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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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Guest_3712 Self medicating - help please
  • replies: 12

Hi Guys I have spent a lot of time on line the last couple of days as I am having a bad time. it is raining and I always find the rain makes me worse. I have been reading lots of your posts and have responded to some when I think I have something to ... View more

Hi Guys I have spent a lot of time on line the last couple of days as I am having a bad time. it is raining and I always find the rain makes me worse. I have been reading lots of your posts and have responded to some when I think I have something to offer. I was disappointed in the outcome of my appointment last Thursday, not to mention embarrassed and all my grand 'plans' seem unattainable- again! .The truth is I need some help. I need to know is there anyone out there that shares my problem. I continue to self medicate despite being admitted to hospital several times for detox, and then finally getting off my opiates after an infusion in August.I know the dangers, I know I am not fooling myself with my reasons, most of which I don't get anyway. I told my psych I wanted to get off and although he knows everything about me he still says my drug use isn't the main problem , my depression is. He says the dosage of my meds isn't too high and he would rather I stay on AD and I can ween off my anxiety meds if I want.The thing is I don't know if I really want to . I say I do but I'm pretty quick to reach for a pill if I'm in pain, feeling down or as is today it is raining! What the ??? I can't help feeling that the meds give me some level of control. I feel less anxious and usually very calm and out of it. I know I will never get my life back on track until I can give up these drugs but I am really struggling. I keep as busy as I can doing various things, but I know I am again addicted and I am really scared I will have to go back into hospital. My husband would be devastated if this happened. I am only slowly regaining his trust after the last admission. Is there anyone going through this? Please let me know Stressless

amandap Numb and sleepless
  • replies: 2

Hey Everyone.. First time I have ever been to a website like this. It's refreshing to see so many people in the same boat finding the support they need. I've been feeling different the past few months. Which is strange because nothing unusual or dram... View more

Hey Everyone.. First time I have ever been to a website like this. It's refreshing to see so many people in the same boat finding the support they need. I've been feeling different the past few months. Which is strange because nothing unusual or dramatic has occurred. I don't have any hobbies anymore because I don't enjoy them, everyday feels the same and it's an effort to get out of bed in the morning as I feel there isn't anything to look forward to.. It's almost a numb feeling, whether that's good, bad, or neither I don't know. Sleep has become pretty much non-existent. It takes me a long time to fall asleep and when I do it's not for long, constantly waking up in the middle of the night. I also get this sick feeling.. kind of like being nervous but it's constant. I was just wondering how many other people have experienced this and if they found anyone/anyplace that helped. I have no idea where to look.. I feel nervous about seeing someone. Thanks

chociloni living at parents
  • replies: 5

I had to move out of my house, 2 months ago now due to having a psycho landlord and being unemployed...I moved in with my parents, which I believe has made me even more depressed. They also live about a 4 hour drive south of my home city...so im feel... View more

I had to move out of my house, 2 months ago now due to having a psycho landlord and being unemployed...I moved in with my parents, which I believe has made me even more depressed. They also live about a 4 hour drive south of my home city...so im feeling pretty isolated and out of it now. Although living down here Ive been able to save money, and have now paid off all of my debts. Even though my situation isnt great I feel I am now mentally stronger, I really cant stand living down here anymore! My family are so critical, such anxious people. I feel like moving on. I try to apply for jobs but just getting through all these written applications is such a strain. Im going away in 2 weeks time for 2 weeks which will be a nice break, but I will have to come back here afterwards! I wasnt necessarilly depressed before I moved down here but now I am! Im having counselling but I am struggling...I dont know which direction to go in....

Col_1985 Does it ever end?
  • replies: 6

I've been fighting depression on and off for over 10 years. Will it ever end because it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle. I don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life. I also don't ever want to go back on medication, that just made m... View more

I've been fighting depression on and off for over 10 years. Will it ever end because it feels like I'm fighting a losing battle. I don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life. I also don't ever want to go back on medication, that just made me feel num.

