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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

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Chrisj Lost
  • replies: 1

I just can't seem to get it right. The more I try to fix things the worse I seem to be making it. I can not think straight enough to talk logic . I am trying to build back the relationship I thought I had prior to needing to work so much that I forgo... View more

I just can't seem to get it right. The more I try to fix things the worse I seem to be making it. I can not think straight enough to talk logic . I am trying to build back the relationship I thought I had prior to needing to work so much that I forgot how to enjoy my life. Now my life has seemed to have moved on and I am lost. I don't want to keep trying . I feel like just giving up . I have no idea how to move forward and I don't think my family want me in their life anymore . 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;}

trybehappy Sick of the Rollercoaster
  • replies: 4

Suffered from Depression and Anxiety since I was a teenager. Sought help in my early 20s and was generally okay with a few minor ups and down for 20 years then 5 years ago a series of events happened which have set me back to where I was as a teenage... View more

Suffered from Depression and Anxiety since I was a teenager. Sought help in my early 20s and was generally okay with a few minor ups and down for 20 years then 5 years ago a series of events happened which have set me back to where I was as a teenager. Major rejection from a very dear friend, my mum died of cancer and I'm left to look after my alcoholic depressive victim father who can do nothing for himself, he would spend all this money if someone didn't manage it - all this was left to me as my elder sister moved interstate 3 months before mum died and has basically forgotten about her family (another selfish person), my brother who is the only one living in the same state has nothing to do with my father as he wasn't a particularly nice father and my younger sister who is there for me but lives again interstate. So I feel a great sense on obligation to make sure my father is okay (goodness knows why). The main problem is he was okay for two years then he seems to be gradually returning to his old selfish victim self. I couldn't wait to get away from him at Christmas as we took him interstate with us to spend Christmas with my younger sister. I suffer from needing to feel liked, most probably due to rejection as a child. So I constantly seek reassurance which dives me mad. I feel like a square peg in a round hole most of the time. I am sick and tired of the ups and downs - negative thoughts come into my head and I try to examine them then get rid of them but its just so hard. Most of the time I feel so lonely it hurts and that no one understands or even cares as people are so wrapped up in their own lives no one even notices or asks......................

TooLong Been like this for too many years
  • replies: 3

Hey out there.First time on the forum, so I thought a run down would be appropriate.I've been struggling depression, when I consider it, for most of my life and the entirety of my adulthood. At 27, having received on/off treatment for the past 12 yea... View more

Hey out there.First time on the forum, so I thought a run down would be appropriate.I've been struggling depression, when I consider it, for most of my life and the entirety of my adulthood. At 27, having received on/off treatment for the past 12 years, hospitalised for suicidality on two occasions, last period I was untreated was over 5 years ago. I get bouts of suicidal ideation, have been juggled across half a dozen different meds, regularly see a Psychologist, and started with a new Psychiatrist as the one I'd originally managed to get a referral to retired that year. (After the kafka-like nonsense of getting referred.) My reason for posting is basically to ask - "How long do I have to try to get better before I can get to give up?" I know this isn't a reasonable question to ask, but the only reason I've not been able to work up the courage to remove myself is the pain it will cause others who care. The fact they care is not a positive or motivational thing, just another responsibility and expectation I have to meet. ButI feel so exhausted in seeking treatment, never seeing any improvement, being expected to keep going, and struggling to be functional when all I want is for this pain in me to end, and I see no way of things improving in the world I live in now. I don't have anything in my life that provides me satisfaction, and it seems the only times people aren't upset with me is when I live in service of someone elses needs, whether it's family, partner, work, housemates, but all that is to me is taking on more responsibilities they won't handle themselves, so of course people like it when their life gets easier. But I'm not allowed to expect that to come the other way. From what I've seen, the posters here do look to be genuine people who understand this sort of feeling, would anyone be able to offer any advice, or a way forward I might not have considered?Thanks for taking the time, hope things are getting better for you.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.

needabetterlife Just not good enough
  • replies: 2

Hi all. I' ve suffered from 'diagnosed' anxiety for the last 8 years. I say 'diagnosed' because I really don't understand where it came from. Lately i've felt that I'm simply not good enough for my family to go on. I have one child who is 16 years ol... View more

