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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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clouise Social Anxiety!!
  • replies: 1

This is my first time posting but I feel as though reaching out for some kinda of help is a good idea. I am a 21 year old uni student recently moved to a big city with my partner. It was so exciting and felt like the right thing to do however since b... View more

This is my first time posting but I feel as though reaching out for some kinda of help is a good idea. I am a 21 year old uni student recently moved to a big city with my partner. It was so exciting and felt like the right thing to do however since being settled in I have appeared to obtained an overly anxious approach to everything and have began to avoid any social interaction. I feel desperately that I really want to make friends, but every time I'm in a social situation I avoid any form of engagement (e.g pretend I didn't see someone, or don't initiate conversation first). I'm constantly in fear of embarrassing myself yet I'm constantly yearning for a social life outside of just my partner, and that makes me feel really lonely. I was volunteering for the first few weeks of living here but have even stopped doing that because I constantly felt uncomfortable engaging in conversation with the other workers, and even though it felt rewarding I always dreaded going because of fear that I would make a mistake. I recently got a part time job and every morning before my shift I am overcome with nerves and even though every time I work there, the staff are so nice and every thing was well, its like I start to analyse everything I did there and convince myself that my colleagues don't like me, that they were laughing at me and think I'm hopeless or lame. It's just constantly manifesting in my mind and its got to the point that even though its enjoyable when I'm there I think about not having a job and wishing that I could make it by on my own. Today I think I had an anxiety attack and all I was doing was studying and all of a sudden my chest felt tight and I wanted to cry. My breathing felt hard and I need to lay down and try and calm down. I feel really on edge now and like I have a pit of worry in my stomach. I honestly feel like nothing triggered it today as its been one of the better days. About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and was on an antidepressant and whilst it did its job, it was obviously a temporary thing and I am no longer on it. I did see a counsellor as well but felt like I was just a number to her as she often forgot my name and who I was despite having 10 or so sessions. For about 2 years I have been relatively fine and even felt at my happiest but lately I'm just worried I'm spiralling. If anyone would have any suggestions on how to find motivation to exercise/combat social fears/ or methods to deal with it?

burgers7 She says we're just friends but it seems like more
  • replies: 1

Last year I moved away from my hometown for work to a different state with one female friend who I had studied with at uni. I have known this girl for 3 years and before we moved we had been what I would call close. I.e hang out on weekends, talk at ... View more

Last year I moved away from my hometown for work to a different state with one female friend who I had studied with at uni. I have known this girl for 3 years and before we moved we had been what I would call close. I.e hang out on weekends, talk at least 2-3 times a week, played sport etc. Living in shared accommodation together with other people for 12 months last year we continued to spend even more time together, going out for dinner, watching movies nearly every night and spending all day on weekends when we weren't both at work etc. Prior to moving from our hometown I knew I had stronger feelings then just friends for her however due to job uncertainty I was't going to pursue a relationship. We both found out we would be working together (which had not been planned at all and was purely coincidental) and after a few months of living in the new state I told her I had stronger feelings for her. She instantly shut down on me and told me we never had a chance of being more then friends, much to my surprise due to the amount of time and what I thought were signs of interest from her, naturally I was greatly disappointed. I managed to put the disappointment aside though and we continued to be great friends for the rest of the year. However this year we have moved into a house together with nobody else, I raised the issue to her when we spoke about living together telling her I didn't think it was a good idea as we would only ever be "friends" according to her and I thought living together would not be ideal for either of us, however she expressed she didn't think it would be a problem. Everyone at work thinks we are dating, her family have pushed the point to her that I am a nice guy and that they think we are secretly dating, which seems to really annoy her. I am now finding that we are drifting apart as friends, some days we can talk to each other but other times I feel her responses are forced, and she regularly will try and put me down with insults etc which she never used to do. I have tried many times to shake my feelings of interest towards her but I am struggling a great deal with it and find myself avoiding other social activities without her due to this. I'm unsure whether approaching her and telling her I still have feelings for her will create more problems, but on the other hand I don't understand why we are drifting apart and think maybe it is because she is getting annoyed that I haven't tried to pursue a relationship again. Any advice?

redwinflower IS IT ANXIETY??
  • replies: 2

Hi, For the past couple of months now I have been having this really strange thing that is happening inside my head. I have episodes where I feel as though every little sound (e.g. someone tapping) is getting magnetised to my head so that's all I can... View more

