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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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Lizeyloo New school and no friends
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, I am a 16 years old girl in year 11. I am finding it very hard to cope at the moment. I started at a new school this year thinking everything was going to change and get better but it is quite the opposite. I was partnered with someone t... View more

Hi everyone, I am a 16 years old girl in year 11. I am finding it very hard to cope at the moment. I started at a new school this year thinking everything was going to change and get better but it is quite the opposite. I was partnered with someone to look after me at my new school but they ditched so now I am finding it very hard to find friends or any group to sit with. Every now and then I’ll ask to sit with a particular group but I feel unwanted and a nuisance to them as their table is full and I’m struggling to socialise as I am consistently worrying all the time. Often I will spend lunch times in the bathroom or go to the library but this continues to affect my mental health negatively. I am often referred to as very shy and quiet but when hearing this it tends to pull down my self esteem even more. I have recently gone through a friendship breakup at my old school and now I have virtually no friends left. The friendship breakup has particularly affected me as it has taken a toll on how I perceive myself. I don’t like who I am and which I was someone confident who made friends easily.I find myself lying in bed crying having no passion for life or to get out because I don’t feel worthy to anyone. I have my mum but she doesn’t completely understand what I’m going through, she’ll say I’m overreacting and doesn’t take mental health as seriously as I wish. I tell myself I sound selfish to be complaining when I know how lucky I am but I can’t help but cry knowing things aren’t changing and no one understands just how much I am struggling. If anyone could share tips it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Deltius Turning 21 soon, Failed all my goals.
  • replies: 10

Hello peeps, I'm not really sure why I am making a forum post but why not. I am turning 21 soon and feel that I have failed every goal I have. I am pathetic, nearly everyone I know has more shit together than I do and that includes people who only ju... View more

Hello peeps, I'm not really sure why I am making a forum post but why not. I am turning 21 soon and feel that I have failed every goal I have. I am pathetic, nearly everyone I know has more shit together than I do and that includes people who only just turned 18. I have no dream, no purpose, no joy, nothing. Here is a list of stuff that I made for my psychologist. I wanted to know how other people around my age bracket are going. Sometimes it feels like my purpose is be awake, sleep then die and be forgotten in about a week. If you have found your self with similar feelings what have you done to improve things for your self? **Psychological** Lack of enjoyment in life No sense of accomplishment No sense of relief No sense of self-pride No motivation to do anything very little self-worth insecurities? Hearing about others life and getting depressed about my own. Possibly jelly or envious Comparing myself No real social life, very small number of friends (though they are dear to me, more then family) No confidence Supportive of those around me but never myself I am a failure and deserve nothing Turning 21 and not achieved anything of note, none of my goals, I am running out of time destined to achieve nothing and be forgotten. **Physical** Fat 105kg and 6'2.5 Intimidating Creepy looking Unapproachable Scars Unattractive My body type is no ones preference, the one person I have had sex with ignores body types. All the people I have shown interest in never find me attractive. Of all the people I have asked out or similar, 1 has done anything with me, all others said no nearly always due to physical appearance or sexual preference.

Draven_J Under Confidence
  • replies: 1

I went through High School for 6 Years from 2007-2013, I was a Painful Un Popular Poeser and a Loner for 2-3 Years towards the End of my Schooling Education. Than I try'd to Re-kindle and tolerate 2 of those Net Work Friend's, Who I deemed were Toxic... View more

I went through High School for 6 Years from 2007-2013, I was a Painful Un Popular Poeser and a Loner for 2-3 Years towards the End of my Schooling Education. Than I try'd to Re-kindle and tolerate 2 of those Net Work Friend's, Who I deemed were Toxic Friend's for over 5-7 Years, To me they were Narcissistic, Self Superiorities, They were Subjective and In-different. They alway's try'd to Dumb you Down and take the confidence away from your Opinion's and Perspective and Intelligence. They have left a lasting Imprint against your Social Esteem, not In relation to believing what your trying to Say and Convey, but In relation to having the Confidence to project and come forth with what your Saying, and sometimes General Society, can Undermine your level of Esteem, It's not Just my Personality Type, but the feeling of Narcissism or Debative Western Personalities, Anti Intellectualism and Tall Poppy Syndrome can hinder your Value to Talk, Also Defeatism and enforced Compliance can do the same thing to

