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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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sammy23 Will do anything for others, but can't help myself
  • replies: 3

This is only the second step I have taken in seeking advise/help in the past 5 years. I'm the first to extend a hand, offer a shoulder or bend over backwards for my family. I can just never take my own advice or open up about the issues which are eat... View more

This is only the second step I have taken in seeking advise/help in the past 5 years. I'm the first to extend a hand, offer a shoulder or bend over backwards for my family. I can just never take my own advice or open up about the issues which are eating me alive. Everyday I read the news and hear of the horrible things people are going through, always makes me realise how superficial and insignificant my issues are and I push them aside and tell myself I should just be grateful for what I have. I put on such a front to my family, they must think everything is peachy in my life, but really it is lonely and dark.I am only 29 but think it would just be easier to call it quits and hope there is a next life so I can give it a better go, how pathetic is that! I have no drive to take charge and even if I did I would have no idea how to start. I think my issues all stemmed from financial issues that started about 7 years ago (wow, that's a long time - how have I not got myself sorted in that amount of time)?!I remember the first time I picked up the phone 7 years ago and flipped through the phone book to see a Psychologist, I booked an appointment, then found out how much it was going to cost so I called to cancel. I haven't picked the phone up again since.I got myself into a situation all those years ago and instead of asking my family (who I know would have done anything for me) for help I dug myself deeper into financial trouble. I have left myself with a bad credit rating, can't even get a phone plan! Even typing this I'm telling myself how pathetic I am - sort yourself out and get on with it! I just don't know how. It seems like the path ahead is just too steep and I won't be able to push on. I feel like such a disappointment and I'm so embarrassed for getting myself in this situation. I know so many people have bigger more serious issues, but this is my issue in my life right now and the effect it has on me is huge.I would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation - I need to start putting one foot in front of the other to get myself sorted and start planning a futurebeyondblue'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.

Star Stuff Bad day
  • replies: 1

This is a little daunting, posting in a public forum on a topic like this, been so open. Especially since I'm very private as a person and heavily introverted. I've been plagued by depression and anxiety since early teens (now early 30's), spent many... View more

This is a little daunting, posting in a public forum on a topic like this, been so open. Especially since I'm very private as a person and heavily introverted. I've been plagued by depression and anxiety since early teens (now early 30's), spent many years in a viscous depression-substance abuse-depression circle that I was lucky to come out of alive. I was finally diagnosed and medicated a few years ago and things have been getting better in some respects, although I still drank far too much and still had plenty of bad days. I recently moved to QLD, seeking new adventure, hoping for amazing things to happen. I've managed to stay sober for about 7 weeks now, started new physical exercise hobbies, met an awesome girl who I got along with brilliantly, so much in common...till today. Apparently I'm too nice, too sensitive emotionally and too concerned with making sure people are happy. Which is probably correct, my anxiety freaks me out and I get sickeningly worried if I think someone I care about is unhappy with me or disapproves. So...it appears to have just cost me a relationship with someone amazing, while everyone around me is married, having kids and enjoying life, and my first response was to think I need a drink and I've fallen in a miserable heap. Not sure what I'm hoping to achieve here. Maybe I just need to vent. I read some other people's posts and my complaints just seem trivial. I've been dealing with this for so long its long past the stage where I feel bad for constantly hassling friends for support, especially when only a handful know I have issues. I may head to a GP for a mental health plan and referral to counselling again. I did this before I moved interstate, but spent a few years in disappointment as I occasionally worked up courage to see a psych, only to not click with them and not achieve anything. I finally found one I liked, then my GP refused to give me another mental health plan and talked about coming off my meds, which scared the hell out of me. Sorry, this is turning long winded. Dont know what I'm doing here. Have the desire again to pack all my commitments in and disappear somewhere...while at the same time been in fear of appearing a failure from the perspective of societal expectation, going against the grain of stereotypical stability. But at least it would be quiet, peaceful.

