Depression

Depression affects people in Australia every day. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with depression.

FAQ

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

Forums guidelines

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

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

tirawa jobseeking
  • replies: 1

I don't really know if this is the place to put this but I just wanted to vent a bit, I suppose, and see if there's any advice or anything out there. I've struggled with pretty bad mental illness basically my whole life and it really impeded me over ... View more

I don't really know if this is the place to put this but I just wanted to vent a bit, I suppose, and see if there's any advice or anything out there. I've struggled with pretty bad mental illness basically my whole life and it really impeded me over the years, I didn't graduate high school because I couldn't handle it and then I immediately went into trying to complete a bridging course and have been struggling with that ever since. I'm maybe finally about to finish a course that's meant to be 1 year but it's taken me nearly 4 years to complete. I can't really study full time with my mental illness, and the jobseeker pay isn't really enough for me to live on as someone who rents in a city and can't really just move. I got a job through APM disability last year and it's all been really optimistic since then but after July they found they can't afford to keep hiring me so I'm not really getting any shifts anymore unless they're completely understaffed. So I've been looking for work for about 4 weeks since I was informed of this change, and I came into it kind of optimistic, I have work experience now and I'm pretty capable so surely I can get an upgrade and find a better paying job and start really getting comfy. But I'm realising I seriously overestimated myself. I've been applying to mostly lower level government jobs, administration and the like, and haven't heard back from any of them. Then I started applying to retail jobs which I'm also not hearing back from. Not even an interview. Pretty much every day I get an email saying I didn't get another job; otherwise it's just radio silence. I'm studying part time and I just have nothing to do with most of my time now. I just sit there day in day out hoping one of these jobs will call me until 5pm kicks around and then I just wait out the time I need to be awake so I can go to sleep and start the wait again. I can't resort to hobbies really, since most of them cost money and I'm completely broke between bills and rent and food delivery (food preparation is obviously not easy at all when you're mentally ill). I feel stupid for even thinking anyone would want to hire me. I have one year of retail experience at 23 years old and absolutely 0 academic achievements, I can't even pick up the phone most of the time. It feels terrible and it's so frustrating. I hate feeling this useless and unwanted.

blondguy Is Depression/Anxiety Inherited?
  • replies: 26

Hi Everyone I have had severe anxiety for 25 years and and depression for 15 years. My anxiety has gone through calm and true acceptance but the depression is still with me and I now understand it may be with me for life. I have read some posts on th... View more

Hi Everyone I have had severe anxiety for 25 years and and depression for 15 years. My anxiety has gone through calm and true acceptance but the depression is still with me and I now understand it may be with me for life. I have read some posts on the BB Forums that it may be hereditary. Even though at this late stage of my illness I would like to hear people's thoughts on if they think that their depression/anxiety has come from their parents or grandparents. Please share your thoughts. Kind Thoughts Paul

JackFrost Feeling worthless, useless, & overwhelmed
  • replies: 19

For some reason it took a very long time to ome up with a title... I was trying to be clear while trying to ignore that voice that says to make it witty or intriguing because then people will want to read it... whose brain does that?! Like, this is a... View more

For some reason it took a very long time to ome up with a title... I was trying to be clear while trying to ignore that voice that says to make it witty or intriguing because then people will want to read it... whose brain does that?! Like, this is a thread about personal demons and I'm trying to be more engaging. Urgh! Anyway, I'm Jack. I am a neuroscientist with ADHD, depression, and anxiety. They say you study psychology (and similar fields) to find out what is wrong with yourself... I just didn't realise there were so many problems beneath the surface. I could go on many tangents here about different issues, but i'll just stick with hard line mental health... I cannot pick myself up after I get knocked down. On the outside looking in, I have an amazing resume`. But on the inside, I have done nothing of worth. I am not proud of myself. I do not feel joy when I think of what I have and can achieve, I just think of how much less I have done than others. How I'm going to just get through the day without disappointing myself. I have spent years just 'waiting for Friday' so then I can turn off for a short while. And I have wasted so many weeks thinking like that. Because then it's the end of the month, then year, and then I still haven't completed that work or improved my standing as an academic and so it all starts again in the new year. Despite having avenues of support, I cannot see passed my failures. No matter how small they are, in my eyes, they're massive. So here I am, on a Monday, thinking about my work week, and waiting for it to be 5pm, with this huge, crushing feeling on my chest and my shoulders.

z0z Some positivity for everyone!!!
  • replies: 2

Hi everybody!I have just some random advice and maybe it will in come in handy for someone who needs it!I've found that when my depression gets really horrible its because things feel too repetetive, to combat this I've been trying tons of new things... View more

