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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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wanttogetbetter Hanging in there
  • replies: 3

Have been depressed and anxious for over 2 years now. I don't know what to do with myself. I am on a handful of medications and am seeing a psychiatrist, but nothing seems to be working.I am 66 years old and have been on antidepressants since my 30s.... View more

Have been depressed and anxious for over 2 years now. I don't know what to do with myself. I am on a handful of medications and am seeing a psychiatrist, but nothing seems to be working.I am 66 years old and have been on antidepressants since my 30s. This is the worst I have ever been and am considering ECT.My anxiety is such that I'm having panic attacks when I drive, so I'm not visiting friends or family as much as I would like.I'm writing this in my pyjamas as even having a shower is an effort, but I do get around to it usually before midday. Is anyone else in this situation?

movingon1970 Hanging onto the past… how do I move on?
  • replies: 7

I held mid senior management roles in 3 of the 4 Aussie banks before leaving banking to take on a senior role with a software business. The change between roles came about due to back to back redundancies. i left my last senior role in Jan 2016 ( a f... View more

I held mid senior management roles in 3 of the 4 Aussie banks before leaving banking to take on a senior role with a software business. The change between roles came about due to back to back redundancies. i left my last senior role in Jan 2016 ( a further redundancy)and have been unable to find a role of the same standing since despite more than 400 applications. One recruiter who I knew well smiled and told be that he hadn’t placed a white middle aged male for the previous 5 years… my heart sank. for the past 6 years I have worked in a manufacturing role which is killing me inside. Over the past couple of years I’ve been told that my resume looks like it fell off a cliff…. I’ve no idea how to resolve this.The 3 redundancies have really knocked my confidence and feeling of worth/ value. the first of the 3 redundancies saw me given a box for my belongings and escorted from the premises. the last of the redundancies saw the MD back track on the package offered I think I have a lot to give, and hope that I don’t come across as done kind of victim. I feel like I’m mourning the loss of my career. My mind is racing at night, I’m lucky if I get 4-5 hrs sleep, I’m always tired, my get up and go has got up and gone and for the past week in particular I have been super emotional often crying in the car etc.

Lyndis Any tips for regaining appetite?
  • replies: 1

Hi, so, I was recently diagnosed with depression, and over the past few weeks, I've noticed my appetite is decreasing at an alarming rate. I have reason to suscept this might stem from my depression. I keep gagging while eating, although I've never t... View more

Hi, so, I was recently diagnosed with depression, and over the past few weeks, I've noticed my appetite is decreasing at an alarming rate. I have reason to suscept this might stem from my depression. I keep gagging while eating, although I've never thrown up from it, and I often don't feel hungry until the evening (in which i snack on sweets), which i want to try and stop. I very much understand its not healthy, but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problems with eating and if they'd be kind enough to share some info/tips on how to combat it. Thanks in advance

Aussie.Girl Why can't I just be happy?
  • replies: 8

Apologies for the essay...I recently quit my job because I was feeling overwhelmed with stress and it was causing RSI as well as issues with my back and knees. I thought that afterwards I would have significantly less stress and I would be able to co... View more

Apologies for the essay...I recently quit my job because I was feeling overwhelmed with stress and it was causing RSI as well as issues with my back and knees. I thought that afterwards I would have significantly less stress and I would be able to complete some tasks which have been on my to do list for months. However, external factors are still getting in the way (the weather, getting sick etc) so I have basically made no progress at all. Anyway, I have been thinking for a long time that I would like to work from home in future and with the end of year sales I was able to purchase a laptop. I live with my family and we have a desktop computer but it is a shared device so I thought it would be good to get laptop just for me. I did loads of research and spent hours at the shop testing before deciding on a mid-range HP. As soon as I got to the car I panicked about the price (even though I have savings and it wasn't crazy expensive). Now I can't bring myself to open the box because as long as its still sealed I can return it for a 100% refund (I have 2wks to decide) I don't know what to do, I thought I would be happy with this but now I just feel guilty every time I look at the box because I didn't /need/ a laptop and I've never really spent that much on something not strictly necessary. I feel broken... This isn't the first time I've tried to do something fun or buy something nice only to feel guilty and anxious instead. What should I do? I can't even tell if I want the laptop anymore, it just makes me stressed to think about it. Why can't anything in my life just be simple? I'm trying so hard to do the right thing and I always end up stressed and upset afterwards. I just want to be able to live my life without feeling guilty for every little thing... I want to feel relaxed and happy and free. I left my job and I still feel trapped, and I don't know what to do... Please share any advice you think might help, and I would appreciate opinions on whether I should keep the laptop or just return it. Thank you

