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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 discussions in this section of the Forums have 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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Missy_M Low on Motivation
  • replies: 4

Hi all I'm new to BB and have been experiencing some significant lows in motivation over the last few months. My question is simple, what can I do to get motivated again? i have suffered from anxiety and depression for over ten years, am currently ta... View more

Hi all I'm new to BB and have been experiencing some significant lows in motivation over the last few months. My question is simple, what can I do to get motivated again? i have suffered from anxiety and depression for over ten years, am currently taking meds and have been for the last four years after many failed attempts. Obviously winter doesn't help but I'm low on energy, would happily sleep all day and am really angry and Irritated. I don't want to do anything. Exercise is an enemy of mine, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, at the moment I'm a sloth. I know my signals and this could lead to a big downward spiral. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

mr_meggs Merry-go-round of gloom..
  • replies: 5

I'm 30, a uni grad with reasonable experience, a love of what I did & a wealth of skills in other industries.. What's the problem? Depression - from at least 15 years old. Pair that with being bullied from Primary School & an ever recurring alcohol h... View more

I'm 30, a uni grad with reasonable experience, a love of what I did & a wealth of skills in other industries.. What's the problem? Depression - from at least 15 years old. Pair that with being bullied from Primary School & an ever recurring alcohol habit from 18 years old. The drive to even *TRY* is lacking; I feel I have no fuel to fire that motivation I had 10 years ago to do a myriad of activities. This gloomy outlook impacts my relationship, my workmates, my friends.. yet I feel I am alone in this and they have no idea even when I attempt to explain "why I'm always a negative, grumpy so and so". I have an encyclopaedia of regrets and feel these will always sit on my shoulders, weighing down my prospects of rehabilitation.. I should be happy - long term relationship, steady (albeit boring & unrewarding job unrelated to my studies) work, supportive social/familial circle.. but the persistent gloom returns. I've lost interest in my creative & physical pursuits; instead imbibing, sometimes excessively 6/7 nights a week and feeling that I have failed in virtually everything I have tried. I feel I need a kick up the backside but am honestly worried of simply falling into the same old pit time & time again.. Thinking it's time to visit my Doc again & see what he reckons.. Sounds like a rant, reads like the start of a story.. Cheers Meggs

Buzz54 Nearly six years, and I am still no better.
  • replies: 2

I have had serious depression issues over the last six years. Then I was borderline suicidal, at least I am past that, mosttimes.Recently, it has got so bad that I am currently off work on a 3 month break. I had become unreliable at work experiencing... View more

I have had serious depression issues over the last six years. Then I was borderline suicidal, at least I am past that, mosttimes.Recently, it has got so bad that I am currently off work on a 3 month break. I had become unreliable at work experiencing anxiety. One theory was that my my medication was wrong. I think my head is clearer, but I am quite forgetful, regularly tired, and do things that I shouldn't, like visit dating sites and talking to other women around the world.i have just about used all the free counselling thru Medicare I can get, I have no income but do not qualify for any assistance til end of August. i hope by sharing here, I can come to be more comfortable with my situation.any help or suggestions appreciated. 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;}

yarnartisan Shattered by negative comment.
  • replies: 7

I'm coming out of a major depressive episode, due to a series of stressful events beyond my control with work,family,life in general.Been trying so hard to avoid negativity of others at work and either ignore/ let snide comments slide not to be over-... View more

I'm coming out of a major depressive episode, due to a series of stressful events beyond my control with work,family,life in general.Been trying so hard to avoid negativity of others at work and either ignore/ let snide comments slide not to be over-sensitive. But today at work,it was a wierd day anyway.Then I was sent to cover someone for what I was told would be an hour. Teacher A,whose class I was working in was annoyed ( though not with me),as she wanted me to do small group work. I told her I'd be back in an hour . Firstly, I got sent to the wrong room, felt like an idiot becuase the class was empty. Rang back to check for the right room number (being a typical depressive?GAD asumed I'd got it wrong)only to find out that it was the person who'd sent me there had got it wrong. Feeling very wrong-footed already, went into a class I'd never been to before, to have that teacher really snap at me in a very terse patronising tone, about something very minor, in front of a parent and students. Even when I explained why I'd made the error, she continued to make a big deal out of it. Then the staff member I was relieving didn't come back for 1 3/4 hours, so I felt guilty about that. It was outside my control, but I felt bad, went to apologise to the teacher whose class I'd left, but couldn't find her. By now, it was the end of the day.I went back the office I share with a workmate, who I usually download to. But she was in an intense conversation with someone, that they quite obviously didn't want me to hear. So grabbed my stuff, went home and am left feeling really down and with that choked throat , want to cry , but can't feeling.My Queensland father in law had a great saying, ( no offence intended to anyone, it's about the sentiment expressed not the subject) that perfectly fits my mood "Some days, you could far kick a nun down the stairs" Why is it some verbal arrows pierce your 'mental armour' ,hurt so much, shatter your self esteem and carefully reconstructed confidence?? If this was anyone else I'd be saying ,"Don't worry about it , it's her problem not yours". Why, can't I believe that myself, Does the self-loathing,feeling of inadequacy,over-sensitivity ever get better? Is it always going to be one step forward, two back? I'm just so over the endlessness of ' emotional triggers' at the moment. Am dreading going to work tomorrow, possibly running into that particular teacheragain, plus having to explain to the teacher whose class I'd left. Yarnartisan.

