Support
Support

Depression

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

Start a conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

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 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

All discussions

Start a conversation

GeorgieBelle Feels like I'm drowning
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone, I just joined up, and I think I felt I had to because everything I was thinking and feeling was just being internalised. I know I have depression - I have seen doctors and am on medication - but for the last 6 weeks or so I have been fee... View more

Hi everyone, I just joined up, and I think I felt I had to because everything I was thinking and feeling was just being internalised. I know I have depression - I have seen doctors and am on medication - but for the last 6 weeks or so I have been feeling overwhelmingly alone and helpless. I always make a huge effort to see people, keep in contact and make others smile, but a while ago I wondered whether anybody would make that much effort with me. So I stopped. I decided I would talk to those who initiated contact and message when necessary, but would not go out of my way. Three people messaged me. In a month. One was asking for another friends phone number. My best friend knew I was in a bad place and still didn't contact me, nobody tried to make me smile. Everyone says they're busy. Hey, I work too. But if you have time to update your Facebook multiple times a day, or to sit down and eat or watch TV, then you have time to text a friend and see how they are, or ask someone how their day has been. I am so incredibly hurt because what I do for others, is apparently too hard for anyone to do for me. I feel helpless and worthless and I am just so incredibly tired of everything. I have hit the point where I don't wish I was dead, I just don't wish I was here either. I don't know if that will make sense to anyone. I just kind of want to disappear without causing a fuss. Just...be gone without anyone worrying. I know that isn't possible (I have family). It's so hard to explain.

Over_It Family is sabotaging my recovery. Help?
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, I haven't really got anywhere else to go, I have been fighting severe depression and anxiety since April. I was starting to make progress on it, regaining some confidence to step outside the house, but this morning a member of my family has ... View more

Hi guys, I haven't really got anywhere else to go, I have been fighting severe depression and anxiety since April. I was starting to make progress on it, regaining some confidence to step outside the house, but this morning a member of my family has sabotaged all that, making out that I can just get over it like that and I don't have a problem. I've had a massive downhill slide. This family member wonders why I become suicidal at times (I'm not currently). There's no point explaining to them because they won't listen to a word I say. I can't leave home because I can't afford to, but at the same time I can't cope with this anymore. I have barricaded myself in my bedroom and have not eaten at all today because I'm now too anxious to leave my bedroom or eat, lest this person starts again. I don't know what to do anymore. If I stay I won't get better, but I have no choice.

Wanderlost I did the anxiety and depression test: I ended up high range but I dont feel abnormal
  • replies: 7

I had opened up to a friend about my illness and she suggested I join here. Finally did it - I guess these things take time. I was reading the forum names and I just started crying, which is odd for me. I guess it is confronting seeing so many people... View more

I had opened up to a friend about my illness and she suggested I join here. Finally did it - I guess these things take time. I was reading the forum names and I just started crying, which is odd for me. I guess it is confronting seeing so many people feeling like I do and all of your thoughts being displayed as a list through them. I find everyone just doesn't understand. Everyone has these wants and expectations of me and I just can't. I just can't. I know there are people who care about me but everyone is so caught up in their own lives and I guess I push people away... And people just don't understand. I think they compare how I feel to when they don't feel like getting out of bed. They don't know it feels to be physically, mentally and emotionally defeated by the pressure to be present. I've mostly stopped talking to people in the real world except my psych about anything because its too tiring explaining myself about everything. I say things (anything) and people respond but it's like it isn't a response to what I have said. They are always missing the point.I did the anxiety and depression test on here and it stuck me that I didn't know that people out there didn't struggle with these things. It's so odd to think that that is possible. I ended up high range but I don't feel abnormal. I've started abusing prescription drugs when things get too too much. Particularly with my boyfriend, he takes my emotions personally and hates me self harming but the self-destruction and "need to not be dealing with this" mentality remains regardless. He gets defensive and aggressive and it starts a lot of arguments that I am usually too worn to want to remain conscious through.i feel trapped by it all and that makes me scared. I don't know how to make this stop.