Hi, For the past couple of months now I have been having this really strange thing that is happening inside my head. I have episodes where I feel as though every little sound (e.g. someone tapping) is getting magnetised to my head so that's all I can focus on. These ar generally brought on by doing schoolwork (currently in year 11) as the workload is becoming too overwhelming. I experience a lot of self-doubt and feel as though I'm not good enough, and downright stupid. My main concern is that I don't think anybody understands what's actually going on inside my head, I struggle to explain it as when I am having these episodes I panic so much that it all ends up in one big blur. I am also always highly self-conscious of what I look like and what people are thinking of me and I feel as though everyone is judging me all the time and I get really paranoid. I also worry a lot about silly things and over think almost everything, right down until the last detail. I also need everything to be perfect and when they are not it bothers me greatly. I do get a bit compulsive as well, for example if a powerpoint is not being used, it must be turned off, no matter what. I am not sure if what I am experiencing is an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder or whatever but I am just struggling to cope with these crazy episode things, please help me!

GloomyGirl I feel like I am the third wheel
  • replies: 5

I have 2 friends that I am really close to but they have become even more closer. I just feel like I am their third wheel. I hate the feeling of not being apart of something that's happening. Like I don't understand their 'inside jokes' because I was... View more

I have 2 friends that I am really close to but they have become even more closer. I just feel like I am their third wheel. I hate the feeling of not being apart of something that's happening. Like I don't understand their 'inside jokes' because I wasn't apart of it. I get clingy very easily so maybe that is why. I think I clinged on them because they help me a lot as I have depression. I think that I should just not talk to them because they have each other anyway and at least they will be closer. I don't know what would hurt more; feeling like I'm the third wheel or not being their friends at all. I had a sleepover with them and they were video chatting this person I don't know and I felt so left out. The person even called me a 'loner' which made me feel worse. I think I should just not be their friends because I don't like this feeling. I think maybe I have FOMO (fear of missing out) cause I hate it when I miss out on things especially socially. Any ideas on what to do?

Miaaa333 Struggling with everything!
  • replies: 3

I just don't even know where to start. I've never been depressed or unhappy - I've had a pretty great life until the past couple of years. Things started to go bad when my first serious relationship ended and I found it hard to pick myself up. Eventu... View more

I just don't even know where to start. I've never been depressed or unhappy - I've had a pretty great life until the past couple of years. Things started to go bad when my first serious relationship ended and I found it hard to pick myself up. Eventually after 18 months I finally stopped hurting and I found myself being able to live without the sadness erupting every time I thought of him. I recently moved out of home and changed job roles. The new job has been great and I love where I live - its fantastic and everything I ever wanted. But I'm so unhappy. 6 months ago I started to date, I'm 24 and decided that it was time get back in the game. I knew it wasn't going to be easy…but I didn't expect to find myself sobbing on my bathroom floor all the time. In the past 6 months I've been let down by 4 different guys which can only lead me to one conclusion - its obviously me. I don't know what I'm doing, I don't text or call them constantly - I'm always nice and never rude and I'm always willing to accommodate him. My mum tells me its because I intimidate men because of my career - I don't believe that. I'm just so angry, hurt and confused. I feel like a doormat who gets stomped all over and used constantly. What makes it worse is my family and their constant interference. As soon as they are aware there is someone in my life, its 20 questions and I'm constantly questioned about it - when did he last speak to you, what did he say? whats this…whats that? I just can't handle it anymore but I feel guilty for not sharing it with my mum. I just don't know what to do - I feel like I'm constantly not living up to their expectations and its really hard when I hear mums friends ask her why a girl like me doesn't have a boyfriend. I feel so completely inadequate and like a failure. I just need to know how I can learn to love myself for who I am and what I'm not. I hate feeling like this. I just want to be happy. It really doesn't help when I've lost my best friend to her boyfriend. I used to spend time with my best friend every weekend and text her all the time. Now I'm lucky if i see her once every 6 weeks or so. I miss her so much and I feel like I have no one I can turn to. I'm so alone. I just want someone who can hold me whilst I cry my eyes out. I'm so god damn sad. Please tell me theres a way to feel better?

janeo13 Private Inpatient Treatment for Teens
  • replies: 1

HiMy 16 yr old daughter has had depression and anxiety for the last 2 years. Last year she deteriorated and started self harming. She was admitted to a public hospital for a month as she could not keep herself safe at home,she has had several more ad... View more

