Young people

A space for people aged 12-25 to discuss life. If you’re over 25, please be mindful that this is a space for younger people to connect.

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romantic_thi3f Eeep! When study is overwhelming! - Tips, ideas and coping strategies
  • replies: 51

Hi! Just thought I’d make a post with some tips for study. I know this is something we can all struggle with. These are all suggestions so feel free to take them or leave them! Hope they help! If you only remember one thing, let it be this: You are i... View more

Hi! Just thought I’d make a post with some tips for study. I know this is something we can all struggle with. These are all suggestions so feel free to take them or leave them! Hope they help! If you only remember one thing, let it be this: You are important. Your grades don’t define you. (support) Studying can feel isolating but know you’re not alone! Reach out – and find or make friends that can support you along the way. If you’re having trouble finding some friends, join some local communities or clubs! They have lots at Uni’s and even stuff like open days are great ways to meet new people and find out what’s happening. Study groups can also be a great way to meet people and stay motivated. Also remind yourself why you’re doing this; inspirational wallpapers or quotes can be super inspiring. Remember the saying about the oxygen mask? If you can’t take care of yourself first studying will be harder. You are important. You know the drill - water, food, exercise, sleep. Try to stay calm. Stuff that might be able to help include mindfulness, breathing exercises, colouring in, going for walks, journaling, listening to music… If you’re struggling – reach out. See a therapist. Talk to your student counsellor. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Also lots of Universities and TAFE offer disability services – which includes conditions like Depression and Anxiety. (study) Find the right study space for you. Maybe that’s in your room, or a coffee shop, or the library. Some people find that noise helps; other people not so much. If you like particular kinds of noise, you can find ‘coffee shop’ noise or ‘rain sounds’ to help concentrate. Make a plan. It helps to do it often so it becomes a habit. Anytime you get a due date, write it down. Maybe you could use a diary, planner, bullet journal or an app. I find the 30/30 App helpful - study for a bit and then break for a bit. You can also get add-on’s for your computer to block sites like Facebook if you find them too distracting. Find out what study technique works for you. Do you like cue cards? Mind maps? Colour coding? Does highlighting stuff help you remember? Charts, maps, diagrams? Recorded lectures? Goals! These are so important – not just writing down deadlines but rewarding yourself for meeting them. Even making smaller goals like ‘read two pages from a textbook’ can help. Break it down into bite size pieces, and don’t forget to reward yourself after!

Sophie_M NEW TO THIS FORUM? Please read this first
  • replies: 0

The Young People space is a sub-forum within the wider Beyond Blue forum community. 1. Its purpose is to provide members aged 25 and under a space to discuss anxiety, depression and other related life issues. If you are aged over 25, please be mindfu... View more

The Young People space is a sub-forum within the wider Beyond Blue forum community. 1. Its purpose is to provide members aged 25 and under a space to discuss anxiety, depression and other related life issues. If you are aged over 25, please be mindful that this forum is a space for younger people to connect and provide peer support for each other. 2. Content from this sub-forum is displayed on both the beyondblue and youthbeyondblue websites. 3. Please bear in mind that some members find content relating to suicide and/or self-harm distressing or triggering. If you would like to post on these topics, please do so in our Suicidal Thoughts and Self Harm section. Please see also our guidelines for making posts on this topic. Posts made here in the Young People sub-forum containing content relating to suicide and/or self-harm will be moved. 4. These forums are moderated, so your posts may not appear straightaway. Information on how our system works can be found here. Being familiar with our community rules can help ensure that your posts appear online as quickly as possible. 5. This is a peer support community, and to get the best out of being here we recommend that you 'give support to receive support'. More on how that works here.

