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Sophie_M How are you feeling about the social media restrictions in Australia for under 16s?
  • replies: 14

Hey everyone With the upcoming Australian social media restriction for under 16-year-olds coming up we want to know what this means for you and maybe even the young people in your life. This conversation is a place for all of us to share how we are f... View more

Hey everyone With the upcoming Australian social media restriction for under 16-year-olds coming up we want to know what this means for you and maybe even the young people in your life. This conversation is a place for all of us to share how we are feeling and what we think the challenges and benefits might be for you or the wonderful young people in our community. Have you thought about how to stay connected with friends you’ve met online? Are you focused mostly on the positives, or the negatives? What do your parents think, and what could they do to support you? Importantly the Beyond Blue Forums are not impacted by these restrictions, we're here for anyone under 16. In short, from December 10 Social Media companies will need to ensure that only people over 16 actively engage with their platforms. There is a lot of information out there which can make it tricky to know what to expect on when it comes into effect. To learn more we think these are a helpful place to start eSafety commissioner + Headspace FAQs. We know this change will impact some more than others, QLife provide anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ support and 13YARN are here for all Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. We want to hear your thoughts on how this might impact the mental health of under 16s in both a positive and negative way. The Beyond Blue Forums are a place for constructive and helpful conversation and the regular moderation rules apply which means we look forward to a kind and understanding discussion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings Sophie M

BeyondBlue New to this Forum? Please read this first!
  • replies: 0

Hey there! Welcome to the Young People section of the Beyond Blue Forums. The purpose of this section is to provide members aged 25 and under a space to discuss life issues, tricky situations and the difficult emotions and feelings that come with tho... View more

Hey there! Welcome to the Young People section of the Beyond Blue Forums. The purpose of this section is to provide members aged 25 and under a space to discuss life issues, tricky situations and the difficult emotions and feelings that come with those. If you are aged over 25, please be mindful that this is a space for younger people to connect and provide support for each other. These forums are moderated, so your posts may not appear straight away. Information on moderation on the Forums can be found here. Being familiar with our Community Guidelines can help ensure that your posts appear online as quickly as possible. If we have concerns about your wellbeing, one of our friendly moderators will check in with you privately to make sure you get the support you need. If you need more immediate support, we recommend reaching out to the following: Beyond Blue Support Service – any time, chat online to a counsellor or call 1300 22 4636 Headspace – between 9am and 1am (AEST), chat online to a mental health clinician or call 1800 650 890 Kids Helpline – any time, chat online to a counsellor or call 1800 55 1800 Thank you for being here. We’re glad you’ve found us here and hope this can be a supportive space for you Beyond Blue

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September Dealing with Loneliness
  • replies: 6

Hi! So this'll be my first post, and I'm just looking for some advice. Thanks for taking the time to read this. So, just some background; I'm 16 y/o and currently going through Year 12 (and the studying is already killing me, as is expected). While I... View more

Hi! So this'll be my first post, and I'm just looking for some advice. Thanks for taking the time to read this. So, just some background; I'm 16 y/o and currently going through Year 12 (and the studying is already killing me, as is expected). While I haven't been diagnosed by a professional yet my mum suspects I have some form of depression and/or anxiety (as she has both as well as bipolar disorder, and says I show the symptoms). Probably my biggest issue at the moment is that I don't really have any friends, and I can't seem to make any. Last year I moved schools along with housing due to legal troubles with my family. Due to this I also lost contact with all of my old friends (aside from the occasional "hey, check this out" on Snapchat). I never really managed to make any friends at my new school, and even online I've had no luck making friends. I'm very shy in-person, but I also suffer from the most horrifying personality trait of all; I'm a complete bore. I can never find the right words, or carry a conversation, even in subjects I'm interested or knowledgeable in. For some odd reason, I've managed to find two friends in the past year in the weirdest places (a random chat room on a dumb site and an unpopular social media app), both girls around my age in Australia (different cities, unfortunately). Both eventually turned romantic, and a little after that nonexistent. Nowadays I have no one to talk to. So asides from the lingering self-loathing from the above breakups as well as literally every other feeling that depression and loneliness entails, I'm pretty much a wreck at the moment. I'm failing my schoolwork (if I can even bother to show up to school half the days), my home life is unbearable (and I have nowhere to go to escape it) and I'm steadily becoming more and more empty and, what's really distressing to me, angry. I've talked about visiting a professional to chat to with my mum, but there's numerous problems with that; I'm worried about the cost/travel (the place is a few suburbs away) and I've had issues with professionals in the past (most notably me being unable to be honest and open with them). I have a myriad of other issues that I'm currently dealing with (although to call them "issues" makes me feel somewhat like ... well, a pussy), but this is the most pressing in my opinion. Wow, this was long. Thank you so much for even listening to what I have to say, it means so much to me.

