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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 chats on this Forum having 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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mjm What am i going to do??
  • replies: 3

Where do I start? Basically, I've been engaged now for 1 year to my Partner.The wedding is this December and i'm absolutely scared. Some days whilst at work I will be happy and grateful that I have such a loving partner and then the next day, part me... View more

Where do I start? Basically, I've been engaged now for 1 year to my Partner.The wedding is this December and i'm absolutely scared. Some days whilst at work I will be happy and grateful that I have such a loving partner and then the next day, part me will say "get out!! leave her! If you marry her, you'll be a slave for the rest of your life!"We've been together for 5 years. I love her soo much but she does have pretty damaging traits. She is a control freak. It comes from her high anxiety. But still her bossiness is very hard for me to deal with. She loves to plan each and every thing that happens whilst I love to go with the flow. I feel like I can't even have one weekend that isn't scheduled.We're currently going through all the wedding preparations, its so heartbreaking because I'm not sure if I can go through with it.My dream has always been to backpack asia for 1 year on my own. Then return to Australia and live in a hippy commune. Part of me wants to go away from this world that I live in, Sydney. People seem so stressed and unhappy. Im one of them. Im sick of this life of working my butt off so I can buy another fancy table that I hate, but because my soon-to-be-wife "needs one". I hate pretending to be this educated yuppy that she wants me to be. I'm not, i'm a laid back, chilled guy. I hate materialism. Part of me says stay with her. We've had some amazing times over the past 5 years.I left my great and stable job of 3 years 1 year ago. When I left that job i thought i'd progress to the next challenge. No..no such job ever came, I've been doing odd jobs ever since. I wonder is it my partner that i really want to leave, or am I just really unhappy with my life in general?Why did I propose to her in the first place if I didn't want her to be wife?I've been seeing a shrink lately,but she won't give me an answer. I need to know, do I stay with her and risk being a slave husband? or do I leave her into the big bad world again? Ive my partner told her that I'm having doubts a few times since my doubts arose (3 months ago). She was broken,which was so so hard for me to see. She said last week, she needs an answer now as I can't keep waiting for an answer but I don't have one! My dad says go with your gut feeling but I'm not thinking straight at the moment.My gut feeling changes daily.The big bad world for me is not a good place at all. I hate loneliness. I've suffered from depression and anxiety now for roughly 8 years.Please help!

trustno1 new, numb, powerless but hopeful
  • replies: 5

Hi,I'm new to this site but i thought i would give it a try. I have been diagnosed with depression for a month or so now and started some medication but i don't feel like it is working and want to know if there is anything i can do by myself rather t... View more

Hi,I'm new to this site but i thought i would give it a try. I have been diagnosed with depression for a month or so now and started some medication but i don't feel like it is working and want to know if there is anything i can do by myself rather than going to a professional. I don't like the idea of going to a psychologist as they are just getting paid to listen to my problems, which i don't think are worthy of sharing. I am numb. Emotionless. Or really sad 90% of the time. I struggle to get out of bed and i have increased thoughts of self harm, yet don't want anyone to see or know so prevent myself. I am constantly putting up a facade to my friends and family because i don't want them to see me as weak, hopeless or powerless. I don't want their pity. I need to help myself so i don't need to tell my family to be able to go to a psychologist. Please helpThanks

Steven1 On the brink of falling into another hole. Really can't afford to - 3 year old and 3 week old baby to look after.
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone. I haven't posted for a while. Been feeling flat and low. I have had the last 4 weeks off work, supporting my wife and looking after our new baby son. Has been great being there at this special time but it has also been overwhelming. I go... View more

Hi everyone. I haven't posted for a while. Been feeling flat and low. I have had the last 4 weeks off work, supporting my wife and looking after our new baby son. Has been great being there at this special time but it has also been overwhelming. I go back to work tomorrow and wonder how that is going to go with a lack of sleep. Have been managing my depression ok for a while but some early warning signs are telling me I could be on the way down again. Haven't exercised at all for over a month, got no energy, losing interest in things and feeling hopeless again. Not sure what I can do to arrest the downward spiral as I don't have much time for me at the moment. My wife is relying on me as she is still recovering from a caessarian and is feeling overwhelmed with the new baby and our other young son. Any thoughts or advice would be great.

