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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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SmileySocks Anxiety wins
  • replies: 3

I have debilitating social anxiety and for a couple of years I have been trying to manage it and get out more e.t.c. This pandemic has broken me though and I can't take anymore. How am I supposed to manage social anxiety when we're constantly being r... View more

I have debilitating social anxiety and for a couple of years I have been trying to manage it and get out more e.t.c. This pandemic has broken me though and I can't take anymore. How am I supposed to manage social anxiety when we're constantly being restricted and told not to be social?! It almost feels like it may as well be illegal to socialise. I must say before I go on, I'm not an antivaxer, I'm not against wearing masks and I understand why we have these restrictions and lockdowns and all the rest. But... I feel like we're never going to get out of this and I can't live like this, forever locked up and restricted. For some reason, I don't know why but wearing masks makes me even more anxious than I already am and I can't do it anymore. I think it could be because no one can hear what each other is saying and for me to speak up/louder heightens my anxiety. Lets say we all or the majority of us get vaccinated and the restrictions are gone, great! Then it mutates into a new, deadlier strain that we're not protected against and back come the restrictions and lockdowns everytime there is a case. What is the point of the vaccine if we still have to be locked in at home, wear masks anytime we leave the house and can't go anywhere even in our own country or town?? We won't die from covid which is fantastic but I feel like I may as well be dead, this is not living. I used to make myself leave the house to do my shopping and whatever else, either with my Mum or my assistance dog. I knew staying home wasn't going to be good for my anxiety but at first it was great, a relief from having to try and be more social. Now, I feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle, that all the work I did on myself has gone to waste and I'm just too tired and fed up so I give up. I'm getting groceries e.t.c delivered, I'm looking for a way out of my toxic environment job so I can work from home. I'll still walk my dog and take him to doggy daycare as he shouldn't suffer and be trapped at home just because I am but that will be it. I know the less I leave the house, the harder it will become and the more unwell I will become but I don't care anymore. I can't survive an anti social new normal while trying to manage social anxiety. If it wasn't for my dog I wouldn't be here, this world isn't worth living in anymore. So the anxiety wins, I'm too tired to manage it anymore and don't see the point.

Rainbow97 So alone
  • replies: 4

I think the worst part is feeling so alone . Whenever I try to book a psychologist apptment there is always a few weeks wait . And when I try to book one it means that I need it . The lack of support for mental health is so debilitating at times

I think the worst part is feeling so alone . Whenever I try to book a psychologist apptment there is always a few weeks wait . And when I try to book one it means that I need it . The lack of support for mental health is so debilitating at times

Myles5 Social / constant generalised anxiety taking over my life
  • replies: 3

Hi guys, I am wondering if anyone can relate with me, been really suffering lately. feel like I’m the only person in the world who could be going through this 28 yo male. Been suffering pretty badly with constant anxiety for around 5 years which all ... View more

Hi guys, I am wondering if anyone can relate with me, been really suffering lately. feel like I’m the only person in the world who could be going through this 28 yo male. Been suffering pretty badly with constant anxiety for around 5 years which all started after taking a lot of drugs at a party. But I believe it goes back further to when I was younger, with my traumatic childhood and my dad taking his own life when I was 15 I have tried pretty much every treatment since, the only thing that’s really made a difference is a good diet and joining the gym. but what seems to be getting worse lately is the social anxiety side of things. Getting to the point where I can barely speak to my own family and only feel comfortable when in my home. It’s really killing me and holding me back in life. It’s hard to explain, but whenever I’m in social situations I feel like everyone is watching and judging me for looking stupid/ on edge. My list of friends is going down big time and it’s impossible to go out and meet people/ talk to females its really upsetting because I used to be really out there when I was younger, now I can’t even put a sentence together when someone’s around. Whats triggered it a lot for me lately is seeing a lot of my close friends getting married/ having kids while I’m an anxious mess. guess what I’m asking is has anyone experienced similar issues and maybe got through it? If so what helped you. Really appreciate anyone taking the time to reply. thanks, Myles

April30 What to do when you're having a panic attack
  • replies: 6

Hey, Can anyone please tell me what can help when you're having a panic attack? I don't know what to do cause I usually just try and distract myself with other things but that hasn't been working anymore cause it's getting worse and I just don't know... View more

Hey, Can anyone please tell me what can help when you're having a panic attack? I don't know what to do cause I usually just try and distract myself with other things but that hasn't been working anymore cause it's getting worse and I just don't know what to do cause I get so freaked out for no real reason and my chest gets so tight and I just want to run away, but obviously in most circumstances I can't just run so I just have to like wait til it passes, but sometimes that takes aaaaages. And I hate feeling so alone with it like I want to reach out to a friend when it's really bad but I'm always too scared I'll sound like an idiot and what if they just judge me an think I'm a wuss. I have one friend I sometimes tell but I'm too scared to go to him too often about it cause I'm worried he'll get sick of me and my anxiety and depression.. But yeah, any tips for how to try make it better please let me know Cheers

greatoutdoors123 Lonely
  • replies: 3

Hi guys. I am really struggling with loneliness at the moment. I live interstate and moved here 2 years ago in my own for work. Because of covid I don’t get to visit home very often now. I’ve always been really proud of the fact I can live away from ... View more

Hi guys. I am really struggling with loneliness at the moment. I live interstate and moved here 2 years ago in my own for work. Because of covid I don’t get to visit home very often now. I’ve always been really proud of the fact I can live away from home and do fine but lately I haven’t been doing fine. I feel ashamed and embarrassed that I don’t have a group of friends here (I have accumulated friends but it’s not a whole ‘team’ so to speak). I spend a lot of time alone and each weekend if one of my few friends is busy then I spend more time alone. I’m embarrassed by this and feel like I’m wasting my youth in a way. Lately it’s getting a bit much and I have been very teary. Can anyone relate?

