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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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Ren_dior My boyfriend suddenly broke up with me after feeling emotionally numb
  • replies: 3

My boyfriend and I have been dating since May of this year but have been friends for 5 years now. He left for the military 2 months after we started dating, but we kept in contact through letters and occasional phone calls up until when he was allowe... View more

My boyfriend and I have been dating since May of this year but have been friends for 5 years now. He left for the military 2 months after we started dating, but we kept in contact through letters and occasional phone calls up until when he was allowed to use his phone. Once he had his phone, he texted me everyday and we called every week when he had the time. Even though it’s long distance, we held solidly. He is working in one of the hardest areas in military right now and often tells me about how much stuff he needs to do. He had occasional rants about how stressed he was from time to time. When he first got there, they did a mandatory mental check up and told him he had chronic depression. In his area of work, extreme mental disorders will get you fired since they require sound mindfulness for the position. A lot of the people there refuse to get help since they fear they’ll lose their job. I asked my boyfriend if he was going to get help and he said he’d think about it. Our relationship didn’t have any issues besides those occasional fights here and there. I struggle with overthinking and anxiety so I would often ask him numerous questions (specifically about his past relationships) and he would always answer truthfully while reassuring me. I would also start arguments because of him always being busy but we soon talked it out and found a solution to prevent our arguments. 2 days before he broke up with me, I was overthinking and asked him a question, I didn’t like the answer even though it wasn’t a bad answer at all. He tried to calm me down and remind me of what we’ve talked about but I was too in the moment to listen. After that, he got quiet and told me he didn’t want to put effort into the argument. We had to end the call since it was his curfew and we continued to text. Before the call ended I told him I loved him but over text I took it back since I didn’t feel like being affectionate and told him I felt like I was the only one putting in effort. He read my message but ended up falling asleep while typing. He told me when he woke up and saw all my messages and phone calls that he couldn’t find a reason to care. He ignored me the next day. I had to text his buddy that he works with for him to text me. He texted me saying that he didn’t know his intentions but that he felt like throwing everything away and that he didn’t want to entertain it anymore. He said he didn’t feel like himself anymore and that I’m wasting my efforts on him since he just doesn’t care about anything anymore. We called and while I was crying he told me he didn’t feel anything at all and that it was weird. He said that it’s not that he wanted to end the relationship but he just didn’t care. And that he wanted to burn all bridges from his past life and start new out there since it brought him peace and it made him feel calm. I asked if something was wrong with our relationship and he said that there was nothing wrong with the relationship nor was there anything wrong with me and that this breakup had nothing to do with the argument. He said that it was a hard decision to comprehend since he couldn’t find a reason why to break up but he was doing it because he just didn’t care. He reassured me that he wasn’t ending the relationship because he got tired of me like in his last two relationships and that everything he said and told me in our relationship was genuine and truthful. He also told me that he’s not doing this because he found someone else and that he doesn’t want to be with anyone right now nor does he feel like marrying anyone in the future. The day we argued, he was showering me with love and telling me he couldn’t wait to marry me after our schooling was over. Yesterday he removed me out of his instagram bio and removed my highlight. We've been broken up for a week now and haven’t talked for the last couple of days after I reassured him that I loved him and that I’d be here if he needed anything. Before we stopped talking I asked if there’s a possibility that after we both get the help we needed and once we’re truly ready could we get back together. He told me he didn’t know since he couldn’t predict the future but that would be a nice outcome. I’m giving him space now and working on myself with my own mental and emotional issues along with my personal life out here. He said we could still stay friends and keep in touch if either one of us need anything but for now we’re not going to be together. I wanted to ask if anyone experienced this before or if anyone has any advice. I’m still have our future in my mind but I’m also not putting all my eggs in one basket just in case.

cv02 I dont understand why I'm paralysed with fear
  • replies: 14

I was diagnosed with Major Depression 4 years ago and went to a psychologist, went on meds, finished up, got better, had a relapse, did the same cycle again, got better- haven't felt depressed or anxious in a while - then BOOM! I overhear that my (ex... View more

I was diagnosed with Major Depression 4 years ago and went to a psychologist, went on meds, finished up, got better, had a relapse, did the same cycle again, got better- haven't felt depressed or anxious in a while - then BOOM! I overhear that my (extremely supportive) manager is quitting and well I had to pop an AD just to calm my body down. I can feel my mind going down the very familiar paths of undertainty and doubt. I HATE THIS FEELING. Looking at the situation logically - I am happily married, have a job, a house, a big ass mortgage, 2 wonderful kids and even a tesla. But instead of feeling grateful all I'm feeling is a sense of fear for the future and an inadequacy that I can't keep up with my life, my debts, I fear of getting fired and not having a job. Of going through the debilitating pain that I went through 4 years ago. Change is good. But I hate change. I have to learnt to live with change.

Animal-lover Feeling lost
  • replies: 2

Hi this is the first time I have posted on here. I’m 51yr old female, have had depression/anxiety my whole adult life. Single mum of 3 amazing but challenging teenagers. Lots of medical stuff been happening with my 15yr old for some time as well as a... View more

Hi this is the first time I have posted on here. I’m 51yr old female, have had depression/anxiety my whole adult life. Single mum of 3 amazing but challenging teenagers. Lots of medical stuff been happening with my 15yr old for some time as well as all struggling with their own mental health. I’m feeling very flat, deflated, tired, overwhelmed and trying to find some good in each day but feel it’s getting harder and harder. Then we add financial pressures, work and life. I’m very lonely and isolated due to my own anxiety and rarely leave the house. Looking for some inspiration.

