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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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jane_1 supporting someone with OCD
  • replies: 1

Hi Beyond Blue community,I am reaching out as i am not sure how to support my partner who has intrusive thoughts OCD. For example, they constantly ruminate over intrusive thoughts or thoughts on whether the way they are feeling is right, if they shou... View more

Hi Beyond Blue community,I am reaching out as i am not sure how to support my partner who has intrusive thoughts OCD. For example, they constantly ruminate over intrusive thoughts or thoughts on whether the way they are feeling is right, if they should be happy in this specific moment and if they aren't, why not. They constantly think about whether their feelings are real or if they are pretending and it makes them very distressed. They have received a diagnosis from a pyschologist but despite this, they question whether they actually have OCD. I wanted to know if anyone has had experience with supporting a partner with OCD and could share how they support them. I would also like to know if anyone with OCD has experienced/experiences this and is willing to share what helps them? Thank you

Mel2024 Depression
  • replies: 1

For a long time I have been struggling to find my purpose in life, I am a mum and have been since I was 17 although I love my children but I feel lost. For basically my whole life I have been a mother. But who am I outside of that.? I have been strug... View more

For a long time I have been struggling to find my purpose in life, I am a mum and have been since I was 17 although I love my children but I feel lost. For basically my whole life I have been a mother. But who am I outside of that.? I have been struggling a lot lately and I don’t know how to approach that conversation when someone I trust, how do you tell someone that you actually can no longer see into the future, and you are struggling to see the next day every day you wake.

ReeBecca No reason to be depressed all the time
  • replies: 7

For as long as I can remember, since I was a teenager, I’ve just never felt normal and I’ve always had this cloud of gloom hanging over me that I can’t shake. I do all the right things, I’ve been on medication for years, I exercise and I mostly eat r... View more

For as long as I can remember, since I was a teenager, I’ve just never felt normal and I’ve always had this cloud of gloom hanging over me that I can’t shake. I do all the right things, I’ve been on medication for years, I exercise and I mostly eat right. I am so grateful for the life that I have. I have a loving husband and children and a good job and I know that even though we have our struggles we are extremely fortunate to have each other as well as a home/food/clothes. But for some reason I am just so sensitive and emotional to the things that go on in the world and feel depressed all the time. When I hear about horrible things or horrible people it really upsets me even when it doesn’t have anything to do with me. I feel let down by humans in a way and don’t feel like I can trust anyone other than my family. I know that if I didn’t have my family I would not be here anymore because I couldn’t live like this without having them as my reason to live.Why doesn’t it go away no matter what I do? I put on a smile and go about being this functional person in society but it’s all a lie. Inside my head I’m struggling with every single daily task and interaction. I pray to god every single day to help me overcome my depression and anxiety and I think he does in so many ways. But I can’t overcome it completely and it’s exhausting. My husband and kids deserve so much better.

NotThisKid Truely alone in life
  • replies: 1

Does anyone else truely care about anyone other than themselves for longer than a minute or two? When all the questions end up having no answers, what can anyone do for someone other than themselves? I know everyone will just say, you have to be acco... View more

Does anyone else truely care about anyone other than themselves for longer than a minute or two? When all the questions end up having no answers, what can anyone do for someone other than themselves? I know everyone will just say, you have to be accountable, take responsibility, only you can change your life. But there is nothing that can be changed, yes, it can be altered but to the detriment of something else either in life or in one’s self, or mind. Everyone expects someone can do or change something they have no real understanding of, in the form of likeness or experience, so it seems the right thing to say or expect. But here I am, reaching out for the hand that isn’t there. Some might extend their arm out, for a moment, but in the end, they will always fall short and move in another direction. Existence, is being alone. Others drift in and out of others existence, but it’s not their existence, they have their own. No one shares exsistance, mine feels very dark, cold, and unfashionable to my own mind. A dense weight crushing forcefully, I don’t want to exist like this is this is what existing is.

