Depression

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

All discussions

molly-ro Give me some hope and guidance
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I’m a 24yr old female who’s suffered with general anxiety and social anxiety basically my whole life but a few times this has flared into full blown depression. I’m currently in the biggest depression of my life which has likely come as a cha... View more

Hi all, I’m a 24yr old female who’s suffered with general anxiety and social anxiety basically my whole life but a few times this has flared into full blown depression. I’m currently in the biggest depression of my life which has likely come as a change to my anti anxiety/antidepressant medication about 2 months ago that was clearly the wrong medication for me (side note: anyone ever been prescribed medication and had the most crippling suicidal depression come?). My doctor thinks we have fixed the medication issue and now I just need to gradually move from one drug to another and I will be seeing a psychologist as well soon. But in the mean time, the depression anxiety is off the charts. Every waking moment I’m either crying or actively using energy to stop myself drink crying and every possible thought about my life is met with the realisation I’m inadequate. I think about things that I always think and feel but a usually about to cope with and push through but now I can’t seem to get away from. Everything bad pops into my head: no one likes me, I’m overweight and unattractive, I’m not fun, I won’t ever find someone to love me, I’m a failure, a loser, I’ll never find my passion in life, everyone feels sorry for me, I’m a burden to those helping me through this, life is worthless and meaningless, everything is too hard and overwhelming. You name it, I’ve thought of it. The biggest fear that seems to loop into everything is that because of all these problems and ways I fall short in life that I will never find a partner and someone to love me and have a life with.It seems to be worse in the mornings as I wake up extremely early with anxiety racing through my veins like electricity and my heart is racing and the bad thoughts start. It overwhelms me and then I cry and the cycle lasts all day. I’ve been told to try activities and hobbies to distract myself and do things I enjoy, but everything I usually enjoy just makes me sad and other new calming stuff like meditating only minimises the pain for moments. It’s exhausting and I don’t know how much longer I can do it. I guess I’m just looking for someone who’s come out of this. Someone who felt all these things who found meaning and love and happiness and a partner in life. Or maybe even learnt to overcome anxiety and depression completely. Or someone whose medication changed them for a while but now you’re back on track.

Farda Depression
  • replies: 1

With a constant unhappiness inside me, I look at people who are happy, having fun and enjoying their life surrounded by people who love them unconditionally. Whereas I am stuck here in a marriage where there is no love, care, empathy and respect. A m... View more

With a constant unhappiness inside me, I look at people who are happy, having fun and enjoying their life surrounded by people who love them unconditionally. Whereas I am stuck here in a marriage where there is no love, care, empathy and respect. A marriage that is only based on sexual desire.I have a lovely daughter, who has been playing a major part in keeping me going in life and pushing me to cope. Its just her today if im in this relationship and alive or tolerating everything.My husband doesn’t seem to care or understand anything and doesn't even bother to try. For him I am a drama queen, an ungrateful woman, dishonest, a bad wife, a boring wife, the worst person. If he goes out alone and hit the car and get it scratched he will say it was because of ME. Every problem in his life is because of me and every problem in my life is also because of me.I want to go back to my pre-married life but i dont know how. When i think about leaving so many things come into my mind and I stop.I am stuck at home. Can't go out. Don't have friends. Dont feel like driving. But want to go out and enjoy like i used to before getting married. But don't have the energy. And thinking about leaving the house alone with a toddler gives me anxiety.I dont know what to do. I cant anymore. I cant...

wilipena The battle
  • replies: 5

A few months back I went of antidepressants. Been on and off them since a teenager now mid 30s. The old signs slowly came back until I couldn’t get out of bed. I’m back on them now but still struggling as I wait for them to kick in. The side effects ... View more

A few months back I went of antidepressants. Been on and off them since a teenager now mid 30s. The old signs slowly came back until I couldn’t get out of bed. I’m back on them now but still struggling as I wait for them to kick in. The side effects however are already back! I’m so sick of fighting. I just want to live and feel good. The only thing keeping my head above water is trying to not let this effect my kids. I’m trying to keep active and eat well but I just want to hide and sleep. I regret going off the AD. Am I really going to have to be on them for the rest of my life???

coldplay101 Alone
  • replies: 1

Hi this is my first time researching depression and seeking any sort of help. Lately I’ve been the most sad I’ve ever been in my life. I struggle a lot with expressing my feelings to friends and especially family. Therefore making it impossible to sh... View more

Hi this is my first time researching depression and seeking any sort of help. Lately I’ve been the most sad I’ve ever been in my life. I struggle a lot with expressing my feelings to friends and especially family. Therefore making it impossible to share how sad I truely am. My whole life I’ve felt sad at some level but lately it’s been the worst ever as I’ve lost alot of money and I feel like life is a dead end right now. I don’t want to dump my problems on my friends but I can’t afford to see anyone for help. I’m scared that if I do go out of my way to get professional help my family will judge me. I also cry the second I talk about anything that upsets which makes it impossible to get the words out. How do I fight this?

