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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 chats on this Forum having 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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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.

Chloekat84 Soo stupid but got me really upset
  • replies: 5

Well my son took my phone while I was still asleep early this morning to play games and when I got up to find it it was lost and neither of us new where it was. I kept asking where was the last place u had it etc and he couldn't remember but then I p... View more

Well my son took my phone while I was still asleep early this morning to play games and when I got up to find it it was lost and neither of us new where it was. I kept asking where was the last place u had it etc and he couldn't remember but then I prayed and prayed then found it behind a cushion near my laptop as my son said he left it near my computer. It was dead of course as I asked many friends to try ringing it. But its on charge now and im so happy its been found as I was soo depressed for a while when it was missing that I actually started crying. Even though ive found my phone im still in a state of shock and depression which im finding it hard to come out of. Ive been diagnosed with depression and anxiety anyways. Any suggestions to lift my spirits would be great

Confused_and_Run_down so confused and scared
  • replies: 1

Please help.. Im 29 years old and have been a very positive, confident happy person my entire life until 6 months ago when i had a breakdown. Ive got a terminaly ill mum who has been battling cancer for 20 years. She is my best friend and has been my... View more

Please help.. Im 29 years old and have been a very positive, confident happy person my entire life until 6 months ago when i had a breakdown. Ive got a terminaly ill mum who has been battling cancer for 20 years. She is my best friend and has been my rock my whole life. She is one of the most strong minded and positive humans alive. Ive always been a hard worker and so focused on my career however been made redundant twice in the last 2 years which has been a kick in the guts. Ive been in a relationship with my husband for the past 4 years and we have been married 12 months. I think my breakdown has been a build up of things over the many years that as boiled over. Initially i blamed it all on my husband saying i was not happy in our marriage The last 6 months have been aweful. Ive been so sad nearly every day.. unmotivated to do anything and just simply dont care. Ive had a constant thought in my head that i dont love my husband anymore and should leave. There are no red flags with my husband. He is amaxing, caring, kind, supportive and will do anything for me. We have just found out we are 10wks pregnate. Ive always wanted kids and a family i just didnt expect to be feeling so confused and scared about life and our future. I dont feel connected to the baby at all and dont know even if i should be having it feeling like this. Ive been getting counselling and seen a team at the hospital that have suggested meds. I have not got the script filled yet. They said i tick all boxes for clinical depression. Im not happy in myself and i hate it. My smile and personslity use to light up a room and now im so disconnected from myself i dont know who i am. Any support/ advice would b greatly appreciated.

MrsCam why do they make it so logistically hard???
  • replies: 15

The section for posting re bipolar has disappeared so I am back in this forum.have been struggling badly with the depressive side of my bipolar2 recently. Had a video link session with my counsellor yesterday who suggested I call my psychiatrist for ... View more

The section for posting re bipolar has disappeared so I am back in this forum.have been struggling badly with the depressive side of my bipolar2 recently. Had a video link session with my counsellor yesterday who suggested I call my psychiatrist for a discussion re possibly adjusting my medication dose. Called his rooms but no he cant discuss it with me on the phone I have to go in. I live 1500km from perth, its not that easy to just drop in. So I called PATS to find out if I would be eligible for assistance for the airfare, (which thank god I am ) they just need a letter from the doctors office confirming my appointment. Had to beg with the doctors receptionist to email me that then I had to forward it to PATS with a request for what flight I want them to book me on...Ive managed so far to do it all but far out, when all you want is for the world to end having to deal with this bureaucratic stuff is just a nightmare.. I was in tears on the phone and the receptionist at the psychs office just said "we cant help you till you come to perth. Call us back when you know when that will be" and hung up on me so Im really enthused about going in there on monday... and the books my psych told me to get I cant even understand what they on about so thats gonna go over real well when he finds out I havent done them. He is big on the whole noone can help me if Im not helping myself thing and Im pretty sure failing to do the workbooks will be considered me not helping myself...so over it. Wanted to hurt myself this morning but Im too gutless to go through with it.my hubby came home from work when I told him that but I wish he would go back cos he is not actually speaking to me and I had to cry and beg just to get a cuddle which made me feel pathetic. I understand he has had enough, so have Ibeyondblue'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.

Richo10 think b4 you act!
  • replies: 32

Ive suffered from severe depression for 6 years, im 25. 14 months ago my whole world was turned upside down, I tried to end it all and was placed on life support for 10 days. I now suffer a terrible breathing condition called Glottic stenosis with bi... View more

Ive suffered from severe depression for 6 years, im 25. 14 months ago my whole world was turned upside down, I tried to end it all and was placed on life support for 10 days. I now suffer a terrible breathing condition called Glottic stenosis with bilateral vocal cord fixation. Ive had 8 operations in 14 months to try fix it all have been unsuccessful. On nov 12th I will have operation number 9 and be tracheostomy dependant for up to 1 month post opp. With these operations ive had most of my vocal cords cut out and ive lost majority of my voice that ill never get back I used to play state netball, now I can barely walk or shower without being out of breath. I guess im sharing my story to let you no its ok to not feel ok but before you act reach out to a loved one or support before you do anything that may change your life forever 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.

lookingforme No motivation
  • replies: 2

I feel ready to just ...sit down where I am and not bother doing things anymore. So tired to keep trying.

I feel ready to just ...sit down where I am and not bother doing things anymore. So tired to keep trying.

MisterM They say with depression you lose interest in things you enjoy
  • replies: 4

So why do I still get so high and achieve catharsis by listening to music I love? And why do I still have a healthy sex drive? Everywhere I read online says with Dysthymia/Depression you lose interest in music, sex, hobbies etc. I was diagnosed as su... View more

So why do I still get so high and achieve catharsis by listening to music I love? And why do I still have a healthy sex drive? Everywhere I read online says with Dysthymia/Depression you lose interest in music, sex, hobbies etc. I was diagnosed as suffering from dysthymia and anxiety. I am confused.