Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

laura86 Finding it hard to cope
  • replies: 8

Hi Everyone, I thought I'd start a new thread as the other one is getting a bit old now. I'm writing again because although I'm not crying in heap quite so much anymore I am still suffering with horrible depression, anxiety and now I've started feeli... View more

Hi Everyone, I thought I'd start a new thread as the other one is getting a bit old now. I'm writing again because although I'm not crying in heap quite so much anymore I am still suffering with horrible depression, anxiety and now I've started feeling really angry. I'm not sure if others can relate to this. Sometimes I feel like my anger is a way of coping because it's easier than feeling debilitated and crying all the time. I think it is also a way of 'dealing' with the emotions of being let down by people. It's easier to be angry and close my heart than feel the horrible pain of being betrayed and abandoned. I'm also not eating much and am drinking and smoking more than I should. My partner is amazing and I feel so sorry for him having to deal with my issues. My mum is going through a lot of her own problems and is really busy so I find it hard to talk to her. I have always found my dad to be a great source of calm but again I haven't been able to talk with him. Every time I go over there's someone else there or something happening. I guess I just feel alone. I'm still going to the support group- some weeks are great, other times not so much but always worth going. I just feel like so many other people are improving and having breakthroughs and I'm still in this darkness. I'm still not 100% comfortable opening up as I'm not the best with talking to strangers but sometimes I manage to offer advice and it's good to just be around people. Still seeing the spiritual healer/hypnotherapist which is going ok- not sure how much it's helping. On the positive side I've started going to the gym most mornings. Even though it's so difficult to drag myself out of bed at 5am I still want to go. I do feel better for doing this but some days are better than others. I have cried a few times either at home or actually at the gym if no one else is there. Pathetic I know but it's getting some emotions out. I've also been trying to say hello to people I see in passing and even made a friend while sitting in the park. A nice lady came and had a good chat with me so that's something I suppose. Anyway I hope that everyone is keeping well. Speak soon, Laura xo

one_day Sick of my life
  • replies: 3

Hi I've never done this before, I feel like my spirit is broken. I worked for a pastor in a church as one of his lay pastors. He was meant to be a mentor not only on the job but for life. Turned out he was a narcissistic, controlling manipulator - wh... View more

Hi I've never done this before, I feel like my spirit is broken. I worked for a pastor in a church as one of his lay pastors. He was meant to be a mentor not only on the job but for life. Turned out he was a narcissistic, controlling manipulator - who did everything he could, passively or aggressively, to break my spirit. He used the other two staff there to do his dirty work aswell. My wife and I had moved back to australia for this job, but was the worst 18 months of our lives, and I'm speaking from experience. I battled cancer not that long ago, with six months chemotherapy. The following year after that was black year. But with a ray of Sunshine, the job offer working for this pastor. I fought my way out of there, he did everything he could to manipulate and control us into being stuck there. He also happened to be high up in the denomination hierarchy which wasn't helpful. Turned out a lot of the hierarchy know what he's like and watched me move there. Ringing for help, I received not much. Now I'm politically not a good person to talk to, soI've lost friends and more. I was ripped off of 8 thousand dollars aswell. I now can't get a job and feel completely as if my confidence and self confidence is completely gone. I almost committed suicide a few weeks after resignation. Have fought through the last few months, have a job in government lined up - but just can't see the point anymore. Disillusioned would be an understatement. I'm angry, depressed, stressed (with little money) and just want to call it quits. I have been to counselling but didn't do much. Just can't believe I'm here and feel like I won't get out. when i was at school, I was voted as the one most to succeed in life. I played in the first XV rugby team, was a captain and played guitar and sang at shows around the place. I don't see why I should bother with life anymorebeyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work online (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 224 636.

Tiger_lily Prisoner to sadness
  • replies: 5

I was officially diagnosed about 9 months ago, but have suffered with depression on and off for a much longer period. My 'black dog' presents itself as waves of crippling sadness, emotional outbursts and tears for no apparent reason. These instances ... View more

I was officially diagnosed about 9 months ago, but have suffered with depression on and off for a much longer period. My 'black dog' presents itself as waves of crippling sadness, emotional outbursts and tears for no apparent reason. These instances then make me think negatively about many aspects of my life, pulling me deeper and deeper into the darkness. I often have problems sleeping (nights are the worst for me) and rarely have much of an appetite. I have chosen to be very private about my illness, and have only confided in my partner. I've become very good at hiding my depression. However, my condition now leads me to doubt my relationship with my partner and second guess everything. I hate being so down all the time, I miss feeling joy and happiness in my life and I am scared I am losing the ones I love because sometimes I just can't face the day, and they confuse this with me being disinterested or choosing to be alone. I am finding it increasingly more difficult to be in social situations, as I struggle to find anything positive to say about myself, and I feel very uncomfortable when my friends talk about how happy their lives are. I no longer enjoy my job, and obsess over even the smallest negative situation. I want to escape this dark prison. I am sick of this constant weight bearing down on me. I want to enjoy life again. I do not want to take meds, but would welcome some suggestions for coping methods to get through the dark days.

