Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

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

Start a discussion

jm1994 I don't have any motivation and cannot enjoy anything.
  • replies: 1

Hi, for about 4 or 5 years now I've been experiencing problems in which I feel have I completely changed from what I believed to be an intelligent, active and healthy teenager into an unmotivated, run down mess. I thought keeping this bottled up and ... View more

Hi, for about 4 or 5 years now I've been experiencing problems in which I feel have I completely changed from what I believed to be an intelligent, active and healthy teenager into an unmotivated, run down mess. I thought keeping this bottled up and not letting anyone else have to worry about it would be fine, but I feel myself deteriorating and need to let it out.I would have been in Year 11 in 2011 when I believe it started. Before then I was doing exceedingly well in my schooling to the point where teachers considered me skipping a year level, I was engaging in high level soccer, futsal, and basketball (and enjoying it), whilst in spare time I would go out with friends and enjoy their company and vice versa. In 2011 our family moved out from an area which I was able to ride my bike to school, to a quite isolated area (which I'm currently at) in which the only methods of transportation was either by car or by bus which would normally take an hour or so of the day to get to school. I live in a small house with 7 (grandfather, parents, 2 sister, brother and I) people and I sleep in the same room as my brother. During 2011 my sleeping patterns and overall sleep quality has gone due to my brother being on noisy electronics and watching movies in his bed whilst I tried to sleep, and despite efforts to stop it I haven't been able to revert since. I'd catch the bus to school and struggle to focus during class and even fall asleep, causing me to fall behind almost to the point where I was failing basic subjects. I dropped out of all my sports that year because I felt no passion in them anymore and my skill dropped. What was worse is that my parents noticed this and they didn't seem to care or make any attempt to help me out which further reduced my motivation to do well. I ended up scraping through VCE and in 2013 I worked 2 which totalled to 50 hours a week, so I could simply buy a car to reduce travel times so I could start studying. Travel times basically meant that I had to choose out of work or a social life.So I now have my car, and I am able to travel to uni, however cost of living at home and save at the same time whilst passing my course means I am working non-stop just to make ends meet.. and I can't even focus on my work, I have no friends, I'm constantly getting sick, I can't have a conversation with someone because I haven't gone out and experienced or felt anything for so long, and I feel alone and unsupported by my family.

SamanthaCam Not Sure Why..
  • replies: 10

Well I guess I best introduce my self, I'm 22, live at home with my parents still whom act unappreciative of my existence in our house, even though I know they 'love me' they sure don't act like it. We barley have any form of conversations and if we ... View more

Well I guess I best introduce my self, I'm 22, live at home with my parents still whom act unappreciative of my existence in our house, even though I know they 'love me' they sure don't act like it. We barley have any form of conversations and if we do, its more like aggressive talking towards me. I started my own events management company whilst working fill time else where as well, and recently held my first event (expo) which 120-ish people came to and to which I spent every waking minute for the past 8 months planning and co-ordinating leading up to it. Which I'm proud that I've achieved at my age. Meanwhile I've been dating this guy since January, we started off pretty perfect and to which I have never felt more in love with in my life, we had planned to go to New York during new years, (to which I found out he was planning to propose) Probably about 7 months ago I caught him lying to me on multiple occasions and he had done something which he knows is not ok in my books and is something that my previous (and only other x boyfriend) did but on a more extreme level. He looked through my phone while I was sleeping. I caught him. He denied it. I then caught him looking through my laptop while I had fallen asleep, I caught him again, he denied it. He then admitted to doing it to my best friend, and also told her that he had hacked my emails from his house as well as my Facebook. Which he then also admitted to me when I confronted him. I have nothing to hide at all, its more of a trust thing. Since that day, I have felt empty, all the time I used to enjoy my job, I now no longer enjoy anything at all. I don't even feel a strong connection with him anymore, the only thing I seem to want to do is go out and drink. I'm now stuck with these plane tickets to New York, which I saved so hard for I have told him I refuse to go with him. Had planned to go with my best friend instead since we have been meaning to go for years and years. She has now also cancelled due to work. I feel empty constantly, not knowing what I'm doing, feeling like I'm wasting my youth and my time in life. now I have no feelings for anything. No motivation, I've stoped working on my business which used to be my passion and drive for everything and although I'm still with my boyfriend, we had a 5 month break which didn't seem to help, he's very understanding and accommodating now but I honestly feel as though I have no idea who I am and that I'm dead inside & have no idea what to do

Vman90 Feeling unstable
  • replies: 7

Hello fellow beyondblue members,having a psychologist appointment today for ptsd problems we touched on the more personal side of my life and this has triggered a deep low which I'm having trouble coping with. There was the mention that even after be... View more

