Immediate support
Immediate support

Anxiety

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

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remeber, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anixiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for you post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

All discussions

Start a discussion

R.Penn Homeless and in limbo indecision
  • replies: 9

Hi there, I have previously posted here before a couple of times. I have reached out and am receiving therapy once a week on the phone with lifeline which I am super thankful for. I have moved around so much since my first relocation interstate and s... View more

Hi there, I have previously posted here before a couple of times. I have reached out and am receiving therapy once a week on the phone with lifeline which I am super thankful for. I have moved around so much since my first relocation interstate and since covid things have gotten progressively worse for me and prolonged unemployment hasn’t help either has my attitude to returning to employment. I want to work I just want to work with good people, I have had so many jobs where people have just been awful and bitchy and gossip. I got involved with a woman at one of my longest held jobs a meek 1 year and it ruined me. I won’t go into this detail as I have worked through it and have gone no contact for a year. I just have become homeless now due to the housing crisis and lack of decent share houses/ affordable rooms and lack of rentals in QLD. I try to remain thankful for my friend in Brisbane, my family and my car that is my safe space. I haven’t slept on the street yet but am close to it as I can’t find anywhere to live and have no money for bond upfront. I receive job seeker allowance which I am so thankful for but the whole process seems to be weighing me down and I feel like I am drowning. I am 32 I should know how to look after myself by now but I feel so behind. I want to buy a van because half my problem is not knowing where I want to based and not really feeling like I belong anywhere. I lived in Melbourne for 9 years which was my home and I tried to return last year but got stuck in the 5 month lockdown with some not so close friends in a sharehouse. I just don’t know what to do now… I need somewhere to live this week so I can find a job as I am at desperate point now. I can’t focus on one direction and feel like I am a burden to my family and friends now. I just want to run away some days but I don’t want to become more isolated. Has anyone been in this position before? I know its happening to a huge amount of Australians at the moment and I get rage against the system and our government not providing enough emergency accommodation for everyone. There are so many homeless people… I was thinking maybe I could go join them wherever they are camping… I just get scared about my safety. I think I have decision paralysis from moving back and forth interstate too many times during covid pandemic also getting stuck in quarantine and a longer lockdown. I would appreciate anyone’s advice moving forward Thankyou

Rupes79 Anxiety and depression
  • replies: 5

Hi Everyone, Is it possible to have anxiety but not depression? I feel my symptoms are more in line with someone suffering anxiety but that makes you feel pretty awful about life which is sort of associated with depression. Do the two go hand in hand... View more

Hi Everyone, Is it possible to have anxiety but not depression? I feel my symptoms are more in line with someone suffering anxiety but that makes you feel pretty awful about life which is sort of associated with depression. Do the two go hand in hand? Thanks

joe.p Drug-induced anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, hope everyone is doing well. Thought I’d share my story as it’s quite similar to those already posted. 3 months I took a few caps of what I thought was speed (was quite speedy) and was feeling fine all night. I got home late and decided to s... View more

Hi guys, hope everyone is doing well. Thought I’d share my story as it’s quite similar to those already posted. 3 months I took a few caps of what I thought was speed (was quite speedy) and was feeling fine all night. I got home late and decided to smoke some pot, and then everything changed. I started to feel really uncomfortable, tight in the chest and my head felt like it was about to explode. Now I’ve realised it was a panic attack. The following week wasn’t so bad, just felt a little out of it and had headaches and some chest pains, somehow even played a game of footy. The following week I went out, probably had about 6-7 drinks, and then it hit me. It was another panic attack but this time it was so much worse, I ended up in hospital thinking I was about to die. Since then I’ve struggled with anxiety and some depression, really bad brain fog, potentially some depersonalisation (I feel like I’m living in a movie), headaches, random pains etc 3 months later, the anxiety still gets to me, the headaches are gradually going away, going out and socialising seems a bit easier but my surroundings seem so off, kinda like they’re in 2D. My brain fog is still really noticeable, even writing this was a struggle. I tried SSRI’s for a few days but suffered every side effect there is, maybe I should try stick them out? A couple mates have been through something similar a couple have completely recovered, but one of them still struggles (3 years on). I used to be so confident, happy and sure of myself. Now sometimes I question whether my surroundings are even real. words can’t describe the feelings that someone who has to experience this must endure. I feel like a completely different person. Hopefully one day things will start to change, and I start to feel like myself again. That goes for everyone else out there struggling as well. Peace and love.

