Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

White_Rose Meltdown
  • replies: 5

For the past year I have been getting better. Understanding why I get overwhelmed by life and learning to cope in a very difficult situation. The priest in my church has bullied me unmercifully for several years because I stood up for what I thought ... View more

For the past year I have been getting better. Understanding why I get overwhelmed by life and learning to cope in a very difficult situation. The priest in my church has bullied me unmercifully for several years because I stood up for what I thought was right. I spoke to him yesterday about a matter and he told me I was not fit to be a leader in the church, that I was disloyal, presumably because I did not agree with him, and a bad influence in the church. I know there are some people who agree with him, mainly I suspect because they have never heard my side of the story and it is difficult attending this church. I have decided not to leave because I see no reason for being pushed out, but he is now leaving and will be gone on Monday. I really did not expect this parting shot and I collapsed completely yesterday. Even writing this makes me cry. What really upsets me is that it is the church doing this. It is the one institution that I have looked up to believing it has good spiritual practices, love and compassion. So this has opened my eyes in a most unpleasant way and hence I suppose my depression. Silly me for having faith in people. I was really getting well again and feeling happy. My brain had 'unfogged' and I was thinking more clearly, had more energy and was begining to manage my life again. Then this happened. I don't understand why or how people can be so vicious or why I am so thoroughly intimidated, nervous and shaky. You would think I could have toughened up by now. Instead, here I am shaking all over, crying like a baby and wishing I had never been born. In a few days it may all get better again but until then I feel as though I am in a huge void, tossed around by any wind, not knowing which way is up. My whole body aches, inside and out So many people how much it helps to write down their feelings and i am finding that too. But I still do not understand why I fell down so hard and so quickly. I really thought I could handle this sort of stuff. Mary

Mugumbo Very very lost
  • replies: 1

Hi All,Firstly, I apologise if this seems jumbled, but this is harder to write than I first thought.I' ve been battling depression, low self- esteem and a lack of confidence for about 6 years now. I've seen many doctors and been prescribed many diffe... View more

Hi All,Firstly, I apologise if this seems jumbled, but this is harder to write than I first thought.I' ve been battling depression, low self- esteem and a lack of confidence for about 6 years now. I've seen many doctors and been prescribed many different medications.I generally have an upbeat disposition but I guess that comes from being able to hide my feelings very well, but there are times where it all hits me like a tonne of bricks.Despite the medication I still find myself in deep bouts of depression and self-loathing regularly, with sporadic thoughts of self destructive behaviour thrown in to boot and recently I've been feeling extremely lonely and isolated. I believe one large key factor is that a have a tendency to over think things way too much.I haven't had a relationship or sexual partner for nearly 6 years and I believe this is due to the way my medication kills my sex drive and libido along with my lack of confidence. To make matters worse, I'm currently living with a female friend whom I previously had quite strong feelings for. She is currently in a committed relationship with another of my friends who also lives with us and over the time we have spent living together, I think these feelings have grown even stronger, to a point of almost infatuation.I want to break the stranglehold these feelings for her have over me, but I can't seem to. I've tried to meet other women, but I end up comparing them to her and let my self-esteem and confidence issues get in the way.I'm not looking for a silver bullet, because I know I've got a long way to go, but I don't know anywhere else to go.

Loz18 Your Recovery Story
  • replies: 2

I thought sharing my story might help get some feelings out of my head and hopefully hearing other peoples recovery story can give me some hope.Looking back I believe my depression started at around 13. My teenage years were extremely destructive wit... View more

