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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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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.

xrosex All alone
  • replies: 1

You know how people say they feel all alone? Well for me it's not just feeling like that, it's 100% true. I have a partner and a young daughter but as my partner is suffering from depression too he can't be my support. We have no family or friends wh... View more

You know how people say they feel all alone? Well for me it's not just feeling like that, it's 100% true. I have a partner and a young daughter but as my partner is suffering from depression too he can't be my support. We have no family or friends where we live. Both of us are unemployed and we have absolutely nothing to take our minds off our worries. every day is a struggle and we are finding it so hard looking after our daugther 24/7 with no help from anyone. Today I was suposed to clean the house but I can't get off the couch or stop crying so I'm writing this here cause I have no one else to talk to about how bad I feel all the time. I just don't know what to do or how to get better. I don't get along with other women, I can't connect with anyone. All I want is to live near my family but they're on the other side of the world.

Dom72 In Need of Help
  • replies: 1

Hi allI’m new here to the Beyond Blue site...I’ve been struggling with what I think is depression for many years now though have never been diagnosed. I guess I’m worried about how my life will change if I am diagnosed with clinical depression.I am 4... View more

Hi allI’m new here to the Beyond Blue site...I’ve been struggling with what I think is depression for many years now though have never been diagnosed. I guess I’m worried about how my life will change if I am diagnosed with clinical depression.I am 42 now & my first feelings of depression were when I was 11, in the middle of the night in my parents kitchen. I thought about ending my life & just cried.This year has been probably my worst, I have been struggling at work & have had my darkest days & nights yet. I have a very supportive wife & 2 beautiful boys yet this doesn’t stop me from feeling as down as I do every day. The only person keeping me alive is my son, who I couldn’t bear to hurt by leaving him. I question my worth every single day....Especially since I have made a few mistakes at work which threaten my job..& it?s a career that I love. I question my contribution to my family, whether I’m a good dad & husband...I know that I am not the best at that either.I’m scared of what I might do to myself if things don?t ease..I’m scared that if I change jobs & I don’t feel any different will I have any worth any more? I am completely lost..Has anyone on here tried to deal with these feelings on their own?? What do I ask for if I go to one? 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;}

Zygote Ran out of my medication
  • replies: 4

I ran out of my antidepressant last Wednesday. My wife went out today and I'm stuck with children. I'm really a bit of a mess. I'm crying over nothing at all. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and started bawling when some lady thought her son w... View more

I ran out of my antidepressant last Wednesday. My wife went out today and I'm stuck with children. I'm really a bit of a mess. I'm crying over nothing at all. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and started bawling when some lady thought her son was killed but then she found him alive. And just random crying over nothing and thoughts of wanting to give up. There are certain things as well I'm having trouble with but I have anxiety, really bad, so I can't ring up to get help. I have a script but no money to buy till Wednesday though I don't think I'll make it unless this is the worst it will get. Don't even really know why I'm writing this. I can't get help because I'm a guy and no matter how nice people are I think they still just sort of wish we would harden up and be men or that's how I perceive things anyway. My wife controls all the money, she has a good job but she's a controlling person and I have anxiety thinking about asking her for the money for the medication. I amtired of irritable moods she gets into when I ask for money, they can last for days sometimes weeks over 5 dollars which is ridiculous. Not that I don't work I do work, 5 days a week 8 hours a day but I work for free because I don't feel worthwhile enough to ask for money in an actual paying job. I get extremely anxious about competing with people in interviews and sort of fall apart in front of people in those situations. Probably sounds insane but I guess that's why I have a mental illness because I'm slightly insane

ALL Getting worse and guilt is ripping me apart
  • replies: 2

For 8 years I have had anxiety and this year it has been a real rollercoaster. at one stage, I got it under control. but I missed it so much I brought it back upon myself. resulting from this I have suffered all this guilt and I started to question i... View more

For 8 years I have had anxiety and this year it has been a real rollercoaster. at one stage, I got it under control. but I missed it so much I brought it back upon myself. resulting from this I have suffered all this guilt and I started to question if I actually have anxiety and depression ( despite being formally diagnosed). this makes guilt worse and in turn the depression is getting worse. I haven't cried as much before as I have this week. I feel so flat, people are noticing. recent events I saw on the news trigger it too. I feel so bad for those people and It all just piles on. I cant do anything but sit and stare. any advice?