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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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white knight Depression and the "snowball effect"
  • replies: 7

Imagine you are in a room with 9 other strangers. All of you have mental or emotional struggles of various types. You have all had different lives with different backgrounds. You sit there wondering what to say. One person begins to ramble on about n... View more

Imagine you are in a room with 9 other strangers. All of you have mental or emotional struggles of various types. You have all had different lives with different backgrounds. You sit there wondering what to say. One person begins to ramble on about nothing in particular…not making much sense hence no replies are given. One young woman begins to cry. She becomes visibly distraught and at that point some of the others begin to comfort her. As she calms she mentions why she got upset and others begin to reply ….the snowball of interaction has begun to grow. The conversations extend to nearly all, some prefer to keep quiet but they are at least- listening. We’ve often mentioned in this forum the need to get the “mix” right. The mix being proper diagnosis, the correct medications and the right doses, a calmer environment, a more suitable career, better working hours, a shield against the cruel and toxic and professional ongoing treatment. This forum could be said to be in that “mix”. Why? Because not only can some ask questions and get a reply quickly but you are contributing to the gathering of this little community with the same ambitions, to help each other find ways to cope. I would suggest however, that your participation to give to others comfort in few words with a reply is not only helping them….it is a tonic for YOU. Since being on this forum I’ve found it an important part of my own therapy. Giving to others in the form of referring to your own life’s struggles, your childhood or your genes can be such a relief for those searching for answers. By replying or even pressing that red button to say it has helped you, adds to that snowball of support and you help it grow. You might not realise how significant a few words could be. Today I read in a thread I started replies from two contributors on this site, words of thankyou that my own words helped them in their journeys. Its all part of that snowball and its tendency to grow when others chip in. And that snowball helps you the thread starter as much as the person reading it. There is no difference to anyone here, we are all one snowball with our arms reaching out with open arm for others to jump in. That my friends....is the snowball effect. For some, a vital addition to the "mix" required for a healthy mind. You are reading this....welcome to the snowball. A world where your contribution however small adds to its ability to keep going. Tony WK

Daniel4Louise16 I get jealous of people as some have great lives and I wish I had their luck
  • replies: 2

I've been depressed lately and it's just frustrating. I've had illness and it's taken me 2yrs and it's taking so slow. I had to give up my job and now I need to find another job but I'm not sure what to do. With my age I'm afraid that I'm to old for ... View more

I've been depressed lately and it's just frustrating. I've had illness and it's taken me 2yrs and it's taking so slow. I had to give up my job and now I need to find another job but I'm not sure what to do. With my age I'm afraid that I'm to old for somebody to take me on. I'm just upset as most of my so called friends don't call me or chat to me. Which is sad but what can I do. I think I let my partner down my family don't chat to me or ask how I'm doing which at time hurts. I'm thinking of moving to another city but with no employment or $$$$$ it's hard and frustrating. I get jealous of people as some have great life's and I wish I had there luck.

hope4joy feeling alone, scared and disconnected
  • replies: 28

i'm not really sure what else to say, i just hate how difficult i find it to be myself around people, and how i always seems to put on this front of being all okay and superficial, i dunno, not really showing my true self. and that means i get so lon... View more

i'm not really sure what else to say, i just hate how difficult i find it to be myself around people, and how i always seems to put on this front of being all okay and superficial, i dunno, not really showing my true self. and that means i get so lonely not really connecting to people. i wish i could change this, its something I've done since i was a kid. it feels so lonely to not truly connect. if only animals were human and then i'd have no problems, i feel so safe in their presence Gosh this thing called life is difficult to understand at times.

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

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