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

Smurf80 Support groups
  • replies: 1

Hi, I'm new to this but I have also been looking for face to face support groups for those with depression in my area. I'm in Newcastle nsw but have had no luck finding any where close by. Does anyone know of such groups in the Newcastle area? View more

Hi, I'm new to this but I have also been looking for face to face support groups for those with depression in my area. I'm in Newcastle nsw but have had no luck finding any where close by. Does anyone know of such groups in the Newcastle area?

Jo3 Not feeling too good
  • replies: 7

I don't know why but I have woken up and started crying (story of my life That's all I seem to do lately is cry, think of something and cry. think of my childhood and cry. I have so many unfinished things that need to be completed but have no motivat... View more

I don't know why but I have woken up and started crying (story of my life That's all I seem to do lately is cry, think of something and cry. think of my childhood and cry. I have so many unfinished things that need to be completed but have no motivation to do any of them. And then I feel guilty for not completing them and feel horrible, lazy and feel that I just can never finish something, to actually complete something. For eg. my eye pillows, I bought the material and the lavender oil, i sewed up the pillows but haven't bought the dried lavender. So now this project is in a bag and it will stay there forever. That's how hopeless I am, never can I do anything that I can finish. I have all these grand plans but never once do I go ahead with any of them. I don't have the strength or confidence to tell myself to just do it. Get up and do it. If pnly it was that easy. i haven't walked for a while and i need to. i know i do but just can't face the idea of going for a walk. i just stay inside and hibernate. i now have three days off and i don't know what to do, i am crying. i actually have a bbq lunch to go to today but not sure now if I'll go. I have so much pent up anger, hurt and emotions running everywhere. So much happening in my life right now i feel like i;m going crazy. i wish there was someone right now that could just sit with me and give me a hug. but that feels like a child. damn the tears are flowing ad i can't stop. need to go, this is too hard, everything at the moment is too hard jo

Mal50 The whole package bundled up in one
  • replies: 6

I was rejected before I was born. "A mistake", "an accident". When my mother told my father she was pregnant he kicked her several times in the belly in an attempt to abort me. Because I was unwanted I was made to feel like there was something seriou... View more

I was rejected before I was born. "A mistake", "an accident". When my mother told my father she was pregnant he kicked her several times in the belly in an attempt to abort me. Because I was unwanted I was made to feel like there was something seriously wrong with me, even evil, that didn't deserve to live. So I was always an underachiever and had no motivation to even try. Always felt like, and was treated like, the black sheep because I was very withdrawn and quiet. Was always the prime target for bullies at school, receiving even death threats. So I began running away a lot, and even though I wasn't breaking any laws the 'authorities' warned my mother that I would be "institutionalised" if I didn't "conform". So when I wasn't at school being bullied and threatened I had to be chained with a length of chain locked around my ankle with the other end locked to a steel post in the middle of the room. By the time I was 15 I had very little sanity left and was admitted to a Psychiatric hospital for "treatment". I looked younger than my age and the authorities, in their great wisdom, put me in with grown men, and therefore I became the target for every pervert and pedophile in the place. By the time I was 16 I seriously wanted to end my life. Thus the life-long depression, anxiety, panic attacks, no self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. Whenever I tried to raise any of these issues with my mother, who is now 84, she would just yell, "I did it for your own good!" To date she has never said she was sorry and never will. My conclusion is that I must've been evil and deserved everything I got, and never ever deserved life.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.

Ilovemydog Just when I think the worst is over.
  • replies: 6

It's getting late and I'm tired (always tired). But I just had to say to somebody/anybody, I was on such a high last week, I had so much energy and I was happy and grateful. It is such an unusual feeling for me that it is almost scary, I had the auda... View more

It's getting late and I'm tired (always tired). But I just had to say to somebody/anybody, I was on such a high last week, I had so much energy and I was happy and grateful. It is such an unusual feeling for me that it is almost scary, I had the audacity to think that maybe, just maybe, the worst was over, the menopause was nearing the end, the depression/anxiety and OCD was all going to exit out of my being and leave me in peace to try and live what's left of my life in relatively normality. One week I had that for, sheer bliss for one week. Now I'm back to the "dark place", that is which "normal" as far as I go, the depressed, tired, exhausted, painful, hating, sad, pathetic shell that I am. The worst thing about the rare burst of "happiness" is the fear and realisation that I will and do come crashing back down to here, to this place I'm in again, it always seems worse. I'm so tired I can hardly lift my fingers to type this. That is all I can allow my mind to cope with saying at the moment.

