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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.

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Jane_Melb No right to be anxious
  • replies: 5

Hi, I'm new to this but have been feeling a bit out of the driver's seat and wanted to reach out. I've read the other posts here and have had similar experiences. I am in my 30s and have always been very proactive and happy. This past year I have fou... View more

Hi, I'm new to this but have been feeling a bit out of the driver's seat and wanted to reach out. I've read the other posts here and have had similar experiences. I am in my 30s and have always been very proactive and happy. This past year I have found myself constantly feeling like a failure, ruminating on mistakes, self-sabotaging through avoiding things I should be more engaged with and generally slipping into very negative self talk. I am at uni and get good grades and get a lot of positive comments at work but I just feel like I am a shadow of my former self and making increasingly bigger and unjustifiable mistakes. Last month in the middle of a video call I had to lie on the ground and deep breath while bursting into tears - I have never felt overwhelmed like this before, and although I have taken on a lot of work, it's no more than I usually balance. I have been putting it down to burn out and the general post-covid crazy that seems to be going around, but I just keep waiting to wake up refreshed and have it all stop and it hasn't after a year. I feel ridiculous seeking help because I have work, a flat, food etc. and really haven't lost anything through Covid like others have. Is this anxiety?

Safes Can anxiety occur all day and has meds helped that??
  • replies: 4

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone else experiences anxiety over a sustained period. I hear other people talk about going though peaks of anxiety, but mine seems just constant all day and delibitating. I'm seeing my GP soon, just getting through the d... View more

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone else experiences anxiety over a sustained period. I hear other people talk about going though peaks of anxiety, but mine seems just constant all day and delibitating. I'm seeing my GP soon, just getting through the days till then is difficult. I also wonder if meds have helped anyone in a similar situation. Regards, Safes Re

Beaser Anxiety and employment.
  • replies: 33

Hi and best wishes to everyone. I was wondering how people cope at times with the thought of changing employment. I been in one job for the past 12and a half years in that time i have had mental health issues and they have been more than supportive a... View more

Hi and best wishes to everyone. I was wondering how people cope at times with the thought of changing employment. I been in one job for the past 12and a half years in that time i have had mental health issues and they have been more than supportive and understanding especially with my needing time off. I m just feeling that i need a fresh start and have had a interview recently. The reason being i feel that my work is also affecting my mental health with having to put up with unhappy and disenchanted colleagues,basically workplace politics. Im really scared do i need to make a change or put up with the downside of my job. It has got to the stage where i wake at night and stress about going to work because of the politics and constant negativaty. The idea of starting a new job also scares me. Im just not sure of what to do. Brett

That Other Guy Is this anxiety?
  • replies: 4

My wife and I had a hard year last year and she did things that have hurt me deeply. I decided to stay and we're trying to move forward. She seems to regularly talk about last year, even if I ask her not to. When she does, I find it hard to breathe a... View more

My wife and I had a hard year last year and she did things that have hurt me deeply. I decided to stay and we're trying to move forward. She seems to regularly talk about last year, even if I ask her not to. When she does, I find it hard to breathe and I say things I regret because my mind races. Is this an anxiety attack? This is all new to me....

PsychedelicFur My Overthinking + Anxiety Fiascoes
  • replies: 1

In the matter of a couple of weeks my anxiety, overthinking and extreme overanalyzing has become more problematic. I feel weak. And ultimately I feel like a Prisoner trapped in my own mind. I feel like a delicate antique cup. I feel like I am an easi... View more

In the matter of a couple of weeks my anxiety, overthinking and extreme overanalyzing has become more problematic. I feel weak. And ultimately I feel like a Prisoner trapped in my own mind. I feel like a delicate antique cup. I feel like I am an easily triggered and very gentle person who requires a substantial amount of reassurance and tender loving care. I get drained so easily for social interactions. I feel like such a failure because socializing to me has become a 'chore' or a 'duty' rather than something I should be doing for enjoyment/amusement. I struggle with my sleeping. I have an abnormal sleep schedule. Eventually I succumb to afternoon naps, just to help me get through the rest of the day. In romantic relationships, I get jealous.. I overthink, I never feel 'enough' and I tear myself apart. I have had relationships in the past with abusive men who have compared me and even admitted to admiring other women's beauty over mine. So naturally, I do get jealous. I get triggered easily. I feel like I am not even 'functioning' as a human being at the moment. And I feel like my antidepressants are not exactly doing their job. I'm struggling with my self esteem and I don't even feel like a 'rational' human being at the moment. I feel so alone with my thoughts. I battle with these negative thoughts on a daily basis. It becomes so exhausting. Eventually I just lay under my blanket on the sofa and watch television, because lately that has been my only comfort. I feel so stuck and so alone. I feel like I'm failing. I am on university break at the moment and I feel so lost and confused. I am recognizing that I am also processing a lot of trauma. My mother was psychologically and emotionally abusive so that really modified my rational thinking. I remember getting yelled at as I sat in the bath, bawling my eyes out. As she yelled derogatory terms at me as I wept in pain and confusion. I remember getting screamed at by my ex boyfriend at a supermarket as I made an innocent mistake and started having an anxiety attack. I remember how he shouted at me in his car, telling me how pathetic and immature I was because I got the trolley disc stuck in the coin dispenser. Signed,PF.

