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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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Joya Where do I begin
  • replies: 4

I feel so alone, I feel so ugly, I read so many help books on how to love yourself but I can't seem to find the right solution. I'm 38 years old and I've been in recovery for almost 18 months now and I'm very proud of myself. But, without the mask of... View more

I feel so alone, I feel so ugly, I read so many help books on how to love yourself but I can't seem to find the right solution. I'm 38 years old and I've been in recovery for almost 18 months now and I'm very proud of myself. But, without the mask of drugs and alcohol, I really don't know myself. I don't have any friends because I'm so anti social, my social skills suck because I'm not comfortable talking to people sober. I really want to enjoy my new life but it seems all do is get angry or cry all the time. I was recently dropped from my insurance so my depression is at an all time high, all I think about is what's wrong with me and my life. I'm sure this isn't the way I should be living.... I'm just so sad all the time.... thanks for listening.

mandymoo long time suffer since childhood. looking for advice/chats with other long term sufferers
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I am looking to find some support or advice from other long term sufferers . It would help to know that there are others who have battled with this and continue to keep on keeping on. I'll share a little of my history and some difficulti... View more

Hi everyone, I am looking to find some support or advice from other long term sufferers . It would help to know that there are others who have battled with this and continue to keep on keeping on. I'll share a little of my history and some difficulties I am facing now. I have suffered bouts of depression since I was 8 . If it happened before then I can not recall it. I am now 28 and still fighting to keep on top of managing life with depression. My first thoughts of self harm were at 8 and I suffered major depressive episodes regularly after this. I went undiagnosed up until the age of 18 when I spent time in a mental health ward after my mother called the police for assistance as she didn't know what else to do. As the years go on I am finding it harder to pick myself up from my little moments, as I call them. They occur at least once every year and seem to be getting a little worse each time. I have started suffering from anxiety along with them, which I feel is coming from the dread I experience when I sense my efforts to fight back an episode aren't working well. I am currently hitting a major low point but have finally taken the steps to seek help that I should have done a long time ago....the problem I am facing is that I feel so exhausted from the compiling effects over the years that I am doubting my ability to fight back to better times like I usually do. My little box of hope I draw upon to build up my positive thoughts feels empty and I'm not sure where I'm going to get the strength to fight this time. As my thoughts wandered to places I normally don't let them go to tonight I thought I would come here and ask for suggestions from others that may have found them selves where I am now. My question to you all is how did you find strength when your supply of hope was dwindling? And what helped you to get back on track. Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Appreciation in advance Mandymoo

Chris_B Are you ready to have the conversation?
  • replies: 1

Are you worried about someone and not sure what to say? Are you having a hard time but not sure how to start a conversation about it? Our new Have The Conversation resources were developed using real-life stories and using expert advice and tips from... View more

Are you worried about someone and not sure what to say? Are you having a hard time but not sure how to start a conversation about it? Our new Have The Conversation resources were developed using real-life stories and using expert advice and tips from beyondblue’s blueVoices members. All have personal experience of depression and/or anxiety, and have had these conversations themselves. Check out the video below and let us know what you think.

Guest_9466 What would you do if you were in my position?
  • replies: 4

I am 59 years of age, a survivor of anxiety and depression. Currently, I have hubby who was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Out of interest, does both conditions naturally go together? Of course, now I find myself being the 'strong' one, ... View more

I am 59 years of age, a survivor of anxiety and depression. Currently, I have hubby who was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Out of interest, does both conditions naturally go together? Of course, now I find myself being the 'strong' one, trying to support him as best as I can. I thought I was his caretaker but a member here said that I shouldn't label myself as a caretaker. What is the definition of a caretaker, I wondered? Early this morning, I received an email from my nephew who sadly informed me that my older sister is dying of cancer. So, now, I find myself in a pickle, what shall I do? What would you do if you were me?

justbreath what is really happening
  • replies: 2

hi everyone at 58 and wondering how it made it and why. my life has been a maze of relationships and expectations from everyone else. I am intelligent and a leader by nature yet I have never found anyone that actually cares about me sort of a contrad... View more

hi everyone at 58 and wondering how it made it and why. my life has been a maze of relationships and expectations from everyone else. I am intelligent and a leader by nature yet I have never found anyone that actually cares about me sort of a contradiction really. for the last 20 years I have just tried to get through life and over time find I no longer laugh and feel anything except emptiness and isolation I am a rational person with logical approaches and I feel that due to my sex (being a woman) people cannot accept that I can think. it is very difficult to explain how that feels and I know so many people would be more comfortable if I just acted like a woman and left real thinking and ideas to the men.

jn54 health prof finding that no one understands
  • replies: 12

Hi I'm new here. I'm a twenty something health professional with a pretty 'normal' life but am finding it harder to deal with how I am feeling. Since I was a teenager I have always felt unhappy inside (suicidal thoughts were prevalent during teenage ... View more

