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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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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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wiwolf Going Out With Social Anxiety
  • replies: 9

I'm trying to get out more to help my depression. For example I joined a gym, and it gives me free access to a pool. I'm excited about that, but in my mind I have no idea how I can do that. I can't fathom how I alone could go and swim in a pool. Or l... View more

I'm trying to get out more to help my depression. For example I joined a gym, and it gives me free access to a pool. I'm excited about that, but in my mind I have no idea how I can do that. I can't fathom how I alone could go and swim in a pool. Or like, do laps? Do I get in, swim a certain number of laps and then just get out? How do I not look creepy?

Bennyboy10 digestive issues due to SSRI
  • replies: 1

Hi Everyone just wanted to know if anyone has experienced stomach issues while on an SSRI? I have been on them for about a year and suffered really bad with stomach pains and Diarhea. Problem is im not sure if its my anxiety or the medication that is... View more

Hi Everyone just wanted to know if anyone has experienced stomach issues while on an SSRI? I have been on them for about a year and suffered really bad with stomach pains and Diarhea. Problem is im not sure if its my anxiety or the medication that is causing this. And it just becomes a vicious cycle as i suffer with anxiety about my health.

Felixblack Muscle twitching, bizarre soreness, tingling hands and feet
  • replies: 10

Hi all I'm new to this forum and just reaching out to see if anyone out there has or is experiencing muscle twitching all over, strange muscle fatigue and soreness particularly in calves and forearms that cannot be explained, tingling/pins and needle... View more

Hi all I'm new to this forum and just reaching out to see if anyone out there has or is experiencing muscle twitching all over, strange muscle fatigue and soreness particularly in calves and forearms that cannot be explained, tingling/pins and needles in hands and feet...as though there's not enough circulation there.. occasional sharp shooting pains in muscles or possibly nerves. I have had a very stressful past 12 months so I'm hoping these odd new symptoms are anxiety related. I have definitely had the worst health anxiety ever this past year... could these new symptoms be my body's way of telling me I'm in fight or flight? Two doctors do not seem to be concerned. I'm worried about MND or MS or something else and am I am booked to see a neurologist next Monday. I'm trying hard to stay positive but I cannot believe anxiety/stress could cause such blatant physical symptoms. Feeling scared and alone. Hope to hear from someone!

Guest_13432 Odd anxiety symptom
  • replies: 3

I don’t know if anyone can relate and if you do please respond, I kind of get a feeling like Im high on some kind of drugs during my panic attacks, it’s really distressing! thank you.

I don’t know if anyone can relate and if you do please respond, I kind of get a feeling like Im high on some kind of drugs during my panic attacks, it’s really distressing! thank you.

TheBigBlue Understanding Anxiety, is it even possible?
  • replies: 1

It’s been a tough few months, I have been working on my complex trauma & depression & have noticed small improvements. But I feel like my anxiety is getting worse. So my past 2 sessions with the psychologist have been focused on that. My psychiatrist... View more

