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Depression

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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: 0

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

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SpectreOfMe I have fallen again
  • replies: 5

Hi, this is actually my 1st post on a forum like this before so i'll try my best to get my message across. I have had depression for many years now (was diagnosed at 18 am now 29) i was only on anti-depressants for the 1st year then figured i could m... View more

Hi, this is actually my 1st post on a forum like this before so i'll try my best to get my message across. I have had depression for many years now (was diagnosed at 18 am now 29) i was only on anti-depressants for the 1st year then figured i could manage on my own. i have had my ups and downs as anyone does but the past few weeks i have been having these ups and downs multiple times a day instead of every now and then. in the past i was really depressed, approximately 7 years after i was diagnosed, i didn't leave my room, i barely even showered, i lost all my friends cause i was not putting in any effort to do anything. about six months ago i finally got away from the place i was living and now live alone in a unit, i have not been happier in a long time, i started seeing a GP again after 10 years and got referred to a psychologist, which i see the 1st time this friday coming. i don't work cause i can't get hired (never had a job so no experience), i have no money to do anything but pay rent,bills and get food. i'm also still a virgin which gets me down at times (try not to think about it). Now the past few weeks i have had no energy, i seem to be sleeping in where i never did before, i cry at least daily and i don't even know why sometimes, yes, i'm lonely but i was for 10 years and didn't really care then. i just feel like i am going back to that dark place i was in for so long, i'm scared that i will not ever be happy and get frustrated all the time bout constantly struggling everyday. i tell my sister and the few friends i managed to reconnect with that i'm fine but 1 of them knows i'm not and that i hate lying to my sister about it, i just don't feel comfortable discussing that stuff with her. i hope the psychologist can help me to vent a little cause i have been told that i tend to bottle things up, and i am willing to go on meds again if they help me (my old meds made me like a robot) i'm not sure what i am saying really, so confused about everything. feels like i'm playing mind games with myself everyday and my mind is really good at the game and keeps beating me. just a rough few weeks and felt i had to do something and so here i am, with all you fine people. and i hope that better days will come eventually Sean

depressed where to from here
  • replies: 8

I have a job I hate coming to, I need to work like everyone eles. I know its the depression that makes me see all the negatives, but when I try to give positive feedback I am forced down. for the last 4 years I have changed jobs (same profession) mor... View more

I have a job I hate coming to, I need to work like everyone eles. I know its the depression that makes me see all the negatives, but when I try to give positive feedback I am forced down. for the last 4 years I have changed jobs (same profession) more times I can remember. am I going to stay in a job or even like going to work???????? My husband died nearly a year ago not helping things. I was diagnoised with depression & anxiety in 2006, leading to being medically let go from an eight year job I loved.can anyone tell me there is a positive end to all this????????????

mesh65 Tried everything
  • replies: 6

Im a 28 y/o happily married guy and was officially diagnosed with severe major depressive disorder when I was 19. Since then, Ive tried everything. Self help books, psychologist, psychiatrists, anti depression medications and everything. Its about 6 ... View more

Im a 28 y/o happily married guy and was officially diagnosed with severe major depressive disorder when I was 19. Since then, Ive tried everything. Self help books, psychologist, psychiatrists, anti depression medications and everything. Its about 6 weeks since Ive finished another treatment period. Its shocking that Im a physician. I actually finished medschool about two years ago. Im also diagnosed with adult ADHD and OCD. I haven’t killed myself because I strongly believe in after life. I actually tried to find a way out of my faith to kill myself but I couldn’t. Another shocking thing is that I actually have a good life. Just bought my second house, have an average car. My wife is a 3rd year OB/GYN resident, I am the supervisor of medical students’ research in a university and was able to upgrade the rank of student research position of my university from 24th to 3rd in 6 months and this year we’ll become 2nd. If I wasn’t depressed, we would have become the 1st in the country. During the last several months, I don’t go to work regularly and haven’t done anything. The changes Ive made haven’t happened with hard work, only by implementing new teaching methods and some creative changes. Im finishing my mandatory service in 6 months and even though I have good offers of staying in this university with great promotional offers (which I would be great at). But I have rejected the offers until now… I cant find out what to do… believe me, I have done much while depressed and I can do much more (the bar is very very low over here and no one has done anything so whatever I do will dramatically change many lives) if I could manage this disorder but Ive become disappointed and currently believe that it cant be managed at all.Anyone have an answer, opinion or something for 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.

