Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

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
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 1

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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 discussion

guest75 can depression be brought on by a loved one?
  • replies: 6

I met with my psychologist yesterday afternoon. This is the first session I've had with her where i was able to speak properly about everything, without turning into a blubbering mess. It was also the first session where I was able to look at my rela... View more

I met with my psychologist yesterday afternoon. This is the first session I've had with her where i was able to speak properly about everything, without turning into a blubbering mess. It was also the first session where I was able to look at my relationship with Tara objectively, without just "wanting her back" as i had for the previous 5-6 weeks. She didnt say it in exact words, but she suggested that my depression may have been brought on by Tara and the way she had been treating me. Over the last 6 months of our relationship, she convinced me to leave a job i loved and we had to relocate, when that job didnt work out she assured me there was enough in savings for me to resign and look for a new job. All the savings money was in her name so i was left with no money and became a virtual hermit for 6 months as she kept making excuses to not put money into my account, and because we only had 1 car i was left with no transportation. This had been happening (money stuff etc) for approximately 2 years before we made the move Finding the stuff on the computer that showed me she had been cheating on me was the best thing that ever happened to me (as stupid as that sounds) as it allowed me to see her for what she really was. Previous to that I was always of the opinion i was lucky to have her, she was better than me and i should be greatful. She will blame me for my moods changing for our relationship breakdown, but i feel my depression and subsequent mood changes were brought on by her actions towards me, turning me into a prisoner in my own home. The releif i have felt since knowing it was over has been undescribable, knowing its finished and being able to see everything how it really was. My blossoming relationship with Katy is also a fantasic feeling helping feel better, but even without that, knowing that of my life is finished is pure relief. Has that happened to anyone else, to have a person who you loved and lived with to bring the depression on with their actions? Something i wrote last night, directed at Tara You thought you won? You left me a broken man You left me with no money You left me with no job You left me with no car You left me with no home You left me alone Did you win? NO I have rebuilt myself, and I am now a better man I have a job I have money I have a car And I am now seeing a new lady, who, throughout our whole relationship, i always wondered "what if" Now i can discover what if with her So thank you for breaking me and causing me to rebuild myself, because i am now a better man than i was

Christa1 In A Panic
  • replies: 7

A few hours ago I replied to those who had replied to my post (this is only my 2nd ever post), saying how I felt better today. Since then, my son has returned back from his dad's house & has been saying things which strongly suggest he may be thinkin... View more

A few hours ago I replied to those who had replied to my post (this is only my 2nd ever post), saying how I felt better today. Since then, my son has returned back from his dad's house & has been saying things which strongly suggest he may be thinking of taking our son to live with him some time in the near future. We are not divorced (still separated) and there are no legal orders for access for either of us. I feel shattered, just shaken to the core. I never thought I would have to deal with this as our separation was pretty amicable We have been separated for 3 years & I have a new partner. We are due to move in together (with my son) next month. My ex-husband, I have recently found out, now has a girlfriend and I think he may want our son to live with them later in the year. I keep my son out of all the difficulties I have with his dad. I have never bad-mouthed his dad to him or asked him to keep anything from his dad, ever. Our son would like to live with both of us, he says. I am worried that if I go for custody that my depression will be brought up & also the state of my home, which needs a lot of repair & frequently looks like a bomb's hit it! I feel panicky, like my world is starting to crumble around me. If I didn't have my son, I don't know what there would be left to live for. After having done all the hard yards for the past 3 years looking after our son, I feel shattered that his dad might just come along & take him. I can't even think straight as to what to do. I feel almost numb with shock at this. My son is my world & I just can't lose him. Can these post be made available to solicitors etc... I don't want to give anyone any ammunition against me.

Mares73 Avoidance & Selfesteem issues
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I was about to reply to my dear friend Neil when I realised there was a common thread through many people's stories & situations. So many of experience low Selfesteem, lack of confidence, fear of future, feel like a failure. And for some peop... View more

