Support
Support

Depression

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

Start a conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

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 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

All discussions

Start a conversation

dan092 spending more time depressed than happy
  • replies: 4

Hi beyond blue forums, this is my post and hope i dont sound too pathetic. I have been struggling against depression for over a year now mostly by just burying it down and denying any presence of it. But the last 2 months have completely rocked my me... View more

Hi beyond blue forums, this is my post and hope i dont sound too pathetic. I have been struggling against depression for over a year now mostly by just burying it down and denying any presence of it. But the last 2 months have completely rocked my mental health. Two weeks before christmas i lost my job with a company i loved, which was upsetting but not the end of the world as i could spend more time with family during the holidays. Then mid january i lost my uncle to cancer. He has left behind two young daughters and a devoted wife and it breaks my heart these girls have to continue on without this strong soul by their side. However i really do feel selfish that i mention that this is bothering me as it is those girls who feel the most pain while i sit here complaining online. After the funeral, I was then told by my girlfriend of a year a few days later that she no longer had any feelings for me anymore and had been forcing herself to be with me while i mourned the impending death of a loved one. I was also told on the day that my other uncle had just been diagnosed with throat cancer. It has been two weeks since then and I am reaching the end that i feel i can keep a happy face on. In general, I am a very positive person who can always manage to keep a happy face on. But these last few days have really been hard. I am still out of work and sit up most nights struggling to push out the negative thoughts in my head. I have been forced to move back in with my mother and currently the only friends I have are those that play online playstation with me. I'm not sure what i hoped to acheive by posting on here but in all honesty i truely am struggling to find what I have to offer anymore and am sick and tired of saying to myself that surely these bad times will come to an end soon. I feel like I am just feeling sorry for myself and hoping that someone else might pity me, which makes me feel like a worthless human being.

AlisonM Finally realising this depression is real and is at least ten years old
  • replies: 8

thats it really. Title of this post says it all. It's time to accept that I'm quick to tears. Time to accept that not being able to breathe sometimes is a depression related symptom, not anything else. Time to accept I have to actively shield myself ... View more

thats it really. Title of this post says it all. It's time to accept that I'm quick to tears. Time to accept that not being able to breathe sometimes is a depression related symptom, not anything else. Time to accept I have to actively shield myself from the news sometimes. Time to accept I must just go for a walk on the bad days. Time to accept that I don't know what I want to be when I grow up and to accept that I must have change to feel normal and or excited. I've often felt that I'm better, but I never have been. I've just never honestly been able to accept there's a real problem. Which means I've never been able to appreciate the good days. rambling thoughts. Thanks for "listening"

Brendle I feel tired and weak all the time
  • replies: 3

I'm not sure if it's depression...some people tell me it could be though. I know you're all not necessarily doctors or educated in this but if any of you can help it'd be greatly appreciated: I feel tired and weak all the time. I sweat at the smalles... View more

I'm not sure if it's depression...some people tell me it could be though. I know you're all not necessarily doctors or educated in this but if any of you can help it'd be greatly appreciated: I feel tired and weak all the time. I sweat at the smallest physical exertion. When the day is moderate sunny temperature, I'm sweating and no one else is. When I was younger, I still sweat more than the average person, but not as easily. When I was 20, I used to be able to write songs at the drop of a hat. Now I'm 24 and to even write one line is a struggle. Every time I try to write, I'm tired after 5 minutes and can't go on. It feels like I'm walking around with a rock in my head sometimes, weighing me down. My brain feels clouded. I can't recall words as easily as I used to be able to. I've had this problem for about 2 years now. This morning I woke up and I felt so fatigued and drowsy and clouded I could barely get up. Does anyone know what could be wrong with me?

Pounce how do you tell if you are bipolar?
  • replies: 1

I've been feeling fantastic recently, especially the past couple of weeks. It's felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders after being depressed for so long, and I was back to my confident overachieving self. But I'm worried. Is it... View more

I've been feeling fantastic recently, especially the past couple of weeks. It's felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders after being depressed for so long, and I was back to my confident overachieving self. But I'm worried. Is it a manic phase, or is the depression lifting? I'm worried about the impression I might have made on my psychologist last week. My head was filled with a million thoughts, racing around, and I know I was talking very fast, and was very excited (I've just bought a new house you see). I was talking nonstop, jumping from topic to topic. Anyway, someone from her office called me "for follow up". That's not happened before. I was immediately terrified that she's send men in white coats to come and get me. I thought I might have to run off into the bush and hide. I haven't returned the call. How do you tell the difference between feeling genuinely elated and excited, and being mildly manic? I've been fretting about being bipolar for a while. I've never been diagnosed with anything. In the hospital the psychiatrist just said that "I seem pretty depressed"

S18 Low day
  • replies: 15

Hi guys, having one of those low days currently... Nothing has happened to me and I have nothing but good things happening with myself and my family but I feel the sinking feeling in my chest, feeling low/ flat/ down and on the verge of tears for no ... View more

Hi guys, having one of those low days currently... Nothing has happened to me and I have nothing but good things happening with myself and my family but I feel the sinking feeling in my chest, feeling low/ flat/ down and on the verge of tears for no apparent reason. How do you guys best manage your low days? S

Mel71 How do I start liking myself and stop driving my wonderful partner away?
  • replies: 3

