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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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sarahl Life changes
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with anxiety in my teenage years (prompted by bullying) but over the past decade of so, I can recall lengthy patches of sadness and just general misery. I've never been on medication - I've always maintained that its just... View more

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with anxiety in my teenage years (prompted by bullying) but over the past decade of so, I can recall lengthy patches of sadness and just general misery. I've never been on medication - I've always maintained that its just anxiety and sometimes I have bad days - but I've just reread a diary from my early 20s and I was definitely experiencing more bad days that good. I'm now 30, have been in a relationship with a wonderful man for nearly 3 years and things are going well, but 12 months ago he told me he wanted to move to the country and I didn't deal with it very well. Just recently he has changed his mind, and said he wants to take up a new career path, which might involve us moving overseas. My initial reaction to everything is negativity. He has told me before how negative I am, and I almost feel like its ingrained in me - the anxiety forces me to go to the worst possible scenarios first and I'm automatically opposed to new ideas. Once upon a time at school, I had wanted to live overseas doing exchange, but the anxiety got the better of me. Now I'm being given this opportunity, with a support person, and all I can do is focus on the cons. I'm concerned that the way my mother is (quite negative, and i'm the eldest and only daughter) has had a significant impact on my attitude and I don't know how to fix it.I feel melancholy most of the time and I have trouble communicating how I feel. I've been seeing a physiologist for years under the GP mental health plan, and i've just signed up for 2 classes (one on self esteem and the other on assertive communication) but I'm terribly concerned I might also be suffering from depression. My youngest brother has depression and has been affected for more than ten years, so its in our genes. I just don't think I know what to do - I'm risking my own happiness by bending to my mental health and while my partner maintains he loves me too much to leave, I'm risking his happiness by wanting to live in my bubble. Basically I am more scared than I am excited. How do I deal with my negativity? Thanks in advance. Sarah

HelenM I have to share I can't keep it in
  • replies: 8

Lots of people on here are suffering but don't burden people with it. I'm sorry but I seem to have to share my pain. This depression is so mild but has dragged on. I'm coping most of the time. But periodically I'm experiencing something different and... View more

Lots of people on here are suffering but don't burden people with it. I'm sorry but I seem to have to share my pain. This depression is so mild but has dragged on. I'm coping most of the time. But periodically I'm experiencing something different and horrible. This is the third time in a couple of months. It's intense fear. The first two times my mind told me I was going back to the bottom. I was terrified but each time after a terrible week it went. After the second time I was left with a fear of the fear - sounds crazy but sometimes I think I am. And so yesterday after a few good days fear lurched into my body. That had happened on the two days before but had worn off after a couple of hours. This time it's stuck. This time I think that for the rest of my life I will have this horrible fear. A close friend assures me it will go away again, my husband does too. But I'm not able to believe it.This experience is awful. My GP knows I'm getting this and accepts it's horrible. Because my depression is so mild and my anxiety too I think he feels it will go. Certainly the saying 'familiarity breeds contempt' has something in it. Just now though the whole thing is scaring me. I'm carrying on as normal - I believe that's how I got out of it before. Fear blocks hope and I'm scared. I just keep crying. At the charity shop yesterday I had to fight tears. I do think depression comes in different disguises. Like any illness it's job is to thrive. What's peculiar is I've come out of worse depressions more easily.My friend tells me this is the course it's taking - it won't get the better of me because I'm not giving in. I don't know. I just want peace. I wish I was brave. I'm the opposite to most people, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I can't hide my depression. My emotions feel too big to keep in. People on here understand the pain of depression even if our symptoms are different. I have to say that my meds are fine - and my GP sees this as unfortunate rather than a problem. I can see his point. People who know me say they've see me improving over the months and if wasn't for this fear I would agree with them. Thank you for reading - I honestly wish I could have a physical illness.

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.

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