winterrose I can't seem to stop crying & I don't know why?
  • replies: 1

I keep crying for no reason, it's been getting worse this past week, I'm crying for about 10 minute intervals every couple of hours. I can't stop, I just get this overwhelming feeling and just burst into tears, even looking at my own reflection I bur... View more

I keep crying for no reason, it's been getting worse this past week, I'm crying for about 10 minute intervals every couple of hours. I can't stop, I just get this overwhelming feeling and just burst into tears, even looking at my own reflection I burst into tears. Yesterday I had those heartache feelings while I was crying. Today I have a headache and I've had stomach pains. I don't want to say anything to anyone in real life in case they just laugh at me, or think I'm attention seeking or stupid. I don't really know what to do...

bonbon Just started meds . Very anxious, depressed, crying all the time.
  • replies: 5

Never posted before. But really need to talk to someone . Have been diagnosed with depression and ocd. Have been seeing a physhologist for a couple of weeks . The Doc and physch have both reccommended Medication. I have agonised over taken it as I am... View more

Never posted before. But really need to talk to someone . Have been diagnosed with depression and ocd. Have been seeing a physhologist for a couple of weeks . The Doc and physch have both reccommended Medication. I have agonised over taken it as I am still giving my 2yo a bedtime breastfeed ( trying to wean him but to stressful right now ) I took meds first time last night and was terrible , got no sleep and woke up a wreck. Uncontrollable crying , very anxious and couldn't function . Was lucky my partner had the day of work . As I was incapable of looking after my son. Im so scared and dont know how to cope , atleast yesterday I could function . Scared how the meds have made me react . I have a 2yo to think about and its not fair on him to see me like this , he keeps hugging me and giving me kisses which is just breaking my heart. Pleaee tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel

Dennis38 Thoughts on Depression
  • replies: 3

I think I have come to a startling revelation about myself, or I should say that I have come to a final conclusion. I honestly think that once you are hit with a depression such as the one that I, and many others, have gone though we're some what bro... View more

I think I have come to a startling revelation about myself, or I should say that I have come to a final conclusion. I honestly think that once you are hit with a depression such as the one that I, and many others, have gone though we're some what broken the rest of our lives. We manage and we live with depression but we never truly get "better" its kind of like a recovering drug addict or recovering alcoholic. I have several friends that are recovering drug or alcohoics and they... have all said the same thing, we are clean, we are better, yet one little slip, one taste and we will be off the wagon and maybe for good. Its always a battle with yourself and temptation, depression is kind of the same thing. To be brutally honest I think that depression is actually a little harder, I can not begin to imagine the will power that it takes a recovering drug or alcholoic to stay on the wagon, but both the recovering drug addicts and recovering alcohoilics have a great support system. There are meetings like AA and other such things, and when these people be come clean people praise them for being clean and sober for how ever long they have managed it. But yet when it comes to depression people (and those that suffer from this disease) lay to hard of a judgement on people. Those that suffer from depression are the worst ones when it comes to judging ourselves (I am including myself in this). There is still this major stigma about being depressed as if some how its "wrong" or people will look on the outside and say "Well what reason do they have?" Honestly its easier to stay depressed then to try to fix what is wrong with in yourself, or at the very least its a hell of a lot easier to just say "I am depressed and worthless, so why bother trying?" Depression still has its claws in me, I have my good days, then I have some really bad days, and I still have some major issues that I am not sure if I have the strength to stand up and change or at least work around, such asI am scared to try something new to improve myself because I am waiting for something to come along and rip it out of my grasp like what has happened a lot in the past, either through my own fault or through someone else's fault. Despite the fear and anxiety I am still moving forward, trying to start my own business, and trying to help others where and when I can, half a step only but its still moving forward!

white knight Depression and Physical restrictions
  • replies: 3

As an extension of my other thread "Depression and excercise" I thought I'd mention this topic of physical restrictions or injury. It's been on my mind since 3 years ago when I broke my lower leg and was wheel chair bound for 8 weeks. The first 4 wee... View more