Dexter2748 Negative thoughts
  • replies: 2

Why is it that my mind never thinks about the positive stuff happening in my life? I've recently made new friends, moved into a great apartment and landed myself a really nice guy who is so supportive with my current health issues. Yet I my mind only... View more

Why is it that my mind never thinks about the positive stuff happening in my life? I've recently made new friends, moved into a great apartment and landed myself a really nice guy who is so supportive with my current health issues. Yet I my mind only cares about the stuff that could go wrong/the friends I don't have/the extra support I need but too scared to reach out for. Not a single day passes without me wishing to somehow disappear. I take medication for my depression/anxiety and have started to see a psychologist but know it could be a while yet before I start to see some positive changes. What are some tips to make the days easier to get through in the meantime?

guest75 I think i am getting better
  • replies: 37

As most of you know, my biggest problem since depression got a hold of me has been anger. My mood would swing towards anger over the smallest things, and i said some horrible things to both my partner and the kids. I have been on anti-depressants for... View more

As most of you know, my biggest problem since depression got a hold of me has been anger. My mood would swing towards anger over the smallest things, and i said some horrible things to both my partner and the kids. I have been on anti-depressants for nearly 5 weeks now, Last night my mother and I had gotten some tea and my sister asked us to grab her a bottle of wine from the drive thru. When we get there another car had pulled in just before us, got to the service area turned the car off and all the occupants get out. They spend the next 15 minutes looking around for what they wanted, while we are stuck in the car waiting. This is a situation where i normally would have gotten very frustrated and angry, however, my very mild mannered calm mother was the one getting angry and i remained the calm the whole time and told her to chill out and relax. i think the medication is really working and stopping my moods swinging. Before the depression got a hold of me, i was different, i didnt get angry like i have over the past few years. i think im returning to who i was. if only i could tell Tara, this might all go away, she might see i am changing for the better I am still struggling with anxiety, my stomach is constantly churning, like i feel something is going to go wrong, I cant make it stop, only when my mind is distracted does it stop, but as soon as i stop my mind goes straight back to stressing. Only 10 days to go and at least I will know whats going on, for better or for worse

Eleanor Lonely and not coping.
  • replies: 5

I am not doing as well as would like. After finishing year 11 and 12 through homeschooling my social phobia is even worse than it was when I dropped out of school in the first place. My family and my psychologist all think it would be a good idea for... View more

I am not doing as well as would like. After finishing year 11 and 12 through homeschooling my social phobia is even worse than it was when I dropped out of school in the first place. My family and my psychologist all think it would be a good idea for me to give university a go, as I do not have to do full time courses there so i can kind of gradually try and ease into feeling normal around people. I feel completely backwards and more depressed than I have been in a long time right now. I recently got a nice job in November last year, which has helped me overcome a lot of my anxiety issues, however I constantly feel like i am under performing and that my boss and everyone else thinks I am a bit hopeless. I keep having dreams where I feel like I am trapped and which ever way i turn I am in some kind of highly stressful situation. And after my last shift I had managed to convince myself that I was fired because my anxiety was so bad, and I did not check the rosters. Today my manager rang me saying that I was supposed to be at work an hour ago. i do not know how i am supposed to get over this, and i know I will definitely be fired. I do not know who talk to about it either because my family and my psychologist are so proud of me for getting this job in the first place, and if I lose it they will be so disappointed in me. I have also started binge eating again. Not nearly as bad as it was when everything was really bad two years ago, but bad enough for me to feel absolutely terrible. The only person I feel comfortable about talking to about how I really feel is my psychologist, but I can only see her once every fortnight and that is a long time to go with out talking to anyone. Please help, I feel like I am already a complete failure of a person at 18, and even if I do go to university I am so scared that I will not make a single friend. I would really like to talk to someone my age who is going through something remotely similar.I am really sorry about writing all of this, I hope I was not over sharing.

iamsotired Tears overflowing
  • replies: 9

I feel I keep trying to fill my life with positive distract myself from the negative but at the moment nothing is working except for the tears why?

I feel I keep trying to fill my life with positive distract myself from the negative but at the moment nothing is working except for the tears why?

