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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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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.

pbandjelly Can anxiety cause someone to become apathetic?
  • replies: 4

I saw the doctor about my horrible sleeping pattern. He asked me a few questions about what I think about when I try to sleep etc. He threw the word 'anxiety' around and said he wants to refer me to a psychologist before he makes a diagnoses. I have ... View more

I saw the doctor about my horrible sleeping pattern. He asked me a few questions about what I think about when I try to sleep etc. He threw the word 'anxiety' around and said he wants to refer me to a psychologist before he makes a diagnoses. I have a few symptoms, the main ones being a loss of appetite, nausea and extreme mental fatigue (cant concentrate, memory problems etc). The symptom that has affected me the most is my lack of enthusiasm. I know it is really noticeable because other people have been telling me of recent that I seem 'unenthusiastic', and sometimes I just want to scream because deep inside I am enthusiastic but I dont have the energy to show it. This is really frustrating because I am losing friends because I just dont have the energy to have a proper conversation with them, which makes me feel anxious because they will then think im mad at them when really im not. So i just avoid that all together by staying inside. I also lost a job offer because I came across as 'uninterested', but I know that deep down I really wanted the job. Its really frustrating. I remember when everyone used to tell me how enthusiastic I was about life and now ive changed in so many ways because of whatever Is going wrong in my mind. The most annoying part is I have no idea where this came from, its just gradually gotten worse as time has gone by and now its so bad that im noticing its causing a problem. With all that being said, can anxiety cause someone to become apathetic or is that more related to depression?

blueyes123 can't share
  • replies: 5

i find it really hard to share things about myself, especially about my depression or anxiety stuff. its really hard when people ask if you're okay and you just really cant tell them but they wont let it go. i hate it when my teachers ask me why i wa... View more

i find it really hard to share things about myself, especially about my depression or anxiety stuff. its really hard when people ask if you're okay and you just really cant tell them but they wont let it go. i hate it when my teachers ask me why i was late or away and my only answer if "well i couldn't get myself out of bed this morning" but i cant actually say that i think im afraid of what people might say if they knew, most people don't understand. i wish i could find a way to be open about it without other people judging me or thinking im an attention seeker

HelpingOutOthers Helping someone who doesn't want help
  • replies: 3

Hi, My wife has depression. She's seen a councillor and the councillor made her discuss some confronting stuff and also wasn't really easy to understand so my wife refuses to seek further help. She still reluctantly takes her medication after I go ge... View more

Hi, My wife has depression. She's seen a councillor and the councillor made her discuss some confronting stuff and also wasn't really easy to understand so my wife refuses to seek further help. She still reluctantly takes her medication after I go get it for her.I've called lifeline services and spoken to GP's but don't feel I am getting answers. There was a time when my mother in-law (wife's mother) and myself were suggesting things to help and it was too overwhelming and it caused her to go into a deeper depression. So between my mother in-law and me, we've decided that my mother in-law is just there for her and has general conversations and there to listen. I've agreed to tread lightly but be open to suggesting things in a gentle manner. We had a good week were we were able to get her to the GP and he suggested a book called Feeling Good by David Burns. I've downloaded it and started reading it. Yet my wife refuses to start the book because she thinks its going to be one of those american motivational speech books which I've assured her its not and explained its non-confrontational and so far the book has not asked me to think back into my past. It just explains depression and has ways to rethink or reassess the feelings you are having (CBT). I thought writing a post would be beneficial to get a range of ideas from people instead of just the help lines which I haven't had luck with so far.So has anyone out there got any ideas of how to get someone to help themselves when they refuse? Deep down I think she wants me to help. I know we can fix this as a team but we're lost as to how to get her to help herself. 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;}