Lisa-27_91 Depression from work
  • replies: 3

so I work in the hospitality industry for the last 8 years, I love my job but I keep getting moved to different venues this year, I am on my 4th. This last venue I have been treated really badly, no appreciation, my roster has no work life balance. I... View more

so I work in the hospitality industry for the last 8 years, I love my job but I keep getting moved to different venues this year, I am on my 4th. This last venue I have been treated really badly, no appreciation, my roster has no work life balance. I have 2 kids 5 and 7 years old, if I have to take time off to look after them I am made to feel guilty and belittled, I have been told that my time off to took after kids is unacceptable. Being at this venue has made me loose my self confidence and I'm slowly sliding into depression.

jane_1 having a sibling with depression
  • replies: 12

Hi,I have a younger sister who has been struggling with depression for 2 years now. We have been taking her to a psychologist, but am unsure whether it is helping her. I wanted to know what are some signs or ways that it is helping her?I find myself ... View more

Hi,I have a younger sister who has been struggling with depression for 2 years now. We have been taking her to a psychologist, but am unsure whether it is helping her. I wanted to know what are some signs or ways that it is helping her?I find myself feeling very anxious. I hate seeing my parents so worried and am unsure what to do. Whenever she seems tired or sad or is crying, I feel sick. I don't know how to help her because I try to give her advice but she doesn't listen to me and thinks I'm bossing her around. Does anyone know how to get through to someone who is very stubborn and unwilling to receive advice?I would be grateful for any advice people could give me.

7891 Whats sleep
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone new to this, Feeling very down lost and empty All mixed emotions really, Lost my dad/best friend my everything on 7/5/22 still feels like yesterday to me lost him to a flesh-eating bacterial infection that I witnessed his death, I can not... View more

Hi everyone new to this, Feeling very down lost and empty All mixed emotions really, Lost my dad/best friend my everything on 7/5/22 still feels like yesterday to me lost him to a flesh-eating bacterial infection that I witnessed his death, I can not sleep when I do i awake up and down all night long or lay there for hours because all I dream, think about and see is my dad and the things I had seen happen to him I can not get it out my head or stop thinking about it no matter what I try it's made me paranoid been having bad anxiety attacks it's making me angry have bad mood swings sad an sometimes just feel nothing like empty no energy don't know how to explain the feelings that come an go

Guest_6011 Struggling to get anywhere with feeling better about myself, proving myself to be a good person
  • replies: 10

Yeah just struggling for getting anywhere to feel better about myself and just to feel better about what I'm doing. In general, like I'm not good enough just never do feel like that I can do better. And be, get better just never happens. People want ... View more

Yeah just struggling for getting anywhere to feel better about myself and just to feel better about what I'm doing. In general, like I'm not good enough just never do feel like that I can do better. And be, get better just never happens. People want to be a hindrance on it and find some stupid thing to "hang the hat" on for myself, that's going well. But truth is whatever I do- is never good enough

Leesees79 Older mum
  • replies: 1

Hi. I'm an older mum of a toddler who is experiencing depression can anyone else relate to this?

Hi. I'm an older mum of a toddler who is experiencing depression can anyone else relate to this?

Strop23 Supporting a Partner with Depression
  • replies: 8

Navigating supporting a partner with depression and supporting yourself and your own needs and mental health can be incredibly challenging. My partner is struggling with depression, im doing my best to support them but they are not in a place to want... View more

Navigating supporting a partner with depression and supporting yourself and your own needs and mental health can be incredibly challenging. My partner is struggling with depression, im doing my best to support them but they are not in a place to want to help themselves. As the support person you experience so many emotions at once. You are worried for your partner because you want them to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there are resources available to help. You feel frustrated and at times resentful, especially if they are not doing anything to help themselves - and then there's guilt for feeling frustrated with someone you love when you know they are struggling. And then there's you, trying to say and do all the right things, researching ways to be the best partner you can be, feeling as though everything you need is on hold, sometimes your partners behaviour can also be triggering if you fear loss of connection. Experiencing so many emotions at once and not necessarily knowing the answers can be a very lonely place and leave you feeling like nothing you are doing is right.

LostMojo23 LostMojo23
  • replies: 1

Does anyone feel the lost of motivation. Even with house choirs I feel like it's an effort these days. I was a very motivated person and everything I said I made it happened. These days I feel I have nothing to look forward to. I'm lost with my caree... View more

Does anyone feel the lost of motivation. Even with house choirs I feel like it's an effort these days. I was a very motivated person and everything I said I made it happened. These days I feel I have nothing to look forward to. I'm lost with my career and deep down I feel depressed about my life. I don't know why and I'm sure that many people would like to be in my shoes as it seems I have it all together. I'm usually a go getter but all of a sudden I feel I'm doing things because it has to be done or because i have to do it for someone. I don't feel the pleasure and the emotional reward physically and mentally that I used to feel when I do things for me or for someone. It's not that i don't get things done but majority of the time i dread doing them. Is this normal? Does this make sense? Is this also a depression.