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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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poida1 coming to terms
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm new to this website and am not really too sure what to do so I guess I'll just spill my story. I don't want to drag on but it's a long story so I apologise in advance. I was in my first year of an adventure tourism course in New Zealand which... View more

Hi, I'm new to this website and am not really too sure what to do so I guess I'll just spill my story. I don't want to drag on but it's a long story so I apologise in advance. I was in my first year of an adventure tourism course in New Zealand which I moved from Australia to do when, about 5 months ago, I had a very vivid near death experience at a ski field on the South Island that haunts me still today. I went through a horrific experience that lasted about 5 hours and was terribly injured and lucky to be alive. The injuries I sustained were to my hands and arms and took over 3 months to heal, limiting what I was able to do greatly. I should note that before the accident I was about the most pro-active go getter around and NEVER wasted a free moment. I was excelling in my training and every aspect of life. I always made the most of everything and was very into physical exercise and activities. I was/am known as the happiest guy who can easily find the bright side of everything and a pleasure to be around. All of this has changed since the accident happened. The mental problems started shortly after the accident, about a few weeks I guess. I started to lose sleep which went away pretty quickly and then started to get mood swings which was not like me at all. I was under a lot of pressure with study as well which was not helping. Then the fatigue started to set in. I spent most of the day trying to keep my eyes open and felt like I was being swallowed alive by a black cloud that I just couldn't shake. At this stage I was in denial about my problems and was pretending to myself and others that everything was ok because I didn't want to appear weak and I was terrified that I was changing from the winning person I was. The dark feelings that I couldn't shake were eating away at me and leeching all life from me. My ability to be happy had vanished and I was a shell of who I was. I lost interest in my hobbies and sometimes couldn't even get out of bed. Then the numbness to my emotions set in and numb is the only way I can describe it. To this day I still feel this numbness and those dark feelings come and go, it's a roller coaster! A week ago I made the decision to stop what I'm doing and get help before it's too late. I was working as a sea kayak guide in New Zealand that requires complete focus, professionalism, lots of energy and the key: happiness! Which I don't have. I'm now in Australia just hanging out and getting my head back together before I have to continue my training in New Zealand in February. I haven't been able to share my story with anyone other than friends and family and am dying to speak to a professional about what happened and the problems that have come from it, but due to the time of year, most shrinks are on holidays. I've only just come to terms with what's going on and have only just been honest with how I am to those around me so I've taken the first step but have been stopped in my tracks by the whole everyone being on holidays thing. This is why I am sharing my story on here. I hope someone reads this (sorry about the length!). I just want someone to talk to about this and some help!

jodes76 hurting and confused
  • replies: 3

My doctor has me weaning off one meds so I can start another. The withdrawals are bad. I have been drinking a bit lately as well. Things are really getting to me now. I feel like I can't do anything right. My mental and physical health are really low... View more

My doctor has me weaning off one meds so I can start another. The withdrawals are bad. I have been drinking a bit lately as well. Things are really getting to me now. I feel like I can't do anything right. My mental and physical health are really low right now.

Carlyrm Trying to cope with it all.
  • replies: 4

I couldn't find my last thread I made to update how I'm going - it's nice to have the support here so I figure it's also healthy to express my feelings as I've done before. I'm doing a lot better now, I still have my crap days like everyone else here... View more

I couldn't find my last thread I made to update how I'm going - it's nice to have the support here so I figure it's also healthy to express my feelings as I've done before. I'm doing a lot better now, I still have my crap days like everyone else here but it's nowhere near as bad. I went to my psychologist recently to tell her how I was going etc and it was like talking to a brick wall and I left feeling frustrated but an hour later I decided to let that feeling go. I know I am strong enough to handle the heartbreak of this break up and breakdown of my friendships on my own, I need this time from my break from work to work on myself and get back into things that make me feel good. Really push myself day by day, get creative, don't procrastinate just get things done and do things for myself- avoid people in my life who have upset me. There are new friends to make when I am more confident I will go out there and make new ones. I dreaded the time I'd have a break from work, but I'm now seeing it as a positive to get back into things that have filled the void before and I was so blinded by sadness that I couldn't even bare to do any of those things that made me feel good. It can only get better from here, after being unemployed for so long and finding a great job with a positive environment to work in I'm really grateful. I can only hope my social life begins to blossom too, I'd love to do simple things socially with people - in the last few months I've been doing those things on my own or not at all simply because I didn't feel worthy of it. I have very few friends and can think of 2 who stay in touch, one is interstate so it makes it difficult but it's better than having no support at all. I want to fall in love again when I'm ready. I'd like to do all those things that make me feel whole, I'm beginning to feel better because I'm spending time with better people and concentrating on that rather that the feeling of being lonely and isolated - which has just made me feel depressed and far worse. I used to think I was mentally ill for my thoughts and feelings but it's a way of coping, I wasn't sick I was going through a terrifying time in my life this year when I look back on it (and I'm still coping with it now). Asking for help on here, talking to someone on lifeline and my family did help immensely not so much a psychologist. If I can begin to recover then you can too, it takes a while to sift through emotions and if you need to do difficult things like cut out toxic people from your life then do it. Think about your health emotionally/mentally and what's best for you, sometimes psychologists don't always understand these things after all you know yourself (or someone close to you) better than anyone else. Life can be so overwhelming, but with difficulty comes change and change can be the best thing and make you stronger. That's my advice, you can get there trust yourself and face the challenges in your mind no matter how much it can hurt you will get through it. There's always someone out there willing to listen even if it's someone on lifeline or someone asking if you're okay - people do care.

