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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: 0

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

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Merced Attachment and Avoidance
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, Haven’t posted on here in about 4 years. Does anyone else struggle with attachment but at the same time have an avoidant personality? My depression is a little all over the place at the moment and I’m trying to collect my thoughts and ro... View more

Hi everyone, Haven’t posted on here in about 4 years. Does anyone else struggle with attachment but at the same time have an avoidant personality? My depression is a little all over the place at the moment and I’m trying to collect my thoughts and roll with the punches. Lately with relationships I’m either two ends of the spectrum - seriously attached or seriously avoidant. I’ve just ended a friendship of over 10 years and have DIPPED, not really allowing much of a conversation for it because it would honestly drain me. This is where I feel I’m being avoidant, anytime anyone tries to talk to me about it or ask I change the subject or zone out completely. I’m okay with that for now. My problem is my attachment issues and my stupid little obsessions I get with anyone I’m intimate with or share some time with. I find myself getting really invested over someone I’ve only just met, thinking about them 24/7, looking at their socials, replaying whatever moment we had in my head on a loop. Internally agonising over a stranger. I don’t go crazy in person and spam them with messages or anything, it’s all just going on in my head. I guess I can pin this down to loneliness and craving something more but it just sucks. I get to a place where I’m feeling independent and only concerned about myself, but then someone catches me off guard and I go down a spiral. I’m perfectly content with every aspect of my life apart from my social life - both friends and more. I’d say at the moment I don’t really have any friends outside of work, and I’ve never had a boyfriend or relationship, and that’s why I’m so quick to latch on. If you personally deal with something similar, how do you get passed it? How do you just shut up inside your head and move on? I’d love some advice.

kennedy_c Im a bit confused and worried
  • replies: 8

Hi, we have been in lockdown for around 12 weeks. Just the last week or so I've had anxiety attacks that have coincided with feelings of depression. It largely happens at night. However, some sort of relief and happiness has come from tv shows which ... View more

Hi, we have been in lockdown for around 12 weeks. Just the last week or so I've had anxiety attacks that have coincided with feelings of depression. It largely happens at night. However, some sort of relief and happiness has come from tv shows which have helped me get through it. I also saw my friends for the first time today in a while and I still felt a little bit of that same depression which worries me. When I go through these depressing stages at night nothing I can think of makes me feel happy, I try to go on my laptop and escape however that doesn't seem to work sometimes. Because of these empty and helpless feelings, I get a large amount of anxiety which further makes me feel worse. It does however seem to subside after an hour or 30 min, then I start to feel a bit happier. I have never seen a therapist or anything I'm just confused right now and I don't know if it's the lockdown that's causing it and if it will get better. Thanks a lot.

Lost_in_space_ ADHD + Chronic Pain, now Depressed.
  • replies: 1

Hi new on here. Am 63. 56/57 i was diagnosed with ADHD. Was an enlightening moment for me. I been different from as far back as i can remember. But finding out helped me a lot. I have put my own defence mechanisms in over time. Held back at school, d... View more

Hi new on here. Am 63. 56/57 i was diagnosed with ADHD. Was an enlightening moment for me. I been different from as far back as i can remember. But finding out helped me a lot. I have put my own defence mechanisms in over time. Held back at school, dropped out soon as i could. All i wanted to do was work. So i got a mechanical trade, passing paper exams, couple of bites to drag through. So my ADHD i am happy with. I have purpose and drive when i have a goal. Once attained i lose interest. I have achieved a lot in life and my bucket list is empty. There are no more challenges for me. 30 yrs ago i broke an ankle very bad. 3 years ago i broke it again. This time pain was beyond. I stayed doing what t i was busy with for 3 weeks. Literally just cried for 3 weeks but my head would not let me give up. 3 months later i was assessed with chronic pain, irreparable nerve damage. So stewed my head with medications, these turned my brain to fluid. I got suicidal, hallucinations and cried from pain. A year after i decided to stop, had two failed ops. Would not die a drug addict. So for two years i fought with everything. Used to cry walking, i walked looking at the ground. Now i got the pain down so i can work, until i upset the applecart. But i am sore and grumpy. Short with all. My doc put up with a lot. Tells me i am depressed, no frustrated! So couple months ago i was looking at ADHD and it leads to depression. So then i looked at depression. I tick a lot of boxes.I am empty inside, hopeless, worthless, useless, zero value. When asked by a friend and i am honest, look inside my vacuum and just cry. When i go to the doc’s i feel like i am begging and i cry. I had a full go a while ago to put myself to sleep. Wasn’t to be. Now i am in a worse place because i have to face those those i affected. Am now on anti depressants. Not happy but i will give it a go. I walk as little as possible. Cannot do physical. I have a better half that still puts up with me, why i will never know? so i am after some building blocks to start on value. I am really a loner. Do not need a lot of friends but have good value ones. I am difficult around people. Was as good as gold until the injury. Now i have to fight a bit more. I battle with being such a baby and useless. Understand pain and minimising it. But its the uselessness of me that i battle with. I want to be happy helpful me once more. lots of bits to fill in but there are the basics.

