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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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Guest_42890481 Immense sadness
  • replies: 2

I’ve separated from my ex-husband for almost 3 years. I’ve struggled so much being a working single mum of 2. I feel exhausted mentally. I have no support, no friends, I’m not close with my parents. I feel sad and anxious most of the time. I feel lon... View more

I’ve separated from my ex-husband for almost 3 years. I’ve struggled so much being a working single mum of 2. I feel exhausted mentally. I have no support, no friends, I’m not close with my parents. I feel sad and anxious most of the time. I feel lonely and depressed. One time I ran into an issue and I had no one to call, so I ended up calling my ex and I instantly regretted it. I hated myself for reaching out to him as I knew contacting him will only hurt me more. We strictly talk about the kids only. I want to heal so badly, I want to move on with my life and just be happy but I can’t. I don’t understand why I am still sad about my marriage ending even though it’s been 3 years and even though it was amicable (for the most part). I know he has moved on, but why can’t I. I have so much resentment towards him but I also hate myself for still letting him control my emotions. I don’t know what to do. Also being an immigrant, i never feel belonged here. Part of me wanted to escape but I can’t. My kids are the only things that keep me going. If I don’t keep myself busy with work or with the kids, I will drown into this deep dark hole and feel trapped. I tried therapy, that didn’t help. I also couldn’t keep spending money on therapy due to the expensive cost. I am so unhappy and I don’t know how and when or even if I will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel..

Joshua84 Homesickness after moving
  • replies: 1

I recently moved house last week, and ever since then I’ve been so homesick and missing my family who live far away.My mother passed away a few years ago and it’s brought up all the grief of missing her again.I live alone and have moved a lot by myse... View more

I recently moved house last week, and ever since then I’ve been so homesick and missing my family who live far away.My mother passed away a few years ago and it’s brought up all the grief of missing her again.I live alone and have moved a lot by myself, but this time is really different. I’ve always been fine with moving but this time has triggered something inside of me.I’ve been missing the familiarity of everything. I’ve been crying on and off every day and had panic attacks multiple times the first few days. I know everyone says that I’ll get used to the new house, but when and what do I do in the meantime?I would’ve had to move anyway because the owners of the house I was renting decided to sell it.

Ems_ Having menopause in my 30s
  • replies: 1

Hey so I've had surgical menopause since 2024. Since then my life has changed drastically. Experiencing depression, anxiety, really bad mood swings etc, in all honesty I hate my life i honestly do. I don't enjoy the things that i use to do anymore, I... View more

Hey so I've had surgical menopause since 2024. Since then my life has changed drastically. Experiencing depression, anxiety, really bad mood swings etc, in all honesty I hate my life i honestly do. I don't enjoy the things that i use to do anymore, I did see my gp about it said that I should take antidepressant and it might help but I refuse to take it coz it's only numbing the problem and yeah lol I'm trying to remind myself daily that everything will get better soon lol anywho if any ladies out there experiencing menopause have any advice would be good, have a great arvo

SadUnicorn Burnout? Brain fog? Just crazy?
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I've been struggling with life for the last 12 months. There has been a lot happening in my life, but I feel like I should be getting "better", but instead I feel worse. For context I am diagnosed with ADHD (medicated) and take anti depr... View more

Hi everyone, I've been struggling with life for the last 12 months. There has been a lot happening in my life, but I feel like I should be getting "better", but instead I feel worse. For context I am diagnosed with ADHD (medicated) and take anti depressants. I have developed a bad attitude and I feel terrible about it. For example I have lost interest in my job to the point I'll do my hobbies during my working hours and not seem to care about the consequences. I love my family and friends, but I don't want to do any social activities or respond to their messages. It's not because I don't care it's because I feel so tired and have zero interest in leaving my space. I used to respond with enthusiasm, but now it's usually one word answers so they know I haven't been abducted by aliens. I have a wonderful partner who I adore and I feel awful because I barely see them. It's because I feel so exhausted and overwhelmed. I seem to be struggling with focus and attention. I used to be able to comprehend complex tasks, but now I find it difficult and overwhelming. My short term memory is terrible and I feel like I can't understand basic things anymore. I have to really really focus before my brain will go "okay, we can do this". Do I have early on set dementia? What is wrong with me? Will I ever feel like myself again? I feel incredibly sad and vulnerable sharing this post. I have spoken to my psychiatrist about this and she says it sounds like burn out from stress, but I don't know if I agree. I am aware that I should be eating better, following a sleep schedule, doing exercise, social things, seeing a psych, doctor etc etc. The thing is I have done these and I still feel the same. My mind knows what I should be doing, but I just don't care enough to do them or I don't have the energy.

