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Young people

A space for people aged 12-25 to discuss life. If you’re over 25, please be mindful that this is a space for younger people to connect.

OceanPhoenix Food
  • replies: 1

Hi, So I have been struggling with food for a while now. Now and then I will eat a lot of food to the point that it has surpassed fullness, and I just feel sick. It has been going on and off since I was 17 (now 20) but has gotten worse in the last ye... View more

Hi, So I have been struggling with food for a while now. Now and then I will eat a lot of food to the point that it has surpassed fullness, and I just feel sick. It has been going on and off since I was 17 (now 20) but has gotten worse in the last year and a half. My main issue has been sugar and I have been using a routine where I eat sugar on two specific days each week to regulate the craving, but today I binged again. I feel immensely guilty and feel like trash after each binge and when I see the weight gain it ruins my whole day. On top of that I worry about calories whenever I go out to eat, searching for lowest calories options at any restaurant I go to, and now I cannot enjoy eating out anymore. Eating out causes me stress and often I find myself wanting to cancel plans just to avoid it. This was a recent development (last 6 months) after coming off of dieting for 6months, and I am worried I can never get over it. I am terrified that I will never not be able to stop binging and while now its far fewer and far in between, it still happens and that scares me. When I do it, I become so moody and my day becomes ruined and I cannot control it. I feel so lost. I considered therapy but I am a student and cannot afford it. Anyday advice would be greatly appreciated.

Guest_89565637 Advice
  • replies: 3

Hi, I am having trouble with a situation and it has being bothering me a lot (making my emotions go up and down). So I was at uni and taking a drama storytelling class and the teacher, who is a casual made me feel uncomfortable. When my partner and I... View more

Hi, I am having trouble with a situation and it has being bothering me a lot (making my emotions go up and down). So I was at uni and taking a drama storytelling class and the teacher, who is a casual made me feel uncomfortable. When my partner and I were asked to perform to a group we were assign, she came over to ‘help’ us with the other part of the acting. I was nervous because I had never done acting, so my body was stiff. After she told my partner what to do she turned to me and said something like you have to stay in character and not act like me who is back is hunched over and she proceeded to hunch over to show me what she was saying. During the moment I kind of smiled and didn’t feel anything. I just did what she was told and acted in character. She walked away without looking at me and said “Turn to the audience”. The group who were watching us saw and another 2 groups also was in the room. After this, she continued to show my partner what to do and as I was nervous and not sure what to do I just stayed still in my character’s position and my body facing the audience (because I remembered her telling me turn to the audience) She saw this and signed, pushed my right side of my waist to make me turn to her. This was when I felt weird. She acted it out and showed my partner how to do the acting. When we sat down for the discussion, the wild negative emotions came rushing to me. I felt like I was not respected and humiliated. Writing this really brought back the bad memories. For a few days I have been thinking if I was too sensitive, taking thing too personally or I have a fragile heart/mindset. However, on the other hand it’s taking a toll on my emotions. I really need some help with this. I would really appreciate if someone could help me with changing this mindset so it doesn’t make me feel emotional.

Lonely_fish I am a bad friend.
  • replies: 2

I recently had a rude awakening when someone I considered a close friend (dare I even say a sister) called me out for some of my toxic behaviours. For context, I had told this friend, along with a small group of people that I trusted, about various s... View more

I recently had a rude awakening when someone I considered a close friend (dare I even say a sister) called me out for some of my toxic behaviours. For context, I had told this friend, along with a small group of people that I trusted, about various situations that took place in my life over the last two years- and some of the people who were hearing me tell this story were even present during the time that some of these things were happening. According to the friend group, a lot of these stories I was telling were considered "rude" and "more like rumours" even though I had said that these renditions of the stories were what I had either experienced or heard from the people actually involved first-hand. I had tried to apologise- but (according to almost every person I had written an apology to) I had written it so poorly that they assumed I had used ChatGPT to write and didn't actually mean anything, and then when I tried to have a one-on-one discussion with the close friend, they ignored my messages. I then began to notice that they had begun to remove me from some of the platforms and spaces that we were using to communicate. I had then decided that they probably wanted me to leave, so I left the platform. They then made multiple social media posts using screenshots from our chats (which I wrote and told them because I trusted them enough to say it and vice versa) basically painting me as the bad guy. My final straw was when they contacted my parents and basically sent them all the stuff I told them in confidence and tried to make it seem like I was just some evil person. I probably could've made my apology better, but I've never been good with words, and so when I was trying to fix things, I was more taking actions and steps to actually stop the toxic behaviours that they called me out for. I lost a whole friend group from that. But I understand that it was my fault, I'm just really upset that my attempt at trying to save those friendships went terribly.