Mummaof2girls Postpartum depression
  • replies: 3

I have 2 daughters oldest is 5 in June and youngest just turned 1 in January. After having my youngest I have suffered with postpartum depression, I find myself crying every day, not feeling good enough and feel like a terrible mum. My oldest is full... View more

I have 2 daughters oldest is 5 in June and youngest just turned 1 in January. After having my youngest I have suffered with postpartum depression, I find myself crying every day, not feeling good enough and feel like a terrible mum. My oldest is full of attitude and never listens and I always find myself yelling at her and then feeling horrible about it later on. There are times throughout my day where I just want to walk out the door and not turn back. I miss having anytime to myself, I can’t shower or go to the toilet without having my kids beside me. I’ve changed for the better after having my girls, I was 22 when I had my first and was a bit of a party girl. So my children made me grow up in a better way. But now I’m 28 and just miss being able to do things for myself sometimes. I love my girls with everything I got, I’m just really struggling mentally at the moment and wanting to get some help but I’m too scared to ask for help and don’t know what to do.

JLee Crippling insecurity
  • replies: 2

I have been trying to explain my feeling to my few family and friends but it seems they have grown annoyed and uninterested with my concerns but I am desperate. I need to know if what I am feeling is normal or unfair to my partner. My partner in my e... View more

I have been trying to explain my feeling to my few family and friends but it seems they have grown annoyed and uninterested with my concerns but I am desperate. I need to know if what I am feeling is normal or unfair to my partner. My partner in my eyes is amazing in every way possible, I adore the man but because I have put him on such a high pedestal I now feel inadequate and unworthy of him. I feel cripplingly insecure. Lately he has been distant with me, less affectionate and less attentive. I fear he is losing interest and so now I am tearing myself apart trying to figure out what is wrong with me. Did I push him away? Annoy him? Turn him off? Am I unattractive in his eye? Was he ever into me in the first place or was it all just convenient? God knows. His exes were all skinny girls and shorter than I am. He even said I am the first bigger girl he has dated. He has gone through a break up with his long term girlfriend months prior to me and was seeing others whilst talking to me. I fear I may even be a rebound. I do not know, this speculation is hurting my heart and head and I want someone to tell me the truth. He has been telling me a-lot of stories of him and his exes as well as the women he was “seeing” whilst talking to me. The stories have been making me feel sick to my core, I genuinely felt like I could vomit just from hearing him talk about it. It had made me feel disgusted by him. I may just be immature and insecure but if that is the case I just want to be told. Hearing it will definitely give me some closure and assure that I can find away to work around it.

Moving forward happy Struggling with life
  • replies: 2

I’ve always tried to be a positive person but recently I can’t shake the overwhelming depression I am feeling which leaves me sitting here feeling almost paralysed and not able to do anything at all. Each month my rent is behind (it’s been raised 4 t... View more

I’ve always tried to be a positive person but recently I can’t shake the overwhelming depression I am feeling which leaves me sitting here feeling almost paralysed and not able to do anything at all. Each month my rent is behind (it’s been raised 4 times in the last two years) to which I recieve email after email threatening eviction, that alone causes me so much stress and anxiety, having the roof over my head and my sons threatened each month. Keeping up with bills and even food shopping these days is rediculous, I’ve had issues with my car being impounded and can’t get it back cause of the price it costs, I’m almost finished my studies in community service but I have 200 hours of placement left which means I can’t get a job right now, I’ve come too far with my diploma just to give up now. I’m over having to fight for everything. I miss the world and how it used to be, everything these days is just so cold and everyone seems to just look after themselves, life never used to be so hard, is it just me or does anyone feel this way? I just need a break, I just want to be able to live my life instead of fighting so hard just to keep my head above water. Everything revolves around money, or lack of, even taking the kids anywhere costs so much now, adding to my guilt and depression when I can’t afford to do what every one else seems to be doing.