Hi all. I' ve suffered from 'diagnosed' anxiety for the last 8 years. I say 'diagnosed' because I really don't understand where it came from. Lately i've felt that I'm simply not good enough for my family to go on. I have one child who is 16 years old and have not been able to have another child since. That is my first failure.....not being able to give my husband of 18 years another child. We declared bankruptcy 7 years ago and whilst we both have high paying jobs, our means became more than what we could maintain. Our friendship group consists of very wealthy people, of which we are now not so much. I feel we have been ripped off in life by not having what our friends have. We rent a house, because there is no way we could save for a deposit to buy our own home. My father was an alcoholic who passed away 6 years ago at the tender age of 55. I feel i am heading down the same track, just to cope with every day life.Life has slapped me in the face as a 38 year old adult, I am struggling to see a way out and simply wonder if my boys are better off without me......I've been drinking alcohol way too frequently simply to deal with my own demons. I am also a smoker, which my husband and son hate. I wonder if i continue to do that simply to shorten my life. Sorry if this sounds way too much, but my life basically feels like it is in a downward spiral and I'm simply at a crossroad right now...............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.

Ronnii I'm stuck!!! Suggestions needed and gratefully accepted!
  • replies: 1

I am soon flat. I don't want to sing, i don't want to listen to music, i don't want to go for a walk, i don't want to go to the gym, i don't want to have a bath, i don't want to have a shower, i don't want to read, i don't want to watch tv, i don't w... View more

I am soon flat. I don't want to sing, i don't want to listen to music, i don't want to go for a walk, i don't want to go to the gym, i don't want to have a bath, i don't want to have a shower, i don't want to read, i don't want to watch tv, i don't want to eat, I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING!!! BUT i am so over it. I have tried everything (namely what i have mentioned above as successful distractions in the past) and nothing works. Working out at the gym, my mind wanders and i don't feel those endorphins either whilst exercising or afterwards. My psychologist says take a pill, which i did, and i still feel like cr*p. I don't want to get out of bed in the morning as its another day i have to struggle through. I wake up and go "not again. not another crappy day". Need some help guys, please and thank you

ellie1988 Depression causing binge eating - help and advice needed!
  • replies: 2

I've had clinical depression for 14 years now - however lately my symptoms have changed and I am unable to control them as they are new to me & my previous techniques I have used. I have gained 20kgs in the past year from compulsive and binge eating ... View more

I've had clinical depression for 14 years now - however lately my symptoms have changed and I am unable to control them as they are new to me & my previous techniques I have used. I have gained 20kgs in the past year from compulsive and binge eating - I literally eat until I feel sick even though I hate how I look & want to lose weight. And also lately I have become extremely angry - almost aggressive. I feel such a strong feeling of contempt and hatred towards others who in theory have done nothing wrong by me... Please help and share if anyone else has gone through this...

Mares73 Black dog returns & I still can't control it
  • replies: 39

Dear friends I've been quiet of late. One reason was going through all the Royal Commission stuff & another was I felt I didn't want to take people's time. I usually like to try & offer support but I'm sorry I haven't been great at that the past few ... View more

