Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

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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: 1

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

Guest_6011 Struggling to get anywhere with feeling better about myself, proving myself to be a good person
  • replies: 10

Yeah just struggling for getting anywhere to feel better about myself and just to feel better about what I'm doing. In general, like I'm not good enough just never do feel like that I can do better. And be, get better just never happens. People want ... View more

Yeah just struggling for getting anywhere to feel better about myself and just to feel better about what I'm doing. In general, like I'm not good enough just never do feel like that I can do better. And be, get better just never happens. People want to be a hindrance on it and find some stupid thing to "hang the hat" on for myself, that's going well. But truth is whatever I do- is never good enough

Leesees79 Older mum
  • replies: 1

Hi. I'm an older mum of a toddler who is experiencing depression can anyone else relate to this?

Hi. I'm an older mum of a toddler who is experiencing depression can anyone else relate to this?

Strop23 Supporting a Partner with Depression
  • replies: 8

Navigating supporting a partner with depression and supporting yourself and your own needs and mental health can be incredibly challenging. My partner is struggling with depression, im doing my best to support them but they are not in a place to want... View more

Navigating supporting a partner with depression and supporting yourself and your own needs and mental health can be incredibly challenging. My partner is struggling with depression, im doing my best to support them but they are not in a place to want to help themselves. As the support person you experience so many emotions at once. You are worried for your partner because you want them to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there are resources available to help. You feel frustrated and at times resentful, especially if they are not doing anything to help themselves - and then there's guilt for feeling frustrated with someone you love when you know they are struggling. And then there's you, trying to say and do all the right things, researching ways to be the best partner you can be, feeling as though everything you need is on hold, sometimes your partners behaviour can also be triggering if you fear loss of connection. Experiencing so many emotions at once and not necessarily knowing the answers can be a very lonely place and leave you feeling like nothing you are doing is right.

LostMojo23 LostMojo23
  • replies: 1

Does anyone feel the lost of motivation. Even with house choirs I feel like it's an effort these days. I was a very motivated person and everything I said I made it happened. These days I feel I have nothing to look forward to. I'm lost with my caree... View more

Does anyone feel the lost of motivation. Even with house choirs I feel like it's an effort these days. I was a very motivated person and everything I said I made it happened. These days I feel I have nothing to look forward to. I'm lost with my career and deep down I feel depressed about my life. I don't know why and I'm sure that many people would like to be in my shoes as it seems I have it all together. I'm usually a go getter but all of a sudden I feel I'm doing things because it has to be done or because i have to do it for someone. I don't feel the pleasure and the emotional reward physically and mentally that I used to feel when I do things for me or for someone. It's not that i don't get things done but majority of the time i dread doing them. Is this normal? Does this make sense? Is this also a depression.

Bee40 Up and down
  • replies: 3

Hi all , I guess I came here cause feel it good to talk wirh others n wonder if anyone been through what I'm going through atm . I think it's depression I'm not sure . One moment day starts off fine , I get kids to school and say good morning to part... View more

Hi all , I guess I came here cause feel it good to talk wirh others n wonder if anyone been through what I'm going through atm . I think it's depression I'm not sure . One moment day starts off fine , I get kids to school and say good morning to partner. But then once I'm alone I go through thoughts, like anxious to go back to work tomorrow, it great job wirh great staff but the children are stressing me out n then I don't want tobe there . Then there's the coming home and seeing the small messes around the house that saying see you can't organise yourself just like ya mum points out and then there's the thought of I should just call my sis snd tell her I've had it wirh life is to overwhelming and think all would be fine without me . The family be fine without me . Then that thoughts just upsets me . That's just today's thoughts

Loveanimals Yes..Me Again...
  • replies: 2

I have recently had a lot of dramas and issues with my son. I am also caring for my dear Dad after his surgery. I don't resent that at all. However I am feeling so down and depressed. My entire life revolves around my son and my Dad. I am exhausted, ... View more

