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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 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

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Chris D I need to hear encouragement
  • replies: 12

Even though i have been told that i have given some inspirational msgs, i need them said to me please. As i cannot recognise them myself. I feel unappreciated, i feel i put out more than what comes back to me so it makes me feel very flat, very down ... View more

Even though i have been told that i have given some inspirational msgs, i need them said to me please. As i cannot recognise them myself. I feel unappreciated, i feel i put out more than what comes back to me so it makes me feel very flat, very down and lacking energy. I don't know why i bother trying to help people. If people want me to stay on here, be there for them and be there light for them, then i need alot of encouragement as i can't do it on my own. I fee llike i'm dragging a massive pile of boulders up a mountain and they are trying to pull me back down. I need to hear supporting msgs otherwise i can't be strong for people including myself, i can't give inspirational msgs to help others pick themselves up. I wonder sometimes who is going to pick me up when i'm down. I just feel so alone, lost in a dark cold forest. Kind Regards Chris

Suzbj My Beautiful Girls
  • replies: 6

To my beautiful daughter that I raised and my two beautiful daughters I gave up for adoption at birth (twins). I have never ever stopped loving all three of you and you are my world and my wish for happiness and all the best life can offer. I am so s... View more

To my beautiful daughter that I raised and my two beautiful daughters I gave up for adoption at birth (twins). I have never ever stopped loving all three of you and you are my world and my wish for happiness and all the best life can offer. I am so sorry I was not capable of "the white picket fence". I did the best I could and that is all I have. To my twin girls, I am so grateful for the magic life you have had with your parents. To my daughter that I raised, I cannot understand your lies about life with me. But you have your own reasons. I remember how much we laughed and how I always had your back. True. There wasn't much in material goods, but I loved you then and I will love you forever. That is all. Lots of love Suzie xx

metAL TIME TO MAKE THAT FIRST STEP (AGAIN!!!)
  • replies: 3

I have battled on and off with depression and anxiety for over 20 years.... I am currently in a beautiful relationship with a beautiful girl who also has a beautiful daughter (6yo).... but, still inside me something isnt right..... I am struggling to... View more

I have battled on and off with depression and anxiety for over 20 years.... I am currently in a beautiful relationship with a beautiful girl who also has a beautiful daughter (6yo).... but, still inside me something isnt right..... I am struggling to take that first step.... I am thinking of trying the Beyond Blue Web chat this afternoon after work..... is that a good place for me to start???

Jodee49 Why do I feel so alone and sad all the time and yet I'm not?
  • replies: 2

I have a wonderful husband and family, a secure job, no financial worries, a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in, an active social life, I take anti depressants and have done since 1996, and yet I feel so insecure and lonely if I'm not socialis... View more

I have a wonderful husband and family, a secure job, no financial worries, a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in, an active social life, I take anti depressants and have done since 1996, and yet I feel so insecure and lonely if I'm not socialising every minute of every day. I have a need to be busy - so that I don't overthink things and think depressing thoughts. I am having surgery in three weeks which I have chosen to have to improve my health and have recently gone back onto diabetes medication (type 2) which really upset me as I feel I have let myself down. Why do I beat myself up so much and let myself down time and time again. I'm intelligent, educated, motivated (at times) and yet feel sad and like crying and feel like I have no friends at times.... I've recently (6 mths ago) had my medication reviewed and have been on new meds which seemed to be working well...... Interested in replying to this thread and not already a member of our forums? Join up here. RELATED THREADS Why am I sad when my life is so good? Where do I begin? Prisoner to sadness I feel like it is getting worse every day Living with depression Internal sadness

yesterday I wish i could sum it up, i just can't….
  • replies: 2

Dont know where to start, Dont know where I am at with all of this, Just know, that one way or another this has to end. At some point it will end. When will that be? How will it come about? Will it be violent? Will it be peaceful? Have i smiled my la... View more

Dont know where to start, Dont know where I am at with all of this, Just know, that one way or another this has to end. At some point it will end. When will that be? How will it come about? Will it be violent? Will it be peaceful? Have i smiled my last genuine smile in this lifetime? Why am i even like this? I am physically fit, I am physically healthy, I have a wonderful loving family. What is it that has misfirings occurring almost continuously in my mind. Eleven years i have been on SSRI treatment, treading water, getting nowhere. Going nowhere, endlessly tethered to this sickened mind from which there has been little respite in well over a decade.

MikaelaB Unsure
  • replies: 2

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! My profile picture changed itself to someone I have never seen before, is that normal? How can you tell if you are definitely suffering with depression, as everyone is different because your emotions and feelings a... View more

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! My profile picture changed itself to someone I have never seen before, is that normal? How can you tell if you are definitely suffering with depression, as everyone is different because your emotions and feelings are unique?

