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

TooLong Been like this for too many years
  • replies: 3

Hey out there.First time on the forum, so I thought a run down would be appropriate.I've been struggling depression, when I consider it, for most of my life and the entirety of my adulthood. At 27, having received on/off treatment for the past 12 yea... View more

Hey out there.First time on the forum, so I thought a run down would be appropriate.I've been struggling depression, when I consider it, for most of my life and the entirety of my adulthood. At 27, having received on/off treatment for the past 12 years, hospitalised for suicidality on two occasions, last period I was untreated was over 5 years ago. I get bouts of suicidal ideation, have been juggled across half a dozen different meds, regularly see a Psychologist, and started with a new Psychiatrist as the one I'd originally managed to get a referral to retired that year. (After the kafka-like nonsense of getting referred.) My reason for posting is basically to ask - "How long do I have to try to get better before I can get to give up?" I know this isn't a reasonable question to ask, but the only reason I've not been able to work up the courage to remove myself is the pain it will cause others who care. The fact they care is not a positive or motivational thing, just another responsibility and expectation I have to meet. ButI feel so exhausted in seeking treatment, never seeing any improvement, being expected to keep going, and struggling to be functional when all I want is for this pain in me to end, and I see no way of things improving in the world I live in now. I don't have anything in my life that provides me satisfaction, and it seems the only times people aren't upset with me is when I live in service of someone elses needs, whether it's family, partner, work, housemates, but all that is to me is taking on more responsibilities they won't handle themselves, so of course people like it when their life gets easier. But I'm not allowed to expect that to come the other way. From what I've seen, the posters here do look to be genuine people who understand this sort of feeling, would anyone be able to offer any advice, or a way forward I might not have considered?Thanks for taking the time, hope things are getting better for you.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.

needabetterlife Just not good enough
  • replies: 2

Hi all. I' ve suffered from 'diagnosed' anxiety for the last 8 years. I say 'diagnosed' because I really don't understand where it came from. Lately i've felt that I'm simply not good enough for my family to go on. I have one child who is 16 years ol... View more

Hi all. I' ve suffered from 'diagnosed' anxiety for the last 8 years. I say 'diagnosed' because I really don't understand where it came from. Lately i've felt that I'm simply not good enough for my family to go on. I have one child who is 16 years old and have not been able to have another child since. That is my first failure.....not being able to give my husband of 18 years another child. We declared bankruptcy 7 years ago and whilst we both have high paying jobs, our means became more than what we could maintain. Our friendship group consists of very wealthy people, of which we are now not so much. I feel we have been ripped off in life by not having what our friends have. We rent a house, because there is no way we could save for a deposit to buy our own home. My father was an alcoholic who passed away 6 years ago at the tender age of 55. I feel i am heading down the same track, just to cope with every day life.Life has slapped me in the face as a 38 year old adult, I am struggling to see a way out and simply wonder if my boys are better off without me......I've been drinking alcohol way too frequently simply to deal with my own demons. I am also a smoker, which my husband and son hate. I wonder if i continue to do that simply to shorten my life. Sorry if this sounds way too much, but my life basically feels like it is in a downward spiral and I'm simply at a crossroad right now...............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.

Ronnii I'm stuck!!! Suggestions needed and gratefully accepted!
  • replies: 1

I am soon flat. I don't want to sing, i don't want to listen to music, i don't want to go for a walk, i don't want to go to the gym, i don't want to have a bath, i don't want to have a shower, i don't want to read, i don't want to watch tv, i don't w... View more

I am soon flat. I don't want to sing, i don't want to listen to music, i don't want to go for a walk, i don't want to go to the gym, i don't want to have a bath, i don't want to have a shower, i don't want to read, i don't want to watch tv, i don't want to eat, I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING!!! BUT i am so over it. I have tried everything (namely what i have mentioned above as successful distractions in the past) and nothing works. Working out at the gym, my mind wanders and i don't feel those endorphins either whilst exercising or afterwards. My psychologist says take a pill, which i did, and i still feel like cr*p. I don't want to get out of bed in the morning as its another day i have to struggle through. I wake up and go "not again. not another crappy day". Need some help guys, please and thank you

ellie1988 Depression causing binge eating - help and advice needed!
  • replies: 2

I've had clinical depression for 14 years now - however lately my symptoms have changed and I am unable to control them as they are new to me & my previous techniques I have used. I have gained 20kgs in the past year from compulsive and binge eating ... View more

I've had clinical depression for 14 years now - however lately my symptoms have changed and I am unable to control them as they are new to me & my previous techniques I have used. I have gained 20kgs in the past year from compulsive and binge eating - I literally eat until I feel sick even though I hate how I look & want to lose weight. And also lately I have become extremely angry - almost aggressive. I feel such a strong feeling of contempt and hatred towards others who in theory have done nothing wrong by me... Please help and share if anyone else has gone through this...

