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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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Prufrock Losing yourself after losing someone else
  • replies: 1

I think that I have figured out why I have responded to the death of my Gran in such a dramatic and frightening way. When I love someone I really love them; I give a part of myself through that love. I think that one of the hardest parts about losing... View more

I think that I have figured out why I have responded to the death of my Gran in such a dramatic and frightening way. When I love someone I really love them; I give a part of myself through that love. I think that one of the hardest parts about losing Gran is that I have lost that part of myself as well as her. I feel like I've lost my childhood and my innocence. I used to see a magic in the world, especially when I was with her. Now everything seems to scare me. I'm scared that I've lost some of that goodness and light. Grief is a strange and complicated thing, it's changed me. I'm yet to see how it has changed for the better but I live in hope! I just miss her. All the time. I see the change in my family too, we are all hurting. I wish I could help but I can't seem to understand myself let alone someone else. This anxiety sucks, but I'm winning the fight against it. At least I know that's what I'm fighting. But it's like a battle between the anxiety and grief or a combination that I go through during the day. If I'm not scared of dying, I'm sad about Gran dying. We just finished cleaning out her house today. I have all these books and pictures and I bounce between hating and treasuring them. I know this crap time will pass but I don't think the grief ever will. Maybe I'll see the magic again, but never like before. And that is a horrible truth to face.

20mg stand up for yourself!
  • replies: 1

There is nothing wrong with you. Surround yourself with positive people. Do what you want to do, no one knows who you are, so you can be what you want to be. Do not depend on no one, look after yourself first. Bring positive thoughts to yourself, if ... View more

There is nothing wrong with you. Surround yourself with positive people. Do what you want to do, no one knows who you are, so you can be what you want to be. Do not depend on no one, look after yourself first. Bring positive thoughts to yourself, if it's hard, push yourself. Stay busy. Exercise your body, go for runs or jogs. Eat a healthy diet. Be strong, have faith in yourself. Have no self doubt. Social anxiety-Stop acting like there are different breeds out there, we are all one breed, human. What ever disorder you are diagnosed with, it's a disorder, it's not actually meant to be part of you're life, so be delighted to overcome your disorder(s). Do it for your mind and soul. Be strong cheer up You are the only one who can make a change...

InBetaATM First steps to seeking help
  • replies: 15

I called a helpline for the first time today and the lovely lady on the phone suggested I see my GP about getting a referral to a psychologist. This is the first time I've openly asked for help so I wanted to know a bit more about the whole process. ... View more

I called a helpline for the first time today and the lovely lady on the phone suggested I see my GP about getting a referral to a psychologist. This is the first time I've openly asked for help so I wanted to know a bit more about the whole process. How open am I expected to be? It's really hard for me to talk about my feelings in person because I'm a 22 year old man and all the males in my family are big tough blokes who have put me down for trying to talk about how I feel. How much help have psychologists been for you? Is it worth trying? How do I talk to my GP about getting a referral? Any help or information would be appreciated.

bia_blue Tips for easing symptoms?
  • replies: 7

Hey guys, thanks for reading! Just had a quick question about some symptoms I have. Firstly, does anyone know about experiencing chest tightness slight dizziness and feeling worried and anxious randomly out of no where? My anxiety gives me these symp... View more

