Depression

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

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BeyondBlue Hello! Read this if you're not sure how to get started
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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?
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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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Worthless_amp_helpless Lost and unable to find my way
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Hi, I am new here and I never really done this before, but i am going to give it ago. I have been suffering depression for a long time, but it was this year that it got really bad that I needed to get help . I find it hard to speak to anyone as i fea... View more

Hi, I am new here and I never really done this before, but i am going to give it ago. I have been suffering depression for a long time, but it was this year that it got really bad that I needed to get help . I find it hard to speak to anyone as i fear being judged by others. I am married and I am my younger sisters legal guardian and they are not that supportive when it comes tomy depression. My hubby tells me it all in the head and just to toughen up. My sister is a teenager and its all about her and what she wants and doesn't really care about anyone else. I am a person that holds everything in and suffer in silence and just put a smile on my face even when i am suffering badly. I do see a psychologist but having to suffer in silence for so long and the things that happened in my past as a child I am finding it hard to open up to my psychologist. For the last few weeks I have been dealing with my sister and husband fighting non stop everyday, I have tried to explain how this effecting me etc but they are not listening nor do they care. I have gotten to the stage that i am giving up, I am over feeling this way and not having anyone to turn to for support. I have lost my way and have no idea where i am heading i see no future and I see no light at the end of the tunnel.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.

someone123 dont know what to do
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Hi,I am new to this but here it goes...I have been suffering depression for as long as I can remember, as in life you have your ups and downs however lately the depression has been more frequent and to add to this I get anxiety at least twice a week.... View more

Hi,I am new to this but here it goes...I have been suffering depression for as long as I can remember, as in life you have your ups and downs however lately the depression has been more frequent and to add to this I get anxiety at least twice a week. I am married, have a beautiful 8 month daughter, my own house, have a job (mature age apprenticeship) My relationship with my wife now feels content as there is no more intimacy as she istired from looking after our daughter. She has now been back at work for a couple of months and still the same. I try and share the load of raising our daughter as much as I can however there are times where she just wants her mum. I work 6 days and anywhere between 8 to 11-12 hour days just so we can get by. I somewhat know why I feel the way I do and everytime I try and talk to my wife about things I get no response until after a few times we both go into waterworks, then things go good for a week or so and then back into this vicious cycle. At this current moment its at a point where we are not talking to each other.I dont want to divorce as my wife a nd daughter is all I have.I'm at a point now where I dont know what to do anymore, I have had alot of suicidal thoughts but I know that is wrong (or just to cowardly to act?) Besides this post and talking to my wife i have not told anyone amd kept it all bottled inside. I dont feel comfortable talking to anyone else about it as I dont want to put them in uncomfortable position.I dont know where this post is going, feels like I'm rambling but feels good to get of my chest.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.

Elises Fallen again
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Hi I'm new here but Im certainly not new to the paralysing fear depression brings.Throughout most of my life I have felt detached from society, ashamed of myself, constantly fearing tomorrow etc and always ached to know why. I guess I convinced mysel... View more

Hi I'm new here but Im certainly not new to the paralysing fear depression brings.Throughout most of my life I have felt detached from society, ashamed of myself, constantly fearing tomorrow etc and always ached to know why. I guess I convinced myself that I must have deserved to feel like this.I finally partially got my stuff together after a drug fuelled and failed adolescence. Studied, got a good job then imploded. I was diagnosed with PTSS 4 years ago. Working in a job I loved helped to focus on something other than my own thoughts for 9 hours a day but the other 15 were tough.I began healing with meds and therapy but all too soon thought I'd be OK on my own. I've fallen down again for the 3rd time in a few years. I decided to take some me time as I was feeling great... but too much time alone for me turns into alcoholic binges, forgetting meds and the feelings return.I have only achieved very few things that were on my "to do list" and my breaks nearly over. I feel ashamed of that too. I guess this is my first step in getting back on the healing wagon. I feel a little lighter even now. Thanks.

Digital Not again …
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Hi I'm new so I have no idea how to start this but I've been struggling through depression for 7 years which feels like forever this year I felt things were going well I moved in to a place and finally got out of a job that was making my mental spira... View more

Hi I'm new so I have no idea how to start this but I've been struggling through depression for 7 years which feels like forever this year I felt things were going well I moved in to a place and finally got out of a job that was making my mental spiral down within two weeks of my new job I was suddenly let go which was like a kick in the stomach I thought I was going good and from there I just seem to be going down hill. Even after these years and numerous psychologists I still can not figure out why I am this way I have an amazing family who are supportive and understanding i have always been a more suffer in silence type but the last time I felt this bad I was hospitalised After reading some of the stories I would just like to say thank you it means there could be a light at the end of the tunnel

Ants I have no future
  • replies: 4

I am 63 and I have depression I just do not have anything to look forward to any more. I have no money in the life just is not worth living for I am married for 39 years. I feel my life is just a waste I got sacked about 2 years ago after being on wo... View more

