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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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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

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WhereDoIBegin Anxiety or heart problems?
  • replies: 3

Can anyone relate to me or give me guidance on what I should do to help myself? I have anxiety and am taking an anxiety medication. My main trigger appears to be health, although sometimes I feel anxious for no reason at all. A little background, I w... View more

Can anyone relate to me or give me guidance on what I should do to help myself? I have anxiety and am taking an anxiety medication. My main trigger appears to be health, although sometimes I feel anxious for no reason at all. A little background, I was an alcoholic for 3yrs self-managing (unbeknownst to me) my anxiety. I have recently gone sober (42 days). The decision was made after a rather large panic attack in which I was convinced was a heart attack. I am on a super epic health kick, doing everything I can that is recommended for lowering anxiety. Eating right, sleeping good, walking, yoga, meditation. I'm really happy with my progress. The issue I am having & I am hoping someone can relate to help ease my uncertainty, is that I am getting chest pains. Yes I know chest pains come with anxiety, but I am talking about chest pains that I get that I believe come often when I have no anxiety. For example, yesterday I had quite a good day, and I believe I wasn't feeling anxious, but then I get some seemingly random chest pain. It lasted a couple minutes and then it was gone I believe. The problem is this obviously builds on my anxiety. And now this morning I have had quite a 'jittery' morning, and it is the only thing I can put it down to. I have been and seen doctors, but I feel like they'd just rather hand me some pills and get me out the door. I've been prescribed heartburn meds, but I believe that doesn't change it. I have had an ECG and they are happy with results. Blood tests same. And tonight I have a stress test. They have suggested going to a higher dose of my medication but I really want to go the other way and get off the medication, not on more.... I guess I am asking: A. Does anyone else experience similar thing(s)? B. Do you guys agree that it is probably (I know no one can say with 100% certainty) just anxiety? And, C. Do you think after the stress test comes back positive that I should steer away from anymore tests? The problem is I don't want to be wrong, and not get the tests I might need, but all it really does is feed my anxiety "What is wrong with me, am I going to die?" It is a hard circle to break out of. Thanks

yesitsme21 my anxiety and panick attacks
  • replies: 3

lately i have been feeling really stressed, i only recently became a teenager and it seems that everything has fallen apart since. i thought i had a girlfriend then when i told how stressy I have been she told me that she has been through this kind o... View more

lately i have been feeling really stressed, i only recently became a teenager and it seems that everything has fallen apart since. i thought i had a girlfriend then when i told how stressy I have been she told me that she has been through this kind of stage in her life and that it can get dark. we have long distance issues as she lives 4 hours away and she cares very deeply about me but she treats me like im some mental patient, she constantly tells me that I need more people in my life. I told her i only needed her but she said that talking to a professional could be good for me. I've been having a lot of trouble with my sexuality and I feel like people are judging me all the time for being me. I had a massive arguement with my "girlfriend' and she replied with the simple 'whatever' over text. I felt useless, hopeless and defeated. I proceeded to have no sleep that night and had a 30 minute panick attack on my own. This girl was my friend before we started going out and I feel like I've ruined any hope of being friends with her at all. Worst thing is I feel like nothing will cheer me up. I feel alone.

Cyan To much for 1 person.
  • replies: 1

Last night I joined this group. It was late and I was on my phone googling feeling singled out in life. I had a trigger and already tired, too much on my hands ️ and mind, deadlines to face, being distracted by facebook which did not please me too, m... View more

Last night I joined this group. It was late and I was on my phone googling feeling singled out in life. I had a trigger and already tired, too much on my hands ️ and mind, deadlines to face, being distracted by facebook which did not please me too, mot being able to get up early to do what I can, starting later in the day, not feeling like walking my dog, wearing others projections, I had a golden cry, those tear drops were banked. I felt that I was so uncomfortable where I'm currently at and needed to release, as I said a trigger instigated this, but it felt good to release. I carry so much. I got to hold it all together to make not just my own ends meet, but everyone else's, alone. I. Busy, I got a life I've made for me and orders, lots is going well, but im not happy, and I am seeking within me again that spark, the light for me. I'm grateful for lots. The world's gone nuts. I truely don't know where I'm waking up to lately. I'm doing a PhD. I'm trying to focus, but there is so many things and once trying to have pieces of me. I know I'll get through. I ferl better a bit. I abandoned my study and sat with a friend and took up smoking today, but I know I won't continue after a week, but I needed an outlet, sun and energy from earth. I'm not really feeling alone, I just can't relate to much of what's going on in the world, and top down stuff heavy in my own world, my mind can't focus, I'm becoming un diciplined on social media and nit exercising. Can any one relate. I wish I can get to my point easier. I guess I'm working it out whilst I'm writing. Thanks. I'm new by the way. Thanks everyone for your own shares.

Bulus Shabbaz Shaving my head when I am unwell
  • replies: 2

I've noticed this pattern in myself—it tends to happen during specific mental states, like heightened stress, mania, or a depressive episode. Shaving my head and face sometimes feels like a way to regain control, reset, or self-soothe without overthi... View more

I've noticed this pattern in myself—it tends to happen during specific mental states, like heightened stress, mania, or a depressive episode. Shaving my head and face sometimes feels like a way to regain control, reset, or self-soothe without overthinking it. It might be tied to sensory issues, a need for a fresh start, or just something that instinctively feels necessary in the moment. During particularly stressful episodes, I’ve even been known to shave off my eyebrows.