saraahh234 disorder eating and the voice 'ED'
  • replies: 2

hi all, just seeking fellow blue voice participants who are struggling with eating disorders.

hi all, just seeking fellow blue voice participants who are struggling with eating disorders.

Leroymiss1 Anxiety with everyday life. I can’t drive anymore.
  • replies: 6

So I’ve been dealing with a little anxiety over the past few months, but last week it came to a head. I drove to work and had an anxiety attack on the way. Now I’ve had a week off work and don’t think I can go back. I haven’t driven my car in a week ... View more

So I’ve been dealing with a little anxiety over the past few months, but last week it came to a head. I drove to work and had an anxiety attack on the way. Now I’ve had a week off work and don’t think I can go back. I haven’t driven my car in a week as well as I’m too anxious to do that. I’ve seen an occupational therapist and I have my psychiatrist next week and started on my antidepressants 2 weeks ago. Everything seems to cause it, little things like cooking as well, not really sure where to go to from here? I’ve had a history of depression and I just hope that if I don’t go to work that my depression doesn’t come back. It really is debilitating at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.

AGrace SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY
  • replies: 300

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas for helping you manage symptoms of anxiety. Feel free to add to the list, or let us know what works for you... Mindfulness – Grounding exercises: noticing your environment, bodily sensations, and breath Progressive Mu... View more

Hi Everyone, Here are some ideas for helping you manage symptoms of anxiety. Feel free to add to the list, or let us know what works for you... Mindfulness – Grounding exercises: noticing your environment, bodily sensations, and breath Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Creating a Tension and Release effect with all the muscles in the body Opposite Actions – By listening to calming music, taking a walk, talking, enjoying sunshine Safe Place Mental Imagery – Visualising a place where you can go in your mind to feel safe Calming Affirmations – To help recognise that the moment of panic will pass Exercise – A valuable way to exhaust excess adrenalin built up in the body [Moderator's note: this thread is for sharing what has worked for you to manage your anxiety. If you need support to manage your anxiety and would like to discuss this with the community, please start a new thread. See also: Anxiety management strategies Worry worry worry ]

Chris1979 Physical pain makes me think I will have a heart attack
  • replies: 2

I used to be a heavy drinker till about 3 years ago. Had a break down, went to hospital, thought I have a heart attack but they couldn’t find anything wrong. Changed my life a round to work less, relax more, be more healthy and look after #1 more. It... View more

I used to be a heavy drinker till about 3 years ago. Had a break down, went to hospital, thought I have a heart attack but they couldn’t find anything wrong. Changed my life a round to work less, relax more, be more healthy and look after #1 more. It certainly changed a lot in my life but the trauma of going to hospital stuck with me. And ever since then that thought of having a heart attack stuck with me. Sometimes I’m really good for month, other times anxiety is just raging inside my body. On days like today, having shoulder and arm pin from a muscle tear it just sets my anxiety off. Only been back to hospital 3 weeks ago ( 3rd time in 3 years) and they tell me I’m all good. Anyone else is dealing with that or having details of a good counsellor or therapist? Thanks heaps

Meg1977 Confused
  • replies: 4

Hi supportive people I need some help.Ive been kinda up and down lately and ive come to realise im freaking out about my son. He is 17 and is in year 12 and is a very shy and reclusive person. He of course doesnt love school and im constantly getting... View more

Hi supportive people I need some help.Ive been kinda up and down lately and ive come to realise im freaking out about my son. He is 17 and is in year 12 and is a very shy and reclusive person. He of course doesnt love school and im constantly getting messages from teachers saying he haant handed up work and then I get so overwhelmed about it and I feel physically sick. I am starting to panic about how I will cope when he finishes yr12 and has to get a real job. This may not seem like a huge deal but it consumes me so much so that it affects our home live and my work life cos I obsess ova it. I need ways to handle all of this and to not 'lose it' as hubby says. Some days I feel as though I have to go thru "all the drama" to get to the other side but im sick of feeling this way. Any help or advice will be greatly apprieciated. (Have tried to get into docs but thats another story ) thanx