Sexuality and gender identity

Peer support and conversations about anxiety, depression and other issues in the mental health space affecting LGBTQI+ people.

sofaking FTM about to enter the real world. will life get better
  • replies: 0

17 year old FTM. DIY HRT for 2 years (do not give me an essay on why its bad, no doctor is going to prescribe me hormones until Im an adult, I would rather do this than let myself be poisoned further through endognous estrogen) I am only out to my fr... View more

17 year old FTM. DIY HRT for 2 years (do not give me an essay on why its bad, no doctor is going to prescribe me hormones until Im an adult, I would rather do this than let myself be poisoned further through endognous estrogen) I am only out to my friends, not a single adult at my Christian school knows, they probably think Im a freak of nature butch lesbian brainwashed by the gay agenda. once i leave school i hope to blend in and go stealth and avoid talking to people from my past life at all costs, except my family who i cannot entirely cut off but they also think im a freak of nature butch lesbian and will never change their views. Will i be able to go stealth at TAFE? legal name change n allat. I will never be able to bring anyone to my room to date because I would rather hang myself than come out to a stranger. I will be stuck being a 5,7 eunuch until 2030, is this life worth living? Will someone decide somethings up with me and go E-stalk and out me? Will people want to hunt down my old teachers for some reason? I hate being a FTM with every fiber of my being. I hate every second i am truly aware of my existence, the only time that I feel normal is when Im playing video games, watching cartoons or doing drugs, this will be my future for at least the next 5 years. If anyone else has suceeded at blatantly lying about their: entire childhood down to which toys they played with, which school they went to, the real reason their parents don't like them, sexuality. Please let me know. I have to talk to at least 1 teacher about changing my name by the end of September, as i would have to get my name changed for my graduation cert.

Guest_93111541 Never dated before at 29yo
  • replies: 1

I'm 29 asian female lesbian and have never been in a relationship or even gone on a proper date. I've tried dating apps here and there, but most of my experiences have been with bots or just conversations that never led anywhere.I struggle with anxie... View more

I'm 29 asian female lesbian and have never been in a relationship or even gone on a proper date. I've tried dating apps here and there, but most of my experiences have been with bots or just conversations that never led anywhere.I struggle with anxiety — especially when it comes to putting myself out there — but I genuinely enjoy social things like going to concerts, seeing live shows, and spending time with people I connect with.Dating is something I really want to experience and grow into, but I'm not sure where to begin. I guess I'm looking for advice on how to navigate dating when you're starting a bit late and anxiety is part of the picture. However, I’ve often felt like if people don’t seem interested in being my friend, why would they want to date me? and it’s been hard to shake that feeling. I know it’s not always true, but that kind of thinking, mixed with anxiety and not knowing how to date, has held me back from putting myself out there.

waffle_puppy I'm unsure..
  • replies: 6

(Thank you so much again for reading my posts and I understand it's been a while since I've posted anything but again, thank you so much ☺️) So recently I've been questioning my sexuality a lot, even when I told my parents about it (Especially my dad... View more

(Thank you so much again for reading my posts and I understand it's been a while since I've posted anything but again, thank you so much ☺️) So recently I've been questioning my sexuality a lot, even when I told my parents about it (Especially my dad 😅) he tells me that I must settle in so that I won't be confused for any longer, however I'm torn between feeling as if I might be Pansexual or Bisexual because I've recently had crushes on both boys and girls, however I feel fond of those who may be non-binary or another gender as well. For example, my ex (Who I've dated in year 7 to get a taste of what dating could be like since I was curious) was non-binary. I enjoyed their company a lot, however they decided to break up with me later on which was fine. As I went into year 8 I felt as if I was a lesbian; however in year 9 (The year I'm in currently) I feel as if I like both men and women, non-binary people and people who identify with other genders, however somedays I feel like I like men and women the most. How do I figure this out? Is it even normal to feel like this?

Multicultural experiences

Designed for members who were born overseas, have parents who were, speak a primary language that isn’t English or have mixed cultural heritage.

A-ly Lonely a lost purpose
  • replies: 1

Hi,I was a very passionate driven person when I was younger and achieved a lot in my passions as a teen/young adult and have been lucky enough to have experienced a lot of travel and success in my passion during those years. Since retiring that passi... View more

Hi,I was a very passionate driven person when I was younger and achieved a lot in my passions as a teen/young adult and have been lucky enough to have experienced a lot of travel and success in my passion during those years. Since retiring that passion 2 years ago (it was too physically and financially demanding so can't return) I have felt as though I have really lost myself. I don't really know who I am anymore, I feel as though I don't have any connections with anyone really anymore. Like all my group of friends have slowly drifted over the years as we all went in different directions with careers and they slowly started leaving me out to the point they don't include me anymore and I never understood why. I have one best friend who I love, but our connection just isn't the same at the moment, we are in completely different seasons of life to each other. I feel like I know a lot of people but can't make connections. I don't know where I belong anymore. I am 30, have no partner, not real sense of connections to anyone and struggle to make new ones. I just feel incredibly lonely, I don't know what my purpose in life is anymore and I just feel like I'm going through the motions every day eat work sleep repeat with no sense of direction or purpose anymore.

newaussie Still up in the air after four years
  • replies: 4

Hi,I’m going to turn 45 next month. I moved to Australia four years ago with my white Australian partner and my ten year old son. I saw this move as an opportunity to build a better life for my son and I, with my partner. In the last four years I hav... View more