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Guest_25903719 Over it
  • replies: 2

i’m a 17-year-old, obviously this is a hard time for people my age as well for many reasons; I’m fresh in year 12, i have to worry about my future, and work. Its to much to ask of me, i constantly try my best yet i still fail. I am so grateful for th... View more

i’m a 17-year-old, obviously this is a hard time for people my age as well for many reasons; I’m fresh in year 12, i have to worry about my future, and work. Its to much to ask of me, i constantly try my best yet i still fail. I am so grateful for the home i was raised in and how i was raised, but sometimes parents need to get out of their ways and think about how their children, a teenager, ME, would feel. I constantly get yelled at for little things and things i didn't even do, but of course my little sister is a star, i get blamed for everything, i always get snarky comments from everyone that aren't needed. It feels like I have no where to go, i’m constantly crowded with expectations that i cant live up to, yet if i don't i'm a failure. I just cant do this anymore, i have no space in which i can just stop. I feel so alone but full of everything and everyone at the same time. I just seriously cant do this anymore, i have trued everything, i went to therapy but its to expensive, the school doesn't help, so this is my last resort. I try talking to my parents but they don't even acknowledge that i’m there, they are busy with everything else. I feel so ungrateful because i know people’s situations are worse then mine, but i have been struggling for so long in silence. I Cant Do It Anymore…I try and try and try again but i just keep failing, this is now affecting my performance, which of course makes everything worse. I was recently ill, and all it was, was that im not good enough, i did it to myself.. I love my parent's so much, its just there actions speak louder then their words. Emotional, physically, mentally, spiritually, all of them, i just cant keep doing this. Im so drained and exhausted. I don't know what else i'm meant to do. I don't have that much to write because i cant explain the whole pool of emotions that I'm feeling, it’s to much. I Cant Do This Anymore.

Guest_10102 I dont know
  • replies: 1

Hi this is my first time posting so I don't really know what to write or how to put things into words but I'm trying. Just like with everything else in my life, I'm trying to stay afloat with everything that i have going on and I don't usually do thi... View more

Hi this is my first time posting so I don't really know what to write or how to put things into words but I'm trying. Just like with everything else in my life, I'm trying to stay afloat with everything that i have going on and I don't usually do this and reach out but lately it feels like I have no one. My grandma is terminally ill and my mum is also terminally ill and has a terminal injury that effects everything in her life. I just feel lost and numb. It feels as if the world is against me. My family is falling apart and it's breaking my heart, I want to fix it but I can't. My mind won't stop between depression, anxiety and the constant feeling of needing to be okay for everyone else. I'm only 23 and I know there are millions more people out there that have it worse than I do but I just dont know what to do anymore. As of lately I've been thinking what the world and my family would be like if I wasn't here anymore and anytime i try to speak to my family about it, they stop me then tell me their problems and it makes me feel as if my problems aren't bad enough to be validated. I just want to be heard and feel okay. Everything lately has been going wrong and it's like nothing will ever be right and I'm always told I dont do this or that right or I should do it this way or I shouldn't talk to family about my issues I need to talk to a professional when all I want is to talk to my family and have their support which I know some people dont even get that option of speaking to their family. I'm scared to call a mental health line because I don't want to bother anyone and my problems aren't nearly as bad as some. I can't be alone as of lately otherwise I get in my own head and I have a history of self harm and an ED but when I'm with people to not be alone I can't talk about my feelings or I can't be in physical or emotional pain because *your pain isnt that bad compared to others*. It's something that I always get told and I just dont know what to do anymore. Anytime I talk about something that's wrong my family tell me I need to go to a mental hospital instead of just listening to what I have to say. I feel like I have no one on my side and I'm in a dark room with no one in sight. I'm just really struggling and hoping that getting this out will help me and hopefully others that feel the same way to know that your not alone. I'm sorry that it's such a long story, it's the only time I've been able to express myself and I haven't even gone over half of what's going on in reality and in my head..

TheConnoisseur Feeling hollow
  • replies: 1

Let's list them off shall we;I'm highly anxious atm for a number reason such as I'm under two months to being 18 and had a job actually sprung on me without warning by my father ( get your resume, this is where you will have to work). I did my first ... View more

Let's list them off shall we;I'm highly anxious atm for a number reason such as I'm under two months to being 18 and had a job actually sprung on me without warning by my father ( get your resume, this is where you will have to work). I did my first shift without trouble due to experience home cooking (jobs at subway) I was feeling mostly emotionally disconnected until the end where I picked up my paperwork and was slammed with anxiety of many things such as worrying how much of my life was now going to be sucked up by this unwanted job. Logic states that it alright to be anxious and just to follow through but the ripples on the water per se spoke differently. This feeling ate away at me for a while then subsided but after my second shift it returned as I awaited my roster. The roster took ages so I relaxed however I continuously have been having suicidal thoughts and have been struggling at times to connect with reality. What doesn't help is that there appears to be no further shifts scheduled according to the app but I don't if there is something must do. What also doesn't help is that my sessions with a counsellor are finishing up and I can't get in contact with him rn. I'm just really feeling so empty and lifeless like I'm already dead.