Chris D Leave me alone
  • replies: 33

Please leave me alone to suffer in my own world. There is nothing anyone can do or say anymore. Please do not respond to this thread as i feel very disappointed, angry and annoyed with myself for not replying to each individuals threads and posts. It... View more

Please leave me alone to suffer in my own world. There is nothing anyone can do or say anymore. Please do not respond to this thread as i feel very disappointed, angry and annoyed with myself for not replying to each individuals threads and posts. It is not fair on you all, that you post all of your kind words and suggestions and i can't do it for you. SORRY I just don't have the energy, everything is an effort even typing this thread out is sapping energy from me. I feel extremely flat and going down hill. Sorry to you all if some of you were counting on me to inspire you out of your own personal battles. I need, i don't know what i need. I need picking up i guess. Kind Regards Chris

Saj Feel like I'm in a hole I can't get out of
  • replies: 2

My wife is suffering from depression& anxiety due to a work place bullying incident, this has been going on for about 9 months now. As a result she has been sinking heavily & when she does she feels the world is against her especially me and I don't ... View more

My wife is suffering from depression& anxiety due to a work place bullying incident, this has been going on for about 9 months now. As a result she has been sinking heavily & when she does she feels the world is against her especially me and I don't understand why when I'm trying my hardest to support her through this. She wants to try and cut down her drinking so I try to help by trying to get her to do things with me and the kids like going for a bike ride or to the movies but this doesn't often work. Sometimes like tonight I can't take anymore and tell her she need to stop and thats when I become the worst person in the world, I am constantly mocked and belittled and told that it's because I think I am perfect, that's not the case I'm far from it, we just want my wife back. i can't handle the stress and being made to feel worthless when I am trying to be her strongest supporter, does anyone have some advice as I feel I am rapidly moving towards the same dark place she is in!! thank you

houseofwolves___ where do i go from here?
  • replies: 2

ok here goes... I'm 25 and just come back from a overseas trip, my first since being on medication, i thought it would be okay, i good opportunity to overcome my fears but i really struggled. i was out of my comfort zone and unable to call home and u... View more

ok here goes... I'm 25 and just come back from a overseas trip, my first since being on medication, i thought it would be okay, i good opportunity to overcome my fears but i really struggled. i was out of my comfort zone and unable to call home and unfortunately as much as the country was beautiful the group of 20 somethings were really quite judgmental and bullies. since coming home, i do feel a little better but there is this niggling feeling at the back of my mind and lots of "what if" thoughts. some days i have really good days and others like today i just feel like i don't want to be here, i know i wouldn't act on these thoughts but it still scares me nonetheless. my doctor said i should up my medication but i don't want that to be the answer to my problems.. i just don't know what do to... i exercise, drink lots of water, eat healthy, have some amazing best friends yet i still feel alone.. and right now life kinda sucks.

Jo3 Everyone needs a hug
  • replies: 9

You know, I've just been thinking while reading some of the messages on here this morning. EVERYONE NEEDS A HUG!!! It's such a hard time of year and there are lots of lonely people out there doing it tough. From depression, anxiety, loneliness, to be... View more

You know, I've just been thinking while reading some of the messages on here this morning. EVERYONE NEEDS A HUG!!! It's such a hard time of year and there are lots of lonely people out there doing it tough. From depression, anxiety, loneliness, to being so damn low you feel like ending it all. But there is hope and hope is what we all hold on to. Reading messages on here makes me realise that there are so many people who struggle, whether it be with life itself or families or their mental illness. And it's tough, bloody tough to fight back, to be strong, to stand tall. I just want wish that we could all meet so we could give each other a really BIG HUG. To show that we all care about each other whatever we are going through. We can all get through our dark demons, we can all get through our mental illness, with time, love and support from our beautiful friends here online. So right now I am sending HUGE HUGS, LOVE AND KISSES TO EVERYONE. Jo xxx