AussieJovi I don't think I'm after advice, but will accept any
  • replies: 7

I don't think I'm after advice; but will accept any. I just have nowhere to vent without family/friends interfering. I have suffered from depression from as long as I can remember. I have had 3 bad cases of PND; lost my first husband to Melanoma 20yr... View more

I don't think I'm after advice; but will accept any. I just have nowhere to vent without family/friends interfering. I have suffered from depression from as long as I can remember. I have had 3 bad cases of PND; lost my first husband to Melanoma 20yrs ago; left my 2nd husband {& 2 young boys} 5 yrs ago. My ex & kids are now about to move back to our home town {4 hrs away} due to financial pressures. I love my boys dearly & the thought of them leaving is killing me; BUT; I also know that in reality I am NOT capable of looking after them on my own. ATM; their father is an on call casual & I get called to come stay with boys at a drop of the hat....and this sends me into a downward spiral...they don't behave for me {they are 10 & 15}; they are rude & call me names & I get in trouble if I discipline them....damned if I do & damned if I don't. I have a new man in my life {for 8mths}...all started out well; but he doesn't believe in depression & is one of those who say "suck it up & get over it"; which; of course; is making me worse. When my ex & kids leave he will be all I have as all my friends have busy lives with kids & husbands of their own. I have always said that I am too silly to do anything silly to myself; but there are more & more days that I wish I wouldn't wake up or hope something happens to me {I don't want to leave my kids with the guilt of me committing suicide}. I AM SORRY FOR RANTING; JUST NEEDED TO PUT IT SOMEWHERE. 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

fifi Really struggling today
  • replies: 68

having such a horrible day today and here i was thinking that i was having more good than bad well this week has proved me wrong . I am in a major downward spiral sitting here at my work desk finding it hard not to burst into tears and the anxiety at... View more

having such a horrible day today and here i was thinking that i was having more good than bad well this week has proved me wrong . I am in a major downward spiral sitting here at my work desk finding it hard not to burst into tears and the anxiety attack that is going with it has my stomach in knots. my body is aching all over and i am finding harder to function as the hours roll on over the last few days i have had a heap of veins explode and my hands are now all bruised and extremely sore not helping at all . the stupid irrational thoughts are back and i find myself over analyzing everything i have types this post over 5 times just wish everything would just settle down i really dont like where my head is heading praying for a better day

Mal50 Life-long.
  • replies: 8

Hello, I can't remember a time when I wasn't depressed. There have been times when I've experienced happiness but the depression has always remained just beneath the surface. I often have a facade of being a joking and jovial type of person but insid... View more

Hello, I can't remember a time when I wasn't depressed. There have been times when I've experienced happiness but the depression has always remained just beneath the surface. I often have a facade of being a joking and jovial type of person but inside I seriously want to die. All the Depression Self-tests I've done show that I'm in the Very High bracket physically, emotionally, andsexually abused as a child, with a very controlling mother who chose to chain me up like a dog (this is the truth), did not do a lot for my early development. Since about the age of 16 there hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about death and wished it would come quickly. If not for the fact that I'm a gutless coward I would've taken my life a very long time ago. I honestly don't think I can be helped because it's something I've had my entire life, it's a part of me.Thank you for reading my post.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.

AstroRug How can you be patient with this pain?
  • replies: 2

Hi guys I've written on this forum before - once when I was despairing, once when I thought I was recovering. My recovery lasted about 1 week and then I came down hard. Since then I have been in bad pain. I'm writing again because your kind words rea... View more