ChukPuk Nothing makes SENSE
  • replies: 2

I’m a 23 year old and I feel like nothing makes sense. I’m having issues with focusing, concentrating and I think I have adhd. When people talk to me or say something, it doesn’t make any sense to me and I struggle to keep the conversation going. All... View more

I’m a 23 year old and I feel like nothing makes sense. I’m having issues with focusing, concentrating and I think I have adhd. When people talk to me or say something, it doesn’t make any sense to me and I struggle to keep the conversation going. All I do during conversations is nod with a smile and just a yes or no. Hence I don’t like talking to people and like to be alone most of the time. But then again when I’m alone, I question myself like why am I not like the others? Why am I not talkative? Why is it so hard for me to build relationships with people? (Well I know it’s cause I rarely talk and you need to talk to build relationships) but talking is hard when you have nothing to say. My mind is blank most of the time and during conversations with people, I feel so awkward, I have nothing to say, and want to get out of the situation immediately cause I hate the feeling. I feel anxious most of the time when I’m with people talking cause when they are talking, it doesn’t make sense to me and I don’t know what to say as a reply so all I do is nod and smile which I feel is so dumb and I can’t keep the conversation going. Is it just me?

kittyclaws23 How to drift away from certain friends
  • replies: 1

Hello, this is my first time posting so bear with me please ヾ(゚д゚)ノ゛ Since the school holidays are almost up and I'm starting year 11, I find myself realising that a certain group of friends that I hang out with aren't really a good influence on me. ... View more

Hello, this is my first time posting so bear with me please ヾ(゚д゚)ノ゛ Since the school holidays are almost up and I'm starting year 11, I find myself realising that a certain group of friends that I hang out with aren't really a good influence on me. Admittedly, I did have an argument with one of the members, but it was over something really petty and they haven't really seemed to let go of it, I heard from an ex group member that they have a habit of doing this. I don't want to hurt any of their feelings, but at the same time I feel like no matter how hard I try I cannot distance myself from them. I already deleted discord which they talk on, and messages as well. Maybe I am being too avoidant, but I really don't know what to do, I just cannot match their energy. But the thing is, since its only 2 years left should I even bother, half of that friend group is graduating this year and the others are graduating at the same time as me. I feel as though I am stuck in the middle, either cutting them off brutally or waiting the two years. The worse part is, I am still friends with my ex situationship, while there is no bad blood between us, because I'm friends with him I am still friends with that group by default and since they are in half my classes I have no idea what to do. Any tips or advice would be really welcome!

Ellaminowpea Strategies for when overwhelmed
  • replies: 2

Does anyone know ways to calm myself down when I'm feeling irritable or how to make myself feel less sad for no reason? I'm a teen, and I know that being emotional and irritable are normal, but sometimes these feelings overwhelm me, and that makes th... View more

Does anyone know ways to calm myself down when I'm feeling irritable or how to make myself feel less sad for no reason? I'm a teen, and I know that being emotional and irritable are normal, but sometimes these feelings overwhelm me, and that makes the feelings ten times worse. Is there anything I can do to calm down?

crazy_empanada I really hate myself
  • replies: 6

Hi,I just needed to tell anyone that i really hate myself so much. I eat right (don't eat sugar/processed foods, eat fruit,veggies,protein, etc.) but have never lost any weight, I'm just ugly in general, my personality is horrible and I pretty much j... View more

Hi,I just needed to tell anyone that i really hate myself so much. I eat right (don't eat sugar/processed foods, eat fruit,veggies,protein, etc.) but have never lost any weight, I'm just ugly in general, my personality is horrible and I pretty much just hate myself, both how i look and act.I also don't have any close friends and am not allowed to see the school counsellor (my parents don't 'believe' in mental health issues), but i think i ended up with depression. I end up alone at school a bunch, my parents pretty much don't notice me until i do something wrong, and just really don't like my life.Sorry to rant, just needed to say this.