PugsLoveHugs Undiagnosed for too long?
  • replies: 4

Hi there,Some of my earliest memories at 6 or 7 years of age include my parents yelling exhausted that "I'm only being miserable because I enjoy it" when I couldn't stop crying. I got stuffed toys when I didn't cry for a full 2 weeks after things wer... View more

Hi there,Some of my earliest memories at 6 or 7 years of age include my parents yelling exhausted that "I'm only being miserable because I enjoy it" when I couldn't stop crying. I got stuffed toys when I didn't cry for a full 2 weeks after things were too much. At high school I saw various psychologists in and out of school, only to be told by one "you definitely don't have depression" before they'd even assessed me, as I was in a rare good mood and able to be myself, and the others focussed on the typical teenager things like friendships and parents. I was really mad when a friend of mine got mild depression in year 12 so got to miss out assignments, when I was told I didn't, despite all the times I'd sat in the corner of a room bawling, trying to harm myself, or hid in a dark cupboard to cry. This girl was going through a teenager phase of dying her hair etc and had never even tried to kill herself, and there was me, with my fully formed plan but just the resolution "I'll wait and see what uni is like, just hang on a few months longer" to stop me. Now I'm 20, on and SNRI an SSRI and a mood stabiliser each day but I still have terrible swings of happy (lasting 4hrs up to 3 days) then flat the rest of the time and the occasional 5 day depression fit, complete with bawling my eyes out, inability to function, and again telling myself "You'll graduate in 2 years, that'll be better" (not that I don't like uni, but being unable to do what I want or have any people respect me iskilling me) I was only diagnosed last year, by a proper psychologist (first one i've seen). He reckons it has been unnoticed for so long that it will never go away, we just have to keep on top of it by rotating different doses and seeing what works, yet they all fail within 3 months or less, with usually disastrous consequences. Today I had SLSWA state championships, the greatest day of the year, and won a bronze medal which was damn good for our first season as a team. And yet I broke down several times because people were treating me unfairly, like I wasn't equal to them, that I was worthless. They don't mean too I know, but why do it?!? It has made me so upset that I don't think I can go to the after party which starts in 15 minutes, which I have been looking forward to all year. I just wanted to share in case it makes others feel better

happyface Not sure what to do
  • replies: 4

Hi There, I think I need to seek help but I've tried twice previously and both times ended quite badly. I just sucked it all up, got on with life and kept on sweeping feelings under the carpet, so to speak. I'm in a position where suddenly everything... View more

Hi There, I think I need to seek help but I've tried twice previously and both times ended quite badly. I just sucked it all up, got on with life and kept on sweeping feelings under the carpet, so to speak. I'm in a position where suddenly everything around me has come crashing down. My husband has just had some bad news at work, my small not-for-profit company I started has fallen apart, my career is all but over and my plan to retrain at university next year is pretty much in doubt because of my husband's work issues. Even when in the absolute throws of depression previously, I've always been able to (with much effort) claw my way out, see a light at the end of the tunnel - anything to hold on but this time, I just, there just doesn't seem to be a light. I still force myself out of bed every morning, do my work to try and fix everyone else's problems (because they become my own eventually), do what I need to but the whole day all I want to do is go back to bed, I'm exhausted yet at night time, I do everything I can to stay awake - watch tv, play on my phone, you name it, I'll do it. I guess I don't know what's wrong with me - I don't know how to move forward and I'm nervous of seeking professional help again after the last two experiences. I don't know if this will just pass and I'm being weak or whether I should accept I'm not perfect - heck, I just don't really know anymore. I don't even know what it is I'm looking for here to be honest. Thank you to anyone who does reply.

hating_life Why it comes back?
  • replies: 3

I hate it so much when it comes back out of nowhere...I feel so down and when it comes it is worst than before. I am still on counseling and medication but I really hate it so much. I wish I could understand it as when I thought I am on road of recov... View more

I hate it so much when it comes back out of nowhere...I feel so down and when it comes it is worst than before. I am still on counseling and medication but I really hate it so much. I wish I could understand it as when I thought I am on road of recovery, it comes back hard.

