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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.

Umar Family Pressure
  • replies: 2

I am currently facing a situation that no one should have to endure. My family has decided that I must marry someone I have never chosen for myself. They arranged this engagement when I was just a 1-year-old boy, and now that the time has come, they ... View more

I am currently facing a situation that no one should have to endure. My family has decided that I must marry someone I have never chosen for myself. They arranged this engagement when I was just a 1-year-old boy, and now that the time has come, they expect me to simply accept it — as if I have no say in my own life.This forced marriage is being justified as a matter of "family honor," but I feel like I’m losing my identity and freedom. I am under serious pressure, and refusing to go through with it would make me a "threat" to their reputation.I want to live my life with dignity, choice, and peace not fear.To anyone reading this who has gone through something similar, or who understands the pain of being silenced by tradition: please know you're not alone. And to those who still think silence is safer — I understand, but silence should never be the only option.

Anonymous_ i’m lost
  • replies: 2

hi i’m new to this so it’s a bit scary but i thought i’d try something new as i’m 19 and have been in therapy and on medication for over a year now and i still feel so lost. i feel as if i’m losing time due to having social anxiety disorder and inatt... View more

hi i’m new to this so it’s a bit scary but i thought i’d try something new as i’m 19 and have been in therapy and on medication for over a year now and i still feel so lost. i feel as if i’m losing time due to having social anxiety disorder and inattentive-adhd because of how behind i have come in life. i graduate 2 years ago and didn’t go for an atar since i’m not very smart and i never went to uni or tafe and have never had a job and i don’t have my license. all i’ve ever wanted since i was a kid was to be skinny and popular and excel at something anything but that never happened and now i am stuck in grieving something that didn’t happened. does anyone have any advice on how to move forward in life and stop feeling so bad for and about myself. thank you

Guest_91899277 Feeling like I’m still a teenager at 20.
  • replies: 1

Hi, I’m 20 about to be 21 and, I’m still living at home with my parents. Not that anything is wrong with that for people to do, but, I’ve been wanting to move out since I was 18, and then all of a sudden I turn 18, I couldn’t walk for like 8 months. ... View more

Hi, I’m 20 about to be 21 and, I’m still living at home with my parents. Not that anything is wrong with that for people to do, but, I’ve been wanting to move out since I was 18, and then all of a sudden I turn 18, I couldn’t walk for like 8 months. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I got diagnosed with a disorder where your body shuts down because your brain takes over to try and protect you by giving you very real feeling symptoms of weakness, sharp pains, shaking, etc, it’s called fnd. I’ve been re-learning how to walk, stand, run and just do everything I would’ve normally done before all of this. Due to not being able to move for a long time or get a job, meet new people, play sport or make friends, it has impacted me mentally triple time. I’ve never had a good relationship with my parents either so, it made it much more difficult for me to get back to normality. This started late 2022 and now it’s 2025, since then I have made tremendous progress and I’m basically doing everything I wanted to do again! The only thing now being getting back into work, however, in the meantime I have had SO much more mental buildup from listening to, and being in arguments with my parents, and all of this whilst I recently stopped being friends with my friend of 8 years. She was my big support in getting through all of this and throughout all of high school and just everything to do with keeping me somewhat sane with my parents. I’ve been keeping it all in this year because i barely ever saw her due to her not making an effort to want to see me anymore. So naturally all of this built up inside me and I became so incredibly stressed dealing with that situation and my parents at the same time. My thoughts are sO loud at this period of time and my parents are triggering me a lot and it seems like the progress I made with everything seems to go backwards a bit because of the way they talk about things to do with health. My brain ends up freaking out and then all of a sudden I have “symptoms” in my body. My thoughts are just a load of you need to move out, you need to get a job, you need to go out more, you need to prioritise your health. But I’m stuck in waiting periods, for me to get into a job, to go out and move out I need the money from the job, and to prioritise my health I need to be out of the environment that keeps on triggering it. I’m in an endless loop of thoughts as I’m not able to hurry many things along at this time and it’s all to escape my parents.