I thought sharing my story might help get some feelings out of my head and hopefully hearing other peoples recovery story can give me some hope.Looking back I believe my depression started at around 13. My teenage years were extremely destructive with heavy drug and alcohol use as well as sexual promiscuity and binge eating.I first tried antidepressants at 16 and decided they were crap after a month.At 20 after a very low point in my life I made the decision to move to Australia from NZ to start a new life. After a night out on the town I was sexually assaulted and not long after I got charged with drink driving and I realised I needed to do something.My GP put me on to medication and I began seeing a counsellor every 4-5weeks. I no longer drink excessively or use drugs. All seemed well after a while and at the start of this year I chose to go off my medication because I felt great, I was healthy and have lost 15kg.I then began to feel low again and my doctor put me different medication which I had horrible side effects from. After a few months I didn't feel they were working so the doctor changed the dose.In October just after my 23rd birthdayI tried ending my life. I was so low and felt as though I could'nt deal with it anymore. Ten years I have been struggling with depression and anxiety. I didn't have another ten years in me.I was put onto medication, now see a psychologist weekly and have had to drop my hours at work. I had an allergic reaction to the medication last week and my doctor has since put me onto a different medication.I been diagnosed with severe depression and generalised anxiety disorder.I do everything possible to keepmy depression and anxiety at bay. I eat healthy and exercise regularly, I keep my brain active with study, I have a great support network of family and friends and reduce the stress in my life when I can, I attend talking therapies and take medication but its always there, the horrible thoughts about myself, the suicide idealations and the hyperactivity of my brain.Please tell me somewhere along the way it gets better?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.

ALL Waves
  • replies: 7

With some people, depression is ongoing and constant. for me, while there is a little bit that is constant, I get it more severly in waves that leave me like unable to do anything. does anyone else have this problem?

With some people, depression is ongoing and constant. for me, while there is a little bit that is constant, I get it more severly in waves that leave me like unable to do anything. does anyone else have this problem?

Welsh_Mark Why am I sad when my life is so good?
  • replies: 11

I apologise now to all the people on here that have really good reasons to be going through depression but if you looked into my life I haven't got anything to be sad about....but I am? Looking back I think I've always been a 'dreamer' looking for so... View more

I apologise now to all the people on here that have really good reasons to be going through depression but if you looked into my life I haven't got anything to be sad about....but I am? Looking back I think I've always been a 'dreamer' looking for something else all of the time....My beautiful supportive wife says she is content with her life and is thankful that we have two stunning, healthy and well rounded children and we live in an amazing place close to the ocean with a large house and pool..Why can't I see this? I'm so cheesed off that I can't be grateful for these things and everything I do I feel what I can only describe as 'disappointed' like there is something better out there.... I have been to the GP who through no fault of their own seems like a production line of pill givers, trying to get as many patients through as quickly as possible... I can't keep putting my family through my princessness as its not fair on them! Anybody else felt this way and then coped with it? RELATED THREADS Why do I feel so alone and sad all the time and yet I'm not? Where do I begin? Prisoner to sadness I feel like it is getting worse every day Living with depression Internal sadness

katica 50 and not out
  • replies: 1

i have turned 50 and i dont seem to do anything but sit in a chair all day, i keep the house ok as only normally me , so not that hard, my kids 2 have moved out and started the lifes without me i dont see them the last 1 is still here, but never here... View more

i have turned 50 and i dont seem to do anything but sit in a chair all day, i keep the house ok as only normally me , so not that hard, my kids 2 have moved out and started the lifes without me i dont see them the last 1 is still here, but never here as she is starting her life,and never home i married to a truck driver, forever , it was fine then the kids where young, but now i dont know what to do, my head hurts always , even the radio annoys me, so i turn it off, i take medication for a knee injury but to be honest , i take more to just sleep day in day out for the day to go, i have guilt, regret and shame , feeling this way, my head always hurts not headaches, just like it is going to explode,i should be greatful for everything thats the guilt,why i feel so bad, someday sits hard to just do another day , i dont want sympathy or haters to hate, i just want to feel happy again, , i need to know what to do to get this out of my head, please dont say get out and go for coffee, as i am in a little town, everyone knows everyone business and i dont want them to know this, the thought of getting in the car and driving 1 hour to shops whats the point, just give me ideas to get this together pleasebeyondblue'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.