HiMy 16 yr old daughter has had depression and anxiety for the last 2 years. Last year she deteriorated and started self harming. She was admitted to a public hospital for a month as she could not keep herself safe at home,she has had several more admissions since, 5 in 6 months. She is on medication and seeing all the drs, her medication keeps changing as she does not seem to be responding.We have other children to look after and are at our wits end trying to work out how much longer this goes on for. I may have to give up work as my husband cannot take any more time off, and we do not want to leave our daughter, who is not going to school, alone for too long as she has tried to harm herself when left for too long on her own,Wondering if anyone has been to a private hospital for long term treatment ie 3months, does it work?kind regards 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;}

TWLOHA_4_LIFE Out of my comfort zone.
  • replies: 2

Hi This may sound trivial compared to what a lot of other people go through but because of my past I have struggled to do things outside of my comfort zone, I once tried joining women's football (soccer) but once I got to the fields I felt sick and j... View more

Hi This may sound trivial compared to what a lot of other people go through but because of my past I have struggled to do things outside of my comfort zone, I once tried joining women's football (soccer) but once I got to the fields I felt sick and just wanted to cry and walk away and I don't understand why I feel this way.. The weekend just passed I went to a show with my partner and his sister and his sister and I went on a ride that's kind of like a whizzer that spins around really fast except that this one tilted you on nearly a 45 degree angle, I was fine until it increased speed and began to tilt.. Thus ending in a major panic attack mid ride. I don't understand why doing things out of my comfort zone end in me either feeling nauseas and on the verge of tears or ending in a panic attack.. To be honest it kinda limits me to doing things in life because doing new things absolutely petrifies me

huge relapse into depression-feeling helpless
  • replies: 3

Hey guysI'm new to this forum I'm 19 year old man. Last year I fell into depression and anxiety for the first time and was completely overcome by it for several months-could not stop worrying, felt worthless, socially incapable, isolated, could not c... View more

Hey guysI'm new to this forum I'm 19 year old man. Last year I fell into depression and anxiety for the first time and was completely overcome by it for several months-could not stop worrying, felt worthless, socially incapable, isolated, could not concentrate in the slightest, completely lost interest in everything etc etc I finally got some help-started seeing a psych & started antidepressants, and quite quickly I felt "like myself" again. The next half year or so was probably the best time of my life so far-I felt confident and super motivated and just seemed to be able to get the most out of everything- I started uni and was getting involved with a few clubs there, exercising lots, volunteer tutoring, was happy with my part time job, and enjoying going to parties and catching up with friends everything was great. A few months ago everything took a turn in the wrong direction again, I can't even really pinpoint what caused it or exactly when it startedbut it took over very quickly. Now again I have no motivation, no confidence, seem to take no pleasure out of anything, I feel so positively low about myself and hopeless. Been put on an increased dosage of the medication I was on-not seeming to help yet (been on increased dosage for three weeks now). I feel completely debilitated, I can't ever focus on anything, can't ever think of anything to say, and even things like running and swimming that, aside from during the worst of times last year, always seemed to be able to lift me up for a bit are just doing nothing for me. I feel constantly exhauseted and like there's no point to it all. Going out to social events has become such an unappealing concept because I really struggle with basic social interactions, and study is so positively daunting because I just can't seem to get focused and get my self interested/get my head around concepts that I know deep down I would usually be interested in. I really just feel like nothing is helping and feel stuck-any time things feel like they might be improving just a little I slump right back into a very dark state of mind-viewing everything especially myself in a very negative way. I still live with my parents and my current living situation is stable-and objectively really not bad at all. Really not sure what to do, I don't know if anyone here has any helpful words? Not even exactly sure what I expected from this but yeah any advice is very much appreciated. Thank you!

TashK Depression feels like.....
  • replies: 5

I wanted to know how depression feels for other people, like if it feels like constant doubts and sadness or something like you feel really guilty and alone. I thought it would be good for others to share how it feels and maybe to relate with other p... View more

I wanted to know how depression feels for other people, like if it feels like constant doubts and sadness or something like you feel really guilty and alone. I thought it would be good for others to share how it feels and maybe to relate with other people. To start off for me depression feels like a constant weight inside of me, it doesn't feel overwhelming it just is there pushing me down. It also feels like I've got no energy at all, my energy is so low and all i want to do is sleep but i cant even do that because my thoughts just keep me awake. That's half of what depression feels like for me so yeah! Just say what you feel and hopefully it helps someone x