Mares73 Black dog returns & I still can't control it
  • replies: 39

Dear friends I've been quiet of late. One reason was going through all the Royal Commission stuff & another was I felt I didn't want to take people's time. I usually like to try & offer support but I'm sorry I haven't been great at that the past few ... View more

Dear friends I've been quiet of late. One reason was going through all the Royal Commission stuff & another was I felt I didn't want to take people's time. I usually like to try & offer support but I'm sorry I haven't been great at that the past few weeks. Problem is I was kinda managing after the RC until this Friday when I woke up out of blue feeling the black dog had me trapped. I felt down, helpless, frustrated & guilty that I couldn't stop it. I've had a big pile of bills & paperwork which everyday I say I must do by tomorrow. Yet I get anxious & they don't get done. A few jobs I need to do but have this terrible immobilized feeling where I feel stuck, unable to do anything much. Why when I've been through this many times before can't I deal with it? Why am I so low & lost interest in most things. I feel like a loser. I had a plan to do something each day to improve my health as I'm very run down It was simple day 1 drink water as I usually hardly drink any, day 2 go for walk get out house, day 3 start cutting be mess I'm overusing. And I bought all this healthy food to make a soup etc & I've done nothing. I just feel so worn out that everything is a massive effort. I'll get a check next time I see Dr but if I didn't have depression I'd think something serious was wrong due to my extreme fatigue. I hate losing all motivation. I hate how this illness can just hit out of nowhere. I just want to function & hopefully experience a feeling of true happiness again one day. I really don't know what to do when I feel this low. Do I sit it out? Do I try achieve something each day as hard as it may be? After all this time I still don't know what to do when an episode hits. Its as though all my abilities get taken away. I don't want to feel this low. I've got a heap to go through with a lawyer over next 12 months to seek apology & compensation from the church. I just want to be reassured my strength hasn't gone. And when I feel like this things get really hard at home, my husband goes around saying he's sick of it & I feel so much guilt for an illness I'm struggling to control. What to do when it hits?? Anyway I'm sorry I haven't been my regular self with my replies. Lve Mares x

Catcatcat I have NO memory of my depression.
  • replies: 1

I have recently learned from my close friends that I had severe depression for about a year in 2011. I say recently learned because I was unaware of my depressive state. I thought I may have been depressed but had no idea to what extent .I was 20 yea... View more

I have recently learned from my close friends that I had severe depression for about a year in 2011. I say recently learned because I was unaware of my depressive state. I thought I may have been depressed but had no idea to what extent .I was 20 years old and living by myself in my mums house with her 3 dogs (she was living interstate) I didn't work and would live off $50 that she would give me every week. I lost about 10kgs and slept during the day and would go on Internet chat rooms at night time. I thought all of my friends hated me and no one cared or knew that I was sad. I Found out this week that during this time my friends sought out councellors and made me food and made appointments for me to get help. They told me they came to my house on a daily basis and knocked on my door trying to get in so they could help. They brought me food that they would later find moldy and untouched and there was dog poo all through the house. They said I would come to the window and tell them to f#*! Off. This was all new news to me as I have absolutely NO memory of this happening. this is quite a shocking thing to find out about myself. even hearing them tell me this brings back no memories of it. It's scared me quite a bit and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar to this??

Ladybug Lost, alone and scared
  • replies: 1

So I find myself back here several years after I thought I was better. I don't know where to start and I don't really even know whats wrong. I'm scared for no reason and feel empty and alone even though I'm surrounded by family and friends. I've been... View more

So I find myself back here several years after I thought I was better. I don't know where to start and I don't really even know whats wrong. I'm scared for no reason and feel empty and alone even though I'm surrounded by family and friends. I've been living with depressin for 9 years and alway fear the dark days will return. For the last 4months I've been on a roller coaster. I go from amazing highs to such sad lows. Right now I'm locked in my room and too scared to talk to anyone. I feel no one understands me. I know I shouldn't be feeling so down which is why I find it hard. It's like I'm two people trapped In The one body. I'm not on medication at the moment. I feel so lost and confused. Don't know what to do. I feel I'm forever lost

willow_sun Fearful Of help
  • replies: 1

Why is it that I am so fearful and ashamed to tell others what I experience? Depression is something I have struggled with all of my life. In the past 12 months it started to really spiral out of control again. Since then, even though I have dealt wi... View more

