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Sophie_M How are you feeling about the social media restrictions in Australia for under 16s?
  • replies: 13

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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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.

Wet_Bread Looking For Resources To Help Me
  • replies: 4

I have been looking for something or someone to help with my mental state for a while. I have not been diagnosed with any mental illnesses as I have never had the chance to talk to a professional. However, I have been experiencing a few suicidal thou... View more

I have been looking for something or someone to help with my mental state for a while. I have not been diagnosed with any mental illnesses as I have never had the chance to talk to a professional. However, I have been experiencing a few suicidal thoughts throughout the weeks and so I took it as a sign to seek help. School has been rough as this is now my 11th year, parents are now expecting more of me as I slowly age into a young adult, I no longer talk to my friends as I don't have the motivation to, I now sleep for an average of 4 hours because I have trouble falling asleep (currently taking medication for this issue), and life in general is a boring and tough concept to me. So, I really do want to change my perspective on these things and maybe talk to someone if it's what I need. However, the issue is that I don't want my parents or anyone to know that I need to talk to the school council, therapist, phycologist, or any other professionals that are available. I don't want anyone to be concerned or worried about how I've been feeling and seeing them otherwise would make me feel even worse about myself. I also have trouble calling up helplines and talking to them through calls as I tend to get extremely nervous and panicky whenever I do. I really hope to find some other alternative and I see this as the very last resort. As a minor, is there a way to seek mental help without others knowing? Especially parents?

Anakin_Skywalker Sexting and anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hello there, I’m bi or gay and 17. I have never had any like sexual experiences so I wasn’t ready for what was to come, basically about 3 months ago I was somehow harassed into sending nudes to someone who turned out to be Lying about there age, and ... View more

Hello there, I’m bi or gay and 17. I have never had any like sexual experiences so I wasn’t ready for what was to come, basically about 3 months ago I was somehow harassed into sending nudes to someone who turned out to be Lying about there age, and this happened on 2 occasions both with different people both within the same time. I just hate my self how that happened, I often stress about it and can’t sleep properly, sometimes don’t feel hungry, and can’t get it off my mind, and other times really hate myself for what I did i just want to know if anyone else has had an experience like this, and how I can cope with this

Historyfan01 Moving on from something causing you pain
  • replies: 3

I've had a lot of things happen since I last used the forums but I'll start with the most recent event For the past 4 years of my life, I have been attempting to make it in the video production industry, studying it at University and doing any work e... View more

I've had a lot of things happen since I last used the forums but I'll start with the most recent event For the past 4 years of my life, I have been attempting to make it in the video production industry, studying it at University and doing any work experience I could. However I've faced many dramas doing so from courses being changed, communications falling flat with companies I did work with and just not being cut out for the industry due to anxiety and social phobias. I've had a strong passion for movies my entire life as long as I can remember but I cannot make it work I've decided I want to move on and try something else, find something else that I can shine in and be great at but I find letting go of the vid production thing hard. Part of my brain keeps repeating to continue, but I feel it would be hurting me to keep trying. So I need advice on how to let go, move on and try another adventure to see if I can find my calling.

Belle_Rey19 I don't know what life/job I should have
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am in my early twenties and I don't know what to do with my life. I've never had a job before and I struggle with social anxiety and depression. I'm going to graduate from University in 2 months with a bachelor of arts majoring in creative writ... View more

Hi, I am in my early twenties and I don't know what to do with my life. I've never had a job before and I struggle with social anxiety and depression. I'm going to graduate from University in 2 months with a bachelor of arts majoring in creative writing...but I regret doing that major. I want to write books and publish them but that's going to be something more on the side. I just don't have the confidence in working in a publishing firm which was what I was intending when I decided on that degree. Now everyone will ask me 'What are you going to do next?" "are you doing honors?" My degree won't get me any job and is pretty much useless. So in a way, I feel like I've wasted 4 years of my life. My plan is to write books on the side, maybe sell some art on an online art store and then have my main job. I just don't know what I want for that main job. My plan I had a month ago was to go to TAFE and do animal studies so I could work with animals and help them because I love my pets and I want to care for animals...until I found out how low paying all the jobs are and that if I want to move out of my parent's house then I won't be able to support myself on a salary of $20aud an hour. I really want this but the low pay is the only thing stopping me. I have a strong desire to help animals. My mum suggested that I should do a diploma in nursing and work as an enrolled nurse instead of a veterinary nurse or zookeeper, etc. The pay is much better and nurses are respected too. BUT...I just don't know if caring for people is something that I'll like...I've never done it before so I'm just unsure. This has been really stressing me out and causing me a lot of distress I just don't know what to do. I don't want to be living in my mum's house at the age of 30 because I want to be independent and feel like my life has actually started, you know? I also have hobbies like karate. I want to start dancing and also act in plays and movies because I used to really want to be an actress. I feel like a failure and that I've disappointed my mum and myself. I compare myself to other people and I don't want my life to be meaningless. I don't want to be unhappy. I can't remember the last time I was happy. I REALLY miss being a kid. You dreamt of things and you didn't feel like a disappointment. Kids have the ability to dream and be happy and I feel like I can't do that no matter how hard I try. Other people look at me as if I'm okay but the truth is on the inside, I'm drowning.

Zoneey My worthless life
  • replies: 3

Hey guys. just ignore me, I am just venting I AM SO STUPID!!!! Like, I always do really bad during NAPLAN tests (annual test for years 7,9 and 11) Plus I have no purpose. I’ve been told a million times I have a purpose but what is it then? What do I ... View more

Hey guys. just ignore me, I am just venting I AM SO STUPID!!!! Like, I always do really bad during NAPLAN tests (annual test for years 7,9 and 11) Plus I have no purpose. I’ve been told a million times I have a purpose but what is it then? What do I do? I’m clearly just a useless burden. Even now I’m being a burden. I mean, no one needs to know about my life. Mainly because it’s probably useless.