New Member :)

[leeyum96]

Hey All,

I'm really not sure what to do here, literally joined 2 minutes ago and am completely new to all of this.

A little about me. I am a 20 year old male who has previously suffered from various levels of anxiety, depression and the occasional panic attack. It's been nearly a year since I've experienced any of the symptoms or felt like I was going through any of the above but even everyday life can still be hard having experienced what I've been through. I struggled through Year 12 and didn't end up going to university (the only one not to from my school), all the people I went to school with think I am at university so it's safe to say none of them really are friends anymore. I have moved on and am trying to make new friends although this is actually a lot harder than I thought it would be without having something in common like uni or school. I never have had problems making friends, I am really outgoing and sociable when I want to be, but sometimes being alone is what I need. I spent most of my time at school volunteering and continue to do so, helping other people is one of my passions - partially why I am here. I'm working part time and spending the rest of my time trying to get healthier (I have lost 20kg since I left high school yay but realistically have another 10-20kg to go) and rebuilding my life I guess. I thought I would just say hey and introduce myself for anyone out there who is interested. Anyone who has had similar experiences or wants to chat let me know!

[Fairywings]

hey sweet. So glad you have joined us in these forums great place to have a chat and get things of your chest. So happy to hear that you have such a positive direction in your life given what you have been through. I lost My best friend the only friend i could a sister to suicide in my last yr of school right around exam time so guess what i failed yr 12, but still managed to get into uni and study youth work which is why i am a part of these forums too. I have a very dark past and i want nothing more that to be living proof that there is hope out there to the ones who are suffering.  Young people are my passion I was born to help and inspire others. So grateful to be part of this because i know i can offer hope to many. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel like you need to be alone every now and again because this is the perfect time for soul searching finding ones self working out what your purpose is in life and perfect for reflection and mediation. I love to have alone time too it gives me a sense of serenity in life and we all need this i believe. Your an inspiration keep up the excellent work your doing, your making such a huge difference in people's lives just by doing what you do and being involved here with us. I couldn't be more happier for you. xx Take care and all the best keep going Ur amazing. venessa

[Kazzl]

Hi Leeyum, welcome to the forum mate. How good to meet you. It takes a special person to really want to help others and spend time volunteering, and if you want to share your insights and support with others who are going through depression and anxiety, you sure have come to the right place! 😃

You are very welcome here, and please have a look around the boards and join in anywhere you want. We also have a special board for young people and that's a great place for other young people to offer support. We have a lot of young people around at the moment and I'm sure they'd like the company of a kind and caring soul like you.

I can't tell whether it bothers you that your friends all went to uni and you didn't, but it shouldn't mate. We all make our own way in life and comparisons with others are pointless distractions in our own quests to find what matter to us. It's taken some of us 'oldies' a long time to learn that!

Be who you are mate, follow your own path. You are needed in this world just as you are.

I hope to see more of you

Kaz