Support
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 conversation

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
Categories
Start a conversation

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. 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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Flummoxed Effective OCD treatment
  • replies: 14

Hi, I'm a parent of a teen who (we think - not sure what has been officially diagnosed) has high-functioning autism spectrum, anxiety and, now, OCD. Washing hands to the point of skin irritation. I won't list other signs out of respect for her privac... View more

Hi, I'm a parent of a teen who (we think - not sure what has been officially diagnosed) has high-functioning autism spectrum, anxiety and, now, OCD. Washing hands to the point of skin irritation. I won't list other signs out of respect for her privacy but they are clear. We aren't coping well, which prompts this post, but the purpose of the post is to ask about a course of action. I don't think this is a problem that can be talked out of, either with carers or with a professional. Everything I read suggests CBT or drugs are the only proven interventions for OCD. I am not cool with drugs so I think she needs CBT. She has had a couple of telesessions with a psychologist in response to the OCD (as well as other sessions years ago, all unhelpful) but so far it's all been talk therapy. Which feels like a waste of time to me (in fact I worry it makes matters worse). There are more sessions scheduled. Should I ring the pysch and ask her to outline her intended approach? Or am I wrong in my thoughts above? (Admin, wasn't sure whether to put this here or in the carer's forum - up to you.)

QuietMostofthetime Do I have some time of anxiety or am I just a shy introvert?
  • replies: 2

Recently I have been trying to come to some sort of answer as to why I feel the way I do in certain situations. If I could summarise the way that I feel it would be categorized as follows. Scenario 1: Job interviews for me, feel like when you underta... View more

Recently I have been trying to come to some sort of answer as to why I feel the way I do in certain situations. If I could summarise the way that I feel it would be categorized as follows. Scenario 1: Job interviews for me, feel like when you undertake your driver's license test. I have a feeling like I am slowly stiffening up or only able to communicate and portray in a mostly "yep", "that's fine" type of responses depending on the type of person or whether they give off an authoritative demeanor. It's like it takes away my confidence or so I become unable to articulate and explain myself how I wish to. What am I like, well I would say that I am rather introverted, however, I can talk to someone with no issues when I get to know them better. I do feel pressure in a retail store environment and if I had to work that type of job and deal with new people every day like that I feel like I would just keep hiding in my shell. I would say this happens when I go to a new destination by myself also. The other area of my life that this can affect me in is the enrollment of further higher education. I have completed two qualifications at TAFE to challenge my doubts that I have always had about my academic abilities. However, I don't yet feel satisfied with myself. I deep down want to go to University, but I always get constant thoughts of "What if you fail a subject", "University is more expensive and your debt could add up if you fail something", "Your English level is below average, you couldn't write 3000 words. I know I have been to TAFE but I view university as 10x harder than TAFE. I suppose I don't like failing in an educational setting. I do think that If I chose to do a degree I would complete it online. So that basically how I feel.

YHY89 Social anxiety and phobia of staying in others house
  • replies: 17

Hi everyone, I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember, but social anxiety has only started making appearance in recent years. My sister in law and her family hired a cabin for the upcoming June long weekend. My mother/father in law also own a c... View more

Hi everyone, I've had anxiety for as long as I can remember, but social anxiety has only started making appearance in recent years. My sister in law and her family hired a cabin for the upcoming June long weekend. My mother/father in law also own a cabin and it was assumed that the rest of the family would stay in their cabin. The cabin sleeps 6 people (1x Queen and a room with 2x bunk beds). My husband and I would be sharing the bunk beds with my other sister in law and her husband. I've always avoided staying at other people's houses and I'm worried about spending an entire long weekend in a tiny cabin. There's is minimal space/privacy, one bathroom to share, and my worst nightmare is sleeping in a room with other people! I also have OCD and have a very structured routine. Plus, I feel like I'd be in everyone's way and take too much time with showering/getting ready (I hate being rushed). With all this in mind, my hubby immediately told his Mum that we wouldn't be going. His Mum is apparently disappointed we're not coming and said "then, we'll have to organise another family get together to celebrate your Dad and sisters' birthdays". I feel so upset for being a disappointment & letting everyone down, compounded by the fact it's their birthdays. Part of me really doesn't want to go because I'll be uncomfortable the whole time, but I don't want to disappoint his family. What seems like an easy thing to do is giving me so much grief. I've taken the day off work and haven't been able to stop thinking about this situation. What should I do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ashlay Managing anxiety in morning and night
  • replies: 3