Sexuality and gender identity

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

Unholy_Idiot Straight in what feels like the worst way possible.
  • replies: 7

So I’m a cisgender male in my mid 20s and have considered myself straight basically my whole life, the issue stems from the fact that I’m able to have respectful friendships with women and can’t stand most men. Now in all technicality, I’ve got guy f... View more

So I’m a cisgender male in my mid 20s and have considered myself straight basically my whole life, the issue stems from the fact that I’m able to have respectful friendships with women and can’t stand most men. Now in all technicality, I’ve got guy friends that I get along with but the number seems to be outweighed by women. And what I’m struggling with is the fact that the media pushes such a negative portrayal of my demographic, plus the fact that most influential men in my life have had similar experiences to what I’m going through, that I can’t help but feel like I’m either using women OR I’m a gay woman in a man’s body. what makes most sense to me is that I’m emotionally mature enough to be able to respect everyone’s boundaries no matter what. But being single and wanting to feel my age for once, doing things that someone my age would “typically” do just doesn’t sit right with me.

notsure Cross Dressing
  • replies: 3

Hi I am am older man now I have been married for over 40 years I was wearing girls clothing then women clothing before I was married. My wife wasn’t very happy with me when I told her but in time excepted my decision we even went clothes shopping tog... View more

Hi I am am older man now I have been married for over 40 years I was wearing girls clothing then women clothing before I was married. My wife wasn’t very happy with me when I told her but in time excepted my decision we even went clothes shopping together. But it was an around the house thing. But we had a situation recently that changed everything overnight I walked out in my nightie and stuff earrings and my daughter was there. Yes it was very embarrassing for al concerned. She has not spoken with for months also had to go away for a couple of weeks and when I came my wife had packed up all my women’s clothing. It is only her and myself at home. I really didn’t think I was hurting anyone they are clothes. Anyway I feel I have done nothing wrong I am surly not the only man in this position. I miss wearing women’s clothes but I don’t want to hurt anyone in my family.

Jay1962 Married and same sex attracted
  • replies: 1

Hi Married and Questioning Guy, I’m a married man in my 60s, living in Australia, and I’m quietly exploring a side of myself I’ve kept hidden for most of my life — my attraction to men. I’ve built a good life, been a devoted husband, and raised a fam... View more

Hi Married and Questioning Guy, I’m a married man in my 60s, living in Australia, and I’m quietly exploring a side of myself I’ve kept hidden for most of my life — my attraction to men. I’ve built a good life, been a devoted husband, and raised a family I love deeply, including an adult son. But for a long time now, I’ve felt a growing ache — not just for physical touch, but for emotional closeness and authentic connection with another man. I’m not here for hook-ups, porn, or anything reckless. I’m looking for understanding, conversation, maybe even friendship with other men who know what it’s like to live between two worlds — one built around love and loyalty, and another filled with quiet longing and questions. If this resonates with you — if you’ve been there, or are still there — I’d really appreciate hearing from you. Just to know I’m not alone, and maybe walk a little of this journey together. Thanks for reading.—Jay

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.

Nostos Unhappy, need advice
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, I was hoping to obtain some advice from someone who might be on a similar situation to mine. I have been living in Australia for about 10 years. I relocated from Europe with my mother (a pensioner). When I arrived in Australia, I did not... View more

Hi everyone, I was hoping to obtain some advice from someone who might be on a similar situation to mine. I have been living in Australia for about 10 years. I relocated from Europe with my mother (a pensioner). When I arrived in Australia, I did not have extensive professional experience since I had finished studying at University. My dream was to break into the marketing industry in Australia, but I have had to put that dream on the side as I was not able to land a job in the field. In fact, I was not able to land any job until 6 months after I had arrived, due to lack of experience. To sustain myself and my mother, I worked in fields that were not very appealing to me, until last year when I decided to do a Diploma in Digital Marketing that could potentially make me more employable. This has proven another uphill battle because even though I now have the Diploma, I do not have prior experience in the field. My mother and I have both found it extremely difficult to make meaningful connections in our new city. Unfortunately it seems that people do not have the time (or perhaps the motivation) to get to know new people and prefer focusing on the friends they already have. When it comes to social/meetup groups, they can be very superficial, once again making it difficult to approach people on a more meaningful level (for instance, exchanging numbers, going for coffee, and having a more regular contact seems nearly impossible). To top it off, I have had several experiences with toxic workplaces where my efforts, as well as my focus on work rather than gossip and backstabbing, have not been appreciated. I have had to make the difficult decision to leave some of those environments for my own sanity. I am currently unemployed, still trying to get into digital marketing. Additionally, the distance from Europe is getting to me more and more, to the point where I am starting to doubt whether leaving Belgium was a wise decision (there were valid reasons for the move at the time though). I am at a point where I do not know what to do next. I cannot return to my home country(which would be my dream) for reasons that I won't go through here, and I wouldn't want to return to Belgium where it would be really hard to get a job without speaking Flemish (I speak French, one of the official languages). I am also worried about my mother, because even though eventually I might find another job here, she will be home alone all day, with no friends to talk to. Ideally I want to relocate somewhere in Europe so that we can be close to my home country, but I don't know where. Would you have any suggestions as to how to go about this situation? I feel that I am at a crossroads. Thank you for your patience with my lengthy text.