BlxrryFace Is it really worth it?
  • replies: 17

Hello, I’m new here, I’m BlxrryFace, age 17 and I’m male. I hope everyone is alright. I’ve hopped on today to talk about myself and my issues. Mental health conditions:I don’t even know what mental health conditions are, but I’ll list what I think. I... View more

Hello, I’m new here, I’m BlxrryFace, age 17 and I’m male. I hope everyone is alright. I’ve hopped on today to talk about myself and my issues. Mental health conditions:I don’t even know what mental health conditions are, but I’ll list what I think. I have bad anxiety issues, doubt myself everyday, trust issues, lack of sleep, zero confidence, always angry, always tired. I’ve given up on myself and I know I will never be good enough. I’m tired of trying to live up to the expectations as I’m not even smart. I think I have trauma as a kid Idk. Right now, I’m so tired of living. I’ve always felt like this for years (lost count) and I’m so lost. I’m tired of helping friends with their issues as no one helps me. I hate myself, I really do. I never talk to anyone about my feelings and problems knowing I will get hurt and judged. I put up the tough act even as a kid, I push away my needs and help those who need it even though I am suffering. The memories I remember as a child never went away and I get lovely reminders of those memories nearly everyday. My parents divorced, still got my mother and got a stepdad. Things didn’t turn out pretty. They always argued and fought. I was always scared for my mother. Justa scare 5 year old. My mum used to be so happy before he came. I say the past never forgets. I am in the past stuck. What he did to my mother I will never forgive nor forget. And to witness that as a kid will always traumatise me. I’ve been feeling sad for years now, I don’t deserve anything, I don’t deserve help. I’m just tired. I don’t know what to do, I’m so lost and I know the future for me won’t be anything better than this. I don’t know why I’m writing this. I don’t know if I even need help but everything painful. I wake up sad, go to sleep sad its so tiring. I wonder if its really worth living? I guess the only reason why I’m here is to protect my mother. I don’t believe in friends as they only use you or they are fake. I feel so alone my mother has changed and I can’t blame her. Do I even need help? I guess I just needed to let my feelings out. Wondered If anyone would listen to me just for once. Maybe because I’m suicidal, maybe thats why I’m here. I don’t know. I guess this is it, thank you.

TheBigBlue Trichotillamania (hair pulling)
  • replies: 6

Anyone else suffer with this? i didn’t even know it was a thing until I mentioned it to my psychologist. Then I found it had a name & I was able to read up about it. I'm trying really hard to divert myself away from doing it. But I’ve been feeling so... View more

Anyone else suffer with this? i didn’t even know it was a thing until I mentioned it to my psychologist. Then I found it had a name & I was able to read up about it. I'm trying really hard to divert myself away from doing it. But I’ve been feeling so stressed recently that I find myself pulling my eyelashes out again. I know, it sounds like the weirdest thing ever. But i can’t stop & I feel “better” when I do it. I'm not sure if this is a rare or common issue, so just wondering if anyone else out there has it?

Madale My Social Phobia, I've decided to take steps, baby steps and fight it! At least start fighting it!
  • replies: 11

Finally I have decided to get out of that entrance door! I'm shivering thinking about it, but I'll just push myself! I've had enough! I'm planning to go out for a walk or maybe even just stand at the portico (after few hours). I want to do it, I hope... View more

Finally I have decided to get out of that entrance door! I'm shivering thinking about it, but I'll just push myself! I've had enough! I'm planning to go out for a walk or maybe even just stand at the portico (after few hours). I want to do it, I hope I do it. 🥺

kelly222 Help
  • replies: 3

hi. i have recently made an account with beyond blue as i have been struggling with negative thoughts, low mood and disinterested in life. im 25 years old, and usually loving life. but of recent (last 3 months) these intrusive, negative thoughts seem... View more

hi. i have recently made an account with beyond blue as i have been struggling with negative thoughts, low mood and disinterested in life. im 25 years old, and usually loving life. but of recent (last 3 months) these intrusive, negative thoughts seem to consume me every day from when i wake up to falling asleep. I find that i dont want to fall asleep because i dont want another day to start again. I have a partner, live away from home and have a full time job. I find i have no interest in catching up with friends, going to the gym and socialising. These feelings are new to me, i think these thoughts have started since finishing uni and going into the real world. My work is very stressful and im not sure if i enjoy it anymore but i cant move jobs because i have bills to pay, im stuck in this negative feedback loop what are some tips that any of you find helpful managing these thoughts and low mood? thank you so much

