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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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Lookingforpeace Feeling good... Then not.
  • replies: 8

I came across a quote about anxiety/depression the other day that said something along the lines of: when we (the "depressed") have a good day, our initial thought is not to enjoy it but to worry about how long it will last. sad but true. I have had ... View more

I came across a quote about anxiety/depression the other day that said something along the lines of: when we (the "depressed") have a good day, our initial thought is not to enjoy it but to worry about how long it will last. sad but true. I have had a few good days recently, which I know is a huge positive as I have barely had any good days this year, only to wake up the next day feeling crappy again. It amazes me how my moods can change so drastically from one day to the next. Why is that? On a good day, I almost forget what it's like to be depressed. This illness really is deceptive isn't it - it makes you think you're better and can't imagine how it felt before and then BAM, you remember again. This emptiness, lack of motivation, frustration... Just to go to bed and hope tomorrow is one of the good days. sorry for the rambling, just had to get my thoughts out there.

Mel_B An overwhelming feeling of sadness
  • replies: 9

For the last four or so weeks I have had an overwhelming feeling of sadness, that I just can’t overcome. I went and saw my GP who thought it was a level of depression I could manage with exercise and psychological intervention (I did not want to star... View more

For the last four or so weeks I have had an overwhelming feeling of sadness, that I just can’t overcome. I went and saw my GP who thought it was a level of depression I could manage with exercise and psychological intervention (I did not want to start taking medication). I have not yet seen the psychologist (waiting lists where I live) and despite exercising vigorously 4-5 times per week, the sadness has just gotten worse and worse. I’m having trouble sleeping, and crying frequently for no apparent reason. I’ve lost interest in eating, work, and am struggling to care for my children. I also have anxiety about things that ‘might' happen – I may be unemployed at the end of the financial year (but I may not). I went and saw my GP again yesterday and she strongly recommended I commence medication, which I did last night. I know that the medication will take several days/weeks to start having an effect, but can anybody suggest any self-help strategies in the meantime. I’m a person who likes to be in control of everything, and these feelings are just awful.

Tiny_tears Oh crap
  • replies: 2

Ok was watching free Willie this arvo and got a little tears in my eyes... Cozy I wanted to sit watch it with my boy... So I got outta my chair n took a breather.. Becouse I haven't seen my kid and I'm so screwed emotionally.. And I've been couch hop... View more

Ok was watching free Willie this arvo and got a little tears in my eyes... Cozy I wanted to sit watch it with my boy... So I got outta my chair n took a breather.. Becouse I haven't seen my kid and I'm so screwed emotionally.. And I've been couch hoping due to ( thread, nothing working) don't cry they say.. I said it's ok I'll go for a drive n clear my head.. Gave it 3/4 hours and went back.. House locked all the little bits I had locked inside.. Won't answer phone calls, haven't spoke since Willie was set free n I lost.. I'm done I'm done

justyou81 Hate so much being depressed
  • replies: 6

I live in Perth WA and I work full-time. I hate waking being depressed. I wish I had friends at work who are my friends. Actually I wish I had friends who I can trust and lean on. I hate being on my own. I try so dam hard to fit in. I sick of this ev... View more

I live in Perth WA and I work full-time. I hate waking being depressed. I wish I had friends at work who are my friends. Actually I wish I had friends who I can trust and lean on. I hate being on my own. I try so dam hard to fit in. I sick of this everytime I wake up.... argggghhhh.. please help me....

simmac Dysthemia - can anyone recommend a professional?
  • replies: 2

Hello, I'm in my mid-twenties and I have dysthymia (persistent mild depression), which has come about since I was a teenager. I'm wondering if anyone has this disorder and may be able to recommend a good psychologist (in Sydney) to speak to? I have s... View more

Hello, I'm in my mid-twenties and I have dysthymia (persistent mild depression), which has come about since I was a teenager. I'm wondering if anyone has this disorder and may be able to recommend a good psychologist (in Sydney) to speak to? I have seen a psychologist twice before, for anxiety, but I don't feel I got what I needed out of that psychologist's approach, I felt it was very short-term rather than long-term solution focused. I wonder if anyone has had a good experience with a psychologist or psychiatrist who helped them with dysthymia? It is something I keep putting off seeking help for, probably because it is so invisible in a way. With anxiety, I had panic attacks, those were very apparent symptoms that needed attention. With dysthymia, I kind of kept hoping things would get better, because it's not like I can't function or get out of bed. But for the last year I've actually struggled to cope. I feel worthless all the time. I have little to no friends. At work I struggle to smile and hide my sad days and I "feel down" very easily, it only takes a small mishap for me to go into what I call "The Well", I'm not sure if other people experience this, but it's like you're doing fine, walking along like normal, and then all of sudden someone says something (or forgets to say something) and you're not looking and you fall into the well, it's dark, practically no light, and only negative thoughts are there, and it's very heavy, it actually feels like an anchor weighing down your heart, and once you're down there it's a struggle to get back up. My co-workers must think I hate my job, but I don't, I just don't derive pleasure and excitement from anything in the way they do - and I've pretty much been this way since my teens. But I don't want to be a gloomy person. I would like to stop avoiding this problem and speak to someone about it, but to someone who will take it seriously and not dismiss it. I'd prefer a cognitive or talking therapy based approach. I've been trying for years to overcome it myself, but I've hit a complete wall and can't go any further. I'd really appreciate some help if anyone can offer advice on some good people to talk to, or tell me about strategies that have helped you? Thanks everyone.

