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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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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. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety 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 your 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 worthwhile 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

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Guest_10272 Anxiety and Heart Murmur
  • replies: 5

I suffer with extreme health anxiety... And I mean extreme. Last weekend I suffered from searing chest pain, that radiated to my shoulder blade. I thought I was having a heart attack. I went to ED and had loads of tests and they all came back fine. H... View more

I suffer with extreme health anxiety... And I mean extreme. Last weekend I suffered from searing chest pain, that radiated to my shoulder blade. I thought I was having a heart attack. I went to ED and had loads of tests and they all came back fine. However I was informed I had a heart murmur. Now im 54 years old and never been told that before. My anxiety went through the roof. 8 days later I saw my GP, who listened to my chest and said yes, I had a murmur... He said it was a grade II Systolic Ejection Heart Murmur and I was referred to Cardiology. I made an appointment for an Echocardiogram ASAP, because I am supposed to go on holiday soon. I paid privately to get it abd a stress test done and my mental health is in bits... I literally cant cope. I have googled until I feel sick and now believe I have heart failure and my life is over. A 54 year old man doesn't just suddenly get a murmur unless there is something seriously wrong. I just don't know what to do or who to turn to.. I feel sick and ill everyday. I have palpitations and cant tell if it's the anxiety or murmur. This is a nightmare!

waffle_puppy My mom keeps commenting on my weight and body :(
  • replies: 3

(Thank you so much for reading this, it really means a lot to me and I don’t have anywhere else to discuss this safely) So this year, I don’t know why but my mom keeps judging me for what I eat, or even my weight. I am naturally a bit chubby, but tha... View more

(Thank you so much for reading this, it really means a lot to me and I don’t have anywhere else to discuss this safely) So this year, I don’t know why but my mom keeps judging me for what I eat, or even my weight. I am naturally a bit chubby, but that’s it. I don’t know why but today her words hit me like a brick. I felt extremely upset. Usually when she points out my weight I feel proud of who I am and grateful for the foods I get to eat. Today I had a dish I hadn’t had in a while, which was rice and chicken and due to it being a dish I like and hadn’t eaten in months, I instantly ate down roughly two small bowls which wasn’t much. I felt hungry at about 10 PM again, so I come down for another since I really missed the dish. Before I even got to eat it, my mom yelled that I’m obese and I eat too much. I am not obese, and I am just a bit chubby naturally, that’s all. I’m happy with my body as it is and appreciate all the actions it helps me do everyday. But today felt different. I felt like I was going to burst into tears because of her comment. She called me obese in front of her and I’m not obese. I don’t get why she likes to point out my weight and say I’m overweight. But today she called me obese and said that it’s my fault. I can’t help it, I’m still a teenager and I’m growing. I tend to get hungry quickly because I’m really busy drawing, playing games on my computer and talking to my friends. I also walked a lot outside today and had to give my lunch to my friend because he felt hungry. So I got more hungry today. If only my mom understood (Which I have told her about what I did today) then she wouldn’t hopefully call me obese and judge my weight. I don’t know how to feel about my body anymore. I’m grateful I’m not rib-thin but I just want to be myself. She keeps telling me that I need an hourglass torso like the other girls, and she tells me that I need to be slim, feminine and beautiful. I don’t like that at all. I’d say I’m quite a tomboy myself but I really don’t want to fit into modern standards or her standards at all. For example she tells me that I should get thinner so I should wear this dress or this skirt. I don’t like skirts and dresses and would rather wear pants, or a suit. What to do really.. I’m really tired of her commenting on my body and on what I eat, along with me not being feminine to fit into modern standards. I just want to be myself really.

Rosie Anxiety, OCD, paranoia and depression
  • replies: 3

I am a 63 years old spinster who has a few mental health problems to say the least. They include anxiety, OCD, paranoia, depression, agoraphobia, social phobia, hyper-sensitivity and suicidal thoughts to begin with. I have been isolated for decades w... View more

I am a 63 years old spinster who has a few mental health problems to say the least. They include anxiety, OCD, paranoia, depression, agoraphobia, social phobia, hyper-sensitivity and suicidal thoughts to begin with. I have been isolated for decades with no friends or contact with my family, which is my fault as I have isolated myself and I don't want to be a burden. They once told me I'm very depressing and negative which is probably true. I find it very difficult to connect with people because I mistrust them and over think everything they say to the point I am left exhausted. I'm on medication and it helps with my OCD but nothing else, and like many others, cannot afford counselling. I retired in 2019 as I had a breakdown at work due to bullying. I have no self confidence, and see myself as repulsive. I only leave my house once a week to food shop and I cover my face with a large hat and wear sunglasses and have headphones on to try and hide. I wish I knew how to enjoy life on my own but have been made to feel such shame and guilt. I'm also being bullied by my neighbours who play cruel jokes on me so I often ring Lifeline when it gets really bad. In Feburary they set off fireworks right outside my house which terrified me as the sparks landed in my front yard and roof also they like to tip my wheelie bins over. I've never bothered any of them but they are a small gang of four roughly the same age as me but unlike me they are very social. I can't remember the last time I felt safe and happy. Sorry but I'm feeling very overwhelmed with life.

