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Depression

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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: 1

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

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Miss_Out Crying
  • replies: 11

I cry every day for the life I should have had. I am the single mother of two teenagers. Their abusive father left me 10 years ago for someone better, then on breaking up with her killed himself leaving a letter blaming me, his mother also blames me.... View more

I cry every day for the life I should have had. I am the single mother of two teenagers. Their abusive father left me 10 years ago for someone better, then on breaking up with her killed himself leaving a letter blaming me, his mother also blames me. I am ugly, I have lost 50kg but ugly is to the bone, hey. I have been unable to establish new relationships as I am not what all the men want.. I live in a small community and the stigma of being a single mother is always there plus so much gossip and assumption of things that are not true. I am also a professional, to my clients I seem happy and upbeat, able to solve all problems,but on the inside I am crying,hoping for someone to help me with my problems. I am just so alone in the world. I have some good friends, but they rely on me a lot and dont understand how lonely I am as they all have people who love them, and are not hideously ugly like me. I feel constant envy for people who manage to be happy and loved although they hurt people' lie and cheat. I want bad to come to them and good for me. I am not perfect but surely I do not deserve a life sentence of misery. I tried to get help today, my GP is booked out for 1 week, and my clinical psychologist is booked out for 2 weeks. There is no psychiatry in my area, the closest being over an hour away...I feel so alone and isolated, and only stay alive for my boys...I need help SSRI's are not working I am afraid for my own future

Florrie Depression or something else?
  • replies: 2

Hi, I've been finding it really to hard to enjoy life recently and am not sure whether that is due to a few tough situations in life all happening at once or whether I'm on a downward spiral. 18 months ago my husband was made redundant and since then... View more

Hi, I've been finding it really to hard to enjoy life recently and am not sure whether that is due to a few tough situations in life all happening at once or whether I'm on a downward spiral. 18 months ago my husband was made redundant and since then he has made next to no money trying to set up his own business and it hasn't taken off. We have two pre-school age children and I work part-time to try to keep the mortgage paid. I'm constantly tired and worried about money, so much so that most evenings I cry myself to sleep. I can't turn off that voice in my head that reminds me that life wasn't supposed to be like this. I can't talk to my husband about it because he blames himself for the whole situation but I know that he is trying his best. For the last month or two I've found it really hard to enjoy life and have lost motivation to exercise or eat healthily. I just want to crawl into bed and ignore all the s*** that we're going through. I'm just worried that, if things don't improve, then nor will how I feel. Are these feelings just a reflection of the long-term problems we're having or am I starting to spiral into depression? Thanks in advance for any advice

BJ Depression or anxiety, are people not understanding or am I being selfish
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, Bear with I'm not quite sure what I'm doing. I was diagnosed with a depressive illness end of last year, and it looks like I have had it most of my life, at least since primary school, (I'm 27 now). Since I was diagnosed I have made huge... View more

Hi everyone, Bear with I'm not quite sure what I'm doing. I was diagnosed with a depressive illness end of last year, and it looks like I have had it most of my life, at least since primary school, (I'm 27 now). Since I was diagnosed I have made huge improvement, however I feel like I still have a way to go yet. One thing I have done is I have joined my local rural fire brigade and loving it, the problem is my boss/s have told me on no uncertain terms that if my commitment to the fire brigade interferes with my work they would have ask me to stop participating in it. Feel like I need to do this for me, not just for my community, or am I just being selfish and that I should give it up and find something else. Thanks for listening, BJ

Hayley Depression: You Suck
  • replies: 5

My depression is starting to take a turn south feeling like crap again and keep thinking those thoughts of falling asleep and not waking up or whatever scenario runs through my head at the time. Just thinking I have to get through another day as sure... View more

My depression is starting to take a turn south feeling like crap again and keep thinking those thoughts of falling asleep and not waking up or whatever scenario runs through my head at the time. Just thinking I have to get through another day as sure as the sun rises another day will come time stops for no one. My frustration triggers these thoughts you try this med that med this therapy that therapy no meds no therapy, your doctor your psychologist, your psychiatrist, your friends your family your partner, religion, spirituality, lifestyle changes, the nurse, the hospital, the emergency department, those numbers you ring and there is a stranger on the other end, the internet nothing f*** works. People say to you everything will be ok you will get through this all you have to do is...this What? oh right no I've tried that, done that, doing that What else ya got? When you loose hope you loose everything. I have lost hope. I know there is no magic pill I know there is no quick fix I know I haven't got a broken leg Ive got a broken psyche I know I have to be patient be positive how can I do that when I cant get out of bed.