Dvo2456 To the point where Beers don't help
  • replies: 4

2 boys to 1 girl 1 girl to another loves the new baby mumma to the point got her tattooed on me destroyed every friendship I had and almost pushed my family away just to make sure she is happy my hobbies that I loved have become none existent I work ... View more

2 boys to 1 girl 1 girl to another loves the new baby mumma to the point got her tattooed on me destroyed every friendship I had and almost pushed my family away just to make sure she is happy my hobbies that I loved have become none existent I work 60hrs a week and I'm still being treated like the scum of the earth i have none to talk to and I've become desperate enough to join a site like this because I've got nothing left

uniting HERE WE GO AGAIN
  • replies: 5

Hi GuysI was wondering if anyone was diagnosed with Major Depression and prescribed an antidepressant once a day I was, after spending 5 weeks in a mental health ward. It worked great for 2 years but the past 2 weeks I am starting to slip back into t... View more

Hi GuysI was wondering if anyone was diagnosed with Major Depression and prescribed an antidepressant once a day I was, after spending 5 weeks in a mental health ward. It worked great for 2 years but the past 2 weeks I am starting to slip back into the Black Hole I was in. Just wondering if anyone has been the same wayBless you all

Sa77 Feeling Lost
  • replies: 9

It's been years of ups and downs and I guess I've got better at dealing with my depression by either hiding how I feel or just dealing with it. It's got to a point where I'm frustrated with just 'functioning' ok and being in every situation and watch... View more

It's been years of ups and downs and I guess I've got better at dealing with my depression by either hiding how I feel or just dealing with it. It's got to a point where I'm frustrated with just 'functioning' ok and being in every situation and watching others have fun and feel like I can't break through that barrier and feel the same way. Just want opinions on when you feel like your at a point where things can't get better, what do you do? What are the options out there for someone who feels like things may never feel any better?

SonjaKS7 HeartBreak Hotel
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, I'm Sonja, and I'm new to this site. I came here seeking help, advice, and to just try and make a little headway in understanding things. I'm a mother, and have been increasingly finding things difficult, mainly over the last 2 years, my fee... View more

Hi guys, I'm Sonja, and I'm new to this site. I came here seeking help, advice, and to just try and make a little headway in understanding things. I'm a mother, and have been increasingly finding things difficult, mainly over the last 2 years, my feelings have been increasing, causing some pretty unwarranted and uncomfortable issues, and I'm really getting to a point of trying to make at least a little sense of the goings on. one of my biggest fears, is when I have a bout, (which can last anywhere from a mere few days to an exceedingly uncomfortable few weeks) but the most disconcerting part of getting so upset, feeling sad, angry and alone, isn't THOSE feelings, as much as an extremely heavy and crushing heartbreak feeling. sometimes, I can see why it happens, and to a degree I understand the causality of it, but of late (last 2 years) it has been increasing, so much so that, the episodes, which I see the reasoning and understand why it happens, are decreasing, and the instances for it happening without something as a trigger are increasing. now as I said before my sad, angry and lonely feelings, aren't so much the problem, as this heartbreak feeling. These days, I can almost sense when it's going to happen, but there's nothing I can do to stop it. when I understand what causes it, it still hurts, but it's all the more easier to handle, when it's triggered without arational reason, it's all the more difficult to cope with, and in spite of this, my loving partner still stands by me, and I KNOW I don't make it easy for him, or my 2 lovely, miraculous, gorgeous children, that all do so much for me. but I just can't shake this feeling that things aren't right, and then the heartbreak feeling sets in and I can cry for days, or even WEEKS, and it thoroughly upsets and drains me. has anyone else ever felt like this? Does anyone have some simple suggestions to maybe slow down, and curb this monster?

Living57 depression and anxiety hits all time high
  • replies: 5

When I think it cannot get any worse, death of hubby 8 weeks ago mentioned in previous thread, i get broken in to. Police were called, fingerprinting done, but this or these low life scumbags entered my home. Yes they took plenty of stuff, but what i... View more

When I think it cannot get any worse, death of hubby 8 weeks ago mentioned in previous thread, i get broken in to. Police were called, fingerprinting done, but this or these low life scumbags entered my home. Yes they took plenty of stuff, but what is really killing me is that they took my hubbys wedding rings, bracelet, watch and signet ring. I am more heart broken by this than by other things that I have lost. No I feel more uneasy about being on my own. My sleep, depression and anxiety was bad it has just gone through the roof. I doubt I have had more than a couple of hours of broken sleep each night. I hear every noise, real and imaginary. I dont want to leave the house for fear they may come back, even though I have been told it is highly unlikely. I am at my lowest. I didnt realise I could cry so much. I just feel violated. My family and friends are great support, but I cannot keep using them. How the hell do I go on now? I have lost my hubby, my rock, my partner, my friend and these mongrels have done this. Life is so bloody unfair. Feeling so sad, so lost, so angry, so down.

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