I have recently gone through a bout of anxiety which I find I'm slowly working through and progressing as each day goes on. During the day I'm able to distract myself and find I'm confident in moving through the anxiety and feeling more like myself. ... View more

I have recently gone through a bout of anxiety which I find I'm slowly working through and progressing as each day goes on. During the day I'm able to distract myself and find I'm confident in moving through the anxiety and feeling more like myself. Although as soon as it moves to the evening I find my worries, thoughts and feelings start to come back just as I start winding down for the day. I too wake in the morning with feelings of anxiety wondering if I still feel anxious or what is making me anxious is still there. Anyone with any tips, suggestions or just a chat it would be greatly appreciated.

ayyjude Anxious sleeping since moving into a new apartment
  • replies: 4

Hey everyone, I'm 25 and just moved out of my childhood home recently. For some extra context, my dad passed away when I was very young and mum as well about a year ago. Even after her passing I was feeling fine living in our old home alone despite i... View more

Hey everyone, I'm 25 and just moved out of my childhood home recently. For some extra context, my dad passed away when I was very young and mum as well about a year ago. Even after her passing I was feeling fine living in our old home alone despite its problems and was eager to move to a new & safer apartment and begin the next chapter of my life. But now that I've finally moved, some unexpected stuff has come up, causing extra stress (I already tend to worry & overthink) and while I've pushed those thoughts away, I've recently started to find it difficult to fall asleep (FYI I've never had trouble sleeping in the past). I'm feeling like I'm nervous about sleeping which is just making it worse. I've been to a GP who prescribed melatonin & referred me to a therapist (whom I'll be seeing in a few days). I'm a light sleeper so I started wearing earplugs as well but found that my heart is still pounding and I just focus on my pounding heartbeat the whole time. I'm open to any tips and help and I understand improvement might be a lengthy process but I'm eager to try anything to improve my situation. Thanks in advance!

Nessa-chan Regret of buying a kitten- Help!
  • replies: 18

Hi, I'm a 21 year old GAD who is in their third and final year of university, along with a part time job and club leader. Recently about 5 days ago, my dad bought a 10-week old ragdoll kitten for me. For the last few years I've wanted a pet and only ... View more

Hi, I'm a 21 year old GAD who is in their third and final year of university, along with a part time job and club leader. Recently about 5 days ago, my dad bought a 10-week old ragdoll kitten for me. For the last few years I've wanted a pet and only about 3-4 weeks ago did I get permission to have a pet by my mum. I was only looking at some things to know about owning a cat and just bought a few things to see if I liked how it was in my room. The day after buying some things (that if I didn't want I would have given to a friend) my dad said he had found a kitten for our house, and later that weekend we got the kitten. I was very excited but nervous and anxious about having one. After 1-2 days I noticed that I was feeling more anxious and down then usual, and I recently have been going to therapy for my anxiety and depression. I noticed it was linked to the worry and anxiety about owning the kitten, the responsibility and the lost of my own personal alone time and space, along with time spent out of the house. I really value my alone personal time and space as an introvert, and miss going out with friends to study or eat (Missed our weekly study session). I think I and my dad rushed getting a kitten, as this huge responsibility was something I was not as prepared as I thought. I love my kitten so much but the anxiety of having him has caused me to lose my appetite, breakdown and cry (sometimes when I look at him I breakdown) and lose sleep. I don't know what to do! I really want to keep him as I love him so much, he is a great companion, very affectionate and when I look at him I have the thought "I don't want to lose him". But I don't have as much time as I thought for him. Owning him has caused a lot of mental health instability and unsureness, and I am very busy with university, part time work and hanging out with friends, and my family are busy with their life as well. Any advice as to what I should? Should I keep him or try selling him/ give him up?

