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: 0

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

Jenny_B Newby reaching out.
  • replies: 8

Just joined the site so will keep it short for now. I have Major Depression and Fibromyalgia amongst other things. Right now I have that horrible feeling of alienation from the world, pain, brain fog etc. I now have a support system but it doesn't fi... View more

Just joined the site so will keep it short for now. I have Major Depression and Fibromyalgia amongst other things. Right now I have that horrible feeling of alienation from the world, pain, brain fog etc. I now have a support system but it doesn't fill the blankness of the days, lack of motivation, fatigue and a feeling of pointlessly existing. Confused that I want no physical contact with people but am so isolated and alone at the same time. Not sure what I want, just know that Beyond Blue is a really good organisation. Hugs, J

DWR A month alone
  • replies: 7

I have had depression as long as I can remember. Its gotten fairly bad the last few months. I am on medication but haven't worked up the courage to see a therapist (I have many times in the past but I never connect with them) My boyfriend who I live ... View more

I have had depression as long as I can remember. Its gotten fairly bad the last few months. I am on medication but haven't worked up the courage to see a therapist (I have many times in the past but I never connect with them) My boyfriend who I live with has just gone to America for the month of April. It has been one weekend and I feel desperately alone. My co-workers tell me Ill be fine if I have my friends over all the time. Truth is I have no friends, my boyfriend is my only friend and he is gone. To sound like a crazy cat lady, we got 2 kittens before he left as company for me. I don't know what I would do if they weren't here and it was just me..

AdelT Trapped in a well
  • replies: 3

Hi please call me Adel,Mental illness has had its grip on me form many many yeas and has recently taken a dark turn. I am off work a the moment and don't know if I will ever return, I am waiting for a psych evaluation to see if I have bipolar disorde... View more

Hi please call me Adel,Mental illness has had its grip on me form many many yeas and has recently taken a dark turn. I am off work a the moment and don't know if I will ever return, I am waiting for a psych evaluation to see if I have bipolar disorder (at my request). I have been on and off anti-depressants since my early 20's, I am now 34. I feel so lost and struggle with whats real and whats been a dream, a lot of the time now I just want to sleep as its the only time i feel free, when im awake i feel nothing but pain in my head and inside. I feel so alone right now. Adel 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;}

losttraveller I thought my depression was gone but now i'm not to sure
  • replies: 1

A few years ago my mum passed away suddenly and it left me in a state of shock, anxiety and depression. For a year I was really mentally unwell, no motivation, lost my orientation, couldn't do daily tasks, numb to the world and very very sad. I then ... View more

A few years ago my mum passed away suddenly and it left me in a state of shock, anxiety and depression. For a year I was really mentally unwell, no motivation, lost my orientation, couldn't do daily tasks, numb to the world and very very sad. I then practiced meditation and mindfulness, this gave me the strength to atleast live a normal life but i still felt imbalanced, so i was medicated. It was the help i needed. I was on the medication for a year and then felt like i was ready to come off them. I was able to live off them happily. It has been a year since ive taken them or suspected i needed them. But recently I have moved away from my family and friends and don't know anyone except for my boyfriend. I have made new friends but they aren't like my ones at home. I now spend most of the day alone and find myself thinking too deeply into life, i find myself not having motivation, i find myself sometimes just wanting to cry. I called a help line because i really needed someone to talk to, i asked her if i should take my medication again and she said that its a decision i should make myself. i decided that i should, but when i tried to find them they are lost. now i have a little anxiety knowing that i dont have my medication there for the 'just incase' times. I'm not sure if i am depressed because i feel like a smoldering flame of sadness rather than the blazing fire of sadness i felt before. But i do know i don't feel happy most days. I'm not sure if its homesickness and loneliness, lack of familiarity and support or if i'm just mentally weak and can't handle life as easily as others seem to. I'm not sure what to do. i do feel like my mind isn't chemically balanced because i don't feel chemically balanced. Can anyone offer any advice? I don't have anyone to talk to about it that will understand.

dazel69 from bad to worse
  • replies: 12

Hi, i been diagnosed with depression for several years, i was on medication but came off them last year as they weren't making a difference. At the time my depression was only mild. Now its a different story i feel like ive hit rock bottom. I love my... View more

Hi, i been diagnosed with depression for several years, i was on medication but came off them last year as they weren't making a difference. At the time my depression was only mild. Now its a different story i feel like ive hit rock bottom. I love my wife dearly but our marriage has been struggling over the last 6-12 months its been getting worse. I now find out she has been speaking to someone online for several months (its only that long because i guessed that long I suspect its longer). This has been very personal but she wont tell me how personal or anything and if i ask she gets angry. I was already getting worse before this and i know its my fault it happened but im really struggling every day now. I though i was a strong person but i now cry at the drop of a hat and have more dark thoughts than i would like (only thoughts). It was hard enough dealing with the depression and now this id just making it worse. I know i need help and im in the process of seeking guidance from a counselor but im at a loss. I cant stop thinking about it, i cant sleep, My mood is up and down like a yo-yo. I know she loves me but i feel im shouldering all the blame. Every time i bring it up its okay your going to see a counselor, we will get you better. Im stuck i dont know what to do and im sliding down a slippery slope.

