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

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

All discussions

Start a discussion

white knight Depression recovery plans
  • replies: 1

I'd like to share with you how I recovered from my depression many years ago. A multi layered approach was my plan and these included reviewing aspects of my life I had the capacity to reflect upon like- Relationships. Toxic people might be only toxi... View more

I'd like to share with you how I recovered from my depression many years ago. A multi layered approach was my plan and these included reviewing aspects of my life I had the capacity to reflect upon like- Relationships. Toxic people might be only toxic to me not others, regardless I had to learn to remove them. Embrace those that had empathy and respect for my efforts to support themWork. Changing my profession/workplace was importantHobbies, following a sportRest. Waiting for the cycles to fade away before motivationRelaxation techniques. Muscle tension exercises were effective for meBack to basics videos, like appreciating a sunset, bees collecting nectar etcDiet, sound sleep and light exercise Lowering expectations of myselfAll these routines are things we can do that is only sometimes mentioned in a psychiatrist's room but can be fundamental in assisting their treatment of your illness. Self help can make such a difference but self help also isnt available due to the level of debilitation you are suffering. So you need to wait for the moment you feel up to the tasks. Remember- you are in control somewhat of your treatment with your medical professionals. I had a poor experience in 2009, after 6 years of ADHD medication and psychiatrist visits I decided to get a second opinion and - diagnosed with bipolar, depression and dysthymia with reducing anxiety. The ADHD meds never worked (several tried) so once on the bipolar meds things picked up remarkably. So just be aware that they are human also and a second opinion can be worth the effort. They say "smell the roses". Physical disabilities need rest for healing and mental health issues are no different. Resetting your life, navigating the many possible aspects of your life that you can change or minor tweaking can be significant. You could come out the other side of the ordeal much more in control with far less triggers, closer relationships and sunsets seen in a different light. "Never forget how wonderful we think you are". ONE BLINK Of all the souls that click on the linkBeyondblue forum within one blinkWhen you are down and in such a statethrough words and hope- you participate And when that sun sets yet againTo mark the evening with yet more painShare your hurt, with hope- maintainAnd the sun will forever rise up again…. For it is a form of love and careWhen you look around and nobody’s thereThe press of a key and click on a linkBeyond blue forum in just…one blink… TonyWK

Nix Rock Bottom
  • replies: 1

I feel like I have hit rock bottom. I just turned 26 and I am so mentally unwell and depressed that I can't do anything. I have no family support as they've cut me off. I have agoraphobia so leaving the house without my carer is damn near impossible.... View more

I feel like I have hit rock bottom. I just turned 26 and I am so mentally unwell and depressed that I can't do anything. I have no family support as they've cut me off. I have agoraphobia so leaving the house without my carer is damn near impossible. I can't work or study because dissociative amnesia and undiagnosed neurodivergence. I'm stuck and everything feels like it's crushing me. I don't know where to go from here.

sortofthecatlady Doing all I can and still struggling
  • replies: 2

I (39 F) have managed to rebuild my life a few times, this time is the hardest. After my last catastrophic life implosion in 2015, two years later I found a new career, built financial stability, worked on my physical and mental health, had a stable ... View more

