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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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warri0r /Sigh
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a newbie here, but most definitely not new to the perils of depression, OCD and social anxiety. I've had depression for many years, probably since year 7 (so 2005), OCD since (2008-09) and social anxiety for the past 3 years (so 2012). It's b... View more

Hi, I'm a newbie here, but most definitely not new to the perils of depression, OCD and social anxiety. I've had depression for many years, probably since year 7 (so 2005), OCD since (2008-09) and social anxiety for the past 3 years (so 2012). It's been manageable (my OCD) and I've never missed a day of school, or work because of it. But only recently, has it begun to cause such issues. This year alone, I've probably had 10 days off because of my OCD/depression, two of which were breakdowns to the point where leaving the house caused me a lot of pain, tears and screaming. There have been times where my OCD (My OCD is checking locks, fridges, doors, electrical sockets, taps, etc) has caused me to just cry and not be able to leave because of the stress. I avoid a lot of things in regards to it. For instance; not using the heater in the morning, avoiding using taps if possible, not wanting to cook breakfast - opening the fridge, using an electrical socket, using the stove, etc. But it's only come to such difficulty this year. In the past few it's been manageable, along with my Social Anxiety mostly because of cigarettes, alcohol and pure avoidance. I was officially diagnosed at the end of May, but I've only gone to see a psychologist booked in for Saturday. I have a partner, who does his best to 'understand' and 'help', but it's very unhelpful when you tell someone what's wrong, and they go 'dunno' or 'i don't know', or they get angry at you because you're upset and you genuinely do not know what's wrong. He hasn't experienced any of the above, so he has no real concept, so I don't blame him for not knowing. He does get upset when he can't fix it, but getting angry at me really doesn't help anything. His friends all know about my SA, and that I need to be comfortable with them before meeting them, yet none seem to really want to put in the effort, and he really doesn't try and support me in that decision, or even explaining anything to them. It hurts that he doesn't really care, and that he just lets them be arrogant and rude to me, while expecting me to deal with that on top of everything else. I need help in how to a) help myself with all that's going on, b) give my partner some tips on how to help me without resorting to medication, alcohol and cigarettes. Thank you in advance - and apologies if I managed to bore you

Kiseki How do you deal with tough times?
  • replies: 4

About two weeks ago, my mum broke her ankle when she was lifting my brother, who can't walk, into bed. She slipped and broke her ankle. She and my brother were taken to hospital, but my brother was discharged about 5 hours later. My mum needed to hav... View more

About two weeks ago, my mum broke her ankle when she was lifting my brother, who can't walk, into bed. She slipped and broke her ankle. She and my brother were taken to hospital, but my brother was discharged about 5 hours later. My mum needed to have surgery on her ankle and she only got out of hospital last Thursday. Since then, she's been confined to a wheelchair and I've had to help out with a lot of things that she would normally do.That's not what bothers me, though. Since about 10 days ago, I haven't had a chance to release everything that's built up inside me, and I know it's hurting me. It doesn't help that my mum's gotten upset with me a few times when I was pushing her wheelchair, because I was going 'too fast'. My brother is in a wheelchair, and I'm used to that, since I've grown up with it. My mum has never been in a wheelchair before and just seeing her like this demoralises me. She provides the stability needed to keep us all together. Whenever mum gets upset at me, it triggers a huge wave of negative thoughts. Why am I so stupid, so pathetic, so weak? Why can't I do anything right? No one else would make such a stupid mistake. It's gotten quite bad, too, to the point where I've wondered what would happen if I were to just disappear or leave. Would they miss me? The thing is, I don't want to talk to my mum about this, because I don't want her to feel upset or sad that this has happened. I don't want her to think that this is her fault, because it's not. I also don't want to burden anyone else with these problems, not when they could be helping someone who needs help much more than I do.I have low self-esteem and self-confidence, and I've never been one to place much faith in myself. I know that there's a whole lot of negativity that I need to let out, but I don't want to cry. I don't want to be weak. I want to be strong, because I have to look after those around me. Crying also makes me feel bad, as well, so I don't really know what to do. Maybe I'm scared of admitting to being weak, or maybe I'm just stubborn. I don't know. How can you feel better without having to feel pathetic first? beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

Mate_23 Success
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd share a story of success in my battle with anxiety to hopefully provide some encouragement. I have some type of General Anxiety Disorder (I've never been professionally assessed to be honest) - I can't really say its a... View more

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd share a story of success in my battle with anxiety to hopefully provide some encouragement. I have some type of General Anxiety Disorder (I've never been professionally assessed to be honest) - I can't really say its as bad as some of the things I've read here but it has had a major control on my life for the last 10-12 years. My anxiety is generally caused/coupled with intrusive thoughts and negative thinking. It has caused me to become quite anti social and miss out on a few opportunities to live a more fulfilling life. Anyhow, this year I decided that I've had enough and have been learning more about anxiety and trying to overcome it. Finally last night for the first time in my life I was able to go out with some friends for a night out on the town without being too scared and just having some fun. When I was invited, part of me really didn't want to go because I was scared I would get panic attacks and what not. So I said to myself that anywhere I go, I'll always get anxious anyway and just accepted it. I pushed myself and went along. I had a great time. Sure there were some moments when started to feel anxious but I just let it be.(I'm currently reading a book on Acceptance and Commitment therapy and it seems to help). I really think the way to overcome it is just to out yourself out of your comfort zone. Has taken me to the age of 24 to actually go to a club(not saying this is the epitome of fun or anything, but it was an experience I thought I'd never have). I think you just need to move slowly and get out there and know that in the end, it's just the mind playing tricks and everything will be OK. I know i still have a long way to go, but i just wanted to share this. Hopefully it helps you.

