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

Dalro45 Something wrong with my head
  • replies: 5

I know that I suffer from some sort of depression and anxiety. But I can't make myself go to the doctor. I don't want to be put onto magical happy pills. I just want to be me. Most days I struggle to get out of bed and only do so because I have child... View more

I know that I suffer from some sort of depression and anxiety. But I can't make myself go to the doctor. I don't want to be put onto magical happy pills. I just want to be me. Most days I struggle to get out of bed and only do so because I have children. But there have been some days (just 2) where my son missed a day of school because I crawled out of bed after 9. Worst Mother award goes to me! I don't have a job, despite the fact that I've applied for many entry level positions. My inbox is full of rejection emails from those who bothered to reply to my applications. But the thing is, even if I got an interview, I'd be a nervous wreck. In past interviews I focused so much on my body language and whether I'm giving them enough eye contact or not enough, that I miss their questions and turn into a mumbling fool. At present I am living my 'dream' life. I have a wonderful partner of 7 years and 2 of the best kids I could ever ask for. We live in a nice house on acerage with animals that would make 10 year old me jump for joy. But I don't find any enjoyment in it like I thought I would. I love animals. I volunteered at my local RSPCA thinking it would help with my social anxiety and my need to feel 'helpful'. I went for 5 weeks and stopped. I loved the work, the people were nice, it was a great experience for me. But that little voice in my head convinced me that nobody really liked me and I was more of a hinderance than helpful. And that sucks. So I create mini fantasies in my head of a different life and play them out for a few days until I struggle to find an ending for them. They help in a sense. They put me in a good mood for those few days. But then it's like some sort of devil likes to put things in my path that either remind me of my past fantasy or makes me wish I had that dream life. Example: My latest fantasy was that I was a single vet living in a duplex with my elderly dog and white german shepherd. In my fantasy I would put my elderly dog in a wagon and walk the dogs to the local ice cream place. I would do this every Friday night because I was a loner. A few days later, in real life, I saw an ad for a white german shepherd who needed a single female owner due to behavioural issues. The next day on my newsfeed I saw a post about a man who puts his elder dog in a wagon and takes him for walks. Talk about screwing with your head!

SaraJ My little purge, just need to talk
  • replies: 13

Hello, just need to talk anonomously, thanks for listening. I've been feeling depressed, having a bit of a downward spiral, not suicidal or anything, just spiralling sad, no sure what to do. I keep pulling myself out and have been good for long while... View more

Hello, just need to talk anonomously, thanks for listening. I've been feeling depressed, having a bit of a downward spiral, not suicidal or anything, just spiralling sad, no sure what to do. I keep pulling myself out and have been good for long whiles however not doing so great lately. I think a large part of it has to do with I was finally getting out and connecting with likeminded people in a club I enjoyed being a part of but, a certain high ranking member seems to be insecure and possessive of "his" members and me talking to people he has decided are not to be associated with has landed me in a bad place. Doesn't help he's telling other members lies about things I've never said or done either. There's no other similar clubs in my area and I really miss many of the members which I got along well with. I could come back (although likely excluded from many events) if I decide to do some grovelling and and shut up and not have anything to do with those he doesn't like, haven't been able to bring myself to do it though. Should I? I mean it'd go against my principles and likely be pretty awkward and depressing when all the others are out at social events I won't be allowed to go to at times but at least I'd get out sometimes. I'm a very introverted person who has taught myself to be a "pretend extrovert" since I have to deal with people all day, but to be honest, I often end up exhausted doing this. How do I deal with that? By isolating myself out of work hours so I can recharge. What does that do? It makes me more isolated and basically at work/by myself kind of circle. Little interactions with friends. Most stopped inviting me to anything years ago and fell out of touch. I have no close friends any more. No one I can really talk to. I've never had a partner, I can't let anyone that close. I feel I'll end up alone forever. Certain people seem to insist on pointing that out- ie what's wrong with you. Surely someone would have you? I feel if I were to die, the only side of me people would remember is what I did for a living. Morbid thought I know, but there's so much more to me that no one really sees anymore.

Pounce who has experience with bipolar?
  • replies: 3

My psychologist and gp both suspected that I had bipolar. After waiting two months for a psychiatrist appointment, he has confirmed that he agrees that I have bipolar. Luckily I was in a good mood so I've held it together pretty well. But it's a big ... View more

My psychologist and gp both suspected that I had bipolar. After waiting two months for a psychiatrist appointment, he has confirmed that he agrees that I have bipolar. Luckily I was in a good mood so I've held it together pretty well. But it's a big secret. I've only told one person, who has ptsd, so I knew he would be understanding. But how do I tell others? And who??? And how to deal with this diagnosis? Does anyone here have experience in this area?

rmw I turned 30 today...and...
  • replies: 3

...and the heaviness appeared. I went to a doctor to get a form filled, yet we spoke of my depression. Well, I spoke of it. I don't feel 30. I don't feel anything really apart from a mixture of failure, decay, instability, worthlessness, irrelevance.... View more

...and the heaviness appeared. I went to a doctor to get a form filled, yet we spoke of my depression. Well, I spoke of it. I don't feel 30. I don't feel anything really apart from a mixture of failure, decay, instability, worthlessness, irrelevance...list goes on. I've had severe depression since I was young. Diagnosed at 15. My mother doesn't comprehend due to inability or denial. Perhaps doubt. But I am not vain. Not shallow. I'm intelligent. I'm an uncertified psychologist. I'm a mother myself. I KNOW what's wrong with my head. I have all the leads. And when I tell them, I am just another headcase to people. To my mother. More than want, I actually MUST be understood here. It's critical for my sanity. Why cannot people, including doctors, take heed of a persons vulnerability and cries for help? Are they scared? Scared to delve into the darkness with me, or others who have depression? How selfish. Isn't it? I only live for my son. He's everything to me. My little angel. Do I continue to make my mother "get it" and accept me? Or should I stop and therefore forfeit the minimal control I might have in life; forcing her to understand and accept her eldest has it hard thus providing some sort of relief for myself. Depression is thoroughly lonely. Help. 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;}

