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Depression

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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: 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

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perth20 Finding life hard
  • replies: 1

Hi, I have had depression from 26 years old I've married and divorced. My ex-husband was abusive to both me and my two children. I didn't find out that my children had been abused until after my son at 26 years old took his life, I have a lot of guil... View more

Hi, I have had depression from 26 years old I've married and divorced. My ex-husband was abusive to both me and my two children. I didn't find out that my children had been abused until after my son at 26 years old took his life, I have a lot of guilt over not knowing about the abuse and my son's death and my daughters' medical issues and mental health issues. I have cared for my elderly parents until my mum died and my father went into a nursing home. My partner was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago and my depression got really bad; and have since been in therapy. The therapy has helped but I find that I start to feel like I have everything under control and then some other problem will come along, and it doesn't have to be anything big, but I feel like I just can't cope with another problem to deal with life feels so hard, especially with my partner being so sick. I have been trying to keep my mind off thing's with my gardening and reading and other things. I just keep telling myself to keep going.

rhinoceros Struggling to cope with deteriorating mental health
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I would be very grateful for any insight or tips.I've been managing my depression (and anxiety) of varying severity since mid 2010.I'm finding it incredibly hard to function at the moment. It seems I shift between deep/dark depression an... View more

Hi everyone, I would be very grateful for any insight or tips.I've been managing my depression (and anxiety) of varying severity since mid 2010.I'm finding it incredibly hard to function at the moment. It seems I shift between deep/dark depression and anxiety that is only "just" manageable. The anxiety episodes leave me exhausted, and I suspect that triggers the depressive symptoms.... it seems I'm lucky to have 1 or 2 days a week where I feel okay, not great, but not horrible. I've noticed that I have developed some unhealthy coping strategies. When I am depressed, I retreat to the past, in my case, around 2009/10 when I was a lot less miserable. In some ways I think it's a self soothing thing, but it's also reinforced my belief that nothing good is in the future. I work a full time job, and also work extensive hours outside of my 'day job' as a jazz musician. I'm always busy. Keeping busy helps. Something else that complicated things was a 5 1/2 year long relationship that was abusive. Unfortunately my ex was highly narcissistic and I was subject to all manner of psychological torment. Like many I didn't understand what was going on, and assumed it was myself that was the problem. With the support of people on this forum as well as a counsellor I managed to extract myself from that. That was about 3 years ago now. I feel trapped by my mental health. It is holding me back at work - my confidence isn't there - even though I am a competent worker. Similarly, in my music pursuits, I have the ability to achieve so much more than I have, but my lack of confidence gets in the way. I'm also terrified of dating/intimacy etc. - even just a hug sends me into a panic, that unfortunately is a result of my ex, a lot of her abuse towards me occurred in intimate settings. Life feels like such a struggle and the outlook seems so bleak. I'm trying to help myself and be proactive. I see a counsellor every few weeks.... I run about 10k every week... I try to find enjoyment in things, I try to apply mindfulness to situations... In spite of these efforts I can't seem to pull myself out of this rut (which I've been in for years now). I'm curious to know if others can relate to this. It feels like I'm swimming against a strong current, but I'm just getting dragged away by it. I want to be well and happy again but I don't know how that can happen.

1402 Depression is making my life hard.
  • replies: 1

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression about 7years ago. In recent my depression has gotten really bad and is affecting every part of my life. I feel very alone and don't know how to express my thoughts. I also find it difficult to talk to peopl... View more

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression about 7years ago. In recent my depression has gotten really bad and is affecting every part of my life. I feel very alone and don't know how to express my thoughts. I also find it difficult to talk to people and have recently pushed alot of my close friends. I know I need help but am scared to reach out. I don't know what to do.