viper57 depression fed up
  • replies: 6

Just need to voice this I am fed up with this depression I have thought that coming back after years some a bad of what has happened to me my thoughts are fighting each other the more I get annoyed with this the worse it gets

Just need to voice this I am fed up with this depression I have thought that coming back after years some a bad of what has happened to me my thoughts are fighting each other the more I get annoyed with this the worse it gets

condar So Down and Sad
  • replies: 9

I was diagnosed with severe depression about 4 years ago but I know that I have had it for much longer than that. Just over 12 months ago I left my job because I felt that everything was coming crashing down around me. I got my first job offer last w... View more

I was diagnosed with severe depression about 4 years ago but I know that I have had it for much longer than that. Just over 12 months ago I left my job because I felt that everything was coming crashing down around me. I got my first job offer last week and worked for 2 days but then left. It was at a hospital and for the 2 days that I was there I kept bursting into tears.i really want to be able to work but now I'mcrying all the time and feel so worthless being supported by my wife. Some mornings I just lay in bed trying to think of a reason why I should get up.latey I have been thinking that everyone would be better off without me around.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.

viper57 anxiety and depression
  • replies: 1

Hi I suffer from anxiety and depression have been in hospital twice in the last months went away for 2 weeks was fine came back home had a small panick attack my new medication has started working did shopping on monday was a bit uncomfortable been i... View more

Hi I suffer from anxiety and depression have been in hospital twice in the last months went away for 2 weeks was fine came back home had a small panick attack my new medication has started working did shopping on monday was a bit uncomfortable been in a big shop but got through it managed to clean house to now we are home I was fine till friday am having nightmares I dont feel sad but on edge getting hot when I feel stressed my bones hurt to how do I handle this till we move back to western australia next month where I will be getting more help

Jintas Does there have to be a reason?
  • replies: 8

I have a question or two, I hope that's ok. from as far back as I can remember, there has always been times when I have felt down and wanted to be alone. It was picked up by others including my primary school principal who tried to give me 'special' ... View more

I have a question or two, I hope that's ok. from as far back as I can remember, there has always been times when I have felt down and wanted to be alone. It was picked up by others including my primary school principal who tried to give me 'special' jobs (water his plants, stuff like that) and then calling mum. No idea what was discussed, never cared to ask. last year I attempted suicide, it was the first time doing that, I was so angry at the time. Ended up at the hospital, they sent someone in who 'assessed' my situation. I told her what she wanted to hear and was subsequently sent home. I told the hospital I did not want a report sent to my GP.I spoke with my GP and told him that I did have thoughts but would not act on them (again telling them what they want to hear). All the while I'm being asked 'why do you feel this way?'. I done a session via video link with a psych and again was asked why I felt that way, what did I think the reason was. So again, I told them what I thought they wanted to hear. I think I have lived with this for so long now, I know how to hide it well or how to make others feel better by telling them what they expect.The truth is, I don't think there is a reason why I get so depressed or why I have all these horrible thoughts. Does there have to be? sometimes I can be happy and like a switch,I can get so angry and so sarcastic towards my husband. At the time I don't care, there is almost disdain there. Afterwards I feel terrible, absolutely rotten. this is hard to explain but sometimes, things get so 'loud' and 'rushed' in my head, imagine a hurricane. Not voices, nothing like that. I don't know how to explain it. It only happens when I try to sleep.also, is it normal to feel physically sick? My stomach is in total knots,cam I just imagining this?sorry for all the questions, this is the first time I have been honest or open about any of this. 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.

Leah_Lee Shortness of Breath ><
  • replies: 3

Did anyone experience this before? This is always happening to me, especially before sleep. I have been suffering from depression for years, but I only start seeing doctor few months ago., I haven't talk to my doctor about this issue. I just want to ... View more

Did anyone experience this before? This is always happening to me, especially before sleep. I have been suffering from depression for years, but I only start seeing doctor few months ago., I haven't talk to my doctor about this issue. I just want to see whether anyone can give me some advices on this?

