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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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DeidreDear Have you tried Redi Calm?
  • replies: 5

I'm looking at buying redi calm which I found on the internet from america and was wandering of anyone has tried it before and what was their experience?

I'm looking at buying redi calm which I found on the internet from america and was wandering of anyone has tried it before and what was their experience?

Dove20 Worried about not being able to financially take care of my parents
  • replies: 4

Hi guys, Lately, with my dad nearing retirement, I've been developing constant anxiety about whether I will be able to financially take care of my parents whilst dealing with my own mental health issues. Both my parents were immigrants and came over ... View more

Hi guys, Lately, with my dad nearing retirement, I've been developing constant anxiety about whether I will be able to financially take care of my parents whilst dealing with my own mental health issues. Both my parents were immigrants and came over to Australia with little to no money. We are not a rich family. Right now, my dad is 62 and works a really labour intensive job travelling to many different locations a day (around 25+); he is trying his hardest to work until he can reach 66-67 so that he can qualify for age pension benefits and won’t need to worry that much about finances. However, given that it is a really labour intensive job this is unlikely. At most, I believe my dad can only work for 1-2 years more. My mum has always been a stay at home mum of 3 and is currently a stay at home caretaker of my sister's infant (childcare is too expensive to be an option). I currently work as a casual employee but with COVID it is difficult to get shifts. So, when my dad cannot physically work anymore and has to retire but doesn’t qualify for age pension benefits, it will be me and my older sister who will likely be taking care of the finances from then on. This thought has stressed me out and is one of the main thoughts that are triggering my mental health issues. In terms of my health, I've been suffering from mental health issues for a while and it has affected me and my ability to do a lot of things. This year my mental health was debilitating; my mind would not stop overthinking about my finances and responsibilities. It was so bad I started having random panic attacks, even at home when there was no trigger. I know Super is a thing, but at the current moment, my dad only has around $27,000 in his super. Arguably, this is not enough to keep afloat for a few years until he can qualify for his age pension benefits. I’ve been really worried about what’s going to happen so I decided to halt my goals, deferred my studies (in law) to find a stable job and save as much as I can before this happens. 
 However, my anxiety has made it difficult for me to commit to full-time jobs so, after deferring, I’ve been searching for a part-time job at an environment that is calm and won’t have any events or situations that can trigger me. However, this is also difficult given the current employment situation in Australia. Any advice or reassurances about our government benefits would be welcomed

AMMoverthinking Health Anxiety is ruining my life
  • replies: 47

I have always had anxiety. As a little kid I would have panic attacks if we drove across the Westgate Bridge certain it was going to break and we would plummet to our deaths. When their was a black out I was certain someone was going to break in and ... View more

I have always had anxiety. As a little kid I would have panic attacks if we drove across the Westgate Bridge certain it was going to break and we would plummet to our deaths. When their was a black out I was certain someone was going to break in and kills is etc. After having my children my anxiety ramped up. I am constantly certain I have one health disease or another and I become fixated on it and really depressed. Once I go and get it checked and get the all clear I am fine for a little while until I start to fixate on something else. I’m currently convinced I have breast cancer. I didn’t sleep. I now can’t eat and have to go to work soon and pretend everything is okay when really I just want to curl up into a ball abs cry. I finally got the courage to mention it to my doctor last year but be wasted me to see a psych. I also have social anxiety so speaking to a stranger opens a whole over can of worms for me. my biggest fear stems from leaving my children and not getting to see the grow up. So when I’m like this even seeing my children will upset me. I have a doctors apt this afternoon but my regular doctor was away so now I need to see a stranger . Plus I know she’ll probably just want to send me for an ultrasound so that’s another day or so wait for that. I do already have dense breast tissue found the last time I was convinced I had breast cancer so my boobs already feel different so I can’t even calm myself down this time. I’m just so panicked today m.

Freewhale Anxious about what people think of me with HSP
  • replies: 19

Hi there, This is my very first post since I discovered this wonderful place. Reading the threads and other people's stories really inspired me. I feel like there is hope at the end of the tunnel and that I am not alone. My story is quite typical, I ... View more

Hi there, This is my very first post since I discovered this wonderful place. Reading the threads and other people's stories really inspired me. I feel like there is hope at the end of the tunnel and that I am not alone. My story is quite typical, I am always sensitive towards other people's opinions of me since a young age. And it intensified since I started working. I also have very high expectation of myself, and these two combined have taken a toll on me from mid last year. I was put on multiple projects at the same time, in a territory I am not familiar with, I was working so hard trying make it work. However, with all the pressure and my eagerness to prove myself, it triggered my first anxiety attack. I removed myself from the projects to protect my mental health, but I felt quite shameful since then and ultimately found another job instead. The new job was great to start with, however, there were a couple of recent changes have shifted the picture completely. Since the pandemic started, I have been struggling for a bit. The constant feeling of not being viewed as a good performer has haunted me on regular basis, I also feel quite difficult to nevigate through the office politics and play the game. To change it, I've started to jog and meditate every day. I also write journals to record my feelings/achievements. And enrolled to a Mindspot online course. But the negative thoughts still hit me everyday. Does anyone else experience it? How do you manage it?