Guest_0845 Feeling like a total loser
  • replies: 2

I was hoping I wouldnt have to do this again but here I go... I feel like the biggest total loser, never good enough for anyone, never good enough at anything, im totally over trying. Im at point of giving up, no matter what i do, I end up worss off.... View more

I was hoping I wouldnt have to do this again but here I go... I feel like the biggest total loser, never good enough for anyone, never good enough at anything, im totally over trying. Im at point of giving up, no matter what i do, I end up worss off. Im of no use at all to anybody, never had been. I dont have any friends, I have the socials skills of fence post. I feel all i do is just get in useful people way. Might be time to end it all i guess.

nurse91 Partner blaming me for his suicidal thoughts
  • replies: 4

This is going to be a long one. Partner and i have been togther nearly 7 years and they have been up and down. We did 3 years long distance for career reasons after being together for 2 years. We have now been living together for 2 years. In the begi... View more

This is going to be a long one. Partner and i have been togther nearly 7 years and they have been up and down. We did 3 years long distance for career reasons after being together for 2 years. We have now been living together for 2 years. In the begining i will openly admit i was 100% the problem. I had untreated anxiety, depression and ADHD - related to life long trauma and i was alot to handle. I have since become medicated and taken back control of my life and i think although not perfect i do strive to become a better person everyday. I thought my history is relevant as i do not want to paint the picture that my partner has not been there for me in the past. Fast forward to now. My partner is going through a lengthy and very stressful time in his life, financially, mentally and physically. I do my best to help with this however recently i tried having a gentle conversation about a few of my own insecurities and difficulties (tried having this conversation many times) and eventually it ended in an arguement where he said i dont help him at all, i make things more difficult for him and he has sucidal thought a because of the extra pressure i put on him. I am now stuck in the situation where i want to leave to give him the space he needs because i dont want to make him want to kill himself but i cant leave because i dont want him to be alone and i dont want him to feel abandoned. I dont know what to do. I have mentioned getting help and couples therapy but he just says "all you have to do is be nice". I do all the house work and i work a full time job plus help him with his career. We havent been intimate for nearly 1.5 years and when i bring it up he says the same thing- "just be nice". I am willing to take some blame becauae i am far from perfect but what he said about the suicidal part and it being my fault has really shook me. Can someone please shed some light on this for me.Thanks

TBear5879 Please help
  • replies: 6

I have autism and ADHD and would like to get tested for depression. So, not a great start to life for me . feel so sad and energy less all the time, I just don't know what to do. Please help me.

I have autism and ADHD and would like to get tested for depression. So, not a great start to life for me . feel so sad and energy less all the time, I just don't know what to do. Please help me.

Musiclover10 Chronic pain and depression
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, I am in a world of pain right now. Both physically and emotionally/psychologically. I have been experiencing physical pain for almost 2 months nonstop now. One of the issues has been jaw pain from a TMJ condition, which flares up every n... View more

Hi everyone, I am in a world of pain right now. Both physically and emotionally/psychologically. I have been experiencing physical pain for almost 2 months nonstop now. One of the issues has been jaw pain from a TMJ condition, which flares up every now and then. The pain has been ongoing and I feel it has led me to symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is now causing me to doubt and question everything. Including my new relationship. Just a couple of months ago, I was feeling happier than I ever have, so confident and so sure and on top of things. Now I feel the opposite. I have overcome depression many times before, but it just feels so hard this time as I am dealing with physical pain as well. I welcome any suggestions or insights as I am really struggling to get on top of it. Thank you

Loveanimals So Infuriated By Neighbours
  • replies: 8

One year ago there was an incredible storm here and the neighbours' carport collapsed and left tonnes of mud and detritus in my yard.( I have posted about this before ) At that time they immediately tried to put some onus on me. They never apologised... View more

