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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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Luce1234 SSRI withdrawal and pregnant
  • replies: 3

Hello I’m 6 weeks pregnant. When I initially found out, I went to the doctor who advised me to immediately cease my daily dose of an SSRI that I have been on for 15 years to treat anxiety and OCD. She told me to take half one day, and then completely... View more

Hello I’m 6 weeks pregnant. When I initially found out, I went to the doctor who advised me to immediately cease my daily dose of an SSRI that I have been on for 15 years to treat anxiety and OCD. She told me to take half one day, and then completely cease cold Turkey. I was to then start on a different SSRI. The cold Turkey and withdrawal has broken me. I’m on the other SSRI now daily but have found myself in a depression I’ve never known before. Just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes for a new SSRI to “kick in” and the withdrawals to stop. not getting brain zaps anymore but I don’t feel like the same person anymore Thanks

LostPeep forever feeling lost
  • replies: 2

34, single, female. Have always struggled with social anxiety and depression at times as well as an eating disorder. I put myself through therapy for a few years to overcome the disordered eating. Life feel like a huge struggle every day and it's lik... View more

34, single, female. Have always struggled with social anxiety and depression at times as well as an eating disorder. I put myself through therapy for a few years to overcome the disordered eating. Life feel like a huge struggle every day and it's like I bear the weight of the world on my shoulders. My anxiety gets in the way of getting very far in life particularly to do with my career. I constantly feel lonely and often don't want people to get too close. I find most people annoying in the end. However, really what I crave most is social connection but due to my social anxiety I find it really hard to form and maintain connections therefore those needs are not met. I try to force myself into social situations and do all the right things to improve myself and my situation but I just can't seem to get ahead. Most jobs don't suit me as I get overwhelmed by everything. I can pick things up quickly but as soon as any pressure gets too much I back out so I can nver move up the ladder and earn some decent money. No wonder why I often resort to alcohol and pharmaceuticals to get through life. I don't understand, I've done everything right to not go off the rails - therapy, antidepressants, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, enough exercise, good diet, be a nice person, be grateful. Nothing makes me happy in the end. I feel like the only thing that would make me happy is living by the beach with a partner who loves me and I don't need to worry/think about money.Rant complete.

Flop Driving with a driving instructor
  • replies: 12

Hello all, this is my first post but I'm already grateful this community exist. This year has been a tough one for me. I've been working on my anxiety & social anxiety in attempts to live a normal life. I've made so much progress, I'm double vaxxed, ... View more

Hello all, this is my first post but I'm already grateful this community exist. This year has been a tough one for me. I've been working on my anxiety & social anxiety in attempts to live a normal life. I've made so much progress, I'm double vaxxed, got my Ls and have been driving for about 9 months, going into shopping centres and things of the like. These sort of things last year would have seemed impossible to me. I acknowledge that I've made progress, but I'm at a hurdle and it's something I have to do alone. Going with a driving instructor to polish my driving, then to go for my Ps. I've had panic attacks and have been near having them many times in the past and my concern is not knowing how I'll react in this situation. Going with a driving instructor, and then getting my Ps is the thing I want most in this world, but I have these concerns. I have a few coping mechanisms I'll try and incorporate if need be, but if you have any that helped you in a similar situation I'd be happy to hear them. If you can relate, please let me know how you went through this process, any words or encouragement or kindness. I just want to beat this. Thank you all for reading!

Tazzalot Managing Anxiety
  • replies: 6

HiI will keep this briefI have ongoing anxiety/depression I have seen a GP .. my usual has moved to a different practice unfortunately So I had a mental health assessment and was given a referral to a Psychologist ... this hasn't gone well and I stop... View more

HiI will keep this briefI have ongoing anxiety/depression I have seen a GP .. my usual has moved to a different practice unfortunately So I had a mental health assessment and was given a referral to a Psychologist ... this hasn't gone well and I stopped going after 2 sessions.I really struggle with the whole mindfulness/being in the present concepts .. it is all too airy fairy to me (68 yr old male) There is a fair bit going on around me which I need to be able to deal with / cope with but at the moment I am just stuck Thoughts / suggestions Stuart

orchid_5 Anxious when eating out with others
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I love food and have never had an eating disorder, but when I eat out with people who aren't family or close friends, I become really anxious. This wasn't really a problem until covid hit. As an example, the other night I went to a cooki... View more

Hi everyone, I love food and have never had an eating disorder, but when I eat out with people who aren't family or close friends, I become really anxious. This wasn't really a problem until covid hit. As an example, the other night I went to a cooking class with 10+ work colleagues. It wasn't until I was on my way there that I began feeling anxious. I started to relax a bit when I started chatting with my colleagues and while we were cooking. However, when it was time to eat what we had cooked, I felt sick. I tried to eat and felt like I was going to throw up so I went outside to get some air. When I came back I ate a bit, but I still felt really sick in my throat. I should mention that it also depends on the environment. The more casual the place is, the more relaxed I feel. I know it sounds strange, but I can't seem to get rid of the anxiety and I've been seeing a psychologist for a couple of years now. I don't know if this type of anxiety has a name, but I'd love to hear from others who may be experiencing the same thing, or who have overcome it. Thanks.

