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.

All discussions

sashlie Anxiety post traumatic event
  • replies: 4

Hi there looking for some advice. I experienced a loved one have a seizure for the first time - this loved one is okay now and fully responsive. However, I have been unable to get this experience out of my head and it’s causing constant hyperventilat... View more

Hi there looking for some advice. I experienced a loved one have a seizure for the first time - this loved one is okay now and fully responsive. However, I have been unable to get this experience out of my head and it’s causing constant hyperventilating and panic attacks (something I have suffered from for 20 years but not constantly throughout the day like recently) any advice as to how I may get to sleep or go by my day without feeling like I need to constantly cry and shake?

Teisha Relationship anxiety
  • replies: 1

Has anyone else ever felt stuck? im in a relationship that I know can’t go anywhere. I’ve been with my partner 6 years, however we don’t want the same things in life (children, marriage etc). I always think about ending it, however every time one of ... View more

Has anyone else ever felt stuck? im in a relationship that I know can’t go anywhere. I’ve been with my partner 6 years, however we don’t want the same things in life (children, marriage etc). I always think about ending it, however every time one of us has tried to break it off, I spiral into an out of control panic attack that doesn’t stop until I cave in a beg to be back in the relationship. I can’t stop vomiting, I feel like fainting, can’t get off the bathroom floor, I hyperventilate and no matter what I try it just doesn’t stop. I went to a gp and got anti-depressants, which has helped with my everyday anxiety, however not with this. I guess I’m just feeling at a loss has anyone else been in a situation like this?

contrarymary Scared of being in house alone
  • replies: 9

I have a number of health issues but none really impact on my day to day life I can still do things I want and 2 days a week I look after my grandchildren. I live with my husband we are in our early 60s my problem is if I in the house myself I get ve... View more

I have a number of health issues but none really impact on my day to day life I can still do things I want and 2 days a week I look after my grandchildren. I live with my husband we are in our early 60s my problem is if I in the house myself I get very stressed and think something is going to happen to me eg collapse. I have never had this problem before but in the last couple of months it has got really bad. All the time I am alone I pace the floor getting more and more stressed. i spoke to my Gp and he did not offer much in the way of a solution. anyone got any ideas, I might only be by myself a couple of times a week for a couple of hours

Tony25 Social Anxiety Affecting Work
  • replies: 5

I chose a role in which requires me to have regular meetings and client contact. Unfortunately, due to my social anxiety, I feel routinely overwhelmed and unsuited for the role. I chose the role thinking I could grow and learn, but 2 years now I cons... View more

I chose a role in which requires me to have regular meetings and client contact. Unfortunately, due to my social anxiety, I feel routinely overwhelmed and unsuited for the role. I chose the role thinking I could grow and learn, but 2 years now I constantly take days off. I don't feel suitable to the work and I regularly feel guilty for skipping work. I feel stuck because of the current covid situation. I also lack confidence because my social anxiety has hampered my work in the past. It just so happened my current role directly involves speaking that makes me overwhelmed. I think the best decision would be to suck it up due to the current situation, but I generally feel like I have lost interest, motivation, and confidence. I am regularly speaking with counsellors and I have a therapist. I feel better for a time, but I go back to giving uo and wanting to leave the job. I guess I am just looking for any advice.

Tilly20 Anxiety ruining my relationship
  • replies: 4

This is my first post so I’m a little bit nervous but here goes. I’ve been in a relationship with my parter for 1.5 years now and she is everything I could ask for- kind, caring, understanding, loving, seriously the most amazing And perfect person I ... View more

This is my first post so I’m a little bit nervous but here goes. I’ve been in a relationship with my parter for 1.5 years now and she is everything I could ask for- kind, caring, understanding, loving, seriously the most amazing And perfect person I have ever met. About 6 months ago I had a few small doubts about our relationship resulting from us going on a short break. We are back together now and everything is perfect except I can’t stop overthinking those doubts- why they came up? If I should just ignore them? Am I just overthinking? I keep worrying that at key moments (eg propsoal, wedding, moving in together) I’m going to have doubts. I hate myself for feeling this way and having these doubts because I’m really in love with her. I have talked to her about all of this and she has been so understanding and said that it’s ok and we can just take it slow. I guess all I’m wondering is how do I work through this? How do I take control of my anxiety and be fully present in my relationship- I love her and I will do anything to sort this out- breaking up is not something I want to do.

Mding Covid 19 worries
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I've never done anything like this before so a little scared. I suffer health anxiety. My question ATM is how so I deal with this virus. I'm isolating as my sister has just had a premmy baby and I want to be able to be there for her. The is... View more

Hi there, I've never done anything like this before so a little scared. I suffer health anxiety. My question ATM is how so I deal with this virus. I'm isolating as my sister has just had a premmy baby and I want to be able to be there for her. The issue I have is my family work and are attending a funeral tomorrow which gives me anxiety over how I keep myself safe in my own home. What measures other than cleaning surfaces not using the same bathroom etc can I take. They may not even get the virus but I am so anxious about it.