Ann_ACD Fairness at work
  • replies: 2

Where do we(non-white people) seek help to find fairness at work especially when the management already decided which side they're on?

Where do we(non-white people) seek help to find fairness at work especially when the management already decided which side they're on?

Ronnie Bengali Australian
  • replies: 1

Hey there! I was born in Bangladesh and moved to Australia when I was young. I completed my Master's degree and am currently 42 years old. I also serve as a Justice of the Peace and enjoy doing a lot of community work. Even though I love being part o... View more

Hey there! I was born in Bangladesh and moved to Australia when I was young. I completed my Master's degree and am currently 42 years old. I also serve as a Justice of the Peace and enjoy doing a lot of community work. Even though I love being part of this multicultural society, I sometimes find it a bit challenging to connect with people, especially when it comes to making female friends. I’m excited to meet new people and build some meaningful friendships!

Grief and loss

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

Hope_1 Heartbreak
  • replies: 2

My boyfriend broke up with me just over a week ago. I knew it was coming eventually I just wish it didn’t happen. I’m so attached to him and that makes it worse I feel like my life is crashing down and I have nothing to live for or look forward to in... View more

My boyfriend broke up with me just over a week ago. I knew it was coming eventually I just wish it didn’t happen. I’m so attached to him and that makes it worse I feel like my life is crashing down and I have nothing to live for or look forward to in my life. He broke up with me because he was struggling and really overwhelmed with work and uni and he needed to work on himself so he can be better for me. He said he didn’t want to stay with me if he knew the stress was going to over consume his life and he wouldn’t be able to be there as much for me and give me what I need in a relationship. He has more of an avoidant attachment style and I have more of an anxious but for the last 2 months I’ve actively been trying to be better for him and knowing that he couldn’t put in the same effort for us hurts. We are still in contact because he said he doesn’t want to lose me and I don’t want to lose him either but I can feel him getting colder each day. I know he still loves me and misses me but I also know he’s emotionally withdrawing and there’s nothing I can do to stop that when all I want is him back. I feel so confused like how can he love me but not have the capacity to be in a relationship, I’m in a weird state of limbo. We have been together for over a year and friends for over 2 years, it sucks that I’m not just losing a partner but a friend. I feel like I gave him every part of my heart and soul and he just broke me. I feel so discarded and unimportant. The worst part is I’m not mad at him, I just miss him and I don’t know how to cope with losing someone that is still so important to me

Guest_95180806 Lost my mum when i was aged 5months old
  • replies: 1

I've now outlived her..i never realised how much of a profound impact its had on me. I never meet anyone from the same situation as me..I feel envy when someone mentions having had a mum for x years and they got that..I know there's so many ppl going... View more

I've now outlived her..i never realised how much of a profound impact its had on me. I never meet anyone from the same situation as me..I feel envy when someone mentions having had a mum for x years and they got that..I know there's so many ppl going thru worse.. I wonder if she would of taught me things, showed me how to do makeup or bailed me out when I was stuck with no way home.i wants to become a mother myself now and yeah its been 30 yrs now but each year gets harder. I miss you mum I wish u were here to guide me and teach me..ive needed you so many times I know almost nothing about u as its information that doesn't exist..

BeyondBlue Welcome to the Grief and Loss section
  • replies: 0

Hey there,Welcome to the Grief and Loss section of the Beyond Blue Forums. This section is for all discussions relating to how grief and loss has affected you- providing a space for you to express your feelings, discuss difficult moments and annivers... View more

Hey there,Welcome to the Grief and Loss section of the Beyond Blue Forums. This section is for all discussions relating to how grief and loss has affected you- providing a space for you to express your feelings, discuss difficult moments and anniversaries, and honour the memories of your lost loved ones. Everyone’s experience of grief or loss is unique. You might experience all kinds of difficult or overwhelming emotions, and you might sometimes wonder if the sadness will ever end. This - and anything in between - is a normal reaction to loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but it can help to allow yourself to share your grief, and let others support you. Please be aware that discussions in this section of the Forums may include references to self-harm and suicide. Treat yourself gently as you read through this section. If 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 Griefline – between 8am and 8pm (AEST), call 1300 845 745 to chat with a specially trained volunteer You are not alone in this, and we are here to support one another. Thank you for being here. Kind regards,Beyond Blue