Bookgirl feeling overwhelmed
  • replies: 2

I am feeling very depressed and spent last 2 days in bed. My husband has lost his job. I have a good job and am the main breadwinner. At the end of the month our mortgage goes from fixed to variable which is a big increase. We could cover it with him... View more

I am feeling very depressed and spent last 2 days in bed. My husband has lost his job. I have a good job and am the main breadwinner. At the end of the month our mortgage goes from fixed to variable which is a big increase. We could cover it with him working but with him not we are going to struggle. He is older and its hard for him to get work. He says i need to be positive but he leaves it to me to help him apply for jobs and I will be the one talking to the bank etc if we need to. I just feel totally overwhelmed as my son and mother have ongoing health issues and I am just exhausted. I feel like crying all the time and feel lost. He says it will be ok. It just doesn't feel that way right now.

Shane46 Porn and cybersex addiction
  • replies: 3

I have a porn and cybersex addiction. It has got to an extent that it's effecting my mental health and happiness. I fear it is now adversely impacting my relationship with my partner. I want to recover from the addiction and never go back again. I am... View more

I have a porn and cybersex addiction. It has got to an extent that it's effecting my mental health and happiness. I fear it is now adversely impacting my relationship with my partner. I want to recover from the addiction and never go back again. I am looking for advice and help from others who have gone through this ordeal.

_kj confusion and anxiety in a new friendship/relationship
  • replies: 4

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem... View more

Recently my sister’s friend asked if I was seeing anyone. I’d barely spoken to him so I was confused why he was interested. I was fine to go on a date (I assume that was his intention) but I couldn’t do it straight awayI have anxiety, low self esteem, and I’m shy. Interacting with others is difficult for me He said that was fair, but It took him a while to reach out, apparently he was waiting for the right time He was so nice, but it was small talk which I struggle with. He’d never start any conversations and went from replies every few days, to once a week, then nothing. Two months pass, I’m left on read, he’s gone? I check in to see if he’s still interested and he said he was “definitely keen” I’m told that’s normal, he’s busy, has anxiety, and overthinks. He goes quiet but it isn’t personal.I see him and my sister talking daily. But I message, he opens it right away then leaves it read. Maybe he responds days later if I’m lucky. He doesn’t seem interested in pursuing me but doesn’t act like he wants to be friends either. It’s giving me a complex Apparently his pushy friends burn him out, and he had an ex who would hassle him to reply more. So maybe he’s being cautious. But I’ve only ever given him space My sister said he probably sees me as a casual friend he doesn’t feel pressured into talking to all the time or right away. I don’t know how to take that. I decided not to contact him anymore to see if he’d reach out. Two more months pass, he didn’t He visited recently to help move furniture. He couldn’t hold eye contact with me, but had no trouble with anyone else. Little comments and gestures made me feel like he was interested, but when I spoke he seemed bored.When he was leaving he hugged my sister and shook my hand, but then awkwardly decided to hug me too. It’s confusing I message him later to say thanks for helping and now we’re in a conversation. Being left on read is inevitable and I’m not that resilient. I know I’ll spiral and shut down.I have some control when I don’t reply. But I’m torn between having control and feeling guilty about it, or giving that up and having my feelings hurt. It’s probably not that deep but I need to talk about it. Maybe this is normal in talking stages, but I’ve never been in this situation before and I’m over thinking every little thing and it’s wearing me down, I’m tired. I’m embarrassed. I don’t feel good enough. I’ve put in more effort than I can mentally handle and it’s not reciprocated. I’m at a loss

smallwolf Nervous about biopsy
  • replies: 18

Those here would know I'm a champion, but that does not make me special in any way. Like anyone or everyone here, I still have moments where anxiety sneaks in. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind, especially as Thursday approaches. So... In two days, I... View more

Those here would know I'm a champion, but that does not make me special in any way. Like anyone or everyone here, I still have moments where anxiety sneaks in. Lately, I've had a lot on my mind, especially as Thursday approaches. So... In two days, I'm heading to the hospital for a biopsy. While my MRI results were okay, my blood tests showed slightly elevated levels, which my doctor wants to investigate further. Prostate cancer runs in my family, so this adds to my concerns. I do take comfort in knowing that those in my family who faced it have come through it successfully. This feels a bit more serious than what I’ve dealt with before—outside of an eye surgery a few years ago—but I’m trying to stay grounded. I just wanted to share this, not for pity or sympathy, but because it’s been on my mind and if you have been wondering why I have not been around ... tiredness, nervous, not sleeping. I hope you can forgive me.

Guest_32894631 How to handle general Stress and Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hello everyone. I potentially had some for of anxiety my whole life, yet I have from young age gradually worked on moving my comfort zone to a point that likely impresses other people.However, there's one part that seems to cause consistent anxiety o... View more

Hello everyone. I potentially had some for of anxiety my whole life, yet I have from young age gradually worked on moving my comfort zone to a point that likely impresses other people.However, there's one part that seems to cause consistent anxiety or pressure to the point of lots of sleepless nights and I wonder on how to best handle this.I'm a single parent with full-time care.I am living in Australia (Australian citizen) without family and only very minimal support network, and not many friends. This is partly because I'm not overly social, but also because being am extremely busy with being a single parent and working a demanding full-time job, and renovating my house bit by bit.The centre of my worries is my daughter.Being a good dad.Providing for her.Being there for her.And not dying before she is 18.The last one probably sounds odd, but I was unlucky enough to nearly die twice within the past 4 years on completely unrelated "bad luck" illnesses, and yes I live a healthy lifestyle.My ex is a complete mess and would not be able to cope with parenting (hence I have full care).So, there's a lot of pressure to juggle parenting, income, live in general, and health.Work live balance has somewhat fizzled out when I became ill the first time, around 4 years ago.I simply struggle to get back that joy, and rid of that anxiety.I don't laugh anymore.A nudge in the right direction to get back on track would be great!