Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

Start a discussion

Fishdrums Wife is not helpful
  • replies: 3

So, I have been very recently diagnosed with depression, though I haven't been myself for quite some time. My wife has noticed a change in me, but she had never approached me to talk. I am usually fairly quiet, and not a big talker when it comes to m... View more

So, I have been very recently diagnosed with depression, though I haven't been myself for quite some time. My wife has noticed a change in me, but she had never approached me to talk. I am usually fairly quiet, and not a big talker when it comes to my feeings anyway. We have been through a hellish two years of family court proceedings regarding her two children, which has put a lot of strain on our marriage. I have always tried to be the rock she needs. But now that I have a name to call this horrible, lonely condition, she has retreated and is treating me like I have a contagious disease. During my worst depressive episodes, she runs. It's like she is in denial. She has admitted that it's hard for her to stop and help me, when the four children take up so much of her time. She is clearly not coping, but I find it difficult to be so concerned about her when I can't see through my own gloom. I am so alone in my marriage. Can anyone relate?

Sadsmile New here......struggling to function
  • replies: 3

Hi ive suffered on and off with depression for years but its back with a vengeance right now. Im weepy constantly, struggling to cope with mundane daily tasks and been told by my employer that if i dont work full time i will lose my job (they dont kn... View more

Hi ive suffered on and off with depression for years but its back with a vengeance right now. Im weepy constantly, struggling to cope with mundane daily tasks and been told by my employer that if i dont work full time i will lose my job (they dont know about the depression yet, ive got other physical issues ive told them about) im a mess in front of my children and im isolating myself in a panic and cant face work tomorrow. Help me

Minion Advice or friendly ear
  • replies: 4

Hi people. I'm having a rough time and thought I should attempt to seek help while I'm not in denial. I've spent my life looking after people with mental health issues, personally, I was even studying to make it my career. My partner had several suic... View more

Hi people. I'm having a rough time and thought I should attempt to seek help while I'm not in denial. I've spent my life looking after people with mental health issues, personally, I was even studying to make it my career. My partner had several suicide attempts before an amazing two years where he rebuilt and became the strongest person i know. Unfortunately I find myself lost because I don't need to take care of him anymore (not a conscious activity on my behalf) I have slowly lost my way over the last 18 months I guess, although I'm not sure I was ever particularly stable, never in a happy place, more numb. I know what I should do in my situation, from life experience with my partner and my psychologist training I started, I need help because everyone has bad times etc. however my brain and the rest of me seem to be ignoring each other. I rate 34 on a k10, consider self harm or passing thoughts about not being around (nothing acted on). I plaster a fake facade to get through work but the energy it takes is extraordinary, and when my obligations are met I fall in a heap and am unable to even cook tea most of the time. My house is a disgusting mess, I don't pay enough attention to my wonderful son, and although my partner and I have always been best friends, I wonder when he will finally leave me because I don't fully satisfy marital issues (although he says of course I do and he'd never leave). I stopped studying because it was easier to work (minimum wage type) and because I feel too exhausted to deal with other people's problems but my exhaustion is no better. I can't take time off because I work for family who can't manage without me. Little voice in my head says I did that deliberately albeit unconsciously. My self worth has never been great but is equal to the kitty litter tray right now, and the only time I feel better is lying in bed with my cat for company because he doesn't need me to act a certain way. My partner tries to be supportive but I feel disconnected from him because he has his life together. I don't want to take medication because I feel that makes others see that I'm an unfit parent and I worry about my son being taken away from me. I don't know how to see a counsellor because I'm not sure I'm strong enough to take any more home truths about how screwed up i am. Rationally I know things need to change and I need to change them but realistically I'm so tired. And feel so useless and lost. And sad. 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.

Rangatira Anxiety then depression
  • replies: 5

Hey peeps first time post. i got anxiety from being different im quiet and don't like attention even positive.i was outgoing over driven with things that I would do eg.if I had some sort of vision I would make it happen full stop.in my mind I can do ... View more

Hey peeps first time post. i got anxiety from being different im quiet and don't like attention even positive.i was outgoing over driven with things that I would do eg.if I had some sort of vision I would make it happen full stop.in my mind I can do anything.im a builder/carpenter and also have built race cars.skate surf weekly.have been sponcerd in the past. I was hit by a lot of judgment to the point where I would get anxious.people(workers) would watch me work because of the pace and the enthusiasm I had.i watched them try to as they say get in people's heads(mindgames)I seen groups of people target people on these work sites.after putting up with this for years it slowly broke my confidence and I would get anxious at work.to the point where anxiety had set in solid.i left that job any was hit with the same thing at another job(new)I went in with a unsettled mind tense serious.i quit that job as the bullying got very bad. anxiety made me slowly stop doing what I like.because being judged had been woven into my thought pattern.then came depression i have been fighting this by myself for 8 months it's been the hardest thing I've ever done.my partner is not very supportive.i tryed explaining but there was no getting threw.i also lost my licence so I was home bound all summer 6 months was very hard.ive never taken meds and never stopped fighting it.never stopped working and try my hardest to stay active.its been very hard but I'm getting threw it.i told childhood friends and they also didn't understand telling surrounding friends(saying I'm loosing it)I also tried to tell a friend I work with and it was spread threw my new job.witch made me feel betrayed.and even worse.coming to the end of this I'm starting not to care but I don't want to be to Mutch of a a$$hole finding the happy medium.keep fighting it I've found my character is taking a change but the old character was a victim.that was by far hell I'm still not full recoved.but never give up and adapt.i feel for people that have to go threw this. get well people.love you all

