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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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redmonster Shakey Times
  • replies: 2

Finding it hard to even say the problems I am battling let alone fighting to get through them. Had a recent medication change which has been a ride to hell. Striving to stay hopeful that the new meds should ease on the negative effects and turn to ai... View more

Finding it hard to even say the problems I am battling let alone fighting to get through them. Had a recent medication change which has been a ride to hell. Striving to stay hopeful that the new meds should ease on the negative effects and turn to aid me in recovery from major depression. Its very difficult to recover when things you are trying to get over are still impacting to such a point that it feels the mind just isn't able to get enough traction to set up for recovery. One week or so down on new medication, hopefully the effects will turn positive sooner than later. Having to medicate way more than I wish to on stabilising meds.Best Wishes to all who are also suffering.

Cherryb92 I have spoken to my doctor and she has referred me to a psychiatrist but i'm just so scared
  • replies: 1

I haven't actually done this before so here it goes: I can't quite pinpoint what I feel is 'wrong' with me these days, but to sum it up, I just feel like i'm losing my mind. These passed two years I have suffered from extreme anxiety for no apparent ... View more

I haven't actually done this before so here it goes: I can't quite pinpoint what I feel is 'wrong' with me these days, but to sum it up, I just feel like i'm losing my mind. These passed two years I have suffered from extreme anxiety for no apparent reason, panic attacks (which thankfully seemed to have past) and what I assume to be depression - although it has never been diagnosed. The strange thing is, however, that some days will be fantastic, I will feel on top of the world. It is often on those days I make silly comments/ decisions such as when I told everyone I was moving away to some exotic destination, or I was going to change my career or, I told my partner we HAD to buy a house that year or rent a new place (that week!!) - which just put un needed stress on him. I suffer from incredible mood swings (I always have but they have gotten worse) where I will be happy one minute, absolute down in the dumps next and finally; extremely irritable and generally frustrated. I often verbally take it out on my partner and family and whilst I know it's wrong, it's like i'm watching myself getting irritated and saying mean things but I can't stop it. I'm at the point where I wonder why they even bother with me anymore. I think the thing that really scared me about all of this though is today, I was driving and missed the road I was meant to turn down. Without even thinking I just put the car into reverse and off I went (there was no one behind me but still...). It wasn't until I saw a car coming that my brain sort of 'snapped back' and I realised what I was doing and how stupid my actions were. I panicked and nearly hit the side rail because of it. I can recall myself doing it but I have no idea why I did..it was almost like I just became someone else for a second. I'm just sort of at a point now where I can't keep going on like this, and putting not only my family and friends through this but myself as well. I have spoken to my doctor and she has referred me to a psychiatrist but i'm just so scared. I just want to be normal, to wake up and be happy and not dreading everyday at work or being scared that i'm going to become irritable and angry and struggle to stop myself saying things that I always regret and am remorseful for later. I'm also scared of admitting there could be a problem because I know there's probably a long road ahead if that's the case. I guess I just needed to get all of that out.

Dennis38 Thoughts on Depression: don't give up hope
  • replies: 11

Hello brothers and sisters, and yes we are all brothers and sisters in this fight. First off I am not nor would I want to be any kind of professional head shrink, I am just a redneck (yabo lol) that has and still is fighting this demon we call depres... View more

Hello brothers and sisters, and yes we are all brothers and sisters in this fight. First off I am not nor would I want to be any kind of professional head shrink, I am just a redneck (yabo lol) that has and still is fighting this demon we call depression. First off a lot of you and a lot of other people have asked. "Do we ever get better?" The answer is yes with help, either through medication or simply talking through it, but and as always there is a flip side to this coin, I honeslty think that once you go through a major depression and you come out on the other side we are still in danger of back sliding. I feel that its kind of like a recovering drug/booze/gambler in that once you go through this beast we tend to start to over think things when we feel ourselves backsliding..we start to remember all the negative things that we went through and we can accidently amplify them. Depression is a true demon simply because it takes so much from us and leaves just a shell. This shell can smile and even laugh..and the outside world only sees this so called tough shell that this demon has left behind, yet this shell of a person that we use to be is brittle and one simple poke and we crumble to pieces. This demon takes everything that we once were. Sounds kind of strange but the truth of the matter is that depression takes our logic from us first. You see my brothers and sisters depression runs on a lot of emotions, even the good ones feeling happy down to being sad and crying all the time. We stop thinking and let the emotions run our lives and its very hard to think straight when your emotions are all over the place. And yes you can be to happy or to energetic because you will crash and that crash is a hard one. But do not give up hope, do not go looking for hope for we tend to miss a lot of things that are in front of us, but never give up on hope, let it find you. The best advice I can give to you all is simply be. Let go of the past (easer said then done I know) do not worry about the future, and live in this day, this moment. Take care of today and let the future take care of itself. Oh and let yourself be depressed, do not be shamed of it. Everyone. yes everyone gets depressed from time to time, some of us just get it a bit worse then others. So keep your heads up, talk to your doctors and do not be ashamed of asking for help. We ALL need help from time to time and this forum is one of many places to seek help! Be well my family!