Townsie Throbbing Pain That I Can Not Shake. Anyone Else?
  • replies: 4

So I have done some reading through the forums and I can’t seem to find one that mimics my symptoms although I understand everyone’s symptoms are a little different. I’m new to this and this is my first post. Hopefully someone finds this helpful! my ... View more

So I have done some reading through the forums and I can’t seem to find one that mimics my symptoms although I understand everyone’s symptoms are a little different. I’m new to this and this is my first post. Hopefully someone finds this helpful! my most common symptom is like a throbbing pain in my stomach and it can rotate up my ribs and into my chest, when I get these pains they don’t go away for hrs. So the throbbing pain is my most worrying one. shooting/electric shock pain from left ribs down to stomach or in chest. Heart palpitations muscle spasms dizzy spells lethargic to name a few seen specialists, Had ECG, ultrasounds, CT’s, X-rays, full bloods and everything seems fine. Made big lifestyle changes but for some reason whenever I’m feeling down and anxious my mind seems to take control and put me in a hole even after having all these test done. Anyone else get symptoms similar to mine? Just need someone to relate to so I don’t feel alone.

trueblue New to forum - I can't work and hardly function due to my anxiety
  • replies: 6

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I 40ish year old male who has always led a very healthy life and have always excelled in my professional life. However, my life has spiraled out of control over the past 2 years and my anx... View more

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I 40ish year old male who has always led a very healthy life and have always excelled in my professional life. However, my life has spiraled out of control over the past 2 years and my anxiety is so bad that I can't leave the house. I had to quit work a year and a half ago so I could try to recover. However, I haven't improved and if anything I have gotten much worse. My life started to change when I started to suffer from severe back pain which restricted my life. On top of that, I have a chronic knee problem as well. This hasn't been such a big deal but i know it was the start of my decline. The restrictive nature of my injuries made me become somewhat reclusive. During this period I had some financial stress and then had a family member become quite sick which again fueled my anxiety. I was able to cope ok during this period of time, but became aware that I had some anxiety issues. I know that I am predisposed to anxiety issues because it runs in the family and looking back on my life, there were times I was not aware, but i suffered from anxiety. Anyway, the above issues were not such a big deal for me as I handled it ok and function normally with bouts of what i thought was anxiety and depression. The real trigger for my anxiety was when a contracted a skin disease on my face called rosacea, which is quite common (burning sensation and redness in the face). There are many reasons for contracting this disease and one can be from high levels of stress and anxiety, which i am sure is the cause. This condition made my anxiety go through the roof and I actually took time off from work to get my anxiety under control and to fight this condition. I was still able to go out and do things but i did cut myself off from a lot of people especially some family members and friends, but i was doing my best. It was at this point of my life something happened which has totally ruined my life. I went to a skin clinic for something else which was more for aesthetic reasaons around my eyes. I informed the practioner at this clinic that i suffered from rosacea but didn't want it treated. During two separate phone calls I had to tell the practioner I didn't want the treatment for my rosacea on my face which is done by IPL (similar to a laser). I remember at the time being a little annoyed during my conversation because i twice told her i didn't want treatment for my rosacea. Then i went for my appoinment for my eye treatement and I went into the consultation room. The practitioner started to go on again about my treating my face with IPL for my rosacea. Again, a little annoyed, i said "NO". I told her the reasons, 1. being that I am on beta blockers which have greatly reduced my burning sensation of my face 2. That my rosacea is very very mild and unoticeable to people 3. That I have really struggled mentally and am at a point of acceptance. 4. I am really scared of IPL/lasers on my face. The practitioner responded by laughing at me. She then informed me that IPL was totally safe and that she has 17 years of experience and she treated her ex husband who had the same condition. Again, i said no to her and then went into the treatment room for the treatment on my eyes. Whilst laying on the table, she again kept at me about how she couldn't believe i was scared. This is where i made the biggest mistake of my life. I gave in and said, "OK, do it but can you "test patch me"? I had read on websites about test patching for my condition. She said, ok and test patched a spot and waited 5 minutes (later I was to find out that test patching of IPL should be a 4 week wait, not a 5 minute wait). The result of what I was told was totally safe was a small 3rd degree burn on my face next to my nose, like a severe cigarette burn. On top of that, she made my face much worse and traumatised my skin from what I believe was an IPL with levels of heat being way too high. The skin on my face is now super super sensitive and noticeably damaged. My face has gone from being unoticeable to noticeable and is hyper sensitive to the elements. This all happened a year ago. I have left the house 3 times, all for doctors/specialists appointments. It took 11 months for me to be able to leave the house to see the specialists as i was just too scared and depressed to leave. I refused to step foot out of the house. Now, my life is in ruins. I am on anti anxiety meds which have taken till now to work a little. My anger over my IPL treatment is something i find hard to overcome. In hindsight, the practioner showed gross negligence on so many levels and when i think back to it i just can't believe i relented. I just can't ever see myself leading a normal life. My anxiety and depression were bad enough prior to this treatment disaster and it just sent me over the edge. To make matters worse, the skin problem i had has spread to my eyes which means i have extreme light sensitivity and can't watch tv and it is killing me just to type this message. With my depression and anxiety, i just can't work. I can't ever see myself working. I now have a chronic back, knee and eye problem. On top of that I have the skin trauma to my face wich was the final nail in the coffin for me. I have always had beautiful skin and above average looks. Physically I can't work and mentally I am stuffed. I have been too scared to leave the house and speak with a psychologist. I have made several appointments for dermatologists, eye specialists and doctors but continually cancel and postpone. I don't really want to speak to a psychologist because they can't fix my physical problems, mainly the trauma to the skin on my face and my eyes. If i could fix those two things, it would get me back on track but i know they are not fixable. I have had some horrific days where i just breakdown and have that feeling of complete dispair. I have had some seriously bad thoughts. I get little to no pleasure in life as i am housbound and am confined to listening to the radio because of my eyes. I have lived the past 2 years off my savings, but i know i can't continue living off my own money. However, i just can't work because my anxiety and depression won't allow me too. I am angry, have no motivation and have no happiness. All i want in life is to live a reclusive lifestyle. I will not go out in society again but i am scared for my future. Sorry for the long post. I know i rambled on a lot. This has been torture on my parents. I have cut myself off from all of my friends and my extended family. My best friend lives 300m from me but i haven't seen him for 1 year. All i want is to be alone for the rest of my life. Cheers

