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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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Detox My recent psych appointment
  • replies: 1

I've seen a psych for a while. They mentioned I present with pathological doubt. Mostly because I complete a series of checks before leaving the house, I'm paranoid about mould/poison exposure, and when I'm at my worst, I'll go shopping and come back... View more

I've seen a psych for a while. They mentioned I present with pathological doubt. Mostly because I complete a series of checks before leaving the house, I'm paranoid about mould/poison exposure, and when I'm at my worst, I'll go shopping and come back with nothing as every item poses risks to my or my loved ones health. Lately, I've just been feeling down, my energy is down, my resilience to tackle the day is down, my other half is pregnant, and there are moments when I imagine myself not being here. I don't consider this a suicidal thought, but I did mention I have thoughts to self-harm, as a kind of quick fix, an immediate release, as I don't have time to bother with myself. My psych asked me if I've considered antidepressants, I said no, and she said our regularity should increase. I don't know what else to say, I just wanted to write this out.

Guest_10005 hey
  • replies: 1

my name is Chelsea this is my first post i suffer from anxiety and have trouble with everyday things to the people with anxiety Rember you are not alone you with anyway have someone

my name is Chelsea this is my first post i suffer from anxiety and have trouble with everyday things to the people with anxiety Rember you are not alone you with anyway have someone

lacy anxiaty
  • replies: 1

hi im lacy im 13 and i got dignosed whith servir anxiaty wen i was 6 and i have adhd and seperation axiaty i used to self harm but not much now i have 20 friends most r boys i hate school at the moment becaus of buillys beeing mean im in y8 they say ... View more

hi im lacy im 13 and i got dignosed whith servir anxiaty wen i was 6 and i have adhd and seperation axiaty i used to self harm but not much now i have 20 friends most r boys i hate school at the moment becaus of buillys beeing mean im in y8 they say im fat ugly and my hair is bad the call me mean words to like the c word or h word im saddddd

Anxiety Life long anxiety
  • replies: 9

I have been a ‘worrier’ since a little girl and have suffered from anxiety for most of my life. Throw in OCD with obtrusive thoughts and you have got one highly strung lady.like everything in my life I have thrown everything at these conditions, medi... View more

I have been a ‘worrier’ since a little girl and have suffered from anxiety for most of my life. Throw in OCD with obtrusive thoughts and you have got one highly strung lady.like everything in my life I have thrown everything at these conditions, medication, meditation, books, literature, psychology sessions, exercise, nutrition and more. The frustrating thing is I am still struggling.To paint a picture I have a nice life I have a large extended family that is very close. Like most families we have our issues, health issues and personal, and different members are often frustrated with each other, this never lasts long and they move on. But I don’t, this close family is a big part of my identity and takes up a lot of the day to day activities in my life. I stress about the little cracks (no one else does) to the point I can’t sleep and I can’t function. I have a highly stressful job and I forever studying at University. I wake up at 3am and the worry starts immediately.i guess I feel at a loss, all this effort and I am still in the same place I always am.Any tips would be appreciated

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.