I (39 F) have managed to rebuild my life a few times, this time is the hardest. After my last catastrophic life implosion in 2015, two years later I found a new career, built financial stability, worked on my physical and mental health, had a stable relationship and housing over 3 years. I bravely took the step to go back to the career I had lost in 2015. 5 weeks later I got a virus (unknown not cv19) and I never got better again. That was the end of 2020. I spent 10 days in hospital but the doctors never found the problem. 2021 I lost my new job due to not being able to return to work. I spent most weeks going to specialists and having all kinds of tests. Eventually they decided I had a bad viral infection that triggered fibromyalgia. By mid 2022 my ex gave up on our relationship and I had to move. I was heartbroken but I kept going. I see my doctors, I pursued supports like NDIS, DSP, and income protection (which i understand the privilege of receiving). I take care of my physical and mental health the best I can. All that is prescribed to me. I have built a supportive medical team (both psych and physical care). I do all the self care I can manage. I have managed to build some close friendships, I stay in contact with family and started dating again, I have more strength and energy than I did in 2021 but it is very slow going and I'm running out of patience. Since 2022 my housing has been very unstable, I'm preparing to move for the third time since then due to the owners wanting to demolish this property. Since I got sick I have needed different surgeries and have been diagnosed with new medical maladies that all appear unrelated to each other. Just that my body is struggling. It feels like so much is out of my control now. I've been working so hard to accept where I am and focus on the things I can change but it's exhausting when I can't achieve tangible change. How do I set up a space to do a hobby, or plan a holiday, or invest time in a local community group/volunteering when I'm never sure how long I've got before I have to pack up and start over somewhere else? Or a new illness appears?It feels like the moment I let myself nurture a little wish like putting time into a hobby, or planning something fulfilling or enjoyable something else just derails me. (I won't dare to dream of working again yet.)I know I'll keep going but my depression is trying to leak hopelessness everywhere and there's nothing more I can do right now to fix things.

Guest_81507572 I hate being a burden call for help
  • replies: 2

I see how much hurt I cause others for having this mental illness. I try so hard to pretend I'm better so my partner doesnt have to worry but it doesnt work. If I accidnetly let on that I'm not okay then I'm reminded about how much pain I cause him s... View more

I see how much hurt I cause others for having this mental illness. I try so hard to pretend I'm better so my partner doesnt have to worry but it doesnt work. If I accidnetly let on that I'm not okay then I'm reminded about how much pain I cause him soon enough. I live for others because I'm not well enough to live for myself, but if all I am is a burden, I'm loosing that reason more each day.

car10001 need someone to talk to
  • replies: 3

hi everyone going through stuff and am ok just need someone to talk to. came across a tiktok video of a girl whos lost her mother and her brother styled her hair for her to cheer her up. what has happened is that it upset me because of missing out an... View more

hi everyone going through stuff and am ok just need someone to talk to. came across a tiktok video of a girl whos lost her mother and her brother styled her hair for her to cheer her up. what has happened is that it upset me because of missing out and am really wanting to re create that experience with sister or girl my age, the video reminded me of how much am wanting meaningful moments with a girl my age. this year is 20 years since my mothers been gone and that same year was my year 12 formal and took a cousin and it also reminded me, how do you find someone willing, plan to ask sister if shes willing or can reccomend someone. feel left out and am missing out on these meaningful moments thanks for anyone willing to listen

Guest_91097493 Schizo-affective disorder
  • replies: 1

I'm John. I'm diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. It took until I was 45 years old to get that diagnosed. First I had was bi polar. At around 23. At 32 it's schizophrenia. Finally schizo-affective, and that's me. I have my ups and downs. At the... View more

I'm John. I'm diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. It took until I was 45 years old to get that diagnosed. First I had was bi polar. At around 23. At 32 it's schizophrenia. Finally schizo-affective, and that's me. I have my ups and downs. At the moment I'm preparing and waiting for Alfred to come and smash my city. I'm excited about the cyclone.

Rust Depression
  • replies: 1

Depression and anxiety! How to get rid of the fear and anxiety 

Depression and anxiety! How to get rid of the fear and anxiety 

Guest_50579271 Pure Depression
  • replies: 1

I’m depressed beyond words, disappointed in life, totally alone, didn’t leave the house in 5 days, don’t want to do anything, everything is disappointing, I can’t take it anymore.

I’m depressed beyond words, disappointed in life, totally alone, didn’t leave the house in 5 days, don’t want to do anything, everything is disappointing, I can’t take it anymore.