Katieb30 At a time of need
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I'm a 30yo woman and have had depression for as long as I can remember. I've been on medication since I was about 15yo. On Wednesday I went away with my partner for a few days to help him out for work. I forgot to pack my medication and there... View more

Hi all, I'm a 30yo woman and have had depression for as long as I can remember. I've been on medication since I was about 15yo. On Wednesday I went away with my partner for a few days to help him out for work. I forgot to pack my medication and therefore hasn't taken it since Tuesday.. The effects of not having my meds are physically and emotionally draining. Physically I have been feeling myself suffer the withdrawals from the medication and can only describe what happens as some sort of electrical impulse that goes right through my head and the rest of my body. It's an awful feeling and not one I hope to feel again. emotionally I have not been able to stop crying. My life is great. I have no reason to cry but alas am fighting back tears as I type this. i wanted to come on to this forum to see whether anyone out there living with depression and anxiety believes it is possible to manage these illnesses without being on medication? I think it's wrong that one would go through such physical and emotional trauma simply from not taking a tablet!! Am wondering if anyone out there has had success from just CBT and leading a healthy lifestyle? Thanks in advance!!

ONM Am I depressed or just being pathetic?
  • replies: 3

I feel like I'm a happy person but over the past two years I have been getting sadder and sadder and find that sometimes I lose my shit I cry and actually feel physically ill for what exactly I can't put my finger on. W maybe behind in bill payments ... View more

I feel like I'm a happy person but over the past two years I have been getting sadder and sadder and find that sometimes I lose my shit I cry and actually feel physically ill for what exactly I can't put my finger on. W maybe behind in bill payments or my daughter may be being naughty or I look in the mirror and I can't stand what I see, I feel like a failure and I have a lot of guilt of the situation we are in. I maybe be fine one week then super crazy sad the next. I'm up and down all the time. I've just started to tell my husband how I'm feeling, he wants me to get help he is very loving and caring and even putting him through this makes me sick. I feel embarrassed of the way I feel and what is am putting my family through......how hard is it to do the next step and get professional help....do I need it? Or am I just being silly? Please help me.

Marley Feel tired
  • replies: 2

I suffer depression and anxiety but doing ok (I think). I just quit my job and had to go there today to handover. After leaving I have no regrets and wonder how I lasted so long. I feel an immense sense of freedom from this. I am not thinking about a... View more

I suffer depression and anxiety but doing ok (I think). I just quit my job and had to go there today to handover. After leaving I have no regrets and wonder how I lasted so long. I feel an immense sense of freedom from this. I am not thinking about another job yet, too hard too confronting. I'm taking some me time. My only problem is I still feel rather unmotivated at times and feel tired by 12.30, feeling I need some rest time before collecting kids. Is this making lazy habits laying on my bed just resting - I rarely sleep. It feels like a time waster but Is sooooo peaceful.

Claudio Please help, i cant figure out if i have anxiety or depression or if im just being pathetic
  • replies: 1

Hi, im new the forums and i really hope you can help me. It has been going on for quite sometime now, about 7 - 8 months but has gotten worse over the past 3 months. Now i feel very edgy, like someone could say or do one tiny thing and i can go from ... View more

Hi, im new the forums and i really hope you can help me. It has been going on for quite sometime now, about 7 - 8 months but has gotten worse over the past 3 months. Now i feel very edgy, like someone could say or do one tiny thing and i can go from being happy to wanting to punch the first thing i see. Its like i have years of anger just waiting to be unleashed. But its not only the people around me that can change that, i can also just go from being happy to angry in a matter of minutes. I also just feel very sad, like i could cry and cry for days but i try not to because i dont think there is a reason so i would be crying over what, nothing. For some reason i feel like there is nothing to look forward to in life, i have no drive or ambition to do anything anymore. I have gotten lazier and lazier and just lost all life in me. Also, a couple of times, not to often i have questioned myself asking if what im doing is actually what im doing, like im dreaming or something for a couple of minutes, and sometimes for those couple of minutes my perception of time screws with me. Sometimes if i am out, with parents or infront of friends parents i worry that im gonna do something weird and make an ass of myself. One last thing, im in a long distance relationship, she only lives about an hour away but i only get to see her on weekends, sometimes not for two weeks, i just thought i'de mention that just incase it is a factor. Please, any help will be greatly appreciated, Thank You

