't see one. It's like I would rather disappear and end this uphill battle because it's the same thing repeating itself month in month out. I am here because I need help. I need to know how long term sufferers are handling and coping with this everyday because this past month I have given up. My last option is to reach out because I have nobody who understands how this feels and how much I want to be better but it's not as easy as snapping out of it. So I have three questions. With severe depressive episodes - how do you cope?. With constant relapses into depressive episodes, how did you delay the relapse if it is possible? && Final question - I have refused to be put onto medications, should I take this path? I know it will help I want to know what you are taking if you could share this information with me Thank you wonderful people and god bless

the_lyricist Long time illness, new found freedom. 15 years and I found it.
  • replies: 1

Hi there, I've had schizophrenia for about 15 years now and I've never really used a forum for it before. I'm doing ok here, I manage to plod along, 3 steps forward for each step back... but it's better than 2 and 1 right? I found that music and espe... View more

Hi there, I've had schizophrenia for about 15 years now and I've never really used a forum for it before. I'm doing ok here, I manage to plod along, 3 steps forward for each step back... but it's better than 2 and 1 right? I found that music and especially writing lyrics was a turning point in my life and my ability to manage my depression and anxiety to a much higher level.I'd love to share some of that with you, as I explore the forums. I built a site today to house the songs, but it's very under developed. I need to work out how to get it built properly at some point, but if you are curious, you can ask and I'll post some.I'd love to talk to anyone about creativity and how it can help anyone. Truthfully, I started with nearly no experience 2 years ago. You know what, here's a sample of a song lyric.BLISS, LYRIC SHEET.We have only known each other for a little whileBut I already knowHow deep and sweet the beguileAnytime you smileI'm not about to say I love youWhen I want it to mean everythingNot about to sweetly lead youInto any kind of deceitThis feeling between usFeels a lot like a kissAnything less is a missThis chance to be an usIs not remise It's so much BlissCould fill the deepest abyssThis feeling between usFeels a lot like a kissThis chance to be an usIs not remise it's so much BlissBelieve in meThere's nothing up my sleeveBreathe with meAs free as the breezeBelieve in meThere's nothing up my sleeveBreathe with meBreathe with meI'm not about to say I love youIf I can't show youNot about to sweetly lead youInto any kind of deceitI'm not about to sayThat I love you...END LYRIC SHEET.A cute little poppy love song, but I do all ranges from very damaged lyrics to very hopeful ones. I think it's important to realise that we are a range of things all at once after all!Cheers for reading. I'm about to go explore some threads.Matt.P.S. I'd love to share some ACTUAL tracks with you guys and girls, but the forums wont allow me to post actual links, so hit me up and I can show you directly what I do and tell you how it's really been a massive help in every day life.

Brent01 Just been diagnosed with anxiety and depression
  • replies: 6

Hey im 31 years old and have just got depression really bad for the first time 2 days ago now,all the stuff i used to love doing not interested in doing anymore,waking up in the middle of the night with nausea cant go back to sleep loss of appetite f... View more

Hey im 31 years old and have just got depression really bad for the first time 2 days ago now,all the stuff i used to love doing not interested in doing anymore,waking up in the middle of the night with nausea cant go back to sleep loss of appetite feel full and nauseous all day just really down anyone who tries to talk to me i hear them but the negative thoughts always take over

Debzmite No idea how......
  • replies: 3

I'm 35 in October, I'm on a disability pension from the Army and a carers pension. I have depression and anxiety. all I want to do is get married and have a couple kids, I just have no idea how to get a boyfriend, I just seem to hesitate because one ... View more

I'm 35 in October, I'm on a disability pension from the Army and a carers pension. I have depression and anxiety. all I want to do is get married and have a couple kids, I just have no idea how to get a boyfriend, I just seem to hesitate because one minute I think I have a lot to offer, I'm adventurous, smart, love sports then I get negative and think I'm over weight from my meds, my finances suck and I'm currently unemployed, who the heck would want that!?!?!? Uuuugggggg just so frustrated.

Tri-addict Books to share with children about depression
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new to the forum and have only recently disclosed my depression to my employers, which was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life!!. My wife and I have started to talk to our children (15) and (9) about my illness. It is hard fo... View more

Hi, I am new to the forum and have only recently disclosed my depression to my employers, which was one of the hardest things I've had to do in my life!!. My wife and I have started to talk to our children (15) and (9) about my illness. It is hard for our youngest child to understand and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions, maybe even picture books or children's books that deal with depression or dealing with the 'The Black Dog'? Looking forward to your thoughts/recommendations. Thanks everyone

J_dun Not sure what to do...
  • replies: 2

Honestly I don't no what to do anymore, I don't no the first step. I don't no what will help ? Will going to see a doctor even do anything ? im just scared of the next step. Help