Hey guys, thanks for reading! Just had a quick question about some symptoms I have. Firstly, does anyone know about experiencing chest tightness slight dizziness and feeling worried and anxious randomly out of no where? My anxiety gives me these symptoms when I'm least expecting them, and a lot of the time there's no trigger for them that I know if; it just happens. I'd love to know if anyone has ways of dealing with the chest tightness mainly, but also the being short of breath leading to slight dizziness, and the anxiety. I've tried rescue remedy, deep breaths etc and can't seem to find anything that gets it under control. Also, any tips for getting anxious about time?? My anxiety makes me allow way too much time for things and in trying to save time, I end up wasting more time. I feel like everything's a race against the clock and I get easily frazzled and anxious trying to fit things in, even though I know deep down I have tonnes of time. I turn things down and stay inside bored and waiting for things to happen because I feel like I have less time than I do and I drive myself mad with it. I just want to feel like time is on my side, because in doing this, I waste more. Finally, there are the bigger things that anxiety prevents me from doing. I find it impossibly hard to eat in public, particularly alone or with people I'm not close with. I am self conscious about my body and get anxiety about wearing things (even though I know deep down I have nothing to worry about really) and find it hard to go out to certain places or with certain people because of this. I also get anxiety about drawing attention to myself and walking past people. I have huge issues about people judging me and avoid doing every day things because of it; eating, using the bathroom; talking about food; talking about my body; my opinions; sitting or standing in certain ways in fear of looking fat; wearing certain clothes (even not revealing) and just walking past groups of people. I'm starting at a new school in about a week, and would LOVE more than anything to be able to go in with less of these worries, and working towards a more confident and less anxiety-driven life. I don't expect a quick fix, just some tips I guess.. My rational mind is no match for my anxiety, and they're little things, but they're everyday things I don't want to find as difficult as I do, and I don't want to get so worked up about them anymore. Stay safe everyone, thanks for reading this far!

Azuki Binge Eating..! Please help...
  • replies: 2

Here's a brief description of my history: I used to be anorexic; I was restricting my calories and refused to touch anything with fat (yes, I ate little to nothing, with hardly any variety). My lowest weight was when I was 14 years old then and I was... View more

Here's a brief description of my history: I used to be anorexic; I was restricting my calories and refused to touch anything with fat (yes, I ate little to nothing, with hardly any variety). My lowest weight was when I was 14 years old then and I was very close to dying and I was admitted to hospital immediately.I'm 18 years old now (19 in March) . I had been maintaining a barely healthy (looking at BMI) for quite a while. While I do still restrict somewhat, I made sure I ate a balanced, healthy diet while exercising moderately. Overall, I had improved in health, mood and personal relationships. Everything was bliss until recently (around December last year) I started binge eating.It started with caloric excesses of about 1000, spaced about a week apart. I forgave myself for these, thinking it as 'normal' due to my past of anorexia. However lately, my binges have become more frequent and much higher in excess calories. I'm starting to binge everyday now; three days in a row (including today so far). I feel sick, bloated, guilty and totally unmotivated to exercise. although I totally understand gaining a little bit of weight may be beneficial for me... I know my binge eating is not healthy. How do I break free from this? I don't know what's wrong with me! I can't be left alone with food anymore. What's more is that I'm terrified of being sucked back into the anorexia mentality, but I can't help but feel guilty. A lot of the time I tell myself "tomorrow's a new day" and try to start a fresh, but it's no use. I just want to eat normally again, be able to get back to my active lifestyle and be able to actually ENJOY food. I've started skipping dinners, because I just feel too sick. I've NEVER thrown up my food and do not have a history of bulimia.(fyi, I'll basically binge on any type of food; breads, ice cream, salted biscuit/chickpea/healthy chip snack packs, sweet cereal, mini kit-kats being my particular 'favourites'. I have taken laxatives, and somewhat abused them, during the past couple of weeks, so I know most of the weight I've gained shouldn't be water weight, but actual 'substance'. I'm trying to wean myself off laxatives too..)Any help would be so much appreciated, I just don't know what to do anymore... Thank you

Gem2 My anxiety is worse than ever
  • replies: 3

Hi, I've suffered from anxiety and depression since I was 13 I am now nearly 17 I have struggled for 4 years with generally life, school, being social and actually having a life. I've always been able to put up with the struggle of it all but last ye... View more

Hi, I've suffered from anxiety and depression since I was 13 I am now nearly 17 I have struggled for 4 years with generally life, school, being social and actually having a life. I've always been able to put up with the struggle of it all but last year it got way to much so I started seeking help through a counsellor she helped for a few weeks just to get things on track. And now all of a sudden the past 3 or so weeks my anxiety has been worse than ever, I'm constantly having break downs and freaking out over the littlest things. So the doctors have started me on medication which I've only been taking for a week. It seems to have made me worse! I'm constantly thinking about bad things and worrying. I'm hoping they started to help me soon. I just need some hope that things will start to get better. I am so exhausted from suffering from this. I've tried to be positive for so long and accept that I have a problem. But why all of a sudden has everything just gotten so worse and heavy on my shoulders. My anxiety just comes over me and I don't know how to control it. Can someone help me or tell me how they control there anxiety!