Lalatheloopyone Uni and failing
  • replies: 5

Hi all, I’m currently in my second year of uni and I feel all over the place. I’ve been studying but I always feel distracted and like it isn’t working and last year I was very proactive with my studying and assignments and I would start my assignmen... View more

Hi all, I’m currently in my second year of uni and I feel all over the place. I’ve been studying but I always feel distracted and like it isn’t working and last year I was very proactive with my studying and assignments and I would start my assignments weeks before they were due. This year I have been feeling a lot more distracted and my thoughts are all over the place and I’m not sure why but I guess it’s probably a variety of things. This year I have not been doing as well with my assignments and tests (failing them by a few marks) and I find it very discouraging when I see my marks and it makes me very upset (although I am a very emotional person). The first things I usually do is look for a way out when things get hard and I feel as if I won’t be able to cope. I hate the feeling of failing and I think I have such high expectations of myself and I feel like my dad (who I live with) only cares about my marks and not about if im my actually enjoying uni - whenever family asks how uni is going and I say yeah it’s alright my dad is quick to jump in and tell them my marks (because I did good last year). I would love any tips on how to deal with this overwhelming sensation of feeling sad when I get a bad mark of feel discouraged.

Trish2 things just aren't good right now
  • replies: 1

I'm in a challenging spot in my life right now with my emotions towards things. I find myself crying a lot more than usual and I find that I'm a bit more numb as well. I feel like the events in my life cause me to feel this way and I'm glad that I'm ... View more

I'm in a challenging spot in my life right now with my emotions towards things. I find myself crying a lot more than usual and I find that I'm a bit more numb as well. I feel like the events in my life cause me to feel this way and I'm glad that I'm aware of that, but it doesn't really provide me with any peace unfortunately. I'm just so angry with how I feel trapped in a home I do not want to be in, I don't have enough money to leave, nor do I have anyone I could move out with, I'm stuck always working on the weekends which leaves me almost no time to socialise with those I care about, I have a relationship that's made me unhappy for longer than I want to admit and being less available on weekends adds to the pain of that. I also don't see myself getting into a career that I'll genuinely love which scares me. I was kicked out of the house a few years go and I remember I had my pets that I had to say goodbye to and they were the ones that would always comfort and make me feel better. I loved giving them cuddles and sometimes I just wish I was allowed to have my own pets but I'm unable to in the situation I'm in. I was never even good at school either and I remember my grades were all barely even passable because my mind was just somewhere else at the time. This is the most lonely I've ever felt and I think it's really starting to take a toll on me. I don't know how to cope and I worry things are only getting worse from here, and I don't feel mentally or emotionally prepared to deal with any of it. I'm losing hope that I'm ever going to really have a bright future since it's all just gone so far downhill already. sorry for the rant but I just felt like I needed to say it somewhere

Juice143 Tired Of everything
  • replies: 3

Hi All, This is my first post and I don't know what I'm doing and I'm scared. For a bit of background info I am a male that is 16 years old in year 11. I have been struggling with depression which has lead on to anxiety. This I believed has sort of s... View more