Angienewmum New anxious mother to be ,looking for advice on support.
  • replies: 5

Hello everyone, New to forums really wanted to join beyond blue they helped me get my mother out of suicide. Just a quick overview ;I'v lived with GAD and mild ADHD inattentive for most of my life but have managed a good chunk with various methods bu... View more

Hello everyone, New to forums really wanted to join beyond blue they helped me get my mother out of suicide. Just a quick overview ;I'v lived with GAD and mild ADHD inattentive for most of my life but have managed a good chunk with various methods but have hit somewhat of a road block in my life and afraid for the next coming months ahead and am seeking some advice. The rundown ;I'm 33 weeks pregnant expecting my firstborn, recently moved to Victoria from Brisbane a few months back before border closures.I've had bouts of antinatel depression and have been incredibly Ill for half my pregnancy including hospitalization. Luckily I've had a great support network whilst living in Brisbane and managed to get through these episodes.But now being an unfortunate new Victorian my support links and resources are now either inaccessible or very restricted causing me to become anxious about possible relapsing into antinatel depression.I have no friends down here in Victoria and my own family cannot support me for health reasons,my in-laws and some friends where planning to come down and help after I give birth but borders now shut Vic-Qld.Some facilities are also not operating or are restricted because of covid 19.I am also at the stage where I can't pyshically do alot.The midwives at my local hospital have been great and suggested I reach out for support if I feel like my mental health is wavering and I understand some support groups are restricted or simply very busy with the current events. My questions ;What to do to keep yourself less anxious as a new mother to be with next to no support living down here in Victoria?Constructive things to keep oneself distracted during this time not including the internet and TV? (All I have right now is cooking and book reading and light walking )And Support networks accessible in the East Gippsland region for people such as myself? as I'm very unfamiliar with this region and so I have no friends down here the neighbours are quite nice but everyone is very weary about being out during covid 19. Any tips and advice would be great no matter how small,thankyou for reading

hannah195395 should I try a new therapist?
  • replies: 4

Hi, looking for some help with this I've had like 10 sessions with my therapist and I guess it's not going great. I know it's probably mainly my fault but I still don't know if I should try a different therapist or not. I guess the main reason I was ... View more

Hi, looking for some help with this I've had like 10 sessions with my therapist and I guess it's not going great. I know it's probably mainly my fault but I still don't know if I should try a different therapist or not. I guess the main reason I was going to a therapist was like social anxiety. But going to see her has been up there with the worst social anxiety I've ever experienced, worse than the anxiety that made me go see someone. I feel like the few days after I see her my socialising is much worse than usual because I've put myself in that mode from being anxious when I see her, so pretty much I feel like it's been worse since seeing her. She just makes me very very nervous and I always feel she is judging me and I guess that's my fault but I just can't face going back to see her again, it makes me so anxious just thinking about it. I don't know if I should try someone else though because I can't imagine having to go through finding someone and meeting someone again, and what if they don't seem to be so nice either? I think I might just not find another therapist and not see this one either. Any help? thanks

FlicB I moved here from NZ a week before COVID hit
  • replies: 3

I moved here from NZ for a promotion, a week before COVID hit. My new role is really hard and I feel over-promoted. My flat is quiet and cold. Working from home, I don't really leave this space. I'm finding it hard to seek help and even harder to mak... View more

I moved here from NZ for a promotion, a week before COVID hit. My new role is really hard and I feel over-promoted. My flat is quiet and cold. Working from home, I don't really leave this space. I'm finding it hard to seek help and even harder to make new friends. I want to give up and go home, but I'd feel so ashamed after all the announcements made about me moving. I'm gaining weight, I'm not looking after myself and am smoking more than ever. Is anyone else stuck?

whereishome Is this some type of anxiety?
  • replies: 2

Hello. I’m a teenage girl, and I’d say generally I’ve lived a good life. Nothing really triggering has ever happened to me. but I have extremely intrusive thoughts (i think?). I am somebody who is very, very easily scared. I mean, if you make a sudde... View more

Hello. I’m a teenage girl, and I’d say generally I’ve lived a good life. Nothing really triggering has ever happened to me. but I have extremely intrusive thoughts (i think?). I am somebody who is very, very easily scared. I mean, if you make a sudden noise I would shriek and then think about it for hours and have a suuuper fast heartbeat. But these past few months i keep imagining horrifying things. I keep picturing my main phobias and I can’t stop all these thoughts and its driving me crazy I would be eating and suddenly feel the urge to vomit because for some reason I can’t stop picturing scary images in my head. i am so scared of the dark because of this too. I have a tendency to run really fast if an area is dark and try to find a lightswitch, but i get too nervous to touch it thinking some kind of horrible monster is going to be on it. The same with entering literally any room, even if its not dark, just when I am alone. Sometimes i start crying and get a huge wave of chills because of all my overthinking. I also start to have hiccups after thinking of something scary. The more i try to make it stop, the worse it gets. And since i’m always so busy focusing on trying to get rid of my thoughts i keep getting angry and annoyed at everybody? I dont even know why, i dont want to get mad! I’m not an angry person at all. Sometimes i start to cry too much and actually vomit because i think too much. Also, under some pressuring situations i get super nervous and cry+vomit. This sort of thing happened to me 4-6 times last year during class, on the day we had some sort of assessment or speech or something. It was so terrible, i can’t believe i cried so much and vomited all over my desk i always imagine the worst. And if there is any problems i always worry about them instead of fixing them. And i can’t even move my body to do things, i feel so lazy and am too worried i will mess everything up. I keep thinking maybe i am just being childish. My sister has one of the same phobias as me and cries when she sees stuff to do with it, but one time i saw it for a second i cried for ages and kept shaking. I kept picturing it everywhere, too. I want these thoughts to go away. Even when i try to sleep them off i have really scary lucid nightmares. I can’t even cry about it anymore because I am so tired of it, i just sit down sadly in a corner and wish for it to stop. Even writing this made me feel very uncomfortable. What do you think?