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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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DarklyRuby Lost The Only Thing I Love
  • replies: 4

I've been depressed for a long time, and the only thing that's held me together was drawing. I love drawing. I use to have piles of drawings. I can't explain why but I destroyed all of them. That left me broken hearted. I feel like I have nothing now... View more

I've been depressed for a long time, and the only thing that's held me together was drawing. I love drawing. I use to have piles of drawings. I can't explain why but I destroyed all of them. That left me broken hearted. I feel like I have nothing now. Worse than that, I can't seem to draw anymore. Nothing I draw seems to come out well anymore. I hate being unproductive. I just don't know what to do. I was already depressed but now I feel twice as bad. All advice is welcome.

xav2186 narcissistic injury
  • replies: 1

I am hoping someone might be able to share their thoughts on this mental health condition, narcissistic injury. I have been diagnosed with this condition, narcissistic injury 18 months ago. I am sometimes overwhelmed by terribly violent thoughts but ... View more

I am hoping someone might be able to share their thoughts on this mental health condition, narcissistic injury. I have been diagnosed with this condition, narcissistic injury 18 months ago. I am sometimes overwhelmed by terribly violent thoughts but they are no were near as controlling as what they used to be. Sometimes the thoughts are like an out of control missile which can turn on me, suicide, self harm. It causes me incredible mental distress and pain, the pain may last for short moments, hours and long days. I have been admitted to a psychiatric hospital on three occasions. You feel so distressed sometimes because it is off the charts. When in hospital I was told it was not appropriate to share my thoughts with other patients as it may scare them. The only persons i can tell is my psychotherapist, who I am very lucky to have and some close friends. - Any feedback this character (villian) receives is usually perceived as a personal attack in him self which sends him into an inner rage, this rage is often disproportional to the ‘offence’ and will manifest itself through extreme irrational thoughts. I call it rage but actually it is really a very deep sense of pain and hurt. The villain is narcissist very pre-occupied with him self, he is at his best (worst) when something important needs to be done. This villain is not some random fictitious thing that has just appeared out of no where, he was conceived out of a need to serve a purpose, which was up until now, helping me cope and survive - hope this make sense.The hospital that i have been going to is actually very relaxing, the staff are fantastic and there is a real feeling of community among the patients. I would encourage anyone with a mental health issue to speak to their doctor about getting an admission. But mine is a private clinic so I am not sure how this compares to some public psych hospitals.Never the less I am really interested in hearing from someone with this condition, As a consequence I have developed anxiety and am on AD and I am in fear of when the next episode may happen. Does any one out there have this condition.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

JPR What to do??
  • replies: 1

I am new to this so lets see how it goes. I have been diagnosed with Depression and GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) I have been changing meds for the last few months with the guidance of a Psychiatrist but recently I feel as though they just aren'... View more

I am new to this so lets see how it goes. I have been diagnosed with Depression and GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) I have been changing meds for the last few months with the guidance of a Psychiatrist but recently I feel as though they just aren't working. I am constantly feeling like my heart is going to jump out of my chest. I feel like I am going to be sick. I don't want to eat, I don't want to do anything! I own my own business with my husband and I don't even want to go to work. I just want to sit and watch TV. I have recently put on 13kg's with the latest change of meds. I am the BIGGEST i have ever been and not liking it. I am jumpy and everything my husband and daughter do I find something wrong with it. I am over feeling like this, I am over being like this. I am just over it altogether. How do people cope with their ups and downs? I am struggling!

feelingblue87 REady to give up
  • replies: 1

I've lived my whole life with mental illness and lack of joy. Lately I've been feeling so bummed out and miserable I wish I were dead. I am a long term heavy smoker and I keep waiting for the day I get lung cancer so I could let it kill me and escape... View more

I've lived my whole life with mental illness and lack of joy. Lately I've been feeling so bummed out and miserable I wish I were dead. I am a long term heavy smoker and I keep waiting for the day I get lung cancer so I could let it kill me and escape from this miserable existence. I'm 52 and I'm fed up. I don't want to feel this way as I would like to have some feeling of purpose and few periods of happiness here and there. I am under the care of a mental health proff. but I"m already taking medication. Maybe it's not working anymore. It seems like I'm feeling worse and I don't know if any other meds could help. I havent wanted to talk to my practitioner because all she'll do is send me to a psych ward where I'll be locked up and unable to smoke or do anything. I'm heavily addicted to smoking and don't intend to quit. I feel awful as I've been feeling pretty lousy over the past year. I'm open to advice and shared experiences. 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.

Loz43 Robin Williams: despair, depression, bullying
  • replies: 20

With the terrible news of Robin Williams losing his battle with depression really hit home today, even though I have never been suicidal it has crossed my mind. I was so saddened that he felt so helpless and couldn't see the light at the end of the t... View more

With the terrible news of Robin Williams losing his battle with depression really hit home today, even though I have never been suicidal it has crossed my mind. I was so saddened that he felt so helpless and couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel Then today at work a co-worker was bullying another co-worker and I just couldn't let it go. I had a word with my boss and said how upset that I was with this situation and it was uncalled for and totally disrespectful. What if this person that was being bullied suffered depression it could have been so detrimental to her health. I am proud of myself for speaking up as I probably wouldn't have wanted to rock the boat in the past. I am feeling sad about Robin Williams and I am so upset, angry and my heart aches for the person who was being bullied today. I just needed to share with you all as I don't really have anyone close that I can share these feelings with

momentaryhappiness new and confused
  • replies: 3

Hi I’m new to this website and i need your advice... For the last month or so I have had little motivation to do anything and i think losing my job almost 2 months ago is a main contributor to this since i now barely leave the house. lately I’ve been... View more

