Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

All discussions

Start a discussion

Guest_10046 I Need Help With Health Anxiety
  • replies: 3

13.11.20249:43pm I need help with health anxiety. I have been struggling with health anxiety for about 7-8 years since I was 11 I am now 18. I have a fear of being sick or feeling sick more like. I have a fear of throwing up and it is majorly impacti... View more

13.11.20249:43pm I need help with health anxiety. I have been struggling with health anxiety for about 7-8 years since I was 11 I am now 18. I have a fear of being sick or feeling sick more like. I have a fear of throwing up and it is majorly impacting my daily, everyday routine and my whole life at this point! I am reaching out on this platform to try and get some advice or some instructions to how to reach out for help. I am embarrassed, I have major panic attacks, lose lots of weight and I am constantly anxious. I have been to a therapist before she moved to a different department. I went to Headspace, I only had one session, so I didn't even get to unpack much. I haven't told anyone the real reason why I have panic attacks. Because I have found it a really embarrassing reason. I want to know how to get CBT (Cognitive Behavorial Training), I need some advice (any advice is helpful), on how to reach out for help. I have done a lot of research, and the internet tells me to book an appointment with my local GP and they can refer me to a therapist. Looking forward to hearing from someone soon!Thank you, stay safe, take care!Charlimay04

Ranga-1 Student Teacher Struggling on Internship
  • replies: 5

I'm doing my internship (secondary). I have had a few lessons go really bad (and I mean REALLY bad) on me and the mentor and supervising teachers have told me they're not happy with the standard I'm teaching at and they won't sign off my internship i... View more

I'm doing my internship (secondary). I have had a few lessons go really bad (and I mean REALLY bad) on me and the mentor and supervising teachers have told me they're not happy with the standard I'm teaching at and they won't sign off my internship if they don't feel I'm ready. I'm so scared and upset. I completed a prac earlier this year and it went well. I was offered work from it. Now everything's going down the gurgler. Also, I work in home care. I didn't realise I had been rostered to work this morning (Saturday - they know I am not available through the week at the moment). I have been so wrapped up in internship that I didn't check my roster app - and I'm generally not rostered on Saturdays. I got a call from on-call to see where I was. I had a shock and said I would get to the client's house straight away - which I did. Given I'm normally a reliable employee, I don't think there will be any repercussions. It just added to my general anxiety. I hate this so much.

_kj confusion and anxiety in a new friendship/relationship
  • replies: 3

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem... View more

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem, and I’m shy. Interacting with others is difficult for me He said that was fair, but It took him a while to reach out, apparently he was waiting for the right time He was so nice, but it was small talk which I struggle with. He’d never start any conversations and went from replies every few days, to once a week, then nothing. Two months pass, I’m left on read, he’s gone? I check in to see if he’s still interested and he said he was “definitely keen” I’m told that’s normal, he’s busy, has anxiety, and overthinks. He goes quiet but it isn’t personal.I see him and my sister talking daily. But I message, he opens it right away then leaves it read. Maybe he responds days later if I’m lucky. He doesn’t seem interested in pursuing me but doesn’t act like he wants to be friends either. It’s giving me a complex Apparently his pushy friends burn him out, and he had an ex who would hassle him to reply more. So maybe he’s being cautious. But I’ve only ever given him space My sister said he probably sees me as a casual friend he doesn’t feel pressured into talking to all the time or right away. I don’t know how to take that. I decided not to contact him anymore to see if he’d reach out. Two more months pass, he didn’t He visited recently to help move furniture. He couldn’t hold eye contact with me, but had no trouble with anyone else. Little comments and gestures made me feel like he was interested, but when I spoke he seemed bored.When he was leaving he hugged my sister and shook my hand, but then awkwardly decided to hug me too. It’s confusing I message him later to say thanks for helping and now we’re in a conversation. Being left on read is inevitable and I’m not that resilient. I know I’ll spiral and shut down.I have some control when I don’t reply. But I’m torn between having control and feeling guilty about it, or giving that up and having my feelings hurt. It’s probably not that deep but I need to talk about it. Maybe this is normal in talking stages, but I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m over thinking every little thing and it’s wearing me down, I’m tired. I’m embarrassed. I don’t feel good enough. I’ve put in more effort than I can mentally handle and it’s not reciprocated. I’m at a loss

Rascally Am I paranoid or very aware?
  • replies: 0

I feel someone is contributing to a lot of trouble in my circumstances. (I have a very poor health) this person works at a hospital & once boasted she could access any file. Her motive seems to be an obsession with my sister, with whom I was very clo... View more