Toro_Rosso Family divided over my depression
  • replies: 9

Hey, I've been hanging round the site for quite some time before I finally got the idea to join up. So I've been dealing with depression on and off for quite some time. It's been about 11 years worth of struggling really and the cycle only just start... View more

Hey, I've been hanging round the site for quite some time before I finally got the idea to join up. So I've been dealing with depression on and off for quite some time. It's been about 11 years worth of struggling really and the cycle only just started happening again. I used to be alright in masking it but it's now starting to be a strain on myself and the family in that I never relate myself to the family and vice versa. I do have decent friends that I've been around with. However, they have been talking about work and other things which I've been uncomfortable around so I've left them for that. The reason is that I don't have a job and I can't really relate to their complaints thus far. I've seen different councillors on and off but I've never really conquered depression thus far. I think that's enough to start off with and I might see how this goes.

new2blue Something happened yesterday that made me realise what a horrible person I am
  • replies: 4

hI everyone, I'm not sure if this is where i start but here goes. I think i have depression or a mental health issue as I have been having rollercoaster ride emotions and I'm just not the person i want to be anymore. Im 49 and something happened yest... View more

hI everyone, I'm not sure if this is where i start but here goes. I think i have depression or a mental health issue as I have been having rollercoaster ride emotions and I'm just not the person i want to be anymore. Im 49 and something happened yesterday that made me realise what a horrible person i am and for the first time, i knew what it felt like to be hated and it was not in a good situation. Ive been trying to work out whats wrong with me without bothering anyone about it but clearly I need help because i am so tired some days and on others i don't want to be here anymore. Im full of anger and rage and chronic pain from back and neck injuries and i feel overwhelmed with life and everyday living and i say things in anger and resentment and i don't know whats wrong with me. I told someone (a relative) yesterday that i am barely hanging onto life somedays. I don't want to spoil certain occasions so ive been fighting it and my husband has no idea and would just think I'm an idiot anyway. I just want someone to understand what I'm feeling and to tell me its ok to be like i am or is it? I don't know 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

Warren2103 New here and just looking for some advice and support
  • replies: 11

Hi all, I just wanted to share how I've been feeling in the hope that I can get some advice or tips. I'm a 39 year old male and I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for which I've been seeing a psychologist, but I don't think she's really ... View more

Hi all, I just wanted to share how I've been feeling in the hope that I can get some advice or tips. I'm a 39 year old male and I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for which I've been seeing a psychologist, but I don't think she's really helping. I'm no expert on depression but mine pretty much feels like a constant feeling of demotivation, lack of interest and enthusiasm in everything from hobbies and interests to social outings. I'm not eating properly and I feel tired most of the time and just want to sleep or lounge around. I can barely get out of bed in the morning to work in a job that I can just put up with in a company that's been going through a restructure over the last 18 months. I'm in the middle of building a house and the uncertainty of job security is not helping. I'm being forced to apply for roles at work that I don't really want and I've started to feel worse with feelings of uselessness and hopelessness creeping in. I've recognised the majority of the way I feel is work related but I've always had a feeling of flatness anyway and a lack of goals or direction. I've spoken to friends and family but don't want to burden them too much and thought this website might be a good place to connect with others. Would appreciate any advice on how to manage this or pull myself out and get back into life again.