Scoota Feeling lost
  • replies: 5

Hi first time posting in this forum. I have suffered from major depression for over 20 years. At times feel like I'm a complete waste of being alive. I am on my 3rd marriage. Was abused by my first husband and second husband cheated on me. I feel the... View more

Hi first time posting in this forum. I have suffered from major depression for over 20 years. At times feel like I'm a complete waste of being alive. I am on my 3rd marriage. Was abused by my first husband and second husband cheated on me. I feel the need to have to have a man in my life so I married for the 3rd time. While I have had lots of down days and spent a whole year not leaving my bedroom I have considered suicide. I have managed to battle with my depression as I'm almost 60 I'm rethinking life. I don't want to work anymore I actually hate working as I have worked since I was 16 years old. Feel my mental health would benefit from daily work life stresses. I'm wanting to enjoy the rest of my life by not having the pressure of work. Just wondering if anyone else feels the same? I'm exhausted everyday and battle just to get ready for work.

dubrovnik Fed up, angry & unsupported
  • replies: 4

Hello i have written previously to this forum & had a lot of supportive and caring messages from people who really seemed to understand my situation.Thank you all for responding. My mother is suffering from vascular dementia, a nurse comes to care fo... View more

Hello i have written previously to this forum & had a lot of supportive and caring messages from people who really seemed to understand my situation.Thank you all for responding. My mother is suffering from vascular dementia, a nurse comes to care for her3 days a week, I work part time now & care for my mother on my days off.I took my mother to her doctor for her regular checkup mum has had problems standing up & getting up, she uses a walker & walking stick. I spoke to her doctor and told him that’s what has been happening, he referred her to get some tests done at a local clinic, ji have also organised a physiotherapist to come to my parents home twice a week to help them with their mobility.i told my sister that I took mum to visit her doctor, she had the audacity to call the doctor & ask him did I tell him about her problems with standing, mums doctor spoke to her and told her that that I told him everything.I asked her why she did that, she said that she didn’t believe that I told himabout mums current situation. she doubted me which made me very upset and angry, we got into an argument which left me really distraught.I am a very articulate & courteous woman who is very good at communicating but this makes me doubt myself I am feeling very down & don’t know what to do.

lionspider50 What should I do?
  • replies: 1

Hey guys. I'm back again. and I’m now trialing more antidepressants not sure if I’ve mentioned it but I’ve tried a few medications that ended up giving me really bad anxiety and the other one extreme tiredness. so now I’m waiting to see the doctor to... View more

Hey guys. I'm back again. and I’m now trialing more antidepressants not sure if I’ve mentioned it but I’ve tried a few medications that ended up giving me really bad anxiety and the other one extreme tiredness. so now I’m waiting to see the doctor to change antidepressants. i also suffer from autism and schizophrenia because one mental disorder isn’t enough for one person apparently. and I’m really struggling with the problem of things never going to be okay or perfect. I find the idea of having a life less than what I want it to be extremely hard to deal with and it causes me a great deal of suffering. i see my cousin having this beautiful lavish life filled with three houses, cars for the entire family, three two week long vacations and expensive purses along with the trifecta of health, good looks and love and I am very jealous and envious of her. I want that, I want to experience the good life, a life of wealth and health. happiness in a word is wealthy to me. sure wealth doesn’t buy you happiness but it makes life a thousand times better. and the thing about me is I’m poor, I’m in poverty along with my mother, I hate having this broken down stuff, the fridge, the slow and weak, thin water etc i wish for a better life and it’s not just the wealth, it’s the health, her and all her kids have great health. buy I don’t, I’ve got mental and physical conditions. I’m sad all the time especially because of my lack of energy, the fact I cannot even get out of bed, shower, cook, clean, work etc I’m on the pension. i have no friends and no family besides my mother and those on Facebook. i have no lover and no past relationships, I’ve never had a boyfriend. And I’m over it all, I also especially hate my side effects the dry mouth, the hunger, the weight gain, the inability to enjoy a night out because I can’t drink. its terrible so I’ve come back seeking more advice. what should I do? I have asked for various advice before but all about bits and pieces now here is the whole story. what would you do in my situation? when things will never be perfect, when I will always be unhealthy and poor and chained to my meds like a slave to the medical community?

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