Hi I'm new here. I'm a twenty something health professional with a pretty 'normal' life but am finding it harder to deal with how I am feeling. Since I was a teenager I have always felt unhappy inside (suicidal thoughts were prevalent during teenage years but I know it would never eventuate) however I lead a pretty 'happy' life. Did ok in school, got into a profession my Asian parents are proud of (and I am of too I guess ), recently engaged with the perfect partner of 12 years... but I'm finding it hard to confide in anyone. I have mentioned to a couple of close friends and my partner whether they think I might be depressed but they don't think so and seem to just dismiss it. I am fully functioning, just am never happy inside, but have days where I feel like there is no purpose and feelings of low self worth etc. I have also found that although extroverted, im gradually disliking social outings, particularly those with my fiances huge group of friends. Im not very good at articulating myself but just wanted to let it out to someone. I am afraid to seek help and for now am just seeking some self help first. Sorry its all muddled but I Guess its a Start.

1one ruminations
  • replies: 7

i have been struggling on & off for 15 years with melancholia, having 3 severe clinical depression episodes, one lasting a couple of years...lately i feel that i generally function at 80%, which i suppose is better than not functioning at all, yet i ... View more

i have been struggling on & off for 15 years with melancholia, having 3 severe clinical depression episodes, one lasting a couple of years...lately i feel that i generally function at 80%, which i suppose is better than not functioning at all, yet i can't seem to get past that point. the main reason is i still cannot accept the past & choices i made long ago. in my mind i can accept where i'm at but i just have been not able to quit the 'what if' thoughts, & i really need to be able to do this to overcome my emotional paralysis. help!?

frequentfler44 starting depression episode how do i stop
  • replies: 1

i have just started a depression cycle, recognise first indicaton of depression, my problem is i dont know how to stop it in its tracks, right now. i dont want to go thru the full 10 -14 day ineveitable cycle

i have just started a depression cycle, recognise first indicaton of depression, my problem is i dont know how to stop it in its tracks, right now. i dont want to go thru the full 10 -14 day ineveitable cycle

White_Rose Not Sure Where or what I am
  • replies: 4

I feel really odd these days. I walk through the world yet it seems I am not part of it. Things happen round me but don't impact on me. I am going to stop seeing the psychologist for reasons I cannot talk about. Maybe I am so afraid of this happening... View more

I feel really odd these days. I walk through the world yet it seems I am not part of it. Things happen round me but don't impact on me. I am going to stop seeing the psychologist for reasons I cannot talk about. Maybe I am so afraid of this happening because he has been such a wonderful support to me and really helped me when I was in despair. I feel I can't talk to anyone except my GP who is on holiday ATM. I have been ill and maybe I have not yet recovered but this does not explain why I feel so disconnected from everything. What a load of babble I am writing. Mary

MAR Maybe i just need someone to understand me!
  • replies: 1

Hello everyone,a brief, i have been jobless for over years now, trying but nothing seems to work, i am 37 male, single, live with mother and sisters, and nephews; family tension is always there. and it is frustrating. i am creative, and i am pro-phot... View more

Hello everyone,a brief, i have been jobless for over years now, trying but nothing seems to work, i am 37 male, single, live with mother and sisters, and nephews; family tension is always there. and it is frustrating. i am creative, and i am pro-photographer, this gives you an idea that i pay attention to details.I for as long as i can remember worry a lot,to an extent that it gets to me negatively, even when i was a kid, i remember to have stomach spasm after my school exams.2 years ago, i suffered, from what i found was Depersonilization or Derealization, due to smoking a couple of puffs of weed, some told me, it is not that, and the over all was stress. but it went well after that...as this feelign started fading away. lately,i am being consumed by fear, fear of illness,death, and i start analyzing everything that is happening in my body... i suffered my first anxiety or panic attack last week,and it was scary, did EKG, blood tests, everything was normal,but cant stop thinking of it.. visited a neurologist, who told me that i am in early stages of depression, he gave me dietery supplements,and medication to help me sleep.but still, i have this foggy head,tightness in my chest, i feel like something is holding and strangling my neck,something holding that back of my head,and still worry about everything,and honestly i am becoming creatively pessimistic in all aspects of life.I am a religious person, and suddenly i start asking question that i can not answer,which creates this kind of being in a dark alley feeling, then thinking about my health,then thinking what;s happening to me? am i going to stay this way? i wasn't like this before,...i want o my old me.and it frustrates me when i try to talk to someone and he tells me it is all in your head,and you can change your situation, as if i i happy with i am in now, and i want it.been through a lot lately, i don't know if it depression,or anxiety. will it change when my life style changes... its just that i feel down, and at times, i feel ok (and i will be very happy), and then boom, down the drain i go again.sometimes i feel i wish i am in dream and snap out of my mood.i dont want to be this way, i want my old me back . Maybe i need a few words or maybe i just want to let the steam out.thank you for your time

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