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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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Warren2103 New here and just looking for some advice and support
  • replies: 11

Hi all, I just wanted to share how I've been feeling in the hope that I can get some advice or tips. I'm a 39 year old male and I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for which I've been seeing a psychologist, but I don't think she's really ... View more

Hi all, I just wanted to share how I've been feeling in the hope that I can get some advice or tips. I'm a 39 year old male and I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for which I've been seeing a psychologist, but I don't think she's really helping. I'm no expert on depression but mine pretty much feels like a constant feeling of demotivation, lack of interest and enthusiasm in everything from hobbies and interests to social outings. I'm not eating properly and I feel tired most of the time and just want to sleep or lounge around. I can barely get out of bed in the morning to work in a job that I can just put up with in a company that's been going through a restructure over the last 18 months. I'm in the middle of building a house and the uncertainty of job security is not helping. I'm being forced to apply for roles at work that I don't really want and I've started to feel worse with feelings of uselessness and hopelessness creeping in. I've recognised the majority of the way I feel is work related but I've always had a feeling of flatness anyway and a lack of goals or direction. I've spoken to friends and family but don't want to burden them too much and thought this website might be a good place to connect with others. Would appreciate any advice on how to manage this or pull myself out and get back into life again.

OliveM I have forgotten who I am
  • replies: 6

If I could, I would, roll up in a ball, let others just go about their lives and I would just give up. I am fighting each day. I feel it in my chest. I just don't care is my mantra. My boys are keeping me on a level, but that level is not exciting or... View more

If I could, I would, roll up in a ball, let others just go about their lives and I would just give up. I am fighting each day. I feel it in my chest. I just don't care is my mantra. My boys are keeping me on a level, but that level is not exciting or buoyant for them. I am seeing the Dr. I have a psych appointment in 2 weeks. Have told friends I am depressed. I hate it. I know there is no switch but if only there was. I would be flicking it to happy. As I was working full time with depression, I used to use work to cover it up, leaving work going straight home to bed. Now I am a full time mum, I have noticed that not having to work has shown me how bad it actually is. And how long the episodes go on for. This time around 8 weeks. No joy. If it wasn't for the boys, if I wasn't seeing the Dr I would give up. Roll up in that ball, check into hospital and just refuse to get well. Look I understand that is not an outlook that makes sense. It is how I am feeling. The Dr booked me to see a Psychiatrist but they wanted 130.00 for a 30 min appointment. What the hell are they going to glean from me in 30 mins? What a crock, so I cancelled the appointment. I have been on anti depressants for many years, recently changing brands to see if would help the mood and the sleep - the I just want to sleep feelings. 3 weeks on with the change and still I just don't care. Trying to sleep as much as I can. Feeling also like I need it. ECT - I am wondering if this is the cure for me? I am so over loosing humour, not wanting, not caring, avoiding, hating, hurting, thinking that if life is like this for the next 40 years, why oh why bother. I am not suicidal. I want to remember who I am, what I stand for and why it is so for me. Where is that easy fix or remedy? 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.

PurpleShade Depression is what it is x
  • replies: 1

I've been struggling for years with the famous black dog...it is what it is !I've been challenged to the death...literally, trust me, I've looked that in the eye and it has almost consumed me many times. I have received much love in the dark hour and... View more

I've been struggling for years with the famous black dog...it is what it is !I've been challenged to the death...literally, trust me, I've looked that in the eye and it has almost consumed me many times. I have received much love in the dark hour and know many who have offered love and hope and I do that too now I shine more in the light...The Light! I hope we all find this bright space of love and bask in its warmth and I hope I will always have open warm arms to those struggling in the dark x.I too dip into the dark from time to time and its because of those who survive in the goodness of life that I find a safe space to rise.I'm posting this because I'm grateful in so many ways but want to say that even though things are better, it takes strength, belief and a helping hand from this space and people around me to keep my head above water.Sending love to those who are struggling, lets rise to live another 'good' dayYour friend in this struggle x

pumpkin_92 Rebuild life after depression ? isolation ?
  • replies: 3

Hi, for those of you who are reading this, did anyone have the experience of recovering from depression? I had a depression a year ago when i was in university, i made a wrong decision and studying something i don't like and i decided to change to st... View more

Hi, for those of you who are reading this, did anyone have the experience of recovering from depression? I had a depression a year ago when i was in university, i made a wrong decision and studying something i don't like and i decided to change to study something that i really enjoying. However i suffer the consequences of depression because i think that i am not worthy due to my failure and wrong decision i made in the past. I began to isolate myself from other people, i thought it was a way of coping with my depression (I am depressed in front of other people and this sort of spoiling the mood of people around me ) . At the end, i realized that avoiding social interaction with other people is a terrible mistake and it only makes the situation worst. Now i have trouble in controlling my emotion and shy to talk to other people during the social event. I felt very awkward whenever i have to interact with other people. Something just feels not right and i think i have to do something to end this cycle, so here i am using my courage to post this thread. Does anyone have any ideas or experiences that can share with me on how you overcome self-isolation that cause by depression ? Or any suggestion? Because i am totally lost and don't know what to do at the moment. Thank you for your time to read this post.

