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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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Stormy One man's struggle
  • replies: 5

I sit here typing this, the quietness of the house is causing ringing in my ears so I had to put the television on to break the silence, the feeling of being alone is all too real. The false side of me today has past. I am exhausted playing a charade... View more

I sit here typing this, the quietness of the house is causing ringing in my ears so I had to put the television on to break the silence, the feeling of being alone is all too real. The false side of me today has past. I am exhausted playing a charade. The positive side that I project to others, the motivating me,the up beat me, the confident me, is now asleep. I am alone with my thoughts, and the internal struggles that lay within. I need sleep, yet too scared to go to sleep, and too scared to stay awake. Tomorrow is another day, another sunrise, another charade to present to those around me. If only they knew what was going on inside, then again, I wonder if they would even care. It's been years since I have felt any real value. I always try and find something positive in each and every day. The sunshine of my little boys smile, his laughter still bouncing around in my mind's picture. If only I could see him, but alas I have to wait another week for my one day of togetherness, only to have my heart ripped out when I take him back. What a roller coaster my life is. My own childhood memories always come flooding back in these quiet times and I often dread the coming of the night. The thoughts of when I was homeless at 14 years old, being assaulted by those you have trusted, living in a park and in the back of a station wagon in a friends back yard, and still finding something, a little anything to keep going. I have always been so good at portraying that positive happy person, even in my darkest hour, hoping that one day I may even convince myself. I have sought professional help, even undertaking clinical hypnotherapy over a 12 month period and that seemed to only bring the memories forward and yet provide no real answers. I only seem to get solace when I write poetry and work on my autobiography. I find writing is very therapeutic for me but I have to focus to do it. I can't always focus and that frustrates me. I am hoping by writing on this forum it will allow me refocus and find the will to keep writing. I have recently retired from work due to illness, a brand new set of struggles, struggles that I determined to overcome or at least give it my best shot. We get into dark places at times but with each sunrise there is a brand new beginning, and what we chose to do with that beginning is entirely up to us. It is by no means an easy task when depression sets in but we still need to find a way to keep pushing on.

Delphinium feeling so socially isolated at the moment
  • replies: 4

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water ... View more

Hi all Joined today as am feeling so socially isolated at the moment and long term issues of anxiety, OCD and depression are not helping. Had a rough year as I separated from my husband in April and have only just managed to keep my head above water since. Also studying full time at uni and not doing as well this year as the previous one which is really frustrating me. Only really have my mum to talk to and nobody else and she can only do so much. My self-esteem has plummeted since the separation and I am realising I have elements of social anxiety which I need to deal with. The lack of a decent social network and studying mostly at home is making me feel so alone and I feel like the walls are closing in sometimes. Also gained a lot of weight over past few years which is now making me feel really unhappy with myself and tired all the time. Just starting to wonder when life will pick up again as it seems like a never-ending series of challenges and no fun at all. Finding it hard to get motivated and do anything positive for myself. Thanks for reading and hope to get to know some of you on here.

MichW Depression and Addiction
  • replies: 6

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and... View more

Ive battled depression and anxiety all my life, from as early as I can remember, so many underlying issues that ive never seeked help for because well how is talking about it going to help or fix it... I developed a drug addiction at an early age and got clean after almost dying and losing everything in my life.. well everything that was important to me. Stayed clean for 2 1/2 years, up until last month... How could I be so stupid? Its pathetic, how can I let this drug control my life, why cant I stop? What did I do? I don't want to become who I used to be again - I wont survive RELATED THREADS My alcohol addiction and depression is really hurting me Anxiety with loving someone who is addicted to drugs

ci Help!! newly diagnosed but confused
  • replies: 6

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them... View more

Ok so i will apologize in advance im in a state so this will be a ramble im sure. I am new to all this suffered for years but finally seeking help and a diagnosis. i have seen couple of different psychiatrists been told that i have ocd by all of them and cant deny that totally agree. the part of my diagnosis i have trouble with is one phyc told me i have bipolar but other have said no i dont agree with the bi polar i dont have the highs. my brother is bi polar so i know a bit about it i dont think i'm the same. the other said panic disorder and depression with the ocd so that brings me to my question could this be right i was told the depression doesn't come and go like my moods do. i can be ok one day and unable to stop crying the next. i am so irratable feel like im going to explode alot of the time. is this normal for depression to be up and down and to be so on edge and frustrated. some days i so exhausted its hard to move and do anything but i'm a mum of 3 so not an option to curl up and hide. other days so anxious and irritated im so fidgety still exhausted and dont have energy but i really restless. I cant keep going like this need to know what is happening i dont know much about depression would really appreciate some advice does this sound like depression. i not on meds i refuse untill someone says for sure whats wrong but im at the point where i need to do something fast im in a state i dont have family support except for my husband no otherfamily to support us havent told my husbands family they not the supportive type i did stupidly tell mine and then heard my mother has been making fun of my ocd issues. ive distanced myself from all friend havent seen them for about 2 years i just shut myself off. i contacted two recently trying to reach out explained a little about whats happening with me but i think its a lost cause cause havent heard back from them even though they said wish they new could have helped ect, i seem to attract people that find me useful not the kind to return the favour. anyway this has turned into a rant thought it would all i wanted to post was like i said does any of this sound like depression mixed in with my ocd?

