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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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NAYNAY3451 I don't know who I am
  • replies: 1

My doctor has diagnosed me with depression. I originally went there because I wasn't sleeping, but somehow I let everything out to him and someone finally heard what I've been going through. From an outsiders perspective my life looks great but I've ... View more

My doctor has diagnosed me with depression. I originally went there because I wasn't sleeping, but somehow I let everything out to him and someone finally heard what I've been going through. From an outsiders perspective my life looks great but I've never felt so alone as I do now. Currently my partner is working away, every time we speak i cry or get mad at him for no reason. I sit in all day wishing I had friends texting me, needing me, wanting to see me. But I don't. I wish I could go and join a club or activity where I could meet new people but my anxiety stops me from doing anything. I just want a normal life but every day I am battling with my thoughts, getting anxious about things that don't even matter and thinking I am wasting my youth. I have recently had a lot of panic attacks too. Does anyone else here feel the same? I feel like the only person in the world right now.

Reddie Bipolar, high's and low's
  • replies: 11

I'm having trouble at the moment on a manic low, not sleeping well at nights and sleeping all day, racing thoughts, worried all the time about trivial things that I probably shouldn't. Not eating correctly, lost all interests in everything, keeping m... View more

I'm having trouble at the moment on a manic low, not sleeping well at nights and sleeping all day, racing thoughts, worried all the time about trivial things that I probably shouldn't. Not eating correctly, lost all interests in everything, keeping myself isolated from everyone. Friends call me and I make up excuses that I cant come out to socialize with them. I live with my two son's, one 28, the other 31, both wont talk to me because of some of the things I've said to them lately. The only thing that I get pleasure from is my little dog, which my son's hate. My day consists of getting up because my dog wants to go outside around 7.30am, I take her outside so she can pee, then its back to bed till 1pm or 2ish, sometimes even later, then sit in front of the telly till dinner, when I open a can of baked beans then take it back to my own area away from the boys. Some times I think if I were dead, they wouldn't find out for days, I would never harm myself. If I call them on there mobiles to buy me something while there out they never pick up and make up excuses there phone isn't working. Looking forward to hearing from anyone that will talk to me...........

Wadeo Not doing well
  • replies: 7

Hi guys new to this. I turned 33 yesturday and everyone forgot it my wife and sons remember but everyone else forgot... I have started a new job and it has long hrs and no lunch breaks... Just feel like I'm going down hill

Hi guys new to this. I turned 33 yesturday and everyone forgot it my wife and sons remember but everyone else forgot... I have started a new job and it has long hrs and no lunch breaks... Just feel like I'm going down hill

Myshelle Increased depression after quitting smoking
  • replies: 9

Hello everybody I quit smoking just over 2 months ago and in honesty I did not find it as bad as I thought it would be. But with each passing day my depression and anxiety is worsening. I have spoken to my Dr who naturally told me that this is normal... View more

Hello everybody I quit smoking just over 2 months ago and in honesty I did not find it as bad as I thought it would be. But with each passing day my depression and anxiety is worsening. I have spoken to my Dr who naturally told me that this is normal. I hate the way I am feeling but I just cannot pick up that first cigarette no matter how much I want to, I gave up due to the cost more so than my health. I had smoked for 46 years and was a very heavy smoker 35-50 per day. I feel myself slipping further and further down that dark hole and having less and less interest in most aspects of my life. Everything has become an effort again. I am retired due to a work injury so I do have long days, I read a lot, well everyday, that does help. I push myself to tidy up the house etc, I don't watch TV but do listen to talk back radio. I am in different groups on Facebook but don't spend a long time on there. My only other thinking was whether to try the Electronic Cigarettes, but then I guess that would still be classed as an addiction , so I really am at a loss. Hoping someone who has perhaps been in the same boat may be able to offer some good advice. Thankyou

Grayskull Potato and Depression
  • replies: 3

Hi, Potato has nothing do with this, just an example of how I usually take something that affects me and attempt humor. I don't know where to start. I think I've been suffering from depression since childhood, except I had no idea what it was till a ... View more