Honestly I don't no what to do anymore, I don't no the first step. I don't no what will help ? Will going to see a doctor even do anything ? im just scared of the next step. Help

olly1 Not sure how to proceed...
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, 3 years ago I had a bad depressive episode. I quit my job and was hospitalized. Since then I've crawled my way back out of the hole. I got another better job, joined a gym- became able to cope with life again. Lately I've been apathetic.... View more

Hi everyone, 3 years ago I had a bad depressive episode. I quit my job and was hospitalized. Since then I've crawled my way back out of the hole. I got another better job, joined a gym- became able to cope with life again. Lately I've been apathetic. I've been avoiding social situations again (social phobia) and although I'm not what I call sad. I don't care about anything. Life is pointless. I really feel like I'm just waiting for my life to end. I've tried to get a hobby. Find an interest to give me some purpose in life but I don't enjoy anything and not only that I am too tired to put the effort in. I'm terrified I might relapse. Should I go back to my gp?

jacq Never Safe
  • replies: 2

I'm writing here for the first time, I think mainly because I need to feel like I'm somehow connected to people who think, even remotely, like I do. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for a long time. I was first diagnosed last year but I can'... View more

I'm writing here for the first time, I think mainly because I need to feel like I'm somehow connected to people who think, even remotely, like I do. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for a long time. I was first diagnosed last year but I can't remember a time when I didn't have this feeling of sluggishness, discomfort, and most poignantly the feeling that I am unsafe. I've lived a perfectly good life, I'm from a middle class family, I've had a good education and now I'm approaching the end of my art degree. I paint, I sing, I teach music to children, I run a choir now, I have a partner, I live a perfectly good life. I do all the things people tell me will make me happy. I cannot mention that I am unhappy anymore because it feels like a burden and a bore. There's never change, unless it's getting worse, if it gets better I'm still sad and no one seems to understand. And besides, it doesn't add up, because I live a perfectly good life. There are trauma points in my history, but I'm starting to think I made them for myself to compensate for my internal unease. I'm filled with shame and confusion and a constant desire to be honest in a defiantly dishonest society, which is what I am trying to ease by posting some of my story here. I know nobody wants to know, because this is an anonymous forum. No one who will read this cares about who I am, or will be affected by any differences I make on the planet, presumably. I just don't know what to do anymore. I've taken all the steps. I've been on medication, and nothing works for me, and besides I want a long term fix, not to permanently be reliant on drugs that change my chemistry. I can't be sure if I like myself because I don't have confidence in my own opinion, and I am not sure who I am anyway. I can't identify as anything. I'm female, and I'm male. I have more than one will and voice in my head. But because I love my family and the people around me I can never reveal the extent of the collapse of information in my head. All I can be sure of is how I feel, because it's in the present. I feel love, I feel fear of losing that love. I am yearning for a purpose to my suffering. I need to know I am making something for this world that isn't negative, that contributes to humanity. But all I feel is loneliness. And shame. And then fear. And sometimes anger. But mostly it is just heavy, lethargic sadness. As soon as I am on my own, I am crushed. I can barely take this anymore.

thehiss NOTHING WILL HELP
  • replies: 4

I've been a depression victim for several years but the last couple of weeks have been awful since I have stopped taking my AD. I feel like I'm living the same day over and over again doing the same things at home and wasting my life away. I can't re... View more

I've been a depression victim for several years but the last couple of weeks have been awful since I have stopped taking my AD. I feel like I'm living the same day over and over again doing the same things at home and wasting my life away. I can't really go out by myself because of my anxiety and have to keep relying on my mum to take me places which is unfair on her. As it stands I'm so bleak and down and horrible it feels like no therapy, place, people, things or medication will ever help me, like I'm never going to get on top of this. I keep thinking about other people that are out enjoying their lives doing their own things feeling happy and I often wonder how they do it. I have been talking to my GP and Psychiatrist about it but its like they don't really understand. I have an appointment with a new Psychologist next week but I am kind of dreading it because it will just be the same stuff, I explain to them how I feel but they really don't understand. Has anyone else experienced this kind of situation?

150lashes Not fitting in
  • replies: 14

Has anyone ever felt that they just don't fit in anywhere? Maybe you don't fit in with their old best school buddies anymore, because they are still out there living the dream and you have settled down with a family and kids? Maybe ​you don't fit in ... View more

Has anyone ever felt that they just don't fit in anywhere? Maybe you don't fit in with their old best school buddies anymore, because they are still out there living the dream and you have settled down with a family and kids? Maybe ​you don't fit in with the business world anymore because you're no longer part of it? Because you quit. Because of circumstances. Maybe you don't fit in with the ​mums in your kids class at school pick up because they are stay at home mums and you can't relate to the same things? Maybe you feel jealous at people that have the life you could have had, the ones who got the good opportunities? Maybe you hate the so called "mentor" that you trusted, because they promised you an opportunity that you really wanted and they gave it to someone else. And everytime you turn up to their business it's in your face that it isn't your opportunity. And you have to live with that and pretend you don't care. Maybe you just don't fit in anywhere at all and you wonder if things will ever change.

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