tulpa Lonely and angry
  • replies: 9

I've always been lonely but lately I've been getting more and more angry, I feel abandoned by everyone, like a total outcast. I can't make friends and i can barely take care of myself it feels like such an effort just to shower everyday. I know what ... View more

I've always been lonely but lately I've been getting more and more angry, I feel abandoned by everyone, like a total outcast. I can't make friends and i can barely take care of myself it feels like such an effort just to shower everyday. I know what I have to do but it's so hard just to do it, all I do is sit around daydreaming and listening to music. Can't even be bothered to make a doctors appointment even though I need to and I'm still crying almost everyday. I often feel like hitting people or throwing things I used to be so peaceful too.

Indra Why me? The penultimate question
  • replies: 6

I am on this merry-go-round of up and down days, as I am sure a lot can relate with. Today, is one of the low ones. Start with about 4 hours of very broken sleep caused by all living souls in this house including the four legged furball. Next up, my ... View more

I am on this merry-go-round of up and down days, as I am sure a lot can relate with. Today, is one of the low ones. Start with about 4 hours of very broken sleep caused by all living souls in this house including the four legged furball. Next up, my youngest had an appointment with CAMHS which actually went well, but also re - highlighted that the are definite signs of Aspergers - not a shock but still not the best news either. I still have a lot of paranoia/anxiety in regards to my fiancée. There are starting to be signs that he us talking to other women, but he denies this. We haven't been intimate in quite awhile and we have only been together just over a year. I get countless excuses for it and he never wants to discuss it. It makes me feel very low. I have said I am trying to deal with my depression as best I can, his response was that everyone has some sort of depression. Apart from some wonderful people on BB, I really don't have anyone I can talk to. I guess some days are just darker than others....

postagepaid finding ways to enjoy my life again
  • replies: 1

I am 40, been married 8 years, I love my wife although sometimes it is challenging to get along, especially after kids. I have a full time job, two great healthy kids I adore (both boys under 5 ). I exercise regularly, I am fit, actually probably fit... View more

I am 40, been married 8 years, I love my wife although sometimes it is challenging to get along, especially after kids. I have a full time job, two great healthy kids I adore (both boys under 5 ). I exercise regularly, I am fit, actually probably fitter than I have ever been, I drink moderately only socially, have a cigarette every now and then and try to eat well (no junk food save for the bag of chips every once in a while). I don't take drugs. I like my job although it does give me anxiety that I do not have a ongoing gig, rather a contract which runs out in 18 months.My wife is in a "permanent " job. We moved to Australia 3 years ago, for work reasons. I have a small community of friends and colleagues I like. Our household income is good. We live in a nice house. So this all sounds pretty good, right? So how come I cannot seem to enjoy any of it? I feel bad putting it this way, and it makes me very mad that I am such a fortunate person and I cannot find way to enjoy it! That has been bothering me for a while now. I have always been prone to anxiety, since I was much younger, and for a long time I dealt with it, mostly by drinking and going out. I no longer do that as the costs for me are way too high. Since having kids 5 years ago I have been dealing with some generalized level of depression and anxiety and this has had a massive impact on my life, and most of all my marriage. I have tried therapy - at least 4 times - to no avail yet. I am at intervals sad, angry, have no energy, low libido, low self esteem, no concentration etc. Also some self harm (not too serious). I worked very hard through my teens and early 20s to develop a strong sense of confidence and it seems that in the last 5 years this has evaporated and I am going back to a state that I thought was gone - meaning feeling insecure, incompetent, inadequate with body image issues etc..I am always tired... my marriage is falling apart as a result. I have discussed this matter with my wife and I am going to try medication for the first time (have Dr. appointment next week). I don't know what else to say really, except that as the title says I need to find ways to enjoy my life again before it all falls apart, we have worked very hard to be where we are and my mental health is ruining it I think.It's been a long 5 years.

renmon The daily deconstruction and reconstruction of self
  • replies: 3

The labels I have are Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder (Post Traumatic Stress). There are quite a few of us walking around with these labels imprinted on us. But what do they mean? I have spent almost three years discussing these label... View more

