Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with 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: 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

All discussions

Buzz54 Nearly six years, and I am still no better.
  • replies: 2

I have had serious depression issues over the last six years. Then I was borderline suicidal, at least I am past that, mosttimes.Recently, it has got so bad that I am currently off work on a 3 month break. I had become unreliable at work experiencing... View more

I have had serious depression issues over the last six years. Then I was borderline suicidal, at least I am past that, mosttimes.Recently, it has got so bad that I am currently off work on a 3 month break. I had become unreliable at work experiencing anxiety. One theory was that my my medication was wrong. I think my head is clearer, but I am quite forgetful, regularly tired, and do things that I shouldn't, like visit dating sites and talking to other women around the world.i have just about used all the free counselling thru Medicare I can get, I have no income but do not qualify for any assistance til end of August. i hope by sharing here, I can come to be more comfortable with my situation.any help or suggestions appreciated. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

yarnartisan Shattered by negative comment.
  • replies: 7

I'm coming out of a major depressive episode, due to a series of stressful events beyond my control with work,family,life in general.Been trying so hard to avoid negativity of others at work and either ignore/ let snide comments slide not to be over-... View more

I'm coming out of a major depressive episode, due to a series of stressful events beyond my control with work,family,life in general.Been trying so hard to avoid negativity of others at work and either ignore/ let snide comments slide not to be over-sensitive. But today at work,it was a wierd day anyway.Then I was sent to cover someone for what I was told would be an hour. Teacher A,whose class I was working in was annoyed ( though not with me),as she wanted me to do small group work. I told her I'd be back in an hour . Firstly, I got sent to the wrong room, felt like an idiot becuase the class was empty. Rang back to check for the right room number (being a typical depressive?GAD asumed I'd got it wrong)only to find out that it was the person who'd sent me there had got it wrong. Feeling very wrong-footed already, went into a class I'd never been to before, to have that teacher really snap at me in a very terse patronising tone, about something very minor, in front of a parent and students. Even when I explained why I'd made the error, she continued to make a big deal out of it. Then the staff member I was relieving didn't come back for 1 3/4 hours, so I felt guilty about that. It was outside my control, but I felt bad, went to apologise to the teacher whose class I'd left, but couldn't find her. By now, it was the end of the day.I went back the office I share with a workmate, who I usually download to. But she was in an intense conversation with someone, that they quite obviously didn't want me to hear. So grabbed my stuff, went home and am left feeling really down and with that choked throat , want to cry , but can't feeling.My Queensland father in law had a great saying, ( no offence intended to anyone, it's about the sentiment expressed not the subject) that perfectly fits my mood "Some days, you could far kick a nun down the stairs" Why is it some verbal arrows pierce your 'mental armour' ,hurt so much, shatter your self esteem and carefully reconstructed confidence?? If this was anyone else I'd be saying ,"Don't worry about it , it's her problem not yours". Why, can't I believe that myself, Does the self-loathing,feeling of inadequacy,over-sensitivity ever get better? Is it always going to be one step forward, two back? I'm just so over the endlessness of ' emotional triggers' at the moment. Am dreading going to work tomorrow, possibly running into that particular teacheragain, plus having to explain to the teacher whose class I'd left. Yarnartisan.

orange_skies Unsure how to tell my family
  • replies: 3

Hi , I have been suffering depression now for roughly 10 years , only recently diagnosed. I have tried medication but did not like the side effects that was a year ago. I was feeling good after I started regular exercise, But recently I feeling I loo... View more

Hi , I have been suffering depression now for roughly 10 years , only recently diagnosed. I have tried medication but did not like the side effects that was a year ago. I was feeling good after I started regular exercise, But recently I feeling I loosing control and my mind is getting cloudy and black again. I dont understand why I am depressed I have beautiful children and a husband a house and a great job. But I feel empty all the time its effecting my Marriage and My husband just thinks I can snap out of it and it will be all ok, Not sure how I can tell him it much more serious before its too late. I live in small country town with little to no support fro friends family or counsellors. HELP

Miss-Anne-Throwpy What's enough
  • replies: 3

I've just completely had it. Please let this be the bottom so I can start to go upwards. There's only pain or nothingness now. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm... View more

I've just completely had it. Please let this be the bottom so I can start to go upwards. There's only pain or nothingness now. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

applepietime prevalence of depression
  • replies: 5

Do you think people from the 17th century, 18th century, during the world wars, were more prone to depression than people today? Did they have a greater desire to survive? Surely their social pressures and environment made it more difficult for them.... View more

Do you think people from the 17th century, 18th century, during the world wars, were more prone to depression than people today? Did they have a greater desire to survive? Surely their social pressures and environment made it more difficult for them. I'm asking because I feel like I am so lucky in my life but I can't appreciate it.