I have recently had a lot of dramas and issues with my son. I am also caring for my dear Dad after his surgery. I don't resent that at all. However I am feeling so down and depressed. My entire life revolves around my son and my Dad. I am exhausted, suffering from nightmares and insomnia. Drinking too much. Just generally in a very bad place. It seems that everyone comes to me with their problems and issues (this is not at all about my Dad). I listen, empathise, offer sympathy and so forth. Then when they are ok again I am forgotten about. This happens all the time with the few people I allow into my life. My son is of course the biggest contender as he lives with me. I have to tolerate his tantrums, his emotional shifts, his selfishness and entitlement. I have NO CHOICE. I would never kick him out and there is absolutely nowhere else he could go. He is putting me into an early grave. As for the others...well.....I run around after them, help them. Look after their kids/pets etc. Then.....nothing. Due to this I feel totally numb and as if my life is not worth anything unless it is doing stuff for others. That is all good and well but I need help too. I am so miserable and tired of everything. Every bloody day is another crapfest. I only like sleeping as I have dreams that take me away from all of this. I will never understand why I am here. My entire life has just been one debacle after another. I am absolutely done.

Besty Body in pain daily, coping & pushing through the day is exhausting
  • replies: 1

Everyday l feel fatigued. Mornings l have enough energy to do my chores then l hit 11am & l stop sit down & think to much. I go for walks a little but l don’t push myself because l hit a brick wall in my head. Like that’s all don’t bust something in ... View more

Everyday l feel fatigued. Mornings l have enough energy to do my chores then l hit 11am & l stop sit down & think to much. I go for walks a little but l don’t push myself because l hit a brick wall in my head. Like that’s all don’t bust something in body. I am worried over my adult children daily. I cannot drive my car far because of a phobia.

Frb007 My break up with my girlfriend
  • replies: 2

I broke up with my girlfriend 2 days ago and I’m not taking it well at all!!! I’m extremely depressed and don’t know how to feel or how to act!!! I’m angry and confused and sad and scared!!!

I broke up with my girlfriend 2 days ago and I’m not taking it well at all!!! I’m extremely depressed and don’t know how to feel or how to act!!! I’m angry and confused and sad and scared!!!

K_Ley Scared
  • replies: 2

Hi.So, the past few weeks have been so up and down for me. I first accepted there might be something wrong with me about 7 weeks ago. Everyone at work was concerned with my changed mood and how often I was becoming irritable and stressed. Four family... View more

Hi.So, the past few weeks have been so up and down for me. I first accepted there might be something wrong with me about 7 weeks ago. Everyone at work was concerned with my changed mood and how often I was becoming irritable and stressed. Four family deaths in less than 2 years will do that right. I started therapy online about a month ago and so far, it seems to be going well. I tried to go to a doctor about a month ago to be assessed but things didn't work out and I was meant to go back about two weeks later. I didn't go. I feel like I hit rock bottom recently and after numerous attempts to self-harm (some successful), I made a new appointment at the doctor. That appointment is this coming Wednesday. I also have a welcome phone call next Thursday with SANE to see if I am eligible for their guided 12-week program. So much support is being put in place around me but deep down I am scared to death of visiting the doctor on Wednesday. I think because that makes it all so real. Once the doctor says yay or nay there is a problem there is no denying it. Even after 7 weeks I am struggling to accept that I might really have a mental health issue. I have never felt so vulnerable.

Meowface I miss my antidepressants
  • replies: 3

I was on mild antidepressants for four tests after my baby girl was born, it helped alot with those awful post partum feelings. I recently came off them after talking with my dr and weaned successfully (even though it was horrible to go through). I h... View more

I was on mild antidepressants for four tests after my baby girl was born, it helped alot with those awful post partum feelings. I recently came off them after talking with my dr and weaned successfully (even though it was horrible to go through). I have a four year old and 18 month old now, I’ve been off the antidepressants for about 6 weeks and my moods are atrocious. I feel like I’m in hell. But I am grateful not to be so sleepy and foggy headed. But the internal rage that I’m feeling is exhausting. But is that depression or life with small children?