Katerinya Being unwell, having health anxiety and living alone right now is really hard
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, This is partly a post to acknowledge how hard things are right now, and also to express that I’m super anxious this week. I’m unwell and am waiting on blood test results. I’m exhausted all the time, and feel BLAH. What’s making it worse ... View more

Hi everyone, This is partly a post to acknowledge how hard things are right now, and also to express that I’m super anxious this week. I’m unwell and am waiting on blood test results. I’m exhausted all the time, and feel BLAH. What’s making it worse is my health anxiety. I can’t stop thinking about how unwell I feel, and worrying that I might suddenly become really sick and nobody will be able to help me. I live alone and I’m experiencing some dizziness. I worry that I’ll collapse on the floor and not be found for days. While all my work colleagues are constantly complaining about not being able to escape their partners and families, I have to say I envy them a lot. Being alone and sick during a pandemic is so hard. No matter how unwell I feel, nobody can make me a cup of tea, or just sit with me to provide some comfort. This worry about ‘What if I get really sick’ is making things worse. So, to everyone living alone, feeling isolated or scared during this time, and wishing that you too could complain about having a family, I hear you. It’s hard.

Pinksky87 Can’t sleep alone
  • replies: 6

I recently moved into a unit. Ground floor. Single mother with 2 sml children. Last year my car was broken into in the garage here. A few months ago I came home and my house was broken into. Pulled the back door from the rail. My room was trashed and... View more

I recently moved into a unit. Ground floor. Single mother with 2 sml children. Last year my car was broken into in the garage here. A few months ago I came home and my house was broken into. Pulled the back door from the rail. My room was trashed and $$$ jewellery stolen. since then, I have been struggling to sleep. I sleep with all the lights on. My house is secure, I have wood in the slides now of all doors and windows. And I have an alarm. The other night there was a sound of wood falling. It was 1am. I woke with a fright and so did my bf. I screamed someone was breaking in. We ran toward the kids rooms and saw their beds empty. I immediately thought they had been kidnapped. I was hysterical. I then woke properly and realised they were with their dad. I was shaking and crying. It was the most terrifying moment of my life and I can’t get that feeling and moment out of my head. I know it sounds silly, but at that moment my kids had disappeared. i keep having flashbacks and replaying what happened. I’m going crazy checking the doors and windows. Sleeping with lights on.I’ve lost trust in my house and I don’t trust that I’m safe. Every little sound makes my heart drop. i want to feel better. I want to be able to sleep at night alone.

dirtbiker Struggling with anxiety
  • replies: 15

Hi everyone, I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while now. Ever since my cousin died young a few years ago was when I started having anxiety attacks regularly and when my anxiety worsened, as my mum has always said she’s seen signs of symptoms i... View more

Hi everyone, I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while now. Ever since my cousin died young a few years ago was when I started having anxiety attacks regularly and when my anxiety worsened, as my mum has always said she’s seen signs of symptoms in me however she won’t do anything about it no matter how many times I tell her I need help. I spoke to a support teacher the other day and she’s trying to get me in contact with the guidance counselor. I think it will help but I just don’t know as my mum will get really pissed off if she finds out about this contact with the guidance counselor. I’m just unsure what to do and I need advice

Natalie22 Anxiety and social worker
  • replies: 8

Hi,I recently had an appointment with a mental health social worker and I discussed a recent appointment and some medications I was taking.She was very adament that I should get new doctors and start fresh and stop my medication as she has read that ... View more

Hi,I recently had an appointment with a mental health social worker and I discussed a recent appointment and some medications I was taking.She was very adament that I should get new doctors and start fresh and stop my medication as she has read that medications such as ssri's and antidepressants do damage to the brain.I explained to her that I had already swapped a specialist and I was not going to do it again. She has made me feel really uncomfortable and I don't feel that I can go back again as she has made me feel worse.Thoughts please.

jenijenjen Social Anxiety
  • replies: 7

My Social Anxiety has become worse since Covid hit. Going into lockdown suited me fine but I lost the momentum I had in forcing myself to leave my house and visit people. Now if an opportunity comes up to be social, I start feeling physically sick an... View more

My Social Anxiety has become worse since Covid hit. Going into lockdown suited me fine but I lost the momentum I had in forcing myself to leave my house and visit people. Now if an opportunity comes up to be social, I start feeling physically sick and usually find an excuse to avoid being there.Does anyone have any coping strategies for these situations?