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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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Georgiaghost Need advice.
  • replies: 5

I had been with my boyfriend for three years now. We have a daughter together, and she's only 17 months old. I'm 18. Recently my boyfriend had been acting really strange. Then all of a sudden he broke up with me last night, and won't even give me a r... View more

I had been with my boyfriend for three years now. We have a daughter together, and she's only 17 months old. I'm 18. Recently my boyfriend had been acting really strange. Then all of a sudden he broke up with me last night, and won't even give me a reason why. I just don't know what to do. I've been crying constantly. I feel as though I don't want to live anymore. The only way to describe how I feel is in that episode of the Simpsons. When Bart likes that girl, and she says she has a boyfriend. And rips Bart's heart out and says "you won't be needing this" I really don't know what to do. I can't sleep. I feel sick.

Quietlife Getting back up again...
  • replies: 2

Ive just started seeing a psych again after many years of trying to deal with anxiety and depression on my own. I was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 18, and put on medication, but I think it was present since early childhood. ... View more

Ive just started seeing a psych again after many years of trying to deal with anxiety and depression on my own. I was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 18, and put on medication, but I think it was present since early childhood. I always felt scared, useless, in the way and there was always a sense of dread that something terrible was going to happen. I am now in my 40s and I just am so fed up of dealing with this. I seem to coast along for a while and manage to achieve things, fit in and keep on an even keel, but then it just rears its ugly head again, and I become bleak, desolate and feel worthless and as if everyone can see this just by looking at me. I have started so many jobs and then left because I feel so stressed and hopeless, when I feel like this, I am afraid of the world, and I just want to be home with my kids and not have to face anyone. After years of this, I feel so stupid and pathetic and guilty that I cant achieve my potential or my goals..I hope that CBT can help me to sort some of this out and I can start living each day, not 'braving' every day. Its so exhausting! Thanks for listening. It really helps to know that I'm not alone. I hope that whoever is reading this knows they are not alone either.

lost1 Hitting bottom
  • replies: 2

hello I don't really know where to start, I have been depressed for so long and tried to pull through without any ones help, I don't know what the trigger was anymore but over the last 6 months my life has really taken a turn for the worse my partner... View more

hello I don't really know where to start, I have been depressed for so long and tried to pull through without any ones help, I don't know what the trigger was anymore but over the last 6 months my life has really taken a turn for the worse my partner of 7 years has walked out after putting up with me for so long, I am about to lose my house, I can't take it anymore. feel like things are spinning out of control and I can't stop it. I went to the doctor earlier this week and he has referred me to a pyschologist but can't tell me when they will contact me for the appointment. I need help now not tomorrow or next week. I am scared of the future. I don't know what I want from writing this but I need Help and don't know where to turn to next

beyondblueold Why don’t my posts appear straight away?
  • replies: 0

This thread is for new community members to answer questions about how our forum moderation system works. What happens after I hit ‘post’ or ‘reply’? Your post goes through a software filter that scans the content for potential breaches of the commun... View more

This thread is for new community members to answer questions about how our forum moderation system works. What happens after I hit ‘post’ or ‘reply’? Your post goes through a software filter that scans the content for potential breaches of the community rules and member terms, particularly with regard to distress and safety. If your post clears the filter, it will appear almost straight away. If it does not, it is held back for moderation before posting. In order to prevent spamming or abuse of the forums, posts by new members are automatically held for moderation until such time your account can be verified by a moderator. This may take up to 12 hours, and depending on forum traffic, up to 24 hours outside of regular business hours. If we are unable to publish your post, or need to edit it, you will be informed by email. Display names and profile pictures are also subject to moderation, so may not appear straight away. Display names rejected by our system will default your display name to 'Guest'. Who reads the posts? All published posts are publicly visible, whether you are logged in as a member or not. The forum is monitored by a team of clinically-trained moderators and an online community manager, who you will see posting in the forums and participating in threads from time to time. All posts are read and monitored by this team. What does the ‘report post’ button do? The ‘report post’ button is a feature for users to report content to moderators that concerns them. When you click the button, a field appears allowing you to send a message to moderators stating why you are reporting the content. The moderators will review your report and come back to you. I’m having technical issues with the forum. What do I do? Please post a topic in the ‘Forum feedback’ section, and your question will be addressed, or send an email to bb@beyondblue.org.au

Teejay Feeling like a burden
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I've been in a major depressive episode on and off (mostly on) for the last 4 or 5 years. I kept it to myself until I really thought I was in danger and finally went to see a therapist about 2 years ago. I'm doing ok, lots of ups and dow... View more

Hi everyone, I've been in a major depressive episode on and off (mostly on) for the last 4 or 5 years. I kept it to myself until I really thought I was in danger and finally went to see a therapist about 2 years ago. I'm doing ok, lots of ups and downs, but I'm no longer a threat to myself. My problem is even though I've finally told my friends and family, no one really understands how difficult it really is. I get a lot of "think happy thoughts. Believe you are happy and you will be" You know, the usual platitudes. My husband has a mild form of Aspergers and cannot deal with the emotions I'm feeling in any way. So most times I feel really alone. I don't want to keep burdening my friends, I mean I'm sick of hearing me say how miserable I am, I can only imagine how sick of it they are. I just need someone I can cry to without feeling judged or pitied or worse, that I'm just annoying them. I hoping you all here will understand.

