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Anxiety

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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.

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blues23 Venting I guess or wanting advise
  • replies: 4

So I have been off work for around nearly two years ( Work cover injury) I did successfully find a new role unfortunately it seems it doesn’t have much work In it ( contracted 16 hours with potential for more ) has been my first day and feel a bit fl... View more

So I have been off work for around nearly two years ( Work cover injury) I did successfully find a new role unfortunately it seems it doesn’t have much work In it ( contracted 16 hours with potential for more ) has been my first day and feel a bit flat I guess my sister ( including myself ) think this job probably won’t pay me enough to survive ( with myself & my young daughter) sooooooo I got back on that seek wagon and I honestly feel like disheartened I don’t know what to do with my life really this Wc kinda changed me a lot and made my brain change it doesn’t think or cope like it used to it gets overwhelmed like that just a tiny thing and it’s panic stations . I’m a bit lost I think and maybe just maybe I put too much of myself into the job it’s not good really that’s why I liked this job ( even thou it may not be good money I can chill and just be chill I don’t want to work myself to the ground I’ve been there done that but I also need to pay rent. & bills that never end and I don’t know if this job can cover this expenses and of course Im trying to save money too but because I just started this job I not get paid for another week and it may only be a small amount for a lot or a bit of work . Its kinda unfair that life is a bit stressful and im wired just from restarting work maybe I bite off more than I can chew but I have to try as WC will not last forever and I have to earn to make a living. I’m a bit sad to be honest that my last job screwed me up like they did . I guess I not know what to do it’s sucky

Mary987 Panic attacks
  • replies: 3

Im in healthcare and have been suffering from burnout in my old job so I left and got another healthcare job in a different area hoping it wouldn't be so bad. Unfortunately this one is actually worse in regards to pressure. I've been suffering panic ... View more

Im in healthcare and have been suffering from burnout in my old job so I left and got another healthcare job in a different area hoping it wouldn't be so bad. Unfortunately this one is actually worse in regards to pressure. I've been suffering panic attacks which is something I can't afford to continue having in this job role as it directly affects the people I have contact with. I don't know if I'm having a nervous breakdown which Is why I can't cope. I am Seeking professional help. I am not sure if I should try and persist with this job as I try to figure out what to do or if I should resign and focus on my mental health..Resigning brings its own set of problems too which is adding to my anxiety. I've only been at the new job for a few weeks and have been thrown into the deep end. I don't feel comfortable raising this as an issue with my supervisor. I'm really stuck it's making me feel so unwell. I can bearly function. The last panic attack was so bad I almost fainted at work. I had to leave early. The more I try to push forward the worse I feel. I can't seem to re focus myself as my emotions are overtaking my body atm. I can't get it under control no matter what I try. I'm really stuck and don't know what to do for my next steps. Any suggestions

Kelz123 Miss
  • replies: 5

I would like someone to talk to asap please 

I would like someone to talk to asap please 

HappySheep Guilt about taking sick leave for mental illness
  • replies: 9

Hi Peeps, I've struggled on and off with anxiety and depression since my teens. It took until my mid 30s before getting any treatment and starting to understand that it's an illness that needs to be treated, not a character flaw or weakness. I've nee... View more

Hi Peeps, I've struggled on and off with anxiety and depression since my teens. It took until my mid 30s before getting any treatment and starting to understand that it's an illness that needs to be treated, not a character flaw or weakness. I've needed medication and psychology on and off over the years and have been doing both for the past six months, however my Anxiety has sky-rocketed over the past month and has got to the point where I am too frightened to go to work, too panicked to go to my hobbies and nearly having a melt-down if I have to go to the supermarket. I have not been this bad for 20 years and previously, I would have just thrown in my job and left town - pulled a geographical and run away. This time, I'm trying to deal with things like a grown-up. I've spent six months working with a psychologist to find sensible ways to deal with my condition - it's obviously something I'm going to have for life and I'd like to deal with it in ways that don't cause me to throw away jobs and relationships etc. So, I've done the grown-up thing and told my boss that I may need extended time off work for a medical condition, pending my next doctor's appointment. My partner is incredibly proud of me for finally stopping trying to fight on through the crazy and taking time off to get better. My problem is that I feel so incredibly guilty for taking time off work just now. My organisation has been through an horrific time since November - a small number of staff dealing with traumatised clients - they're all tired and struggling, and it should be my turn to step up and lighten the load. I am struggling to convince myself that I'm taking time off because I've been sick since September and just can't keep going - but my brain keeps trying to tell me that I've failed to step up when it's a stressful workplace and people need me. I emotionally feel that if I could have hung on for another few weeks, I could have done my part to get us out of crisis, and not left my exhausted colleagues having to cover for me. I am trying to convince myself that mental illness is no different to physical illness and I would never expect someone to come to work with a broken leg or pneumonia but I find it difficult to use the comparison because a broken leg or pneumonia has obvious start/finish dates and recognisable symptoms - whereas it's much harder to differentiate Anxiety from normal stress. I guess I KNOW I have a mental illness but when is it 'an episode' versus just me not being able to cope with life? Any help or wisdom appreciated.

lillymaya Overthinking
  • replies: 3

Hello lovely people, from whatever part of the world you are from I hope you are having or have had a great day. Recently I’ve been working through a patch of intense overthinking, from future, to friends, relationships and even worrying about overth... View more

Hello lovely people, from whatever part of the world you are from I hope you are having or have had a great day. Recently I’ve been working through a patch of intense overthinking, from future, to friends, relationships and even worrying about overthinking, aka overthinking overthinking. I have had my battles and acceptance with anxiety in the past and present, so I have strategies in place and much knowledge. But I thought I’d be brave and try something different from my usual support. Basically what I’m trying to say is I would love to hear any advice, experiences, tips or tricks from anyone who has experienced anything similar. And ofcourse to whoever is reading this know that you are loved, and make this world better and more special simply by existing