It’s been a tough few months, I have been working on my complex trauma & depression & have noticed small improvements. But I feel like my anxiety is getting worse. So my past 2 sessions with the psychologist have been focused on that. My psychiatrist also prescribed a new anti-anxiety med but I’m yet to notice any effect as yet (it’s only been 6 days use so far). Anyway, I am truly mystified by my behaviour with the psychologist. I was telling her about the time I was at a party & was too scared to ask for a spoon. It’s sounds incredibly ridiculous, but that’s what happened. I decided not to eat my slice of cake because I was too scared to ask for a spoon! So the psychologist said let’s practise now. I had to pretend to hold the cake & ask for a spoon. There was no one around except her & I. And I felt so embarrassed & humiliated I couldn’t bring myself to do it. And I burst into tears. A week later I’m still mystified why I found this so difficult???? Today my anxiety was elevated after just talking to the psychologist about my breathing. She wanted me to do the breathing exercises we had practised last week. But I would not do it until she looked away. I just couldn’t stand to be watched while I “breathed”. So she had to turn away from me while I did it & she talked me through it. What the h*ll is wrong with me???? Then she asked me to say one thing nice about myself. I couldn’t. I told her this & she kept pushing me. I finally come out with “I guess I’m caring”. She said ok, let’s work with that. And she made me repeat after her numerous times “I am a caring person & that is why people like me”. Over & over. She was waiting for me to say it in an affirmative manner. When I finally did she praised me & said to give myself a pat on the back. But I couldn’t. I wasn’t feeling any achievement, didn’t feel like a deserved a pat on the back. She mentioned that I have some very negative core beliefs (we’ve been through all that previously) but as it turns out, It seems I can’t accept praise from others or even praise myself without feeling awkward, embarrassed, humiliated. i don’t understand why feel this way? Why is anxiety so hard to live with & understand? why do I do the things I do? does anyone else find their daily lives messed up because of anxiety or missed opportunities because your anxiety? Or am I the only sad soul out there who doesn’t fit into this world?

Guest_13432 Fear of losing touch with reality
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone, this is my first time doing this and I’m terrified but here goes. one night I got spiked with MDMA by people I knew, I have had history with anxiety, it didn’t affect me that bad but I felt a lot of anger with the people who did it, fast... View more

Hi everyone, this is my first time doing this and I’m terrified but here goes. one night I got spiked with MDMA by people I knew, I have had history with anxiety, it didn’t affect me that bad but I felt a lot of anger with the people who did it, fast forwards 2 months I went out with the same people, they were talking about taking MDMA and a few minutes later I was convinced I got spiked again, I had someone I could trust with me and they took me out of the situation and tried to convince me I wasn’t spiked but I wasn’t having it, it felt so real and was convinced something was wrong.. after that night my anxiety has been so bad, where do I begin.. firstly I am convinced that I am developing schizophrenia because after that night I have been so paranoid.. I always have panic attacks that I have been spiked again, I can’t drink from bottles, I don’t trust anyone and always think they have alternative motives, during this time of my life my then girlfriend had left me and literally attacked me, I couldn’t believe who she had become which made me even more paranoid, I can’t go out on a date without some type or paranoid thinking, it’s causing me panic attack after panic attack.. I have so much on my mind so I apologise if I’m not making complete sense, to go back to what I was saying about the night I thought I got spiked, I was conviced I actually got spiked for a while but realised when I had a similar panic attack that I didn’t, but I’m still very paranoid about everyone and question everyone’s motives, I’m scared that these are the first signs of schizophrenia and I’m developing it, I’m terrified can someone please help, thank you.

Andre_P Anxiety and Psychosomatic symptoms
  • replies: 18

Haven’t been on here in awhile. This has been the hardest year I’ve ever had - EVER. I’ve been looking for a new rental for the past 8 weeks solid. Put it this way, if I were to get paid for the effort I’ve put in id have about $3000 of extra money i... View more

Haven’t been on here in awhile. This has been the hardest year I’ve ever had - EVER. I’ve been looking for a new rental for the past 8 weeks solid. Put it this way, if I were to get paid for the effort I’ve put in id have about $3000 of extra money in my pocket. I don’t even know where to start. I’ve got to get out of this place. Can’t stand living with dad. Not only does he not support me or is unable to, he actually annoys me and further fuels my anxiety/ocd/panic. My anxiety is affecting my OAB and is creating very real symptoms. The rental market has gone completely mental and there must be up to 12-20 applicants per house. I have looked at 500 homes online, 60 - 70 in person and applied for up to 14 homes. My record is immaculate but it’s a numbers game and people don’t like pets. while I’m anxious I’m also quite frustrated that someone won’t give me a go. I’m starting to really dislike people and I’m just pissed off I can’t get out of this place no matter how hard I try. I just need a break. Mums trapped in QLD n I’m trapped here in WA. I’m trying to organise a house for mum n I. The covid19 was the worst thing to happen to this economy and people’s attitude and perception in general. I need a house the most but I’m getting the least acknowledgment. I gotta be honest I can maybe go on like this for another month. I’m seeing my psychologist and he’s good but yep I give it a month before I completely lose the plot. To be honest I’m soo tired at looking for homes it’s ridiculous. I suffer with ocd so doing something over and over is something I actively try and avoid to be normal. Looking for rentals for 8 weeks solid makes me feel very distraught to say the least. anyway...