Gandalf123 help with these waves please
  • replies: 2

Hi, I think I've been having situational anxiety for many weeks now. Not sure when it will clear up but I'm trying to cope best I can. The big thing is these damn waves. Just when I think I'm making progress, these strong waves of stress/anxiety come... View more

Hi, I think I've been having situational anxiety for many weeks now. Not sure when it will clear up but I'm trying to cope best I can. The big thing is these damn waves. Just when I think I'm making progress, these strong waves of stress/anxiety come back. Many times they are overwhelming. Feel like crying. How can I deal with these waves please? anyone.

Rowantrek Employment Troubles
  • replies: 1

Hi all, So I live with a fairly nasty dose of GAD intertwined with a panic disorder (fun right?). I graduated high school in 2019 and spent late 2019 and early 2020 working in Live Events Industry. Due to Covid, I haven't had any regular work since t... View more

Hi all, So I live with a fairly nasty dose of GAD intertwined with a panic disorder (fun right?). I graduated high school in 2019 and spent late 2019 and early 2020 working in Live Events Industry. Due to Covid, I haven't had any regular work since then. I can happily say that I am reaching a point in my treatment where I need to re-enter the workforce, but I have had some troubles with that. Whenever, I apply for a position, I get very stressed and anxious, about being trapped/committed to working with a company, regular hours, etc. Most of the previous year I have spent at home watching TV or Gaming, to keep myself entertained. On top of this, I have a couple of promising opportunities of full time work with some really understanding and caring employers, in an industry I enjoy and have a passion for. This bring another level of stress of the mere thought of having full time work. If anyone would have any advice on how to adapt to this situation, I would appreciate it greatly. Cheers, Rowan

Bulldogbobby73 Anxiety and my heart
  • replies: 5

Hello everyone, This is my first post and I like a lot of people am suffering from anxiety. it all started a few weeks ago when I was cooking a BBQ around my in-laws house and I had felt really anxious all day with non- specific pains all over my bod... View more

Hello everyone, This is my first post and I like a lot of people am suffering from anxiety. it all started a few weeks ago when I was cooking a BBQ around my in-laws house and I had felt really anxious all day with non- specific pains all over my body but the ones in my diaphragm caused me to start worrying, then I did a stupid thing ad measured my heart rate on my phone app and it was 143, that was it, I freaked out and demand my wife take me to the ER. Bottom line - I was there for four hours or so, the nurses were great though, they done a ECG, blood tests and chest X-Ray, all was normal and they suggested to see someone for my anxiety. Then the very next week I had the biggest palpitation I’ve had in my life sitting with my wife and my little boy, so I freaked out again and went to the ER - same thing, tests all good but they kept me there from 8 in the evening until 5 in the morning. But told me the same thing. My problem is my heart rate always seems high now 120 odd and I am constantly vigilant there is something wrong, I am never relaxed and when it seems I am something always happens. Last night I woke up with my heart nearly beating out of my chest and it took me an age to calm myself down (I am seeing a sleep specialist as I think I have apnoea) so all day I have felt terrible as I haven’t slept and my anxiety has reached such levels that I feel like I am going to have a breakdown. Has anyone felt something like this- I feel so alone land helpless.

Yen2 Just got diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder after 10 years and I don't know what to do.
  • replies: 28

So it turns out I have GAD and I don't know why. I tick all the symptoms. I worry about the future and everything I can but I can't stop it. I'm constantly tired and hungry everyday. I bite and pick my fingers and can't concentrate well. I tried usin... View more

So it turns out I have GAD and I don't know why. I tick all the symptoms. I worry about the future and everything I can but I can't stop it. I'm constantly tired and hungry everyday. I bite and pick my fingers and can't concentrate well. I tried using those anxiety-relief toys and meditation but nothing works for me. I'm not sure what to do even though I'm quite happy I finally know what's happening to me. I know I can do therapy or take medications. I'm keen on starting my therapy treatment next week but at the same time I'm quite at a lost on what I should do before then...Should I still function the same way I am now? I can't tell my family in detail as they wouldn't give me very good advice, my friends are ultra busy and also have things going on so my only support right now is my boyfriend. But I know I can't rely on him everytime as that can be exhausting to his mental health adding with all he has going on. Would love to hear similar stories and how you deal with GAD! Stay safe

altered_stu I have had ongoing burning/stinging/irritated skin for months. Could this be anxiety?
  • replies: 1

For a few months now, I have been experiencing a sensation that feels like sunburn in certain parts of my body (tops of feet, buttocks, neck, forehead). The sensations come and go but they are there every day. My dermatologist ran blood tests and can... View more

For a few months now, I have been experiencing a sensation that feels like sunburn in certain parts of my body (tops of feet, buttocks, neck, forehead). The sensations come and go but they are there every day. My dermatologist ran blood tests and can't find anything wrong. Often there is no visible sign, but sometimes there is some blotchy redness. It's causing me a lot of distress - it's uncomfortable to walk or sit sometimes, and other times my feet burn so much I can't get to sleep at night. It's also contributing to my health anxiety because I keep wondering if it means MS or something, or just that it will never get resolved. Has anyone else had this with anxiety?