Immediate support
Immediate support

Depression

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

Start a discussion

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
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

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.

Chris_B Are you looking to support someone else with depression? PLEASE READ before posting
  • replies: 0

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and f... View more

This forum is for people seeking support for their own mental health issues. If you're posting on behalf of someone else with a mental health issue that you're concerned about, please have a look at this section of our forums: Supporting family and friends with a mental health condition It's full of threads from people who have family members and friends going through anxiety, depression or other related conditions. Have a read through the threads there, and feel free to take part in the discussions. Below are also some helpful beyondblue resources you might want to look through first as well: Supporting someone Have the conversation

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 discussion

a_hiding_rainbow Depression and Anxiety confusion
  • replies: 4

hi so I've been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression in my life but no diagnosis in the last little while as the last year was pretty stable. everything has just flared up the last few weeks. I want to know which comes first, anxiety or depress... View more

hi so I've been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression in my life but no diagnosis in the last little while as the last year was pretty stable. everything has just flared up the last few weeks. I want to know which comes first, anxiety or depression because they seem to be constantly linked. Sometimes I'm definitely more one than the other but not the majority. I'm new to this while forum thing and I hate asking for help but I'm getting to the stage where I need it if I want to try and cope. So much of this confuses me and I'm constantly blaming myself. I sorry of believe it's not just me but I also don't want it to be my crutch and excuse in life....

jay05 feeling alone and judged
  • replies: 1

basically here is a quick run down im 25 year old female my family has struggled financially my entire life when i was 10 my grandfather passed and that was the first time i was told i was depressed i was teased all throughout school for being over w... View more

basically here is a quick run down im 25 year old female my family has struggled financially my entire life when i was 10 my grandfather passed and that was the first time i was told i was depressed i was teased all throughout school for being over weight so never had any self confidence at 18 i met a guy and got engaged/married, after 9 months of marriage and almost 5 years together he left me via text message, this was the second time i was diagnosed as being depressed during this time i had suicidal thoughts and even sat there one night with the means to do but was scared of death, even though i desperately wanted to die got counselling then things got better recently have been feeling depressed, withdrawn and cry over stupid things i feel as though people judge me and i cant trust people suicidal thoughts occasionally return but im still scared to follow it through i feel as though my own family dont appreciate me and feel as though everything is always my fault i feel as though im a doormat for my friends, family and work mates i have constant feelings of self loathing and strongly believe that i should not of been born recently i took a chance and went away with a family member and her friends, during the trip one person made a comment that "you cant love a fat person" i have constant feelings of not being good enough for anything or anyone, i feel as though i will never be successful in my career or have a family of my own nothing ever goes right for me, its just always one bad day after the next, i struggle to get out of bed and go to work in the morning i cant talk to my family or friends they tell me im being a drama queen or an attention seeker ive tried medications, ive tried therapy, ive tried exercise and distraction methods WHY CANT I FEEL BETTER!!! WHY CANT I GET CONTROL OF MY LIFE!!! i would love to hear suggestions on how other people deal with this

Zombie_wren Trying to recover
  • replies: 1

I've just gotten off my antidepressants after just over a yr of being on them, and just been so up and down. Ive just got some problems on my mind which I would like some outside views on... 1. My partner just won't marry me ( been together 7yrs so i... View more

I've just gotten off my antidepressants after just over a yr of being on them, and just been so up and down. Ive just got some problems on my mind which I would like some outside views on... 1. My partner just won't marry me ( been together 7yrs so it's just the 'day') I don't know why he puts it off so much. And kids too he puts off ( yes he wants both we're not breaking up anytime soon) but he says that coz we just bought our house that its too much?? I dunno these feelings are just so strong 2. This weight problem since being on the pills. The no motivation to do anything. I'm not obese or anything but I don't fit any of my clothes anymore 3. The damned 'not wanting' if you get my drift. It's always an argument on that one. I dunno I just wanted some outside options on these if you care to write.

