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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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EMFsAffectUs Suspecting EMFs are affecting us ans contributing to depression.
  • replies: 6

Reading peoples stories here and seeing common isdues in cities. I livevin the Blue Mountains in an area with one mobile tower so we have less electromagmetic freqencies syrrounding us. My family live in sydney and i have come to realise that the rea... View more

Reading peoples stories here and seeing common isdues in cities. I livevin the Blue Mountains in an area with one mobile tower so we have less electromagmetic freqencies syrrounding us. My family live in sydney and i have come to realise that the real anxiety i experience when i come down to sydey is not just about seeing family but more about wading through the soup of wifi bluetooth mobike towers and al the other freqyencies in cities. They are everwhere but staying overnight in sydney has me sleepless anxious and upset and seeking help online here on this great site. I think many of the people here are exoeriencing real problems from outward sources. Its not all internal people! What can we do? We can do a lot. ...

Solly who am i, what is important
  • replies: 7

Hi there, my name is Sollly. I am suffering from depression for 16 years now. But recently i am not sure what i am suffering from. I have lost my way. Only after i moved to Aus with 3 small boys and a wife, working fifo, did i realise that i have no ... View more

Hi there, my name is Sollly. I am suffering from depression for 16 years now. But recently i am not sure what i am suffering from. I have lost my way. Only after i moved to Aus with 3 small boys and a wife, working fifo, did i realise that i have no clue what i am doing or even why i am doing this. I constantly think i am not good enough for this work, as i still struggle after 11 months to fit in the role. I have social anxiety and don't make friends easily, i have to concentrate very hard to have a normal conversation with anyone. English is my second language and therefore it takes time to communicate in a proper manner. I am a pleaser, empath that has followed the main stream too long. I have no identity anymore and we seldom do things because of my constant worries about work and providing for my family. I feel inferior to everyone arround me and that my opinion does not matter. Is work everything? I don't want to fail my children but i can feel my mental health slipping. I am on medication and it keeps me inline but can not get an appointment with a psyciatrist to evaluate its effectiveness. I love australia, can not go back to country of birth. Is 35 too late to change your whole career and start at the bottom again? It feels like i am ungreatful for what i have, i should oblige and count my blessings. I just dont see the point anymore. Such a fine line between the rabit hole and euphoria. Some days i am possitive and tackle the world, but get easily discouraged. My self worth and assurance is gone. I was not always like this, i used to be strong.

lazerus l know that l have depression but ...
  • replies: 7

I know l am depressed. I have never felt lower, more alone and more isolated in my life. I have no family living within 500kmh's of me and then its only an elderly parent with no coping mechanisms of their own. My dog is my constant and only companio... View more

I know l am depressed. I have never felt lower, more alone and more isolated in my life. I have no family living within 500kmh's of me and then its only an elderly parent with no coping mechanisms of their own. My dog is my constant and only companion. Four years ago my life was at its most content then out of right field a major health crisis left me disabled and with acquired brain injury. After over 18 months scrapping and crawling my way back my partner turned on me. I became homeless and left with virtually nothing. I couldnt afford housing in any form where l was living (unless l gave away the one security and love l knew, my dog) so l took what l did have and moved clean across the country hoping for a new start. I ended up even more isolated and alone than ever. I cannot cope with people; l find building friendships challenging and maintaining them even harder. l did find some volunteer work that l thought l would enjoy. Then l thought things had really changed and l secured a part time job (ironically in a mental health related field). The employer seemed very empathetic to my abi and disability and the part time hours where to be flexible but after barely 2 months l am going to throw it in. I just cannot cope with it and this now is adding a huge burden on my loss of self esteem, frustration and lack of self worth. As a former professional in my field and with a lot of education and decades of work experience l feel l have hit an even lower point than when l lost my home and what had been a loving long term relationship. I have always managed to have the resilience and resources to find a way back or to break things down to start to find a way back but not now. I feel overwhelmed, emotional, in trying to deal with people l feel its all too much; cognitively l am so overwhelmed l just cannot relate to people or manage any interpersonal relationships. l feel like l am on another planet that l have nothing in common with people. The day to day challenges of trying to keep up appearances so to speak is getting beyond me. I will not talk to my GP, l do not trust her. Heck, after the wheels fell off 2 years ago l was put on anxiety medication and my current GP is trying to get me off it ! I am running out of characters to explain that. I know l need help but realistically l dont want it ! Its all too much effort and whats it going to do ? Not much in the long run because much of what needs to change cant; l have tried before and ended up back here ! 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:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; 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-fareast-language:EN-US;}