Guest_43478557 Feeling Hopeless
  • replies: 2

Lately I’ve been feeling really hopeless. Im tired all the time. I stress about every little thing. I’m trying my best to stay afloat. I run and hit the gym. I try to stay as hopeful as I can but I just feel like I’m drowning. Does anyone have any ad... View more

Lately I’ve been feeling really hopeless. Im tired all the time. I stress about every little thing. I’m trying my best to stay afloat. I run and hit the gym. I try to stay as hopeful as I can but I just feel like I’m drowning. Does anyone have any advice?

RoyBerlin Need help transforming my life
  • replies: 3

I've recently turned 40, and I been in a job/industry that I am no longer happy with. My options seem to limited as I have a criminal conviction from a few years back. Every employer seems to want a history check, and I understand that if I was an em... View more

I've recently turned 40, and I been in a job/industry that I am no longer happy with. My options seem to limited as I have a criminal conviction from a few years back. Every employer seems to want a history check, and I understand that if I was an employer with a choice, I would hire the one without the conviction. I've been with my current company long before I got into trouble, and my employer is aware of it and is happy to keep me employed. However, since I work alone, and live alone, I'm finding it difficult to meet people and improve myself. The consequences of my actions nearly 8 years ago are very much now becoming a reality. It's giving me severe depression and I feel like I can't move out of this job where I have no future. It's quite overwhelming. Any advice I would appreciate.

foxythepirate01 Confused?
  • replies: 3

Hi I’m just looking for some advice and to get this off my chest, not exactly sure if this is the right place to put it or the right way to write this but this is as much as i can remember. September 2025My mate Shaun had a birthday party. I arrived ... View more

Hi I’m just looking for some advice and to get this off my chest, not exactly sure if this is the right place to put it or the right way to write this but this is as much as i can remember. September 2025My mate Shaun had a birthday party. I arrived late when everyone had already been drinking. I started talking to a girl named Connie, and we ended up getting together. We weren’t very close and argued a lot. She had mental health struggles, and I didn’t handle them well. We eventually broke up. I felt upset but not suicidal. During that time, I spoke a lot to her friend Maddie, who supported me. October–November 2025Maddie and I became very close and best friends. I developed feelings for her, told her, and we started a relationship. It felt genuine and supportive, unlike my previous one. We spent a lot of time talking and helped each other, especially when she was overthinking. December 2025We started seeing each other outside of school, often secretly. After her dad found out, she was grounded. Around this time, I began feeling depressed, numb, and had frequent suicidal thoughts, though I didn’t act on them. January 2026Her parents forced us to break up and didn’t want us talking. We stayed in contact briefly, but it was confusing because she sometimes acted like we were still together. My mental health worsened, and I kept breaking down. I asked for space, but she kept contacting me, which made things worse, so I cut her off completely. February 2026We had no contact. I found out Shaun and Maddie were talking behind my back. This hurt a lot, especially because they dismissed my feelings and told me to “get over it.” I felt confused and didn’t know what to do. December 2025 to February 2026During this time, I had daily suicidal thoughts and made several attempts but didn’t go through with them. March 2026I’ve distanced myself from my mates and taken time alone to get space. I still feel confused about my emotions and who I am, but I’m trying to cope, find comfort in small things, and take things one day at a time. I just don’t know if it’s the right thing to do because my mates are trying to get me to talk to Shaun again and I just can’t bring myself to do it. Everyday is blurring together it feels like. Close to giving up man I’m sorry

