Young people

Giving up drinking for a month or two

replies: 1

Hi everyone, I'm considering going alcohol free for a month or two to just see what it would be like. I've heard the benefits are pretty rosy for mental and physical health. My only concern is that being a 22yr old uni student that's grown up around ... View more

Hi everyone, I'm considering going alcohol free for a month or two to just see what it would be like. I've heard the benefits are pretty rosy for mental and physical health. My only concern is that being a 22yr old uni student that's grown up around a pretty consistent culture of drinking since I was 16 it might be difficult socialise, especially given that am prone to bouts of social anxiety. Has anyone tried this before and if so how did it go? Thanks, Ben

Lost. Haunted. Afraid

replies: 3

I'm a 24 year old, qualified tradesman, full time single parent and i run my own business! sounds good doesn't it the dream. the reality im 24 and my life is going down hill fast. i loved my job i was great at my job, now i avoid going back. (workpla... View more

I'm a 24 year old, qualified tradesman, full time single parent and i run my own business! sounds good doesn't it the dream. the reality im 24 and my life is going down hill fast. i loved my job i was great at my job, now i avoid going back. (workplace accident) i have a little 4yo boy he is my world, it hurts me deep inside to look at him and can not give him the things he wants (materialistic items). i had a crew of employees at one stage money was great, started a family. family split, business closed. during that time i had an addiction the drug ice which now I'm still recovering from. I've always been afraid to ask for help and always fought my own battles. this thread is the furthest I've ever gone to get some serious help. not sure if I'm looking for an excuse or just man up and fight on..

My anxiety story

replies: 6

Hi everyone. i am new here so I really don't know what to say. But I will tell you my story... For many years now I have suffered from constant nervousness and shyness, something I not long ago found out was a social phobia a form of anxiety. It has ... View more

Hi everyone. i am new here so I really don't know what to say. But I will tell you my story... For many years now I have suffered from constant nervousness and shyness, something I not long ago found out was a social phobia a form of anxiety. It has stopped me from going out with friends and even family, I don't talk much and this makes me anxious because I feel that people judge me. When people ask me to go and hang out with them at the time I always feel excitement and say yes, but as times gets closer I start feeling really nervous my stomach goes tight, I get really bad headaches, I feel as though I am going to throw up and I just get really exhausted. Because I feel like this I don't go out, which I know is bad I should push myself but I feel at the time if I do I will just puke everywhere! I have told one of my close friends about this and she has been very understanding but there are so many times that you can tell your friends no you can't go, that they will get annoyed and stop asking you to things which is what happens and then I feel left out. I don't want to be that person who says no! I want to be the person who is confident, talkative, creative and bubbly, I want to put smiles on people faces! But I can't because I let anxiety take over me. A question I have is: does anyone else have this problem or am I the only one? Because I sure feel like I'm the only one because everyone around me are so confident and bubbly. And another question for those who have the same problem with anxiety as me is have you overcome you anxiety and if so how? I have sure learnt one thing from the anxiety I have which is I rely too much on technology to talk for me rather than myself! I want to change that but writing it down is easier than doing it that's why I've joined beyond blue to see how other people are coping. thanx for reading

Feeling unaccomplished & like a failure

replies: 6

Im 24 years old, and my life has not at all turned out as I planned. By this age Id have hoped to have a successful career, money and an easy happy life. Instead I have 18k in debt, due to living off my credit card because I earn such awful money at ... View more

Im 24 years old, and my life has not at all turned out as I planned. By this age Id have hoped to have a successful career, money and an easy happy life. Instead I have 18k in debt, due to living off my credit card because I earn such awful money at my crappy job, the job which adds to my depression and turns me into a horrible person that not even I can stand, let alone those around me. I have to stick it out becuase despite my efforts I can't seem to gain other employment. Its caused me to lose hope, my dreams and goals have faded away, and that teenager I once was who everyone thought would go so far and make something special of herself is long gone. I'm in this hole I can't get myself out of, I can barely even get out of bed. I can't honestly remember the last time anyone ever said they were proud of me. I've become a horrible person who pushes everyone away and lashes out at those who love me. Because I'm just so embarrassed and ashamed of my life. All my friends are getting married and having babies and in great careers, and I have none of that. I'm no further along in life than I was in highschool. I feel so alone, and like I'm the only one.