One year ago there was an incredible storm here and the neighbours' carport collapsed and left tonnes of mud and detritus in my yard.( I have posted about this before ) At that time they immediately tried to put some onus on me. They never apologised or did anything to remove the mess. After investigating it transpired that their carport was non compliant and had no stormwater removal. Hence the storm was the straw that broke the camels back as there had been 11 years of water running off against the fence. When the neighbours learnt of this they were furious at me? Not my problem! They then tried to get me to pay $25k to go halves in a retaining wall. Again I investigated and it transpired that the house plans for their build (back in the '80's) had a retaining wall included....which was not built. Needless to say they were angry about this ..again..not my issue! They then tried to get $ from me thru the fencing act. I consulted with my lawyer who stated the entire cost is theirs and in fact I could sue them for damages. I did not pursue this, in fact offered them $1000 as a goodwill gesture (?) which is the paltry sum I received from my insurer. I sent them the letter from my lawyer explaining everything and they emailed me that they would accept the $1000. Very long story...works began on the retaining wall/fence 3 weeks ago! Understandably there has been noise and mess from dawn until early evening. What galls me is that these works were to take two weeks. It will be five weeks until completion. The neighbours have not once informed me of what is taking place, and when. On Friday I had a concrete truck blocking my driveway for over 2 hours. I wanted to say something but the concreter was rough and swearing contantly and I was scared. Further to this all of my washing was covered in concrete and I have had to dispose of some items. I had a beautiful bouganvillea tree alongside my carport. Doing the neighbourly thing I paid my gardener $50 to trim it back to allow ease of access for the workers. I went outside earlier and it is dead. It has fallen over from the stress of the drilling etc. The workers were very apologetic. They moved it onto the pile of dirt in front of my neighbours property. I then went outside to collect my bins and the neighbour was out front doing same. He totally ignored me and basically ran inside. I would have expected some words of apology but no...nothing. He is a gutless worm. I am so incensed at the lack of respect and regard shown towards me by these scummy people! I have tolerated this for over one year! Throughout this year I have witnessed their son throw their pool scum over my fence..they have used my bins for their rubbish...I have always been kind to them When they went overseas last year I put their bins out etc. They have proven themselves to be disgusting and disrespectful. I am also very heartbroken as I am always the nice guy. Look what that gets one. I feel bullied, laughed at and am totally furious. The one good thing is that I am seeing my lawyer next week. I may well pursue civil action against these filthy things. They should be sorry for messing with me. But at the end of the day their messing with me has almost destroyed me. I don't know....I will wait until next week to sort this. After everything that has happened lately I just end up hating most people. Also the people in my life who I bend over backwards for are yet again not there for me That is good. I now know that the only person I have to care for is me. I did ring Lifeline earlier as I was so absolutely besides myself. The counsellor was great and reiterated I have to stop being so nice to everyone else and start being nice to myself. My poor soul is very damaged and I need to restore it.

viciouscycle It’s a joke
  • replies: 2

I have a degenerative spinal disease have done since birth I’ve tryed working most of my life I have so many certs I’ve paid for myself to try different avenues of work and easier on my back and the chronic pain I suffer especially when it’s a daily ... View more

I have a degenerative spinal disease have done since birth I’ve tryed working most of my life I have so many certs I’ve paid for myself to try different avenues of work and easier on my back and the chronic pain I suffer especially when it’s a daily L5 disk pinching my S1 ouch really sux to name a few I have bobcat,excavator,HR,cert4 PT, fully qualified life guard,all my hospitality and gaming I can keep going paid for myself I might add.. anyway for atleast 10 years now they will except my disability for an 3 month exemption every 3 months and except it to put me with a disability provider but won’t except it for a disability payment or pension and expect me to work and now won’t except my doc certs wtf… in the very word degenerative means it gets worse and worse the system is a joke designed to make u fail and be forced off the payment one less payment they gotta dish out.. I’m also chronicle depressed and have anxiety and atleast 10yrs of history with all of these I have15 diff med certs I’ve uploaded and have shown just in past 3 yrs but not good enough so off I go to pay for more doc apps on an already not coping can’t survive as is payment with kids I get 790$ in bank a fortnight my rents 650 of that can go on and on and they wonder why suicidal thoughts creep into our heads but to scared to do it kids dnt deserve it I won’t give centerlink the satisfaction but feeling trapped and stuck is worse than it all wish I wasn’t on it u think I like this they treat us like where all drug addict dole bludgers fkn joke