Hi All, This is my first post and I don't know what I'm doing and I'm scared. For a bit of background info I am a male that is 16 years old in year 11. I have been struggling with depression which has lead on to anxiety. This I believed has sort of steamed from Covid as well as me drifting away from my friends like they are strangers. Im trying to fit into a new friend group but I don't know whether they will like me whether they be thinking why is this guy its only the first couple of days so I'm very hopeful because if this docent work out I don't know what else I could do. I have a few very close friends that I can rely on and tell them stuff that is important but I feel like none of them understand what I'm going though. I feel like I shouldn't feel this I have two loving parents, loving siblings, a good education and stable finically. As well as being a white 16 year old male. I know why im feeling this sort of emptiness but I feeling this for over 6 months now and I feel like there could be light at the end of the tunnel with me distancing me from my friends and trying to find more supportive. I hate going through this tiresome process of waking up going to school gaining the courage to go outside at lunch and recess then not feel like I'm being watched and judged. I know that this sounds rich and that I should just get over it and many people suffer from much worse than me. I am scared that I am wasting the good time in my life being like this. The perfect scenario is that I come back to this post with a more stable life and remember this moment as one of the darkest times in my life. ANY ADVICE I believe it I form well with this group a lot of my problems will sort of diminish not entirely but it would help so any advice for how to make this one work. Thanks

spontaneous sunflower when will things change?
  • replies: 9

Right now I feel like I’m not suited for this world. I don’t “have what it takes”, I’m not a go getter. Sometimes I feel like my dreams of travelling overseas, living in a nice house near the beach, falling in love, having a successful career, etc, a... View more

Right now I feel like I’m not suited for this world. I don’t “have what it takes”, I’m not a go getter. Sometimes I feel like my dreams of travelling overseas, living in a nice house near the beach, falling in love, having a successful career, etc, are always going to be just dreams. I say I want to do things and then I don’t or I start something but never continue long enough that it makes a difference. I feel like I’m wasted potential. I’m not dumb, I have a general gist about how to get things in life. I’m thoughtful, observant and kind and I’ve always had big dreams in life but what does that matter? Barely anyone cares if you’re a thoughtful, empathetic person. You need to be motivated, confident, strong, determined. I don’t feel like any of those things. I could be, but I feel like there’s a poison in my mind that prevents me from being those things. Sometimes I believe I am those things but never long enough that it sticks in my mind. My whole life I’ve felt this way I think. I have always been sensitive. My whole life I’ve been trying so hard. Trying to fit in, trying to make friends, trying to get good grades, trying to be seen, trying to be a good person. At 18, I don’t think I’m much different than 5yo me who wandered around the schoolyard alone. I still suck at making friends, I still go unnoticed, I’m still quiet. I’ve always felt kind of disposable. People seem to come and go through my life so easily but I take forever to move on. Why am I like this? Why can’t I just get up at 8am, eat a healthy breakfast and go on a walk? Why can’t I get a job, why can’t I even just write a resume and hand it out to places? Why can’t I even just do that? Why can’t I get out, see people and talk to people? Why can’t I make friends and be social and be normal? Why can’t I switch my anxiety off, switch my thoughts off? Why does it have to be so complicated? I don’t always feel this way but why is it that when I do, it is so consuming? Something needs to change now. I’m 18 and I feel like if something doesn’t change now, I’ll spend the rest of my life feeling this way. But I feel so lost and frustrated. I have nothing, no belief in myself, no job, little money, no big passion in life that distracts me or gives me purpose. I have basically no one. My family is broken, my parents work a lot, I’m no longer in touch with one of my brothers, I have few friends and they’re almost always busy, I don’t have a partner. And god, I barely have myself.

Bob_S Running out of room to escape? time to fight? with med?
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I'm turning 21 and finding myself out of room to escape from my anxiety & depression. Here's the breakdown: I've always had both depression and anxiety, since the age of 6-7 from memory. However, probably due to my grandfather's love for fish... View more