SammiH Feeling caught
  • replies: 5

I have recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I am a mum of 2 children (4&2). My husband I feel doesn't understand what I'm going through he just thinks coz I look ok I am ok. His response to everything is "well everyone has crap going ... View more

I have recently been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. I am a mum of 2 children (4&2). My husband I feel doesn't understand what I'm going through he just thinks coz I look ok I am ok. His response to everything is "well everyone has crap going on" which I totally get. on the other hand my best friend has been amazing and really supportive being there listening to everything I need to say she really has been amazing. now my husband has had a go at her saying she is sticking her nose in where it's not welcome. understandable my best friend is angry and upset but now my husband has banded her from seeing my children coz he "hates" her. im so lost as what to do. My husband thinks I should stick by him no matter what. But what do you do when you don't agree. I love my best friend who has always been there for me no matter what but i love my husband too. i just feel like since I got diagnosed he just doesn't care about my feelings anymore

flo71 Sourcing a book to explain to my children about my depression
  • replies: 4

I am looking for a book of some sort to help me explain my depression to my sons who are 14,12 and 7. I found one that might suit, I'm not Alone by Michelle Sherman, but am finding it hard to buy as it was published a few years ago in America....I th... View more

I am looking for a book of some sort to help me explain my depression to my sons who are 14,12 and 7. I found one that might suit, I'm not Alone by Michelle Sherman, but am finding it hard to buy as it was published a few years ago in America....I think? If anyone could help me with some sort of literature that would help me please xx

accordingtosam Tired of being "the strong one".
  • replies: 5

I have led a life of being the 'strong one'. Putting everyone else's problems before my own and wanting to help is just what I have always done. It's who I am. I put on a brave face and everyone around me sees a strong, independent person. Suddenly I... View more

I have led a life of being the 'strong one'. Putting everyone else's problems before my own and wanting to help is just what I have always done. It's who I am. I put on a brave face and everyone around me sees a strong, independent person. Suddenly I sit here at 31, tight in the chest, feeling lost and unsure where to look for direction. I spent too long denying my own feelings and now I feel like I am the one who is unravelling. I am an Aries which makes me stubborn. Stubborn to the fact that I have been experiencing waves of what I was too proud to admit is more than likely some kind of depression. It's not life threatening but sometimes it can be paralysing, even if only for a day. It comes and goes and one day I can be plodding along ok and the next I can feel down enough to not want to get out of bed. While the emotions I am feeling are real I also take on a great amount of guilt for feeling the way I do. Yes there's been things that have hurt me in the past, a long term relationship breakdown, a life time of family drama but nothing I ever considered significant enough to justify why I feel so miserable at times. I think about so many other things that are wrong in the world and how many less fortunate people are out their surviving and it makes me mad for feeling the way I do. Maybe I am naive but I just don't understand it. How is it possible to feel so rough when most of the time you don't even know why? My brother was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder which I feel was induced by his own drug addiction. He made and continues to make poor life choices and I have based my own life on working hard to be nothing like him. My mother is his saviour even though he treats her like a puppet on a string and she continually reminds me that mental health issues "runs in the family". I have never given in to the notion and sometimes I feel like our relationship would be better if I did use the Mental Health card like my brother so loosely throws around as an excuse for bad behaviour. I feel like I have spent my entire life trying to prove to myself that I am strong and that I would make better life choices than my siblings. I have spent so much of my energy setting such high expectations to be strong and shelving my own emotions that now I'm tired. Tired of being the together one. Tired of "fixing" everyone else and hiding behind their problems instead of facing my own. To those listening, thank you.

Loz43 Unlovable?
  • replies: 3

My depression has hit an all time low. On max dose of meds and still feel helpless, hopeless and unloveable. I was in a lovelss marriage for 6 years longer than I should've been, trying to make it work but it seemed that my ex wouldn't even meet me h... View more

My depression has hit an all time low. On max dose of meds and still feel helpless, hopeless and unloveable. I was in a lovelss marriage for 6 years longer than I should've been, trying to make it work but it seemed that my ex wouldn't even meet me half way. This made me feel that I wasn't worth the effort. Been single for the last 3 years and dated a bit and agian the men made me feel used and unloveable. All I want is some companionship and to feel loved. I know this is not the be all and end all, I like myself, I am a loving, caring and affectionate person so what is wrong with me, why am I so unlovable to the opposite sex. I have been lonely and alone for nearly 10 years now. I have great kids, a job that I love, awesome supportive friends and family so why am I so depressed? I just don't understand

Joe_Black1 My shame & guilt are winning
  • replies: 10

I went to see a counsellor the other day. For the first time, I have been able to see my depression 'in action', as it was happening. I recognised some of the destructive, hateful thoughts for what they were. Seems kinda weird that I've finally reali... View more