struggling at tafe

replies: 4

I'm an apprentice landscaper and I have trade school (tafe) once a week. I'm really struggling to get good results. I don't understand how I can work so hard, sometimes even going the extra mile to study (not just do the work) and I still get an unsa... View more

I'm an apprentice landscaper and I have trade school (tafe) once a week. I'm really struggling to get good results. I don't understand how I can work so hard, sometimes even going the extra mile to study (not just do the work) and I still get an unsatisfactory? It's ruining my self confidence, how hard can landscaping be?? I've been seeing a tutor a little bit, they sort of help me with the current assignment but then I get a new one and stress out about it, I think I know what I'm doing and then I get the work back and its non satisfactory every time. What am I doing wrong?? Anybody got any tips for study?

cant stop crying?

replies: 2

I'm always crying over nothing and I don't know why.. I'm always over eating (don't know if that's relevant) both have been getting worse and worse especially lately over school related things. I don't think I'm depressed but I don't know how I would... View more

I'm always crying over nothing and I don't know why.. I'm always over eating (don't know if that's relevant) both have been getting worse and worse especially lately over school related things. I don't think I'm depressed but I don't know how I would know if I was. Today I cried 3 separate times over tiny things (like not understanding how to a question for homework) my family get angry sometimes because they don't know how to calm me down which only makes me cry harder. I used to cry over what people thought of me but now it's just over nothing and I get so confused and mad at myself because I can't calm myself down. What's wrong with me?!

Does this sound like anxiety or is it normal?

replies: 2

Every time I'm out I get really uncomfortable feelings around other people, and feel pretty self-conscious. I get paranoid that they are thinking negative things about me, are thinking that I look vulnerable, and especially that they can notice my un... View more

Every time I'm out I get really uncomfortable feelings around other people, and feel pretty self-conscious. I get paranoid that they are thinking negative things about me, are thinking that I look vulnerable, and especially that they can notice my uncomfortable feelings. The following is a list of physical sensations that I get: Shortness of breath, breathing is limited. Get really nervous that others can tell.Feel upset, like I'm going to cry for no reason. Saliva in my throat, my voice gets really constricted. It makes me feel pathetic and weird, and I feel like I look really childish, which makes me feel even more upset and self-conscious. I'm also scared of eating and drinking in public because the tightness in my throat might be visible. Feeling airy/like a space cadet/jittery. Feeling anxious during conversations, can't continue theme. Difficulty concentrating on tasks because i'm so self-conscious and aware of what other people are doing. Most of my energy is spent on looking normal, friendly and nice, and trying to hide my symptoms and avoid looking weird. - Smile a lot for no reason, feel very embarrrassed - Jolty, random head movements. - Fidgeting with my hands and moving my arms in bizarre ways when I'm uncomfortable in public, playing with my hair. - I get extremely anxious/guilty over having said the wrong thing in social interactions (either something stupid, or unintentionally nasty). I think about these for most of the day sometimes, and feel very mortified. - I try to hide/keep a low profile as much as possible because I'm scared that others will notice me and think that I look weird. - Go to the bathroom regularly to make sure that I look normal, or to get away from other peoples' gaze. - Get a feeling that feels like my heart is sliding down my chest coupled with hot flushes - like a feeling of dread, for most of the day on most days. - Freeze up in public spaces, try to keep to self, worried that I look weird, worried that others will approach me/notice me, very aware of other peoples' presence. - Stiff legs when walking on pavements or crossing the road - very self-conscious that people in cars are staring at me/can notice me. Does this sound like anxiety or am I over-reacting?

Stuck

replies: 1

Hi all, I have suffered anxiety for a couple of years now (20 year old male, GAD with intrusive thoughts) and its generally been pretty manageable (medication aswell which im still on), until now. It has been a stressful year with a new uni degree st... View more

