Depression

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

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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

Chris D crying
  • replies: 18

I feel the need to cry so much but the tears won't come. I can feel them building up inside. I feel lost, lonely sometimes, i want to try and get my life back but it seems so far away. I feel down, i would like some company, someone to wrap their arm... View more

I feel the need to cry so much but the tears won't come. I can feel them building up inside. I feel lost, lonely sometimes, i want to try and get my life back but it seems so far away. I feel down, i would like some company, someone to wrap their arms around me and tell me it's going to b ok. I want to just break down sometimes but i can't and it just tears me up inside.

Juliet I don't want people to think my depression is my personality
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, Just thinking about what is hardest for me in dealing with my depression and I think one of the main things is that I am just so sad that people must think that my depression is my personality. I am not this person that I am right now th... View more

Hi everyone, Just thinking about what is hardest for me in dealing with my depression and I think one of the main things is that I am just so sad that people must think that my depression is my personality. I am not this person that I am right now though! I don't think they remember who the real me is now. They don't remember that I used to have fun and make jokes and get excited. I'm so scared that my parents are going to pass away one day and not know who I am. I don't want them to think that I am this miserable, lazy, negative, snappy person that I am right now. Sorry to be a downer.. Thanks for listening, Juliet

bluebell reaching out
  • replies: 6

this is my first time reaching out , life really sucks at the moment. don,t feel like i can talk to anyone. feels like its all too much , an no one wants to hear it,,,so hard to reach out to anyone,, think about dying every day,, sleeping is better t... View more

this is my first time reaching out , life really sucks at the moment. don,t feel like i can talk to anyone. feels like its all too much , an no one wants to hear it,,,so hard to reach out to anyone,, think about dying every day,, sleeping is better then living atm . the people that do know i hav depression, either don,t know how to help, or don,t beleive it . can,t see my shrink til 10days . being broke is,nt helping at all. hav to really push myself to go out.

Beetle How did everyone go over X-mas?
  • replies: 13

HI I thought I pop the question....How did everyone survive x-mas? My x-mas was for the first time NOT drenched with emotional pain detachment and feelings of uselessness. I had in fact a fabulous x-mas! I spent it with my friends and it was lovely. ... View more

HI I thought I pop the question....How did everyone survive x-mas? My x-mas was for the first time NOT drenched with emotional pain detachment and feelings of uselessness. I had in fact a fabulous x-mas! I spent it with my friends and it was lovely. I also worked and I was very busy. Today is the first day on my ow and I'm exhausted from the festivities and working. Would love to meet people today too since I feel a bit lonely but I am at the same time bit too exhausted to go out town or something.

Axete Helping someone I don't know.
  • replies: 4

I am hoping someone here can help with some advice. I have a facebook friend I meet through a game. I live in QLD, she lives in WA. I've never meet her and know nothing about her other than what she puts up on Facebook. We've been "friends" for about... View more

I am hoping someone here can help with some advice. I have a facebook friend I meet through a game. I live in QLD, she lives in WA. I've never meet her and know nothing about her other than what she puts up on Facebook. We've been "friends" for about 2.5 years and in that time, 75% of her posts are filled with sadness and pain. She seems so lost, so angry with the world, so depressed. I know she has a 6yo daughter which her mum has custody of, she has no relationship with her own family and her husband is a drug addict. And other than 1 other person, it seems all her "Facebook friends" don't know her personally either.She's constantly calling out for help with posts that say life sucks, she wishes she wasn't here, she's so tired of life, she's alone. "Codes" I learned from my sister as I watched her raced to hospital on numerous occasions as a teenager, "codes" we didn't know about when my father took his life, and "codes" I have used myself when I struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts. Each time I've commented or sent her a message urging her get help and find the strength to continue, not that she's replied to any of them except for a quick thank you for your support every now and then. Last year I felt urged to call the police and they were able to find her in time and take her to hospital. And then again last night, I was up until 1am waiting for a call from Perth police to tell me she's been found safe after she posted she's just attempted suicide again.Now here is my selfish part. I don't want to go through this with her. I don't know the girl. I feel like my family has gotten the strength they needed to pull each of us together. My sister is now a happy mother of 4, I am a happy mother of 2, and we know our limits, our husbands know our limits, and together we work through the dark days. Those dark days are thankfully becoming far and few between, as our support and understanding help us through. I feel like FINALLY after 14 years (since my Dads suicide), our family is happy. It's taken us so long to get here, it's taken me so long to get here. I don't want a shadow hanging over me, the worry I feel this lady. It's kept me awake, it's kept me online, away from my kids, searching for answers to help her, sending her messages of hope. And that makes me feel horrible and selfish. I know how much support can mean to one person. If I defriend her, will she think/feel like someone else has given up on her? Will she feel abandoned? If I wasn't her "friend" would someone else seen her post in time or rang the police? If I'm not her "friend", will she go through with it and then they're will be no one online to help her? I don't know how to help her and I don't think I am strong enough to do so anyway. I don't know what to do.

