Anxiety

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

All discussions

Guest_43746501 Panic about work
  • replies: 2

During with anxiety, roughly 3 weeks ago I had my first ever panic attack filled with crying and tremors. I’ve been off work since then and the GP gave me medication which I took for two days and then stopped cause of the horrible side effects. I’m s... View more

During with anxiety, roughly 3 weeks ago I had my first ever panic attack filled with crying and tremors. I’ve been off work since then and the GP gave me medication which I took for two days and then stopped cause of the horrible side effects. I’m seeing a psychologist which keeps me calm but thinking about going back to work fills me with dread and constant panic. I don’t know what to do.

Scared Seeking same
  • replies: 6

I have discussed my depression on here but I never talked about Anxiety yet and wanted to know if my anxiety is same as others I have no benchmark in rating it. Last attack lasted 3 weeks . I wake up with dread before I even open my eyes. This fear i... View more

I have discussed my depression on here but I never talked about Anxiety yet and wanted to know if my anxiety is same as others I have no benchmark in rating it. Last attack lasted 3 weeks . I wake up with dread before I even open my eyes. This fear inside would last all day and was constantly making me weak in knees. Every minute everyday was relentless . It got to the point I was waiting for something to break but it never did. All day saying to myself this isnt possible to take anymore. They upped my meds, but it didnt help. When it was over I crashed into a cycle of depression. Is this normal and I have a new found respect for other sufferers. My anxiety never was this bad before

Guest_99 OCD patterns - personal hygiene
  • replies: 5

I have been diagnosed with OCD which largely centres around compulsions to do with personal hygiene. For example, I can't shower in less than an hour and a half because of my need to clean myself so thoroughly and in a certain pattern, I can't brush ... View more

I have been diagnosed with OCD which largely centres around compulsions to do with personal hygiene. For example, I can't shower in less than an hour and a half because of my need to clean myself so thoroughly and in a certain pattern, I can't brush my teeth in less than 45 minutes, it takes about 20 minutes to wash my hands (which I feel the need to do very frequently) and even routine tasks like going to the toilet takes forever! I am on medication to assist and have seen a psychologist but didn't find it helpful at all. I am a professional that works long hours and having this condition means I have to get up ridiculously early and makes my days unbearably long. It also means that on weekends I have no interest in, and no energy to do, anything fun. I could somewhat cope with this when I was younger, but the older I get, the bigger the toll it is taking on my body and mind and I'm struggling to cope now. I know my need to carry out these tasks is ridiculous and illogical, and as much as I tell myself to stop, I just can't seem to. I guess I just really want to know whether I'm alone in having these particular traits or whether there are other people out there like me. If there are, I'd love to know about anything you have tried that has helped you either cope with or break these compulsions?

Vixxyne Trusting others (general and non)
  • replies: 2

Hey all! A few years ago I was assaulted sexually by my ex from 1 year. Since then I have been having trouble with my anxiety (I have had this before the assault, perhaps since primary school). Now that two years have past, I have had Asshole substan... View more

Hey all! A few years ago I was assaulted sexually by my ex from 1 year. Since then I have been having trouble with my anxiety (I have had this before the assault, perhaps since primary school). Now that two years have past, I have had Asshole substance abuse and have currently been in contact with the abuser aka my ex. I could really use someone to talk to but because of my anxiety, I have a panic attack when calling or answering the phone. Thanks, Vixxyne.

Worrydolls Worry about children
  • replies: 2

Hi. I have two adult children with their own children and they are both going through relationship troubles. One is in the midst of separation they others partner is often threatening to take two of the children back to America where she comes from a... View more

Hi. I have two adult children with their own children and they are both going through relationship troubles. One is in the midst of separation they others partner is often threatening to take two of the children back to America where she comes from and leave the son with ADHD and slight autism with my son. I’m overwhelmed with anxiety by both these situations. Any thoughts on how I can cope but still be there for themthanks

Believe Consistent Complaints
  • replies: 4

Hi, newly joined hoping to connect for support. I recently moved from a major city to a regional centre for work. I hold a senior role and despite addressing many issues for the organisation and achieving all that is required of me I am weekly having... View more

Hi, newly joined hoping to connect for support. I recently moved from a major city to a regional centre for work. I hold a senior role and despite addressing many issues for the organisation and achieving all that is required of me I am weekly having to address complaints about me that are unsubstantiated. I have no support system and feel a target for staff. I don’t even know who the staff are because all I’m ever told is we’ve had a complaint that you are disrespectful and nothing more. I’m not eating sleeping going out - except to work and feel highly anxious all the time. I’m at a stage that I have lost trust and don’t know who to believe anymore. I can’t be myself and this is further adding to anxiety. Seeking suggestions - support.