Andrew22 Health Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hello, I’ve had health anxiety for some time now. About 3 weeks ago I was really convinced I had Brain cancer as I was getting really bad headaches and tingly feeling in legs had a mri and everything was fine. Now because I still have a tingly feelin... View more

Hello, I’ve had health anxiety for some time now. About 3 weeks ago I was really convinced I had Brain cancer as I was getting really bad headaches and tingly feeling in legs had a mri and everything was fine. Now because I still have a tingly feeling and now my muscles ache a lot I’ve convinced myself I have ALS. Recently my throat has been really tight and feeling of something is in it. I just feel really depressed and not motivated right now and have convinced myself that I have this rare disease. Can anyone help me?

Sam42 What can a Psychologist really do for you?
  • replies: 4

Hey Guys, I've have been struggling with debilitating anxiety for a while and had a few bouts of depression as well. I've posted on here before and the support has been great. I was hoping to ask for some more advice as it's been almost a year since ... View more

Hey Guys, I've have been struggling with debilitating anxiety for a while and had a few bouts of depression as well. I've posted on here before and the support has been great. I was hoping to ask for some more advice as it's been almost a year since then. I have been to see my GP a few times and I've seen a psychologist once (Until COVID happened and I haven't been able to go back). Currently, they have opened back up and before I talked myself out of it again, I book another appt for late August. My anxiety has gotten to a point where it's affecting my everyday life and ability to live (for a while now if I'm honest) and I feel as though I stuck in a sort of limbo in wanting to move forward, but not being able to on my own. Recently, I've had to open up to my parents which has been difficult but necessary. My mum has been trying to occupy my time, get me moving rather than dwelling and trying to provide some purpose, which has been good. But I feel like I've just gone as far as I can with just that, and I'm still not able to move forward in my life. I'm on a leave of absence from uni as it was getting to be too much for me. the deadline is running out on this and I don't know if it would be the right decision to return or not or even to try a new path. It was taking a significant toll on my mental health and I was becoming incredibly frustrated and disappointed in myself - I struggled to concentrate, focus and retain information. Also, myself self-discipline and motivation were almost nonexistent - only the pressure of deadlines was enough to get me to get any work done. So, my question is what can a Psychologist really (and practically) do for you? I really just wish and need to get myself back to a point where even if I am still struggling with my anxiety and can manage most aspects of day-to-day adult life. Also, if any of you guys with similar issues may have some advice on how to cope and manage to work or study (especially from home) any advice would be appreciated. It is incredibly difficult and disheartening to struggle with every small thing and to work and study so hard only to come out the other side feeling as though you remember nothing. Thank you all in advance.

Whatsinaname I can't be alone
  • replies: 1

Hi, I hope everyone is well, I'm in rural victoria so heading into lock down again. I've been working from home since march, in the office on and off. I always thought it would be great to work from home but turns out if I'm alone to much my anxiety ... View more

Hi, I hope everyone is well, I'm in rural victoria so heading into lock down again. I've been working from home since march, in the office on and off. I always thought it would be great to work from home but turns out if I'm alone to much my anxiety sneaks up on me. I have a bad habit of ruminating and distractions are what stops me. If I'm alone there is nothing stopping me. The idea of being locked down from seeing my parents and even my inlaws is terrifying. I'm lucky, I'm allowed to work from my parents house, due to my anxiety. But it does make me.wonder, how happy can I ever be if I cant be alone?