I am a 43 year old mum of two great teenage boys. I have been in a relationship for a year with a wonderful man who has been so patient with me, yet I have been a mess most of our time together. I am usually depressed, accusing him of things that are... View more

I am a 43 year old mum of two great teenage boys. I have been in a relationship for a year with a wonderful man who has been so patient with me, yet I have been a mess most of our time together. I am usually depressed, accusing him of things that are unwarranted, no fun to be with, and find it very hard (almost impossible) to accept he loves me and for me to love him without putting up barriers and walls. I know my issues aren't unique, but I have loathed myself pretty much my entire life. I am deaf. I have never felt worthy. My mother has never once in my life told me she loves me. She treats me badly and as a girl, she never bought me nice clothes so I was always the poorest dressed of my friends. I never felt I belonged anywhere, always feeling like a square peg in a round hole. I need to get better, like myself so I can stop sabotaging my relationship, and accept that he does love me.

Meegannn fighting a battle that doesn't exist!
  • replies: 8

I feel like everything in my life that could go wrong, has or is and when I think it can't get worse it always does. I'm about a breath away from giving up and just stopping. My beautiful daughter lifts my spirit when I'm having bad days like this, s... View more

I feel like everything in my life that could go wrong, has or is and when I think it can't get worse it always does. I'm about a breath away from giving up and just stopping. My beautiful daughter lifts my spirit when I'm having bad days like this, she is the reason I'll keep going.The worst part is half of my problems and fears probably don't even exist.Is there anyone else that just feels like giving up everyday before they get out of bed? Does anyone else lay in bed until 3am worrying and thinking? What the hell is wrong with me???I need to be better for my girl. 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;}

Myfears Can anyone really help?
  • replies: 3

I am having the worst anxiety and depression I've ever had, it's been 6 weeks now and I'm getting worse. I've been seeing a Pschycologist for a year, I've done all the things she said to do do but I've found no relief, I haven't been back to work, lu... View more

I am having the worst anxiety and depression I've ever had, it's been 6 weeks now and I'm getting worse. I've been seeing a Pschycologist for a year, I've done all the things she said to do do but I've found no relief, I haven't been back to work, lucky my manager is understanding. I can't leave my house, I don't enjoy anything and all I do is cry. I'm dizzy and feel like I'm having a heart attack everyday. I've been to the ED at the hospital, they ran tests and say all is ok. I've done the breathing, meditation, healthy eating, vitamins, talking to someone but the feeling just remains. I can't take Meds due to sensitivity from side effects, the hospital gave me an anti depressant that sent me to bed for 5 days, I couldn't even stand up without help. I tried a natural tablet and that made me nauseous, dizzy and I couldn't eat for a week. I have come to the conclusion, no one can help me and I'm doomed to this life forever, I will probably end up losing my job because when I get up of a morning I break into a cold dizzy sweat and want to throw up, I then have to collapse back on the bed for a few hours. my daughter has tried getting me help through the mental health system, an anxiety clinic and the hospital but even they can't seem to help apart from give advice. I hate being here, I wouldn't ever do anything but I still hate it

Wonderer Legal question
  • replies: 4

Had a mental breakdown a s was put on mew medication . I sold the family home without reading the contract through an agent who 'heard' I was thinking of selling. Is there any way to get out of this situation?

Had a mental breakdown a s was put on mew medication . I sold the family home without reading the contract through an agent who 'heard' I was thinking of selling. Is there any way to get out of this situation?

Mack93 Not sure why I am posting ....
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone. First time posting here and I'm not really sure why I am, only that I need some advice and after reading some stories on here nothing seemed to fit with mine. Basically I am 22, the last year has been pretty rough I guess, I've moved fro... View more

Hi everyone. First time posting here and I'm not really sure why I am, only that I need some advice and after reading some stories on here nothing seemed to fit with mine. Basically I am 22, the last year has been pretty rough I guess, I've moved from NSW to Melbourne and then back again when I realised I wasn't happy there with my partner. My partner and I have been together for two years, and are still happy together, living in Melbourne was just very stressful considering we were both doing jobs we hated and had no friends or family there. We have now moved back home and are living at his parents' house (which I hate, we are soon moving to my parents' house) to save money while we both go back to uni. The first degree I did I hated, so I'm going back to do what I wanted to do all along. I'm fortunate enough to be able to go to uni (twice), have supportive parents and partner, we're ok financially (not great as we are both students but we earn enough to keep us going) so I'm not sure why I feel like this. The last 12 months or so I have just felt so sad all the time. I feel unmotivated to do anything, whenever I'm at home I just lay in bed all day or watch tv and don't have any motivation for doing anything. I am always tired, I went to a doctor about being so tired around 2 years ago and he told me I was Vitamin B deficient and to take supplements, I have ever since and it got better for a while but now it's worse than ever so I feel like it must be something different. I'm so tired that I have to have a nap every afternoon because I physically cannot stay awake. Again, I don't know why I'm posting here except that I've ruled out every other possibility. I don't feel like I have a reason to be depressed but I can't ignore the fact that I am just plain sad all the time for no good reason. The last year I have been saying to myself "I'll be happy when we move to Melbourne", "I'll be happy when I move home", "I'll be happy when I quit this job that I hate", "I'll be happy when I lose weight", but I've done all those things and I'm no happier. Just wanting some advice basically and to talk to people who have been through similar things. Sorry for the long post. X

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map