Victoria_Point Are you sick of feeling like crap?
  • replies: 5

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of t... View more

I am so sick of feeling like sh..! I have been on every antidepressant under the sun for the last 16 years and nothing works. I have moved to a new area now with a gorgeous house by the beach a pool I don't have to work can stay at home(big part of the problem I think) and I feel completely dead inside. I am 46 years old. Life is wasting away I want to enjoy everything around me and I cant. I go for a walk along the beach with my dog thinking this will help everyone says exercise helps and the whole time im walking im thinking is it too soon to turn around id rather be home with a coffee and a menthol cigarette, ill go a bit further. I went to Mental Health yesterday and they want me to come off all meds and try cognitive therapy with a Psychologist. It would make sense as they haven't worked for 16 years why poison myself and still feel crappy???? I am okay when im with people which is interesting. I went to a birthday party Saturday and had a great time chatting to all the adults and felt on a kind of high when I left like yes that's how I want to feel again every day. I'm naturally bubbly and funny without sounding too modest but I am and I have this horrible illness that is taking it away from me. My old GP told me he linked depression to loneliness as in studies around the world certain countries have literally no depression like The Philippines as they are surrounded by family all day long.I know I need to get a job but im a Teachers Aid and it is soooo boring and dull. I love the kids but I want something to lift me up where ill be chatting with people all day long like shop work or something. I need to get our of the house that's for sure. Anyway I feel better from just writing this down even so thanks x

FlowersBloom Constant crying, guilt, perfectionism, sadness and I don't know why
  • replies: 1

Hi, I am wondering if there is anyone that suffers from depression and gets similar symptoms to the ones that I have - and how you can control them so that I am able to function at work and in public properly and I can return to feeling normal again ... View more

Hi, I am wondering if there is anyone that suffers from depression and gets similar symptoms to the ones that I have - and how you can control them so that I am able to function at work and in public properly and I can return to feeling normal again (especially dealing with constant crying) These get worse when i let my anxiety get really bad and I tend to fall into a depressed state shortly after. Symptoms: Crying constantly, in public and alone - I get episodes where I can cry for up to 7 hours straight - at this point I will probably start hitting my head against the wall because I feel like I have gone crazy Breathing difficulty Trouble concentrating Everything makes me feel guilty There is no point to anything I do in life! It takes too much effort to do simple things - they feel so difficult. Nightmares Feeling tired and lazy Basically, I have no idea why i am feeling so sad all the time. Everything i think of even happy memories makes me feel so sad. I think it has something to do with my perfectionism and being too self reliant i deal with everything on my own and bottle everything inside. I have struggled since I was about 16 years old. Each but gets worse as the years pass. I never spoke to my parents or anyone about the constant pain I was feeling. And now my body doesn't know how to handle it anymore. I am on medication and seeing a therapist. Medication seems to help the best. I also encourage that if anyone else does not know what to do or if u feel like you are crazy or abnormal you are not. And you are not alone. Talking to someone has been the best thing. Don't bottle up and hide from the world. Seeing a doctor and my medication is the one thing seeing me through this episode.

Big_matt Struggling with depression
  • replies: 2

I have been diagnosed with depression and have been medicated and on way off medication and stopped counciling over 12 months ago recently been struggling feeling like I'm slipping back down and I have had so much help of family and friends but I don... View more

I have been diagnosed with depression and have been medicated and on way off medication and stopped counciling over 12 months ago recently been struggling feeling like I'm slipping back down and I have had so much help of family and friends but I don't want to reach out to them as I feel ashamed and that they would be like harder up your just been soft and your just after attention after We Helping you before I just want to run leave everything behind but also find that I am now crying every couple days over the absolute rubbish i work in a harsh work place high stress prison officer

BobbyMay First Timer
  • replies: 3

Hey everyone, My name is Bob and I think I suffer from depression. This is my first post because seriously, I have no idea what I am doing. I cant seem to focus on my own happiness and it cuts my wound deeper when I see others move on and easily mana... View more

Hey everyone, My name is Bob and I think I suffer from depression. This is my first post because seriously, I have no idea what I am doing. I cant seem to focus on my own happiness and it cuts my wound deeper when I see others move on and easily manage themselves (especially an ex partner). I'm afraid I cant be strong enough, because everything is just going from bad to worse. I have forgotten how to be happy and I wish I could find it again. I know what I am probably saying is silly but I don't want to fall in love ever again. the pain feels so heavy and I feel really lonely. Sometimes I wish I could pop my brain out of my head and wash it. and disconnect any attachments to the heart. I'm currently studying and its just distracting my life. If anyone knows a method that helps them that could possibly help me, I would really appreciate it. ill even buy you a coffee or something. However, knowing I'm not the only one feeling this gives me a bit of courage to do something you know? Anyways I hope everyone is on the road to recovery and I'd be more than happy to help anyone else out there. Bob

Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

Terrimanian have suffered from depression since childhood
  • replies: 2

I'm in my 50's & have suffered from depression since childhood. My illness has seriously impacted on my ability to manage my affairs,particularly financially. I have lived in rental accommodation since arriving in arriving in Melbourne over 10 years ... View more

I'm in my 50's & have suffered from depression since childhood. My illness has seriously impacted on my ability to manage my affairs,particularly financially. I have lived in rental accommodation since arriving in arriving in Melbourne over 10 years ago. In April, the job I had held for over 10 years was made redundant. 8 of my colleagues were also made redundant. I was very angry about being forced to leave the organisation in this as it was very clear that the nature of my role & its value to the organisation had not been properly assessed or understood. I have had several months of casual & contract work since April. I sufficient funds (just) to purchase a very modest apartment, but have not been able to proceed due to my uncertain situation. I was recently hospitalised for depression & discharged just over a week ago. I felt considerably better while on hospital but have relapsed since my discharge. I live alone & am desperately lonely. I am in desperate need of a support group & mentor to assist my decision-making

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