J0sh Advice
  • replies: 4

Hey everyone I am reluctant to go into details of my situation but am hoping to hear feedback from people who have beaten depression on how they went about it? What sort of advice did counsellors give? I'm sure if psychologists all do the same study ... View more

Hey everyone I am reluctant to go into details of my situation but am hoping to hear feedback from people who have beaten depression on how they went about it? What sort of advice did counsellors give? I'm sure if psychologists all do the same study there must be some standard list or process they collectively advise to clients? Hope to hear from someone thanks, Josh

Jools1968 Not sure what I am feeling anymore, just Numb
  • replies: 6

Hi All, I am a 46 yr old male. I am married and have 2 children. 14 yr old boy and 16yr old Girl. I think I have been suffering fro Depression and Anxiety of over 15 yrs, probably more. I am on Anti depressants from my GP and have had some counsellin... View more

Hi All, I am a 46 yr old male. I am married and have 2 children. 14 yr old boy and 16yr old Girl. I think I have been suffering fro Depression and Anxiety of over 15 yrs, probably more. I am on Anti depressants from my GP and have had some counselling. Not sure what I am feeling anymore, just Numb. I worry about everything. Finances, work, family, everything. I have no energy anymore to do anything as I work 6 days a week and still am getting no where. I was involved in an armed robbery a few yrs ago at a servo I worked at, and I think since then I have got worse. I have lost all my confidence in everything I do, mainly work. Being made redundant twice has not helped my confidence. I am working now with a great bunch of people and have done for 7 months now, but the money is not great, hence why I have to work 2 jobs, to keep my family afloat. I am now getting to the stage where I do not care about anything and any one, and all I do is worry and get paranoid about things. Already seen two councillors that MY GP referred me to. The first one I did not like, and the second I could not make the appointments due to my work commitments. My GP will probably not refer me to anyone else because of it. I have no respect from my Kids, and not sure how the wife feels about me. Not sure where to turn. Any advise guys.

HeyOk Today
  • replies: 3

Today is day 3 of no sleep, I called in sick at work for the third time this week. I spent 5 hours listening to bob dylan songs writing parts from his lyrics over & over, the parts that made me feel like someone understood. Today I feel a manic side ... View more

Today is day 3 of no sleep, I called in sick at work for the third time this week. I spent 5 hours listening to bob dylan songs writing parts from his lyrics over & over, the parts that made me feel like someone understood. Today I feel a manic side of depression. I kept thinking of quitting my job. Of moving towns. Of change. But it doesn't matter really. The black dog chases you down no matter where you are. Does anyone feel like depression makes you watch your life waste away. You stay indoors. Stay quiet. Hope for a nice moment?

Lookingforpeace Bad mental health day
  • replies: 4

Hi all I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. As I was getting ready for work, a feeling of sadness came over me which unfortunately didn't go away all day. I spent most of the day being unproductive and generally keeping to myself. I don't kn... View more

Hi all I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. As I was getting ready for work, a feeling of sadness came over me which unfortunately didn't go away all day. I spent most of the day being unproductive and generally keeping to myself. I don't know why I have these (what seem like random) bad days. Then when I have them, I panic about them lasting longer than a day and me falling back into depression. Any advice/words would be greatly appreciated.

Arnie69 A dysthymic life
  • replies: 12

Since my early teens I have felt different, left out, ostracised, rejected, square peg in a round hole. People always used to ask why I never smiled, why did it look like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was incredibly introverted and... View more

Since my early teens I have felt different, left out, ostracised, rejected, square peg in a round hole. People always used to ask why I never smiled, why did it look like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was incredibly introverted and lacked confidence although being very good at sport was a saving grace. Being mildly competitive, I loved the skill aspects of AFL and cricket but never got into the team bonding and mateship that much; it never interested or motivated me. As a shy teenager, I struggled meeting girls. Between that and some pretty hard rejections, I had an incredibly lonely decade and turned to alcohol. For the last 36 years or so, I've felt hollow. My wife and I joke about me being all dead inside. I tell her that I'm a broken human being. It's crazy how you can feel gloomy for so long and think that's normal. It's like living with a glaucoma that hazes everything you see, think and feel and disappears anything that used to be enjoyable. I feels like I have to make myself do everything; I have no motivation that other seems to have in keeping a house tidy, playing with the kids, gardening or fixing things, travel etc I'm married with 2 boys. For most of my marriage, I've been going through the motions. I generally don't feel anything for my wife so I have to make it up and think what I should be feeling in different situations. She can see through my charade and is incredibly hurt by it. About the only thing I get enjoyment from is my writing. I started writing long fiction a few years ago. My wife has a great job and works full-time while I look after the boys and the house, so I have plenty of time to write. I have tried to leave my marriage twice (we have 2 boys). I met someone else (a writer) who summoned feelings from me that I never thought I would feel again: flushes of warmth and joy right through my chest. I tried to leave but came back both times; I couldn't deal with the guilt and loss. I guess I'd rather live with a life of regret rather than a life of remorse. I can't stop thinking about what it would be like to spend a life together with my *special friend* and all the positive feelings that it seems to promise. I do wonder whether it would fade back to gray after a while though, like everything else has over the last 46 years. I'm resigned to a life without happiness or joy but it will be liveable.