orange_skies Unsure how to tell my family
  • replies: 3

Hi , I have been suffering depression now for roughly 10 years , only recently diagnosed. I have tried medication but did not like the side effects that was a year ago. I was feeling good after I started regular exercise, But recently I feeling I loo... View more

Hi , I have been suffering depression now for roughly 10 years , only recently diagnosed. I have tried medication but did not like the side effects that was a year ago. I was feeling good after I started regular exercise, But recently I feeling I loosing control and my mind is getting cloudy and black again. I dont understand why I am depressed I have beautiful children and a husband a house and a great job. But I feel empty all the time its effecting my Marriage and My husband just thinks I can snap out of it and it will be all ok, Not sure how I can tell him it much more serious before its too late. I live in small country town with little to no support fro friends family or counsellors. HELP

Miss-Anne-Throwpy What's enough
  • replies: 3

I've just completely had it. Please let this be the bottom so I can start to go upwards. There's only pain or nothingness now. beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm... View more

I've just completely had it. Please let this be the bottom so I can start to go upwards. There's only pain or nothingness now. 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;}

applepietime prevalence of depression
  • replies: 5

Do you think people from the 17th century, 18th century, during the world wars, were more prone to depression than people today? Did they have a greater desire to survive? Surely their social pressures and environment made it more difficult for them.... View more

Do you think people from the 17th century, 18th century, during the world wars, were more prone to depression than people today? Did they have a greater desire to survive? Surely their social pressures and environment made it more difficult for them. I'm asking because I feel like I am so lucky in my life but I can't appreciate it.

J0sh Advice
  • replies: 4

Hey everyone I am reluctant to go into details of my situation but am hoping to hear feedback from people who have beaten depression on how they went about it? What sort of advice did counsellors give? I'm sure if psychologists all do the same study ... View more

Hey everyone I am reluctant to go into details of my situation but am hoping to hear feedback from people who have beaten depression on how they went about it? What sort of advice did counsellors give? I'm sure if psychologists all do the same study there must be some standard list or process they collectively advise to clients? Hope to hear from someone thanks, Josh

Jools1968 Not sure what I am feeling anymore, just Numb
  • replies: 6

Hi All, I am a 46 yr old male. I am married and have 2 children. 14 yr old boy and 16yr old Girl. I think I have been suffering fro Depression and Anxiety of over 15 yrs, probably more. I am on Anti depressants from my GP and have had some counsellin... View more

Hi All, I am a 46 yr old male. I am married and have 2 children. 14 yr old boy and 16yr old Girl. I think I have been suffering fro Depression and Anxiety of over 15 yrs, probably more. I am on Anti depressants from my GP and have had some counselling. Not sure what I am feeling anymore, just Numb. I worry about everything. Finances, work, family, everything. I have no energy anymore to do anything as I work 6 days a week and still am getting no where. I was involved in an armed robbery a few yrs ago at a servo I worked at, and I think since then I have got worse. I have lost all my confidence in everything I do, mainly work. Being made redundant twice has not helped my confidence. I am working now with a great bunch of people and have done for 7 months now, but the money is not great, hence why I have to work 2 jobs, to keep my family afloat. I am now getting to the stage where I do not care about anything and any one, and all I do is worry and get paranoid about things. Already seen two councillors that MY GP referred me to. The first one I did not like, and the second I could not make the appointments due to my work commitments. My GP will probably not refer me to anyone else because of it. I have no respect from my Kids, and not sure how the wife feels about me. Not sure where to turn. Any advise guys.

HeyOk Today
  • replies: 3

Today is day 3 of no sleep, I called in sick at work for the third time this week. I spent 5 hours listening to bob dylan songs writing parts from his lyrics over & over, the parts that made me feel like someone understood. Today I feel a manic side ... View more

Today is day 3 of no sleep, I called in sick at work for the third time this week. I spent 5 hours listening to bob dylan songs writing parts from his lyrics over & over, the parts that made me feel like someone understood. Today I feel a manic side of depression. I kept thinking of quitting my job. Of moving towns. Of change. But it doesn't matter really. The black dog chases you down no matter where you are. Does anyone feel like depression makes you watch your life waste away. You stay indoors. Stay quiet. Hope for a nice moment?

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