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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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throwaway123 Spending too much time inside my own head
  • replies: 1

It's bad enough having a naturally ugly face, but I also have an allergy to alcohol. Drinking is such a strong part of Australian culture, and I can't drink. When I'm alone I'm always dreaming about a relationship with the unrealistic dream girl insi... View more

It's bad enough having a naturally ugly face, but I also have an allergy to alcohol. Drinking is such a strong part of Australian culture, and I can't drink. When I'm alone I'm always dreaming about a relationship with the unrealistic dream girl inside my own head. I used to only think about this when I was alone or on public transport, but now sometimes I catch myself daydreaming when I'm with a group of friends. Every time reality comes crashing down and I remember my appearance. And I think about the interactions I make with people all the time. And the past and the present and the future, I can't stop thinking about it. Hypothetical conversations with others, with myself, with therapists, self diagnosis... It's like a really dark Charlie Kaufman movie where my only relief is sleep. I would sleep all the time if I could. I'm 23. Sorry for the lack of proper formatting, just sort of threw it all together... If someone could point me in the right direction it'd be appreciated. Thanks.

aan feeling empty and feels like two people in me
  • replies: 1

Hi I just wanted some advice on the following matter. From the past few months I am feeling pretty empty from inside. Not that I am crying or unable to laugh or something. Everything is normal but it is just that When I talk to someone there are two ... View more

Hi I just wanted some advice on the following matter. From the past few months I am feeling pretty empty from inside. Not that I am crying or unable to laugh or something. Everything is normal but it is just that When I talk to someone there are two people within me. I talk to people in a childish way, laugh on stupid things and then there is another part of me thinking all the mature things etc. I was not like this before.. also I am having sleepless nights. can it be because I am in between the process of giving exams for higher education and stuff? Though it doesn't tense me too much, but yes a thought of what will happen next is always present in my mind.

Bipolar_Life Roller Coaster Life
  • replies: 2

Bipolar Definition: When the person struggling with it is trying to stay focused and productive and positive. Stress and fatigue. When the world around you is moving so fast and efficiently that it is like a blur to you. Please never look at someone ... View more

Bipolar Definition: When the person struggling with it is trying to stay focused and productive and positive. Stress and fatigue. When the world around you is moving so fast and efficiently that it is like a blur to you. Please never look at someone with this condition and think for a moment that they can 100% control it. That they are just being pathetic.Our minds are wired differently. We see things on a deeper more emotional level than most. We take the suffering of others more personally. That is why we are so creative.Sometimes it just grabs us and shakes us up. We cant function effectively, but seem to only be existing. We find it hard to laugh and smile when all we want to do is cry. But it balances itself out with times of extreme efficiency, productivity, creativity and joy.It passes, but understand, it is also a painful truth to this condition. This is my life. Extremes, either really happy or really sad. I am not a quitter, I am not sponging off my mental illness. I spend alot of energy and time trying to control it, with much success over the years, but then out of blue, I get a big one that I cant control.This is my life. I am sure you know someone else with the same condition. They need your support, not your condemnation.Merry Christmas

Damo23 lights fading
  • replies: 6

I have suffered depression and anxiety for 10 years now it has ruined to serious relationships with the highest respect to the women I was dating, I came to the 6years of both these relationships when I felt that they deserve better and said it will ... View more

I have suffered depression and anxiety for 10 years now it has ruined to serious relationships with the highest respect to the women I was dating, I came to the 6years of both these relationships when I felt that they deserve better and said it will never change I will be like this the rest of my life as much as it hurt I wanted more for them. I've made alot of changes in my life and a year ago moved to a remote location to try and figure out what I want from life achieve a goal for myself. Things were going good with very down times but pushed through, I went on a holiday to get my belongings car, boat on my way back my car blew up and I returned with a bag of clothes since then it's been a battle thoughts of self harm which I always have were much worse, I have lost my job spent over a week in bed and now can't see my family for Christmas, it's a viscous cycle that I can't see an end to and don't know what to do about it. 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;}

australiandude im new to this
  • replies: 4

I think i have some form of depression..... cant see any future and just want to be by myself all the time.

I think i have some form of depression..... cant see any future and just want to be by myself all the time.

Sparkles183 I have my whole life ahead of me and I should be happy…
  • replies: 4

Last week I officially completed my studies with top grades and completed the hours of work experience I needed to graduate I am currently now trying to peruse my dreams I have had before I started my studies. Looking at my position in life many will... View more

Last week I officially completed my studies with top grades and completed the hours of work experience I needed to graduate I am currently now trying to peruse my dreams I have had before I started my studies. Looking at my position in life many will say I have my whole life ahead of me and I should be happy celebrating and on top of the world. Instead of celebrating the first weekday after I officially finished my studies I ended up in my GP, s Office as just when I could see my symptoms was starting to improve I could notice my symptoms was starting to get a lot worse, my GP ended up increasing my AD, and I need to go back next week for a safety check. I thought once I finished my studies I will have less stress in my life therefore my symptoms will improve but I found it to be the complete opposite, I wish that this depressive episode will just end. Although I am having a hard time at the moment I decided I am not giving up a wise psychologist told me this week just because I am having a bit of a relapse don’t be too hard on myself and don’t give up that does not mean my coping skills is not working. So I guess I just have to keep working on my coping skills and try to look at the bright side of life until the day comes that I see the light at the end of the Tunnel Thanks for Listening Sparkles

charliec Depression or just lazy?
  • replies: 8

hi there just wanting some advice. In January I stopped taking my anti depressants, due to not having a job and couldn't afford the script. I think I've felt fine since I stopped them, lost 10kg even! (without exercise, just from stopping the tablets... View more