Hi all, I was about to reply to my dear friend Neil when I realised there was a common thread through many people's stories & situations. So many of experience low Selfesteem, lack of confidence, fear of future, feel like a failure. And for some people the way they cope is to use avoidance strategies to escape the pain & experiences they are dealing with. For so long I have used avoidance behaviour whenever I could to cope. This may be taking extra medication, drinking, escaping into another situation etc. but I just thought I'd mention it as its a big part of depression. And when we cannot feel hope, we do the next best thing-try to escape the situation (& this includes harm issues). I don't have the answered & right now I wish I could escape/avoid how I'm feeling-but in my situation the depression has overwhelmed me beyond my usual point of hiding it & coping with it. But I have always had low Selfesteem, I have always blamed myself for anything & everything. I apologise for things that people say "why are you apologising?), I see myself as a failure with no hope. Yet 10yrs ago I was in a high level job & was a different person. Now escaping into work was also an avoidance issue in some ways as I excelled at work but had experienced post-natal depression so I thought my kids were better in daycare. But they weren't happy & missed me & I eventually gave up work to be there for them and I'm so glad I did-yet the isolation when there is no one around is hard to manage. And from the reading I've done of people's stories-there seems to be an initial trigger or memory of painful experience from the past that they are still dealing with, as well as current issues which collide & bring us down. We may not even be able to identify the trigger/issue of pain as we have buried it deep & are now just coping with symptoms like me rather than moving on tie taking the next step of confronting or facing painful feelings, memories & thoughts. I don't know if any of this makes sense. I started off thinking of Neil & then thought so many of us may experience feeling at the bottom of the world. So this thread is "dedicated" to Neil ( im so awful hey) for those who can relate to the issues I've raised. Lve Mares x

Mares73 Part 3 Crisis Update
  • replies: 13

Hi aallI was supposed to see a Pyschiatrist at the local hospital yesterday as part of the acute team. But my taxi never turned up & the Dr couldn't wait so now I have to wait to see him next week.I am extremely low, still struggling with overwhelmin... View more

Hi aallI was supposed to see a Pyschiatrist at the local hospital yesterday as part of the acute team. But my taxi never turned up & the Dr couldn't wait so now I have to wait to see him next week.I am extremely low, still struggling with overwhelming thoughts of survival. My husband who had stayed working in NZ last week came home Thursday night. He usually works at home Friday but yesterday he went into work. He is returning to NZ tomorrow for another week. He really doesn't understand. He is asking me things like what will be for dinner each night-I can't even think of dinner. I'm trying to cope in half hour blocks.I don't know & I'm worried how to organise the kids for school this week. And next weekend my husband and I are meant to be staying down South Coast for a wedding. He seems to think I can just go back to feeling normal whenever I'm needed. But I can't. And I almost wish to go to hospital to have a break to get support for me. But that won't happen.I'm noticing I'm getting more anxious & afraid when I think of things I should have done ie pay bills & can't face anything at moment. Has anyone just had an acute reaction to depression that comes out of nowhere & takes over your thoughts & you can't identify a trigger? Because I've had depression & anxiety for years & usually I can tell I'm feeling low, know deep down what the triggers were & knew the type of support I needed. In such cases yes things may go by the wayside but I focus on something like reading which I usually love & I escape into that when I'm feeling low.But this time I can't concentrate to read, have zero interest in anything & feel so immobilised by my fear that I barely get through the day usually by reading on Beyond Blue.I cannot face people & couldn't imagine at all going out or doing anything I'd usually be able to do. I have also never previously considered hurting myself as my kids are everything to me, so they are a kind of safety net & I'd never ever do anything because I'd rather suffer through the depression than do something that would destroy them & I could never hurt them or leave them.Yet like the other things I've mentioned, this is the first time that my pain & out of control thoughts are stronger than my usual safety net (my kids). It's the first time ever that the thoughts are stronger than my ability to survive for my kids. The out of control thoughts tell me they would be better off long term rather than having a mother in this state & my husband could meet someone else. That in itself is proof of my current state of mind. I'm not "me" at the moment.I really hope to see a psych ASAP. I'd be interested if anyone has ever had a similar situation-where severe depression just comes from nowhere & you feel completely out of control of your thoughts & feel terrified by being out of control, especially the thoughts of not wanting to continue-existence issues. Any similar experiences would be appreciated.So to sum up-I'm in an awful place but I'm holding on by reminding myself next week will hopefully provide more support & some changes in treatment-therefore helping me out of the current situation. I can't say thank you enough for reading, replying & being my main support at this time. My heart goes out to all experiencing a difficult time-you remain in my thoughts. Mares xxx Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA 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:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} '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.'

Chris D A Helping Hand
  • replies: 5

It's January 27 2014 and the time is 1.30pm. As i sit on my bed listening to music, i think about how all of us here at BB have come together to give a Helping Hand to each of us. We have all come from many different backgrounds, had many different u... View more

It's January 27 2014 and the time is 1.30pm. As i sit on my bed listening to music, i think about how all of us here at BB have come together to give a Helping Hand to each of us. We have all come from many different backgrounds, had many different ups and downs in our lives but there is one thing we all have in common that is we are seeking help and guidence to overcome our mental illnesses. We offer advice, support and encouragement to each and everyone of us, to lift us up of the ground and to give us a helping hand when we are in need of someone willing to offer their hand in our time of need. As we get pulled up of the ground by each of us, we say thankyou and give that person a hug. That person is also willing to offer their shoulder to have a cry on, an ear to listen to us and a mouth to voice support and encouragement. To each and everyone of you i say: THANKYOU, I HAVE FAITH IN YOU, I BELIEVE IN YOU, I ENCOURAGE YOU, BE STRONG, BE DEFIANT AND STAND TALL. We will all make it and that it will be ok. To Beyond Blue: From the bottom of my heart THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND ONGOING SUPPORT TO EACH OF US. I think all of us should give Beyond Blue a big round of applause for the advice, support and encouragement they have all given and continue to give us all. Kind Regards Chris