Grumpy_bum Love is tough!
  • replies: 3

My name says it all, my wife has been diagnosed with PTSD and severe depression, she has been suicidal as a result of abuse by her mongrel father when she was 15. I know were it not for us that she would attempt again. she is just the sweetest most p... View more

My name says it all, my wife has been diagnosed with PTSD and severe depression, she has been suicidal as a result of abuse by her mongrel father when she was 15. I know were it not for us that she would attempt again. she is just the sweetest most pure of heart person who sees no bad In anyone - except the perpetrator. It is destroying her and it is only 2 years ago that she started to become severely affected. She is having treatment which is helping.. She wants to see her father dead! I know that I am not much help as I am a rather intolerant person when it comes to people that can't deal with their problems. Inside it is tearing me apart as she won't communicate how she is - is this something I shouldn't insist upon but do. I just figure that if I know what is happening I can help. There have been times I have considered parting but I love her and I know what she would do were I to do that. It's tough! She has several successful businesses overseas and travels occasionally to look after them, She is currently overseas on what was going to be a 3 week trip, didn't want me to go and now has been there for 6 weeks. I know she is sleeping most of the day and I am concerned that the drugs she is on are causing side effects that need to be addressed. I get so damn frustrated, I know she is hurting terribly and that she suffers from a lot of guilt by what she is going through and what I and our daughter feel. Supposed to be coming home tomorrow and for the life of me I don't know what I will do if she doesn't. I wanted to join her on several occasions over last few weeks but she said that wouldn't be best and she would be back soon. I know I am controlling but this is mainly because I want her to get her treatment continuing. She is seeing a great psychiatrist and psychologist but it is early in her treatment. I didn't know what was going on for a while and she just locks up. I have had to cancel appointments I had made for her and am worried she won't make the next ones which are this week. I think she may be on a dose that is affecting her adversely as she gets the shakes, occasionally forgets things, becomes confused, withdrawn and disoriented - does not appreciate reality. just how important are these sessions and am I expecting too much from these professionals? Been suggested that I need some counselling but I am pretty old school about tht, I know what I am like and would feel very vulnerable in baring my soul!!! I feel very selfish even putting this up as I know the problem she suffers is huge yet I am asking what I can do! To rationalize things, the most important thing in the world is for her to overcome this darkness with help, I know she cannot do it alone. However, I know I am not being much help just because of the person I am - this is the paradox, I know I should be patient, understanding, communicative, (touchy feely in other words). I am supportive though but probably in a guy sort of way. There is 30 year age difference between us and this would have something to do with it, I know also that I mean everything to her (as well as our daughter). If anyone has the "magic bullet" that will cure me, I would be very appreciative.

vierared I need help
  • replies: 2

I've been letting my moods and attitude effect everything around me, my relationships, friendships and work. A couple of months ago i got out of a relationship with someone. It was a depressing relationship for both of us but i feel as though my bad ... View more

I've been letting my moods and attitude effect everything around me, my relationships, friendships and work. A couple of months ago i got out of a relationship with someone. It was a depressing relationship for both of us but i feel as though my bad attitude ruined it. I was always angry or sad, lazy and just didn't care in the end. I went through a lot of crap when i was little with my mum (shes an alcoholic), i think that may be the reason i get so mad? i'm not really sure. The most recent thing that i have screwed up because of my attitude is work, I've taken today off (another day) so i guess i'll be talking to the big boss tomorrow/soon, ever since my last relationship ended I've really hit rock bottom ... I'm scared of screwing up a new relationship i have with someone that i really want to be with, fortunately they understand somewhat and wish to continue talking with me. We had intended to spend Christmas together this year but i'm not sure if that is going to happen because of my moods. I'm also worried if i do go to see them for Christmas i'll ruin everything. I need help controlling my anger and my depression.

hamishandme Advice please
  • replies: 6

Hi I'm a 54 yo lady, hospitalised with breakdown and dxed age 34 with major depression (PND) have been on max dose of a well known anti D ever since. Going fine until recently when my husband became depressed 18 months ago due to job and money worrie... View more

