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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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Masked Consumed by anxiety - how do I get out?
  • replies: 11

Ive been up since 4am trying to calm myself down / self care / mindfulness / acceptance - nothing is working. Ive tried 2 helplines and cant get through. I cant even drink and I feel like im going to throw up. I have PNDA [post natal depression and a... View more

Ive been up since 4am trying to calm myself down / self care / mindfulness / acceptance - nothing is working. Ive tried 2 helplines and cant get through. I cant even drink and I feel like im going to throw up. I have PNDA [post natal depression and anxiety] plus a lot of big changes in my personal life. I am pursuing professional help. Okay just writing this all out has helped a bit. Any support out there?

moon_light I'm Suddenly Alone at School and Dying Inside
  • replies: 5

Hi! This is my first post here but I really need some advice so please tell me if I do anything wrong or if this post is only me being dramatic. I'm a Year 9 student with anxiety/OCD/depression and since beginning high school, I've been sitting with ... View more

Hi! This is my first post here but I really need some advice so please tell me if I do anything wrong or if this post is only me being dramatic. I'm a Year 9 student with anxiety/OCD/depression and since beginning high school, I've been sitting with the same friend group. I was only close friends with one of them (and my other close friend sits with a non-English speaking group) but the rest didn't mind me being there so I was fine with that. Last term though, half of the group moved schools and now the few of us that are left have all moved to other groups. I'm not comfortable enough with any of the others so I just followed my close friend to a group that she knew from her classes I'm not in. I sat with them for two days before my close friend basically told me that I was being too quiet and weird, and that I should go make other friends. My classmates are always friendly and I've tried asking some of them if I can sit with their groups, except they've all said they don't really want new people to join them. I've been crying in class sometimes whenever I remember and I have a constant empty ache in my chest/stomach which stops me from calming down and relaxing even at home. I hate how bad I feel all the time and the way that I can't do anything I used to like doing after school without being worried about tomorrow. Recently I've just been going to the library at recess and lunch then eating my food during class but it's closed one day each week. When the library is closed I try sitting with the group I followed my close friend to originally but I can tell they don't want me there. At this point, I think I might just hide in the toilet and read a book instead on that day. The truth is, I kind of enjoy being alone, I'm just worried that the other students or teachers will judge me for being some pathetic loser. I'm really hoping to study abroad next year if the borders open back up, which desperately want them to do because then I'll be gone for all of 2021 and will only have to survive Year 11 and 12 here (at least then I can pretend to be constantly studying for my HSC). My parents are very kind and supportive, but I don't want to tell them because I'm ashamed that their only child is like this. I'm really sorry for all my rambling, but does anyone know how can I find a friend group or just feel better about this entire situation?

Jmk22 Looking for some anxiety advice...
  • replies: 8

I just wanted to see if anyone out there could help me with some advice. I personally have generalised anxiety. For the most part I have it under control but as we all know bad days come and go. My husband has anxiety also. He has had this longer tha... View more

I just wanted to see if anyone out there could help me with some advice. I personally have generalised anxiety. For the most part I have it under control but as we all know bad days come and go. My husband has anxiety also. He has had this longer than I have known him and struggled with it on and off. He had a period of 6-7 years when we first met where for the most part it was under control and his medication was working for him. Now he keeps having these moments every 6-12 months where he gets terrified of going to work. The first time this happened he wouldn't go to work for 6 weeks. That was extremely hard. Since then its happened 2-3 more times but not for as long. It has ranged from a few days to a week. We are currently going through it again. He is nearly on week 3 of not going to work. He has eaten through the small bit of leave he did have. He has been in this job for over 10 years and if his boss didn't experience anxiety himself I honestly believe he would have lost his job a long time ago. I dont currently work. This was a decision that we made together and we are getting to that point in life where it's time to start thinking about a family but now this is happening again I dont know what to do. As harsh/bad as it sounds I'm losing trust in him. He will get up, get dressed and leave to go to work but then an hour later I get a text telling me he couldn't do it and he's turned around and gone to his parents house. Which is beyond frustrating. He defiantly over involves them in our lives. I'm at a loss and I dont know how to deal with it anymore. I know he can't control this but he is setting off all my fears and anxieties and affecting my mental health. If anyone could give any advice I would greatly appreciate it. I just dont know how to handle this anymore when it keeps happening over and over again.