Four First time on medication for Anxiety
  • replies: 5

Hey everyone,This is the first time I've been prescribed medication for anxiety by my GP. It all started when I had my first panic attack. I was terrified that I couldn't breathe/wasn't getting enough air, my chest felt tight and restricted, my heart... View more

Hey everyone,This is the first time I've been prescribed medication for anxiety by my GP. It all started when I had my first panic attack. I was terrified that I couldn't breathe/wasn't getting enough air, my chest felt tight and restricted, my heart felt like it was literally beating out of my chest, I could even hear my heart pounding in my ears. I couldn't move from my bed because I was terrified of having more panic attacks. I didn't leave my house for weeks unless it was to go to the hospital/medical centre who all kept telling me the same thing - it's anxiety. But they couldn't tell me how to manage it.My blood pressure and heart rate was through the roof so my GP prescribed medication. This only controlled my heart rate and blood pressure, it just 'masked' the actual problem.I was feeling anxious about having panic attacks all the time and my life began to be ruled by it. I was never an 'anxious' or stressed out person so I think I was in denial for a while. I appeared calm on the outside but on the inside my head was all over the place.I started to feel like I was on edge all the time. I wasn't worried about a specific thing, I just felt panicked all the time. My brain began to race at 100 miles per hour and I felt like I couldn't control my thoughts. I started to feel like I was losing it. This is when I went to seek help. My gp than prescribed another medication and assured me that because it was such a low dose, I wouldn't feel ANY side effects. He was wrong lol. I've been feeling EXTREMELY drowsy, dizzy, nauseas, hot - I can't stop sweating and slightly anxious before I go to sleep. I'm thinking of changing the time I take my meds. On my prescription it says to take one pill in the morning after food but I've heard if the side effects are affecting you negatively, you can take it in the night...Does anyone have any advice regarding changing the time you take your meds? I've only been on it for less than a week but I'm sick of feeling out of it/spaced out during the day. Also, I'm really worried about upping the dosage because of how I already feel on the low dose, any advice? I can't afford to feel like this when Uni goes back in 2 weeks.

Smithsons Help
  • replies: 2

Hi all,Ive already posted my story quite a few times,so I apologise if this is becoming repetitive 2 some of u..this will be the last time I post 4 a while.I jst dnt know whats happening 2 me.My girlfriend and I havebeen dating for the last 6years.Th... View more

Hi all,Ive already posted my story quite a few times,so I apologise if this is becoming repetitive 2 some of u..this will be the last time I post 4 a while.I jst dnt know whats happening 2 me.My girlfriend and I havebeen dating for the last 6years.Things were great,we were both happy and in love.Shes honestly my everything.We jst connected and when I was with her,I felt home.However throughout thecourse of our relationship,I had a secret,a secret that up until recently only I knew about.Im bisexual.I never told her because Iwas afraid itd jeopardise what wehad.Over time in our relationship,I think the part of me that feared her finding out,grew.And about 4months ago,something happened 2 me.The guilt of her not knowing about me really got 2 me.HORRIBLE thoughtsandvoices started plaguing my mind:Ur a horrible person-how could u not have 2ld her?U must not care about her-if u did,then u woulda 2ld her of this a long time ago.Do u even love her?R u even attracted 2 her?If u REALLY loved her,then u would never have keptsomething so important from her for so long.Uve used her,s2len 6years of her life,ur selfish,heartless.If she knew the REAL u,shed leave.Did u date her 2 jst prove a point?Ur feelings for her rnt correct (this was a big one that really haunted me) if u were straight,ud feel more for her,ud feel whatur supposed 2 feel in a relationship,u rnt capable of feeling those feelings-u jst love her like a friend.I knew deep down none of this was true,but these worries simply took me over.So I 2ld her I was bi.But things havent gotten better,like I hoped they would.Its not her,she was as accepting as anything.The problems with me.Thefirst time I saw her after coming out,I felt anxious,idk y.But because of this,my mind started going again-do u even want her around?The relationship must be over and much more.These thoughts and voices r jst outof control and theyre ruining mylife.They make me nervous aroundher which only increase myfear of the relationship being over.Each time breaking up occurs 2 me,I jst bawl my eyes out and dont want the world 2 exist.I know itsnot what I want.My anxiety dsnt jst revolve around her-Ive convincedmyself of some prettyridiculous things inthe last few months-that I wannahurt my family,that I have a crush on another girl,after a headache Ithought it meant cancer (giving me a panic attack) im gay,asexual,schizophrenic.Ive cried more in the last 3months than I have inmy entire life.Ive lost myself. Is this anxiety and depression?