MacJS I hate school, I'm writing this because I feel like I can't talk to anyone anymore
  • replies: 10

I never thought I would want to drop out of school, and I'm only 14. School is getting harder and harder and I'm not talking about the work, I'm naturally smart and I'm a really good student. I'm just so sick of school, it makes me wanna die everyday... View more

I never thought I would want to drop out of school, and I'm only 14. School is getting harder and harder and I'm not talking about the work, I'm naturally smart and I'm a really good student. I'm just so sick of school, it makes me wanna die everyday. I feel like I'm wasting my youth by going to school until I turn 18, I hate my teachers and I hate everybody. I used to LOVE school, I use to be excited to go to school everyday until last year, I don't really know why I think and act like this now. I guess I've lost movtivation and don't know what I'm doing anymore, I also think I'm not really allowed to think like this since I'm only 14. I don't know what I wanna do with my life either or what direction I wanna go. I want to do certain things but my insecurity makes me feel like I won't be good enough. I feel like my friends hate me and I think I got a real problem going on and I'm not 100% sure on what to do about it. I'm starting to become real rude to my teachers and authorities and not paying attention in class anymore, I feel like if I continue doing this I'm ultimately gonna turn out to be a lazy person with no life or job when I'm older. I always feel tired and agitated, I'm unorganised and I just want to disappear, not die but disappear. Thanks for reading, I would love to hear other people's opinions and tips on what to do

Guest_28109914 Isolated
  • replies: 1

The only person who ever cared about me is my mum. She has just been diagnosed with dementia. I’m devastated. I’m worried about what will happen to her. I’m also worried about me. No one else loves me.

The only person who ever cared about me is my mum. She has just been diagnosed with dementia. I’m devastated. I’m worried about what will happen to her. I’m also worried about me. No one else loves me.

ElderberryHamster Lack of motivation in life, inability to look after myself, clean, eat, wash belongings
  • replies: 14

Hi All! I am new here and had a search through the forum but could not find what I was looking for, so apologies if I am repeating a topic covered. I have been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression previously, and although I am feeling much bett... View more

Hi All! I am new here and had a search through the forum but could not find what I was looking for, so apologies if I am repeating a topic covered. I have been diagnosed with both anxiety and depression previously, and although I am feeling much better now than a few years ago and have a will to live and succeed, I find it difficult to look after myself. I live out of home and can keep a job (I'm in my mid twenties) but I just can't get myself organised. I was just wondering if other people found it hard to look after themselves. I always try and get all excited and start up a new regime of how I am going to eat well and be productive but it never seems to happen. I regularly skip meals because I don't have the energy to cook, or the motivation. I go on shopping sprees and buy the food and then just end up throwing it out because it goes bad. I often just et snacks because I don't have to prepare anything. I also smoke heavily so that I stop feeling hungry, because that is easier than feeding myself. I can't see the floor of my room or any surfaces. I just don't seem to be able to clean up after myself and then I find my room causes me anxiety and makes me upset. I can only keep the other areas of my house clean because I don't want to annoy my housemate. I don't seem to be able to do it for myself. I avoid having people over because I find my room so embarrassing (the same thing happens in my car and handbag). My room fills up with rubbish and dirty dishes. I go on a cleaning spree sometimes, but the next day I am back to dumping things on the floor! I just seem to procrastinate everything in my life. I can have a whole week off and just spend it sleeping in till the afternoon or watching TV all day. I don't go to the shops until they are almost shut just because it takes me that long to get out of the house. I can make it to work on time, but I cannot time manage for myself. Only when someone else makes me. I am always late to things (significantly) and this frustrates everyone (including myself!). I want to change, but all these things in my life just seem too hard. I can have washing build up for months! I just don't know why I have no motivation and can't seem to get any. I'm not sure if this is linked to my history of anxiety and depression or if it is something else. I was wondering if anyone had similar symptoms and if they had found a way to overcome them. Thank you for your help.