Dear friends I've been quiet of late. One reason was going through all the Royal Commission stuff & another was I felt I didn't want to take people's time. I usually like to try & offer support but I'm sorry I haven't been great at that the past few weeks. Problem is I was kinda managing after the RC until this Friday when I woke up out of blue feeling the black dog had me trapped. I felt down, helpless, frustrated & guilty that I couldn't stop it. I've had a big pile of bills & paperwork which everyday I say I must do by tomorrow. Yet I get anxious & they don't get done. A few jobs I need to do but have this terrible immobilized feeling where I feel stuck, unable to do anything much. Why when I've been through this many times before can't I deal with it? Why am I so low & lost interest in most things. I feel like a loser. I had a plan to do something each day to improve my health as I'm very run down It was simple day 1 drink water as I usually hardly drink any, day 2 go for walk get out house, day 3 start cutting be mess I'm overusing. And I bought all this healthy food to make a soup etc & I've done nothing. I just feel so worn out that everything is a massive effort. I'll get a check next time I see Dr but if I didn't have depression I'd think something serious was wrong due to my extreme fatigue. I hate losing all motivation. I hate how this illness can just hit out of nowhere. I just want to function & hopefully experience a feeling of true happiness again one day. I really don't know what to do when I feel this low. Do I sit it out? Do I try achieve something each day as hard as it may be? After all this time I still don't know what to do when an episode hits. Its as though all my abilities get taken away. I don't want to feel this low. I've got a heap to go through with a lawyer over next 12 months to seek apology & compensation from the church. I just want to be reassured my strength hasn't gone. And when I feel like this things get really hard at home, my husband goes around saying he's sick of it & I feel so much guilt for an illness I'm struggling to control. What to do when it hits?? Anyway I'm sorry I haven't been my regular self with my replies. Lve Mares x

Catcatcat I have NO memory of my depression.
  • replies: 1

I have recently learned from my close friends that I had severe depression for about a year in 2011. I say recently learned because I was unaware of my depressive state. I thought I may have been depressed but had no idea to what extent .I was 20 yea... View more

I have recently learned from my close friends that I had severe depression for about a year in 2011. I say recently learned because I was unaware of my depressive state. I thought I may have been depressed but had no idea to what extent .I was 20 years old and living by myself in my mums house with her 3 dogs (she was living interstate) I didn't work and would live off $50 that she would give me every week. I lost about 10kgs and slept during the day and would go on Internet chat rooms at night time. I thought all of my friends hated me and no one cared or knew that I was sad. I Found out this week that during this time my friends sought out councellors and made me food and made appointments for me to get help. They told me they came to my house on a daily basis and knocked on my door trying to get in so they could help. They brought me food that they would later find moldy and untouched and there was dog poo all through the house. They said I would come to the window and tell them to f#*! Off. This was all new news to me as I have absolutely NO memory of this happening. this is quite a shocking thing to find out about myself. even hearing them tell me this brings back no memories of it. It's scared me quite a bit and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar to this??

Ladybug Lost, alone and scared
  • replies: 1

So I find myself back here several years after I thought I was better. I don't know where to start and I don't really even know whats wrong. I'm scared for no reason and feel empty and alone even though I'm surrounded by family and friends. I've been... View more

So I find myself back here several years after I thought I was better. I don't know where to start and I don't really even know whats wrong. I'm scared for no reason and feel empty and alone even though I'm surrounded by family and friends. I've been living with depressin for 9 years and alway fear the dark days will return. For the last 4months I've been on a roller coaster. I go from amazing highs to such sad lows. Right now I'm locked in my room and too scared to talk to anyone. I feel no one understands me. I know I shouldn't be feeling so down which is why I find it hard. It's like I'm two people trapped In The one body. I'm not on medication at the moment. I feel so lost and confused. Don't know what to do. I feel I'm forever lost

willow_sun Fearful Of help
  • replies: 1

Why is it that I am so fearful and ashamed to tell others what I experience? Depression is something I have struggled with all of my life. In the past 12 months it started to really spiral out of control again. Since then, even though I have dealt wi... View more

Why is it that I am so fearful and ashamed to tell others what I experience? Depression is something I have struggled with all of my life. In the past 12 months it started to really spiral out of control again. Since then, even though I have dealt with it previously and told people about it previously I am so scared and anxious to share again and reach out for help. I mean I am not alone. My husband knows. He supports how he can. But I know he doesn't completely understand I don't think he ever will I don't hold this against him . But it's hard. I know I need further support I finally plucked the courage a few months ago to see a naturopath and explain my difficulties. I was scared to go to my GP first for the fear of medication and embarrassment. In the past she has been very cold when I've discussed this with her. Unsupportive and never followed up. A few months on and it seems the work of the naturopath is not working. I know I need to see a GP again. But I am so fearful. I think it may be best to change. But how do I choose who? The embarrassment. The shame. The anxiety. The courage. It all seems too much. and what if I do need medication? It seems I've exhusted every other option?