SarahLulu Diagnosed with BPD what does this mean?
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, today I went and saw a new psychiatrist I told her my history and she asked about my childhood etc. Towards the end she started talking about personality disorders and said that because I'm 18 can't officially diagnose me but I fit the diagn... View more

Hi guys, today I went and saw a new psychiatrist I told her my history and she asked about my childhood etc. Towards the end she started talking about personality disorders and said that because I'm 18 can't officially diagnose me but I fit the diagnostic criteria (I also have depression and anxiety). She wrote it down and told me to research it a bit. When I called my mum and told her she was like in denial nup you don't have that I want to talk to the psychiatrist. Everytime someone comes in the hospital (shes a nurse) with BPD all the nurses go oh here we go, they are all attention seekers. I said to her I havent done anything for attention! I reasoned with her a bit and she did her own research and spoke to the psychiatrist at work. I'm not sure what it means - I only no of the stigma attached to it. I don't know how to feel and react even though it explains my previous impulsive suicidal behaviour. Mum's telling me everyone with BPD are manipulative and attention seekers. I didn't fully understand BPD myself and thought that people with borderline were a bit manipulative. But I'm not. There's a lack of education surronding mental illness and I feel like depression is slowly getting accepted, however BPD it scares me to be associated with it. It saddens me that the world is like this.

achlys lonely when i'm in a crowd
  • replies: 3

hi, this year my friend and i have integrated into this larger group. i really have never been one for groups larger than three or four, because i prefer that one-on-one interaction. my friend, however, fits in perfectly in this group which on some d... View more

hi, this year my friend and i have integrated into this larger group. i really have never been one for groups larger than three or four, because i prefer that one-on-one interaction. my friend, however, fits in perfectly in this group which on some days has an upwards of ten people. even when i'm surrounded by all these people, and my friend, i feel so lonely and that (excuse the cliche) no-one gets me. they're all loud boisterous people, but i feel like a shy introverted black sheep. they don't have the same interests as me, and our personalities, while they don't clash, don't click either. i want to find like-minded people to sit with, or just sit with a smaller group, but i don't want to leave the only person i like either. is this something i just have to tolerate until high school ends and i can break off into the real world and find my people? is there anything i can do? thank you - lilly

baet123 How to deal with people close to you who support you yet put you down at the same time?
  • replies: 4

Hey guys, I am 24 years old I suffer from depression and anxiety. I take medication and see a psychiatrist. Does any one from their experience have advice for someone like me who is or has been consitently every day on multiple occasions be put down ... View more

Hey guys, I am 24 years old I suffer from depression and anxiety. I take medication and see a psychiatrist. Does any one from their experience have advice for someone like me who is or has been consitently every day on multiple occasions be put down and made to feel like excuse my french "shit" or "worthless"? I am working part time and a full time uni student. My father treats me like shit and puts me down regarding my weight. Whenever he barks at me and lectures me about how my weight is holding me back it makes me feel like shit and like I am a failure. I am sort of financially dependent on him as rent and general living costs is so expensive so I cannot afford to move out of home? I am not suicidal or anything of this nature but I feel like the only thing he talks to me about is my weight and I feel like crap all the time because of it. All and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Mousey22 Slept with a girl, she doesn't want to see me again
  • replies: 5

Hi guys, just going to jump in with this so here goes. I'm 22 by the way. and please excuse.typos, I am on my phone. I slept with a girl I met online this past weekend, she is from different city so I got a train to see her. I thought no biggie, I'll... View more

Hi guys, just going to jump in with this so here goes. I'm 22 by the way. and please excuse.typos, I am on my phone. I slept with a girl I met online this past weekend, she is from different city so I got a train to see her. I thought no biggie, I'll just do it and leave the next morning. but it didn't turn out.like I.thought it would. She was so nice and welcoming, We actually talked about a.lot of personal things and held each other so closely, I remember lying next to her with my arm over her body and my hand on top of hers, and it felt so good to feel this again, as my last serious relationship was 6 years ago. She told me she sleeps around a lot and she wanted to keep seeing my regularly, but when morning came she was distant and her personality changed, like she didn't want me there anymore. I know it sounds stupid but I got home and had such weird feelings for her. I text her earlier tonight and told her that it felt great being with her she just said good to see you too, so I get the hint. It's my own stupid fault really because when people show me any kind of affection I get hung up on them emotionally, which I think is insecure. I just feel terrible at the moment, like real bad in my chest and mind. After trying dating and websites trying to meet someone, after having no one for 6 years someone sleeps with me and I can't help getting feelings for them, like as soon as I wake up, for the past four days I have checked my phone to see that little light to see if she text me. I don't know what is wrong with me, I work full time and currently studying a certificate as well, I work out every day and I try to be.nice and considerate of people, I dress well even to go to the shops. but I feel like there is something hanging over me, like there will always be something wrong with me and no one will love me and stay with me. my last girlfriend cheated with my best mate but it doesn't stop me trusting people, I think I just need to be wanted by someone. I'm glad I was on my own at work tonight, because I couldn't stop having tears. I don't know why I get so attached. and I can't talk to family because they will make fun of my sadness or use it against me later on. The only thing helping me right now is listening to Reach by The Butterfly Effect, the lyrics just make me feel.something right now. I just feel soterrible stupI'd and lonely. sorry for posting such a pathetic story.

