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: 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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random_guy1 Getting it off my chest
  • replies: 3

I’ve been sat here for like 5 minutes not knowing how to start or what to say. It’s 2 am, sry if the grammars not right I dropped out, anyway about 2 years ago something flipped in me I shut everyone out including my 2 friends now 1 probably not for ... View more

I’ve been sat here for like 5 minutes not knowing how to start or what to say. It’s 2 am, sry if the grammars not right I dropped out, anyway about 2 years ago something flipped in me I shut everyone out including my 2 friends now 1 probably not for long though, idk if I’m depressed but I feel like I shouldn’t be alive plus I don’t see my future being sun shine and rainbows. We found out my brother had made plans to take his own life, that was a couple months ago but he seems to be doing better, he has a new gf he also started going to the gym. I feel like I’m the reason he felt the way he felt so better me then him, I’m not really giving up yet cause I don’t want to make my family sad, my mum went through way to much pain when she was younger I don’t want to add to it. My parents weren’t the best parents but I don’t blame them they weren’t ready for kids they said it them selves, I don’t make eye contact with anyone because I’m scared they see me for me a piece of human scum, im a coward I made stupid deal with my self halfway through last year that if things didn’t get better I would do it, didn’t obviously. I’m emotionally numb the thought of showing my emotions to anyone including family or friends just seems impossible, this website’s pretty cool though

hello_everyone No care given
  • replies: 5

Hi, I’ve been struggling for the past 6 months to feel any compassion towards people anymore. Even the ones I care about the most. I’ve lost interest in everything I once used to love (quit soccer) even walking the dogs was something small I enjoyed ... View more

Hi, I’ve been struggling for the past 6 months to feel any compassion towards people anymore. Even the ones I care about the most. I’ve lost interest in everything I once used to love (quit soccer) even walking the dogs was something small I enjoyed and looked forward to now I can’t bring myself to do anything or have motivation to do anything again. I’m starting not to care about school work and struggle to be nice to people, I feel easily irritated and annoyed. A lot of my friends have gone against me recently because of this and tell me “I’ve changed”. I even feel so irritated with my own boyfriend of coming on 4 years and I don’t know how to fix this. I’m to scared to reach out for help. someone talk to me I feel so alone.

Tonyw Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate
  • replies: 31

I have got Anxiety And Depression And Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate after 1 year now they are stuff me around they say you can work 15+h and that`s it. I been cut off 4 times not turning up. any know what i can do?

I have got Anxiety And Depression And Centrelink will not accept my medical Certificate after 1 year now they are stuff me around they say you can work 15+h and that`s it. I been cut off 4 times not turning up. any know what i can do?

Unhappy Mom I hate myself and the life I have
  • replies: 2

I know most people won’t understand this because I have a lot to be grateful about but I hate my life so much. Ive always suffered from depression (I only realised this in my early 20’s) and have been on anti depressants for most of my life. I have t... View more

I know most people won’t understand this because I have a lot to be grateful about but I hate my life so much. Ive always suffered from depression (I only realised this in my early 20’s) and have been on anti depressants for most of my life. I have two kids and a husband but I hate everything about my life. I’m overweight, not obese but fat enough that I haven’t been to the beach once with my kids cause my body is awful. My husband takes them and they build amazing memories together and I sit at home and cry. I don’t see my friends anymore cause I’m embarrassed about how I look (they all tell me it doesn’t matter to them but it’s such a lie because they all gym and diet and care about how they look cause their looks are important so how can they tell me not to care about how I look?). None of my friends are fat. I haven’t bought myself any new clothes in about 5 years because nothing looks nice on me and everything feels tight. I also never have money so I find it difficult to spend money on clothes that just make me feel awful about myself. I will goto the shops and spend the day there and never find anything for myself. I have two kids and a husband and they bring me absolutely no joy. They are all wonderful and love spending time together but I find spending time with them so boring and I get angry and scream often. I’m so disappointed in the mother and wife I am, I’m horrible and I know it and so do they. knowing my kids have me as a mom makes me sad cause I say very hurtful things. I have worked in numerous jobs and failed at all of them. I’m not good at anything I do and it’s really embarrassing cause I know it and so does everyone else. I am bad at work, bad at sport, bad at sticking to diets, bad at being spontaneous and care free ect ect. I hate myself so much you have no idea, I sleep most of the day away and only leave my house once every few weeks cause I’m so embarrassed of the failure I am.