Hi,I’m going to turn 45 next month. I moved to Australia four years ago with my white Australian partner and my ten year old son. I saw this move as an opportunity to build a better life for my son and I, with my partner. In the last four years I have struggled with the work culture here(very different from what I was used to, which is understandable), making friends and finding my place in this country. As a middle-aged brown woman, I feel invisible at times and too visible at others. I’ve had no luck with friendships - it feels like most people are only interested in transactional relationships. In the last few months a very toxic workplace had me reaching the lowest point on mymentsl health and I’m slowly finding my way back. But I have never felt more lonely! I’ve tried book clubs ( I love reading), hobbies (bushwalking) and volunteering (with a local ngo) but I’ve not made any meaningful connections. I also sense my partner has withdrawn from me and now, has his own life here, that I don’t feel very welcome to be part of. I’ve read some of the discussions in the forum and I think what I’m raising here is a common experience for migrants. However I feel like four years is a long time and by now I was hoping things would have got better. Sadly, they haven’t.What am I doing wrong? What else can I try?

NewInTown Making friends as an immigrant
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I’m in my 30s and recently moved to Australia. I live in a small town, and I’m finding it really hard to make friends. I have a few challenges. One is that English is not my first language, so while I can have a basic conversation, it’s ... View more

Hi everyone, I’m in my 30s and recently moved to Australia. I live in a small town, and I’m finding it really hard to make friends. I have a few challenges. One is that English is not my first language, so while I can have a basic conversation, it’s very hard for me to go further and truly connect with someone. Another challenge is living in a small town where there aren’t many chances to meet people. And I also struggle with starting conversations and small talk, so I often stay quiet even when I want to join in. Because of all this, I feel lonely and sometimes hopeless. It’s frustrating to want connection but not know how to make it happen. I’m posting here hoping to hear from anyone who’s been through the same thing and found a way forward, or anyone who might have suggestions or advice.

Grief and loss

Support and advice following the loss of a family member, partner, spouse or someone close to you.

Mario_Sonic My Dear Friend
  • replies: 2

Hey...I was debating as to whether say this or not, but in just five days, so the 20th of September, will be four years since my dear friend who was like a mother to me was...murdered in 2021...now just pointing out that this person is very real to m... View more

Hey...I was debating as to whether say this or not, but in just five days, so the 20th of September, will be four years since my dear friend who was like a mother to me was...murdered in 2021...now just pointing out that this person is very real to me, so please don't judge me for saying this, but this dear friend resembled Princess Zelda from the Legend Of Zelda series, specifically the Hyrule Warriors version. My dear friend's name coicidentally enough was Zelda too...she was kinda like an imaginary friend, or a guardian angel to me, as she would always come to me when I was crying. This is what she looked like. She had a long, braided hairstyle with two braids that drape over her head like a crown and shorter, layered bangs in the front. She adorned herself with a golden tiara featuring a pink gemstone, complemented by blue earrings. Her attire consists of a purple and pink dress, accented with golden armor, and she completes her look with long golden boots paired with black stockings. But yes, she was like a mother to me in a way, even though I have my Nan who is actually real, unlike my dear friend who was ficticious...but like I said, she was real to me, so don't judge...anyways the day of her murder, I was already suffering because I had attempted suicide after being told to from a bully. But my dear friend stopped me with comforting words and endearments and lots of hugs, which yes I felt like I could feel. It was kinda like that warm feeling you get when you're in a bath with really warm water. Anyways, so I remember the day pretty vividly, even though I wasn't there when she was murdered, ..it's still a fresh amount of pain in my heart, mind and soul...and...I feel like I'll never be able to move on from this...it was after her murder that I had an incident with an SSO who provided me with comfort in a similar vein to my dear friend. And then...I called her a source of comfort and everything just went down hill from there...and now...I see my dear friend's ghost every time I cry...I feel like I can't, won't and don't think I'll ever be able to move on from this... *Crying* 😭😭😭😭😭 -Liam

Guest_11230380 Dealing with loss
  • replies: 1

Recently I lost my Grandma, I understand how this happens and as she was suffering it was for the better, but since then, it has felt like all good things and happy emotions are overshadowed by an overwhelming nothingness. So now I feel only sadness ... View more

Recently I lost my Grandma, I understand how this happens and as she was suffering it was for the better, but since then, it has felt like all good things and happy emotions are overshadowed by an overwhelming nothingness. So now I feel only sadness or just nothing at all. It hasn’t been long, but I already feel it taking over, and I just want to be back to my normal self, is this to be expected or should I do some reflecting?

carer1 I wont ask what next
  • replies: 4

I am grieving a loss, at 65 after several falls I am grieving the loss of what I used to be, I'm not as mobile anymore, I am in pain all the time now. Friends I thought I had I don't, spent my life caring for others now when I need help there is none... View more

I am grieving a loss, at 65 after several falls I am grieving the loss of what I used to be, I'm not as mobile anymore, I am in pain all the time now. Friends I thought I had I don't, spent my life caring for others now when I need help there is none.