MaddyR1 I need your help! What can I do to support my friend?
  • replies: 16

Hi everyone, I would really appreciate it if anyone who's experienced anxiety could take the time to read this and send through some advice. One of my closest friends has alluded to her struggles with anxiety, however she has a really hard time openi... View more

Hi everyone, I would really appreciate it if anyone who's experienced anxiety could take the time to read this and send through some advice. One of my closest friends has alluded to her struggles with anxiety, however she has a really hard time opening up about her feelings. On the odd occasion that she has made comments about her challenges, I think I've handled the situation poorly as I've rushed to giving advice/diagnosis (I now know NOT to do this) rather than properly listening. She lacks adequate support from her family as they have a hard time understanding mental illnesses, and so she's extremely reluctant to open up and seek help (perhaps due to a fear of judgment?) I've never had major issues with anxiety and I don't always know how to act around my friends that do have it, and so I really need advice from people who have been in my friend's situation. Here's some specific questions I have, even if you just answer one or two it would be a tremendous help. I know I can't push her into confiding in someone, but what can I do to let her know that I'm always there to talk to? If she does open up to me what are some things I should and shouldn't do? What were the things you really needed to hear from your friends when you were experiencing mental health issues? Should I suggest some resources for her, or does she need to be the one to take action?

Bones17 Feeling at a loss with my life
  • replies: 3

I recently relocated towns due to being really unhappy in my previous work as well as being unable to make meaningful connections in my outside life. I have been in my new place for just over a month and I am really enjoying my new work however, I ca... View more

I recently relocated towns due to being really unhappy in my previous work as well as being unable to make meaningful connections in my outside life. I have been in my new place for just over a month and I am really enjoying my new work however, I can't help but still feel empty inside. My anxiety levels still seem to be really high and I feel like I cannot make proper relationships with other people (no motivation to go out on a date/lack of desire to try and meet someone). I know that relationships aren't everything, however as I get older I can't help but feel I am going to be left behind. For so long my anxiety has ruled my life. It tells me I am horrible and ugly, it tells me I am unworthy and that people will judge me. I don't feel beautiful or that anyone will want to get to know the real me once they find out that I deal with this on a daily basis. I have friends that seem to care about me some of the time, but I frequently question how long they will be in my life. From previous experience people tend to leave me without warning or explanation so it's hard not to feel like I am the issue! I have tried joining a sport to find people but this has been unsuccessful in the past. As for online dating, I have been on a few dates with people but this never leads anywhere and I am at the point of just not even caring to go on the apps anymore as it feels like it will never be worth it. Have other people been able to shake this feeling? Or get past it? Or are some people just not destined to find their person? I am in the process of changing my anxiety medication to see if it will help but with that also comes its own anxiety attached to it too. Would like to hear people's thoughts and to know I am not crazy for thinking all of this? Thanks

HSPme Qualifying for disability or Centrelink options
  • replies: 5

Hi Im 25 years old and have been dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks since young. Ive been on a number of different medications. My conditions go through phases: sometimes manageable, sometimes not. When it’s good, I can cope with going gro... View more

Hi Im 25 years old and have been dealing with severe anxiety and panic attacks since young. Ive been on a number of different medications. My conditions go through phases: sometimes manageable, sometimes not. When it’s good, I can cope with going grocery shopping and a few outings per week. This is always followed by an episode which can happen at any time. I’m currently seeing a third psychologist to better manage my situation. I am worried that this may be a lifelong condition and that I won’t be able to get and maintain a normal job. I cannot cope with full time work at this time and I’m not sure I ever will. I am just hoping for anyone else’s experience in navigating Centrelink for similar situations. I don’t want to rely on it - far from it. I would love to be ‘normal’ and this is always my goal. Thanks

