Depression

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

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

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: 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

All discussions

appoggiatura I think I need help.
  • replies: 3

I don't really know what to do anymore. I have been depressed on and off for the past two years. I think about suicide every day, but I don't think I would ever go through with it, as I don't want to hurt my mum. I get really sad for no reason. I fee... View more

I don't really know what to do anymore. I have been depressed on and off for the past two years. I think about suicide every day, but I don't think I would ever go through with it, as I don't want to hurt my mum. I get really sad for no reason. I feel like no one except my boyfriend knows this about me (and he doesn't know the ful extent) and I have to act very hard to appear happy and interested. I feel like if I tell anyone I'm just burdening them with my issues. I have crippling self-esteem issues. I hate the way I look and I hate the person I am. I'm not anorexic, but sometimes I feel like I don't deserve food or shelter, because I am taking it away from people who are more worthy than me. I have an amazing boyfriend who has been with me for a year and a half and he has supported me through many of my darker times, but it's getting to a point now where I feel like I am abusing him because I can't be happy or get better. I've tried to break it off with him so that he can be free of me and my troubles, but he never wants to let go, I think because he's scared that I will get more depressed without him and maybe commit suicide. This makes me feel like such a horrible person, as I just want him to be happy and move on with his life. I was seeing a therapist for a bit, but it didn't work, it made me feel worse. Sometimes I can see myself getting into a dark mood and there is a rational voice somewhere in my head that is telling me I'm acting like an idiot, but it never seems to be strong enough to stop me. I have flashes in my head of suicide and I find these hard to cope with. I don't know why I'm posting on a forum, and I don't know if it can help me at all. I just don't feel like I can talk to anyone about my problems, I feel selfish and silly for even having problems, and I want the anonymity that the internet provides. I guess I just wanted to get this off my chest and to hear similar experiences and know that I'm not the only one who suffers from these particular issues.

Chloe_Bloomfield Why is it so hard for everyone to love me and be nice to me?
  • replies: 2

What triggered this i know is the fact my job cut down on all my shifts so now im just a call in,.so the only thing that gave my life any purpose is no longer there to drive me forward. So I've fallen back into old habbits,.drinking to much,.sleeping... View more

What triggered this i know is the fact my job cut down on all my shifts so now im just a call in,.so the only thing that gave my life any purpose is no longer there to drive me forward. So I've fallen back into old habbits,.drinking to much,.sleeping all day and feeling like im worthless. This has triggered the flashbacks ,.all the mean things that have been said to me,.remembering just how many people i called "friends" and how they mistreeated me. I know i must move forward, i find this a challenging task though when there is nothing in my life to look forward too. All my life ever since i was young i was told how worthless i was and how i wasn't good enough,.even my mother would tell me how i want "that good" god she was a nasty mother and people still to this day try to make me believe she was good to me cause she fed me and clothed me,..but they don't live with the memories of her that i do. I will never understand what it is that i do that makes people want to drag me down and point out all my faults. I have never had anyone in my life tell me of any good I've done. Its hard to convince yourself your a good person when you have had so many people drag you down. I am to afraid to meet new people because of the other people I have let in and have been bad to me. I am lost,.confused,angry,hurt and yet within all this negative emmotion i still have the dream of oneday being loved and wanted.. All i want to do is love and be loved. Why is it so hard for everyone to love me and be nice to me?