Hello fellow beyondblue members,having a psychologist appointment today for ptsd problems we touched on the more personal side of my life and this has triggered a deep low which I'm having trouble coping with. There was the mention that even after being medicated for 18months I still quite frequently have active suicidal thoughts and tonight these have triggered again . I feel like I'm just about to lose it completely. If anyone is there that can chat that would be good as I'm in need of some emotional support . Id like to touch on a little bit of history. I was diagnosed back in 2005 with a "minor" depressive disorder and was untreated for 8 years. Was only last year that depression worsened and was diagnosed as a major depressive disorder. Have been medicated since being hospitalised for trying to end the pain in May last year all was "well" apart from the "highs" that I was getting but didn't say anything as it felt good when I was in a euphoric mood. Was only about a month ago when I spoke up and have recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder. I believe I have told most of the story. Any input on how to break free from this monster that is eating at my mind would be great. Thanks for readingvman 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;}

Marcus78 Depression and feeling tired, no one seems to understand
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, So I will try to be as brief as possible. I am suffering from depression. I have felt this way for the last 15 years. I never really addressed it until 3 years ago after a very mentally abusive relationship. I guess that was the catalyst... View more

Hi everyone, So I will try to be as brief as possible. I am suffering from depression. I have felt this way for the last 15 years. I never really addressed it until 3 years ago after a very mentally abusive relationship. I guess that was the catalyst. I have seen a psychologist and a psychotherapist and I am on an anti-depressant. I still have bad days but I have come a long way in the last 3 years. I find it very hard to control my sleeping patterns. For instance, yesterday I was in bed at 12am, turned my alarm off whilst half a sleep, slept through the other 3 alarms I have set, and wake up 16hrs later. Other nights I may only sleep for 4-5hrs. No matter what, I feel tired. I lack energy during the day, and I find it hard to even get the energy to exercise. I have read that depression may cause tiredness. And my psychologist says the same. People seem to think that I am just making an excuse for being so tired, and that it is my lifestyle which is causing the issue. But I think it is the depression myself. I am not trying to make an excuse. But it is what it is. Is it normal for people to think like this? It makes it so much harder at times.

Vegetarian Marshmallow Cathartic noises
  • replies: 3

Sometimes I feel like expressing my terrible feelings to the world (the royal "world". Not actual people, because I would feel uncomfortable doing that. Just... to spurt my displeasure out of myself and into reality) with (mostly groaning) sounds. Bu... View more

Sometimes I feel like expressing my terrible feelings to the world (the royal "world". Not actual people, because I would feel uncomfortable doing that. Just... to spurt my displeasure out of myself and into reality) with (mostly groaning) sounds. But there are people around who will be very confused. So here is a textual representation of the sounds I want to make. HhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrSHhhhssssssssguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhssffffffffffffffffffff. Juh.

star65 thinking im a bad person and i dont understand why
  • replies: 5

hi,have had depression since child due to a stepfather that made my life hell.grew up thinking i was worthless.teenage years were a game,realising i was far from ugly gave me a fake confidence,but could never risk letting others close.married a relig... View more

hi,have had depression since child due to a stepfather that made my life hell.grew up thinking i was worthless.teenage years were a game,realising i was far from ugly gave me a fake confidence,but could never risk letting others close.married a religious non drinker as a way of saving me from where was headed.we were vry different,made myself into what he wanted.good mother of 5 kids,devoted wife.to everyone we were the perfect family.was content for lot of yrs but always sad underneath grew into habit crying myself to slp husband never knew.mentioned depression,he wouldnt hear of me seeing somebody,was a mar on family name,so kept up happy family image for yrs.later could no longer sleep,only cry.couldnt get up to get children off to school,struggled doing housework,shut off family.began computer game son was on,met people made me feel good first time in yrs.son asked me to say i was his sister because wasnt cool havn mum.lead me to become friends with a guy on there and before knew it,was so messed up,believed i was falling for him even though he stl thought i was a single sister.its true 1 lie leads to another,felt trapped confused.all came out after only 3wks and felt forced to leave.couldnt take kids with me,slept at sisters.kids were convinced didnt want them,wouldnt be hard way id behaved last yr.i believed i didnt deserve them and ended with only youngest halftime.i didnt even have guts to go to court,only legalaid which he reminded me after was a waste of time,he wouldnt brings kids in.nrly 8 yrs have past,he recently convinced my baby to leave.her note said her dad said she shouldnt have to put up with me having a bf and she was missing too many familyfunctions there.that was 3mnths ago.round same time i thought id finally met kindest guy in world,hes jst left me,no reason given,we had no fights.his family have told me he felt guilty,hes an acute drug addict,hid it and i had no idea,feeln crushed.1 of my girls has made me a grandma first time few wks ago also.was let know as i was about to visit,would be too awkward for my ex and not to come.hit me hard.my mum spoke to them upset for me,now even oldest and my babygirl wont reply.ive said and done nothing to them and wish they would let me know why.1 daughter has said im toxic and mabey shes right.every person i love leaves,must be something wrong with me. i cant understand though if its true,why do all my friends and clients feel so close to me and regularly tell me im a beautiful caring person.