Beckmonkey Advice Needed
  • replies: 1

My boyfriend and I were very happy for nearly 3 years together, and bit by bit he started to drift from me. When we talked about it, he admitted that he was depressed and refused to talk about it, dispite my trying to help him through it with my own ... View more

My boyfriend and I were very happy for nearly 3 years together, and bit by bit he started to drift from me. When we talked about it, he admitted that he was depressed and refused to talk about it, dispite my trying to help him through it with my own experiences of depression throughout my teens. We then broke up, because he didnt want to hurt me any more, and hoped that one day when he felt better we could try agian. After this he decided that us not talking or anything else ould be better for me because he wanted me to forget about us. I tried to convince him otherwise on all of this, but when he makes a choice its nearly impossible to change his mind. Fast forward a month and he has started talking to me agian, I asked why and he said he has missed talking to me. I still love him with all my heart, and I understand that he needs someone to talk to, and I am the closet person he has in his life. But, I dont know where this is going, or how to help him through this, and if there is ever a chance of us getting back together. So far he has taken my advice of going back to school and he is working towards his goals. But what now? I am so confused about all of this. Any advice or help that can be offered here would be great.

DazedNConfused I just don't know what to do any more
  • replies: 3

I'm feeling like I've exhausted all my resources and that there is nowhere to turn any more. I suffer from depression (fact) and anxiety (questionable, but possible). I have been to see several GPs, a psychiatrist, been through 7 different psychologi... View more

I'm feeling like I've exhausted all my resources and that there is nowhere to turn any more. I suffer from depression (fact) and anxiety (questionable, but possible). I have been to see several GPs, a psychiatrist, been through 7 different psychologists (in 3 years), seen a naturopath, a personal trainer and nutritionist. I have tried 12 different medications/combination of medications, all of which have made me significantly worse, incredibly ill, or unable to function as a mother. I have spent close to tens of thousands of dollars on these things in desperation over the last 3ish years, and as a single mum on welfare, that is a HUGE dint in my income. I justified spending the money by telling myself that you can't put a price on health. I would pay any amount of money to not feel like this. Of course, now the cash has all but dried up and the monetary side of things has added to my stresses. I just don't know what to do. I don't know where to turn. I feel like I'm "un-helpable" and the thought of being this way forever is simply horrifying. Is there a resource I have missed? I'm now a shell of a human being. I look in the mirror and don't see anyone I recognise. I'm skin and bones. I have sores all over my face from breakouts that have scabbed up from picking because it is "my own little version of self harm", according to my current psych. They don't heal properly because my immune system is so shot (according to my current GP). I don't even know that I'm doing it. I look like a meth addict according to my ex (although I've never touched an illegal drug in my life). If I don't get better, I feel I will have to pass my daughter on to her father. She deserves more than this. I've tried to be strong for too long. I just don't know how much longer I can hang on to this existence.

Teejay Someone just tell me it will be ok
  • replies: 6

Been struggling mightily these last few days. I don't really have any one to talk to or to comfort me. Someone just give me some words of encouragement to carry me through. Thanks

Been struggling mightily these last few days. I don't really have any one to talk to or to comfort me. Someone just give me some words of encouragement to carry me through. Thanks

Mimi7 Why?
  • replies: 2

I am here because I am lost and so down.I have suffered from depression all my life. I was a surprise twin, my twin was unwell as a baby and my mother already had two children under four years of age. Needless to say I was very neglected as a baby/yo... View more

I am here because I am lost and so down.I have suffered from depression all my life. I was a surprise twin, my twin was unwell as a baby and my mother already had two children under four years of age. Needless to say I was very neglected as a baby/young child.My earliest memories are of feeling I didn't belong/fit in. This was exacerbated by my siblings ganging up on me or simply ignoring me.I have no fond memories of my mother and my father was a bullying control freak. I was then subjected to major trauma age 13 for a medical reason and went on to become anorexic.After I pulled myself out of that I became very addicted to alcohol and just didn't care about my future; even though I was extremely intelligent and got high grades. My parents never discussed anything at all with us. Mother left us to our own devices as did father.I was in a relationship of sorts with a guy who was very unsuited to me but he got me away from my family.My brother committed suicide age 27 in 1989. No need to discuss the effect that had on me. Again the family buried him and went on as nothing had happened.My father was then jailed for sexual assault on a cousin. Mother left him and he has since died. For which I'm not sorry.I meanwhile I got in a relationship with a horribly abusive man. I managed to extricate myself after two years of madness. I then married another unsuitable man as I thought my options were low.I had to undergo IVF to have a child due to the medical issue earlier touched upon. During that I became pregnant but lost the baby possibly due to dr negligence... Long story. I persisted and now have a beautiful child. The pregnancy was absolutely rife with stress and the baby was deemed to have a possible heart defect whilst in utero. Eventually he was born and initially given the all clear only to almost due in my arms at 12 hours old ( he had pulmonary hypertension). Through all this I had no support from anyone. In fact when my baby almost died my husband showed up drunk.I vowed then and there that I would leave him. Which I eventually did as he was a violent abusive drunk and he hit the baby for biting him. I now have no money no future no friends and the only reason I am still here is for my son.I've seen thousands of doctors/psychologists/psychiatrists over the years. Been counselled; had every medication and therapy known to man thrown at me. All to no avail. I want to know why my life has been such a total f***ing mess and why nothing will ever get better.Pardon lack of editing as I have to get this out there before I change my mind. And this is only the major shit : if I were to recount ever f***ing shit thing I would be here forever.Thanks for reading if you do.