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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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Chloekat84 Feeling Depressed and needin to Vent
  • replies: 2

Hello Everyone. Ive written on this site before. I have BPD and Dysthymia and feeling very emotional and depressed. I went to a emergency refuge clinic as I wasn't coping with anything at home and I had time to think and reflect about myself and didn... View more

Hello Everyone. Ive written on this site before. I have BPD and Dysthymia and feeling very emotional and depressed. I went to a emergency refuge clinic as I wasn't coping with anything at home and I had time to think and reflect about myself and didn't need to worry about my daughter as my folks were looking after her for a week while I was there. Then when I came out my grandma came to stay with me for 3 weeks as she heard I wasn't that well so she travelled all the way from Darwin. She leaves tomorrow evening and I feel very upset about it and know that im going to be completely on my own since I was in the clinic. To make things worse my sister is upset with me as she thinks shes not welcome here because one day she wanted to come over and said I was busy so she just said she'd see my dad and now she thinks im only going to want her company when my grandma leaves. Shes currently pregnant and very emotional so I think that may have something to do with it. Im upset about all of this and don't know what to do as ill be all alone and no one to talk to. :'( :'(

Small_Inside Feeling insignificant and worthless
  • replies: 2

I'm not really sure where to start. Just that I don't really expect this to accomplish anything, but that's my catastrophic nature, I guess. I'm 35 and I've struggled with depression for longer than I knew what it was, as far back as primary school. ... View more

I'm not really sure where to start. Just that I don't really expect this to accomplish anything, but that's my catastrophic nature, I guess. I'm 35 and I've struggled with depression for longer than I knew what it was, as far back as primary school. I have only been on medication for about 2 years now. I have trouble sleeping and feel tired ALL the time. My story is not that dramatic. The more I read people's stories and see the things going on in other people's lives and what they have had to deal with, the more I think that what I feel is totally unreasonable and selfish, and I can't seem to break that pattern of thinking. My life is okay, there's nothing remarkable about me. I'm employed (though not in a job I love). I grew up with a single parent (mum), who loves me. We were not well off, but had what we needed. My mum and at least one of my sisters have also struggled with depression. I try not to burden them when I have bad days because I know they struggle too. And there's the cowardly part of me that knows I'm not particularly good at dealing with other people's emotions and I feel totally unable to handle their situations on top of my own. That makes me feel even more worthless and selfish. How can I expect them to be there for me when I feel I can't be for them? Another example of my cowardly nature concerns my grandfather who is very sick and has been for some time. I don't go to see him very often, and never by myself, because I feel so uncomfortable there now. I know this upsets him because his family is everything to him. My mum called me tonight at work to tell me he had had a fall and was in the hospital. Tomorrow he goes into surgery and no-one is sure that he will come out of it. Apparently Pop was asking to see me and wondering why I didn't go to see him as much as the others do. The thought of having that conversation with him is terrifying to me. I got off the phone and was in tears, thinking about how awful a granddaughter I've been. He is suffering a lot more than I and I can't get the courage to give him the one thing that keeps him going, though all others around me can. What does that say about me as a person? This post was supposed to be cathartic. I appreciate your time if you've managed to work your way through this pity party.

Jo3 Depressed with my life - confused
  • replies: 5

I have been dealing with a lot of issues lately and it's been tough. I am married (28 yrs) and have 3 adult children (22,21,18)I don't know how to start so I will just blurt it out - I don't know if I still love my husband. Don't even know if I am 'i... View more

I have been dealing with a lot of issues lately and it's been tough. I am married (28 yrs) and have 3 adult children (22,21,18)I don't know how to start so I will just blurt it out - I don't know if I still love my husband. Don't even know if I am 'in love' with him still. i know people change and i know i have changed a lot in the past 4 yrs dealing with childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety and borderline personality disorder. i have confused not sure if i should stay or go; i do have good times together sometimes but thereseems to be a lot of pressure and it's causing me to withdraw from him, my family and friends. i need to stay on here to chat to others because i feel so alone; does anyone have any advice or have any of you felt like me before. what should i do to try to work out what i want? i am scared of the future; i am scared of where i am in my mind right now.jobeyondblue'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.