Jazz1959 Chronic Depression
  • replies: 1

Seven years ago I underwent an Operation on my Thyroid. Shortly, afterwards I was found wandering around in an incoherent manner. I was admitted to hospital & underwent many tests over the following 2 weeks. After no results I was sent to Cramond Cli... View more

Seven years ago I underwent an Operation on my Thyroid. Shortly, afterwards I was found wandering around in an incoherent manner. I was admitted to hospital & underwent many tests over the following 2 weeks. After no results I was sent to Cramond Clinic @ the QEH.I was given a cocktail of many different anti depressants. Then finally after a month sent home. A week later I attempted suicide. I was rushed back to the QEH where I stayed again at Cramond Clinic for a month then sent to a rehab facility.I began a series of six Shock Treatments over a 4 week period. This was a VERY stressful time. 18 months later my Pychiatrist finally prescribed the right mix of drugs & I finally started feeling like myself. I had been to hell & back.For 5 years my life resumed & I stayed depression free. Then last August I relasped into a 3 week depressive state.Thankfully, due to family & friends I came through this time. Then 4 weekend ago in early May, through a series of stressful events, The Black Dog reared it's ugly head again. I went to a very dark place & fortunately due to the love & care of my husband, I pulled through. I lost 5.5 kg in 3 weeks!! I stayed in bed most days & only wanted to curl up into a fetal position. It was horrid. Only one week ago I stated feeling better.I have booked into a Beyond Bluue course & see my Dr regularly.I now realise that sadly depression does not go away, but can reoccur.

misssanonymous I need help.
  • replies: 2

Hi, I've been living in a deep depression for the last 8 years. I've struggled with self harm and attempted suicide numerous times, and I can't remember the last time I actually felt anything other than anger or sadness. I'm only 18, and the first ti... View more

Hi, I've been living in a deep depression for the last 8 years. I've struggled with self harm and attempted suicide numerous times, and I can't remember the last time I actually felt anything other than anger or sadness. I'm only 18, and the first time I attempted to take my life, I was 11. I'm on here because I want to know things that have helped others break out of their slump. I've tried therapy years ago, but quickly stopped when my parents yelled at me because my mental health was costing them, and they weren't seeing fast enough results. I've tried so many different things to break out of my slump, but genuinely cannot find the motivation to seek new ideas or keep them up. I'm unmotivated in life, I have zero interest in the things that used to make me feel like me, and even though I pretend I'm doing better, I'm getting worse. Nobody in my family listens or asks me questions. The only time anything was brought up was when my mum, out of the blue, asked if I was over harming myself. Every time I try to bring up how I'm feeling I'm told it's just hormones and 'we were dramatic teenagers once too'. I'm pushed away, ignored and left to try and change in a home environment that isn't doing anything to change either. My feelings are invalidated to the point where I feel shit for crying or not pretending to be the 'happy, grateful' daughter I should be in a family that treats me like I'm a burden and a disappointment. If I'm not angry or sad I genuinely feel nothing. It feels like my chest and brain are hollow and I'm a mannequin forced to watch everyone else live their lives. I have felt this way for so long, 8 god damn years and I fear it will never change. I'm scared if something doesn't change, ie.my mindset or habits, or even just the way I look at the meaning of life, I'll resort back to self harm, something I was told by parents was a selfish habit. How do I re-find myself? And how can I work up the courage to stand up to my family and seek out help?

shrimper fed up with most things
  • replies: 4

work is getting mean to me, my wifes overseas. im alone and cant see point in life. sorry it its an old cliche

work is getting mean to me, my wifes overseas. im alone and cant see point in life. sorry it its an old cliche

Vix8Six Unmotivated to do anything
  • replies: 1

Hi, I have been feeling so lazy, unmotivated to do anything. Nothing interests me anymore. I make excuses to not go out anywhere or catch up with friends or family. I tend to cancel my shifts for work. All I want to do is lounge around my house eat a... View more