shay2 I feel like I'm drowning but everyone around me can breath
  • replies: 5

Help I am 13 years old and a female. I think I am suffering from depression but I cant be sure, all I know is that I don't remember what it feels like to be truly happy and I have to fake smile everyday day. I started self harming last year but stopp... View more

Help I am 13 years old and a female. I think I am suffering from depression but I cant be sure, all I know is that I don't remember what it feels like to be truly happy and I have to fake smile everyday day. I started self harming last year but stopped after being threatened with therapy, I have now started up again and don't know how to stop or how to control these feelings. I have suicidal thoughts every day and night and they are getting stronger so I don't even trust myself to be alone sometimes. I am too afraid to tell anyone or ask for help so here I am asking anyone professional or non professional to give me some advice or even tell me some good ways to seek help because I cant anymore I am so sick and tired of crying myself to sleep every night. -Yours truly, broken xx

Mark_098 Thanks for your time-New user
  • replies: 6

I have suffered depression (and anxiety) on and off but mostly on since my brother took his life in October 2006. It has been a struggle to have a real-time connection with myself ever since. Sometimes I know who I am and even dare I say "I like who ... View more

I have suffered depression (and anxiety) on and off but mostly on since my brother took his life in October 2006. It has been a struggle to have a real-time connection with myself ever since. Sometimes I know who I am and even dare I say "I like who I am" and then there are times I think "I don't like who I am" or "I have no real friends" or when I'm out of work, it must be because "I am not good enough" There are days where I feel great; for example when I start a new job and things are going well, or when I have had a lovely day with my girlfriend. Then there are days when I feel worthless. This happens whenever I am without work as I currently am and have been for around a month. I can't help feel like sometimes my life is an opportunity for me to watch everybody enjoy their life and move forward whilst I struggle to make sense of my life and how I'm going to get where I want to go. I don't want to come across as someone who is generally ungrateful for what I have, because I am not. I appreciate everything that is great about my life, I really do. I just think when one's mind decides to attack itself in a moment of "opportunity" that it can be very hard not to listen a little to the hurtful things it says, given the chance. I always think (and sometimes say) LG "life's good" as I have a lot of evidence to suggest this. My girlfriend has been very understanding and supportive of me and my "trying times" as she knows all that I have been through and is extremely supportive in all that she does for me. I am currently studying through correspondence, which has given me new hopes and i'm really enjoying it. When I lost my brother, I lost both my parents as well. Ever since they have not been the same (I don't expect them to either) but it has been really hard because the people who I used to feel I could talk to about something(s) bothering me, now I don't dare trouble with because I can't rely on them for any psychological support. My mother has a notorious ability to bring things back to her life or to be indifferent in her advice or "airy fairy" about things. Yes this is because they both suffer depression as well. They are seeing psychologists and I should too. I have found 1 but it is a strictly 9-5 practice which is a pain because I can only see him when i'm not working which is hardly Ideal. Its a shame too because he is the only one so far that I feel I have made a real connection/understanding with. This is really hard to come by. I know, it's a no-brainer, I need to find someone who is open after hrs for the working population so that when I get work I will be able to continue seeing them. I guess I don't want to see him because I'm just going to have to change and start again when I find work. Frustrating. It is always nice to go for a walk when I feel low or burnt-out or have anxiety about something on my mind. Exercise is the best alleviater of symptoms for me but I wish they would stay gone... Depression is a nasty thing that poisons your mind when you have an outbreak and makes you sick. It sounds like an illness that be default, should come with a medicated treatment of some type but this isn't the way I want to tackle it. My brother was taking an antidepressant in the year and a half leading up to his death and I do believe there was a link. I will say it wasn't the deciding factor but it did, I feel, play a small part. I'm not necessarily looking for advice, I just wanted to get my thoughts off my chest. Thanks for reading and feel free to reply if you like.