2iceShy Sleep it off?
  • replies: 5

Does anyone else sleep off their depression? Some people drink, some people take drugs. I do neither. But when im feeling low, all i want to do is block out the world & sleep. I feel guilt for this. Days will go by & all Ive done is sleep, eat and wa... View more

Does anyone else sleep off their depression? Some people drink, some people take drugs. I do neither. But when im feeling low, all i want to do is block out the world & sleep. I feel guilt for this. Days will go by & all Ive done is sleep, eat and watch TV.

LaurenCecelia Depressed, going through a breakup and just broke my leg.
  • replies: 5

Hi guys, I was diagnosed about a year ago with depression, after struggling for many years prior to that. I'm undertaking counselling and taking anti depressants and have good days and bad days. I'm working full time, and studying part time. Recently... View more

Hi guys, I was diagnosed about a year ago with depression, after struggling for many years prior to that. I'm undertaking counselling and taking anti depressants and have good days and bad days. I'm working full time, and studying part time. Recently, I went through a breakup of sorts. I say of sorts as I'm talking about the first person I ever really opened up to, and the person who encouraged and helped me to seek help. We broke up for a period before I was diagnosed when I was overseas, however we have continued talking for the majority of the time, and for the past year he has been helping me cope with living with depression. He's the only way that I normally go to when I'm down, and he often helps get me out of my rut, purely by just being there. A couple of weeks ago he told me he just wasn't feeling the same, and thought we should stop seeing each other romantically, however he still cares about me and wants to talk to me (which I don't quite understand). So understandably, I was quite upset about that, and it also happened the week before my mini thesis for my masters was due. My nonna was also in ICU at this time, so I was having a rough time there too. so that's what I've been trying to deal with recently, and I was coping through getting out and exercising, and seeing friends. however, one week ago I broke my leg. I was hospitalised for 5 days as I requires surgery to place a plate and screws in. All of my friends were amazed at how positive I was throughout the whole thing, whereas inside I was struggling and just wishing my ex could be there. We talked, he knew I was in hospital, yet he didn't ask if he could visit. now I am at home, on bed rest, and everything seems to be hitting me as I cannot seem to keep myself occupied as I previously could. No runs or walks, no going out etc. I try to read and watch movies but I just can't seem to concentrate and only drift into a spiral of sadness. Does anybody out there have any ideas or strategies or just thoughts on how I could try and cope a little better? It has been good to get this all out, and I would love if someone could take the time to reply. thanks for reading.

Taz2u Falling into the pit again
  • replies: 3

Hello everyone. I have had depression for most of my life and take antidepressants regularly. I've been feeling pretty low lately and teary, yet I'm finding it difficult to say anything to my husband. I have 3 children- 2 grown up and one about to go... View more

Hello everyone. I have had depression for most of my life and take antidepressants regularly. I've been feeling pretty low lately and teary, yet I'm finding it difficult to say anything to my husband. I have 3 children- 2 grown up and one about to go to College next year, as well as a stepson, 2 daughter-in-laws and 3 grandkids.I spend most of the week alone at home with my dog. I feel very lonely and don't have any siblings or parents nearby. I am finding it hard to get dressed in the mornings and get little satisfaction from most things. I attend church regularly, yet feel like I have few good friends. My mum was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and already suffers from Alzheimers. I went over to give my support recently and found myself having to be the strong one for everyone else. I'm tired and wonder who is there for me when I'm in need. My sister didn't support me very much when I was fragile and this is very annoying, even though I know she has a lot on her plate at home too. I cried for the first time last week, shortly after going to bed...I couldn't talk about what i was feeling because it was overwhelming. My husband asked me what was wrong, hugged me then went back to sleep. He never asked me anything after that. His mum is old and has been depressed from chronic pain.She stayed with us last week and I had primary care of her. I feel guilty because I really didn't need someone else to care for, and I didn't feel I was being cared for either. My husband wants to bring her for another week at Christmas. I feel very alone and very tired. I've felt down before, but sometimes it feels like nothing changes. I terrified to stop taking meds, as I can find myself in this black hole even when I take them diligently

endlesslydriftingthroughspace i only feel emotion through empathy
  • replies: 7

I' m lost. I have not a hard life. It was. But I fought and made a fair one. Through constitution. Now I contribute to life through an act I don't see the point in. I had so much work to do to put myself on a level playing field I forgot what it was ... View more