As an extension of my other thread "Depression and excercise" I thought I'd mention this topic of physical restrictions or injury. It's been on my mind since 3 years ago when I broke my lower leg and was wheel chair bound for 8 weeks. The first 4 weeks was so painful I didnt have the mental idol time to be depressed and I had to worry about my business running. Then it set in as well as impatience to get on two feet again. The trouble is my physical health is a balancing act. DVT both legs, gout that just wont go away, old back injury (well who hasnt got one?), etc. I have to admit however that I always seem to have the drive to put these things aside in my daily life....well most times anyway. I suppose I really believe that I am more fortunate than some, lucky to walk, lucky to do most things. But I also admit that at times it gets me down and seems to trigger depression. But that isnt conclusive. My depression comes and goes in short bursts now that I'm stable on the correct medication making it difficult to isolate if it is a trigger or not. This is where I need your opinions. How effected is your depression from physical issues? Did you have the depression before or after your physical restrictions came about? Thanks Tony

cam01234 what next?
  • replies: 2

I'm a 39 year old man. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety. The anxiety came first: In 1991 while a year nine student I began to get panic attacks. These were horrific and I kept them secret. I was too ashamed to mention them to parents. As m... View more

I'm a 39 year old man. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety. The anxiety came first: In 1991 while a year nine student I began to get panic attacks. These were horrific and I kept them secret. I was too ashamed to mention them to parents. As my psychiatrist and I look back on that period, we are sure I was suffering depression also - but a bit later than anxiety, and perhaps in response to it. I've tried everything for my condition: I'm currently taking high doses of two anti-depressants and two anti-pyschotics (although I have never had psychosis) and a mood stabiliser. I filled out the little form on the beyond blue website to assess my mental state - K10?. It was 34, and the instructions on the screen seemed to suggest that I should immediately rush myself to hospital. But today is just a normal day like any other for the past decade or so I don't work; subsisting instead on a DSP. I live at home with my parents. STILL. I am absolutely starved of companionship. Has anyone had ECT? That is my next plan, albeit that I have some misgivings. Any advice about how to pull oneself back from the brink would be welcome. (Actually though, just getting this down on paper has helped a little.)

white knight Depression and physical excercise
  • replies: 3

I knew I was going to have a bad day today. It was how I woke up. I dont have a "cant get out of bed depression" rather and troubled tormented sad type with dysthymia. Often its poetry writing time. My wife went to have lunch with her mother. So I wa... View more

I knew I was going to have a bad day today. It was how I woke up. I dont have a "cant get out of bed depression" rather and troubled tormented sad type with dysthymia. Often its poetry writing time. My wife went to have lunch with her mother. So I was left to sort myself out. My wife has previously given me a task of digging up a patch of ground at the rear yard to improve our vegie garden area. So into it I went. Half way done and I was exhausted physically but mentally felt better. Then when it was fully dug up I was done. Arms were cramping. Got a cold drink and sat there admiring my work. I then realised my depression was gone. My wife arrived home none the wiser. I felt I also achieved in that I didnt do the ritual- talk to her about it. This was indeed a day of achievement. Do you have this "remedy" I know physically excercise can assist those with ADHD but I didnt think it help as much for depression...

Keep_Smiling Feeling disconnected and overwhelmed
  • replies: 3

I'm a first time user/poster to BB. I've been recently diagnosed with MTHFR genetic abnormality which has explained a whole lot of my past/present emotional tendencies and the issues within my family (alcoholic parents). In the world of MTHFR it mean... View more

I'm a first time user/poster to BB. I've been recently diagnosed with MTHFR genetic abnormality which has explained a whole lot of my past/present emotional tendencies and the issues within my family (alcoholic parents). In the world of MTHFR it means I under methylate which can cause anxiety, depression etc. etc. I had my first bout of depression and anxiety after I ended a long term relationship in my early 20's, lost family and friends over that and it was very hard few years...but came out of that depression with some lingering anxiety and minor social phobia issues. I am an overachiever and so always striving for better so with this I have held very demanding professional positions and always pushing myself to get over my anxieties etc. Since my MTHFR diagnosis earlier this year (found after I did not recover well from the stress of 3 surgeries in the past 2 years) it has been so hard and overwhelming with all of the trying to find the right practitioner who actually knows about molecular biochemical pathways and nutrigenomics, doing the research to understand it etc as it's a relatively new field. I am on multiple nutritional supplements and feel a bit overwhelmed with this as it's taking months to fine tune it and I just feel like it makes me concentrate on illness rather than wellness! Last few weeks have been really hard and I am starting to feel that real disconnect I felt when I was depressed...I don't feel like anyone really knows me (or cares). I have many friends and acquaintances but no-one I can really talk to about the "emotional" me and I don't feel like my Husband or Son even know me, I just can't talk to them in depth about how I feel. I try to be the strong one who holds it all together for everyone. I'm now looking at other people and berating myself with "why can't I be like that, why can't I just get over these issues , why am I constrained by my anxieties...". Why do I feel so disconnected from everyone and how do I get back on track?