Hi, I have been feeling so lazy, unmotivated to do anything. Nothing interests me anymore. I make excuses to not go out anywhere or catch up with friends or family. I tend to cancel my shifts for work. All I want to do is lounge around my house eat and watch tv. I am a support worker and I am studying towards the disability sector and youth/children/ family Intervention. It’s an effort to complete my studies as I cannot sit still at a computer for long and it bores me. Then I get up and eat! I live in a prime spot across from the beach, I am taking where I live for granted. I have a van where sometimes I take out and go exploring on the coast lay in the back and chill, I go on missions to search for waterfalls and been meaning to go on camping trips….But I feel it’s in the hard basket to even go and do any of that. I have joined yoga and Pilates but I cancel my classes also. When I socialise with my friends drinking beer, I over do it and binge drink to the point where I’m soo drunk and hungover over the next day I definitely don’t get out of bed the whole day. I then feel dirty on myself and spend all day ordering Uber eats. I always say to myself I’m going to be healthy and go for beach walks and join a new class but I then last for a week and fail. Im very inconsistent about keeping things on track. I can never stick to anything. I just feel like a failure, wasting my life and having no direction with myself. Everything is an effort and I can’t be arsed doing anything! How the hell do I get out of this continuous sink hole?

Iamfindingaway Why is my new manager doing this to me?
  • replies: 8

Hello everyone,I'm a new member who's looking for a strong support system. I've been employed by the company for over 16 years and throughout my years of service this is the first time I've been told I'll be performance managed. I've been in the team... View more

Hello everyone,I'm a new member who's looking for a strong support system. I've been employed by the company for over 16 years and throughout my years of service this is the first time I've been told I'll be performance managed. I've been in the team I'm in for 4.5years and in that 4yrs I received good constructive performance review not until within the past few months since my new manager stepped in my performance began to decline. In my mid year performance review my manager gave quite a negative feedback. To begin with, this team I'm in is totally outside my area of expertise. No proper training or mentorship was provided to me. Not a day goes by that I learn something new about the job.I'm completely distraught of the fact that my manager's expectation is that I should know everything. Even when I have clearly express my view of my knowledge gap. I struggle everyday and it makes it even worse when my manager talks down to me, has undertone when she gives feedback, and does not do anything to help me develop. Any help she provide is always thrown back at me as if I'm wasting her time.I have taken many sick days compared to past years. I can't cope of her behaviour towards me. I suffer from depression and anxiety, and ever since all this started happening my mental health state is rapidly deteriorating. My manager knows my medical condition but is not there for emotional support. She made it clear to me that we are to interact professionally. What is happening to me right now is doing so much damage internally. I don't want to resign because the company has been good to me eversince except for my manager.I don't know what to do!

r0b Newbie, having a really tough time
  • replies: 2

Hey all, my name's Rob and I'm new to this forum. I'm going through a really tough time at the moment and thought maybe this would help. I've struggled with depression and anxiety pretty much my whole life (am 45 now). At the start of April I was adm... View more

Hey all, my name's Rob and I'm new to this forum. I'm going through a really tough time at the moment and thought maybe this would help. I've struggled with depression and anxiety pretty much my whole life (am 45 now). At the start of April I was admitted to a private psych ward for a flair up of my depression and I received a course of ECT. I've had 13 treatments in total. It seemed to be really helping me until at the end of my third week in hospital my fiancée turned up one morning and told me that he had had enough, had packed up all his stuff in our house and moved out. We had spent the previous day together and we hung out, watched TV, had dinner at home, cuddled up on the couch, he told me that he loved me; the previous week had been my birthday and he gave me a birthday card and had written on it things like "love you so so much", "my forever man". So after he had dropped me back to hospital that night and said goodbye to me, he drove home, packed up all his stuff and moved out the next morning. I've been completely bind-sided by this and it has left me feeling so hurt and confused. He's left me to pay all the rent on my own, all the bills, everything. I feel like a broken person. I can't stop crying, I'm angry, sad, lonely, anxious, I just feel so lost.We had some relationship counselling last year and that seemed to be going really well. I've seen the counsellor on my own since he left me and told her about a whole heap of stuff and she says his behaviour is narcissistic and I now realise how I was trying so hard to make the relationship work and please him, and the effect this has had on my mental health.I'm so down, and I feel so hurt that my ex was so dishonest with me and broke up with me in such a callous way. I just don't see at this point how I can move on with my life. I'm feeling so isolated and lonely, even though I have a good network of supportive people around me. I just seem to have this overwhelming feeling that I need to keep talking about what's happened in order to make sense of it and to come to terms with it. I see a relationship counsellor, psychologist, and talk to my friends about things but this is just so hard I don't know what to do.Anyway, I thought maybe this forum might help make some sense of things if I put it in writing.Hope everyone is doing well.