Why is it that I am so fearful and ashamed to tell others what I experience? Depression is something I have struggled with all of my life. In the past 12 months it started to really spiral out of control again. Since then, even though I have dealt with it previously and told people about it previously I am so scared and anxious to share again and reach out for help. I mean I am not alone. My husband knows. He supports how he can. But I know he doesn't completely understand I don't think he ever will I don't hold this against him . But it's hard. I know I need further support I finally plucked the courage a few months ago to see a naturopath and explain my difficulties. I was scared to go to my GP first for the fear of medication and embarrassment. In the past she has been very cold when I've discussed this with her. Unsupportive and never followed up. A few months on and it seems the work of the naturopath is not working. I know I need to see a GP again. But I am so fearful. I think it may be best to change. But how do I choose who? The embarrassment. The shame. The anxiety. The courage. It all seems too much. and what if I do need medication? It seems I've exhusted every other option?

Troyboy What help is available?
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone. It's s been nearly a year since Ive posted on here, not that I haven't wanted too more often, It's just that I still find it very hard reaching out and only do so when I'm feeling very low, I have a question that I hope someone can help ... View more

Hi everyone. It's s been nearly a year since Ive posted on here, not that I haven't wanted too more often, It's just that I still find it very hard reaching out and only do so when I'm feeling very low, I have a question that I hope someone can help me with? Due to my illness im not working at the moment, and for those that might judge, (no im not on any centerlink benefits either) I'm not ready to return to work really, I find it difficult to get up and do basic things let alone leave the house, but for financial reasons I may have to return to some type of work, I was wondering if there are any government departments, or services available to help people with mental illness find employment or at least find a employer who knows your situation and would be understanding of how it might take you time to adjust to things, kind of like how they get people into the workforce with disabilities. I just know if I was somewhere where they knew a little about my situation and were understanding that it may take me a little time to learn and get into the work groove I would do better, it worries me greatly that I might just have to try and suck it up and do it on my own when I know I'm not ready. Any advice would be welcome. Troy

Vanilla Feeling alone and disconnected
  • replies: 2

Hi there, I am new to the online forums. I have anxiety, depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I would like to share my experiences of having mental illness as Im feeling alone and want someone to hear me. I have been aware of my anxiety for ... View more

Hi there, I am new to the online forums. I have anxiety, depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I would like to share my experiences of having mental illness as Im feeling alone and want someone to hear me. I have been aware of my anxiety for about the past 4 years. I feel it may have been around before hand but hard to know when you engage in activities that alter your mind and behaviours. Anxiety hit me hard at my last workplace. I was bullied and overworked. The job itself was a stressful occupation. I eventually found myself unable to function well at work and this is when I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I sought professional help and after battling to go to work each day, I eventually resigned. My relationship of 10 years with my fiance was also under pressure. I wasnt sure if I was in love with the person and they decided to end it as they felt happier on their own and not having to worry about me. They also knew of my uncertainties so perhaps didnt want to risk investing themselves in a relationship which may not have had a future anyway. Thankfully, my parents offered to accomodate me and support me financially in some ways. I have slowly built up a network of support in my new community and have learnt tools which I can use to help me with feelings of anxiety,depression and intrusive thoughts. The thing that I'm struggling with most is the intrusive thoughts. They can last for days, even months and cause a lot of anxiety for me. I wish I could better manage these thoughts as they make me unhappy and can sometimes be too overpowering for me to battle. The Christmas period has been difficult for me as some of my usual support network is not available. My partner used to encourage and support me a lot and remind me of my strengths. I miss that kind of support and I feel he was my cheer squad.I feel like not many people just 'listen'. Its now been about 4 years of therapy for me with different professionals and spiritual work in the years before that. I feel as though I work so hard on myself and I want recognitiion for that. Perhaps I need to start being my own cheer squad... On the rare day I will feel connected with life, which makes me most happy. Everyday I feel anxious for most of the day, with my anxiety going up and down. I also experience periods of depression. Ideally, I would like to come off my meds, and be a more confident and happier person. Thank you.

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