Mares73 Failing and Falling
  • replies: 7

Hi all Things are pretty hard at the moment. I've been trying so hard to achieve at least one thing each day that needs doing. But I'm feeling very low about myself. I think I'm really stressed with Xmas so close.I've only been the shops once and was... View more

Hi all Things are pretty hard at the moment. I've been trying so hard to achieve at least one thing each day that needs doing. But I'm feeling very low about myself. I think I'm really stressed with Xmas so close.I've only been the shops once and was so overwhelmed by the busy pushy people in crowded shopping malls. But I've got so much more shopping to do with the kids etc and I'm stressed its getting so close and I have so much to do.I still haven't tackled the pile of mail and am now getting messages on my phone from lawyers chasing outstanding bills. I wish I could just phone them and get it over with but what do I say about why I haven't called or paid earlier?Also I've always made a big effort at Xmas for the kids cause my childhood was so awful but this year I'm so stressed I'm not going to make Xmas as good as I want to for the kids.My husband just wants things "fixed" and is very frustrated with me as he doesn't see why things that I need to do are so difficult.Also I'm dealing with things from the past. My sister who is a year younger than me has told my mum she was abused as a child by my dad and my mum believes her. Yet she never believed me.We are not a close family at all. When I was ten yrs old I went to my favourite English teacher and told her about my dad abusing me. I kind of had to as she had read my essays and asked to see me and said she could tell I was the girl being abused in my stories. I begged her not to tell anyone.The next day my sister and I Re called to the Principals Office. We are shocked to see my mum and dad sitting there. The Principal said "Mares you have made some serious allegations and stories about your dad" and then she asked my sister is she agreed with me or if she was being abused in anyway. My sister just sat there unable to speak. The Principal then said "you are both very lucky to have such cari g and forgiving parents. Mares your dad has e planned that you make up stories for attention especially when you want to get out of chores or have late homework. I think you should go home and think about your actions and how lucky you are to have a forgiving father".I will never forget the smile on my dads face. He was an alcoholic yet could be incredibly charming when he wanted too. We were very poor. Oh and of course it was a catholic school.Shortly after this my mother took us both to a dodgy Dr to put us on antidepressants because we were both bedwetters and her reasoning was that the antidepressants "would sedate us at night so we wouldn't be afraid of the dark and cry for the light to be left on".Ill stop there-I could write a book of the dark childhood and trauma but its over-what I need now is to learn to live with my anxiety and depression and high expectations of myself which then turn into thoughts that I'm a complete and hopeless failure of a person.Just feeling dark and down today. Overwhelmed by all the things I need to do yet immobilised by them as well. I sit here going over and over what I need to do and by the end of the day I've achieved nothing.And with only few days to Xmas I'm so anxious and worried-I just want the strength and motivation to take a tion and Do things instead go thinking about them. I know so many people are finding this a difficult time so it's not just me and there's people in worse situations. I need and try to practice humility.Thanks for taking the time to read.Mares x

Jo3 Just heard sad news
  • replies: 3

I just heard some sad news that my husbands close friend to his mum has passed away. She was sick in hospital for 5 weeks. My husband spent a lot of time with this lady and her family when he was growing up., But it brings a lot of emotion to me at t... View more

I just heard some sad news that my husbands close friend to his mum has passed away. She was sick in hospital for 5 weeks. My husband spent a lot of time with this lady and her family when he was growing up., But it brings a lot of emotion to me at the moment because I'm thinking about her poor husband and 2 adult children and grandchildren. So I'm thinking what about my parents - what if something was to happen to them or one of them? God why am I even thinking like this, I feel so sad, I;m crying. (this is so selfish of me, i should be thinking of that poor family and not me) I'm sorry if this post sounds so wrong Jo

samlamb99 anger and resentment
  • replies: 1

I feel so resentful and jealous of people who have lots of friends and who seem to be out socialising and happy and bubbly, whilst at the moment I don't really have any friends or anyone who thinks I'm fun to be around... I spend so long on facebook ... View more

I feel so resentful and jealous of people who have lots of friends and who seem to be out socialising and happy and bubbly, whilst at the moment I don't really have any friends or anyone who thinks I'm fun to be around... I spend so long on facebook looking at everyone's happy photos and how popular and loved they are and i just compare that to me and feel worse and **** about myself but I don't know how to stop or how to make it better I've had depression my whole life and I am 22 years old and don't know what to do anymore. I feel like I've tried everything