Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
AussiealwaysCasual Contributor
I have suffered with bouts of episodical depression since 2009. The bouts are stubborn. No one I meet has experienced this. Connect socially, walk, but it hangs on. Overcame last bout by doing some things I enjoy. Any tips would be appreciated.
In response to: Feel Alone
KrishnaSenior Contributor
Hi @Aussiealways sorry to read of these episodes you experience. What are the things you enjoy that got you through in the past. I suffer from bouts of depression and have difficulty lifting myself out of the hole. What always seems to help me the most is swimming. Either ocean or pool. Water is so soothing for me and leaves me with a sense of accomplishment for making the effort to drag myself there and take the plunge. I also don’t give myself a hard time mentally when I’m down. I rest but make sure I eat well and manage the smallest of tasks and remind myself that this too shall pass 🙏❤️
In response to: Re: Feel Alone
tymeModerator
Hey @Aussiealways ,
Great to have you with us. Thank you for sharing a little about yourself. MH is certainly a journey. I had years of depression and anxiety. Not the most pleasant part of my life, but one I have learnt much from.
Hope to see you around more often.
In response to: Re: Feel Alone
AussiealwaysCasual Contributor
Thankyou yes it is getting warm enough to swim now. I am blessed with beach close to my home & looking forward to getting back in the water. I am at my wits end with this depression as I smoke a lot when I have it & this worries me
In response to: Re: Feel Alone
KrishnaSenior Contributor
Hi @Aussiealways Just a tip when replying to someone. Type @ and a drop down list will appear and you just click on the persons name. They’ll get a notification of your reply. Gosh I wish I was closer to the ocean. It’s my happy place and an hours drive for me but we’ll worth the journey. I went weekly all through Winter this year just to do a cold water plunge which certainly reminds you you’re alive. I gave up smoking 2 years ago this December after a 40 year habit and yes I too used to smoke more when I was depressed. I’ve really noticed how much time I spent smoking now that I don’t and haven’t really found a substitute for that time yet. Very frustrating at times not really knowing what to do with myself. Those are the times I’ll just sit and do a short breathing meditation and give myself permission to just be. Enjoy getting back into the ocean xx
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