Cherry84 What’s wrong with me
  • replies: 3

I’ve been told I have untreated postnatal depression after having my 2 girls ages 2 and 3 (I have 2 older teenage boys as well) What does that mean?! I love my kids dearly and they have kept me alive and pushing on but I can’t stand home life, I woul... View more

I’ve been told I have untreated postnatal depression after having my 2 girls ages 2 and 3 (I have 2 older teenage boys as well) What does that mean?! I love my kids dearly and they have kept me alive and pushing on but I can’t stand home life, I would rather sit alone and speak to no one. I barely sleep and when it’s time to get up I would rather lie in bed. My work has taken a back seat and I am not motivated the way I used to be. I withdraw from people that want to talk especially my husband and I know he’s just trying to help. Any little disagreement or attitude from my sons I completely melt down, like I’m ready to run away. Matter of fact this weekend I did and here I am. I’ve spoken to the boys in the past about how I’m feeling and what’s happening , I thought they would care and try to help.. nope . I feel like I’ve completely failed as their mum and that I’ve raised what feels like such uncaring humans, now I feel like I’m failing my daughters to because I can’t get myself straight. I’ve failed as a wife to an amazing husband who is just trying to help and just all in all failing at life. I tried speaking to someone, I hated the way she spoke to me, the way we would speak normal and then when I spoke about wanting to disappear the time changes and I’m told to ‘just be kind to myself’ instantly I blocked everything she said out and started to lie for the remainder of our sessions about how well I’m doing. I’m good at this now, faking it, just seems the norm. It all comes in waves, sometimes I genuinely am feeling good! But I felt things building up and now I’m back to wanting to disappear or run away from everything and everyone. I feel like I don’t want anyone’s help because it all sounds the same, I’m not even sure what I want to hear!! I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do! Surely this can’t last forever. there’s so much more I could say but that will do for now.

Stardust535 Just a vent, or something
  • replies: 3

I'm not sure if this s the right place to do this but I just need to say some thing to someone and I dont have anywhere else. I tried diaries and stuff like that but they just make me feel sorta invisible. I'm just not doing ok today. I feel dysphori... View more

I'm not sure if this s the right place to do this but I just need to say some thing to someone and I dont have anywhere else. I tried diaries and stuff like that but they just make me feel sorta invisible. I'm just not doing ok today. I feel dysphoric and sick and sad. I keep trying to cry but I cant. To make it worse, it's my parents birthday today and I was supposed to make them something but evertime I tried before I couldn't start and I can't even make it out of bed today. I feel like I don't stop dissapointing them. They're a good parent, they just don't deserve me. So I'm sitting here and even being upright is making me nautious. I just want to curl away into a ball and to be forgotton, but I can't. I just feel so tired.

Spixx86 Not sure what I feel!
  • replies: 2

I woke up feeling this way, I ignored my responsibilities and stayed in bed for a few more hours. The kids are hungry the animals are howling, the dishes are dirty the washing is piling up and I still want to just lie here. But the thing is....I don'... View more

I woke up feeling this way, I ignored my responsibilities and stayed in bed for a few more hours. The kids are hungry the animals are howling, the dishes are dirty the washing is piling up and I still want to just lie here. But the thing is....I don't know why I feel this way, how did it start, what is the cause? I know it's depression but what do I do. It comes and goes, I push it away, I act like everything is okay for my kids and partner. I skip work and make up some excuse to not go in, I don't know what I should do. I'm tired all the time even though I sleep 8-10hours a night. ahhhh what to do? Call my doctor, get a mental health plan and speak to someone. It works for a bit then it comes back again. Not even sure when the last time was I felt this way but even writing this my heart races and I hold back tears. thanks for taking the time to read my forum. First time writing in so don't expect anyone to say anything. Hi/bye

Saffyron Supporting a friend through Covid with depression and long-term health issues
  • replies: 6

I have a lovely friend who was going to take me out on Friday night for my Birthday, YAY, finally able to get and about with Lockdown ending, and what a way to spend my Birthday getting back to some sort of ‘normal’ Unfortunately our plans have had t... View more