DWR What is the purpose of this all? Life, the world.
  • replies: 14

First post. I'm 23, female. I've had depression as long as I can remember but lately it has become almost unbearable. I have seen therapists in the past but I feel like I am not myself and just say what I think they want to hear, I struggle with face... View more

First post. I'm 23, female. I've had depression as long as I can remember but lately it has become almost unbearable. I have seen therapists in the past but I feel like I am not myself and just say what I think they want to hear, I struggle with face to face communication about myself. My mind always goes back to the thought, what is the purpose of all of this? Life? The world? We live and die, we are smaller than a grain of sand to time. It will continue to go on without us, so what is the purpose to be here right now?

WPClinic Crying all the time is driving me nuts!!
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I hope someone has an answer. I cry all the time and it is ruining everything for me. When ever i watch, hear or experience anything emotional, i start crying. I am a middle aged man and this is driving me nuts. I can't watch anything sad or ... View more

Hi all, I hope someone has an answer. I cry all the time and it is ruining everything for me. When ever i watch, hear or experience anything emotional, i start crying. I am a middle aged man and this is driving me nuts. I can't watch anything sad or happy on TV without starting to cry. It starts welling up and I try so hard to not cry. I make noises which scares me dog and when I am around my kids and grand kids, I make a lload sort of hissing sound when ever i get the crying urge. The kids know exactly whats going and and now ignore me. Has anyone else experienced this? Steve

LoveLoveLove1816 So sad and I don't know what to do...
  • replies: 2

I feel sad a lot and constantly worry about what everyone thinks of me all the time. I question myself in every aspect of my life. It doesn't matter how hard I work, how much exercise I do or how many material things I have. It doesn't matter. None o... View more

I feel sad a lot and constantly worry about what everyone thinks of me all the time. I question myself in every aspect of my life. It doesn't matter how hard I work, how much exercise I do or how many material things I have. It doesn't matter. None of it matters. I feel like I will always have self doubt and always feel like a failure and always care about what people think of me.

petite3 Depression & Eating Disorder
  • replies: 2

I have depression, anxiety and apparently dysthymia, then after reading the information for women I display every sign of having an eating disorder, apart from actually being anorexic. I'm actually feeling quite low now. Does anyone else suffer from ... View more

I have depression, anxiety and apparently dysthymia, then after reading the information for women I display every sign of having an eating disorder, apart from actually being anorexic. I'm actually feeling quite low now. Does anyone else suffer from an eating disorder? And willing to admit it,? Huh! That's the hardest part.

Titleist Need some advice and help
  • replies: 4

Hi all, sorry for the long post but just after some advice on what I should do. I haven't been feeling too good, feels like I'm going crazy, an emotional roller coaster in my head everyday. Last year my local GP sent me to see someone after I told he... View more

Hi all, sorry for the long post but just after some advice on what I should do. I haven't been feeling too good, feels like I'm going crazy, an emotional roller coaster in my head everyday. Last year my local GP sent me to see someone after I told her I have been drinking a lot recently. The shrink pinned my condition down to anxiety. Which I think is incorrect. I have a history of minor substance abuse (marijuana 1-2 days a week & prescription pills everyday) I stopped the Marijuana 6 years ago when my son was born, but the prescription pills I kept taking up until 1 month ago. I know what happens when you stop your body feel like crap for a few weeks then you get better. Well my body has felt better but my mind has not. I'm an absolute wreck. I have 2 kids and a wife which I love and I work 5 days a week 9-5.30. My work is terrible. I dread waking up and going there, I often think this is the cause of me feeling terrible. When I take a day off I feel like I'm on top of the world and I feel happy and normal again, but having a family I can not just pack up and leave my job. I need to provide for my kids. I feel trapped and stuck in this daily grind. I have worked since I was 15, I am 33 now.I have done a bit of research on what depression is and what the symptoms are and I have experienced mainly all of it, bar the suicidal thoughts and not being able to get out of bed. I love going out and doing family things but come Sunday night I become a monster again knowing I have to go back to the daily grind the next day. 2015 has been the worst year of my life so far, even though I have a loving family and get to do all the activities I love such as playing golf, fishing & go karts I still feel like crap and unhappy. We recently had family over from overseas for 3 months in 2014 I never felt this good in a long time. Going places, doing things every day but now that's over and they have left us I feel empty again.I am thinking about going back to another GP but I don't want to go talk to a shrink again and I'm afraid I will get hooked on the prescription drugs they give me. Just need some advice and thank you for reading my post.