Bec123 18 with parent, future and school problems
  • replies: 4

Thanks for taking the time to read I have a passion for game making and there's a school I can get into with a scholarship which I really want to go to. However, my parents have forced me to go to Uni, which I'm at now. They said I can study whatever... View more

Thanks for taking the time to read I have a passion for game making and there's a school I can get into with a scholarship which I really want to go to. However, my parents have forced me to go to Uni, which I'm at now. They said I can study whatever I like, which I am but it's not exactly what I want to do, so I'm extremely unmotivated and lethargic about it. I also have people who will be in my dream with me, hopefully one starting a graphic design, game/app/website making business one day. However, it's not a University, but offers Advanced Diplomas, so my parents are disregarding it saying "You'll never have a career with that" "You can go to uni and get a proper degree" "You are finishing this degree!". I understand I could suck it up and finish. However, years I could be spending with my passion is wasted, plus the 20K debt and sadness. This whole situation is making me extremely upset. I feel stupid with how my parents treat this. My other sibling wants to be a robot engineer, my mum doesn't work but my dad has a proper, high paying, career...so naturally I feel like the dud of the family. They treat me well, always give me what I need and support me. They say "we just want what's best, and you're 18 so you don't know what's best for you". so I'm extremely conflicted how to approach it. People are saying "Just move out and live your dream"... 'Youre 18! they cant force you"... "Just tell them you're really upset!" but it's really not that simple. I don't want to ruin my relationship with them or let them down. I understand my parent's points perfectly clear. This situation has got me feeling awful, tired, stupid and on edge everyday. I'm so stuck and my "future work partners" are bummed we may not be able to live our dream together. What do I do?

DGItlu How the hell am I supposed to attain employment if nobody is willing to give me a go?
  • replies: 3

Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place. I'm a 23 year old from a major regional city in Victoria, and I'm trying to enter into the workforce, and have been for at least the last year and a half. I've completed year 12, also have a couple of certificate... View more

Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place. I'm a 23 year old from a major regional city in Victoria, and I'm trying to enter into the workforce, and have been for at least the last year and a half. I've completed year 12, also have a couple of certificates from completed TAFE courses in IT and Digital Media. Have also volunteered in numerous ways over the years, especially dealing with people, along with more technical stuff; and partook in extra-curricula activities throughout my schooling life. So my CV isn't exactly short on hands on experience or skills. I've also acquired some good referees as a result of my volunteer activity. However, when I actually apply for advertised positions - I either get no response at all, or an email response sometimes weeks later telling me that I was unsuccessful, or if I do get invited for an interview - I get called several days after only to be told that I was turned down for "the person who has more experience" This isn't only IT related work - this is also what I get from what can be considered basic entry level casual retail assistant jobs. Even the IT jobs that I've applied for are entry level IT support roles which my Certificate, along with my volunteer experience, would more than cover me for. It isn't like I'm applying for positions well above my experience - its really a case of starting from the bottom. I am more willing to and am capable of doing the work that I am applying for, and I am willing to learn as well. How the bloody hell is a young person such as myself, with volunteer experience and certificates acquired through formal education, supposed to get a job, when literally nobody is even willing to give me a go? Advice would be appreciated.

jetta Bipolar/Manic Episodes-Question
  • replies: 2

Episodes of mania are associated with bipolar disorder, right? But do you think it's possible to have one without having bipolar?

Episodes of mania are associated with bipolar disorder, right? But do you think it's possible to have one without having bipolar?

Crpe Friend is being abused, what can she do?
  • replies: 2

I, like many people I know, spend most of my time online. Because of this, and because i see so many people struggling, i try to help as many people as i can. There is one online friend that i have known for a few years now, but recently we have been... View more

I, like many people I know, spend most of my time online. Because of this, and because i see so many people struggling, i try to help as many people as i can. There is one online friend that i have known for a few years now, but recently we have been talking more. She is younger than me, and lives in Melbourne. I know she is who she says she is (i am very cautious with talking to people online), and recently i have learnt that her mother drinks quite a bit, and becomes very abusive. Mostly verbally abusive, as far as I am concerned. Right now, her mother is yelling profanities and other harmful slurs at my friend, but she is not in any direct harm. I have given her the numbers of Beyond Blue and Kids helpline, along with as much other contact information that i can find. I know, considering I am a state away from her, that i cannot help her or be physically there for her, but i want to know what can be done. Are there any services or helpline numbers that directly deal with alcohol and child abuse? I won't get more involved than i need to, as i know it is not my situation. I just fear for my friend's safety. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, so so much.

poppyh tired and don't know what to do
  • replies: 2

I have been sick for a long time and have never been a fully grown person and been healthy, so in a way, i have no idea who i am without a mental illness. I was going okay but then I turned to bad coping mechanisms and have gone down hill again, can'... View more

I have been sick for a long time and have never been a fully grown person and been healthy, so in a way, i have no idea who i am without a mental illness. I was going okay but then I turned to bad coping mechanisms and have gone down hill again, can't concentrate in school, i feel like i annoy everyone with my issues and mental breakdowns, i can't be bothered anymore to put it simply. I don't even know what I'm expecting or hoping to find by writing this. maybe hope? i don't know.