Jilly Lost and confused
  • replies: 2

I am new to this site, but am glad I found it, it is a chance to connect with people who know what I feel and wont treat me as though they are sick of my whinging. Well I hope not. I am 46 years old. It seems I have spent most of my life pretending e... View more

I am new to this site, but am glad I found it, it is a chance to connect with people who know what I feel and wont treat me as though they are sick of my whinging. Well I hope not. I am 46 years old. It seems I have spent most of my life pretending everything is great. but about 4 years ago I couldnt do it anymore, I lost the ability to pretend anymore, it seems I had no control anymore. You see when I was a teenager I was physically abused by my older brother who I loved alot. He also sexually humiliated me in front of other boys. Alot happened. I left home at 17, as soon as I got enough money I was gone. Then after years of travelling around avoiding home, I finally came home and stayed. I just carried on as though nothing had happened. I got on with life. Then just over 4 years ago I began to have memories coming back all the time, they where always there but this time they seemed to take over my days and nights, becoming clearer and clearer. I woke up one day in the hospital, I had experienced a seizure apparantly. From that moment on I continued to have all sorts of seizures, some they say perhaps are psycogenic non-epileptic. When I had these particular moments I would feel a terror come over me, and a strong sense of what my brother had done. Sounds weird I know, but apparantly during these I look incredibly scared. My brother and I had a talk about this and I expressed how I feel about him and how I had spent my life pretending and feeling guilty if I brought our experience up. Secretly over the years everytime something bad happened to him in his life I would feel a sense of joy, then guilt because I felt that. It was an awful way to live. But I managed to have 2 kids, marry and finish a degree in nursing. Sadly my career is over due to the depression, seizures and medication side effects. I lost my drivers licence, I lost my independence, I became angry with my mother and only started talking again about 6 months ago after 4 years. I have not spoken to my brother since our confrontation. He has not bothered to contact me at all. I ended up in a psychiatric ward as I was about to take my life, unable to cope with the memories and the losses. I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, anxiety, of course depression, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and now colitis and of course epilepsy. Due to loss of income we lost our home, now recently my marriage broke down and I live on my own with my 16 year old son staying part-time. My daughter (21) is living out of home. I have isolated myself so much that I have lost many friends. I stay home alot and at times cant handle being around people. I avoid phone calls. I avoid life. I feel guilty because I know there are so many others out there with far worse than me. I am angry with my mother, and my siblings. I have lost so much I feel my brother needs to pay somehow for my losses. He is happy, he his working and holidaying with the family, he has not bothered to attempt to make amends despite me writing to him twice to explain how I feel. I was told the other day by my step-father perhaps I should go away and stay somewhere so I can get help for a while. I would like to but cant afford it. I have been asked many times do I want to pursue a civil case against him, considering my losses. I am confused. I am scared. I am lost. What do others think? Should I pursue this case and use it to get proper treatment? Well thats off my chest...always good isnt it? Thank you for reading my story so far.

Friendship Feeling so lonely and sad
  • replies: 2

I believe I have been depressed for sometime, have spoken to doctors had counselling but just can't shake it, yes I do feel suicidal my main concern is WHY am I here I give nothing, all of my very close friends have moved away, and others have given ... View more

I believe I have been depressed for sometime, have spoken to doctors had counselling but just can't shake it, yes I do feel suicidal my main concern is WHY am I here I give nothing, all of my very close friends have moved away, and others have given up on me because it is so hard for me to make an effort they think I am bumping them off, to people at work my family parents and children I am my usual happy go lucky person and nothing could possibly be wrong. I want to start going out and having fun again but because it seems such a hurdle it's easier to stay at home and watch tv in my bedroom. please help

cazza bad day nightmares
  • replies: 2

well me not have a good day too afraid to sleep god I have these night mares where I sometime wake up screaming and crying so depressed I don't want to get out of bed and then I don't want to get back in life just one roller coaster one big one up an... View more

well me not have a good day too afraid to sleep god I have these night mares where I sometime wake up screaming and crying so depressed I don't want to get out of bed and then I don't want to get back in life just one roller coaster one big one up and down most time I don't want to leave the house when I go shopping some days just drive back home to many people feel a lot safer if I stay home like if I go I have to check all doors and windows I even turn all power points off I case there is a fire but lately I have to check them more and more thing have 2 b in strait lines I hate things being out of place just don't know why cant stop this house is the only place that has ever made me feel safe not sure I deserve to get better or if I even want to after losing my job and that big pay check I think that why my ex left as well he didn't like responsibility

Jafo Can't sleep
  • replies: 2

I average 3 to 4 hours sleep a day the Dr tells me it is depression have change meds 3 time in the last 5 years and nothing seems to work. Took a prescribed medication for 1 month and was getting 5 hours. after 1 month needed to increase dosage to 3 ... View more

I average 3 to 4 hours sleep a day the Dr tells me it is depression have change meds 3 time in the last 5 years and nothing seems to work. Took a prescribed medication for 1 month and was getting 5 hours. after 1 month needed to increase dosage to 3 per night to get same result. I have tried all the herbal and antihisamine sleeping tablets and none work. A friend gave me 3 benzodiazepines and they did nothing. Can anyone help me.....