Earth Girl I hate them SO much
  • replies: 2

A lot of people don't seem to understand that some parents have.. extreme layers. When I try to talk to people about my parents, they say things like "It may just seem that way" "They seem really nice", but they have only seen them when they are bein... View more

A lot of people don't seem to understand that some parents have.. extreme layers. When I try to talk to people about my parents, they say things like "It may just seem that way" "They seem really nice", but they have only seen them when they are being nice. This morning, I feel really mad at them (more so than usual). I can feel the anger in my heart and I'm doing deep breathing right now because I am pissed. My sisters sometimes can see that they are bad and other times they tell me that they are nice, but my parents are a lot nicer to them than they are to me. Even when they aren't nice to them, they still aren't as mean to them as they are towards me. Last year, my younger sister got treated the same way they treat me over the phone (my Dad saying "hi" then saying "I have another phone call so bye" - that's literally all he said) and my Mum talking AT her instead of TO her. She talked to me about it and was crying. I felt really bad, but at least she could temporarily see it through my perspective because they have treated me like that since I was in Primary school. They ignore me and obviously I don't mean that they don't say things like good morning to me or they bump into me without noticing, they do, but that's it, that's pretty much all they do unless other people are around. When they are mean to me, I very nicely explain the problem to them and they usually get pissed, I remain nice, they still continue being mean and after a while I can not take it anymore and then they say "Well, just be nice and I will listen" I was nice to you for ages! My Mum:* Gets furious when someone doesn't listen or interrupts her even though she is the worst listener and most interruptive person.* Lies without realizing she's lying.* Forgets mean things she did and when I bring it up nicely, she gets mad.* Has to say practically everything out loud.* Tells everyone everything even when I specifically ask her not to.* Gives the silent treatment when you haven't even done anything wrong.Etc Dad:* Tells Mum and I that we need to be more tolerant even though he gets mad so easily. * Was kind of violent when I was younger and I'm scared to speak up because I am worried he might slap me (I'm serious).* Tries to make my Mum think she hates woman even though he hates woman.Etc. They put words into my mouth and break my trust all the time (not that I trust them anymore).They are VERY temperamental. They literally talk about how they "deserve" better children. I keep my mouth shut.

Guest_10343 Do you ever have “good hours” instead of good days?
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I’ve been thinking about something recently and wondered if anyone else experiences this.People often talk about having good days or bad days when dealing with depression, but lately I’ve noticed mine feels more like good hours and bad h... View more

Hi everyone, I’ve been thinking about something recently and wondered if anyone else experiences this.People often talk about having good days or bad days when dealing with depression, but lately I’ve noticed mine feels more like good hours and bad hours instead. For example, I might wake up feeling really heavy and unmotivated, then sometime in the afternoon there’s a short window where I feel a bit lighter and more like myself. I might get a few small things done, or just feel a bit more present. But then later in the evening the low feeling can come back again. It sometimes makes it hard to understand my own mood because it changes within the same day.I’ve started trying to use those “lighter hours” for small things like going for a short walk, tidying something small, or just stepping outside for a bit of fresh air. I was curious if anyone else experiences something similar.Do your moods shift throughout the day like that?If you do get those small windows where things feel a bit lighter, what do you usually do with them? Really appreciate having a place like this where people can talk openly. Take care everyone.

Guest_46187476 Suicidal thoughts
  • replies: 2

im a teenage boy i dont want to give my exact age bit im in the range of 15-17 i have been struggling with depression and have been suicidal for a while now. I’ve been struggling with depression for a good year now it just feels like everything has b... View more

im a teenage boy i dont want to give my exact age bit im in the range of 15-17 i have been struggling with depression and have been suicidal for a while now. I’ve been struggling with depression for a good year now it just feels like everything has been getting heavier and it won’t stop. I feel I need friends thay understand this most my friends can not understand this at all. I just don’t know where to look or where to go. Nothing helps I’ve tried everything. im open to suggestions and thank you for reading this is my best option right now

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