I am 63 and I have depression I just do not have anything to look forward to any more. I have no money in the life just is not worth living for I am married for 39 years. I feel my life is just a waste I got sacked about 2 years ago after being on work cover and was set up by the management and I took the bait I told them how I was feeling 2 days prior but they kept on bullying me and I lost my cool. I was an aged care worker for about 6 years and it was the best job I ever had. My union has given my case to the work cover tribunal and have lawyers fighting my case for 2years. I have my ups and downs I am at the darkest at the moment I just think life is not wort living everything I do has been a failure My mother used to say I would not be any good. I have struggled all my life never had a good job been rubbished and made fun off I was called dummy never had friends. I am nothing the family I was raised in and brother and sisters I never see they never get in contact with me. I was not even mentioned on my mums grave. So life sucks 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.

nataya empty
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Hi im new here abd just learning my way around the forum.i am not new to depression tho.I feel so empty, this emptyness consumes me complelty, i dont know how to fet full again.i feel so alone like i am an alien from a different planet that the rest ... View more

Hi im new here abd just learning my way around the forum.i am not new to depression tho.I feel so empty, this emptyness consumes me complelty, i dont know how to fet full again.i feel so alone like i am an alien from a different planet that the rest of the world. I dont know how to get connected with anybody and even my self.Its so hard just to do everyday task. I can not even shower as im should. I have to work but its so hard to stay connected and i only do 2hrs a day if i work.I feel i am the worst person in the world right now and i can not shake it at all.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.

Rachl Do I need help or am just like this?
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New member here. I have been on medication twice in my life for depression / anxiety. I feel like I am heading back to that way again. The last time I was on anything was about 3 years ago. I am not sad (although I have days were I am, not many) I fe... View more

New member here. I have been on medication twice in my life for depression / anxiety. I feel like I am heading back to that way again. The last time I was on anything was about 3 years ago. I am not sad (although I have days were I am, not many) I feel like I am constantly irritated. I am married with children, my husband works away, I do miss him when he is gone and am excited for him to come home, but when he gets here I don't want him near me this has only just started happening in the past 2 months, my children irritate me, people at the shops irritate me. I am snapping at my children on a daily basis for simple things and that's not fair. Hubby tries his hardest to please me and all I seem to do is complain about everything thats wrong and tell him that I am unhappy with everything, but I don't know why. We have argued quite a bit in the past 2 months and if we have had a drink and any small thing he might say I will start a fight and I have become mean, I call him names, tell him how much I hate everything and I wished I never married him. I feel like I have become a terrible person. I have always been someone that over reacts and gets easily angered, from my late teens, I don't want to be this person, I grew up with a mother that was like that. I seem to not be able to move on from things that have upset me or caused problems in the past and I will re think them and then get angry/upset again. Is there really anyway to change yourself or I am going to be a snappy irritated person for the rest of my life?

geoff Phil Hughes and Sean Abbott
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My heart goes out to Phillip Hughes and his family and wish them our greatest sympathy, this also extends to Sean Abbott who must have the greatest weight of the world on his shoulders which could possibly initiate a break-down. Situations like this ... View more

My heart goes out to Phillip Hughes and his family and wish them our greatest sympathy, this also extends to Sean Abbott who must have the greatest weight of the world on his shoulders which could possibly initiate a break-down. Situations like this are unavoidable, but truly devastating when unfortunately they do happen. I sincerely hope that their families, friends and any one connected with these two people seek professional help, as it will be a long road for them all. RIP. Geoff. x

Bronson83 Don't know where to turn...
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I'm 31 years old and recently had to leave my job due to the immense stress having such a huge effect on my mental health. It wasn't planned and I left without having any sort of back up in place and now my poor wife is stressing out like crazy. I've... View more

I'm 31 years old and recently had to leave my job due to the immense stress having such a huge effect on my mental health. It wasn't planned and I left without having any sort of back up in place and now my poor wife is stressing out like crazy. I've applied for so many jobs I can't even remember them and the only 'interview' I have had so far was a shitty recruitment company trying to flog some government funded course at me.My wife is supportive and hasn't done anything to further the stress, in fact shes been looking up jobs for me as well and I've applied to any she forwards me, but I still feel souseless and have recently started developing some serious self-loathing. The last few days in between applying for jobs and dropping off resumes I've spent curled up on the couch sobbing and contemplating just ending everything. I don't understand why I feel this way but it's the only thoughts that seem to bring me any comfort at the moment and the worst part is I don't have any good reason to feel this way.What do I do? Who can I talk to?? I've tried talking to my wife but I just made her feel terrible and she thinks she has done something wrong. I already take medication for my depression but I've never felt this low before....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.

Gomez Depression and anxiety severe...feeling hopelss
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Hey people. have struggled and mostly controlled depression/anxiety for many years. It's always in the background but have used exercise, routine, distraction etc to get thru. Despite several hospitalisations and follow up with psychiatrists I have n... View more

Hey people. have struggled and mostly controlled depression/anxiety for many years. It's always in the background but have used exercise, routine, distraction etc to get thru. Despite several hospitalisations and follow up with psychiatrists I have never done well on any anti-d's. I also have hashimoto's (hypothyroid) and initially had some success with armour thyroid. For the past week i have slowly begun a crash which is now beyond anything I have experienced before. Whilst the main symptoms are extreme depression , anxiety/ agitation+++ and debilitating fatigue, I somehow feel it is related to adrenal fatigue. I have been to a Gp who couldn't get me out of the office quick enough. i have a appt with my thyroid specialist tomorrow which I only got by pleading. Point is ...I am struggling to get through each minute and just feel like I can't make it through. Desperate for relief but don't know where to turn or what to do