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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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Em91Em Depression-the first steps
  • replies: 4

After fighting depression on and off for 5 years, I finally opened up to my friend about it. It's tough and I don't no wat to do next

After fighting depression on and off for 5 years, I finally opened up to my friend about it. It's tough and I don't no wat to do next

lorena feeling deflated
  • replies: 6

Today I have no motivation to do anything. I know I need to get up and start cleaning, organise dinner etc... But on the otherhand saying I cant be bothered I dont care So am feeling annoyed and angry and down because im not myself How do I get on wi... View more

Today I have no motivation to do anything. I know I need to get up and start cleaning, organise dinner etc... But on the otherhand saying I cant be bothered I dont care So am feeling annoyed and angry and down because im not myself How do I get on with my day ? Any suggestions would help ☺

Maureen How do you keep on trying
  • replies: 15

I've been reading the various posts on BB forum and am gobsmacked at how so many of you keep on trying to get better. I'm currently going through my 3rd episode of major depression and anxiety, over a year now. This episode just came out of the blue ... View more

I've been reading the various posts on BB forum and am gobsmacked at how so many of you keep on trying to get better. I'm currently going through my 3rd episode of major depression and anxiety, over a year now. This episode just came out of the blue and has hit so hard I haven't been able to work for the past year. I'm on my 4th anti depressant and finally one seems to be helping. I don't spend the day crying on the couch. I can sometimes get out in the garden, sew, cook. But... I can't seem to do what I should to help myself get better. I've tried 3 psychologists this time without finding one to assist. I know I should keep going but am so sick of telling my story I can't be bothered, I find it mortifying that I am this way, and that I always cry telling my story. I know I should stop binge eating sugary foods, but can't. I know I should exercise but I don't. I know I should join social groups (I live alone and have a few friends who aren't available often for socialising), but I don't. Also socially phobic. How do you keep trying? How do you remain hopeful that it will get better? Although I have found a bit of peace, it doesn't feel real, like I'm just hiding or postponing the bad bits.

alexmercer Really confused as to what is wrong with me
  • replies: 6

Hey guys this is the first time I have felt the need to seek external assistance as my issue keeps getting worse. So for a couple of years I have been constantly been going through phases where I feel really lonely, upset and unhappy with my life. I ... View more

Hey guys this is the first time I have felt the need to seek external assistance as my issue keeps getting worse. So for a couple of years I have been constantly been going through phases where I feel really lonely, upset and unhappy with my life. I am going through some issues at home but I guess nobody's life is perfect. The main problem that I am really confused about is my feelings of sadness and loneliness are completely disregarded by some close friends as they regard my lifestyle to be one they wish they could have. Not to sound arrogant at all but financially my family is doing well off, I have been offered my first preference into university and I have a good amount of friends always messaging me wanting to see me and talk to me. However, after all of this I always feel an empty spot and like to be alone and push out a lot of people in my life. I attempted to find escape routes to limit the loneliness I am going through but the happiness they provide is short and ends up making me feel worse. For example, I started smoking, starting going on a stupid spending spree, going out parties all the time but in the end I am always feeling the same feelings. Can anyone help me try to understand why I have these feelings and they come and go at various times during the week. I am sorry if this main be seen as a topic that is insignificant if so please tell me as this is my first time seeking out for help from random people. Thank you so much in advance.

Lost_andconfused Feeling lost
  • replies: 4

Hi im a 25 year old male that was admitted 4 months ago to hospital for a Psychotic Depressive episode. Was wondering how long this takes to go away? I'm sick of trying to figure out whats happening and find my behaviour erratic and temper tantrums e... View more

Hi im a 25 year old male that was admitted 4 months ago to hospital for a Psychotic Depressive episode. Was wondering how long this takes to go away? I'm sick of trying to figure out whats happening and find my behaviour erratic and temper tantrums explosive. Feels like im on a rocky boat stuck in a monstrous whirlwind somewhere. My life is a mess

Asche On Birthdays, Expectations, and the General Imperfections of Life: A light-hearted rant.
  • replies: 12

Allow me to begin by saying that, I'm not writing this to garner sympathy. In fact, the main reason why I'm writing this at all is because I unexpectedly stumbled across a spare few hours on a Sunday night, when I just happened to have a point in min... View more

Allow me to begin by saying that, I'm not writing this to garner sympathy. In fact, the main reason why I'm writing this at all is because I unexpectedly stumbled across a spare few hours on a Sunday night, when I just happened to have a point in mind. It's certainly not the most dramatic or egregious of grievances, but perhaps it'll resonate with a few of you. So with no further ado: Stuff birthdays. Don't get me wrong, I like the concept in principle. Having one day out of the year when you get cake and people pamper you like a god is a nice little tradition, and it's a good excuse to have friends over and reconnect after being preoccupied with work the other 364 days of the year. It's a perfectly pleasant concept in theory. Where things begin to go a bit awry, is when expectations creep into the process. For some reason that I've never been able to understand, you're expected to be particularly happy about being alive on this ONE particular day of the year, like it's some spectacular achievement that should innately drive you to tears of happiness. Except it's not really much of an achievement, is it? Barring some truly poor decision making, it's not all that difficult to stay alive in the earlier decades of life when your body hasn't started ageing and falling to bits of its own accord. As a result, I've never particularly bothered with my birthday (particularly when it commemorates the beginning of a life that's been marred by depression for approximately half of its current lifespan), preferring to let it go unremarked and save my limited capacity for joy for times more deserving of celebrating. Yet, for one reason or another, people don't appear to be able to just let it go. They'll throw surprises, turning up unannounced proffering cakes, cards and candles expecting a WIDE grin and a tearful hug thanking them for the gifts and their thoughtfulness. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful. I'm gratified that my friends and my family care enough to spend their hard-earned cash, and even more valuable time celebrating the birth of a soul as prickly and curmudgeonly as myself. Were it possible for me to actually feel much of anything, I'd probably be touched. But what these silly buggers don't seem to realize, with your bright, expectant smiles, is that the closest thing I've felt to proper happiness in the past decade is the relief I felt relieving an overburdened bladder following 3 hours of Sunday Mass after having 2 litres of water beforehand.