Adele Ahhh life
  • replies: 1

I don’t know where to start really so I’m here. I have adhd and autism among others and I’ve recently been feeling pretty bad. My anxiety which I thought I was handling well has reared its head in another why to what I was used to so I didn’t see it ... View more

I don’t know where to start really so I’m here. I have adhd and autism among others and I’ve recently been feeling pretty bad. My anxiety which I thought I was handling well has reared its head in another why to what I was used to so I didn’t see it coming. It’s very sneaky. I know how lonely it feels and I just don’t want anyone else to feel that way.

Guest_67168542 Single neurodivergent mother of a neurodivergent teen
  • replies: 2

Hi, it is my first time to open up about my struggles, but I feel I can't take no more. My daughter is experiencing an autistic burn-out for months, and I can't manage it anymore. I can't even manage our everyday life! We are only to of us, no family... View more

Hi, it is my first time to open up about my struggles, but I feel I can't take no more. My daughter is experiencing an autistic burn-out for months, and I can't manage it anymore. I can't even manage our everyday life! We are only to of us, no family or friends around us, no one to help. No one to listen, or to trust.

Cybert Feeling Broken
  • replies: 10

First time here and first time in my life I have felt the way I do at the moment. I am just wondering though what people do when the help options open to them are small and ultimately can't help solve the situation. I am middle aged and always had to... View more

First time here and first time in my life I have felt the way I do at the moment. I am just wondering though what people do when the help options open to them are small and ultimately can't help solve the situation. I am middle aged and always had to care for my mum since I was 16 years of age, she is a perfectly functioning adult but NCD (Narcisist) to the core and has manipulated my life to a point where I have no friends or indeed anyone left in my life. I am 100% isolated and alone and at her mercy. She is a very nasty woman but for some reason I just feel compelled to keep looking out for her. Everyone says set boundaries, but if you have ever dealt with a person like this you know that can be almost impossible. I now have major anxiety and depression going on from both home and work issues where once I mentioned I cared for an elderly person they work turned on me and tried to get me to resign. They are still pushing me to get out which is just adding to the stresses. I have an elderly dog who is my world who is also getting sick and I am constantly (like 24/7) watching him as he is about all I have left. I am just at that point of wanting to walk away from it all and start a new life. But I know I will take guilt with me that I am unsure I could live with and even then I have no idea how I would afford to start again and be safe. So back to the question. Does anyone know who you turn to for help on the basics to just get through another day at a time?

Karleigh New role at work and anxiety has reared its ugly head
  • replies: 2

Hi. I'm 65 and work in retail. I've been doing a non stress job and stupidly, took up an offer to learn an admin role. It's fast paced, the phone rings all day and I have quite a lot of computer work to get through. I'm chasing my tail all day and me... View more

Hi. I'm 65 and work in retail. I've been doing a non stress job and stupidly, took up an offer to learn an admin role. It's fast paced, the phone rings all day and I have quite a lot of computer work to get through. I'm chasing my tail all day and mentally exhausted. I'm not retaining knowledge, I'm no good with pressure or problem solving. So afraid of making mistakes. Not sleeping, eating and it's all constantly in my head. I cannot quit as I'm replacing another staff member who is having surgery. I feel like I'm in a prison with no escape. I cry a lot and have broken down at times at work. How I yearn for my non stress job. What do others do to cope with this. Thanks

Guest_04542101 Emotional damaged
  • replies: 1

Ive been with my boyfriend now fiancé for 3 and a half years and about a month ago I’ve started getting very high anxiety when ever he touches me from hugs to being intimate. I’ve been very close to panic attacks. I’ve tried explaining that I don’t w... View more

Ive been with my boyfriend now fiancé for 3 and a half years and about a month ago I’ve started getting very high anxiety when ever he touches me from hugs to being intimate. I’ve been very close to panic attacks. I’ve tried explaining that I don’t want to be touched at the moment which seems to have done nothing but upset him and I don't know how to fix this. I don’t know how to fix me.

Whatsinaname Horrible week
  • replies: 89

Hi everyone, I'm having a horrible week, so just thought I would post to see how everyone else is going? I'm having a hard time getting out of the shame spiral this week, but trying to remember this is only temporary. Anyway, hope others are well, ha... View more

Hi everyone, I'm having a horrible week, so just thought I would post to see how everyone else is going? I'm having a hard time getting out of the shame spiral this week, but trying to remember this is only temporary. Anyway, hope others are well, happy to chat about anything.

Guest_39557583 I’m stuck!
  • replies: 8

I’ve never written on a forum like this before, but I’m struggling and I have no-one I can talk to about what I am going through. I’m insecure, have low self-esteem, am taking a sabbatical from work (have worked most of my life, I’m in age range 50-5... View more

I’ve never written on a forum like this before, but I’m struggling and I have no-one I can talk to about what I am going through. I’m insecure, have low self-esteem, am taking a sabbatical from work (have worked most of my life, I’m in age range 50-55) and have never felt so low. I’m trying to find the answers to all my questions and thoughts, and everything points to journaling and positive affirmations / self-talk. I have no energy and feel lost, stuck and unable to make decisions. I’m trapped in my head and trying to work out what to do. I have been with my partner for many years, and recently, started a new relationship with someone, but I just feel permanently low, like I am people-pleasing but I’m too scared to even ask ‘what do I want?’ I feel like I’m the only person in the world who feels this way, and when I look at others I think how happy they look, why can’t I be happy? Why can’t I…and then the cycle goes on and on and on. I’m afraid of life. OK stopping now as I’m not getting anywhere, but maybe someone out there has some advice or guidance or suggestions on how I survive at this thing called life (sounds a bit dramatic I know, but genuinely struggling). Thank you in advance.