hi there just wanting some advice. In January I stopped taking my anti depressants, due to not having a job and couldn't afford the script. I think I've felt fine since I stopped them, lost 10kg even! (without exercise, just from stopping the tablets) However, lately I've been feeling so very unmotivated to do anything at all. I'm not sure if it's laziness or depression. My husband and I are moving interstate in 3 weeks, and seriously I cant get the motivation to do any of the cleaning that needs to be done, let alone the rest of the packing. We're visiting family for a week around xmas, so we've only got 2 weeks to finish it all. I've been feeling pretty stressed about the move, we're moving because there's no work here for me, (my husband is on disability pension) and when we get to QLD, we're staying with my mum, until we can find a place to rent. Once we find a place to rent, we have to buy things to get us through, as we can't afford to get removalists to deliver our stuff. (it's going to be in storage in SA) I just want to lay in bed and forget the world! I've even stopped contacting friends (via text/phone - as I know no one here), I just don't have the energy. I sleep till lunch time, can't get to sleep till early hours of the morning usually. Depression? or just lazy

lenore12 PTSD - it scares me when I lose control of my senses
  • replies: 5

I was first diagnosed withchronic moderate depression 8 years ago and I've since been diagnosed with PTSD. I had a rough childhood. I don't find it too difficult to make new friends, enter new jobs and take new opportunities , however, as my depressi... View more

I was first diagnosed withchronic moderate depression 8 years ago and I've since been diagnosed with PTSD. I had a rough childhood. I don't find it too difficult to make new friends, enter new jobs and take new opportunities , however, as my depression returns every 1&1/2 to 2 years, I manage to destroy every opportunities that comes to me. I've been told that I'm happy, bubbly and charismatic and because of this I generally do well in my studies/work/friendship, until depression strikes. When the black dog comes for me I isolate myself in my room, ignore my friends, and smoke alot of pot . My character changes completely. Eventually the things I've spent the last couple of years on building up, crumble again. I've lost a degree, all of my savings, a job, a couple of relationships, family members, and alot of friendships from my depression, and I know it will happen again and again. I just stop caring about anything. I don't have the energy to care. If I recover from this time, then what? Do I build up my life again, knowing that I'll stuff everything up again in a couple of years? I know that this depression is for life, and it will always be back. I feel like everything I do in do in day to day life is superficial. It is hard to find a point to anything. I also have a very grim view on the world. Sometimes when I smoke too much pot I have psychotic episodes and think my house mates have poisoned me. I know that this is a delusion and it scares me when I lose control of my senses. My Dr thinks these episodes have something to do with the PTSD. I'd hate myself if I could summon up the energy. I can't keep anything together. Please help. 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.

loislane I dont know how much longer i can live like this
  • replies: 5

I have been living like this with depression and anxiety for 5 years.I have 4 children and a supportive husband(somewhat) I just feel like no one understands.I just want to be normal.i think im on my 8th different medicine and this doesn't seem to wo... View more

I have been living like this with depression and anxiety for 5 years.I have 4 children and a supportive husband(somewhat) I just feel like no one understands.I just want to be normal.i think im on my 8th different medicine and this doesn't seem to work either.I see a psych once a fortnight.Im always tired,have put on so much weight to the point I cant stand to look at myself,i feel like im missing out on my kids growing up because I just cant do it.Ive isolated all my friends and hardly leave my house.I thought by now I would be better but im not and I feel guilty because all I think about most of the time lately is that I shouldn't of had kids and that I hate my husband because he just doesn't understand.its getting harder and harder to want to keep going.

FriendlyMugger Depression, Anxiety, or Rut? Need help.
  • replies: 8

I’ve always struggled with anxiety throughout my life. About two weeks ago I got into a really bad cycle of anxiety, (probably the worst I’ve experienced to date) and when I finally got out of it after about a week, I felt strange - kind of empty and... View more

I’ve always struggled with anxiety throughout my life. About two weeks ago I got into a really bad cycle of anxiety, (probably the worst I’ve experienced to date) and when I finally got out of it after about a week, I felt strange - kind of empty and flat. My emotions seemed blunted, my sense of humor dulled. This was obviously bothersome, and stimulated my anxiety. I began to worry if I was depressed. I was sleeping a lot, not too interested in my usual hobbies, and feeling disconnected from some of my friends. Over the next week, I felt the same general way. However, a few times, I’ve managed to “snap out of it”, usually when I would reason with myself enough to convince me I’m fine. One particular night, after one of these realizations, I felt perfectly back to normal - great mood, sense of humor back. I felt truly normal. However, the next day, I found myself slipping back into the feeling of the disinterested rut. This past semester, my two best friends went to Europe to study aboard, and my girlfriend left for Florida (1,000 miles away) to do the Disney College Program. I love my roommate but he’s rarely ever home. As a result, I spend a lot of time by myself, not really doing all that much. There’s not a lot to do on campus and I don’t have a heavy courseload. I can’t figure out if these moods are caused by genuine depression, or if I’m getting bored and lonely, and my anxiety is grasping on to this, bringing me down further, creating this weird rut. When I’m in big groups or in a fun social setting I can sometimes “let go” and enjoy myself, but when I’m alone, the more I think, the worse I feel - once I’m down like this, it’s hard to get out of it. Do I have reason to be concerned that I’m actually suffering from depression, or am I letting my anxiety make me over analyze my feelings and perpetuate a bad mood that would have otherwise passed? Thanks for any help.