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: 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

Start a discussion

Daisycqt Ever since I got sober
  • replies: 3

I don't know about others but my sobriety comes hand in hand with my depression. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a miserable ex drunk blai,ing myself each day for what has been. I understand and encourage people not to wallow in the past, just to let it ... View more

I don't know about others but my sobriety comes hand in hand with my depression. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a miserable ex drunk blai,ing myself each day for what has been. I understand and encourage people not to wallow in the past, just to let it go. No, I think I used alcohol as a coping mechanism in a very stressful environment. Since I made the decision to put down the bottle, I've had nothing to help me cope and my depression has deepened. I was diagnosed with depression nearly 15 years ago but the doctor told me that "as I had an addictive personality they could not give me anything for my depression" and it took me a further 8 years to get real, solid treatment, not just dabbling round the edges. But now I am so low, so exhausted, so sore and down, I can't drag myself up. My eldest daughter loses patience with me and tells me "she needs her mum now" and my mother competes with me symptom for symptom. Is anyone else feeling this low or is it just me?

BeyondBroken Depression & Single Parenthood
  • replies: 4

So i have a thousand reason to be depressed and i have a list of diagnosis. i have tried so many medications. But to add to it all i am a single parent not newly single but going on 5 years now. i don't have some one to help with the kids. i am their... View more

So i have a thousand reason to be depressed and i have a list of diagnosis. i have tried so many medications. But to add to it all i am a single parent not newly single but going on 5 years now. i don't have some one to help with the kids. i am their all and only. I don't get to stay in bed all day, i don't get to not make dinner or wash the clothes or clean the house. i don't get to not drive the kids to school even when i am suffering the side effects of a new anti depressant. i don't get to cry all the time. i don't get to lie on the floor in the fetal position when i suffer a panic attack. i don't get time to myself. I do get to force myself every day to get up, clean up, make meals, get the kids to school, help with homework, try to hold fake smiles and try as hard as i can not to resent my children for existing (and then hate myself for thinking that). Trying to find a way out of depression is hard enough. trying to do it as a single parent of three kids is well feeling impossible. Please if you are a single parent suffering from depression say hello. i need to know I'm not alone in this struggle that there are others out there trying try find a way out of depression as a single parent.

nataya falling apart
  • replies: 17

I am falling apart, can hardly hold myself together.....I feel like I am breaking and will not be able to be put back together. It's so dark I see no light it's all vanished. I'm scared of what comes next.I am on medication and in therapy but I just ... View more

I am falling apart, can hardly hold myself together.....I feel like I am breaking and will not be able to be put back together. It's so dark I see no light it's all vanished. I'm scared of what comes next.I am on medication and in therapy but I just feel like this hole I am in is getting deeper and deeper with no way out..... I just don't know what to do anymore....I'm lost.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.

LisaT Newbie
  • replies: 22

Hi...I'm reaching out in the hope of finding some online support. I'm a 47 yr old sole parent of 2 daughters aged 16 & 21. Last year I had a manic episode and was hospitalised for 3 weeks. The low that followed left me feeling suicidal...these though... View more

Hi...I'm reaching out in the hope of finding some online support. I'm a 47 yr old sole parent of 2 daughters aged 16 & 21. Last year I had a manic episode and was hospitalised for 3 weeks. The low that followed left me feeling suicidal...these thoughts now seem to be subsiding. I'm on medication . I have tried others but but had to go off it due to it effecting my kidneys. Would like to make some online friends for mutual support...

RessurectMe six months of non-stop emotional pain
  • replies: 2

I have been in severe emotional pain for over six months with no breaks. Because of this my marriage, family, friendships, career - everything is threatened. I am seeing a therapist, but it is like holding an umbrella up to a tidal wave. Before this ... View more

I have been in severe emotional pain for over six months with no breaks. Because of this my marriage, family, friendships, career - everything is threatened. I am seeing a therapist, but it is like holding an umbrella up to a tidal wave. Before this started, I was happier than ever. I know the reason for my situation, but it is something I must accept - it cannot be changed. Looking for support here. Thanks, - Rez

Double D FIRST POST - I'm struggling, what next?
  • replies: 3

Hey all so this is my first post so please be patient with me.Just abit about me, I'm 24 , male , when I was 18 I was on AD's SSRI after about 8 months was okay and was wheened off of them. I've struggled massively my whole life with anxiety, depress... View more