Hi all, I'm turning 21 and finding myself out of room to escape from my anxiety & depression. Here's the breakdown: I've always had both depression and anxiety, since the age of 6-7 from memory. However, probably due to my grandfather's love for fishing, I've learned over the years that thrilling outdoors activities forces me to take my mind off these negative thoughts, and "live in the moment", in these good times, I feel truly close to those around me and negative thoughts rarely come up. However, like how there are no never-ending banquets, these activities become "normal" and lose their thrill, and I come back to the starting point, and the few friends I've been able to make, as well as my family, feel like they are way too distant to grasp, like how water slips through my fingers when I try to grasp it. (To be honest, it's also probably due to my anxiety/fear of been seen as someone who is depressed and 'need help', thus over the years, I've worked very hard to build a facade that I'm a healthy, positive, optimistic and adventurous.) And now, I have found myself at a crossroad. In order to keep things exciting and keep my depression away, I've been progressing up the outdoor/extreme sports ladder. it all started with fishing, then camping, afterwards, there's downhill mountain biking, 4wd, freediving/spearfishing/scuba-diving. HOWEVER....These are also quickly becoming unable to keep my depression away, YET... I can no longer afford to tap into new activities. Thus, why I believe I have come to a stop in my escape. Recently, I've been thinking of new ways to fight my problems. 1st(&worst): Alcohol/Drug, I don't drink, nor do drugs, for the reason that I fear I would develop a dependence on it, thus not a viable option. 2nd: Find a girlfriend to take my attention off....but my anxiety is like a leg iron...thus, I haven't dared to seek a girlfriend even in the good times, let alone now. 3rd: seek professional help.... nope, anxiety. 4th (&probably last): antidepressant medication???? I have a growing suspicion that medication would be my last and final resort... Does anyone have any experience like mine? any recommendations? Many thanks for reading my rant on myself. this is the first time that I have ever spoken out, I think it makes me feel a bit better. Sincerely, ME.

Zoneey I am too stupid
  • replies: 2

I think I am more stupid than average. 1. I am not used to more than a week’s work 2. I always make stupid mistakes 3. My friends are so much more independent and better. My family too 4. I am not good enough

I think I am more stupid than average. 1. I am not used to more than a week’s work 2. I always make stupid mistakes 3. My friends are so much more independent and better. My family too 4. I am not good enough

daisyqueen So depressed - don’t even know where to begin.
  • replies: 2

It’s been a few years since I’ve posted on here and only recently I’ve felt so terrible that I’ve turned back here. I’m 22 now, have an amazing partner and I have a reliable job. I should be happy, but I’m not. I feel lost, I have no sense of myself ... View more

It’s been a few years since I’ve posted on here and only recently I’ve felt so terrible that I’ve turned back here. I’m 22 now, have an amazing partner and I have a reliable job. I should be happy, but I’m not. I feel lost, I have no sense of myself anymore. My concentration and focus on things is next to non existent, I’ve gained weight, my body aches, I’m tired all the time and the only way I can sleep is with sedatives or bipolar medication. All of which seem to point toward severe depression. I don’t know how I let myself get this bad. I didn’t even notice. I don’t know what to do. I tried talking to a psychologist not long ago when my partner and I were having issues, but I never really went back to it. My brother died 2 months ago - he was my half brother & a lot older. I didn’t really know him that well but I feel like I haven’t allowed myself to grieve. I feel like I’ve just shut myself down, carried on. Having a stable job should do something, but I’m on edge all the time. I feel like I’m just waiting for the ball to drop, for them to fire me. Apparently I ‘sigh’ too much & I get yelled at ‘you have to stop sighing’ - I didn’t even notice I was - being heavier and running around all day, I find it hard to breathe. I feel like I may have mild asthma or something. I go out of my way to be nice to patients that come in, to co-workers, to my bosses, I stay back beyond my rostered hours, I have taken on so much more than my job description allows, yet I still feel like I’m not doing enough, like I’m just.. nothing. My bosses look down on me, like I’m a means to an end. I can’t really explain it to let everyone see what I mean but I’m mentally exhausted worrying and trying to prove myself. Having someone yell at me for breathing without trying to tell me gently has just set me off today. I drove home in tears. I started this job 2 months ago knowing nothing about the role itself, only the industry. All the girls at work talk, laugh, joke - they’re good friends. I see them tagging each other in Facebook things - I’m just sitting there wondering where I went wrong. I don’t have friends anymore, I don’t know how to talk to anyone, I don’t know how to be close. I’ve moved away from my home, from my parents, to be with my partner but I’m just feeling lost. My partner & I don’t talk as much anymore even though we live together. I don’t know who I am anymore. I miss my animals. I just miss me. I miss the person I thought I could be.