Hamrock Newly diagnosed and reaching out
  • replies: 4

Hi, Thank you for providing such an open forum for people to learn and discuss these issues I was diagnosed with depression only a couple of weeks ago but the battle has been ongoing for about 12 years. Until recently I didn't know what I was dealing... View more

Hi, Thank you for providing such an open forum for people to learn and discuss these issues I was diagnosed with depression only a couple of weeks ago but the battle has been ongoing for about 12 years. Until recently I didn't know what I was dealing with and why I behaved the way I did. I'm finally starting to gain an understanding of what has been happening and why but I'm struggling at the same time. I have only spoken to my wife about this battle and she is an endless source of support but I still feel somewhat alone with this battle. i've started taking medication and have found it's levelled me out from the extremes I'd been showing - irratability, anger, sadness and self loathing. I've also found though that days like today I struggle to get motivated about anything. I'm an active person and train very regularly but days like today I can barely get myself out of bed, am not hungry and it then turns into feelings of guilt for being so inactive. I guess im looking to anyone to talk a bit more about this battle. I'm a bit lost and unsure of what to do. thanks

Roundhole Why
  • replies: 10

Why do people turn away from me? Why have I no friends? Why do I have problems communicating? Why do I always (eventually) see the bad in people? Why can't I be nice (for ever)? Why am I such a smart ar-e? Why does a haze cloud my mind when I talk to... View more

Why do people turn away from me? Why have I no friends? Why do I have problems communicating? Why do I always (eventually) see the bad in people? Why can't I be nice (for ever)? Why am I such a smart ar-e? Why does a haze cloud my mind when I talk to people? What the hell is wrong with me????????????????????

Jo3 Alcohol & depression
  • replies: 10

Last night I was invited to join 3 other friends for dinner. Two of us drank a bottle of wine. I was feeling really happy and was feeling relaxed and having good time. But that changed very quickly. By the time I got home I was so feeling a bit stran... View more

Last night I was invited to join 3 other friends for dinner. Two of us drank a bottle of wine. I was feeling really happy and was feeling relaxed and having good time. But that changed very quickly. By the time I got home I was so feeling a bit strange. Within a few minutes of going to bed I could feel my anxiety building up; I could feel my emotions rising. I don't know if it was the alcohol and anti depressants. Why couldn't that relaxed feeling stay with me a bit longrer. Maybe if I keep drinking my body will get used to it and I would feel good. The 3 hours of being together with friends and drinking was good, I didn't even think of any negative thoughts. Jo

bb88 Depression, Lack of Intimacy, Binge Drinking
  • replies: 3

Today I'm having one of the worst depressive episodes I've had in 2 years. My head feels like it's going to explode and I can't escape. This is the first time I've ever sought help, and for anyone reading you are the first people I've ever told. But ... View more

Today I'm having one of the worst depressive episodes I've had in 2 years. My head feels like it's going to explode and I can't escape. This is the first time I've ever sought help, and for anyone reading you are the first people I've ever told. But I desperately need to vent and get some things off my chest. I don't know what went wrong in my life to get to this point, I feel almost ashamed writing this because my life is relatively normal. Yet I can't explain this feeling that has steadily been building and worsening since I was 16 (26 now). I guess I'll start with lack of intimacy, I'm a male and I struggle with the opposite sex, I've never had a girlfriend. I have zero confidence and self esteem and I heavily rely on alcohol as a crutch. The only time I've ever been sexually intimate or intimate at all is when I'm absolutely plastered. I sometimes get very anxious socially, and I stew and dwell on how I react with people. I have never truly been comfortable around people, I have somehow learnt to merely pretend by observation. I probably drink once or twice a fortnight, but when I do binge to excess and lately I've started to act out antisocially. I never used to be an aggressive person but lately I've found when I drink I will shove and intimidate other guys, or I find myself being dragged out of a place kicking and screaming. I see myself going down a dark path and I'm scared I'll hurt someone or be hurt. Today was a bad day, its almost 1am and I can't sleep, I had a big night on the weekend. I balled my eyes out earlier. I have friends and family but I feel utterly alone in this world, I want to feel intimacy with someone, just to hold someone. I'm a good person, I'm loyal to the people that love me, without them I could never cope. I have so much negativity in my head all the time, I think it shows and drives girls away from me, I just wish I had the confidence to make a move, say something interesting. I feel down all the time and its a never ending cycle, its not just the lack of intimacy, there are other issues rattling in my head as well. Its a mindset I wish I could shatter and just live, after so many years its become ingrained, I cant remember the last time I was happy. I don't know if anyone will understand my ramblings I just typed the first things that came to my mind. Thanks for giving my the space to put this somewhere, I hope this catharsis will let me sleep at least for now.