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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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Loz43 Unlovable?
  • replies: 3

My depression has hit an all time low. On max dose of meds and still feel helpless, hopeless and unloveable. I was in a lovelss marriage for 6 years longer than I should've been, trying to make it work but it seemed that my ex wouldn't even meet me h... View more

My depression has hit an all time low. On max dose of meds and still feel helpless, hopeless and unloveable. I was in a lovelss marriage for 6 years longer than I should've been, trying to make it work but it seemed that my ex wouldn't even meet me half way. This made me feel that I wasn't worth the effort. Been single for the last 3 years and dated a bit and agian the men made me feel used and unloveable. All I want is some companionship and to feel loved. I know this is not the be all and end all, I like myself, I am a loving, caring and affectionate person so what is wrong with me, why am I so unlovable to the opposite sex. I have been lonely and alone for nearly 10 years now. I have great kids, a job that I love, awesome supportive friends and family so why am I so depressed? I just don't understand

Joe_Black1 My shame & guilt are winning
  • replies: 10

I went to see a counsellor the other day. For the first time, I have been able to see my depression 'in action', as it was happening. I recognised some of the destructive, hateful thoughts for what they were. Seems kinda weird that I've finally reali... View more

I went to see a counsellor the other day. For the first time, I have been able to see my depression 'in action', as it was happening. I recognised some of the destructive, hateful thoughts for what they were. Seems kinda weird that I've finally realised the destructive nature of these thoughts and seen them for what they are after so many years. But my mind-fog is pretty heavy some days. She told me its an awesome thing to have this new 'clarity' on my depressive thinking. Now that I'm aware of it, I feel like I've given it a face, but I've also now made it more prominent in my consciousness... It's more powerful now than ever before. Today I want to leave this place more than I have in nearly 5 years andI' m frightened that I've reached this place again. Old guilt and shame have come flooding back anew, and my chest is heavy with the knowledge I'm so close. They are winning and I don't want to face anyone again with these forces controlling me. I cant face anyone again. I don't want to let my counsellor down, but I feel totally overwhelmed. Today at work I wanted to end it all. 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;}

This_is_my_alias It all started four months ago
  • replies: 13

So here's my story so far. I feel I have to share it with somebody - somebody who knows what I'm feeling, can say been there done that, and hopefully come out the other side.Things were good till January. I had a strong, happy, supportive family (sti... View more

So here's my story so far. I feel I have to share it with somebody - somebody who knows what I'm feeling, can say been there done that, and hopefully come out the other side.Things were good till January. I had a strong, happy, supportive family (still do), good job (more on that later), and everything seemed fine.Then out of the blue, the depression and anxiety appeared from nowhere. I was an emotional wreck, barely functional some days, feeling like I wanted to curl up in a ball, cry, and make it all go away. I had wonderful support from my wife, who said to see a professional, and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Take these little pink pills, and it will all go away. I stopped after a month - I don't want a pill to mask my problems, I want to know the root cause.A month later I saw a psychologist. Waste of time. She basically said I had a chemical imbalance, and to put a rubber band around my wrist, and flick it everytime I was having negative thoughts. I haven't been back.I started to feel better. Everything was looking up for a while. But now, I'm back on the emotional rollercoaster again. Tears are only a blink away, and I can't help but feel everything is blue. I get emotional leaving my family in the mornings to go to work, can't concentrate for longer than 5 - 10 minutes while I'm in the office.I don't know why. My boss (who knows the problem, and has been there) is supportive, but I dislike him intensely. My wife is fantastic - fully supportive, compassionate and wanting to help. My kids and I have a great relationship, and even though they're getting to the age where emotions in public are embarrassing, they're still happy to give their dear old (46 year old) Dad cuddles at bed time, despite being 10 and 12.I have things to look forward to. We have a 4 week UK trip planned at the end of June, and I'm really looking forward to the break. We're financially independent, have good, safe jobs.. there is nothing that tells me why I should be feeling this way.But I go for a walk at lunchtime, and wonder whether being in an accident and being hospitalised for a period, will cause my life to be put on hold for a period, whilst I sort myself out.I'm seeing a new psychologist on Monday, but the negative Nancy in me says that she won't be able to help me. She can't see inside my head, and tell me why it's all screwed up. I feel like nobody can help me, and I should just man up. But I can't. The emotions are too close to the surface, and it's just a struggle to share this story, without breaking down in tears again.With me, the glass is never half full, it's half empty. Why get excited about the future, and be let down, when you can prepare for doom, and be enlightened when it doesn't happen?Does it get better? Is there light at the end of the tunnel, or am I confined to these feelings for ever?I'd love to hear from anybody. Anybody who knows what I'm talking about. Can say they have been there done that, and whilst they may not be out the other side, can at least see the distant light at the end of the tunnel.

LexyB1993 I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them
  • replies: 2

I have just registered. I have never been one to talk about my feelings so I suppose I have registered out of desperation. I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them, I don't want to be a burden on my family and f... View more

I have just registered. I have never been one to talk about my feelings so I suppose I have registered out of desperation. I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them, I don't want to be a burden on my family and friends. I've gone from having good days and bad days to just having bad days. I can't get off the couch. I don't socialise anymore, I cant even respond to something as small as a text message. My feelings have changed from sadness to nothing at all. I don't care about anything anymore. I get desperate for human contact but I just cant make a phonecall. I don't know what I need. Ive been seeing a psychologist for 3 years. Two weeks ago I started back on medication again. I guess im just tired of feeling so alone. I see everyone else so happy and it makes me feel like a freak. Why cant I just be happy like them? Please help, I feel like I have nowhere else to go.