Mitzy struggling to keep it together for my children
  • replies: 5

Hi, I'm 31 years old with 2 children. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety a year ago and prescribed medication, which I don't think is working because I have too many ups and downs, especially at the moment. I worry how much it is affec... View more

Hi, I'm 31 years old with 2 children. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety a year ago and prescribed medication, which I don't think is working because I have too many ups and downs, especially at the moment. I worry how much it is affecting my children, they have seen too many of my tears. Any other parents out there going through the same? There is so much I want to do with them but this awful illness is holding me back.

depressedkiwi Kiwi has moved to the Pilbara - suffering big time :(
  • replies: 8

Nz born female - history of depression for...wow just worked that out ...9 years now. have been medicated on and off throughout that time. I have gained an excessive amount of weight after a personal tradgedy and am now even struggling to get out of ... View more

Nz born female - history of depression for...wow just worked that out ...9 years now. have been medicated on and off throughout that time. I have gained an excessive amount of weight after a personal tradgedy and am now even struggling to get out of bed due to my depression. My weight is getting me down I had been doing so well as I have had a PCOS diagnosis and need to lose weight for medical reasons but now the 'black dog' is taking on my life again. Have had history of health problems eg - tonsillectomy, gallbladder removed etc...lots of time spent in hospital and a lot of ongoing medical things. My fiancée works 4 days on 4 off but we are in a backward little town with nothing but a Woolworths. I am literally going insane. Everything else should be great as I am recently engaged, wedding to plan, not having to work (choosing to turn down work as my anxiety and depression continues to mount and I don't like confrontation. I miss having my family as a support network. Skype and phone call is ok but I have nothing really to say as how do you tell someone else what you are feeling when you don't even know yourself? Fiancee tries to understand but thinks he can fix things. I can't be 'fixed'. This is who I am. He is not doing anything wrong (except having me in this tiny remote town away from people I love) I'm making friends, good ones - but I somehow doubt any of them have or are battling the demons baying at my doorstep, I could stay in bed for days. I could lay on the couch and stare at the wall. I'm not sad and crying - I am numb. And for most people the biggest misconseption is that depression is sadness. It's a whole lot more than that. i am on a slippery slope and I need to reach out but it's difficult as my life looks 'great' so I feel selfish for feeling this way. But all I want to do is either numb my pain further or escape the numbness. Oh God - what a terrible mess I am in. R xo

Lou_Lou_Bell A Poem about Depression
  • replies: 3

Depression Depression comes like darkness falling. Taking willing souls like rivers flowing. Slowly consuming like big fires burning. When hope is lost our mind is faltering. Turning minds into raging kaos; a warning. Somewhere deep, dim light's stil... View more

Depression Depression comes like darkness falling. Taking willing souls like rivers flowing. Slowly consuming like big fires burning. When hope is lost our mind is faltering. Turning minds into raging kaos; a warning. Somewhere deep, dim light's still glowing. Take one more step, just keep on going. The mind revives with desire and longing. With hope filled promises and future showing. Just dont give up without ever knowing! ---- Written by Lou Lou Bell I wrote this today; I am currently and hopefully well on the way to recovery from depression! April 2014

bec3487 Lack of motivation
  • replies: 2

Hi, My name's Bec and I have had depression for about 3yrs now. After just recently going through a bad patch I am now getting better and feeling more my usual self. However one thing I struggle with is motivation, its so easy to just sit and watch T... View more

Hi, My name's Bec and I have had depression for about 3yrs now. After just recently going through a bad patch I am now getting better and feeling more my usual self. However one thing I struggle with is motivation, its so easy to just sit and watch TV all day. I have a job and study, which I love both but I cant seem to get motivated to work or attend class, even little things I enjoy doing like going for a walk seem like such an effort. Anyone got any advice on how to get motivated and keep motivated to do things? Thanks