LesleyM Calling older single women facing challenges
  • replies: 13

Hello All ... I am new to BB but so far have been blown away by the responsive support. Thank-you BB team. Now down to 'my reality' facing an uncertain financial future at 66 years of age and not coping at all well with the situation I am currently i... View more

Hello All ... I am new to BB but so far have been blown away by the responsive support. Thank-you BB team. Now down to 'my reality' facing an uncertain financial future at 66 years of age and not coping at all well with the situation I am currently in. I have no family and have struggled with depression all my life. This has been a challenge for me and in some instances those around me... often my behaviour/reactions (so extreme ... outbursts of anger out of frustration with myself) have sometimes astounded me. I am one of those people who onlookers would say 'has it all together' but inside I have felt a fraud most of my life ... aka .. "if they really knew me they would see my faults as easily as I do." The journey is fraught with overwhelm and lots of tears. I know from my work that there are lots of senior women out their doing it tough ... financially, emotionally, physically. If they feel like me they feel like they are the only ones walking this path. I am learning something monumental from the journey this time around (nothing ever been this big for me in that past I have to add) .. I have let 'people in' and I have reached out ... hence being on this forum... the result has been overwhelming .. I still have a challenging future but I know I am cared for (have to say this makes me cry even more)... I had to let people in... the right people... with the right intuition, words, compassion (not one of them has said "it'll be alright"... people with depression know how much this means) I am not a person to blame others for what has happened to me ... or what I think they 'have done to me' .. However, the hurt runs much to deep ... and because I have struggled with self-compassion all my life it has been hard to shift the hurt. I am annoyed with myself for letting people and incidents from the past keep hold of me so vigorously ... I look forward to my BB partnership/friendship ... Have to go now because the tears are getting in my way ... Sending love to all who need it .. you are so deserving of it..

Guest_62232343 Newborn is here, but I'm lonely sad and overwhelmed
  • replies: 1

We have a two week old newborn, he is a lovely boy and he's adorable. I should be happy that he's healthy and happy, but I keep drowning in sadness, feeling overwhelmed, and incredibly lonely. There are a lot of factors at play, with a huge one being... View more

We have a two week old newborn, he is a lovely boy and he's adorable. I should be happy that he's healthy and happy, but I keep drowning in sadness, feeling overwhelmed, and incredibly lonely. There are a lot of factors at play, with a huge one being my mother. Without going into a very long story, I grew up with an abusive mother, I've been brutally beaten, seen her attack others, and worst of all, she doesn't remember any of these things. But despite being older, and in another town, she's evolved from physical abuse to verbal abuse online. This all started when I asked her to get a vaccine, she's not against vaccines, she is just scared of needles. Well, this started a week of non stop abuse, vile things were said and she even verbally attacked my 38 week pregnant Mrs via text. It was... Full on. Well, we had our child and I decided to be kind, send some photos of the child to my mum, but..she didn't seem to care. Not one congratulations, not once asking how my partner was, and not once seeming to care. Well her birthday just came and my Mrs didn't message her happy birthday, a very minor thing, but it started the abuse all over again. Thus, we've blocked her everywhere. This entire ordeal has mentally drained me. Alongside my Mrs struggling with 'baby blues' and me dealing with my own depression, it's been rough. However, seeing my partner with her family all happy to see our child, has left me feeling sad that I can't experience this with my family, all due to how my mother acted. Not only that, but I don't have really any real life friends, but my Mrs has many. She's has so many visitors over the last few weeks and I'm happy to see her being supported, but I can't help feeling more alone than ever. I feel I'm letting everyone down, I feel I'm not good enough to please anyone, and I feel completely overwhelmed mentally. I'm not sleeping well, I'm not eating or drinking much, and I generally feel like I'm breaking down mentally and physically. Fortunately, I'm still doing everything to support my partner and child, aside from being sad on and off. I don't know what I hoped to achieve by writing this. Maybe confirmation that I'm not going to the villain? That I'm not as bad as my mum thinks I am? Maybe just reassurance I'm doing the best I can. I don't know. But if you read this, thank you for taking the time.