Sam2019 High dose medication for anxiety - worried about the long term effects
  • replies: 8

So as the title states ive gone through 8 month of sever health anxiety. It started last year with irregular heart beats then turned into breathing issues then now motor neuron disease. Im temoring , twitching and feel weakness in half my body. Ive s... View more

So as the title states ive gone through 8 month of sever health anxiety. It started last year with irregular heart beats then turned into breathing issues then now motor neuron disease. Im temoring , twitching and feel weakness in half my body. Ive seen just about every speciliast from a cardiologist ti a neurologist but all tests come up clean . At this point ive been under so mu h anxiety and stress speciallly with covid that im unable to work. I cant even talk without my face and tongue feeling strained. My neurologist thinks my brain has basically had enough and is shutting down . He said its time we start on something settle it down . He suggeted anti-anxiety medication for a month or 2 daily and then come see him again . He said once ive setelled down we will taper off and start a low dose ssri for the longer term . Now im reading horror stories about the daily use of anti-anxiety medication . I dont want to make my situatiom worse but at the same time im not functioning anymore . Im in a lose lose situation ! How hard will it be to get off medication after that period of time? Is it doable ?

Debmc471 New anxiety issue
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone I’m new to anxiety and am feeling it in a specific way. I’m finding myself scared of driving and have done so for the past few days. Has anyone else felt the same? Thanks

Hi everyone I’m new to anxiety and am feeling it in a specific way. I’m finding myself scared of driving and have done so for the past few days. Has anyone else felt the same? Thanks

HC4000 Work issues giving me anxiety. Advice appreciated!
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone, I have a problem where i have recently changed jobs in the last 12 months- I have a technical background and part of my past experience has been that i was in a scenario where i had depression ( due to a work issue) and hence i was unabl... View more

Hi everyone, I have a problem where i have recently changed jobs in the last 12 months- I have a technical background and part of my past experience has been that i was in a scenario where i had depression ( due to a work issue) and hence i was unable to display my knowledge in my field. After that, I got better and decided to go back to my previous role ( which wasn't very technical) and have done so- unfortunately rumours of my lack of knowledge have spread to my new workplace ( which is a company in a related field) and my fellow workmates are giving me trouble at work by menacing me, speaking ill of me and other subtle ways to show their anger. Can someone advise me as to what I should do ? I have passed my probation and the job market right now is terrible - I don't really want to change my job, but dealing with this stress is killing me slowly. thanks

crazycatlady13 Anxiety and late periods?
  • replies: 6

Hi all, I've been going through pretty bad anxiety over the last couple of weeks since stage 4 lockdowns started. In fact this year is the worst for me. My periods have started becoming irregular since March, it has been late twice so far and this mo... View more

Hi all, I've been going through pretty bad anxiety over the last couple of weeks since stage 4 lockdowns started. In fact this year is the worst for me. My periods have started becoming irregular since March, it has been late twice so far and this month it is late again and it is adding more anxiety/stress for me. My main worry of course is pregnancy even though the chances are quite low. I haven't taken a test yet because it hasn't been more than a week late but it is something I will consider if it gets any later. I want to know, do any of you other ladies get delayed/missing periods due to anxiety? I haven't experienced this much anxiety in my life and my periods are always regular but the irregularity is stressing me out