Despirited the Shadow of my existence
  • replies: 10

It's 4 o'clock in the morning - the day has not even started. I lie awake in my bed, gripped by the fear of the Shadow. I feel its presence just lurking in the darkness nearby. On with the lights, and look under my bed? No, I don't want to see it. I ... View more

It's 4 o'clock in the morning - the day has not even started. I lie awake in my bed, gripped by the fear of the Shadow. I feel its presence just lurking in the darkness nearby. On with the lights, and look under my bed? No, I don't want to see it. I don't want to find it. I wish that Shadow away, but it taunts me and it tells me I will never be free. The Shadow it owns me, for I am its slave. Morning is coming, and I exist yet again. Nobody doth like me, especially not I. Why would they, how could they, for I am so gray. Held down by this Shadow in the darkness of despair. I am so tired of this life, why must I be here? Help do I seek in taming this demonic Shadow At a time when I struggle to think straight, my mind but a blur. Tangled inside, and lost in myself, must get back to the light, did I think Away from that Shadow that plagues my soul and blinds my sight. Before I am free, that Shadow doth return, takes me back into despair. I thought I could fight it, defeat it and win. Thought I was better, For I can see hope, and I feel the light, but I cannot defeat it For confused is my mind; it is stronger than me! It cannot be beaten, no the Shadow has won. I must break free from this Shadow but I am too weak to defeat it So I bow down to the Shadow and it keeps me down I can't defeat the darkness, with anguish all consuming, I just lay here and let the Shadow take me back to the Hell of my existence. I am lost.

Makinmesick500 Finally Reaching out to people that know what its like!
  • replies: 7

Well I finally decided to reach out and try talking to people that know what it is like to live with Depression. I have been suffering On and Off from depression for about 5 years now and honestly this time is the worst I have had it. I am at that st... View more

Well I finally decided to reach out and try talking to people that know what it is like to live with Depression. I have been suffering On and Off from depression for about 5 years now and honestly this time is the worst I have had it. I am at that stage when I wake up upset or feeling over it and then go to bed at night time with the same feeling. I feel like crying but I just cant?!! I have to drag myself out of bed in the morning then 2 hours later I feel soooo tired that I just want to go back to bed but as I work full time I cant always do this. I also feel sick to the stomach all of the time and just feel so off! I have been on medication for pretty much the whole time since I got diagnosed and since things are worse now they have decided to bump it up for a month to see how it goes. I don't feel happy doing anything. I use to be such a happy person that use to laugh and joke and smile all the time and now I feel like I am someone that nobody wants to be around because I am no longer the person I use to be. I don't like anything anymore. I feel like I just want to hide in my bedroom all of the time and not bother with going outside! I am sorry that all I have written is about how I feel but I really needed to get things off my chest. I find that I can talk to people (non sufferers) but don't get the feeling that they actually know what Is going on. I am interested to hear other peoples opinions and sorry if this thread isn't what this forum is about. I am new at this..

Im_2 Depression hero
  • replies: 2

I don't want to believe but it might be fact that i has a by born symptom of fear,sadness and depression. I have trying for long time but fail to get any result to get rid of it, perhaps i did not tried properly.

I don't want to believe but it might be fact that i has a by born symptom of fear,sadness and depression. I have trying for long time but fail to get any result to get rid of it, perhaps i did not tried properly.

squeak Impatient
  • replies: 4

I have been fighting depression now for more years than I care to remember, and it has always taken the same course, that is I find it difficult to do anything and that means anything. Like every one else here I struggle on a day to day basis with ju... View more

I have been fighting depression now for more years than I care to remember, and it has always taken the same course, that is I find it difficult to do anything and that means anything. Like every one else here I struggle on a day to day basis with just getting out of bed, getting into the shower, going to work and dealing with the household chores. I usually dont want to move or go any where and I don't feel any joy in any part of my life. I have had breast cancer four years ago and I am still fighting that battle as well, my husband is an alchoholic and my daughter who is only 28 is very ill and has just had two hip replacements due to a metobolic bone disease and now there is complications with that, so I dont feel as if there is any light at the end of the tunnel, but just recently I have found myself very agitated and extremley impatient to the point that I want to smash things and throw things, I yell and scream and get very angry with everyone around me, I have road rage and I find it difficult to go out in public as I want to abuse any one who gets in my way in the shops etc. Has any one else experienced periods of impatience with their depression. Looking foward to hearing your thoughts on this. - Thanks J