Belle72 Local GP's
  • replies: 1

Hi allNew to this and it seems hard to navigate this site.Just wondering if anyone else is struggling to find a good GP ? My local area seems to be only seeing existing patients and I am unable to find anyone to help me.

Hi allNew to this and it seems hard to navigate this site.Just wondering if anyone else is struggling to find a good GP ? My local area seems to be only seeing existing patients and I am unable to find anyone to help me.

nij1982 Depression and worthless
  • replies: 2

Hi this is nyrie iam new here not sure where to stsrt. I have 5 kids but life is hard not sure how yo start font like how i look and everydsu is hard does antone else feel the same?

Hi this is nyrie iam new here not sure where to stsrt. I have 5 kids but life is hard not sure how yo start font like how i look and everydsu is hard does antone else feel the same?

MelodyWasHer2ndName Trapped in unhappy relationship
  • replies: 4

I can't leave and I'm miserable. Can't afford to pay off mortgage and partner says he can't live alone so he won't agree to sell. I regret every decision I have ever made. I just got together with the first boy who ever paid me attention. I hate myse... View more

I can't leave and I'm miserable. Can't afford to pay off mortgage and partner says he can't live alone so he won't agree to sell. I regret every decision I have ever made. I just got together with the first boy who ever paid me attention. I hate myself with every fibre of my being. No one loves me not even my parents. I can't go on anymore

NDR Always been single!
  • replies: 1

Hi, I've read a few posts on here recently, so I thought i'd share my situation for anyone else in the same boat. Basically since I was 18, i've lost my adolescence & youth to mental health & some heavy personal circumstances & have never really date... View more

Hi, I've read a few posts on here recently, so I thought i'd share my situation for anyone else in the same boat. Basically since I was 18, i've lost my adolescence & youth to mental health & some heavy personal circumstances & have never really dated either. Due to the above, it's made socialising hard & what i've been through destroyed my confidence, as well ability to form relationships with women, especially the ones i've liked & vice versa. Without sounding arrogant, i'm actually not a bad looking guy with a good personality & the fact that i've been unable to attract anyone or stuffed up opportunities, it's just soul destroying to be honest. I'm in my 40's now & I'm still dealing with it some days it's just plain awful. I've often thought about what it would've looked like had I had more luck. I have nothing but respect for women / others but feel really sad / depressed when I see other couples or anyone I find attractive. I know it's life, yes I should focus on the positives but having to take a back seat to your mental health can leave you pretty lonely & sad some days. I've recently started counselling but due to the holidays, i'm on my own & it's been tough. Just wanted to do the right thing & reach out. Anyways, I hope I made sense & can relate to what others may be dealing with. Thanks for your time, N.

Joel *Trigger Warning - Body Image Issues* I see beautiful women or couples and want to die
  • replies: 3

I’ll try keep it short. I suffer from depression and anxiety, but this happens to me all the time. The fact I want to die never leaves me, it just gets stronger sometimes. I am not good enough to be on earth, that much is clear. In ten years I have n... View more

I’ll try keep it short. I suffer from depression and anxiety, but this happens to me all the time. The fact I want to die never leaves me, it just gets stronger sometimes. I am not good enough to be on earth, that much is clear. In ten years I have not attracted a single woman, whether that be for a relationship or meaningless sex etc. This just reaffirms that extreme self hate I have for myself is justified. It’s not like I haven’t tried, I’m just human scum so it has never happened and I know it never will. But the fact that all it takes is seeing someone in public or online is something I can’t escape. How should I deal with this? I decided to post this now because I was on Instagram and seen a fitness model and now I feel like trash. It sounds dumb when I type it out, but it’s the way my screwed up mind works. I have totally given up on life, there is no hope for me, but while I’m still here I thought it would be interesting to get a different perspective. Just for the record, I have nothing against anyone, women, couples etc, I know I’m the problem, I know I’m not good enough. Sorry if this doesn’t make sense

JMumma Criticism by my husband constantly
  • replies: 6

My husband constantly criticises me, he then expects me to converse normally with him but I feel trapped and scared. He doesn’t acknowledge that what he says needs to be discussed he just tells me that I’m tapped in the head when I get upset about it

My husband constantly criticises me, he then expects me to converse normally with him but I feel trapped and scared. He doesn’t acknowledge that what he says needs to be discussed he just tells me that I’m tapped in the head when I get upset about it