I went to see a counsellor the other day. For the first time, I have been able to see my depression 'in action', as it was happening. I recognised some of the destructive, hateful thoughts for what they were. Seems kinda weird that I've finally realised the destructive nature of these thoughts and seen them for what they are after so many years. But my mind-fog is pretty heavy some days. She told me its an awesome thing to have this new 'clarity' on my depressive thinking. Now that I'm aware of it, I feel like I've given it a face, but I've also now made it more prominent in my consciousness... It's more powerful now than ever before. Today I want to leave this place more than I have in nearly 5 years andI' m frightened that I've reached this place again. Old guilt and shame have come flooding back anew, and my chest is heavy with the knowledge I'm so close. They are winning and I don't want to face anyone again with these forces controlling me. I cant face anyone again. I don't want to let my counsellor down, but I feel totally overwhelmed. Today at work I wanted to end it all. 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. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

This_is_my_alias It all started four months ago
  • replies: 13

So here's my story so far. I feel I have to share it with somebody - somebody who knows what I'm feeling, can say been there done that, and hopefully come out the other side.Things were good till January. I had a strong, happy, supportive family (sti... View more

So here's my story so far. I feel I have to share it with somebody - somebody who knows what I'm feeling, can say been there done that, and hopefully come out the other side.Things were good till January. I had a strong, happy, supportive family (still do), good job (more on that later), and everything seemed fine.Then out of the blue, the depression and anxiety appeared from nowhere. I was an emotional wreck, barely functional some days, feeling like I wanted to curl up in a ball, cry, and make it all go away. I had wonderful support from my wife, who said to see a professional, and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Take these little pink pills, and it will all go away. I stopped after a month - I don't want a pill to mask my problems, I want to know the root cause.A month later I saw a psychologist. Waste of time. She basically said I had a chemical imbalance, and to put a rubber band around my wrist, and flick it everytime I was having negative thoughts. I haven't been back.I started to feel better. Everything was looking up for a while. But now, I'm back on the emotional rollercoaster again. Tears are only a blink away, and I can't help but feel everything is blue. I get emotional leaving my family in the mornings to go to work, can't concentrate for longer than 5 - 10 minutes while I'm in the office.I don't know why. My boss (who knows the problem, and has been there) is supportive, but I dislike him intensely. My wife is fantastic - fully supportive, compassionate and wanting to help. My kids and I have a great relationship, and even though they're getting to the age where emotions in public are embarrassing, they're still happy to give their dear old (46 year old) Dad cuddles at bed time, despite being 10 and 12.I have things to look forward to. We have a 4 week UK trip planned at the end of June, and I'm really looking forward to the break. We're financially independent, have good, safe jobs.. there is nothing that tells me why I should be feeling this way.But I go for a walk at lunchtime, and wonder whether being in an accident and being hospitalised for a period, will cause my life to be put on hold for a period, whilst I sort myself out.I'm seeing a new psychologist on Monday, but the negative Nancy in me says that she won't be able to help me. She can't see inside my head, and tell me why it's all screwed up. I feel like nobody can help me, and I should just man up. But I can't. The emotions are too close to the surface, and it's just a struggle to share this story, without breaking down in tears again.With me, the glass is never half full, it's half empty. Why get excited about the future, and be let down, when you can prepare for doom, and be enlightened when it doesn't happen?Does it get better? Is there light at the end of the tunnel, or am I confined to these feelings for ever?I'd love to hear from anybody. Anybody who knows what I'm talking about. Can say they have been there done that, and whilst they may not be out the other side, can at least see the distant light at the end of the tunnel.

LexyB1993 I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them
  • replies: 2

I have just registered. I have never been one to talk about my feelings so I suppose I have registered out of desperation. I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them, I don't want to be a burden on my family and f... View more

I have just registered. I have never been one to talk about my feelings so I suppose I have registered out of desperation. I feel as if I cannot tell anybody how down I am because I will just annoy them, I don't want to be a burden on my family and friends. I've gone from having good days and bad days to just having bad days. I can't get off the couch. I don't socialise anymore, I cant even respond to something as small as a text message. My feelings have changed from sadness to nothing at all. I don't care about anything anymore. I get desperate for human contact but I just cant make a phonecall. I don't know what I need. Ive been seeing a psychologist for 3 years. Two weeks ago I started back on medication again. I guess im just tired of feeling so alone. I see everyone else so happy and it makes me feel like a freak. Why cant I just be happy like them? Please help, I feel like I have nowhere else to go.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map