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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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LSP77 Will I ever feel normal again ?
  • replies: 2

Hi all just want to tell my story, I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I was a painfully shy and self conscious child and teenager, I had very few friends and found it very hard to relate to girls. I met my now ex husband when I was 18 an... View more

Hi all just want to tell my story, I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I was a painfully shy and self conscious child and teenager, I had very few friends and found it very hard to relate to girls. I met my now ex husband when I was 18 and moved in with him after 2 weeks together. We had 3 children and we're together for 16 years before he left. Although we were both unhappy, him leaving absolutely devastated me, I'd lost my family. I was diagnosed with PND in 2006 after my 2nd child was born, and have been on AD ever since. Since the breakup I slipped into a deep depression and life has been a constant battle ever since. I've let myself go, put on 20kgs and generally hate myself. When I'm having a really down episode, I won't leave the house, I feel very anxious, I sleep a lot, and just lock myself away from the world. I have 3 healthy, beautiful and happy kids, but I'm scared I have damaged them as they saw me hit rock bottom. The only reason I'm still walking this earth is because of them. I know I need to exercise to be healthier mentally and physically, but the thought of going to a gym or walking the streets makes me so anxious, I'm so grateful to have a roof over my head, food on the table and healthy kids, but the constant struggles in my head make it hard to be happy. Anyway enough of my whinging, have a great day.

EllP Scared To Ask For Help??
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if anyone else feels scared to seek help about their depression? I've been feeling pretty awful for a while now and some days I'm sure I am getting worse. I know the go to advise is to seek help from a GP but I'm scared to ... View more

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if anyone else feels scared to seek help about their depression? I've been feeling pretty awful for a while now and some days I'm sure I am getting worse. I know the go to advise is to seek help from a GP but I'm scared to go because I'm scared of what they will say. I guess the problem is that I'm worried they will diagnose me with depression, because once I'm diagnosed it will be a real thing and I have to handle it, it's not just my secret that I can hide away until I'm alone in my room or crying in the shower, and then pretend isn't happening tomorrow when the sun comes up. I'm so worried about what might happen if GP decides I have depression; I don't what to be medicated and even though I am dying to talk to someone about what is going on in my head, no amount of talking is going to fix all the things I'm sad about. And then there's the flip side of it. Maybe I won't be diagnosed with anything, and if I don't have anything then why am I the way I am? Some days I'm losing my mind and I'm certain there's something wrong with me, and other days I feel less crazy and I wonder if I'm just hormonal or tired and too lazy to deal with my problems. And then I feel guilty for thinking that way, and I feel guilty writing it now, because it's like I'm hoping I have a mental illness.. and that's not right, is it? I guess what I'm saying is I'm scared to have it confirmed either way. But I'm also scared of where I might end up if I don't get help. I don't know what to do! I'm really wanting to know if anyone can relate to how I feel and if so, what did you do/are you doing?

Hopefullseeking Feel like a freak
  • replies: 4

This week hasn't been too bad until today. Have been busy, my coping strategy. Friday spent most the day socialising, the depression/anxiety etc. sitting on my shoulder but I managed. Yesterday I spent all day doing craft and was pleased with the res... View more

This week hasn't been too bad until today. Have been busy, my coping strategy. Friday spent most the day socialising, the depression/anxiety etc. sitting on my shoulder but I managed. Yesterday I spent all day doing craft and was pleased with the results. Today I was flat out getting up, felt tired, sleepy and flat as a tack. I went to a friends for lunch managing to keep it together and hiding how l was feeling. Now my stomach is in knots, feel teary and so down. Feel like a freak, can't hold it together. I just want to feel normal and don't ask me what normal is, l don't know any more. My depression etc. seems like it will never go away. I am in therapy but my hope of ever feeling better is almost nonexistent. Others get better. I'm the freak that doesn't. I want someone to tell me it will all go away but that will never happen. sorry guys l'm just over it all.

willbewillbe What do I do now??
  • replies: 2

Hi. I am a 30 year old male who has for a long period of time suffered severely with depression, and until only very recently realised I have possibly been more so affected by anxiety. Things have been coming to a head for a while and exploded a coup... View more

Hi. I am a 30 year old male who has for a long period of time suffered severely with depression, and until only very recently realised I have possibly been more so affected by anxiety. Things have been coming to a head for a while and exploded a couple of weeks ago when I attempted suicide.At the time I felt I had nothing, I had moved to follow my partner of 3 months to a new town, and basically dropped my entire life to start a new one. My decision. Nobody elses. Things had began going wrong from the time I moved, I had contact with my own children stopped by their mother, I have struggled to settle in my new home, didnt like the job I had and the bliss of the new love began to fade mainly I would suggest amongst my failing happiness. A heated argument and talk of a split left me feeling I had nothing left....hopeless and a fool. Foolishly I attempted to end it all. Thankfully I was found and I have recovered well after a few days in ICU. I know what I did was wrong. I know it isnt the answer. I know what I need to do to mke sure I never end up in that situation again. I am taking all the appropriate steps. My main issue is that my partner is struggling with what has happened and is pushing me away. Initially she was very supportive and I am forever grateful and thankful.....I realise how cruel and horrible it must have been for her to go through....she seen me in a bad way. Problem is that now she says she doesnt trust me, has no idea who I am and doesnt want this for her life. I love her and feel we are meant to be. Can I support what she needs to be feeling or is this a case of me needing to pull away myself to protect my own mind and safety.......I am struggling with being shunned and hate the idea I have someone who is perhaps only with me because they are afraid I will hurt myself. I dont know what to do...can someone please give me some insight....i fear this will push me back into my mind. 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;}

bigbosco Can't get on top of life
  • replies: 2

I am retired and comfortable with a good Wife, we have been married for over 40 years. I had heart surgery in 2006 and last year I had a ICD implanted. I feel useless and cannot get on top of living with this condition. I know all the things that I a... View more