Moonstruck Need to Know - is this all there is?
  • replies: 9

Just lately I've needed to know for sure.....is this life all there is? What's "out there? After death..is there another realm, another spiritual place, other higher beings (those who've passed on or whatever) trying to communicate with us? What's th... View more

Just lately I've needed to know for sure.....is this life all there is? What's "out there? After death..is there another realm, another spiritual place, other higher beings (those who've passed on or whatever) trying to communicate with us? What's there? This can't be all there is...can it? I find myself watching for signs, symbols, messages, answers to requests & prayers....some kind of tangible "thing" to reassure me it's worth keeping on...trying,hoping, striving, improving, feeling, sharing, caring for my own health, listening to others, having fun, exploring other philosophies and beliefs - breathing in nature, delighting in pets - what comes after? Is there any point to doing all of this stuff? Why do such bad things happen to good people? How do we forgive ourselves....the more compassionate and loving we are, the more guilt we feel if loved ones are sad.......and we can't fix them! How can we change into cold uncaring people...so that we, ourselves, hurt less? That way it wouldn't matter to us, if people we loved were suffering, would it? Has anyone had "proof" of any kind of anything else existing? Any distinct messages from "the other side" ...is there one?....feeling scared and pointless today, sorry folks......x

New_Member feeling alone and depressed
  • replies: 2

Hi, im new to this, I had a little girl a little over a year ago and during my pregnancy i had a pretty rough time, was told we might need to terminate (but she turned out perfect) and then i lost my dad. My partner works away and I have no family su... View more

Hi, im new to this, I had a little girl a little over a year ago and during my pregnancy i had a pretty rough time, was told we might need to terminate (but she turned out perfect) and then i lost my dad. My partner works away and I have no family support. Im finding things quite difficult as a first time mum, im feeling very alone, like no one cares, i have a very supporting a helpful fiance but still I am finding myself very unhappy and stressed and unhappy about life. My mum and I were very close before our little girl arrived and now I barely hear or have visits from her. Also, its hard to explain but i am still friends with my ex whom ive known for (20 years) and feel like ive had to slowly let go of our friendship (although i dont want to) but dont want it jeapordising things with my fiance (hes aware we are friends but although never says anything dont think hes too happy about it). My mum has also just divorced from my stepdad although I didnt like him so much because of something he did to me when i was younger i am now worried about how he is with my little sister and hes turned really strange and worry he will do to her what he did to me. I just feel i cant talk to anyone and i feel my whole family is falling apart and I am so alone

Hib Very confused
  • replies: 5

Today was my first talk with a phyc nurse about my feelings /stress and possibly depression also my panic attacks.um feel strange talking out to the public for any past experience men who may have had these probs .did anyone have trust issues with th... View more

Today was my first talk with a phyc nurse about my feelings /stress and possibly depression also my panic attacks.um feel strange talking out to the public for any past experience men who may have had these probs .did anyone have trust issues with there partners when in depress States I'm seeing things and asking stupid questions all the time can't seem to get my head around WHY am I doing this ? Any help from other members would be great !

white knight Depression- your plan for 2016
  • replies: 7

As I write this, its xmas morning. Last xmas morning I made a vow to myself....that by next xmas morning (today) I would have advanced with my depression and made a few improvements. I would have- 1/ not thought at all in the twelve months...of suici... View more

As I write this, its xmas morning. Last xmas morning I made a vow to myself....that by next xmas morning (today) I would have advanced with my depression and made a few improvements. I would have- 1/ not thought at all in the twelve months...of suicide as a possibility. That that avenue, the idea of it, upon entering my thoughts, I would discount it 2/ That I would seek better stability of my medication. This was achieved by April by regular consultation with my doctor as to adjusting my mood stabilisers and anti depressants. This involved a little tweaking and was easier than I thought. I'm now as stable as I have ever been and likely ever will be. We need to allow for the fact that meds wont ever make us totally stable and we should seek the next best level. 3/ That on a personal level I would accept my wife more for her quirkiness and show more appreciation for her care and consideration. 4/ That I would seek more time aside for my time in a nearby forest. To take along my music I love (the pan flute) and play it. Meditate. 5/ That I would staunchly protect myself and my mental health by not allowing toxic people to enter my life nor allow some to re-enter it after previously being shut out. Torturing myself with troublemakers isn't going to help me. 6/ That I would remain on this forum. To try to connect with those needing my opinion in their struggle to get through life. It's all worked. Merry xmas to you all and be positive for it is the only way to get through it all with the least pain. Tony WK

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