Online mental health communities and forums

Published 25 January 2024

Online communities and forums are a valuable space for social-connectedness and social-belonging, particularly for young people who are traditionally isolated by mental health difficulties. Connect your students with our recommended online communities and forums.

These will help with:

  • social-connectedness and belonging

  • reducing isolation

  • sharing mental health strategies and positive help-seeking experiences.

Young girl sitting down using phone

Youth forums

beyondblue Online Forums

Discussion forums on dealing with depression, mood disorders and anxiety.

All ages. Website: beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums

BITE BACK

Online positive psychology website/community for young people.

Ages 12-18 years. Website: biteback.org.au

Eating Disorders Victoria Reovery Forum

Online community for young people recovering from an eating disorder, their friends and carers, and those concerned they may have an eating disorder. Chat room and forums.

Ages 16+ Website: eatingdisorders.saneforums.org

Livewire

Online community for young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability, and their families. Run by Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Ages 10-20 years and their parents. Website: livewire.org.au

MensLine Forums

Online support forum for men of all ages, run by MensLine Australia.

Ages 18+, men only. Website: mensline.org.au/default.aspx

ReachOut Online Community forums

Moderated youth forums, discussing mental health, wellbeing, and life issues that affect young people. Accessible 24/7.

Ages 14-25 years. Website: forums.au.reachout.com Guide: schools.au.reachout.com/articles/using-the-reachout-forums

QLife forums

Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Available 3pm- midnight every day and moderated by trained LGBTQIA+ community members.

All ages Website: qlife.org.au/

What can I do now?

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        Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              © ReachOut Australia 2024