Chris D My Journey
  • replies: 8

My journey so far has been an up and down ride, like a roller coaster. It started last yr in early August when i was admitted to hospital,I stayed in hospital for approx 5 or 6 days. After i was released it was very tough, very emotional. my feelings... View more

My journey so far has been an up and down ride, like a roller coaster. It started last yr in early August when i was admitted to hospital,I stayed in hospital for approx 5 or 6 days. After i was released it was very tough, very emotional. my feelings were all over the place, as time has gone on and as i have made connections my training of thoughts anf feelings have become more common and i am not having as bad times as i was before. The thoughts that i get now are just a little bit of loneliness occasionally. Even though i am still in my early stages compared to other people that i have made connections with, i can notice a change in the way i'm thinking and my thoughts. It is with the help of everyone here at Beyond Blue and many other support sites and people that i have been able to move forward along my pathway. I still have a long way to go but i can very much see the change that i have made since last August. I have been having a feeling inside me like something was missing and i now know what I was missing as the feeling has gone, I was missing a girlfriend. I have just met her and we have so much in common and are so much in love with eachother. To each and everyone of you here on this forum i say thankyou for all of your kind, caring,supporting, inspiring thoughts and messages. I have FAITH, BELIEF in all of you that we will get better in the future. Kind Regards Chris

Neil_1 Are there different levels of depression?
  • replies: 3

Hi all, and to all, I say "hi" In another post our dear friend Geoff in part of one of his sentences wrote about "levels of depression". And it was excellent, because it got me thinking. How do we explain the different levels of depression and indeed... View more

Hi all, and to all, I say "hi" In another post our dear friend Geoff in part of one of his sentences wrote about "levels of depression". And it was excellent, because it got me thinking. How do we explain the different levels of depression and indeed, ARE there different levels of depression? If there are, then the rest of my below vent isn't needed, and the only thing it will have done will be to continue to exercise my fingers as they tap away at the glorious keyboard in front of me. So vent commencing now: I'm diagnosed with chronic depression. But what if someone else is diagnosed with depression with no word of 'chronic' in front of it. Are they better off than me? Am I chronically more worse off than them? I would answer "no" to both questions. And you know for the first time, I've never even questioned that. "Look if someone has depression, they have depression Doc". Or am I being blase/silly here, and there are levels of depression; hence: "we have someone who comes in and has these kinds of issues, so we'll label this person with "garden variety depression" and then we have someone coming in who is presenting all these kinds of things, and so instead of being just in the garden, this person is at the top of the tree, with chronic depression". You know, now that I've actually written this out I think I have got the answer and perhaps it IS "yes". When I've had my mental health plan done with my GP (3 of them now), there is a series of questions you have to answer and I think this is something called the K10 test; 10 questions and if you answer them and get the score of 10, you are fine and healthy, not a problem with you (although you may have an ingrown toe-nail, but that's for another website to be concerned with) and off you go on your merry way. 50 is the absolute worst and you can't get a higher score than that and I believe that would mean immediate hospitalisation. The first time I did the test, I scored 32. Not good, but definitely not terrible. I was still depressed, but not acute. A year ago I did the test and I was 42. Much worse and nowhere near good and closing in on the not good side. In December I did the test and I scored 45. Very bad and things remain to be so. My point here is, perhaps something over 40 would be labelled as being chronic depression and anything between, oh I don't know, 25 to 40 would be depressive symptoms. Gee, I can waffle ... but it does help you know ... if you just cannot talk to others due to this illness, it does help to be able to write things down. And for years I've done this with creating a journal about my thoughts ... but now I've found Beyond Blue and these wonderful forum sites, I can just type away to my heart is, as they say in the classics, content. I'm sure that most people will see that it's another post from me and will bypass it, simply cause otherwise, that'll be 15-20 mins of their life they won't get back having had to trawl through the tripe that I tend to post. But that's ok ... cause I've read it ... just the once and it is kinda therapeutic. Are there different levels of depression? Ok, now I believe there are. But only after comprehensive scientific research had been conducted, as you'll have noticed from above. Over and out, Neil