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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 chats on this Forum having 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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tc Depression and eating disorder
  • replies: 6

I'm new to BB and have been reading your stories and comments for a couple of weeks. So many of the things you write about resonate deeply within me, and I feel less isolated. Does anyone experience disordered/out of control eating or restraining fro... View more

I'm new to BB and have been reading your stories and comments for a couple of weeks. So many of the things you write about resonate deeply within me, and I feel less isolated. Does anyone experience disordered/out of control eating or restraining from eating behaviour? Since childhood (am 55) my eating pattern and weight has been unhealthy - going from skinny to fat - being an anorexic teenager, young adult - then into bulimia (restraining/exercising) for most of my adult life. Several times, over the years, especially during times of extreme distress/depression - my restraining pattern turned into bingeing, like a form of self-soothing or comfort. Most recently, life has become overwhelmingly challenging and the binge eating pattern has returned. I've lost control and feel completely ashamed and repulsed by myself, my body and my eating. I've withdrawn from most of my friends and just want to stay in my apartment, watch tv and hide. I was proud of myself when I was in control of my eating and exercising daily. My body was lean, I could feel my bones. It's a tremendous feeling - a high - and very much in-sync with who I am - a perfectionist. When things look to be in order - house perfect, appearance 'perfect' (not that it ever is!) - life feels safe, life makes sense and I feel in control. That has all gone. I know that even when we feel "in control", the feeling is largely illusion, however, now the illusion has gone. I've been without work for almost two years, live alone, divorced - for the second time, and have a mortgage. This is especially agonising as I had left work for full time uni, gained a degree, worked for a time in a related field - and now am in a worse position than I was before uni. (trying not to use too may "I's", sorry!!!) This is deteriorating into a ramble. My thoughts are confused. Have been on antidepressant for about 15 years and found they help to stabilise my mood and outlook. For the last 18mths or so, this hasn't been the case and I've become increasingly depressed, withdrawn, confused. Self-confidence has vanished. Self-esteem has also vanished. I see myself as a failure in most areas of my life. There are two people in my life who support, accept and love me, despite the depression. They are a priceless blessing. They don't really understand depression, and I often feel embarrassed and incredibly selfish in discussing my situation with them. Often, the best strategy for me is "cave dwelling" - laying low, staying at home, withdrawing from contact. That way, I don't have to wear a mask (which is SO exhausting), explain myself or expose anyone to my dark mood. Yesterday was a particularly bad day for uncontrolled eating. Today I feel physically and emotionally sick, drained and disgusted. This cycle has caught me in an iron grip. This is the first time I've talked about it. I would be unbearably ashamed if anyone recognised me or knew about my problem. I disgust myself. I have sort support, and hopefully will be commencing soon. Can't happen soon enough! Hopefully this makes some sort of sense to someone. It may strike a chord with you, if you battle similar demons. Reading stories of others here on BB has helped me to feel less isolated. If some of my rambling helps one person, it makes the effort worthwhile Whatever you are facing today, I hope you find the strength, peace and resilience you need to get through ...... TC

Leah77 Relcutant to have to tell family and friends again, they have seen this all before
  • replies: 6

Hi All I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety 15 years ago. Initally my treatment went along well, made alot of progress with reducing anxiety and I thought the depression. However, the past 12 months or so I have noticed I have been deter... View more

Hi All I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety 15 years ago. Initally my treatment went along well, made alot of progress with reducing anxiety and I thought the depression. However, the past 12 months or so I have noticed I have been deterioating. Depression is rearing its ugly head again, despite medication and seeing psychiatrist. Feeling pretty low, depressed about the battle of depression. I understand the depression is not me, but I am getting fed up. Teary and cry a fair bit in the evenings. Relcutant to have to tell family and friends again, they have seen this all before and feel bad. Concerned they might be sick of it trying to help/support. Does anyone else relate to this?

MaryG I want something else, to get me through this Semi-charmed kinda life...
  • replies: 1

These lyrics just go round in my head sometimes. I think why am I struggling? I don't have half the problems that other people have. Why do I seek something else to take the edge off? Why is alcohol my go to solution? I am here this morning after wak... View more

These lyrics just go round in my head sometimes. I think why am I struggling? I don't have half the problems that other people have. Why do I seek something else to take the edge off? Why is alcohol my go to solution? I am here this morning after waking up pretty seedy after a sleepless night of rapid heart beats and dehydration. My first thought is "have another drink.. it will make you feel better" And I did and it does. But I know it too will wear off and then what? Can I just keep going like this? Is this my life? I tell myself this is the last time but I'm not sure I really believe it.

scorch I can laugh but it doesn't reach my heart
  • replies: 5

Hi guys. I am so emotionally empty today. Disconnected. Like all my feelings are having a holiday, or I'm viewing them from another room. They are there... but not there. I can laugh but it doesn't reach my heart. Or smile but it doesn't reach my eye... View more

Hi guys. I am so emotionally empty today. Disconnected. Like all my feelings are having a holiday, or I'm viewing them from another room. They are there... but not there. I can laugh but it doesn't reach my heart. Or smile but it doesn't reach my eyes. I don't feel bad. I don't feel good. I just feel empty. Like there's nothing inside me. Like I've got nothing left to give. I don't know why. Life is going great for me right now, things are really starting to pick up. So why am I so numb? What can I do to feel again?