porcelina32 Am I normal for feeling this way?
  • replies: 5

To be blunt I hate my life and I hate being me. I have always had low self esteem and body issues. I drive myself crazy. I recently left a partner of five years because we grew apart. I was happy when I left but I question my decision every day. We h... View more

To be blunt I hate my life and I hate being me. I have always had low self esteem and body issues. I drive myself crazy. I recently left a partner of five years because we grew apart. I was happy when I left but I question my decision every day. We have a daughter together and he has her most of the time. I probably sound like a awful mother but I'm glad he has her. I'm not a motherly type and can only handle small doses of her. She is 14 months old. I had a hard time during pregnancy and part of this was due to my partner and his belief on child raising etc. This is why he wanted to be the stay at home dad. I've never really felt connected to her. So now I'm on my own..... Wishing I had a different life. I have all the same issues other people do like no money a car that's dying. Bills and more bills. Plus now a child I have to take into consideration because I don't want to neglect her. I hate how I look and my weight. I try to find distractions through friends and sleeping with a couple of men (not all the time). At first I felt actually wanted despite how I look but I know they are using me like I am them I guess. so I just hate myself more. I cry alot. Unmotivated. Tired. Just wish I could die in my sleep as it would be easier. Too gutless to do anything to myself. I know. I'm an awful person and should be grateful for what I have. But really I think people would be better off without me around. I'm tired of thinking about what I should be doing every day, the right things like my daughter. I'm tired of thinking about ..... everything. I've felt like this for months. I'm good at hiding it. Think I'm just in denial some days. I can't talk to any of my friends about any of this or family.

Kakariki How do I help?
  • replies: 4

I am on the outside looking in so to speak. My partner suffers depression & I don't know what to do to help him. When he isn't under the cloud he is the most wonderful person.... good natured, affectionate, self confident, but when that cloud comes d... View more

I am on the outside looking in so to speak. My partner suffers depression & I don't know what to do to help him. When he isn't under the cloud he is the most wonderful person.... good natured, affectionate, self confident, but when that cloud comes down... it is breaking my heart! I want to help, tell him I want to help but he either denies anything is wrong or tells me I can't.I am always the first ( & usually the only) person he shuts out. He talks to& cuddles the dogs & my teenage kids ( he is not biological father but he is dad to them) & pretty much ignores me which also cuts deep. But still I stand with him & if any of you have any idea what I can do to help him through these dreadful black days I would be eternally grateful. I do understand it is hard for those who suffer depression but it is also hard for those who love them

jodes76 Will it ever end
  • replies: 2

The other night I self harmed. I want to get better, but there's so many obstacles I feel I will never overcome. I'm really stuck with what to do.

The other night I self harmed. I want to get better, but there's so many obstacles I feel I will never overcome. I'm really stuck with what to do.

amamas Crappy day!!!!
  • replies: 11

Hey guys How've you all been today? I have been pretty crap! It wasn't me being alone that was the trouble that part been great. What threw me is that this is the least alone I've ever felt at xmas. That's been a painful reality to try and face. One ... View more

Hey guys How've you all been today? I have been pretty crap! It wasn't me being alone that was the trouble that part been great. What threw me is that this is the least alone I've ever felt at xmas. That's been a painful reality to try and face. One of my so called "friends" just text me (first time in a while) asked me how I was. I text back I've been ****. My "lovely friend" text me Still ****? This "friend" knows heaps of what I've been through, knows my illnesses yet still expects me to snap out of it. Sorry vent done... So food been delicious, started my painting, watched some movies, listened to music and here's the stink part smoked. Fell off the non smoking wagon with a mighty thunk!!! Back to it tomorrow. I have to find a way to feel my emotional pain without smokes (my little security smoke screen). How do you guys do it? Any non addictive things I'd love to hear ideas!!!! Merry Xmas everyone!

Pete81 Alone
  • replies: 1

I'm back from a small holiday with the boys and my now ex. It was great being able to spend time with them all. Until on the way home to realise that once we got home that we will all be moving and it will be my first time away from the kids and firs... View more

I'm back from a small holiday with the boys and my now ex. It was great being able to spend time with them all. Until on the way home to realise that once we got home that we will all be moving and it will be my first time away from the kids and first time I've ever lived on my own. Its worried me so much I've made myself sick over it and getting my usual tight chest feeling. The more I think about it I just cant do it. I have been unable to find employment locally but have managed to find a good job over 7 hours away. Just don't think i can not see my kids everyday. My ex says that i lived closer i could see them when ever i want but if she doesn't want to live with me now why would she want me around everyday and its still not the same I love seeing them going to sleep and seeing them wake up with huge big smiles that just melt your heart first thing in the morning. I have no family that i can talk to and just feel so alone nearly all of my so called mates cant be bothered to talk to me anymore as they are too busy and don't really give a stuff about keeping in contact anymore. I just feel so alone and isolated and worried or nearly certain I'm going to do something very stupid once i move. I feel lost and numb i cry everyday i just want it all finished and not feel like this anymore. All most can tell me is its going to be a long tough road ahead but i don't have the will or the energy for that tough road I'm afraid to say. Thanks for taking the time to read. I will write more when I'm able to it just hurts so bad I cant do much at a time.