farns lack of Energy and Motivation
  • replies: 2

Hi, having depression as you all know brings with it total lack of energy and motivation, can some one out there enlighten me with some coping mechanisms of trying to get through this whether its with medicines or whatever. I am on an antidepressant ... View more

Hi, having depression as you all know brings with it total lack of energy and motivation, can some one out there enlighten me with some coping mechanisms of trying to get through this whether its with medicines or whatever. I am on an antidepressant and 2 weeks in, I know it takes about 4-5 weeks for it to kick in as I have been on another antidepressant which didn't work, I am sick of feeling so tired and run down and with drawing from people and cant be bothered talking.....I walk every morning for 30 mins but that doesn't seem to help but I will keep doing it, thanks I look forward to hearing from someone.

Patsy8 Lashing out
  • replies: 7

Hi, I'm new to this forum but need some help as I think I am losing the plot. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my life, but thankfully can usually manage it quite well. Most days are a struggle in one way or another but I get t... View more

Hi, I'm new to this forum but need some help as I think I am losing the plot. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my life, but thankfully can usually manage it quite well. Most days are a struggle in one way or another but I get through them and on the whole have a lot of happiness in my life now. So why do I lose it sometimes and for no apparent reason lash out verbally at the people I love and care about most? Does anyone else do this? It leaves me feeling so unhappy and feeling sick to the bottom of my stomach. Any comments to help me understand this a bit better would be most welcome, as at the moment I feel like a totally horrible person and hate myself. Thank you in advance.

Stormy One man's struggle
  • replies: 5

I sit here typing this, the quietness of the house is causing ringing in my ears so I had to put the television on to break the silence, the feeling of being alone is all too real. The false side of me today has past. I am exhausted playing a charade... View more

I sit here typing this, the quietness of the house is causing ringing in my ears so I had to put the television on to break the silence, the feeling of being alone is all too real. The false side of me today has past. I am exhausted playing a charade. The positive side that I project to others, the motivating me,the up beat me, the confident me, is now asleep. I am alone with my thoughts, and the internal struggles that lay within. I need sleep, yet too scared to go to sleep, and too scared to stay awake. Tomorrow is another day, another sunrise, another charade to present to those around me. If only they knew what was going on inside, then again, I wonder if they would even care. It's been years since I have felt any real value. I always try and find something positive in each and every day. The sunshine of my little boys smile, his laughter still bouncing around in my mind's picture. If only I could see him, but alas I have to wait another week for my one day of togetherness, only to have my heart ripped out when I take him back. What a roller coaster my life is. My own childhood memories always come flooding back in these quiet times and I often dread the coming of the night. The thoughts of when I was homeless at 14 years old, being assaulted by those you have trusted, living in a park and in the back of a station wagon in a friends back yard, and still finding something, a little anything to keep going. I have always been so good at portraying that positive happy person, even in my darkest hour, hoping that one day I may even convince myself. I have sought professional help, even undertaking clinical hypnotherapy over a 12 month period and that seemed to only bring the memories forward and yet provide no real answers. I only seem to get solace when I write poetry and work on my autobiography. I find writing is very therapeutic for me but I have to focus to do it. I can't always focus and that frustrates me. I am hoping by writing on this forum it will allow me refocus and find the will to keep writing. I have recently retired from work due to illness, a brand new set of struggles, struggles that I determined to overcome or at least give it my best shot. We get into dark places at times but with each sunrise there is a brand new beginning, and what we chose to do with that beginning is entirely up to us. It is by no means an easy task when depression sets in but we still need to find a way to keep pushing on.