Dexter2748 Don't want to leave my bed..
  • replies: 2

For the past week I've spent a lot of time in bed, I don't ever really feel like leaving. I've cancelled plans with friends, experienced anxiety over having to go to work and I feel pretty numb most of the day. I've got a great doctor, fantastic psyc... View more

For the past week I've spent a lot of time in bed, I don't ever really feel like leaving. I've cancelled plans with friends, experienced anxiety over having to go to work and I feel pretty numb most of the day. I've got a great doctor, fantastic psychologist and a big support system yet I'm scared of everything, everyone. I try to focus on getting better but is it common to experience massive lows like this while seeking help? I'm just so tired, so anxious, so completely over feeling so distant from the rest of the world.

chociloni what happens in hospital?
  • replies: 8

I feel Im almost at a point to go to hospital. Ive already seen a psych, plus a mental health nurse and they both think itd be worse for me if I was to go in there, and worse for me to change meds. How can this be? What is supposed to help? Im gettin... View more

I feel Im almost at a point to go to hospital. Ive already seen a psych, plus a mental health nurse and they both think itd be worse for me if I was to go in there, and worse for me to change meds. How can this be? What is supposed to help? Im getting worse. I cant see a way out of whats happening. My life cannot go on with the same thought patterns, or loneliness, or poverty, so Its supposed to be ok for me to just stay in this mental space? Im just supposed to live a comprimised half life forever? Thats all there is for me?

Beetle What is me, what is the depresssion and what's the med? What I think...
  • replies: 2

HI I have read many posts and where people were wondering how the 'real me' feels. With me I can tell the difference in my solar plexus( the area behind your breastbone).The real me, my soul is there, the real me lives there. If depression/anxiety ta... View more

HI I have read many posts and where people were wondering how the 'real me' feels. With me I can tell the difference in my solar plexus( the area behind your breastbone).The real me, my soul is there, the real me lives there. If depression/anxiety takes hold that area hurts, it crushes my chest and I cant 'be'.I want to run, die, or cut the feeling out. The med manages to take that feeling away and replaces it with a positive warm feeling. I know the real me is the positive warm feeling since I did experience this feeling before-but only randomly since my mental health was 'suboptimal' and I was down in the dumps. So I believe there is only one real me- that one which can only exist with the med. So the real me was always there, and is still there, but the depression/anxiety suffocated those warm positive feelings and I could therefore never feel the real me. So now I can at least feel and am grateful for that. I lack the negative feelings which I don't miss. Sorry this post probably doesn't make any sense-but I thought it may help people to learn feeling again. My compass for the state of my mental health is my solar plexus. Its good to be able to feel that part again and not wanting to cut it out of my chest! Beetle

DrewP Lost and Empty
  • replies: 5

I feel like an idiot writing this stuff but i just need to let everything out.I am empty, i have just separated from a long term relationship with the person i was looking to marry about 2 mths ago. My little Brother has just been diagnosed with HIV,... View more

I feel like an idiot writing this stuff but i just need to let everything out.I am empty, i have just separated from a long term relationship with the person i was looking to marry about 2 mths ago. My little Brother has just been diagnosed with HIV, Im finding myself slowly turning to drugs on weekends to try and fill a void. I Can be happy and put n a brave face but then everything just come crashing down and i just want it all to end. I Have found myself in my garage numerous times writing letters to my family and friends apologising for everything i have done and how i want to end it......I have tried twice but failed and i just feel even more depressed because i can not do it. I see a picture of my ex and it just destroys me because i know i single handedly destroyed our relationship and took it for granted. I love her so much. I know i can make her happy again and i just want that chance.I ruined my relationship with my sick brother and i wasn't there for him when he got sick. I wish i could turn back time. I just want to be happy...I scared and alone..... Sorry Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA 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:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} '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.'

redcoat I may have really messed up this time
  • replies: 4

I feel like I am the worst person who has ever existed. Nothing ever seems to change things only get worse... all the time. I feel like I have had enough. I don't know how to help myself anymore and I am so tired of trying.

I feel like I am the worst person who has ever existed. Nothing ever seems to change things only get worse... all the time. I feel like I have had enough. I don't know how to help myself anymore and I am so tired of trying.