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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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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;}

tiredofit No light at end of tunnel
  • replies: 7

I've been depressed for over one month now. It's not the first time. I should be used to it. I've been on SSRIs on and off for over twenty years now. The mistake I made was thinking I could do without them - lulling myself into a false sense of secur... View more

I've been depressed for over one month now. It's not the first time. I should be used to it. I've been on SSRIs on and off for over twenty years now. The mistake I made was thinking I could do without them - lulling myself into a false sense of security as it were. I'd become interested in Buddhism and meditation as well as Stoicism. This had given me hope of a way out - ergo no need for medication. WRONG. I spent over five weeks carefully weaning myself of my medication. So far, so good. I lasted about another two weeks with nothing at all, full of a supreme sense of achievement. And then crash. I can only conclude that a depressed state is my default setting. Either that, or the SSRIs rob you of the ability to ever again manufacture the necessary chemicals naturally.This is day 17 back on the pills and still no effect, bringing back the old, familiar feeling of being stuck beyond the point of no return. Also familiar, is the feeling that the depressed thinking is right on the money, and the medicated thinking is a type of delusion. For example, I really am a total screw-up - have been all my life. I was a strange, sad kid. Because of my neurosis acting as some kind of a demon standing between me and other people, I've ended up totally alone, and that's not likely to change. The terrible lonliness I feel is completely real and not a symptom of depression, or rather, medication in someway alleviates lonliness as well as depression. I know I'm not going to change; I'm too old. I have nothing to look forward to except the devastation of old age.Tell me I'm deluded. Tell me self-loathing is just a symptom of depression. I don't think so. I really am pathetic. I try to dwell on the thought of all the people in far worse situations than myself. This just seems to make myself and my self pity even more contemptible. Yet still, I don't have the courage to end it. Why wouldn't someone be self-loathing?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.

cv85 Over eating
  • replies: 1

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, first time poster. Im a 29 year old female, kinda nervous to be here but here goes. I was just wondering if anyone else out there relates to over eating on a regular basis, due to depression, or even those who have low days... View more

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, first time poster. Im a 29 year old female, kinda nervous to be here but here goes. I was just wondering if anyone else out there relates to over eating on a regular basis, due to depression, or even those who have low days without having diagnosed depression.. . I don't want to get caught up with the label of 'eating disorder' and mental health illness, basically its eating to fill a void and eating to the point of feeling sick..... aka binge eating. This is my life, and once apon a time my eating was mostly in control, it has gotton worse the last few months, and I am feeling less and less in control So, if anyone feels like sharing their story, please do. I really just am trying to feel less alone at the moment and I am not trying to judge or compare......so, Id love to hear from you, and thanks everyone.

white knight Depression - has it taken you to the end?
  • replies: 0

Not a topic to beat around the bush. Yeh, suicidal thoughts or plans. How many of us sufferers of depression have been there?A statistic that blew me away was average suicides in Australia. About 2200-2500. Males are four times more likely to than fe... View more

Not a topic to beat around the bush. Yeh, suicidal thoughts or plans. How many of us sufferers of depression have been there?A statistic that blew me away was average suicides in Australia. About 2200-2500. Males are four times more likely to than females. Now a days thats more than the national road toll.What can we do to secure our own future so we dont go down that path because of the numbers that do go all the way many are suffering depression. Our demons take their toll on our well being, our daily life and we send our family and friends packing even though it isnt intended, we do it anyway. We have limited control and that brings me to a point, an important point for the depressed contemplating the end of your life. To think outside the square for a few minutes before you continue on. Disconnect with your contemplated journey for a few minutes to think of the following.1.Think of your loved ones, the sadness and grief they will experience. So sad2.Think about an immediate change of environment3.Seek help. You might be thinking you are tired of seeking help but do it! Again and again you might need help but thats the way it is.Many of us know the internal pain, the numbness, the worthlessness, the feeling of tears rolling but we dont know why. Like anything in life that is negative and uncontrollable there is only two ways to silence those demons One is the selfish way and I wont consider it a fair option for your loved ones. the other is to reverse it. How do we reverse suicidal thoughts?Change of environment? It can help. Walk away from that terrible direction. Walk anywhere. If you are that desperate then try anything life can offer so you survive. A day, a week, a month later having moved from your home, sort a job in the outback, had a holiday, toured around etc you would look back and realise that pathway was not a good plan. It was selfish and it was defeating. You'll feel proud you survived. An accomplishment. You beat it, you squashed those demons, not fully but you turned around from that path of destruction.There have been threads here on this forum that have touched me. The one that totally transformed my thinking was "think b4 you act" google it with the words "beyond blue my life has changed because of 1 decision horribly wrong". That poster helped me too even though my thoughts of suicide have diminishedIf you are heading towards that direction consider loved ones. Realise your feeling of despair are temporary. Do a "U" turn.Tony WK 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;}

chrisjacob What's up.
  • replies: 7

Soooo, I'm about to turn 29 and couldn't be more un happy. Typical story I have everything and more than I've ever wanted and worked for evey bit of it. I don't buy into the poor me thing and don't really care to be bothered with it. I feel that my l... View more

Soooo, I'm about to turn 29 and couldn't be more un happy. Typical story I have everything and more than I've ever wanted and worked for evey bit of it. I don't buy into the poor me thing and don't really care to be bothered with it. I feel that my life is a complete shade of black and everything around me is blacker. Nothing interests me and I don't really care because I just want to be left alone by everyone. I can't help but feel like a whiney silver spoon fed mummies boy because I feel that most people with these thoughts are. I have achieved everything in my life on my own without the help from anyone and like it that way. Now most professionals would say I'm lonely and un loved but wrong I have a loving wife, friends etc.lol. insecure? Lol. Love my life and everything I do and have. I'm not suicidal because I would rather live with this than take the easy way out. Summary - every second of every day of every hour it never ends and theres nothing we can do about it.