Hi everybody!I have just some random advice and maybe it will in come in handy for someone who needs it!I've found that when my depression gets really horrible its because things feel too repetetive, to combat this I've been trying tons of new things big and small! Obviously depression can make things seem really big and hard to do so don't feel overwhelmed by this list! Just see what might apply to you and your life Heres some ideas for anyone interested!Explore ~ exploring has been one of the things that is helping me most! wether it's walking one of my regular places but finding hidden gems, going to a completley new place, or even just letting myself get lost in order to find new places! Exploring is so good for your mental health and by seeing and experiencing new things I've found you feel a whole lot better!Create ~ creating is another thing i love! You could paint a picture, make a braclet or even a pair of earrings, buy a colouring book, make a poster wall, sew or embroider, make a collage, start a journal! The possibilities are endless! Not only by creating things are you developing skills, but it's a great way to keep your mind busy and hey, you might even find something you're really good at! If you're not sure where to start Pinterest is an amazing place to find some ideas!Learning/ Educating yourself~ Learning new things can be an amazing way to expand your mind and ideas and find new interests! Theres lots of amazing free and paid resources online for learning all types of different things! Duolingo is great if you want to learn a new language, skillshare has courses on various skills, and youtube has amazing resources with videos from tedtalks and vox! At the moment I've been really intrested in learning about AI art creation, and a very random niche one- videos about big waves??? Whatever floats your boat i suppose (pun intended) Also just going to the library and picking random books and things that interest you!Cooking a new recipe ~ So many people love cooking and baking and its clear to see why! There is something very comforting about following a recipe step by step and enjoying the process and having something you made from scratch!Plus its super rewarding and yummy!!

Amanda2000 depression - my coping tool
  • replies: 4

Just thought some of you may find this helpful to beat the Monday blues! I've recently noticed the pattern of my depression at various times of the day - worst in the morning and struggling to get out of bed, but then improves as the day progresses, ... View more

Just thought some of you may find this helpful to beat the Monday blues! I've recently noticed the pattern of my depression at various times of the day - worst in the morning and struggling to get out of bed, but then improves as the day progresses, low again in the evening when I need to attend to household-chores. What I've started practising is to look past the unpleasant moment and focus on the next good moment. For example, if I get out of bed, I get to eat my favourite breakfast-cereal. Basically try to focus on the next small thing that I can look forward to. Similarly, if you're feeling low today, try to focus on how great you'll feel on Friday as you step out of work into the weekend. The same can be applied to absolutely anything that you dread having to do. Whilst this does not cure my depression & anxiety, it certainly has been a big help for me to get through everyday.

z0z so so lonely :( any advice
  • replies: 5

i’ve never felt more alone in my life. i feel like i’ve become super distant from all my friends and family. I’m so scared of the idea of completely losing the ability to connect with people. I feel like i’ve spent so long trying to find “my people” ... View more

i’ve never felt more alone in my life. i feel like i’ve become super distant from all my friends and family. I’m so scared of the idea of completely losing the ability to connect with people. I feel like i’ve spent so long trying to find “my people” but i just haven’t found many yet. I’m a super social person and talking to people and connecting with people is one of my favourite things but now it is so hard to do. does it get better? have you guys found your people? or even some people? i know that most people don’t find “their people” in high school but it seems like everyone around me has friends and support and i’m so isolated and alone. Can anyone tell me it gets better? thanks to everyone i hope you’re all well

Kaelin Life is hard sometimes
  • replies: 3

My mental health is getting worse and my coping mechanisms aren't working much anymore.I struggle with anxiety, depression, self harm, trauma and some other things. I feel really guilty for how it's affecting my mother, especially since my recent inc... View more

My mental health is getting worse and my coping mechanisms aren't working much anymore.I struggle with anxiety, depression, self harm, trauma and some other things. I feel really guilty for how it's affecting my mother, especially since my recent incident. I really just want everything to be okay, but I haven't been okay in almost a decade now, and i dont think i ever will be okay. Every time i finally get comfortable with my mental health team they have to leave, or they get transferred or i have to leave, so I can't actually get anywhere in therapy. My trauma reactions started getting worse since my incident about a week ago, im having meltdowns and anxiety attacks basically daily and its really hard to regulate when i dont even know the triggers, especially because the people triggering me care about me so i feel guilty about getting mad at them, which just means i turn my anger onto myself. I guess i dont really have a point here besides venting that life is hard and coping is even harder.