Hi, Potato has nothing do with this, just an example of how I usually take something that affects me and attempt humor. I don't know where to start. I think I've been suffering from depression since childhood, except I had no idea what it was till a few things hit me all at once. When I got to my teen years, my health suffered. I managed to get quite a bad chest infection, combine that with a life of asthma and it's slightly worse. Then shortly after that a skin infection (the infection comes and goes as it pleases). Skipping a few things, (only because I can't think of their names right now). The biggest two contributions to my depression is the person who decided to cyber bully me in high school over 5 years ago. Never found out a name, which kind of left it brewing. An attack through a very popular site that anyone around the world could have seen. It doesn't faze me too much anymore though I still wish for a name. ( I know I'll never get that). The other contribution is my chronic headache. That more than anything I want a name to, well maybe a cure. Now my chronic headache has been going for about 5-6 years strong, 24/7 7 days a week and not faltering once. This has been quite a hindrance to my life. Constant pain: Can't think too easily, can't absorb information, zone out often and I don't realize, I forget things (possibly because of the things I just wrote), I have suddenly found myself out and about (when seconds previous I was at home), can't get my licence because the previous things don't go well with me behind the wheel, can't get a job (I'd have to have a boss who was extremely understanding. Though with all that going on, why get a job). The person I'm supposed to be able to rely on is my mum. All siblings moved out, just me. She can't see it, so it's not there. She even said as much once. I understand its harder for those who can't see or think what it might be like. But the support I'm supposed to be getting from her I'm not. Damn sure she has depression too, though she loves her mask and is very much in denial about it. I've always questioned if I even own a brain, I guess this rant is some evidence something is there. There's more to say but my brain has used up it's energy writing this. That and I'm nearly out of characters.

reddress bad day
  • replies: 2

last night i was all motivated packed my bag for college tomorrow, made the kids lunches. all systems go! I can do this next day even my 9 year old couldnt get me out of bed! I kept saying 10 more minutes and would fall asleep. alarms going off etc. ... View more

last night i was all motivated packed my bag for college tomorrow, made the kids lunches. all systems go! I can do this next day even my 9 year old couldnt get me out of bed! I kept saying 10 more minutes and would fall asleep. alarms going off etc. it was 1030am when i got up and i thought OMG! kids are soooo late for school and im sooo tired! so I said "boys dont worry about school today" I didnt go back to bed but i also did nothing. I get so frustrated with myself. And then u have to lie to people. I have depression and PTSD its the dreams that make me tired. But really.....'I wish I could say ' nope boys not sick, but im totally fatigued??? Just didnt happen today meh ​

Roberty_Bob Depression versus situational sadness
  • replies: 4

One thing I've learned over the years managing my depression is to distinguish it from sadness. I'm in a bad place right now and I have every right to feel sad. However, because it is not inexplicable random depression I know why I feel sad and I kno... View more

One thing I've learned over the years managing my depression is to distinguish it from sadness. I'm in a bad place right now and I have every right to feel sad. However, because it is not inexplicable random depression I know why I feel sad and I know what to do in order to process the sadness. The most important thing for me right now is to not let this situation trigger another depressive episode.

Sncklefritz Depression and anxiety from Misophonia
  • replies: 4

Hey, new to these forums Does anyone here also have Misophonia (hatred of different sounds) and have any ways to cope and help with the depression and anxiety that comes along with this issue? Thank you

Hey, new to these forums Does anyone here also have Misophonia (hatred of different sounds) and have any ways to cope and help with the depression and anxiety that comes along with this issue? Thank you

Elizabeth CP Unable to cope with negative feelings when alone Feel worthless
  • replies: 15

Sorry I should be able to cope better than I am. I am overwhelmed when I am caring for my husband & need a break but then when he is out I just waste time & feel terrible. When I'm not productive or helping I'm worthless. I need to get a break so I c... View more

Sorry I should be able to cope better than I am. I am overwhelmed when I am caring for my husband & need a break but then when he is out I just waste time & feel terrible. When I'm not productive or helping I'm worthless. I need to get a break so I can recover from fatigue but any break just allows the negative thoughts to take over so I feel worse. Most people here are much worse off than me so I shouldn't whinge. My councillor has been sick & so I have missed several planned sessions which hasn't helped

cloudy overhead The hardest thing for me and trying to cope with depression is to not give myself a hard time for feeling this way
  • replies: 5

The hardest thing for me and trying to cope with depression is to not give myself a hard time for feeling this way; I believe at least half of my depression is due to my belief system and how I interpret things; even-so at times it's really hard to b... View more

The hardest thing for me and trying to cope with depression is to not give myself a hard time for feeling this way; I believe at least half of my depression is due to my belief system and how I interpret things; even-so at times it's really hard to be positive, when many of the important areas in your life are not going well; or not going how you would like them to go. I'm 59 yoa now and thinking back, I feel I've often tended to be quite serious and melancholy and sensitive; getting older comes with its own set of challenges; therefore I try to get plenty of sleep; nap during the day if I feel like it; eat healthy; hydrate, exercise; or at least move; get massages; especially for the physical contact factor; which is very important; especially if your not in a tactile relationship...the sense of touch is extremely important; find a good therapist and only keep people in your life that are worth your time....sometimes, trying to cover all of these points feels too hard; then I remember how much better I feel when I can accomplish even one of these things. Talking about how I feel with my partner is also good; he's a good listener. Cloud Decreasing!

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