graveltrap91 Feeling more alone then I've ever been
  • replies: 2

All my life i have felt depressed and exiled from society, growing up i was always the overweight kid in class, always got abuse throw at me because of it and always have had girls lead me on to be told you will never have a relationship because I'm ... View more

All my life i have felt depressed and exiled from society, growing up i was always the overweight kid in class, always got abuse throw at me because of it and always have had girls lead me on to be told you will never have a relationship because I'm an ass hole. So i spent years not talking to many people lost a lot of weight and was all in all happy with my life and where i was going. I had multiple friends at that time that were into this "Doofing" scene of going in to the bush and listening to dance music all night while they all took LSD and MDMA and whatever else they could get there hands on. I was not into that scene at all but if that is what they were into that was there business. So though these people i meet a girl who i was following around like a love sick little puppy dog and was bending over backwards for this girl, fixing her car, giving her lifts so she could go and get drunk always being there when she wanted someone to talk to. Like turning around to me one night and saying she didn't have the mindset to do LSD and MDMA and that she didn't wand to start dating anyone till she got to know them. Now fast forward to not even a fortnight after she had told me this and she is now dating one of these friends taking LSD and MDMA with him and i was never even thought of. This girl ended up dating this "friend" of mine for 6 months then after that she started spending time with my housemate at the time. When i found out i told him to pack his shit up and move out and now they have been dating for 18 months. Now everybody i talk to about this just turns around and says to me "well she wasn't the one mate" If she wasn't the one why does she seem to be good enough for my "friends" to go off and date? I don't even know why im writing this anymore but thanks anyway

Reaperbird I feel like giving up on society
  • replies: 10

Okay, so I don't really have any friends because of AvPD. So I joined Facebook, hoping maybe things would be a little less isolating on there, but so far, it has made me want to avoid people even more.My family keep telling me I'm too sensitive, and ... View more

Okay, so I don't really have any friends because of AvPD. So I joined Facebook, hoping maybe things would be a little less isolating on there, but so far, it has made me want to avoid people even more.My family keep telling me I'm too sensitive, and that I should just let other people have their "opinions" but all my relatives and family friends are so discriminating. They are racist, sexist, homophobic and more. They always post hateful and offensive posts, and things that mock other people for their weight, mentality, and social status.When I tried to speak up about it, saying that I didn't like them bullying other people, their bullying turned on me instead. They started posting stuff about "get stuffed if you don't like my opinions" and "some people can't take a joke."I felt really hurt. I've always stood up for equality and tried to be peaceful, but then I have my own family doing and saying these things and I can't stand it. I feel really angry and upset.I tried talking to my mum about it after having a mental breakdown over it, and she just got uncomfortable with me and tried to tell me I should just ignore it and let them have their own opinions. But I don't agree, an opinion is if you like something or not, it isn't attacking other people and taking away their basic human rights.Basically, I feel more isolated then ever because I'm alone in what I believe in.Please tell me most people aren't like this, because it feels as if they are. I don't want to hurt others to fit in. But sometimes I feel like if I don't "go with the flow" I'll be alone forever, and worse still, bullied by others for being "different." I'm just not the kind of person who can willingly allow hate like that to happen, nor do it myself, it's awful. Why can't people focus on their own lives instead of making fun of other people? I'd much rather hear about their pets and daily life then see posts that discriminate and spread hate. I don't want to know people like that, but it feels like almost everyone is like that. Or maybe I'm just in a bad group? IDK. I just feel like I don't fit in, because I can't be like that, and I won't.

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