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Genimo Just started an SSRI
  • replies: 5

Hi everyonei am on an SSRI and I have never taken any medication before for my depression. My depression was leading to self harm so I have started an anti depressant. It's been a week since I started & immediately within hours of first starting I no... View more

Hi everyonei am on an SSRI and I have never taken any medication before for my depression. My depression was leading to self harm so I have started an anti depressant. It's been a week since I started & immediately within hours of first starting I noticed myself no longer crying, and my anxiety just stopped- just like that- it's just a calm emotionless thought- free state now. I am feeling not happy, not sad, just nothing, just emotionless, and in a zombie like nothing state. I can't "really" smile brightly and I need to consciously tell myself to "smile". Has as anyone been on SSRI anti depressants, for how long, and did you notice any weight gain and other side effects.. Thanks

CrashCoyote Trying to find willpower.
  • replies: 12

My PTSD has been the gift that keeps on giving. It gave me obesity from not having the mental attitude to exercise. It gave me alcoholism to self medicate the pain and have some brief periods of being numb. Now I am fifty and tired of being a slave t... View more

My PTSD has been the gift that keeps on giving. It gave me obesity from not having the mental attitude to exercise. It gave me alcoholism to self medicate the pain and have some brief periods of being numb. Now I am fifty and tired of being a slave to the disease and the symptoms. Now obesity helps me cop out whenever I start regular exercise and get joint or back pain from it. Alcohol abstinence seems like a no brainer, but I still drink. Maybe not every day but at least a few days a week. I desperately want to stop comfort eating. I definitely want to stop drinking ANY alcohol at all. I'd love to find the joy in exercise that so many people seem to get. I know I have to make the changes, I've tried and failed many times before. Where can I find the will to make the good decisions? Why is it so hard? Any tips? Please?

Lihv How to start the conversation with a GP
  • replies: 6

Hi, I'm kind of new here, well not that new its just the first time i have posted anything. I was wondering how your first conversation with your GP started relating to depression etc.? I am horribly shy at the best of times and struggle to talk to p... View more

Hi, I'm kind of new here, well not that new its just the first time i have posted anything. I was wondering how your first conversation with your GP started relating to depression etc.? I am horribly shy at the best of times and struggle to talk to people I don't know let alone ask for help with anything. My line manager at work has been pushing for me to see someone for ages as I am as she puts it "30 seconds from tears" all the time. I'm not a huge fan of doctors because every time I have been sick with the flu etc. I've been pretty much been told to suck it up even though I work in an environment handling food. So the thought of going and asking for help because I am so unhappy is terrifying. I cant help but feel they will just tell me to suck it up again. I have looked on this site for a GP that is in my area but there is none. If anyone could give me some ideas as to how to start the conversation with a GP it would be great. Sorry for rambling. Lihv

Le_Chat_Noir Depression support groups
  • replies: 3

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. I was just wondering, does anyone know of any depression support groups in the Melbourne area? There seem to be plenty of online forums and one-on-one therapists, but no support groups, wh... View more

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. I was just wondering, does anyone know of any depression support groups in the Melbourne area? There seem to be plenty of online forums and one-on-one therapists, but no support groups, which surprises me. I figure that depression is an isolating experience and it would be helpful to share the experience in a supportive group environment where you interact with people on a more personable level. Thanks!!

Algor Help needed to find treatment.
  • replies: 1

HiI am joined this forum as I have no idea what to do or where to go. I am also a new to the country and do not know/understand the system with regards to mental health. Without going into to much detail, I have been depressed for a number of years a... View more

HiI am joined this forum as I have no idea what to do or where to go. I am also a new to the country and do not know/understand the system with regards to mental health. Without going into to much detail, I have been depressed for a number of years and attempted suicide once before. I recently lost my job and am feeling very desperate and have major anxiety. I have been able to afford treatment up until 3 months ago but now can't afford my treatment anymore. My doctor will not see me anymore as I can't pay the out of pocket expenses. This make me feel even more anxious and desperate. What can I do to get rrid of this anxiousness and despair. Please help! Thanks for your time. Algor beyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

BecomingAThriver Medicated, eat right, sleep enough, see psych, exercise - still low! Options?
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I know we can't 'will' ourselves well, or I'd already be well. I know it's an illness and that it's something I suffer from but at this point, I just want to know what other things I can do to improve my mood? I currently take an antidepressa... View more

Hi all, I know we can't 'will' ourselves well, or I'd already be well. I know it's an illness and that it's something I suffer from but at this point, I just want to know what other things I can do to improve my mood? I currently take an antidepressant, I eat very healthily,take an Omega 3 and magnesium supplement, exercise vigorously regularly, see a psychologist every couple of weeks and sleep as best I can (considering I am suffering major anxiety and depression that's hit and miss). I'm being kind to myself as best I can and trying to recognise that tomorrow will hopefully/likely be a new and better day. But today, SUX. I'm not sure if anyone has any other ideas for what I can do? Figured that if I don't ask, I won't know. My life is in disarray at the moment (not opinion, possible understatement) and I know it's depression telling me that it's not going to get better, but I need help. I feel like I'm out of options (depression specifically tells me I am). My friends keep asking if there's anything they can do, but there's not. They listen and are supportive. I don't know what else they could do, I can't even help them feel less helpless. I'm exhausted and spiralling... need advice from others who know what I'm going through and some options, cause I'm out of ideas