I have a lovely friend who was going to take me out on Friday night for my Birthday, YAY, finally able to get and about with Lockdown ending, and what a way to spend my Birthday getting back to some sort of ‘normal’ Unfortunately our plans have had to be CANCELLED, not postponed or delayed all because he can’t get vaccinated This is because he contracted Covid nearly 2 years ago now, spent 9 months in hospital with serious health issues, and now 2 years down the track is still quite ill with respiratory problems and other chronic issues not needing to be listed The doctors have said if he has the vaccination it could very well kill him So, he has a medical exemption and can’t contract Covid again (although not sure about other strains as nobody is I guess), however restaurants will still not permit him to Dine In with us and he will be excluded from a lot of places because of this, making it extremely difficult to socialise and be part of the community My question is, how is he supposed to manage this now with the current restrictions even though he has an exemption ?? Surely this had to be factored into the Road Map Roll Out ?? I understand, and completely support those that choose not to get the vaccine, but in extreme cases such as his, he’s still in that category and won’t be able to participate in social activities and Dining Out in Restaurants because of the Government legislation, and for someone that has already experienced so much time in hospital and at home without visitors because of Lockdowns, he’s mental health is severely suffering and he is very much in need of getting back out there and socialising for his own well being Not sure if such circumstances have been factored into the Government legislation for getting back out and about in the community when Lockdown restrictions have eased, but he really does need to get back to some sort of Covid normal We really need help with how this can be managed OR what options he has to get back out into the community he experience some sort of normal because hospital admissions and long term health issues are causing him great strain on his mental health and I have spent many hours trying to talk to him and help, but really as a community we’re not really in that much of a better situation, except now we can start getting back out into the community as he will not Being excluded and forced to stay at home because of the situation completely out of his hands may very well force him over the edge

mcc Bipolar 2, Depression, Anxiety and volunteering.
  • replies: 2

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bipolar about 2 months ago after dealing with severe depression just after a manic phase. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time and went and saw doctors, counsellors and psychiatrists and now i'm just struggling ... View more

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bipolar about 2 months ago after dealing with severe depression just after a manic phase. I didn't know what was happening to me at the time and went and saw doctors, counsellors and psychiatrists and now i'm just struggling to accept that this is now me. I am on meds and doing my best to keep my head above water but I am interested in volunteering for beyond blue. I want to help people like myself by just spreading awareness and just feel like becoming a better person. Would this be a bad thing to do whilst I am still trying to accept who I am or would it help? Any help at all would really be appreciated.

Justin95 I want to end my life
  • replies: 9

Hi My name is Justin. I’m new here at beyondblue and I don’t know much about it but I’m hoping I can get some support because of what I’m going through. Let me explain: in 2017 I dropped out of high school year 10 because I had some anxiety, people w... View more

Hi My name is Justin. I’m new here at beyondblue and I don’t know much about it but I’m hoping I can get some support because of what I’m going through. Let me explain: in 2017 I dropped out of high school year 10 because I had some anxiety, people would constantly sniffle and cough during classes, this type of sneaky bullying destroyed my developing mind. I was then stuck at home depressed and hopeless then my Aunt started sniffing so I told her to leave my house live in the garage, then she developed cancer but I still couldn’t live with her because of her sniffing. My Aunt died at the hospital , I was then kneeling at the hospital bed where my Aunt died then someone started coughing it was one of the nurses, so I shouted at her after just witnessing my Aunt die. After adjusting my life without my Aunt I felt depressed hopeless and stupid but my irritation to people coughing at me only returned with a vengeance. I stayed at home for 2 years in a row WITHOUT LEAVING my home. I felt like a damn BOO RADLEY. Then my next door neighbors started sneezing and coughing, so guess what I switched house. So I left my home first time in 2 years, the home movers workers also started coughing. I’ve been admitted to a mental hospital but got nothing out of it only more frustration and hopelessness .Now I’m a helpless unemployed loser taking medication and regularly visiting my psychologist; who also happens to cough but she says it’s her itchy throat which I reckon is bullsh**. These days I am planing to go back to school so I can get a good job but I am going to have to face my fears which is by all the most horrifying thing I will ever have to face. If you are reading this maybe you to want to cough. God bless me...

dubrovnik Hopeful
  • replies: 8

Hello I am a middle aged woman (young at heart) live on my own, I broke up from my ex partner 3 years ago, I have no children. (Unfortunately I couldn’t have children) I am feeling depressed, I have suffered from anxiety & depression for years. I alw... View more

Hello I am a middle aged woman (young at heart) live on my own, I broke up from my ex partner 3 years ago, I have no children. (Unfortunately I couldn’t have children) I am feeling depressed, I have suffered from anxiety & depression for years. I always put on a brave face so nobody will see my sadness. I get so sick and tired of people who say ‘snap out of it’. ‘Cheer up’ a former friend used to say that to me a lot, she said I was feeling sorry for myself etc. I told her off! I am very unselfish, I have always put other people first, family & friends. When I want time for myself I get told that I am selfish. That really irritates me. one thing that I like about lockdown is that it’s a good excuse not to be sociable etc. i love going out for coffee, dinner and the movies. I don’t go to pubs, clubs and bars, occasionally I will go to a club with friends to see a show, music or go out for lunch, I don’t smoke, only drink socially, don’t gamble. I have been called boring which really hurt my feelings. I have been hurt & betrayed by friends & relationships which made me develop trust issues. thank you for reading this.