Hi all, I have suffered anxiety for a couple of years now (20 year old male, GAD with intrusive thoughts) and its generally been pretty manageable (medication aswell which im still on), until now. It has been a stressful year with a new uni degree starting among other things, so wasnt in a good headspace as it was, however this latest situation has caused me to spiral significantly. I started seeing a girl who I am very attracted to and she is wonderful to me, however due to the fact shes a little bit younger than I and 'a bit clingy', I began to obsess over whether or not she is right for me. I couldn't just continue on like a normal person would, setting the doubt aside and just 'seeing what happens' and give her a chance which is desperately what I want to do, however these intrusive thoughts of whether or not I'd be completely happy and content with her are preventing me from even talking to her at the moment. But on the flipside I cant see myself just abandoning her and moving on because of fear of future guilt due to the fact she is so great to me and cares about me. So as you can see, I see absolutely no solution. I know i'm just seeking re-assurance right now, which is toxic for this OCD pattern of thinking, but I am seriously so stuck and would just love even the slighest bit of advice, my psychologist can't see me for two weeks but im seeing a psychiatrist next week. It just seems so far away though. Any thoughts on what I should do right now? Cheers guys

How to cope with university?

replies: 11

Hello, This is my first post on here. I decided to join today because my boyfriend is struggling to help and understand me when I'm upset as I have been pushing my stress onto him for two years and I don't want to upset him any more (don't get me wro... View more

Hello, This is my first post on here. I decided to join today because my boyfriend is struggling to help and understand me when I'm upset as I have been pushing my stress onto him for two years and I don't want to upset him any more (don't get me wrong, he is amazing and always tries to help but as he said himself, he's not a professional and has no experience with these matters). So this is my third year at university and since day one I have struggled with handling the pressure of study and managing my own education. I lose control of my emotions in seconds, break down, cry uncontrollably before the semester even starts. I worry that I'm not trying hard enough even though I spend most of my spare time studying or doing assignments. And as soon as I find out what assignments I have or start working on them i get so worked up and stressed and nothing can make it better. I'm always tired, and have awful mood swings that upset my family and my boyfriend when they have done nothing wrong. For me the worst part is that I always end up doing well in my classes but that doesn't stop the stress and worry. It's starting to consume me and I feel tired and miserable all the time. It also doesn't help that I recently discovered that I won't be able to get a job from my degree (archaeology and classics and ancient history) unless I do post-grad study, but I don't have the motivation and after the last two years and this year so far I feel like it would destroy me. My parents have got me some stress relief tablets and a meditation track to listen to but it doesn't seem to be helping so far and I am still rapidly going down hill but I can't bring myself to see a doctor or anything like that because I don't know if I really do need help or if I just need to calm down... any advice or help would be truly appreciated, and thank you to whoever reads this for caring

Sick of life, but want a better life

replies: 2

I posted here some few weeks ago and have been away for the reason of feeling excluded, not by anyone here, but in that my experience is rather exclusive to select few people with depression. I don't feel inclined to go over my situation much again, ... View more

I posted here some few weeks ago and have been away for the reason of feeling excluded, not by anyone here, but in that my experience is rather exclusive to select few people with depression. I don't feel inclined to go over my situation much again, as my intent in posting again isn't to be triggered or adversely reminded of it or by it. Like many of you, I simply just can't sit knowing I will apparently never feel any better after so long, and being as young as I am (even though I feel so old). I was inclined to eventually take some advice, so here is what I received from doing so. I spoke to my GP and she is very perplexed and concerned about me. She has been working very hard to find me a social worker (one of my goals is to reduce my dependence on DSP and gain employment, even if casual, but part time at most), and I lack vocational training and skills. She hasn't found one that has worked with someone with what I have, which is something I prioritise because my personality is hard to work with. In regards to my depression, she really wants me to get some relief, but has no clue as to how to help me do so, given my situation and prior efforts. She advised to call my local acute care team to see if they could assist, but as per usual, they couldn't and did nothing but discriminate me. She also urged me to book an appointment with the last psychiatrist I saw, even though he was less than helpful last time, as she feels this is our only option. After much self criticism and general hopelessness as to what he could and might do for me, I did as she advised. However, it is not for 6 weeks. I see her a few weeks before that, was hoping I could give her insight next appointment but such is life. She said his suggestions and insights will probably be for much more aggressive forms of treatment than what I have previously tried. And by that she meant possibly stimulant medication off label or ECT, or some other brain stimulation. In addition to those being aggressive, they are also very costly, more than I can afford being on DSP. I said I highly doubtdoubt he will offer such things to me, for those valid reasons. She did ask me to ask him if she could run any biological tests (blood tests etc) for specific things that could be causing or contributing to my treatment resistance and depression. Any advice or support is highly appreciated, and thanks in advance.

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