turquoisemoonxo Over Everything
  • replies: 3

Over the past few years of my life I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I don't know what to do with my self anymore, I am 16 years old and I can't even get out of bed most mornings, it's been an ongoing problem for as long as I can remember... View more

Over the past few years of my life I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I don't know what to do with my self anymore, I am 16 years old and I can't even get out of bed most mornings, it's been an ongoing problem for as long as I can remember. I'm not really sure what it was that may have triggered it, but there have been a few awful events that have occurred in my life but they all happened some time ago. I've been bullied off and on all through my life, at first it was for stupid things such as how I acted or what toys I played with in primary school, now it's much worse and more hurtful stuff. I used to really enjoy school and I would never miss any days, even when I was sick. But now I'll find any excuse I can not to go, I fear that I'm not even going to be able to finish high school and my life is just going to be a big pile of nothing. I see a counsellor regularly but that hasn't really helped, a little bit short term but nothing has given me long term help and support. I just don't know where to turn now, I'm over living my life like this.. but it's just such a hard habit to overcome. Any advice?

blackandblue Just another day
  • replies: 4

A lot of people suggest you spend time with friends and family to help beat depression - but depression beats that. I have turned away a lot of my friends with my miserable behaviour, dull moods and boring ego. Yeah, right they must not be very good ... View more

A lot of people suggest you spend time with friends and family to help beat depression - but depression beats that. I have turned away a lot of my friends with my miserable behaviour, dull moods and boring ego. Yeah, right they must not be very good friends. But, I don't blame them... I would do the same to myself if I could. I am so dull and so lifeless and so miserable. My family are tired of me... time is passing and so is their concern. People also tend to say, time will pass and so will this. Well, it's not and every day is the same. I am getting help, counselling and meds and regular GP visits - I have had several of each. The meds have made me put on weight and I hate it, I am running out of doctors in my area and my counsellor says the same things every session. Yet, here I am, writing another boring, dull and lifeless blog. Anyone? Anything?

JasKat2499 bedridden with depression
  • replies: 4

Hi, I'm Jas. I am 16 yrs old and currently doing yr 11. In 2010 I came down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to stress given by a teacher. She would ridicule and humiliate me in front of the entire class all because I couldn't answer her questions. ... View more

Hi, I'm Jas. I am 16 yrs old and currently doing yr 11. In 2010 I came down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to stress given by a teacher. She would ridicule and humiliate me in front of the entire class all because I couldn't answer her questions. I was only 11 yrs old when this came upon me. Although, I was able to overcome Chronic Fatigue I have ever since suffered from uncontrollable stress and severe depression followed by anxiety. I constantly have the symptoms of headaches, stomach pains, an aching feeling especially in my shoulders and back, In my worst moments, my hands will shake uncontrollably. I also hold a lot of resentment and anger towards teachers in general and I'm so fearful that I will be yelled at my anyone if I make a mistake which has led me to become a perfectionist. During my time in yr 11 I found I could not cope doing my classes at my normal high school so I decided to do Open Access part time homeschooling but even that has become troublesome. I have recently just had a run in with one of my teachers at open access she absolutely criticised me and my work she said that I had handed it up late and that she shouldn't mark it even though there are 30 other students who haven't handed up their work. She also said that I had plagiarised parts of my work from yahoo answers but I can't remember ever using that website for information. Maybe i've got it wrong. She's made me self doubt myself and my work. All i feel now is depressed that I am worthless and what I do is never go enough. I am starting to question whether going to open access was the right choice? but my high school didn't seem to work for me and thats the only school close to me. I don't know what to do about myself at the moment and I'm not sure what direction I should be going in. If anyone could give me some advice. It would really help me. ​

Liam007 Having a hard time accepting myself
  • replies: 49

I have doubts, I made another post on this board elsewhere but I have so much more I want to say.As I mentioned in the other post, it's in the school section. I find myself not really fitting in with my school because I am pretty much a goody two sho... View more

I have doubts, I made another post on this board elsewhere but I have so much more I want to say.As I mentioned in the other post, it's in the school section. I find myself not really fitting in with my school because I am pretty much a goody two shoes, I don't like taking risks and I refuse to drink alcohol.But here I just wanted to discuss a few things that happen because of or outside of school.I basically feel worthless, I don't feel as if I have done anything to help anyone else, have nothing to be really proud of or feel like I contribute anything to the world. I feel as if my existence is pointlessThere are some nights I can't sleep so find myself taking self-esteem tests online and trying to listen to the saddest music to make myself cry.I find myself apologizing all the time for the littlest mistakes, repeatedly. Any advice to lighten up on myself? Am I thinking about too much at my age? (17) Should I wait a little longer till all those things come into play? Thanks, Liambeyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work online (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 224 636.