Hi I’m new to this website and i need your advice... For the last month or so I have had little motivation to do anything and i think losing my job almost 2 months ago is a main contributor to this since i now barely leave the house. lately I’ve been in bed all day finding myself in tears for no reason or just crying of the smallest things. I’m doing an online course and the past few weeks i open it and no matter how hard i try i just can’t get myself motivated to do it or i get distracted straight away. Im beginning to have massive fallouts with my family and pushing them away. But in saying this i go out with my friends at least 3 times a week at night and I’m happy i also eat and sleep normally. i did the checklist test on this website out of curiosity and i got 30 which I’m very surprised about because i was honestly just thinking I’m just having a few bad days…. i just don’t know what to think

Tatsuki How to help a friend as well as yourself?
  • replies: 4

I was diagnosed with depression in early 2012. During 2013 I was fine, I had some ups and downs but nothing too serious. Then 2014 came around, and I've slowly been slipping. A couple of my friends know about it, and when I told my now ex-boyfriend h... View more

I was diagnosed with depression in early 2012. During 2013 I was fine, I had some ups and downs but nothing too serious. Then 2014 came around, and I've slowly been slipping. A couple of my friends know about it, and when I told my now ex-boyfriend he simply didn't want to deal with it and left. I don't want to tell my family because I'm scared they'll treat me differently, but it's starting to affect my life in more ways then it ever has before. I struggle to find reasons to leave my house and I've barely been to uni. Now one of my close friends, who's been helping me cope, has recently told me they're suffering as well. I don't know how to be there and look after them if I can barely look after myself. I don't know how to be strong. Some days are better than others, I've been feeling ok the past few days. But I know it's just a matter of time before I fall back down the rabbit hole. Please help

KirstC New here
  • replies: 7

Hi I'm currently going through another major depressive episode, haven't had one for years but a spiteful ex ( it was him that caused the previous episodes) and chronic pain have put me back in the hole again. I consider myself a nice person, I am co... View more

Hi I'm currently going through another major depressive episode, haven't had one for years but a spiteful ex ( it was him that caused the previous episodes) and chronic pain have put me back in the hole again. I consider myself a nice person, I am considerate and have compassion for others. To have someone who hates me so much that he wants to ruin my life takes my breath away. I can't conceive how anyone could treat anyone else in such a way, even if they were an enemy. Particularly when that person knows my medical issues and carries on regardless. The ex and I have two children and we share 50-50 care. He is using the child support agency to extract money from me ($900 per month) even though I pay 2 to 1 for all the kids costs and I don't work (I'm a PhD student on a stipend ~$1800 a month). He says I left work to get out of paying him which is rubbish. I have medical and psychologist reports to back me up but the CSA just hear his side. They also took $5k out of my tax return and gave it to him because of a computer error, they apologized but won't give me my money back and he refused to return it. I have some hefty medical bills so I have had to apply to the federal court to try to get the money back and to stop them taking more money. I have to do it myself as I can't afford legal representation. I'm very lucky I have a supportive husband who has a law degree. I can't think what it would be like to battle the CSA & a nasty ex without resources. Needless to say my research is really suffering. I feel pretty awful right now.

DarklyRuby Falling Into Darkness
  • replies: 3

I just feel so down and alone that I don't know what to do. All I do is work and drink coffee. I'm at a total loss. My art still isn't working out for me. I just want to lie in bed and cry.

I just feel so down and alone that I don't know what to do. All I do is work and drink coffee. I'm at a total loss. My art still isn't working out for me. I just want to lie in bed and cry.

cjh86 Is this Depression?
  • replies: 5

Hi, everyone. My first time here (just joined). Anyway, is this depression, or does it sound like it might be? I have very low self-esteem and always feel like others are "better" than me. There's no reason for me thinking that, and I know at heart t... View more

Hi, everyone. My first time here (just joined). Anyway, is this depression, or does it sound like it might be? I have very low self-esteem and always feel like others are "better" than me. There's no reason for me thinking that, and I know at heart that it's silly and that I have the respect of friends and colleagues, even senior management (I'm a school teacher), but there's still no getting around the feeling. It only takes one bad incident for me to think it's all too hard, and then I retreat into myself and internalise everything. I'm a great listener, but not a good talker. I drink too much alcohol, but I wouldn't say I'm an alcoholic. Having said that, I'm from a family of heavy drinkers/alcoholics (father, both grandfathers), so it could get worse. I often think there's no point to life, but I think of it in a more philosophical way - what's the point of anything, really, when we're all gonna be dead in 100 years? Does it really matter if you die at 40, 60 or 90? What impact can you possibly make in the world? That kind of thing. I've thought about suicide, but only to think that I'd never do it. I suppose I'm just imagining what it would be like, rather than actually considering it. I love my daughter deeply and would never leave her for anything. My wife also thinks very highly of me, as do my mum and siblings. I think I'm a talented musician, but would never have the confidence to go and pursue it it a meaningful way. That's a significant part of my thinking in my mid-40s: the failure to live up to potential. Yeah, that's the hardest thing, and it gets worse as I get older. It's hard to explain. A friend of mine with serious depression (twice a suicide attempt) said to me, "Oh, you've got depression. You just deal with it better than me." I did the 10-point quiz and came up "moderate" (score 22), which surprised me. I thought it would say, "Go away. You're fine." Just wondering what you all think. Grateful for any replies. Thanks.