LastChance Wife's possible depression ?!
  • replies: 6

Hi guys,I have the suspicion that my wife has depressions. BUT, she is denying it, down playing it, etc. and not open at all to the idea to look for any kind of professional help. She is a bit of a perfectionist and feels easily pressured. But our ma... View more

Hi guys,I have the suspicion that my wife has depressions. BUT, she is denying it, down playing it, etc. and not open at all to the idea to look for any kind of professional help. She is a bit of a perfectionist and feels easily pressured. But our marriage is deteriorating and I am afraid that if I mention that, it will create even more pressure for her. I already programmed the hotline's phone number into my mobile. Just in case... Any additional ideas would be appreciated. Cheers

ScottakaDean Dealing with Computer and Gaming addiction
  • replies: 2

Hi, I've been struggling for a long time with depression and anxiety, it's recently escalated into using the computer, gaming, and getting lost in the scroll to avoid the negative thoughts and anxiety.I'm not sleeping, until I crash and can no longer... View more

Hi, I've been struggling for a long time with depression and anxiety, it's recently escalated into using the computer, gaming, and getting lost in the scroll to avoid the negative thoughts and anxiety.I'm not sleeping, until I crash and can no longer stay awake, then I'm out for like 12hrs, then up for 30hrs, and repeat.I guess it's not really an addiction thing, but the avoidance and finding distractions from my feelings.I'm in a pretty rough place right now, my job is in jeopardy, my partner had just broken off our relationship, though we still live together until we can find new accommodation. I've got no friends, I've got some healtg problems (apnoea and overweight) and I generally feel pretty worthless.It's a lot, I know, but I want to get better. I think the computer use needs to stop, I lose myself when I go on there, play all night without regard to even trying to get back to bed.I don't really know what I'm asking for here, I'm not sure if I've got what it takes to stop this spiral descent and I'm worried my whole life is coming crumbling down. I just need help, and I'll take anything. -Scott.

Iron where do I start
  • replies: 7

HelloI have had depression for over 7 years nowReally had enoughJust started getting helpI used to be so activeBody-buildingSalsa dancing photographyNow nothingI work in the mines and when I get home I just lay on my bed for 7 dayI really want to get... View more

HelloI have had depression for over 7 years nowReally had enoughJust started getting helpI used to be so activeBody-buildingSalsa dancing photographyNow nothingI work in the mines and when I get home I just lay on my bed for 7 dayI really want to get back to my old selfI have tried so many times doing things but have no interest.What can I do to help me get back to my old self

Notanother30 Feeling low about life
  • replies: 3

Feeling like life has nothing left to offer anymore, where all I find are things holding me back. whether it’s external, or internal based on the severe depression and OCD I experience. These days I feel a hopelessness that lingers into my days, wher... View more

Feeling like life has nothing left to offer anymore, where all I find are things holding me back. whether it’s external, or internal based on the severe depression and OCD I experience. These days I feel a hopelessness that lingers into my days, where nothing excites or gives me anything to feel passionate about. My personality is so that I’m loyal to my responsibilities and I show up for work every day and never stray from where I am in life - which is one of my major problems as I feel stuck. I like routine I like being comfortable, but I’m depressed where I am. I experience social anxiety so it’s extremely difficult for me to really socialise. I work alone so I don’t form friendships etc that way. I don’t feel excited at the idea of joining any adult classes or activities because there’s nothing I care about. I feel frustration and anger with the injustice in the world, even little things like driving in traffic and people being mean.. particularly though when people are taken advantage of or bullied (major empathy because of what I’ve experienced). I feel so alone in the world. I work alone every day and haven’t had a real friendship since HS. My relationship of three years ended so many years ago and I can’t move on still because nobody makes me feel the same way (plus idk about other people but near impossible to get a match on any online dating app). I’m not beautiful I’m a 6 maybe. So that’s always demoralising. I’d love to move abroad but getting a visa is so difficult because I’ve only had unskilled work - so that makes me feel useless and unwanted. I hate that I’m not more intelligent to do anything meaningful career-wise. now I’m 30 I’m comparing myself to everybody, what/where they drive/wear/live and how attractive or sociable they are. I find comfort in staying home and going to work because there’s nobody to compare myself to as much, and going out makes me depressed because I always feel inferior or hate that I see the lives that I don’t have - like having a beautiful gf or wife - I’m so jealous and hating the world for the inequality. Now I know I’ve been on the other end of that and things have made people envious of things in my life. So I get it, to feel confident and maybe want certain things to help yourself feel better like a new car or large house. I just wish I could be happier and not feel so empty and hopeless in the world. I know things could be a lot worse, that I could be suffering from more or have even less hope or prospects for life to be good. And sometimes I’ll feel more appreciative and better about life when things are in perspective. I just feel for the most part that I’m unhappy. I get psych help but it’s never helped me more than the relief I feel for just talking about my issues. I’ll continue talking to counsellors/psychologist but I want change in my life too. My medication numbs my emotion or feelings so I can cope in my day to day life pretty okay usually - but nothing ever changes. And I feel like life has nothing left to offer to make me happy.