I feel someone is contributing to a lot of trouble in my circumstances. (I have a very poor health) this person works at a hospital & once boasted she could access any file. Her motive seems to be an obsession with my sister, with whom I was very close to. She has stolen from me & given those things to my sister. Once she worked at at a law firm. I received a letter, demanding I give my sister money. I took it to that same law firm & they had no knowledge of it. This woman once told me she wished she had my family instead of her own. There have been many lies & manipulation for the last 20 years. My siblings do not interact with me at all. Even after I tried many times to meet with them, this person was always there & humiliated in front of my siblings. Do to my continual health issues, I feel she is interfering somehow. Things don't make sense. I really don't know what to do anymore. My family were a very close unit, we did everything together. "Character assassination" comes to mind, yet if so how do I deal with that?. I now live in total isolation, Acquaintances have approached me on a few occasions discussing how much trouble she caused in their lives. At times I'm fearful, a car was parked when I put my bin out. The young man was on the phone & said " yeah, here lights came on, she's here" I really do wish it was paranoia, but my gut instinct tells me otherwise. I have no proof & am a nervous wreck. If I do see her, she gets no reaction from me... none... what hurts are my siblings, celebrating birthdays, Xmas all getting together. Close relatives have passed & no one told me.. I don't get it. I was always there for them, we laughed & played all the way into our 30s. This is devastating me & because of the thievery, lies & betrayal, I can't move on.. I have no one

ABC01 Your best strategy for anxiety in the moment. Lots of answers please.
  • replies: 8

Dear All, I am asking for how you deal with an active panic/anxiety moment. What is your technique, and can you explain it for me, so I may replicate it when I am in need. They can be at home, but I am also interested in techniques for when I am outs... View more

Dear All, I am asking for how you deal with an active panic/anxiety moment. What is your technique, and can you explain it for me, so I may replicate it when I am in need. They can be at home, but I am also interested in techniques for when I am outside and in public places.I would like as many answers as possible.I appreciate any and all of your experience and advice. Thank you,ABC01

Guest_87363593 Anxiety
  • replies: 1

I have so much anxiety I have decided to let go of my boyfriend he has mental health issues and I can’t deal with the abuse any longer it’s so hard for me but I have to do this.

I have so much anxiety I have decided to let go of my boyfriend he has mental health issues and I can’t deal with the abuse any longer it’s so hard for me but I have to do this.

SilvaLady Disappearing
  • replies: 4

Is it normal wanting to disappear? I live with my brother and sister-in-law and I feel like I don’t want to live with them anymore. But I’m not able to, as I’m suffering from early stages of alzheimers. I recently been diagnosed with this condition. ... View more

Is it normal wanting to disappear? I live with my brother and sister-in-law and I feel like I don’t want to live with them anymore. But I’m not able to, as I’m suffering from early stages of alzheimers. I recently been diagnosed with this condition. It can be a bit hard at times, especially when I can’t cope with this

Spph Needing support.
  • replies: 2

Hi, I have suffered with anxiety over many years and normally I try to tackle it alone but now I admit to needing support. I'm glad of this forum and I think I will seek out counselling.

Hi, I have suffered with anxiety over many years and normally I try to tackle it alone but now I admit to needing support. I'm glad of this forum and I think I will seek out counselling.

Mon013 Husband going on a overseas work trip
  • replies: 3

Hi there, my husband is going overseas for work. He will be gone for 2 weeks. He only needs to do this once a year, but everytime is causes such awful anxiety the week leading up to it for myself. I am so concerned about something bad happening to hi... View more

Hi there, my husband is going overseas for work. He will be gone for 2 weeks. He only needs to do this once a year, but everytime is causes such awful anxiety the week leading up to it for myself. I am so concerned about something bad happening to him, or that we won't communicate well, that my anxiety will stay with me for the 2 weeks and that myself and the kids will miss him. I seem to count down the days even before he leaves. I am so frustrated with myself for not being able to get on top of it. My rational mind knows I am being irrational. But i can not seem to shake the thoughts. 2 weeks just seems like such a long time to me right now. Any advise or help would be so appreciated please.

Rach28 Extremely overwhelmed and under pressure - wanting to be left in peace
  • replies: 9

hi everyone im currently on centrelink job seeker payment and unfortunately one of the requirements of receiving this welfare payment means i attend fortnightly job provider appointments. In the past few months ive transferred to up to 5 different on... View more

hi everyone im currently on centrelink job seeker payment and unfortunately one of the requirements of receiving this welfare payment means i attend fortnightly job provider appointments. In the past few months ive transferred to up to 5 different ones. My most recent one was supportive on the first appointment but the proceeding two appointments he was putting alot of stress and pressure on me. Asking me personal questions that made me shut down completely and triggered my anxiety to the point I wanted to punch a wall and cry. It was really bad! What do i do!? In August 2024 i got a job and quit on the second day. I was given "constructive" feedback which I interpreted as negative and its massively affected my self-confidence and self-esteem. Its also increased my anxiety x100. So now im fearful of attempting to look for another job. Sadly another factor is I'm struggling with massive social anxiety. I don't know how to function very well when it comes to dealing with people or communicating my needs. I generally get very anxious, and if triggered I shut down and go into "reflex" mode where I am defensive. For many reasons including PTSD, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and personal circumstances. I dont know what to do. I dont think I am an employable person and I feel I am a failure. I'm constantly surrounded by negative people who never support me in the way I really need. They never once ask me - are you okay. Or how can we help you!? I'm always being told - FIND A JOB. FIND A JOB. And I'm burnt out and exhausted. I'm tired of looking for jobs, this recent bad employment has impacted me in ways I cannot discuss. I dont know what to do.