XR6Turbo i feel like I am never going to get better
  • replies: 4

Hi, I am new here, not new to depression have been struggling for the last 3 years. Different medication, trips to hospital etc. My depression has been caused by stress which has lead to anxiety, then depression. I work as a professional and have alw... View more

Hi, I am new here, not new to depression have been struggling for the last 3 years. Different medication, trips to hospital etc. My depression has been caused by stress which has lead to anxiety, then depression. I work as a professional and have always seen myself as a perfectionist. Made some minor mistakes that started to set off the anxiety, then depression. My world is falling apart around me, i feel like I am never going to get better and that I will eventually lose everything. I hate myself at the moment, giving up feels like the easy option? I cant get back to see my psychiatrist for another few days.

TT I am on antidepressant but it is coming back
  • replies: 2

I have been depressed for a long time but only started taking antidepressant 4 months ago. I remember it was dark and deep. Just like how most of us feel, exhausted and hopeless. I was suicidal. It felt like ending this life was the only way out. But... View more

I have been depressed for a long time but only started taking antidepressant 4 months ago. I remember it was dark and deep. Just like how most of us feel, exhausted and hopeless. I was suicidal. It felt like ending this life was the only way out. But I was lucky my bf fully supported me. My doctors put me on the medication and made sure I had all the support I needed. Things got better for a few weeks until I started losing weight and sleep. I started to get sick more frequently. Then before I knew it, it comes back. I can feel myself sliding back into the deep darkness. I started withdrawing myself, crying and feeling guiltu. I dont know how to fight it because I am exhausted everyday. And I really don't want my bf to put up with me anymore. It is not fair. I know a lot of us ask this question but when is it going to end?

Istherelight What if the meds don't work?
  • replies: 4

Hello,I am a female in my early 30's and have just been diagnosed with severe depression and mild anxiety. I have a good job that I have been working in for over 10 years and have had ups and downs in my life like most people. I had a rocky childhood... View more

Hello,I am a female in my early 30's and have just been diagnosed with severe depression and mild anxiety. I have a good job that I have been working in for over 10 years and have had ups and downs in my life like most people. I had a rocky childhood and teen years however from my early 20's my life has been fairly stable and I have always been a happy person trying to do the best in life. In the space of a few weeks I felt like I hit a wall, I lost interest in everything, work, gym, getting out of bed, even brushing my hair. I felt as though I just could not function. I have been referred to a psychologist who seems lovely and my Doctor had prescribed me medication this was nearly four weeks ago. I have had terrible side effects and I don't feel any better at all, in fact, I feel nothing, no happiness, sadness or any other feelings. I was very hesitant to touch medication, however was convinced when the psychologist advised me it would "give me my life back". I am now worried what will happen if it doesn't work on me, I'm currently on extended sick leave from work and have had to make up an illness to my boss, family and friends because I didn't feel I could tell them what's really wrong. Especially at work I fear I would be discriminated against and seen as weak. Has anyone had a similar experience? Does medication work on everyone? Has anyone had any positive experiences? any advice would be so much appreciated. Thank you

Shell Too depressed to eat.
  • replies: 8

I have been down and then I have been very down like at the moment where I cant even be bothered to eat......I am just full of self loathing at present, anyone else feel this way?...I mean with the eating thing, where you haven't eaten for days.

I have been down and then I have been very down like at the moment where I cant even be bothered to eat......I am just full of self loathing at present, anyone else feel this way?...I mean with the eating thing, where you haven't eaten for days.

Kyles I would like to get back some of my energy and enthusiasm
  • replies: 2

Hi. I had a nervous breakdown about 9 years ago now. Since then I have been 'retired' from work, and am under the care of a psychiatrist. I am medicated at present. I was reading an article today which talked depression suffered by a few high profile... View more

Hi. I had a nervous breakdown about 9 years ago now. Since then I have been 'retired' from work, and am under the care of a psychiatrist. I am medicated at present. I was reading an article today which talked depression suffered by a few high profile people - John Hamm and Ruby Rose amongst them. In essence, John's story was 'got sick, took anti-depressants, now I'm back', while Ruby's was more 'have suffered from this most of my life'. Do you/ CAN you ever get better from this? My doctors says I will never be what I was before. I feel like I have lost so much. I know I have changed a lot, but I would like to get back some of my energy and enthusiasm. I feel like I've been sick forever. Can anyone help me? Cheers, Kyles

ashaboo9 tips or suggestions on how to help your partner understand your illness
  • replies: 1

Hi all,Im not usually one to post these types of things but feeling pretty down tonight and thought I might share. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 5 years ago. I have kept it to myself for years, no one would suspect me as someone with a ... View more

Hi all,Im not usually one to post these types of things but feeling pretty down tonight and thought I might share. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 5 years ago. I have kept it to myself for years, no one would suspect me as someone with a mental illness, I have a supportive family, have been in a relationship for 4 years now and generally live a normal and happy life in the eyes of everyone around me. Sometimes though, I wish that they would understand the complexities of my illness and how their actions or words effect me behind closed doors. My partner skips around my issues most of the time, when I start to feel anxious about something and tell him I am upset, he forgets how hard I take things and gets angry at me for being upset. Its just a circle, I get upset, he gets angry then I get more upset, work myself up, sometimes have a panic attack, sometimes feel like harming myself, sometimes feel like putting myself out of my misery. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to help your partner understand your illness? Or how they can help in these situations? Would be great to hear from people in similar situations.