Nevermind_me Word of advice from an anxious person
  • replies: 12

To all the anxiety survivours, 1. You're stronger than you think. It isn't easy battling demons in your head. In fact, it's exhausting! For 25 years of my life I've been at war with myself. Sometimes I let the demons show, other times I don't. It tak... View more

To all the anxiety survivours, 1. You're stronger than you think. It isn't easy battling demons in your head. In fact, it's exhausting! For 25 years of my life I've been at war with myself. Sometimes I let the demons show, other times I don't. It takes strength to hide something so severe and fool others into believing you're fine. Trust me! 2. Anxiety isn't your personality. It's all in your head, not something that characterises you. You're a beautiful and complex human being. Don't ever feel you aren't, just cause somedays feel harder than others. 3. Anxiety is serious and can have an effect on your whole life. Don't ever let others tell you to 'toughen up' or make you feel that your problems are insignificant. These people are the problem, not you.

Cookie60 Sleep anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi am new to this , I am struggling with anxiety bar the moment and can’t sleep more than a few hours a night , i drop off to sleep ok but way 2 hours later in a panic and then am so wound up i struggle to get back to sleep , if I take circadin (mela... View more

Hi am new to this , I am struggling with anxiety bar the moment and can’t sleep more than a few hours a night , i drop off to sleep ok but way 2 hours later in a panic and then am so wound up i struggle to get back to sleep , if I take circadin (melatonin ) I feel horrible the next day like wired , I have tried precription medication but I wake during the night and it feels like I have stopped breathing , now I am afraid I think to sleep

Purplebear Anxiety about the future
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone... I don't post a lot here. I'm more of a reader but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the situation I'm going to mention below. So I suffer from anxiety and depression for over 10 years. It gets worse with every death in the fam... View more

Hi everyone... I don't post a lot here. I'm more of a reader but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for the situation I'm going to mention below. So I suffer from anxiety and depression for over 10 years. It gets worse with every death in the family. Late last year my grandpa who I was really close with and was a second father to me got really really sick and passed away early this year. Now I live with my grandma as my dad and uncle have passed 10 years and 4 years ago respectively. I have been with my current partner for over a year and a half. We've decided to not have kids. I believe I wouldn't cope mentally. I already have enough issue trying to sleep and manage myself. My grandma ever since my grandpa got really sick pushed me to have a baby even though I told her I don't want one. I talked to my partner about not having one. My partner already has two children from previous relationship and recently got the snip. That's fine. My concern is the amount of stress I feel when my grandma brings it up because it leaves me a quiet closed off mess and I find it hard to talk about it with others. My grandma has, for lack of a better phrase, my life "planned out" as in get married and have kids. I am very lucky to already have a house I'll be paying off. It's hard when I don't want that. It's hard because my job as a teacher lets me teach and build relationships with other peoples children and that's enough for me. My gran doesn't get it but I love her anyway as she's the only blood family I've got living with me during this coronavirus stuff and my partner who is a few towns away from me in regional Victoria. I don't want to have a child just to make my grandma happy... I don't know what to do as she doesn't approve of me not wanting kids because of my legitimate mental health concerns.

WritersBlock Treading Water
  • replies: 1

Sometimes I have good days sometimes bad. With my anxiety and depression it is sometimes 2 steps forward 5 back. I try to do things to keep it at bay, eat right, try to exercise, get sleep, medication, meditation etc...But it is always lingering...kn... View more

Sometimes I have good days sometimes bad. With my anxiety and depression it is sometimes 2 steps forward 5 back. I try to do things to keep it at bay, eat right, try to exercise, get sleep, medication, meditation etc...But it is always lingering...knocking at the door or window ready to overwhelm me at any moment. I should look at the positives...I am employed, I have a family that loves me. All that makes you feel guilty of feeling like this. Getting tired of treading on water. The tsunami of emotions make it hard to stay afloat.