Venning Why doesn't anyone listen...
  • replies: 11

Hi, I'm a 15 year old girl that is currently completing year 10. I am being repeatedly bullied by a girl in my class, she calls me names, tease me about my weight because I am so skinny, threatens me, spreads rumours, repeatedly touches my arse and d... View more

Hi, I'm a 15 year old girl that is currently completing year 10. I am being repeatedly bullied by a girl in my class, she calls me names, tease me about my weight because I am so skinny, threatens me, spreads rumours, repeatedly touches my arse and disrespects my family. She would go to the principal and tell him something completely incorrect and the he would take me into his office close the door and yell at me, a week later he would always come back apologise and say it wasn't me. I have also been threatens to be failed because the girl took credit for my school work. I have told teachers numerous times and they didn't do anything, so I've been to the principal and they still won't do anything. My depression and anxiety has now returned because of this girl, my school grades are dropping, I feel physically sick when I see her, I constantly think or wagging school, I'm always on edge for her next verbal attack, don't even want to go to school anymore because I can't concentrate and I've hurt myself today. Is there some sort of legal action I can take? Because it is a crime and when issues arise it should be taken seriously. Aren't schools obliques to do something as well if not they can get into trouble with the department of education. Please someone can anyone help me because I really don't want to do this anymore, thing s would be so much easier if I wasn't here.

Belle Desperate to find help to start getting better...My first post (sorry if long)
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I am new to these online forums and this is my first post, so I apologise if it long. I have been struggling with depression and anxiety from at least the age of 12 including stages where I have had suicidal thoughts and eating disorders... View more

Hi everyone, I am new to these online forums and this is my first post, so I apologise if it long. I have been struggling with depression and anxiety from at least the age of 12 including stages where I have had suicidal thoughts and eating disorders. Now things are getting worse - I have disconnected myself from all my friends and family, seeing only my immediate family and boyfriend but even these relationship are becoming more strained. I have become nearly completely reclusive and have major anxiety when I have to go into public, making day to day life, and getting a job, very difficult. I have zero self esteem, little confidence, fail to take care of myself and have problems with sleeping. I am now 27 and after 2 failed minor attempts at seeking some (unhelpful) guidance (the online help on this site and a free uni counselor), I finally took the step today to try and seek some professional help. However after having built up to this moment for so long, and finally growing enough courage to call and book an appointment with a GP, and after a whole morning stressing out and feeling nervous, I came out feeling complete shattered at the lack of understanding and assistance I was given. I had pinned a lot of hope on the session going well, hoping it would be positive and aid in encouraging me to continue to seek help. So right now I am feeling completely deflated and feel like giving up on getting help and continue on in silence. It has certainly made me understand the great importance of making sure people are given utmost care and understanding when they present with a depressive disorder, as this first session will dictate the rest of their future in terms of their treatment. After reading many posts on these forums it seems to me it is a complete mindfield out there of indifferent, uninformed and unprofessional GPs, psychologists, counselors etc. and finding caring, understanding help is like finding a needle in a haystack. I feel so sad reading everyone else's story on here and hearing about the lack of care and assistance many have received from family, friends and professionals. So my question is, is it really that difficult to find understanding and quality professional help, or am I just not starting in the right places? Will I have to spend hundreds of wasted dollars on bad or general advice that I could have just got from the internet until I find someone who can truly help? I currently struggle greatly with money (student on centrelink), only barely being able to afford rent and food, and I have heard psychiatrists charge in the hundreds of dollars. Does anyone have any tips, recommendations, advice on where to start getting good quality help and assistance that is not going to send me to the poorhouse? Preferably some more detailed information than just saying "see a GP or a psych" - maybe any good GP or Psych clinics people have gone to? I feel utterly desperate as my situation is growing worse and worse day by day and I just want to make a start on the right track and start being able to live life.

jim lost again
  • replies: 3

how can someone cope with Depression when every day is a battle, with life, with my realationship, bills.... ect. I am just not coping with anything my life my bf my job im just so lost at the moment. iv'e tried to get him to understand but he just l... View more

how can someone cope with Depression when every day is a battle, with life, with my realationship, bills.... ect. I am just not coping with anything my life my bf my job im just so lost at the moment. iv'e tried to get him to understand but he just looks at me and thinks im making it up i really just dont know what to do any more.. anyone else having this problem?