Lusie What's wrong with me
  • replies: 2

Hi. I'm new to the forum. i don't understand why I feel like I do! I'm on medication but still feeling so down. Crying all the time, tired and just not happy. I should be happy I'm getting married in the next few months , going on an amazing holiday ... View more

Hi. I'm new to the forum. i don't understand why I feel like I do! I'm on medication but still feeling so down. Crying all the time, tired and just not happy. I should be happy I'm getting married in the next few months , going on an amazing holiday and planning a baby. I booked myself into hospital at the beginning of the year and got myself help. It worked for a short period. it feels like everyone is against me.

Misery Over 80 and very depressed.
  • replies: 7

I have had anxiety and depression for many years. I spent some time in hospital and had shock treatment which helped a little. I got over that lot, but since, I have felt anxious on and off. I have been on the same medication since the hospital visit... View more

I have had anxiety and depression for many years. I spent some time in hospital and had shock treatment which helped a little. I got over that lot, but since, I have felt anxious on and off. I have been on the same medication since the hospital visit which was 14 years ago. Before Christmas last year I collapsed twice and was taken to hospital both times where I was eventually taken off my blood pressure medication. Since then I have suffered severely with depression and have been trying to seek professional help. Everything seems to be taking so long and I need the help right now. We had another great grandson yesterday and I can't even get motivated to go and see him let alone be happy about him being born. If only I could sleep all day and forget about everything. I don't feel like anyone understands how I feel. I'm not sure what to do, anyone? 800x600 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 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* 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:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}

pixiee I have so many reasons to keep my chin up but I just can't, I wonder if there is hope?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new here. And I am looking for advice please? I have seen so many counsellors over the years, I don't even remember all their names. I feel like I am unlucky, it is as if I feel the world is hunting me down and I can't escape it. Depression ... View more

Hi, I am new here. And I am looking for advice please? I have seen so many counsellors over the years, I don't even remember all their names. I feel like I am unlucky, it is as if I feel the world is hunting me down and I can't escape it. Depression just lurks in the corners of me mind, haunting me. My mother refused to leave her abusive husband, who hurt her and myself for years. I had to end the relationship with her 2 months ago and I miss her so much. I feel as if I have abandoned her, and she had a son with this abusive man who I also feel I have abandoned. I have a deadly auto-immune disease waiting in my body waiting to strike up again. I have so many reasons to keep my chin up but I just can't, I wonder if there is hope? A better future? Does it get better? Will I be able to sleep without nightmares? Can my mind get better? I just got engaged in January and I wonder if I should delay the wedding or continue to see it through? Can I put this incredible man, now fiance through this? Will he be happy and content living with a morbid wife? So many people don't understand depression, and I am hoping that someone out there does. If so, do you have a hope to get you through? How do you get through the day, what motivates you to keep going?

macuser2017 No work, no friends and wife sick for many weeks
  • replies: 8

I work for a consulting company and still have a job. But have had nothing to do for many many months and very afraid the company might fire me any day. I tried confronting my manager to ask if I would be fired but he always keeps quiet and does not ... View more

I work for a consulting company and still have a job. But have had nothing to do for many many months and very afraid the company might fire me any day. I tried confronting my manager to ask if I would be fired but he always keeps quiet and does not say anything (he is based on the US and does not want to talk on phone and will only answer via chat). The few Australian managers I know do not respond either. Have been applying for many months & do not even get an interview. I have revised my CV more than dozen times. Being in IT for 17 years I thought my skills were valuable... Wife has been sick for 2 months now and wont get out of bed most of the day...feel sad for her since she is very active and loves the sun but is not able to go out at all. She is also over anxious and every time she speaks to me it's only a "i'm in pain...". Doctors as usual have a 2-3 month wait everywhere. Kids are young and have a demanding school life. Wake up (though there is no desire to do so)...get kids to school...do the basic household chores (dishes/laundry/tidying)..look for work all day on internet....pick up kids...do some homework or take them to swimming etc.... Feeling let down and defeated. thought many times about ending it...if not for my kids.. I have no friends or family other than wife/kids...no one to speak to talk about anything...just keep to myself and ride the day...i tried talking to my wife about anxiety of not having work and afraid of loosing job, but she is more worried about her pain so I don't talk to her anymore about it....

Rubyrose Feeling beaten
  • replies: 15

Hi im a newbie to this site, I have battled depression among other issues for some years. I have been very well but in the last month or so have been on a downhill slide. I am a single mum of 3 beautiful girls but find I am very limited to being able... View more

Hi im a newbie to this site, I have battled depression among other issues for some years. I have been very well but in the last month or so have been on a downhill slide. I am a single mum of 3 beautiful girls but find I am very limited to being able to work atm, this has left me lonely, isolated and feeling unmotivated and just want to sleep and do nothing, as I have just moved to another area and cannot really get out I am finding strategies of meeting new ppl yet alone friends very difficult. If anyone has any suggestions or wants to be friends it would be greatly appreciated. I just want to get the spring back in my step to be the best person I can be but I'm not doing that very well

Tom87 Motivation is hard to come by
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have been dealing with depression for 10 years off and on but in the last year or so it has gotten worse. I feel tired a lot of the time and don't have much motivation to do anything. I am studying at university and I often find it hard to even... View more

Hi, I have been dealing with depression for 10 years off and on but in the last year or so it has gotten worse. I feel tired a lot of the time and don't have much motivation to do anything. I am studying at university and I often find it hard to even get to class. I am on anti depressants and have seen a few psychologists about my problems but it only seems to help for a week or so before returning to how it was before. I have tried CBT and ACT and they do help but I feel like I need something else to help me get up and start living my life again. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what I should expect from my anti depressants, when it might be time to try a new one and any other tips I can try?

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