The labels I have are Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder (Post Traumatic Stress). There are quite a few of us walking around with these labels imprinted on us. But what do they mean? I have spent almost three years discussing these labels and the 'feelings' in relation to them and I don't feel I am winning the battle to have myself prioritised over my condition.Yes I have a mental illness. Yes this illness interrupts my life at various times. I have not lost my intelligence - if anything I have gained far greater emotional intelligence and sharpened my intellect through the process of recovery.I'm not sure of the points I want to discuss here or what I really want to say but I am finding all the tools at my disposal to get through the days are not working of late. I have spent six weeks shaking, afraid of noise and light and myself, and I am exhausted. Naturally depression is now taking over.I am still mindfully meditating, limiting my experiences that cause triggers while finely balancing this with an appropriate amount of social interaction and discussing my current state of being with those who will listen. I am exercising most days, eating well, limiting alcohol, keeping to a sleep schedule etc etc This is what I know for sure.There are moments in every single day I feel love and happiness and contentment. I have two wonderful children who so far remain firmly focused in front of any thoughts of suicide I have. Their father is unavailable to them and my parents (who we live with) are unwilling to support us, we have no other family where we live. If I'm not around, I can't imagine where they will end up.I just find it so exhausting to live. Every morning I wake up and immediately go into deconstruction mode. Waging a battle against the part of my mind that wants to take over and unleash the hell that is my mental illness. So once I have that a little bit under control, I go into reconstruction mode. I tell myself the thoughts I need to have and discuss with myself what part of my thinking is logical or illogical. This is for say 30-45 minutes. Then I great my children and start the day. Throughout the day and evening the whole process continues.I can't take medication as I am unable to parent with the side effects. My psychiatrist says I'm trapped between a rock and hard place. We've tried 11 medications and I can't tolerate any of them. It's impossible to live, yet inconceivable to die. I' m scared of what is going to happen to us.

highhopes Just a little bit off the path at the moment
  • replies: 4

Hey all, I'm in my early 30s and i've managed to make a mess of the finances for me and my Fiancee, i've always suffered from Depression since I was young about various things (bullying, not liking going to school, feeling left out). When I have an i... View more

Hey all, I'm in my early 30s and i've managed to make a mess of the finances for me and my Fiancee, i've always suffered from Depression since I was young about various things (bullying, not liking going to school, feeling left out). When I have an idea though, I am extremely passionate and will see it through, even if it makes me mentally sick. Yet at the same time I have no appreciation for anything I have achieved and feel more of a burden on people than a benefit. Yet, people that have met me have always said how nice and polite I am, people always seem to remember me and often speak only good things about me. I am the sort of person that would say "thank you" for everything, because I am extremely grateful for time that people have for me. I would do anything for anyone, i've lent money to friends, and even people I didn't know that well but had a good feeling about it. One friend ran off with some money I lent him but i'm glad they are not involved in my life in any way. I've managed to have 22 cars in 14 years, part of this is my ability to be indecisive but part of it was also for my passion of cars and setting big projects (the fun of fixing up cars), a few of these cars I got sick of rather quickly and sold them at a great loss. To give you an idea, I lost around 20k buying/selling the last 4 cars (each car was purchased under 10k each to give you an idea). As of April the 1st 2015, we had owed 36k which was separated on 2 credit cards and 1 personal loan (all maxed). Me and my fiancee have been miserable working so hard and not seeing a penny of it 3-4 years into full time work. The exact feelings I feel right now are regret (wishing I didn't waste so much money), and utter disappointment in myself that I could get us in this situation. I still feel useless, even though I have the most supportive fiancee in the world, I wish I had saved that money for a house deposit since we are renting. We took a chance last month and put everything I could think of on the market (sold expensive car for a cheap one etc). We managed to lower the debt from 35k down to 17k in just on one month, sounds like a big achievement but I still feel miserable and useless. Just looking at understanding my feelings. I wish I didn't have such hate for myself even though the situation is getting better. I feel there is still sadness inside even after debts paid off. Thanks for your time. I really honestly do appreciate it

Miss-Anne-Throwpy Good help is hard to find
  • replies: 3

Trying again today to get some help. Yesterday was a genuinely a shocker. Never met a Dr so awful. Dr was so inappropriate. I was looking for advice and contacts. I ended up googling the dr and found some other scathing reviews so certain now I am no... View more

Trying again today to get some help. Yesterday was a genuinely a shocker. Never met a Dr so awful. Dr was so inappropriate. I was looking for advice and contacts. I ended up googling the dr and found some other scathing reviews so certain now I am not being over sensitive. I won't name them of course. So today I'm jumping on public transport to travel a couple of hours to see my former Dr. of 10 years. The noise and crowds are not things I'm particularly up to handling right now so feels a little like running the gauntlet. On a positive; I'm doing it. Wish me better outcomes today.