Support
Support

Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Information on a range of different areas, including managing relationships with GPs and psychologists, and finding the right services for you.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

All discussions

Start a conversation

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.

Shock How can I accept my therapist and get over the feeling of being belittled?
  • replies: 3

Sorry BB, I am going to be brutally honest and say that I hate mental health practitioners. I havent always, but the more time I've spent with them the more I think all they offer is snake oil, placebos and, at best, a shoulder to cry on. I am aware ... View more

Sorry BB, I am going to be brutally honest and say that I hate mental health practitioners. I havent always, but the more time I've spent with them the more I think all they offer is snake oil, placebos and, at best, a shoulder to cry on. I am aware this is not a great attitude to have and want to change it. My GPs have run out of options for meds, so apparently the only way I can get better is talking about it. The biggest problem I have with them is that they make me feel like an idiot. For example, I will say something like: "I feel like I want to die". And they will almost, always say something like: "Well you came here, so you mustnt really feel like that!". To me, thats just smart arsery. Its that kind of attitude that makes me feel like a complete idiot. Like what I am saying is all false. I get really angry and defensive and usually arguments break out. The other thing is this thing about trust. They talk about getting to know you, and earning their trust, blah blah blah. Trust means nothing. You have to abide by patient confidentiality, so you cant tell anyone anyway. And dont try to be my friend. At the end of the session, your charging me an arm and a leg, so lets keep this relationship businesslike. Sorry guys, but I guess that illustrates my frustration to them. I am looking for tips to try and change this attitude. Any advice is appreciated!

Ruthwh How do I get the strength to stand up for myself instead of just saying nothing?
  • replies: 1

I have had major depression for 8 years, most days are bad but not always. I saw my GP last week and detailed how I was feeling mentally as well as physically. She told me I was experiencing anxiety. In my head I didn't agree with her, but yet I agre... View more

I have had major depression for 8 years, most days are bad but not always. I saw my GP last week and detailed how I was feeling mentally as well as physically. She told me I was experiencing anxiety. In my head I didn't agree with her, but yet I agreed with her as we talked. I am now so angry with myself for not having the guts to say I don't have anxiety but couldn't do it. I don't sleep at night, have absolutely no energy, no concentration and my memory is poor. I do have thoughts of hurting myself, but I know it will never come to anything. How do I get the strength to stand up for myself instead of just saying nothing? I have now thought of nothing else for at least a week and ready to cry anywhere and at anytime.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map