Roachy Hi there!
  • replies: 3

Hope you're all really well.My name's Aaron and around four weeks ago, I got officially diagnosed as having depression. It wasn't a surprise, though, and just confirmed what my wife had been noticing for a couple of years. I started becoming very int... View more

Hope you're all really well.My name's Aaron and around four weeks ago, I got officially diagnosed as having depression. It wasn't a surprise, though, and just confirmed what my wife had been noticing for a couple of years. I started becoming very introverted, withdrawing from the daily life of friends and family. More to the point, I stopped interacting with our daughter, always finding an excuse to do nothing or be distracted by things on my phone instead of hanging out with them.I imagine like most people, it just got to a stage where I couldn't function any more. My head always felt so swollen, almost like a really bad head cold minus the sniffles.I haven't really divulged it to a lot of people. To the people that do know, however, I've received a lot of support and understanding of where I am. Work has an unlimited EAP resource for us and I'm making progress with meds. Unfortunately, the suicidal thoughts just won't go away. I'm running/exercising/doing whatever it takes to ease my mind but it's taking time. I'm being as proactive as possible to try and stay positive throughout these initial days and I'm hoping that there'll be a stage where I feel 'normal'...whatever that means.I'm looking forward to being a part of the community here to talk openly about where I am and to hear of others' experiences.Thanks for your time 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.

fuschia Can someone please help me???
  • replies: 77

Why is it if I CAN get myself out of bed in the morning and go to work (without calling in sick, that I can manage to JUST get through the day at work (and do a very good job), then the last hour of work get super anxious and do the drive home wantin... View more

Why is it if I CAN get myself out of bed in the morning and go to work (without calling in sick, that I can manage to JUST get through the day at work (and do a very good job), then the last hour of work get super anxious and do the drive home wanting to stop into a bottle shop and drink on the way home (which I would never do) and get home and be so anxious.I'm on medicatiom, I've done the therapy, I no longer have the nasty partner, I now have a nice job, but I just keep wanting to drink but it no longer settles the nerves. When I do it takes me 3 days to get over it including the process of suicideI just want to go somewhere where I can be cared for and helped but I can't go during the week because I can't leave my boss but I could go on the weekends. Does anyone know where there is someplace I can go on the weekends and get some help. The thing is I go through stages and feel like I'm crazy then I feel an overwhelming feeling like I need to be normal and feel guilty for letting people down. All the mean while I'm not sure I can keep on living like this. I'm not sure I can trust myself anymore. I need some help and advise please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!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.

Snoman It would be easier
  • replies: 7

I have been pretty good, until a few days ago. I have been fighting the beast almost constantly and getting tired of it. I want to curl into a little ball under the doona. I know I can't give in to it, or I will slip back into the hole. I am a nerdy ... View more

I have been pretty good, until a few days ago. I have been fighting the beast almost constantly and getting tired of it. I want to curl into a little ball under the doona. I know I can't give in to it, or I will slip back into the hole. I am a nerdy type, so I have been researching into the effects of depression on the brain. If you don't want to read too much sciency stuff, skip the next three paragraphs. I learned a few months ago about the impact on the hippocampus which is believed to play a role in memory and concentration. I noticed that in me, my memory got severely impacted, as did my ability to concentrate. I started to do mental exercises to improve memory and concentration. I think this helped. Recently I learned of some research that suggests that AD's don't help by elevating low chemicals like serotonin, but they help by starting to repair the hippocampus. This is good news. Research into repairing the damaged brain function is welcome. I also learned that when we "ruminate" on our low moods, we make it harder for the hippocampus to repair itself. This knowledge is making me determined to: Continue exercising my brain to help it repair Avoid "wallowing" at all costs. The problem I have at the moment is that last one. I have so much to do (not really, but beyond what I feel capable of right now). I am currently trying to apply for jobs, go house hunting, work on a project I have been contracted to do and be the stay at home dad. This with significant financial pressures. I am finding it so hard to get done what I need to, and I think I am wearing my happy mask again for my wife's sake (and mine). Just needed to vent. Thanks. Sno

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