OliveM I have forgotten who I am
  • replies: 6

If I could, I would, roll up in a ball, let others just go about their lives and I would just give up. I am fighting each day. I feel it in my chest. I just don't care is my mantra. My boys are keeping me on a level, but that level is not exciting or... View more

If I could, I would, roll up in a ball, let others just go about their lives and I would just give up. I am fighting each day. I feel it in my chest. I just don't care is my mantra. My boys are keeping me on a level, but that level is not exciting or buoyant for them. I am seeing the Dr. I have a psych appointment in 2 weeks. Have told friends I am depressed. I hate it. I know there is no switch but if only there was. I would be flicking it to happy. As I was working full time with depression, I used to use work to cover it up, leaving work going straight home to bed. Now I am a full time mum, I have noticed that not having to work has shown me how bad it actually is. And how long the episodes go on for. This time around 8 weeks. No joy. If it wasn't for the boys, if I wasn't seeing the Dr I would give up. Roll up in that ball, check into hospital and just refuse to get well. Look I understand that is not an outlook that makes sense. It is how I am feeling. The Dr booked me to see a Psychiatrist but they wanted 130.00 for a 30 min appointment. What the hell are they going to glean from me in 30 mins? What a crock, so I cancelled the appointment. I have been on anti depressants for many years, recently changing brands to see if would help the mood and the sleep - the I just want to sleep feelings. 3 weeks on with the change and still I just don't care. Trying to sleep as much as I can. Feeling also like I need it. ECT - I am wondering if this is the cure for me? I am so over loosing humour, not wanting, not caring, avoiding, hating, hurting, thinking that if life is like this for the next 40 years, why oh why bother. I am not suicidal. I want to remember who I am, what I stand for and why it is so for me. Where is that easy fix or remedy? 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.

PurpleShade Depression is what it is x
  • replies: 1

I've been struggling for years with the famous black dog...it is what it is !I've been challenged to the death...literally, trust me, I've looked that in the eye and it has almost consumed me many times. I have received much love in the dark hour and... View more

I've been struggling for years with the famous black dog...it is what it is !I've been challenged to the death...literally, trust me, I've looked that in the eye and it has almost consumed me many times. I have received much love in the dark hour and know many who have offered love and hope and I do that too now I shine more in the light...The Light! I hope we all find this bright space of love and bask in its warmth and I hope I will always have open warm arms to those struggling in the dark x.I too dip into the dark from time to time and its because of those who survive in the goodness of life that I find a safe space to rise.I'm posting this because I'm grateful in so many ways but want to say that even though things are better, it takes strength, belief and a helping hand from this space and people around me to keep my head above water.Sending love to those who are struggling, lets rise to live another 'good' dayYour friend in this struggle x

pumpkin_92 Rebuild life after depression ? isolation ?
  • replies: 3

Hi, for those of you who are reading this, did anyone have the experience of recovering from depression? I had a depression a year ago when i was in university, i made a wrong decision and studying something i don't like and i decided to change to st... View more

Hi, for those of you who are reading this, did anyone have the experience of recovering from depression? I had a depression a year ago when i was in university, i made a wrong decision and studying something i don't like and i decided to change to study something that i really enjoying. However i suffer the consequences of depression because i think that i am not worthy due to my failure and wrong decision i made in the past. I began to isolate myself from other people, i thought it was a way of coping with my depression (I am depressed in front of other people and this sort of spoiling the mood of people around me ) . At the end, i realized that avoiding social interaction with other people is a terrible mistake and it only makes the situation worst. Now i have trouble in controlling my emotion and shy to talk to other people during the social event. I felt very awkward whenever i have to interact with other people. Something just feels not right and i think i have to do something to end this cycle, so here i am using my courage to post this thread. Does anyone have any ideas or experiences that can share with me on how you overcome self-isolation that cause by depression ? Or any suggestion? Because i am totally lost and don't know what to do at the moment. Thank you for your time to read this post.

Lusie What's wrong with me
  • replies: 2

Hi. I'm new to the forum. i don't understand why I feel like I do! I'm on medication but still feeling so down. Crying all the time, tired and just not happy. I should be happy I'm getting married in the next few months , going on an amazing holiday ... View more

Hi. I'm new to the forum. i don't understand why I feel like I do! I'm on medication but still feeling so down. Crying all the time, tired and just not happy. I should be happy I'm getting married in the next few months , going on an amazing holiday and planning a baby. I booked myself into hospital at the beginning of the year and got myself help. It worked for a short period. it feels like everyone is against me.