AD23 Time to face facts
  • replies: 2

Hello,Well after years of knowing that I suffer on and off from depression (self diagnosed), it has gotten to the stage where it has consumed me and I feel like it is ruining my life. Something needs to change and acknowledging it I guess is the firs... View more

Hello,Well after years of knowing that I suffer on and off from depression (self diagnosed), it has gotten to the stage where it has consumed me and I feel like it is ruining my life. Something needs to change and acknowledging it I guess is the first step. I am sure I don't need to tell people how I am feeling, the sadness, the hopelessness, the feeling of worthlessness, the anger and negative thoughts. I haven't been able to truly admit to even my partner, let alone anyone else that I am spiraling out of control into this blackness. I'm scared....scared to admit it, scared of his people's reaction, scared I can't come back from this.There are the added factors of having returned to Australia after years abroad, then moving cities for love, of not being able to find work and the endless battle with a stubborn 10kg adding to my poor self esteem and confidence.I don't want to go on medication. I need to find help, I need to find me again. I'm scared this is who I am and it's not the person I want to be but don't know how to change it.Until recently I had never thought about suicide but lately those thoughts pop in every now and again...life just seems too hard right now and nothing seems to make me happy. I don't laugh, I don't feel good, I don't enjoy anything.Is seeing a psychologist or therapist or counselor the first step? Can I really overcome this or is this the way my life will always be? I want to be a mother but I couldn't imagine having children while I am like this.Sorry, I'm babbling and not making any sense. 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;}

Annonymouse Am I in depression denial or is this just a state of mind?
  • replies: 6

For the last few years I have suspected that I have been suffering from depression. I feel like there is no purpose in life, I am constantly tired and lethargic, I cant concentrate on anything or make decisions. I feel kind of empty all the time, lik... View more

For the last few years I have suspected that I have been suffering from depression. I feel like there is no purpose in life, I am constantly tired and lethargic, I cant concentrate on anything or make decisions. I feel kind of empty all the time, like even when I am doing fun and happy things I feel like I am only laughing and enjoying it as a front to fit into society. The only time I genuinely enjoy myself is when I am drunk.. Which I dont do often because I cant handle the hangover depression. If I had my way I would stay in bed forever. I have no motivation to do anything, ever. The funny thing is, I cant remember a time where I didnt feel like this, I just put it down to being introverted or I think maybe this is a personality trait of pessimism rather than depression? I mean, its not like I cant feel happy, sometimes I do.. Doesnt depression mean U have an imbalance and physically cant feel happy ever? although all these are classic symptoms of depression, I cant bring myself to seek help for them. How do I know if this is actually depression or whether I have just created this situation in my mind as a way to justify my negative mind? I dont trust talking to a GP, i went once and she read through the checklist of symptoms and said yep thats it.. But how do I kmow if my symptoms are real or if I have just fooled the doctor by what I think is the disgnosis?

BUB001 Frustrated that I let this illness take hold again
  • replies: 5

Hi,I am new here, not quite sure what happens with these forums or how much you are meant to talk about etc.Last week I was diagnosed again with extreme sever depression with suicidal tendencies. I have been in and out of depression since I was 14, I... View more

Hi,I am new here, not quite sure what happens with these forums or how much you are meant to talk about etc.Last week I was diagnosed again with extreme sever depression with suicidal tendencies. I have been in and out of depression since I was 14, I am 31 now, this time is worse than all the other times. I am so annoyed at myself that I allowed it to happen again.I try so hard to see the positive in things, but everything is a struggle, from getting out of bed, to brushing my teeth etc. I am back on medication and seeing a psychologist and have a great support network yet I still feel alone in this battle. But this time I feel as though I can't fight it.The other times I wan't working so I could focus on getting better, this time I am working long hours, commuting etc and just can't stand being at work, I just want to stay in bed all day.I hate feeling 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;}