Depression

Are you ready to have the conversation?

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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.

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?

what is really happening

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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.

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.

ruminations

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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!?

starting depression episode how do i stop

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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

Not Sure Where or what I am

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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

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

Welcome to MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2014

replies: 10

Mental Health Week is a national event, held in October to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). It's an opportunity to promote awareness about mental health and wellbeing, and equip people with the right information. There's a number o... View more

Mental Health Week is a national event, held in October to coincide with World Mental Health Day (10 October). It's an opportunity to promote awareness about mental health and wellbeing, and equip people with the right information. There's a number of things you can do on an individual level to promote, or raise awareness around mental health. POST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE HERE. Talk to someone about your mental health Reach out and talk with someone else about their mental health Take time to support your mental wellbeing Make a donation toward mental health awareness through a charity such as Beyondblue Fundraise for mental health Promote mental wellbeing at work Celebrate Mental Health day on Friday October 10 by getting together with friends/family Send a text, card, email, postcard, or letter to someone you know who is struggling with their mental health Support someone struggling with mental health on the Beyondblue forums Participate in a mentally healthy activity: exercise, brain foods, brain training, relaxation, going technology free

Finding it hard to cope

replies: 8

Hi Everyone, I thought I'd start a new thread as the other one is getting a bit old now. I'm writing again because although I'm not crying in heap quite so much anymore I am still suffering with horrible depression, anxiety and now I've started feeli... View more

Hi Everyone, I thought I'd start a new thread as the other one is getting a bit old now. I'm writing again because although I'm not crying in heap quite so much anymore I am still suffering with horrible depression, anxiety and now I've started feeling really angry. I'm not sure if others can relate to this. Sometimes I feel like my anger is a way of coping because it's easier than feeling debilitated and crying all the time. I think it is also a way of 'dealing' with the emotions of being let down by people. It's easier to be angry and close my heart than feel the horrible pain of being betrayed and abandoned. I'm also not eating much and am drinking and smoking more than I should. My partner is amazing and I feel so sorry for him having to deal with my issues. My mum is going through a lot of her own problems and is really busy so I find it hard to talk to her. I have always found my dad to be a great source of calm but again I haven't been able to talk with him. Every time I go over there's someone else there or something happening. I guess I just feel alone. I'm still going to the support group- some weeks are great, other times not so much but always worth going. I just feel like so many other people are improving and having breakthroughs and I'm still in this darkness. I'm still not 100% comfortable opening up as I'm not the best with talking to strangers but sometimes I manage to offer advice and it's good to just be around people. Still seeing the spiritual healer/hypnotherapist which is going ok- not sure how much it's helping. On the positive side I've started going to the gym most mornings. Even though it's so difficult to drag myself out of bed at 5am I still want to go. I do feel better for doing this but some days are better than others. I have cried a few times either at home or actually at the gym if no one else is there. Pathetic I know but it's getting some emotions out. I've also been trying to say hello to people I see in passing and even made a friend while sitting in the park. A nice lady came and had a good chat with me so that's something I suppose. Anyway I hope that everyone is keeping well. Speak soon, Laura xo

Pinned discussions

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Are you ready to have the conversation?

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