Newbie

[Lionel69]

Hello im lionel. New to the forum but not new to depression and very much struggle to cope with things right now

[Doolhof]

Hi Lionel,

Welcome to the community here on the BB forum.

Would you like to share more about how your depression is affecting you and in what ways you are not coping?

If you don't mind me asking a few more questions, do you a supportive Dr you see regarding your depression or a counsellor to chat with?

I too have depression and a few other mental health issues. End of January this year I spent two weeks in hospital as I was not coping very well at all.

Everyone has various ways our depression makes us feel.

I try to stop myself from being totally overcome by my depression, but that doesn't always happen...hence the trip to hospital!

Have you experienced ways in the past that have made you feel better? Is it possible to put some of those strategies into place now?

If you are struggling big time, then please call the support line here at BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. I use these services when I desperately need to talk to someone.

Lionel, hopefully you will feel confident and comfortable enough to share more of how you are feeling here. This is a safe and non judgemental place.

Hope you are okay,

Cheers from Mrs. Dools

[Tashyc]

Hi im new to this all im dealing with depression and looking for some help in how to deal with it as i seem to push everyone who comes close to me. I just dont know why i do this i just have a big break down. I seem to make doctors appointment then at last minute cancel. Im embarrassed i have this problem can someone help me

[Doolhof]

Hi Tashyc,

Welcome tot he forum. It is wonderful you have managed to share your story with us.

I would just like to pint out this is an old thread that has not been used for a while, so not many people will see your post.

You can certainly continue to post here, but it may be more beneficial for you to start your own thread if you feel confident enough.

To do that go to forums, then click on All Posts, scroll down tot he mental health section and click on depression. On the right hand side of the screen you will see a square that reads New Thread. Click on that and you can start your own thread.

Please excuse my lack of technical explanation, that is the best I can do with computer instructions!

Depression is an illness many of us here can relate to, me included. Try to think of it like any other illness, such as diabetes. You need help just as much as a diabetic does.

Hopefully you will be able to make another appointment with the doctor. If you find it hard to tell the Dr what the problem is, you can write it down and hand that to the Dr.

There is a lot of information on this site about dealing with depression.

If you feel comfortable to call someone, you can ring the phone help line on 1300 22 4636.

Please don't feel embarrassed about your depression. You will find this is a supportive place to share how you are feeling in a non judgemental way.

Hopefully sharing how you are feeling has helped you in some way.

Cheers for now from Dools

[Doolhof]

Hi Tashyc,

I hope I haven't scared you away! You are certainly most welcome to continue posting here. I will check the new posts as well to see if you may have started a new thread.

Hope you are doing okay today. I know depression can be a real battle. I also understand there are times when we really need people in our lives, the more we need them, the more we seem to push them away and shut ourselves away. That is a part of depression that we need to find ways to conquer.

Thinking of you from Dools

[White_Rose]

Dear Lionel and Tashyc

Hello and welcome both of you to Beyond Blue. Depression is a nasty beast and loves to jump on people in all walks of life, hence the name Black Dog. Have either of you explored this site, especially the information about depression? Click on the blue tabs at the top of the page and explore. You can get this information sent to you or download it your computer. It really is useful to know how depression works.

Pushing people away is a classic depression action. And so is making doctor's appointments and then cancelling. I suggest both of you make a long appointment with your respective GPs and make sure you attend. Dools has suggested you print this post or the bits that apply to you and ask your doctor to read them. It helps to break the ice, so to speak, and gives your doctor a place to start talking with you.

As Dools has also said, depression comes and goes. We need to learn how to recognise and manage the various phases we go through. This is where professional mental health practitioners can help. We also need family and friends to support us at those times when we get a bit fragile. Dools has commented about how unwell she was earlier in the year. I also feel a little fragile at the moment. For me, talking to others either face to face or via Beyond Blue is very helpful. As we go through the low times we can also support and care for each other on our respective journeys.

Please continue to write in here. Tashyc, if you prefer to start your own thread that's great. You can also contribute here if you wish.

Mary

[Soreeyes]

Hi Tashyc,

You are not alone, I do the same. I make appointments then cancel or just turn up. I've suffered mental health problems for years, and just keep getting no help from the system.