Aussie.Girl Suspected ADHD?
  • replies: 2

I know it's impossible to tell without an official diagnosis, but in my research of trying to figure out why I've always felt different or broken it's seeming increasingly likely that I have undiagnosed ADHD. I guess I just want someone elses opinion... View more

I know it's impossible to tell without an official diagnosis, but in my research of trying to figure out why I've always felt different or broken it's seeming increasingly likely that I have undiagnosed ADHD. I guess I just want someone elses opinion on whether this is a likely possibility, before I pursue the long and expensive task of trying to get an official diagnosis. I am not currently seeing a psychologist or GP for my mental health (but probably should be; it's just too expensive), however back when I was in school I was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety and panic attacks. I've never considered myself hyperactive (more shy and quiet) and achieved excellent marks in school so I didn't even think ADHD was a possibility previously. That said, I'm going to list some signs below that seem to fit with symptoms I have found for ADHD. # Frequent daydreaming. # I find making decisions (even small inconsequential ones) very difficult and stressful. It took me nearly a year to choose a new tablet when I was looking to replace my 7yr old iPad Air (only to buy an Air 4 because it was most similar). # Inability to sit still (again I don't consider myself hyperactive, but I usually shake or bounce my leg when sitting, or fiddle with my hands) # I prefer sitting on my feet, or with my knees up than sitting properly. # I constantly fidget with jewelry or my hands when speaking to anyone. If I'm really nervous I will sometimes pinch my palm repeatedly to the point where it leaves red marks. # I can make eye contact, but I generally look at peoples hair or mouths instead because staring into their eyes makes me uncomfortable. # Any kind of negative feedback (even constructive criticism) makes me unreasonably embarassed and upset. # I am almost incapable of completing one task at a time. I end up noticing other things and switching tasks halfway through. # I frequently multitask to the extent that seems strange to other people. Eg when working on TAFE assignments I would be singing, researching (reading) and then writing an essay without having to stop the song. # I struggle with procrastination and will avoid doing things until I have to. This also extends to being unable to start doing things I enjoy. # I will often forget to eat/drink if I am concentrating on something. # I have social anxiety and find it very difficult to connect with people or form lasting friendships. # High pain tolerance? I'm not sure as pain is very subjective... Does this sound like ADHD? Or is it anxiety?

Distraughtsister How do I control my fear and panic?
  • replies: 7

I have a sister who is a kind and beautiful soul. She quite literally does not hurt flies. She suffers from terrible anxiety and depression and it was recently suggested that she had undiagnosed ADHD which would make sense. She was in a health facili... View more

I have a sister who is a kind and beautiful soul. She quite literally does not hurt flies. She suffers from terrible anxiety and depression and it was recently suggested that she had undiagnosed ADHD which would make sense. She was in a health facility sometime ago and because friendly with another patient. She went into the other patient's room one night and sat on her bed chatting. Then she went back to her room. The other patient has accused her of rape. There is simply no way my sister did this. She is heterosexual. She is gentle and compassionate. She does not have a predatory bone in her body. Her trial is coming up. We are all terrified. Our father died 3 months ago. We are grieving. Our mother is elderly. We're scared of losing my sister too. We're scared of something awful happening to her. I can't sleep. I just want to cry all the time. I'm on anxiety medication but I have constant anxiety and feelings of panic. I have 3 young kids. I haven't told anyone including my husband because it's not my story and she's so mortified. I'm scared of her being judged by people who don't know or understand her. How do I get through this?

Natalie22 Difference between Anxiety & Angst
  • replies: 2

Hi. I have been diagnosed with GAD by psychiatrist . My psychologist told me that i have angst. What is the difference.

Hi. I have been diagnosed with GAD by psychiatrist . My psychologist told me that i have angst. What is the difference.

Flop Does my anxiety and position in life make me undatable?
  • replies: 13

Hello everyone, This is a bit of a different post but I'm looking for opinions from people that may have been in/are in a similar position and people who share similar struggles. I often feel quite lonely and have been single for about 1-2 years. I h... View more

Hello everyone, This is a bit of a different post but I'm looking for opinions from people that may have been in/are in a similar position and people who share similar struggles. I often feel quite lonely and have been single for about 1-2 years. I have a longing for companionship and love, but I haven't even begun looking, and he's why - I'm 24 now, and feel extremely behind in life. I'm on benefits, I don't work because of anxiety, I don't have my license, tho that and my anxiety are things I'm working on. I think I'm a nice person with lots of love to give, but I feel like anyone would look at these things and not want to give me a chance. I would give someone a chance in my position, but I worry most if not all people won't feel the same. I hope to hear from some of you and hear what you think. Thank you for reading

stell_a178 I don’t have any friends
  • replies: 3

Ever since I can remember I have had a hard time making and then keeping friends. This issue worsened after leaving highschool, into both working full time and university. I have found that trying to make friends and then keeping them has been so inc... View more

Ever since I can remember I have had a hard time making and then keeping friends. This issue worsened after leaving highschool, into both working full time and university. I have found that trying to make friends and then keeping them has been so incredibly draining for me. I find it tiring having to put on a face for people, having to smile and act happy when in reality I’m exhausted and my social battery is already on -5789%. I feel broken, because on one hand I really want a friend to hang out with and chat with. But there is another part of me that doesn’t have the energy to contribute into any friendships. I also find it hard to trust people, which usually leads to me ghosting on people. When people make one single mistake I tend to run and hide because my past friends have bullied me and made me the butt of the joke. Does anyone else have a similar experience? I’d like to know if I’m alone in this feeling or not. stella (20F)