pawsy Withdrew my application for a job. Feel like a loser
  • replies: 9

I have been unemployed for more than two years. I had an interview last week that went well. Immediately I was swamped by awful anxiety which went on for days. I convinced myself that I would not be able to do the job. That the workplace would be hos... View more

I have been unemployed for more than two years. I had an interview last week that went well. Immediately I was swamped by awful anxiety which went on for days. I convinced myself that I would not be able to do the job. That the workplace would be hostile and unsupportive, and I did not have the skills. I tried to tough it out until they let me know one way or another, which they said they would early this week. But then this morning I emailed and withdrew my application. I got a nice reply saying they were sorry I was withdrawing because I was still in the mix. I am sad my anxiety is so intense I seemingly cant take a risk like this job anymore. Feel so alone with my stupid thoughts in my head.

Jessa_ ADHD
  • replies: 2

I’m a 31 female and I think I might have ADHD. It would make a lot of sense if I did as I seem to have most of the symptoms. Has anyone in this thread been diagnosed with it? How did you go about getting a diagnosis and do you have any coping strateg... View more

I’m a 31 female and I think I might have ADHD. It would make a lot of sense if I did as I seem to have most of the symptoms. Has anyone in this thread been diagnosed with it? How did you go about getting a diagnosis and do you have any coping strategies? Everyone keeps telling me it’s just severe anxiety but I think it’s more

Guest_1573 Adult ADHD?
  • replies: 2

Hi All For as long as I can remember (since a very young child) I have always suffered from anxiety, fear, feeling 'different', feeling inadequate. I have a history of anorexia/body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder. PTSD (I w... View more

Hi All For as long as I can remember (since a very young child) I have always suffered from anxiety, fear, feeling 'different', feeling inadequate. I have a history of anorexia/body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder. PTSD (I won't go into it all here). Needless to say I have seen numerous professionals over the years. Been prescribed many medications. None of which worked. I have been doing some research and I actually think on top of everything I have adult ADHD. Probably always had it but it was undiagnosed hence never receiving the help I need. I ALWAYS feel on edge. Constantly. I can not stick to anything. I break appointments. I overeat or drink/smoke...always an oral fixation! I am constantly worn out from this. I truly never relax. I wake often during the night. I have always been a very highly strung person (I have a rather unfortunate history which has possibly made me this way?). Just wondered if anyone else feels the same and if they have been diagnosed? I am seeing GP this week to discuss. Now that I am middle aged one would think life would be calmer . It is the total opposite. Thanks for reading. Thanks for any responses.

Missmary05 Anxiety, palpitations and burping
  • replies: 1

Hi all, not sure if the post I was writing disappeared, so I'll rewrite. I've had anxiety all my life, but the symptoms of the latest flareup are extremely loud burping which can go on for quite a while after most meals, and often leads to bouts of e... View more

Hi all, not sure if the post I was writing disappeared, so I'll rewrite. I've had anxiety all my life, but the symptoms of the latest flareup are extremely loud burping which can go on for quite a while after most meals, and often leads to bouts of ectopy (3 or 4 normal beats, then a skipped beat or double beat). I have a hiatus hernia so am thinking my present anxiety could be exacerbating the gerd. I have this most days at the moment, and have had it before with previous bouts of anxiety. When I am relaxed, I don't get the burping or the palpitations. I've had tests which show my heart is fine but it's still scary, and the more I tense up, the more everything happens. I also sometimes get it when I wake in the night, but not as badly, and I find mornings are the worst times for me. I've started seeing a psychologist, and am taking essential oils and natural minerals (not sure how well they're working though). Don't want to make a habit of my medication either, but would like to know if anyone else has these anxiety symptoms, and if so, what do they find works for them.

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map