Hey all so this is my first post so please be patient with me.Just abit about me, I'm 24 , male , when I was 18 I was on AD's SSRI after about 8 months was okay and was wheened off of them. I've struggled massively my whole life with anxiety, depression, fear of dying, fear that I am dying, panic attacks, self esteem and all the rest of it. My grandpa suffered with severe depression as does my dad who has been on ADs for about a year.I thought I had it down and managed after about 4 years off the meds but over the past 9 months it has crept back in and just festered and festered . I was seeing a counsellor infrequently when needed. but now I'm seeing him 2 times a week, i honestly would not wish this on my worst enemy, i have never felt so detached, spacey, low, sensetive , emotional or anxious in my life . I woke up and I was angry that I woke up. After fighting this so vigorously for so long I feel like it's beaten me and I don't know how to be apart of this world or if I'll ever feel okay again, or happy. I eat really healthy, excersise everyday ( which now I've lost the drive to do and it's become a chore), I try be social as much as I can but have withdrawn a lot, I get 30 minutes of sun every day, I dance part time as an outlet, see a counsellor, told my family, see a doctor , moving out with a friend so I'm not alone, hang out with pets and animals , relaxing music and yoga when I can .. I'm really proactive about beating this but am losing hope fast. It got so bad that now I've lost my jobs . 9 days ago I started taking a relatively low does of AD that works on melatonin . But since taking it feel foggy and spacey like in a dream state, it makes me a little disorientated , I've got terrible sleep and feel like my anxiety is a lot worse which is making me more depressed. I know I'm ment to give it 2+ weeks to feel better but I can't help but doubt this pill as it seems to be making me feel worse. In all fairness the thoughts of lack of purpose and meaning have decreased slightly ? My point is I feel like I'm doing everything someone who hopes to be happy should be doing and I'm not happy. Which leaves me asking will I ever be? What next ? I feel like I'm watching a video game of my life and not actually apart of it. I feel like I am dying . Any techniques, groups, advice , similar experience would be greatly appreiciated as I'm just at a loss now. Thanks a million 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;}

MegJane89 Should i really be depressed?
  • replies: 2

Hello.Im 25yrs old and seemed to have my life together about a year ago. However things crumbled slowly. My mum took a bad turn and attempted suicide. She has been suffering from depression and anxiety for years and lately its been at its worse. Some... View more

Hello.Im 25yrs old and seemed to have my life together about a year ago. However things crumbled slowly. My mum took a bad turn and attempted suicide. She has been suffering from depression and anxiety for years and lately its been at its worse. Sometimes She wont leave the house and lays around being depressed. It affects because i have to live with it. Last year i left my job of five years and since then i still havnt found a suitable job or even know what i want to do. I feel like i am now becoming depressed because i cant find a job. I keep putting guilt on myself for not having a new job. Should i really be like this? 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;}

Lookingforpeace Regret and winter blues
  • replies: 6

Hi all Finding myself feeling really low today. It's been cold and wet today and getting dark earlier and I just seem to get depressed as a result. Then when I'm in this "funk" I start to obsess over things I've done in the past and things that have ... View more

Hi all Finding myself feeling really low today. It's been cold and wet today and getting dark earlier and I just seem to get depressed as a result. Then when I'm in this "funk" I start to obsess over things I've done in the past and things that have happened and feel intense guilt and regret. I'm also not very well physically and struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel or imagine a day when I'll feel better. Anyone else experience the same feelings, particularly in winter? What do you do to cope?

roogirl Big Black Hole
  • replies: 24

Hi there, I'm new to the forums. I have been battling depression for the past few months after a health scare. Now I'm finding that a lot of issues from my past have cropped up and I'm having to deal with my grief from a broken marriage 10 years ago.... View more

Hi there, I'm new to the forums. I have been battling depression for the past few months after a health scare. Now I'm finding that a lot of issues from my past have cropped up and I'm having to deal with my grief from a broken marriage 10 years ago. This is really hard for my as I've lived alone quite successfully for the past 10 years. I am getting professional help etc, but some days it's really hard going. I have a good family and good friends who support me, but at times I feel totally alone in this. My greatest thing is battling my stomach depression which wakes me up in the morning, it's like a gigantic knot in my stomach. I do breathing exercises and try to relax, but the only real way of releasing the knot is to cry, and then that can last for quite a while. Now to top it off, I,m having songs and music stuck in my head. Am I going crazy????? Any suggestions would be great. I'm 65 years old and didn't think I'd have to walk this road again.

lookingforme Not doing so well...
  • replies: 3

I've been...feeling quite low these past couple of weeks. Upon the suggestion of my psych I've tried to isolate what I feel and what I've come up with is what I'm writing here. Problem is that often I can't understand why I feel this way. Anyway... I... View more

I've been...feeling quite low these past couple of weeks. Upon the suggestion of my psych I've tried to isolate what I feel and what I've come up with is what I'm writing here. Problem is that often I can't understand why I feel this way. Anyway... I realised that I feel like I'm being phased out of my own life; that I'm becoming irrelevant. Between not feeling comfortable at all around my family and feeling like a low priority to my friends, I feel like with everything that I've built up for myself in this life can get along without me now. And life seems to just be erasing me. And on some level, I think I'm letting it. i had to get that thought out across to someone.