HelenM It all gets too much
  • replies: 17

For a few weeks now I've been on an okay level. Once I'm out and about life's been okay. Suddenly it's changed for no good reason. On and off I've had sleep problems with my depression and in the early days they caused me horrendous problems. If my s... View more

For a few weeks now I've been on an okay level. Once I'm out and about life's been okay. Suddenly it's changed for no good reason. On and off I've had sleep problems with my depression and in the early days they caused me horrendous problems. If my sleep plays up I can become quite distressed. On Thursday night I had problems getting to sleep. Then I kept waking and sleeping. So much so that on Friday I couldn't go to the charity shop where I help because I felt so rubbish. So on Friday night I took a sleeping tablet. Then last night I slept with nothing. Well I got 3and half hours. In Scotland it's midday now. I'm just crying and crying. My mind has gone crazy on me. I feel I've been shot down from the sky. Last week I had a couple of fantastic times and suddenly it's all gone. The sleep problem is all psychological but now I've got to try to get it back on track. Please could people answer as I don't want to ring my friends. My husband knows but is fairly dismissive and I don't want to talk to my family or anyone. I don't know why. The other week LING said she wanted to give up. We can't though. But I just wish it were possible because I feel so miserable. Any support would be helpful. Thanks, Helen

gibby3794 i dont even know :(
  • replies: 3

I have been feeling so depressed the last few weeks and I don't even know why, nothing has gotten worse, hasn't gotten better either but no worse than it was, im still inlove with somebody I can never have, hate my job, in debt to my eyeballs with no... View more

I have been feeling so depressed the last few weeks and I don't even know why, nothing has gotten worse, hasn't gotten better either but no worse than it was, im still inlove with somebody I can never have, hate my job, in debt to my eyeballs with nothing to show for it etc but ive been getting really bad the last few weeks, im scared at the moment as I never drink but ive been drinking 5 nights in a row, I thought it was just because there was alcohol in the fridge but I went to the bottle tonight to buy more because I had ran out, so it is scaring me a bit, I have had a few alcoholics in my life and do not want to end up like that but I think I might be, I have been smoking pot a bit more to and when I don't have it I want it but most of the time I cant get it due to my dealer being caught, im not sure what to do, is it just a phase I will get over? because it is at the point that as soon as I walk in the door from work I start drinking until I go to bed and the other day I wanted to start drinking at lunch time, I didn't even start until like 6 on my 18th

Guest_5602 Doctor says "it's not medical"
  • replies: 7

Hi, just as I was leaving my GP's room he said a bit of community work would help me recover from depression and that my depression wasn't "medical". I'm not sure what he meant by it not being medical, does anyone know? I've been on medication for ab... View more

Hi, just as I was leaving my GP's room he said a bit of community work would help me recover from depression and that my depression wasn't "medical". I'm not sure what he meant by it not being medical, does anyone know? I've been on medication for about 5 years. If it's not MEDICAl, then why does he presribe me MEDICAtion? Anyone else have a dismissive GP?

BubbysFootballHero Anyone so quiet they feel isolated and need to repeat themselves ?
  • replies: 2

So quiet to the extent that you just give up sometimes, youngest of 4, lived with one parent from 2001-2003, graduated year 12, with rubbish marks, and a snapped ACL that wasn't operated on till Jan 2004. then July 2004 i did it again, there was a ti... View more

So quiet to the extent that you just give up sometimes, youngest of 4, lived with one parent from 2001-2003, graduated year 12, with rubbish marks, and a snapped ACL that wasn't operated on till Jan 2004. then July 2004 i did it again, there was a time during that period where i self-harmed, it was only minor, but i felt quite guilty afterwards and tried to keep it hidden from everyone. Then people call you names, and you don't bother calling them back, because you think your words will just go unnoticed.I feel im just rambling on so ill leave it here.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 self-harm or suicide, please phone our support service on 1300 224 636.

MrsCam I guess its true what they say "what goes up, must come down"
  • replies: 7

been feeling really quite agitated over the weekend and today I have been teary off and on. called my boss to say i wouldnt be working today. I know Im not supposed to do that but it was just too hard this morning went out with some friends on friday... View more

been feeling really quite agitated over the weekend and today I have been teary off and on. called my boss to say i wouldnt be working today. I know Im not supposed to do that but it was just too hard this morning went out with some friends on friday night and had quite a few drinks, 6 or 7 I lost count. I had a great time dancing and laughing and even singing karaoke. I was feeling great and in the back of my mind I wondered if it was maybe a bad thing cos my psychiatrist said that the problem with going up is that I will inevitabely come down hard. He said I shouldnt drink more that 2 or 3 at any one time but I guess I was feeling good and I didnt want the fun to end... guess Id better not do that again... also going to go back to taking my mood stabilizer early in the evening like i was in the hospital. it sucks cos they zonk me out and I lose my evening but I think in the long run I will be better for it just called to get an appointment with my gp, next available is next week on the 7th... hoping I can feel alot better before then...

LyndaSZ Is this as good as it gets?
  • replies: 2

I can't help thinking that 'what if it never gets any better than this?" I want to be the person I used to be so badly. I have been like this for over two years and I don't like it. But this might be a good day and I just don't realise it. I don't wa... View more

I can't help thinking that 'what if it never gets any better than this?" I want to be the person I used to be so badly. I have been like this for over two years and I don't like it. But this might be a good day and I just don't realise it. I don't want to live like this any more, I don't want to be sad, tired, grumpy, horrible any more. I just want to lock myself away from the world and never come out again. I want to be alone all the time and I hate it that the family wants my attention. I feel so useless and anything I try I am sure to fail at because that's about all I do well, is fail. Nothing excites me any more and I really don't want to even be here a lo of the time. I am feeling so fed up and apathetic but this might just be as good as it gets for the rest of my days.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.