Atleigh Just need to get it out of my head
  • replies: 3

I'm having such a low moment I just need to get it out. I don't feel I can say it to friends or family as I can't deal with their reactions too. I feel so worthless right now. I put myself out there in two different situations where I would be judged... View more

I'm having such a low moment I just need to get it out. I don't feel I can say it to friends or family as I can't deal with their reactions too. I feel so worthless right now. I put myself out there in two different situations where I would be judged. A dancing competition and applying for a job at higher level in my team. Lots of ppl encouraged me to give it a go and I started to hope and feel I had a chance but then I failed at both. Didn't place at all in the dancing and didn't even get an interview for the job. So right now I feel like a useless waste of space. I'm disappointed and annoyed that I tried in the first place. I want to just be content at where I am at. I don't really want to advance or be recognised in dancing. But I feel like I need to be validated or something. Prove something to someone, I don't know. But now I feel so pathetic and wish I just didn't care. I know I will get past it. Just not tonight.

Guest_48990041 Overwhelmed
  • replies: 4

Hi there,I believe I am suffering from some sort of anxiety I haven't been to the doctor to talk about it as I am hoping to control it myself rather than them giving me medications this has been happening since the start of this year. At the moment d... View more

Hi there,I believe I am suffering from some sort of anxiety I haven't been to the doctor to talk about it as I am hoping to control it myself rather than them giving me medications this has been happening since the start of this year. At the moment dealing with lots of stress coping with doing full-time study at university and working part-time. Just feel isolated and let down to myself and feeling anxious constantly about what I am doing in general especially when I go out of the house example is when I go shopping which I used to like to do. Going out for dinner with my partner I get anxious about who is around me and feel self-conscious. I feel empty at times and want myself back. I feel isolated at times i have some support but not people who understand what I am going through some people think mental health is made up. I only have a few close friends but barely due to my overload of stress levels. Are there any strategies to help with panic attacks I get them a bit when I go out.

JEF15 OCD on holidays
  • replies: 2

HiMy OCD was very bad when I was younger, but it's usually pretty well managed these days. Except when I go on holidays. I hate holidays, because I'm staying in a hotel/apartment/villa etc and everything just grosses me out. My children lay and roll ... View more

HiMy OCD was very bad when I was younger, but it's usually pretty well managed these days. Except when I go on holidays. I hate holidays, because I'm staying in a hotel/apartment/villa etc and everything just grosses me out. My children lay and roll all over the carpet and I FREAK! I can't shower cause it's absolute torture. I can't live out of a suitcase cause I can't put dirty clothes mixed in with my clean clothes. It's just not much fun, its not relaxing, as holidays are meant to be. I want to take holidays cause my children love it, so I do it. But really, I just wanna be home in my comforts. Anyone else like this?

Guest_27923218 OCD help
  • replies: 1

My 9 year old daughter is seeing a psychologist who has diagnosed her as having OCD.Her obsessions at the moment are around germs and getting sick. She has come a long way with therapy. Tonight however she had a panic attack when her sister threw up ... View more

My 9 year old daughter is seeing a psychologist who has diagnosed her as having OCD.Her obsessions at the moment are around germs and getting sick. She has come a long way with therapy. Tonight however she had a panic attack when her sister threw up (influenza). She wet her pants and was screaming, crying, went white etc. I thought we could manage this with therapy but am beginning to think we need to consider medication, which the psychologist has suggested. I can’t control her environment any more. any parents out there medicating their young children for ocd? Just wanting some advice/ experiences. does the ocd medication also help with the anxiety attacks?Thanks