amyyyyyy Does anyone relate?
  • replies: 2

Hey guys I have been struggling with depression for a long time now and occasionally I’ll feel happy or I’ll feel better but then I feel scared being happy since it’s not normal anymore and I sabotage my own feelings so that I am sad again. As if I o... View more

Hey guys I have been struggling with depression for a long time now and occasionally I’ll feel happy or I’ll feel better but then I feel scared being happy since it’s not normal anymore and I sabotage my own feelings so that I am sad again. As if I only feel safe being sad because it’s all I know atm. Is this normal??? I want to be happy again but it’s so scary what should I do

L_D_V Cannot control impulses and don't know what to do
  • replies: 1

Hi there, After 10 years of impulse control issues leading to ruined relationships and a tarnished reputation, I am struggling so bad with the person I am. I loathe myself. But I cannot break this cycle. I've joined this forum as I desperately need h... View more

Hi there, After 10 years of impulse control issues leading to ruined relationships and a tarnished reputation, I am struggling so bad with the person I am. I loathe myself. But I cannot break this cycle. I've joined this forum as I desperately need help. When I was younger and single, I used to engage with as many women online as possible. Some nights would see me under the influence with all inhibitions lowered, starting online chats with upwards of 100 different women while pleasuring myself. The the sole intention was to find women who found me attractive and would want to engage sexually with me. 9 times out of 10 though, I would never actually pursue anything more than this online engagement. Once I had finished pleasuring myself, I'd feel disgusting, delete all traces of the conversations and try to go about my life. Unfortunately this led to me engaging with women I shouldn't have been (friends ex-girlfriends, ex-girlfriends friends etc.) as the more high risk it was, the more appealing and thrilling it was, but then the worse I felt after. The way I conduct myself online is the complete opposite as to who I am in person (somewhat shy, very kind and caring and gentleman-like). Nowadays, it is still something I engage in despite having a loving girlfriend I want to be with. It isn't as prominent as how I used to be but it's still a big part of me and I just want to end it. I loathe myself for still doing this. I just want to stop. It's a lot more vicious when under the influence but still something that happens when I'm sober. It's like a have 2 personalities; the destructive personality with no impulse control who has no morals and values... then the other personality that is left to pick up the pieces after the other personality has caused all the damage. I hate this, I am so ashamed of myself and hate that despite being so self-aware, I cannot break this cycle for the life of me. I just want a life where I feel no guilt, I conduct myself in a way that I'm proud of, I'm not always looking over my shoulder to see if my destructive behaviour is catching up to me. Thanks so much for listening to my rant; I'm desperate to be a good person.

marisea278 Emotional abuse through cancer
  • replies: 1

Hi I’m new to this , I was wondering who else has gone through the agony of emotional abuse while dealing with cancer .

Hi I’m new to this , I was wondering who else has gone through the agony of emotional abuse while dealing with cancer .