Hi guys I've written on this forum before - once when I was despairing, once when I thought I was recovering. My recovery lasted about 1 week and then I came down hard. Since then I have been in bad pain. I'm writing again because your kind words really helped last time. I've sought and received a lot of help over the last 10 years. I'm usually able to respond pretty well to treatment and advice and so I used to think my illness was well-managed or at least well-tolerated. But something changed last year. Perhaps because I no longer had the security of a good job, or the comfort of living in my home city or had a very supportive girlfriend, but when another episode commenced in about August, I have never been more frightened. The last 12 months have been a long series of debilitating lows, fused with painful anxiety. Right now I'm in the middle of a horrible low. I have been told to be patient. I'm really struggling with this. How can you be patient with horrible pain? I feels like I'm sitting on a hot plate and being asked to stay still. I have this deep pain in my chest and in the back of my head. It feels both empty and tight, kind of like a black hole sucking everything into nothingness. To give a final analogy, it feels like I am wrapped up in barbed wire - if I stay still it hurts, if I move it also hurts - maybe more. I know I need to be patient, but how can I be patient with this when it just hurts? I would really appreciate any advice you guys might have Thanks guys

BlueJ Over 10 years of feeling hopeless
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, Just signed up, have been looking for somewhere to vent for a while. I'm a 27 year old male and while I've never been diagnosed I think I have been suffering from depression since I was around 14. It was about 3 years after my parents sp... View more

Hi everyone, Just signed up, have been looking for somewhere to vent for a while. I'm a 27 year old male and while I've never been diagnosed I think I have been suffering from depression since I was around 14. It was about 3 years after my parents split and we moved two states away while my dad moved to another country and I started drinking heavily. Not just the weekend party drinking but drinking at home, hiding alcohol and marijuana which I used almost every night and continued to use to deal with my emotions through university, and I still do today. Sometimes I'm absolutely fine for weeks or months, then something tiny will set me off and I wont sleep for days due to stress and a feeling like I want to tear the world down and sink into a black hole, or get so numb that it doesn't matter how I feel. I've spoken with a GP who was very blase and basically told me that life is sometimes "difficult" i.e. dismissed. I have since moved and changed doctors but haven't yet felt much like taking to my new GP about this kind of stuff. Anyway I've been struggling for the last few days due to some stuff at work and just needed a place other than my girlfriend to vent. Not sure what else to say, just feel like this is all holding me down and pulling all my friends in around me when I'm feeling this broken. But my life is actually pretty damn good, I enjoy my work and my friends. Most of the time. Other times I feel there's absolutely no hope for myself or for humanity or our planet. It's been over 10 years and I still cope by using marijuana, and I try not to drink as much but I still have a drink or two almost every night (sometimes a lot more). I just wonder if feeling this way ever ends or is it something you learn to deal with and overcome over time. If its the latter, that sucks, but ok. Also thanks for creating this space. J

Jo3 Depressed and angry at my "inner child"
  • replies: 9

I've been writing this morning in my book to my psych about my "inner child". I started writing about my childhood and writing myself as a third person. I started writing that I hate my inner child for what I have gone through. How weak I was and sti... View more

I've been writing this morning in my book to my psych about my "inner child". I started writing about my childhood and writing myself as a third person. I started writing that I hate my inner child for what I have gone through. How weak I was and still am and noboby cared about me as a child, She was brought up in a very strict background where she wasn't allowed to go anywhere, have no friends or not even go to a friend's birthday party when invited. She was never allowed sleep overs or even when she turned 18 she was never allowed to go out. She had to stay home and do what her mum would say. And if she tried to say something back to her mum she would be yelled out. She had swimming lessons as a child and clearly remembers not being able to swim so what did the instructor do - push my head down the water. this would happen over and over again. Hence now I hate putting my head under water. She wanted the love from her parents but she was not "smart enough" like the other siblings who would get all the attention. She was punished a week before her wedding because her mum and dad had organised something that she wanted to do but was told not to go ahead with my plan. She was 20 yrs old How lonely it was for her at school, only 1 close friend and not even allowed to go to her house. Everyone at school at groups of friends - I had none. She must have been an ugly child for no one to want to talk to her, no one to walk home with her. She craved to be a good child at school and always "acted dumb" so then she could get the attention from her teachers. Maybe that's what she was wanting - attention and love from someone, just anyone. And all she wanted was a hug, a kiss and a loving supporting parents; all she wanted was to feel loved. Maybe she never got that bond of love because she was born 10 week prem and was left in hospital for weeks and weeks. I'm sorry I needed to vent this I am so emotional today, my thoughts are everywhere some good and some not so good. Just want to be left alone. Lump in my throat, anxiety is high. Why did I write this - I don't really know Jo

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