Hi I'm a 54 yo lady, hospitalised with breakdown and dxed age 34 with major depression (PND) have been on max dose of a well known anti D ever since. Going fine until recently when my husband became depressed 18 months ago due to job and money worries, now I'm finding it increasingly hard to cope as he has been really down. I have never stopped taking my meds and don't wish to, just think maybe I need more or different ones. I visited family interstate recently and had to take an anti anxiety pill that I sometimes use for flight phobia. But I took one tab each day as I really wasn't coping and was going off at my husband constantly. I haven't been that bad for about 18 years. He had promised that the weekend would be "time for us alone" but his phone went off the whole time with work calls, plus, we had to attend a work function as well as see my family. My parents are on the higher end of the narcissistic scale, and my siblings don't really get it, so it's always stressful, I hadn't seen them for 2 years. I've been invited to a family 21st soon (it's also interstate) and I'd like to go but I think it would be way too much for me. After I got back from the weekend interstate, all I wanted to do was sleep, I think that was because of the anti-anxiety meds. Plus I felt my marriage was over because I'd been so horrid to him. But it wasn't. We still love each other and he says I've been through worse. I feel I should go to the 21st to support my brothers but then I think well, they don't actually do much to support me. I have no friends, I am too scared to socialise because I got badly burnt by a female narcissist friend who basically abused my friendship for 10 years. Narcs seem to be attracted to me as I am a soft touch. I am most sad and anxious in the mornings, then my meds kick in and I get busy and I seem to be better in the pm. Don't know whether to go back to my old psychiatrist from 20 years ago - he may have retired but he was quite good - or see a psychologist. I have read in places that anti-d's can "wear off" after a long time, but my GP says no they can't. But she really wouldn't know as she's not a psychiatrist. Any advice from those with longterm major depression would be most welcome. While I was having coffee with my family on our weekend interstate, one of my siblings happened to tell me he had major anxiety which I think added to my panic. They do tend to "unload" their problems on to me. None of them ever ask me how I am, it's always about them. PS My psychiatrist originally had me on 1 1/2 times the maximum dose but I cut it down because I wasn't happy about that even though he said it was fine. That was 17 years ago and my GPs have been re-prescribing it for me as it worked well then. I just don't want to end up having a breakdown ever again which I did when I was 34.

Aldusa Not really sure where to start...so ive started here...
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, Im not really sure if im posting in the right place, or if here is the right place to start....or if I am to start anywhere at all....But anyways, here goes. My loving partner of 7 years has just told me that for the last 10 years, he has no... View more

Hi guys, Im not really sure if im posting in the right place, or if here is the right place to start....or if I am to start anywhere at all....But anyways, here goes. My loving partner of 7 years has just told me that for the last 10 years, he has not been happy. That he lives day by day because its the only way he knows how to make it to the next day. He is scared of the future, and scared to plan anything beyond tomorrow (eg, he didn't want to get a loan for a new car we desperately need, and he didn't want to help plan our daughters birthday party that's on Saturday because "something" might happen). He also says its he feels his life is constantly missing stuff, when he knows its not, and that the feeling of happiness if a momentary thing, that it goes away and he ends up feeling like there is a "great big hole". He works a night time job, and all he does is sleep and work, and all he wants to do is sleep on his days off. Our relationship has always been great, our Daughter is a bubbly happy 5yr old, He works hard, Is a wonderful dad and partner....but....yeah.... Sorry that explanation is all over the place, Its hard to make sense of this at the moment. I have very very very little experience with anything like this....and I don't know what to do....I don't know what to say....and I don't know where to start (apart from here...). I did choose to start here as it is anonymous, and I figure you guys would be able to relate and point me in some direction and tell me your opinions of what I can do to help, where I can get help for him, and if im suppose to make a big deal of this or just go on as per normal... All I want to do is help him. And I have no idea how

sailor_moon I feel like I can break down at any moment.
  • replies: 2

Nothing is going good for me, not friends not family not school or work. I wake up and go to school where I am surrounded my people that make me feel so bad about myself, then as soon as i get home from school I have to go to work. You would think ya... View more

Nothing is going good for me, not friends not family not school or work. I wake up and go to school where I am surrounded my people that make me feel so bad about myself, then as soon as i get home from school I have to go to work. You would think yay me at least im getting money but all my money goes to my controlling boyfriend which our relationship is complicated.. There's so much drama with my friends and I always try to run away from it but it chases after me. My family is slowly breaking up and money is starting to get tight. I just feel like I wake up everyday to live a life I really don't want to exist in, and this is what makes me able to break down at any moment.