Guest_5809 Am I having a break down
  • replies: 7

I don't know what's happening to me. I was at the shops today and could not for the life of me remember how I got there or where my car was parked. I had my son with me and I totally panicked. I don't sleep well.at night I can't function well. I find... View more

I don't know what's happening to me. I was at the shops today and could not for the life of me remember how I got there or where my car was parked. I had my son with me and I totally panicked. I don't sleep well.at night I can't function well. I find my head is so fall of "stuff" I can't make decisions. My head feels foggy most of the time.i just want to sleep all day. I have had depression and anxiety for many years been treated with medication. My 11 year old suffers with ptsd from a severe bullying incident. I might have had one or 2 great days in the last month. How do I know if my mind is falling apart? I feel like I am losing the plot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

The_Fleur Freaking Out, even about posting....
  • replies: 3

My first time on a site like this. Had a horrible night of feeling disconnected and worthless, not interested in much....even though I know I have stuff I should be interested in and people are relying on me for support.... I am your typical listener... View more

My first time on a site like this. Had a horrible night of feeling disconnected and worthless, not interested in much....even though I know I have stuff I should be interested in and people are relying on me for support.... I am your typical listener, sometimes its easier to listen to everyone else's issues than to face my own, not even sure what my own are sometimes either.Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety, great label hey? It doesn't sound as bad as it feels though. Feels like my insides, and everything that should feel good, is being grated with a cheese grater, but no-one else can see it, only me...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.

lisar Plummeting mood, please help....
  • replies: 5

Hi guys, I'm new on here & don't know what I'm really doing. I guess I just want to share my story in the hope that maybe someone out in the world cares. I have been in & out of hospital for the last 5 yrs with depression, anxiety & an eating disorde... View more

Hi guys, I'm new on here & don't know what I'm really doing. I guess I just want to share my story in the hope that maybe someone out in the world cares. I have been in & out of hospital for the last 5 yrs with depression, anxiety & an eating disorder. My husband left me yrs ago ( he was an abusive alcoholic). My eldest daughter suffers with Asperger's, depression & social phobia - she refuses to have anything to do with her father so I have to care for her 24/7. My other 2 girls share their time between us both but are very unhappy when with their father. My 61 yr old mum is developing early onset dementia - I came home the other day to find her cooking banana bread in a saucepan on the stove cos it was easier than using the toaster!! My eldest daughter companion rabbit ( the only way to manage her meltdowns was to give her the rabbit) died a couple of weeks ago & she still isn't dealing with it. My extremely allergic 9 yr old had her tonsils out a few days later & she had an anaphylactic reaction to the anaesthetic!!. Then to top it all off a wind storm went through & lifted the roof off my house! My mood has been spiralling down the last few months but right now has completely plummeted. My eating disorder has resurfaced in the form of bulimia & is out of control so I'm feeling quite physically unwell to. I'm just so tired, I just don't want to do life any more. I'm wallowing in self pity but I can't be bothered pulling myself out of it - it's all to hard. I won't bail on life - I have my girls to keep me alive, they mean the world to me. I know this is really disjointed to read but I have trouble thinking straight & I have so much I want to say but don't know how. Thank you for listening to me vent, i'm sorry for dumping all my crap out there. I'm doubting myself now if I should post this.....

John8787 lost and empty
  • replies: 7

Hey all, Thanks for reading this. I hit rock bottom about a month ago now after my partner of 4 1/2 years left me. It has been the hardest time of my life. I have been to my gp and I am now on antidepressants and going to see someone next week too he... View more

Hey all, Thanks for reading this. I hit rock bottom about a month ago now after my partner of 4 1/2 years left me. It has been the hardest time of my life. I have been to my gp and I am now on antidepressants and going to see someone next week too help me. My partner was my world she was everything to me including my best and ONLY friend I had in my life. I thought we were going too spend our lives together but like everything else in this world nothing lasts. Everyday I struggle to live I wake hop wondering why what's the point in anything the pain and hurt ii feel is just to much I am so lonely but somehow I drag myself to work. I don't want to be me anymore I wish I could cluck my fingers and change have friends and a new gf. It seems to hard I hate the weekends they are the worst Sorry but yeah I need to vent.