heyyouthere Deja Vu
  • replies: 3

Hello everyone, I sit here today questioning what I'm actually doing with my life. I know there are many people who have had the similar experience where one is left pondering and wondering all complexities of life. What should be? What could be? Wha... View more

Hello everyone, I sit here today questioning what I'm actually doing with my life. I know there are many people who have had the similar experience where one is left pondering and wondering all complexities of life. What should be? What could be? What would be? Due to many personal complications I'm left jobless, friendless and more often than not extremely depressed. I have Bipolar which assists in making me a socially awkward and uncomfortable person to be around. I lack confidence which in turn sets restrictions in finding new friends and new working opportunities. Some days I'm really enthusiastic that things are going to change but things aren't going to magnificently change over night. It's up to me to make the change but how and where do I even start? There's no stability! When I'm experiencing a "manic" episode I'm energetic, I'm enthusiastic......I'm wanting to make a dramatic difference. Although when I'm experiencing a "depressive" episode I come across distant and extremely pessimistic. I then am in the process of trying to rebuild that confidence and that enthusiasm only to know it will soon come crashing down again. I am back to square one yet again with this overwhelming feeling of disappointment and frustration.............................................................its exhausting!! There are many people in this world who are struggling, suffering life threatening illnesses and living in unimaginable circumstances. I feel extremely guilty for feeling and being the way I am for no reason but I'm beginning to accept that i can't control this. I can only accept it and live with it rather than fighting something that won't ever fully disappear. I can only improve myself and by doing so, can then start making a difference to the many other lives I encounter. I want to be a better person! There are times where I loose sight, I loose motivation and I loose hope but I'm trying to find and discover my own personal coping mechanisms that will assist in making me see things differently. We all struggle at some point but as Dori from Finding Nemo says "Just Keep Swimming".

Ringdabadong My life has fallen apart.....
  • replies: 3

Im a 16 male in highschool (year 10) and im just failing at the moment. I'm a smart kid i can get really good grades and do incredible work but i just cant get myself to do it. Its monday and i skipped school today to do my 3 essays that are due and ... View more

Im a 16 male in highschool (year 10) and im just failing at the moment. I'm a smart kid i can get really good grades and do incredible work but i just cant get myself to do it. Its monday and i skipped school today to do my 3 essays that are due and i still cant do them. The plan was to spend the weekend doing homework yet i couldent. i was distracted doing everything else on my laptop. i have been in bed for litrally 3 days and still have not done a single thing for my homework. i have a 1000 word essay that was due 4 days ago which is very important and a portfolio due for d'n't that i havent even started and my english which is another 1000 word essay. I have hdhd but i dont think that should matter. Im not eating allot i dont like the food that is in the house i have not eaten allot for 3 days, everytime i get out of bed i feel dizzy as i normally do. With school i have not been ontime once for maybe 1 year.... Gaps in the system have let me gotten away from trouble until now yet im still doing it. i go to sleep to late and find it hard to fall asleep. im adicted to not getting of ontime. I have fights with my family and mum. My room is the biggest mess. I can name so much that is just going absolutely horribly. Everything i have no a meeting with the school and my dad ( i live with my mum) because of skipping school and i still havent done my assisgments gone to gym and i want to or eaten anything tbh for the past 3 days. I go to a private school and its about 30 grand a year for me and i dont do anythingPLEASE HELP ME ACTUALLY NEED IT THINGS ARE GETTING SO BAD AND I DOUBT I CAN STILL DO MY HOMEWORK FROM ANY REPLYS BUT ALL IS WELCOME.

teacla I don't know anymore
  • replies: 6

So for the past year I have become heavily involved in school. Last year was a bad year for me with my grades and I just wasn't happy with them, so this year I decided to step up my game and do better, which has been working because I nearly got A's ... View more

So for the past year I have become heavily involved in school. Last year was a bad year for me with my grades and I just wasn't happy with them, so this year I decided to step up my game and do better, which has been working because I nearly got A's in all of my subjects except for one, which I got a B in. Except lately I just feel like I can't deal with it anymore. I become stressed so easily and every time I sit down to do a test or assignment I just think to myself how I'm going to fail it and that I'm not good enough for anything and I just have this fight with my brain everyday. On the outside I look like someone who has my life together and all my friends and even teachers just expect me to be the best student who achieves top grades but really, I am crying every night over these stupid assignments and tests. I've planned out this great future where I am going to get excellent grades in grade 11 and 12 (currently in grade 10), and then go to university and study a bachelor of science but I just don't know if I can do it and I don't want to end up with a basic job. I want to have a great life and have enough money to support myself but I just can't see it working out. Ugh, it's just so hard to put into words how this is affecting me but every day its just a constant battle with my mind that nobody sees, that nobody knows about, and I don't know how to deal with it. I don't even know if it's anxiety or something because I have never talked about it with anybody before. I just wish it would stop.