I am retired and comfortable with a good Wife, we have been married for over 40 years. I had heart surgery in 2006 and last year I had a ICD implanted. I feel useless and cannot get on top of living with this condition. I know all the things that I am lucky to be alive etc. etc. doesn't help. I wake in the morning just black and that can last some time, it also can hit me for no reason and for no reason and make my life pointless. There are times that I am hit with just anger for no reason, not anger that I would hurt anyone just anger at life. Finding it hard to deal with

Blue_Nightingale Our constant passenger
  • replies: 9

Hi guys. This is my first time here- I'm not sure what I am hoping to find here, but thought I would give it a go.I have battled with depression since my teens and more prevalently post natally and beyond. I am on anti-depressants and, try to meditat... View more

Hi guys. This is my first time here- I'm not sure what I am hoping to find here, but thought I would give it a go.I have battled with depression since my teens and more prevalently post natally and beyond. I am on anti-depressants and, try to meditate regularly, have seen a psych on and off - but mainly try to navigate it all myself. Recently I am just exhausted of my motivation, drive and will. I just want to sleep. Basic tasks are almost impossible. The energy it takes to put on a strong and happy facade at work and around friends and family is wearing thin. I just want to hibernate. I don't want to do anything. Not a thing. Ive been here before, but struggle to see how to pull myself out, what to allow myself and where to push myself? It is overwhelming. No amount of positive thinking or effort helps now.... It is all consuming. I feel it in my stomach, in my chest, in my heart and in my head. It isn't fair. I don't want to share this with friends, my husband knows but there is only so much I want to unload on him...... I feel like there is no one to talk to..... So I suppose that's why I'm here. Mi am very used to this just being a part of who I am.... But sometimes it's just too much. 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.

HA1 Feelings & Social Interactions
  • replies: 8

Why is it that whenever I say something, whether written or spoke, and I don't get the exact response that I expected (or wanted?) I have this feeling of having offended that person, or that I have said something totally idiotic? Has this to do with ... View more

Why is it that whenever I say something, whether written or spoke, and I don't get the exact response that I expected (or wanted?) I have this feeling of having offended that person, or that I have said something totally idiotic? Has this to do with my mental illness or is it something else altogether? Any thoughts from anyone? K

Gonebush Can't talk......
  • replies: 4

Most times it's so bad, talking is the last thing I want to do... Everyone says this is wrong but hiding for a week or two seems like the only way out for me! ps the mess don't help

Most times it's so bad, talking is the last thing I want to do... Everyone says this is wrong but hiding for a week or two seems like the only way out for me! ps the mess don't help

GabJH Depression came back and I'm lost
  • replies: 8

Hi, I'm a young academic who is trying to fight depression on my own. I've fought this before in high school and never thought it would come back for another tournament. I know the signs and they scare me. I'm too ashamed to tell my fiance. My work i... View more

Hi, I'm a young academic who is trying to fight depression on my own. I've fought this before in high school and never thought it would come back for another tournament. I know the signs and they scare me. I'm too ashamed to tell my fiance. My work is slowly crushing me and I am continually thinking that I've made my parter sad or mad when I haven't and he isn't. I go from super excited to downright miserable all in a day. It's a cycle I don't know how to get out from. I don't have many friends where I live and none I can really talk to. I hope by posting here there might be someone who's in the same situation as me or has been and could give me some insight into how to Start climbing back out of the ring.

OhmeOhmy Finding My Way Back From Isolation
  • replies: 5

Hi Everyone, This is my first post and I am doing this as a way of helping myself out of this depressive state of being. I am so very tired and feel like I just want to stay in my bedroom and sleep however I am a sole parent to 3 wonderful children (... View more

Hi Everyone, This is my first post and I am doing this as a way of helping myself out of this depressive state of being. I am so very tired and feel like I just want to stay in my bedroom and sleep however I am a sole parent to 3 wonderful children (22months, 11yrs and 16yrs) and I must function not only to meet my responsibilities but because I love my children and want to be the best that I can be for them and myself. I have isolated myself socially for a very long time. I realise I need to makes steps to remedy this and recently started going to AA meetings however I find them overwhelming on every level. I have been sober for 1 month and 17 days and I am grateful AA and intend to keep going however I haven't been for 3 weeks now and am trying to work up the courage to go back. I have always used alcohol and pot to deal with depression since I was a teenager and it has only ever made things worse so I am determined to walk down a new path from now on. I thought that by talking to people online it may be a start to finding my way back from the isolation I have dealt myself over the years and might lead me to build up the courage to reach out to people in the real world. I'm not going to hide who I am anymore, I have to be honest with myself and others so I can move forward. Does anyone have any advice about how to form new connections with people after actively avoiding connections for so long?

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