Chloekat84 Hello needing to vent.
  • replies: 7

Ive had the worst day ever today. I didn't get to sleep till after 1pm as I was up watching a movies and drinking after my daughter went to sleep. I woke up feeling like I had no sleep and took my daughter to childcare. I thought if I came home witho... View more

Ive had the worst day ever today. I didn't get to sleep till after 1pm as I was up watching a movies and drinking after my daughter went to sleep. I woke up feeling like I had no sleep and took my daughter to childcare. I thought if I came home without the responsibility of looking after my daughter that I could go back to sleep but I was wrong. Ive had really bad restless legs and couldn't calm down at all and been nauseated as well. Ive been so depressed all day and don't know how ill be able to calm myself down tonight. my daughter doesn't go back to childcare until Friday so not sure how ill get through the week. Im going to try a bath and see how that goes but not sure. my daughter is still awake and its often hard to get her to bed at night as she resists. Just haven't had a good day today and not sure how to get my depression under control. I take anti depressants and have borderline personality and dysthymia advice would help.

Irish_Ebony New here. Didn't accept that I had depression until last night.
  • replies: 2

New here. Didn't accept that I had depression until last night. Iv been feeling low for months and cry randomly along with constant negative thoughts, many of these thoughts are irrational and I know they sound 'crazy' if I told anyone about them. I ... View more

New here. Didn't accept that I had depression until last night. Iv been feeling low for months and cry randomly along with constant negative thoughts, many of these thoughts are irrational and I know they sound 'crazy' if I told anyone about them. I thought I could heal myself, I thought I could think positive thoughts and take myself out of this doom and gloom way of living but that didn't happen. The more I try to be happy the more fake I feel then I feel guilty that I'm not expressing myself to my partner. He has always been my rock and knows me inside out, so last night when he said "I think you're depressed" it was like hitting the nail on the head, I was! And I just needed to hear someone say those words for me to believe it. Currently in bed feeling sorry for myself (as usual) contemplating making a doctors appointment, I know I need to talk to someone and maybe even get meds but I'm scared incase the medication changes my personality (if that makes sense). Anyone in a the same boat as me???x

ChrisMelbourne Depression in Melbourne
  • replies: 13

Hi all, my name is Chris I am 25 years old from overseas but I'm living in Melbourne the past 5 years. i have basically had server depression for over a year, which I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I have totally changed my lif... View more

Hi all, my name is Chris I am 25 years old from overseas but I'm living in Melbourne the past 5 years. i have basically had server depression for over a year, which I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I have totally changed my life around for the better and for the last couple of weeks I have been feeling the best I have felt in the past year. While I still have bouts of depression day to day, I am no where near how bad I was. I would like to meet up and talk with other people that have depression, that our going tru it or that have been try it. I have tried a support group but I didn't find it to helpful and the people there didn't want to open up or talk about it. i just want people to know that we are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with us, I am looking to help who ever needs it and to Let people know that things will get better. I have been tru the worst year of my life and I did not think that I would ever feel any other way than depressed I tought that this was me for the rest of my life. The reason I am writing on here is because I don't have many friends here in Australia its just me and my girl here, and i got tru this with sheer will power and a fight for life. If I could help anyone out there I would or if u are looking for someone to talk to that knows how your feeing I'm here.

MsPhoenix can't seem to shake it off
  • replies: 7

How does everyone get out of bed every morning when you feel like you are getting lower not better. How do you turn a corner when you feel lost. How do you not take out the way you feel with the others in your life.

How does everyone get out of bed every morning when you feel like you are getting lower not better. How do you turn a corner when you feel lost. How do you not take out the way you feel with the others in your life.

Sarah5 Asking Dr to hold medication for safe keeping, is this ok?
  • replies: 3

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question.... has anyone ever given prescription medication to their doctor to hold for them because they didn't want it in the house and didn't have anyone else to give it to for 'safe keeping' until th... View more

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question.... has anyone ever given prescription medication to their doctor to hold for them because they didn't want it in the house and didn't have anyone else to give it to for 'safe keeping' until they felt better? I hope that makes sense.If anyone has - did the doctor accept it/was willing to take it, what was their reaction? I'm not sure how to phrase this - how do you go in and say 'I don't trust myself enough with this in the house' without them thinking the worst? Will they give it back? Or should I not even ask? 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;}

Feelinghopeless I feel physically sick with worry every morning
  • replies: 2

Have finally decided to take the first step and get some help, but am not sure where to start. I have been afraid of being judged for my feelings but have decided that it has to be better than continuing with how I am feeling now. I haven't had depre... View more

Have finally decided to take the first step and get some help, but am not sure where to start. I have been afraid of being judged for my feelings but have decided that it has to be better than continuing with how I am feeling now. I haven't had depression or anxiety before so am unsure of what I should do. For the past few years things in my life have gradually taken its toll on my life. I now feel physically sick with worry every morning and dread the day that is about to start. I can't seem to find a positive in anything I do and I have so much to be happy for but can't seem to get myself out of this slump. I'm going to book in with my GP, with hesitation, but I need to do it. Hopefully I am on the right track and I can start improving myself for myself and everyone around me.. Thanks for listening..