Delphinium feeling so socially isolated at the moment
  • replies: 4

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water ... View more

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water since. Also studying full time at uni and not doing as well this year as the previous one which is really frustrating me. Only really have my mum to talk to and nobody else and she can only do so much. My self-esteem has plummeted since the separation and I am realising I have elements of social anxiety which I need to deal with. The lack of a decent social network and studying mostly at home is making me feel so alone and I feel like the walls are closing in sometimes. Also gained a lot of weight over past few years which is now making me feel really unhappy with myself and tired all the time. Just starting to wonder when life will pick up again as it seems like a never-ending series of challenges and no fun at all. Finding it hard to get motivated and do anything positive for myself. Thanks for reading and hope to get to know some of you on here.

MichW Depression and Addiction
  • replies: 6

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and... View more

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and got clean after almost dying and losing everything in my life.. well everything that was important to me. Stayed clean for 2 1/2 years, up until last month... How could I be so stupid? Its pathetic, how can I let this drug control my life, why cant I stop? What did I do? I don't want to become who I used to be again - I wont survive RELATED THREADS My alcohol addiction and depression is really hurting me Anxiety with loving someone who is addicted to drugs

ci Help!! newly diagnosed but confused
  • replies: 6

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them... View more

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them and cant deny that totally agree. the part of my diagnosis i have trouble with is one phyc told me i have bipolar but other have said no i dont agree with the bi polar i dont have the highs. my brother is bi polar so i know a bit about it i dont think i'm the same. the other said panic disorder and depression with the ocd so that brings me to my question could this be right i was told the depression doesn't come and go like my moods do. i can be ok one day and unable to stop crying the next. i am so irratable feel like im going to explode alot of the time. is this normal for depression to be up and down and to be so on edge and frustrated. some days i so exhausted its hard to move and do anything but i'm a mum of 3 so not an option to curl up and hide. other days so anxious and irritated im so fidgety still exhausted and dont have energy but i really restless. I cant keep going like this need to know what is happening i dont know much about depression would really appreciate some advice does this sound like depression. i not on meds i refuse untill someone says for sure whats wrong but im at the point where i need to do something fast im in a state i dont have family support except for my husband no otherfamily to support us havent told my husbands family they not the supportive type i did stupidly tell mine and then heard my mother has been making fun of my ocd issues. ive distanced myself from all friend havent seen them for about 2 years i just shut myself off. i contacted two recently trying to reach out explained a little about whats happening with me but i think its a lost cause cause havent heard back from them even though they said wish they new could have helped ect, i seem to attract people that find me useful not the kind to return the favour. anyway this has turned into a rant thought it would all i wanted to post was like i said does any of this sound like depression mixed in with my ocd?

Victoria_Point Are you sick of feeling like crap?
  • replies: 5

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of t... View more

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of the problem I think) and I feel completely dead inside. I am 46 years old. Life is wasting away I want to enjoy everything around me and I cant. I go for a walk along the beach with my dog thinking this will help everyone says exercise helps and the whole time im walking im thinking is it too soon to turn around id rather be home with a coffee and a menthol cigarette, ill go a bit further. I went to Mental Health yesterday and they want me to come off all meds and try cognitive therapy with a Psychologist. It would make sense as they haven't worked for 16 years why poison myself and still feel crappy???? I am okay when im with people which is interesting. I went to a birthday party Saturday and had a great time chatting to all the adults and felt on a kind of high when I left like yes that's how I want to feel again every day. I'm naturally bubbly and funny without sounding too modest but I am and I have this horrible illness that is taking it away from me. My old GP told me he linked depression to loneliness as in studies around the world certain countries have literally no depression like The Philippines as they are surrounded by family all day long.I know I need to get a job but im a Teachers Aid and it is soooo boring and dull. I love the kids but I want something to lift me up where ill be chatting with people all day long like shop work or something. I need to get our of the house that's for sure. Anyway I feel better from just writing this down even so thanks x