Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

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
Jump to
Start a discussion

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 chats on this Forum having 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 discussion

Girl_Anachronism Going out with the tide
  • replies: 24

I'm not sure what the point of this post is or if it will even mak sesne. There is jumble of emotions in me..I'm not sure where to start. We went to the beach yesterday. It was too rough to swim but I stood in the shoreline, feeling the waves crash i... View more

I'm not sure what the point of this post is or if it will even mak sesne. There is jumble of emotions in me..I'm not sure where to start. We went to the beach yesterday. It was too rough to swim but I stood in the shoreline, feeling the waves crash into my legs and leaning down, feeling the drag as the water was pulled back out again. All the water, pulled by a huge nameless force that we humans are forced to bow befoe it. The day had been ok. I even let loose a few unconscious squeals of happiness as the water first brushed my legs, cold at first and then later the only place that felt warm. My husband lay behind me up the beach, hidden under a towel (he's red headed- him going to the beach for even ten minutes is like begging for a sunburn). Yet, sitting in the waves, feeling them go in and pull out, all I could think of was how easy it would be to just let go. Stop digging my self in the sand and let the tide take me. Where when I would go I don't care. Just away from here. Away from me. I don't like me at the moment. I donlt like this house. I don't like the tree outside my window. I don't like; I don't want any of this. It's so hard to fight. It's so easy to let go. Can't I just let go? I'm so tired of fighting. So tired of all of this. GA

Mares73 How low will I fall?
  • replies: 5

Today is a disaster. I had an appointment to see a specialist that I've waited ages to see and it's for a serious health issue. I woke up dreading it but knowing I would force myself to go. I came downstairs and the first thing my husband said to me ... View more

Today is a disaster. I had an appointment to see a specialist that I've waited ages to see and it's for a serious health issue. I woke up dreading it but knowing I would force myself to go. I came downstairs and the first thing my husband said to me was "your going to have a shower and get changed aren't you?". That was all it took. I saw him and my son off then rested against the back of the door and cried. I cancelled the appointment and now the specialist is on holiday and I do t have an appointment until January 14. I'm trapped, feel myself slipping away. If only I had either a good GP or Pschiatrist or Pyschologist. I feel so pathetic not being able to manage. The bills are still piling up, the lists are growing longer. I hate myself. I live for my children. I wonder what it's like to experience feeling happy. Meanwhile as I write this everything is building around me and I just wish I could go to sleep but I can't so tonight ill just take it as it comes. Thanks for caring. Oh and T I have approached BB about contact but they don't allow it. I've done some research on it and there are some sites like ANU university-BluePages, Beacon, Blueboard, e-couch and MoodGym. There is also http://depression.meetup.com/ and GROW which is a well established support group. For meetings ph 93396093. I had written you a whole analysis of your situation lol,,,when my computer crashed SO all I can say is I will get back to you. Mares

chociloni I feel like a loser
  • replies: 14

I am in a really bad situation. I find it really hard to get out of bed in the morning. Ive been unemployed since June of this year. Since being so poor I have foolishly maxed out my credit card, (i wrote another post about this, and no I didnt put t... View more

I am in a really bad situation. I find it really hard to get out of bed in the morning. Ive been unemployed since June of this year. Since being so poor I have foolishly maxed out my credit card, (i wrote another post about this, and no I didnt put the whole 10 grand on there in 6 months, I would say more like 5). Ive had to move out of my house because I couldn't afford it, that was about a month ago now, Im living with my parents and theyre driving me crazy. They live in a smaller town about a 4 hr drive south of Perth. As soon as I decided to move out of my house though I actually got short term work in the town my parents live in. However I do not like it here, and its going to be quite sometime before I get myself out of this financial mess. I am 36 yrs old and still deal with heavy depression and anxiety, have been since the age of 15. Ive been single on and off for 3 years, I actually just broke up with a guy a month ago but just after 4 months of seeing him. He ended up being involved with someone else and was very dishonest, which added to all of my woes. 3 years ago I lived in Melbourne, which really Id prefer to be living there, but I had to come back due to depression and anxiety issues. I feel my life has no hope. My only outcome I see is evenutally moving back to Perth, but I hate Perth its really boring and conservative, and is becoming too expensive because of the mining boom. I dont see myself ever meeting anyone in Perth. I dont know whats going to become of me if I cant go forward and accomplish my dreams because of debilitating depression? I have to stay comprimised living in Perth because of this. I feel like a loser. I dont have problems attracting men it's just that the men in this town arent really ever my type, I dont mean to sound superficial...but nothing interests me anymore in Perth. I am so lonely and I dont go anywhere. I have therapy and take meds but all they do is keep me alive, I want to feel things and have a real life. I dont know what to do.