I' m lost. I have not a hard life. It was. But I fought and made a fair one. Through constitution. Now I contribute to life through an act I don't see the point in. I had so much work to do to put myself on a level playing field I forgot what it was all for. Now I am adrift. I seem to float in and out of peoples gaze only to end up frozen in time. In front of my reflection. I am just here without purpose. Drifting. Dreaming. Searching. I am. I can. I do. Still nothing to need. I stare back at the reflection and desperately ask for a reason. A point. I dont feel sad. I feel little emotion. I would kill for my own little piece of real sadness. Empathy consumes me. I must have a purpose other than to feel other peoples anguish. Other than to listen and calm them. Where is the peace I promised myself. I walk through wonder, possibility and chaos yet my heart does not stir. What did I give up that day. Where did I hide it. Where do I turn. What am I meant for. I don't empathize with peoples joy. Only their worry and heartache. It feels like everyone is flying past me at a million miles an hour when I'm amongst the crowds. Endlessly drifting through space. Another cog in the great machine. A man that does not understand love anymore. A dreamer without a dream. I'm half the man I used to be, I'm half the man you see. I lie till I become the lie. I'm not honest to myself. I'm ordinary. I' m scared out of my mind. I beg myself to change. This is the first time I have ever spoken about this to anyone. I'm not sure what to expect from this really. Is there something wrong with me. My heart tends to feel like it has butterflies from time to time. I find it easier to speak in broken sentences when I try to express my inner dialogue.

Dave83 What to do? Need some advice.
  • replies: 7

Hey guys,New here, but not really to Depression.Started early 2011, I was becoming unhappy at work & starting to get that feeling where you sort of wanted to cry but wouldn't. Thinking I was just unhappy with my job, I decided to quite a few months l... View more

Hey guys,New here, but not really to Depression.Started early 2011, I was becoming unhappy at work & starting to get that feeling where you sort of wanted to cry but wouldn't. Thinking I was just unhappy with my job, I decided to quite a few months later.I started to go to the gym more often & even got really into it. Started meeting new people, started doing those mud runs/fun runs etc.. and found something new. Though throughout the year there would always be a day here & there where I would just be sad for no reason. It got to the point where I would cry, for no reason, & a day would become a couple days, which would eventually become a week. I had no idea what was happening or why. By the end of the year, I decided to study, have something to focus on, to look forward to.2012 everything became much worse. I would wake completely depressed, stay in bed, cry & wanted my life to end. I knew somthing wasn't right, so I jumped online & took some tests regarding depression & figured that's what I had, though still doubted it as I hadn't hurt myself or attempted suicide.Studying was stressful, it was something new & I couldn't understand a lot of it, I felt pretty stupid, which I guess would contribute to me feeling down. On-top of that, I wasn't eating well & was training a lot + I had some family issues. By August, I hated my life, hated anything I was interested in, everything just became bad. Start of 2013 I decided to see a GP & went onto medication & eventually saw a Psychologist, though neither really helped. I started a (temp) job at the gym, which I loved, but some things went down with the staff that made me depressed again & eventually the job finished which made me really upset. To me, the place that I enjoyed the most, with people that I enjoyed being around, I felt were somewhat responsible for causing me to feel low, so I ended up leaving.6months later, still upset, no longer on meds, they made metired, I returned, and ended up talking to them about what happened, and even breaking down & crying. Only problem is, even today, I still feel hurt, everything that happened still upsets me, every time i wake up, even though ive spoken to them many times, It all just upsets me. A month ago I started becoming really depressed & thinking of suicide, I was put on medication again. i put membership on hold & went back to the GP & started & now looking for a Psychologist, though don't know who to see (western sydney). Sorry for the long post, but does anyone have any advice ?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.

6502832 Feeling lost
  • replies: 2

There is so much going on in my life right now and it feels like I'm losing control and I'm not dealing with it well. I've one close friend but he has his own things to deal with and it 8hrs away. Feeling sad and alone. I am seeing my Gp tomorrow but... View more

There is so much going on in my life right now and it feels like I'm losing control and I'm not dealing with it well. I've one close friend but he has his own things to deal with and it 8hrs away. Feeling sad and alone. I am seeing my Gp tomorrow but I don't even know where to start to tell her what's going on

Miss_Debz I just don't know
  • replies: 2

So never want to sound like a victim, or someone just wanting attention.. But seriously, why are we here?? I have decided to join here as I just have absolutely no idea of where else I can turn to, or what to do. Yeh, I just don't know

So never want to sound like a victim, or someone just wanting attention.. But seriously, why are we here?? I have decided to join here as I just have absolutely no idea of where else I can turn to, or what to do. Yeh, I just don't know