Chris_B NewAccess: a new beyondblue service supporting you to tackle day-to-day pressures
  • replies: 4

NewAccess is a new beyondblue program that is a free and confidential service to support you to tackle day-to-day pressures. A specially trained and experienced Access Coach supports you in setting practical goals to get you back on track. The progra... View more

NewAccess is a new beyondblue program that is a free and confidential service to support you to tackle day-to-day pressures. A specially trained and experienced Access Coach supports you in setting practical goals to get you back on track. The program includes up to six free sessions. These can take place over the phone or face-to-face.This service could be right for you if any of the following life events are causing you to feel sad, moody, angry or unable to concentrate or sleep:• Work stress or uncertainty• Change in living arrangements• ‘New parent’ worries• Family and relationship problems• Death, loss or illness of a loved one• Health concerns or uncertainty• Long-term isolation or loneliness• Financial worries or instabilityThe service is available to residents in the Medicare Local areas of Canberra, North Coast NSW and Central Adelaide and Hills. It is easy to access the program: you can make an appointment by calling the NewAccess team directly or by sending an email. Click here to find out more and book an appointment now.

Rosie49 Can TCAs make you feel worse
  • replies: 4

I have been on a low dose tricylclic AD for 16 days. My partner died suddenly 14 weeks ago. I know I am grieving, but 3 weeks ago I was in a dark place. Not sleeping, having panic attacks, hyperventilating and could not stop sobbing and went to my GP... View more

I have been on a low dose tricylclic AD for 16 days. My partner died suddenly 14 weeks ago. I know I am grieving, but 3 weeks ago I was in a dark place. Not sleeping, having panic attacks, hyperventilating and could not stop sobbing and went to my GP for the first time since my partner died (also my partners GP). He prescribed a low dose tricyclic AD. The first 10 or so days were ok. The panic subsided and my mood lifted a bit so that I was able to function. But the last few days my mood has slipped, and I'm finding it hard to fight back the tears, and worse when I'm out of the house. And some nights I don't sleep. I'm wondering if the ADs are not working for me, or should I give them a bit more time. I don't want to mask my grief, but I don't want to go back to how I was 3 weeks ago. If I go back to a doctor, it will be to one recommended here - one of them is close by. I was disappointfed with my GP. When I told him I was struggling with my partner's sudden death, he said to me, "still?" , like I should be moving on after 3 months, with my partner of 20 years gone in the blink of an eye and was unable to say goodbye to him. I think too I am getting myself worked up, as I have tentatively agreed to scatter his ashes in a week's time. I am feeling that it is going to be like his funeral all over again.

TemporarilyOutOfOrder I Hate Talking Therapies, Anyone Agree???
  • replies: 18

Hi everyone, I have seen various counselors and one psychologist before, I have a rather negative attitude towards seeing them myself from past results. I feel they just don't get me. I feel so stupid for revealing the ins and outs of my life only to... View more

Hi everyone, I have seen various counselors and one psychologist before, I have a rather negative attitude towards seeing them myself from past results. I feel they just don't get me. I feel so stupid for revealing the ins and outs of my life only to feel like they didn't help me. I have been told to keep trying til I find someone I click with but it is a huge emotional investment for me and I feel like it is hopeless. I have had anxiety for the past 7 or so years and undiagnosed depression for the past 12 months approx. I have not seen anyone about this suspected depression, have not even spoken to my family or partner about it yet. I dislike the idea of talking therapies and if the GP I will see about my depression suggests a psychologist I hope to try and give it a go again but will be very apprehensive. I have always said in the past that I want to avoid medication and try anything else first but am at the lowest point I have been yet, I have withdrawn from almost everyone and don't even want to make a phone call to sort out my pay issues, I really fear talking with people right now. I am wondering if medication might help me get out of this rut enough to start on the road to recovery. I want to know if there is anyone out there that is in a similar boat? What are your thoughts on NOT having talking therapy??

Shock Bad news today - not much anyone can do to help with my kind of depression
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I dont know why I am bothering writing this. I am officially defeated. Talking to a doctor in the mental health section of the hospital today they seem to think there is nothing more to be done. They have all agreed anti-depressants dont work... View more

Hi all, I dont know why I am bothering writing this. I am officially defeated. Talking to a doctor in the mental health section of the hospital today they seem to think there is nothing more to be done. They have all agreed anti-depressants dont work. The only thing they suggest is talking about it, which just doesnt get through to me. Welp, I dont have anything I can do now cept talk about it which doesnt really work for me. I guess, like any illness, you win some, you lose some. I guess I was unlucky enough to lose this time.