Neil_1 Useless, hopeless feeling
  • replies: 15

A short while ago, my partner and my wonderful daughter headed down to the local club to have dinner together. That's something that we all usually do, every so often and it's just brilliant sitting there, having a chat about whatever; just comfortab... View more

A short while ago, my partner and my wonderful daughter headed down to the local club to have dinner together. That's something that we all usually do, every so often and it's just brilliant sitting there, having a chat about whatever; just comfortable and relaxing. But now, I cannot go. I'm a pokie addict and in early December, I self-excluded myself from all clubs within our city ... for a period of 6 months. And so here I am, home ... while they're down there; without me. DAMNIT all ... even the tears now won't come and I'm as emotional as all hell about this, I STILL I can't bloody well cry!!!!!!! Angry, pissed off, so upset ... all because I've got this stupid addiction. That was the way I felt on the evening that I created my self-ban ... and on that night, I did break down in the club ... they took me into a private room and I bawled my eyes out. That was the first time for ages that I cried, and the 2nd time for crying, was just the other day in front of a DVD. I cried at the club, cause I saw a young girl come into the club with her family and it rocked me. Just a hopeless, useless pokie addict and I really feel self harming ... I was gonna write something else then, but I've had things blocked before and I don't want this post blocked. Just a useless piece of trash, who's mind is stronger than anything and dominates me ... I can see the devil on my shoulder now, laughing at the useless pathetic piece of crap that I am. N.

Isla Slippng back into the darkness
  • replies: 5

I don't understand why. I had a good Christmas, I was kind to myself and didn't overdo it this year. I had a good day with my loved ones. Over the last couple of days I have been feeling the familiar pull of depression dragging me down. Today I could... View more

I don't understand why. I had a good Christmas, I was kind to myself and didn't overdo it this year. I had a good day with my loved ones. Over the last couple of days I have been feeling the familiar pull of depression dragging me down. Today I couldn't hide it like I usually do. I couldn't smile and pretend. I can't fight the dark thoughts that fill my head. My chest feels like there is a brick on it and I can't breath. My head hurts and I want it all to stop.

Girl_Anachronism Hello darkness my old friend.
  • replies: 17

Today should have been good. More good things happened than bad things. I got shopping done solo, made dinner and even hung out the washing. I also had a panic attack at the shops, bought things I shouldn't have and can't bring myself to do the dishe... View more

Today should have been good. More good things happened than bad things. I got shopping done solo, made dinner and even hung out the washing. I also had a panic attack at the shops, bought things I shouldn't have and can't bring myself to do the dishes which are piling up while my husband lies sick in bed. I should be damn near happy right now. Instead I am sitting here, wanting to cry my eyes out. Today started lower than yesterday and is rapidly going down hill. I can't even force myself to smile. Alternately all I can feel is an overwhelming despair or a great numbness, like a bubble around me that prevents me from feeling anything. THere should be something in between shouldn't there? I am broken. I don't have the inbetween ground. One minute I am ecstatic and hopeful, the next i'm sobbing in the bathroom (not exaggerating, this litterally happened to me in the span of three minutes). I don't even know what to tell people when they ask how i'm going because it could change any few minutes. I just feel so out of control. I don't know what is going on inside my own head. I can't even control that. I want desperately to get some measure of control back. Something, anywhere. The only way I know to get control is self harm or a much more permanent solution. Neither of which I want but I don't know how else to go on. I have nothing left. GA

Neil_1 Help please - advice needed
  • replies: 10

Hi all I think I’ve written a few times now that I have tears in me, gallons of them, but they won’t come. I’m sad all the time, or next to all the time, but I cannot cry. Well, a short while ago, I had a meltdown and wow, the tears flowed. I receive... View more

Hi all I think I’ve written a few times now that I have tears in me, gallons of them, but they won’t come. I’m sad all the time, or next to all the time, but I cannot cry. Well, a short while ago, I had a meltdown and wow, the tears flowed. I received for Christmas a DVD pack of the latest series of one of my all time favourite shows (I won’t name it, as I don’t want to create any spoiler alerts here). So I watched episode after episode and finally got to the last one today. And it was brewing in the way the show was panning out that it was likely to be sad (and worth noting here that I am emotional with movies and the like and will cry easily) and so the tears started to fall before the show finished. I got my partner to be near me; but when the show concluded and it went to the black screen and the credits started, I yelled out “NO” and then burst into hysterical tears; I was sitting on the edge of our lounge and I honestly think I passed out for a short while, ending up on the floor and sobbing uncontrollably. My partner was talking to me, but for a while, I didn’t hear here. I was an absolute mess for around 10 minutes. Our dog was so concerned, and he was actually getting a bit stroppy with my partner, as he thought it was her, who did this to his master. I’m better now, but still hellishly fragile. I mean, it was only a TV show/series … what would have caused this? Does anyone have any thoughts? There was nothing in the series or the episodes that reminded me of my past. To actually black out for a short while was a bit unusual. But yeah, I'm feeling fragile and somewhat dumbfounded as well - and everything definitely doesn't feel right. I know I prescribe this a bit to others, but Neil, it might be time to get yourself off to see my good doctor. Neil

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.