Eoeon I constantly feel like everyone hates me
  • replies: 3

Hi! You can call me C, I am an 18 year old from Sydney I live a pretty busy life, and come into contact with lots of people on the daily. I’m a student at University, I’m in the Kendo club, and I work 5 days a week for an airport company assisting pe... View more

Hi! You can call me C, I am an 18 year old from Sydney I live a pretty busy life, and come into contact with lots of people on the daily. I’m a student at University, I’m in the Kendo club, and I work 5 days a week for an airport company assisting people with special needs. Im actually pretty new to all of these things, and everyone I know is new.. but I have an issue. Everywhere I go, be it work, uni, or sport, I feel like everyone, no matter how friendly they are, if they invite me to things, call me, or treat me well, I feel like absolutely everyone thinks that I’m super annoying and hate me with a passion. I feel like even though there’s no actual signs of it, everyone is talking behind my back. i know a few reasons why this might be happening - the aviation industry is incredibly toxic, and I am the youngest person at my company - I am generally unskilled at sports and am likely dragging others down (also while being one of the youngest) - I was bullied in primary school for having adhd im really just looking for some advice on how to handle these thoughts. I’m generally fine while I’m out and about, but at the end of the day when I’m on my own, My head is filled with these horrible intrusive thoughts. please help

powerchord007 Catastrophic thoughts that take root in our thinking
  • replies: 8

Hi All My anxiety seems to have taken the form of brooding, catastrophic thoughts. Things I find abhorrent and opposite to my character, I worry that I'll spontaneously act on them, even though I know I never would. One 'go-to' example for my mind in... View more

Hi All My anxiety seems to have taken the form of brooding, catastrophic thoughts. Things I find abhorrent and opposite to my character, I worry that I'll spontaneously act on them, even though I know I never would. One 'go-to' example for my mind involves swerving to nudge a cyclist, or into an oncoming vehicle on a narrow highway. Not only that, but I project into a hypothetical catastrophic future/fallout from such an event. eg run into a cyclist > the cyclist doesn't survive > their family is understandably devastated > my 'life' will be over > I'll be arrested, tried and receive a jail sentence etc. As if all of that isn't ludicrous enough, I then start to predict what will happen during incarceration, and it goes on and on. This occasionally impacts on my life activities, as I feel anxious the moment I know I have to drive somewhere on a certain route/s. If it's in 2 weeks' time, I'll feel anxious for the whole 2 weeks leading up to it, with my mind trying to convince me that all of these negative events will occur. I move between avoidance and occasional deliberate exposure, during which I'll practice driving down the coast where there are cyclists. Of course I never bump into any(!), although I sometimes feel a horrible tingling, a hot flush, and knotted stomach as I pass by them. I'm sure others have had similar unpleasant thought processes, with various coping techniques? Thanks for having a read, and I look forward to any responses

loz8927 ADHD - every day is either a high or a low - trying meds doesn’t seem to be working?
  • replies: 2

I’m 25 yo, knew I had ADHD my whole life just didn’t know what ADHD was if that makes sense. I have tics which will come as an urge and I’ll have to do the movement to get rid of the urge. In December I had a really bad flare up with tics and anxiety... View more

I’m 25 yo, knew I had ADHD my whole life just didn’t know what ADHD was if that makes sense. I have tics which will come as an urge and I’ll have to do the movement to get rid of the urge. In December I had a really bad flare up with tics and anxiety so I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me. I thought everything would get better and I’d feel normal but some days I feel like they make no difference some days i feel great & some days I feel so low and can go into such a dark place which is just terrifying. I just don’t know what to do anymore - I would never harm myself but I can see how in these awful moments where you don’t even recognise yourself why people do it please any guidance on adhd medication? I am on daily ADHD medication. My tics haven’t gone they have reduced slightly. I just want them to stop. I could have identical days with sleep, food, activity, amount of excerise etc and it’s just luck of the draw if I feel happy or extremely worried or depressed? Not wanting to live a life where I can wake up and have the most awful day for no reason