heyguys need help & guidance
  • replies: 7

hey guys !! need help have tried physcologist who was hopeless i always did the talking & repeat my story every visit ! no success on medications don’t work , had very traumatic childhood was physically abused as a kid till a teen then bullied severe... View more

hey guys !! need help have tried physcologist who was hopeless i always did the talking & repeat my story every visit ! no success on medications don’t work , had very traumatic childhood was physically abused as a kid till a teen then bullied severely at school & other very bad events happened to me glad to be alive but don’t feel alive haven’t for about 12 years ! very stressed & depressed struggle to sleep or relax. constantly fighting my own thoughts & mind that doesn’t stop im so over it , i just want to be happy , currently not working due to injury can’t do much i think im at the worse point of my life considering i’ve been abused by family members used by others for help & money etc .. lost most of my friends as they are not true friends , i suffer from ptsd depression & anxiety im struggling to hang in their and think sometimes the world would be better off without me !all i want to do is help & feed homeless animals & humans and i think they are the only reason im still here ,im all alone i’ve got my dog but he can’t talk back , his my best mate .

Collin_G Struggling to cope without therapy
  • replies: 5

Sorry that this is long but please bear with me. This is the only place I have to turn to. I’m currently on a waiting list for therapy that could last anywhere between 3 or 8 months. I have no access to medication or help. My last therapist dumped me... View more

Sorry that this is long but please bear with me. This is the only place I have to turn to. I’m currently on a waiting list for therapy that could last anywhere between 3 or 8 months. I have no access to medication or help. My last therapist dumped me after only 3 sessions so I don’t have high hopes for the next therapist I get. I have been depressed for years. So far no medication has helped at all. I am 25, live with my dad and work for less than minimum wage. My social anxiety and depression is so bad that I can’t work up the courage to go outside. I’m ugly, fat and awkward. I have no friends at all. I’ve given up on life. I’m too much of a coward to end it so I just wallow in self-pity and drink (my dad basically pays be with booze now). As of right now my grandma has terminal cancer. My grandad is abusing both her and my mum. To top it all off my cat that I’ve had since I was 9 is dying too. Lost another friend of the family to cancer only a month before all of this. But I have to stay strong and help my mum since her husband is too drunk to care. It’s killing me. She’s against me getting therapy and lashes out at me, no matter how much I try to support her. I know that she’s scared, overworked and grieving so I put up with the abuse. Even my older brother (40 years old) abuses and threatens me too. My dad just mocks me. I have no one to talk to. My extended family refuses to talk to me at all since I came out as gay. I’m really struggling to cope. Any advice and self-help techniques would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying to hold on until I get that appointment but I’m honestly terrified of being dumped again with all of this going on. I don’t know what to do anymore.

Baileysmells Used to frequent here a few months ago, I was moving upwards but the depression is seeping back in.
  • replies: 4

I started the year off with multiple ambulance and police visits. I was hopeless, bitter and defeated. I’ve started university since then, found a combination of meds that seem to work. But damn the feeling of loneliness is now my biggest enemy. I’ve... View more

I started the year off with multiple ambulance and police visits. I was hopeless, bitter and defeated. I’ve started university since then, found a combination of meds that seem to work. But damn the feeling of loneliness is now my biggest enemy. I’ve been on a bunch of dates since moving to my new town and I always end up getting ghosted after a few meet ups. Despite it seemingly going so well over the phone. I’m talking weeks of calls and whatnot. One of whom was the closest to my personality I’ve ever seen, I kinda got my hopes up about that and now it’s a source of sadness for me. Anyway my point is I feel lonely, around my sister and family. Around my one friend I made up here. In general. It’s like I don’t feel happy or hopeful unless I’m talking to someone who I can share my life with, and when I have that and it gets taken from me- the crash is so unbelievably hard. I notice my life is boring as hell, my hobbies don’t interest me anymore. My town requires a car for everything and I’m just working on my 100 Learner hours now. I just feel like there is no substance to my life. It’s enough to make me continue back into my old habits when I was really bad. Being an introvert with mad anxiety too is proving very difficult with the uni environment. Group work makes me so awkward, if someone doesn’t show signs of liking me right away I assume they hate me. People are starting to ease into their groups and I’m in class working by myself when discussion topics come up. I passed on a toga party because I didn’t want to be left behind by my friend because I’d be like a lost puppy then. And I feel terrible about that too. Damn I’m rambling, I guess I have nowhere else dump this, I’m just struggling to be as social as I want to be and dealing with being alone. Thank you for reading, the new layout is looking good so far