Support
Support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Parrot19 Feeling Dangerously Low
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm new here but have hit breaking point trying to cope with the things going on in my life which are subsequenly bringing up past issues which are now becoming problematic again (or perhaps they never left). My husband and I have struggled to co... View more

Hi, I'm new here but have hit breaking point trying to cope with the things going on in my life which are subsequenly bringing up past issues which are now becoming problematic again (or perhaps they never left). My husband and I have struggled to conceive for several years. Age was never on our side but I've never had a strong urge to have children. I've never been against them and if they came along naturally I was all for it. My husband however wanted to try everything so I have gone along with IVF to please him. It's been emotionally and physically draining for me and after almost a year of trying this way, I received another "unfortunately it was not successful" call this morning. All that to say, from the emotional strain I have gained weight which has triggered depressive moods as I have been through hell with weight problems for most of my past (I suffered anorexia as a teen and suicidal thoughts which was spurred on from being bullied as a child for being overweight). I've never had therapy or had any advice for those past issues which psychologically, I think have just snowballed but I've supressed them well. But today I was tipped over the edge from a comment made where someone (not knowing anything about me or my cicumstances) asked if I was pregnant. Of all days!! I couldn't believe it. This is not something I've been asked before and it has triggered all sorts of problems in my head, given the news I received from the doctor today and my weight insecurities going back to when I was young. I feel like giving up. I feel cursed. I feel too much pressure to try and conceive to keep my marriage alive and feel ugly and worthless from gaining too much weight. I even feel ashamed having written all this but I don't know what to do and how to cope.

miss92 Feeling Lost
  • replies: 2

Hello, I am new around here. I recently moved to a new area. Ever since the move my anxiety has been out of control. I moved as I wanted to be closer to family, which I am, and am grateful for and enjoy. I also had a new job opportunity, however the ... View more

Hello, I am new around here. I recently moved to a new area. Ever since the move my anxiety has been out of control. I moved as I wanted to be closer to family, which I am, and am grateful for and enjoy. I also had a new job opportunity, however the job is not what I thought it was. The workload is very heavy. As an example in my first couple of weeks, someone else in my office stepped into another role. I was given their work load. At the time I was already doing the work of someone else. There were days I was doing 3 peoples work. This was rather overwhelming as I was new. I miss my friends and the lifestyle I had. I don't enjoy the job, and I don't know what to do. Do I stick it out- though I can't see if getting better. Do I call it quits and look for something I really love doing? To make matters worse, it has really effected my health. I have an auto-immune disease and the added stress has caused a flare up in my health and I have been quite unwell. I just feel lost.

Fenerbahce Health anxiety back again
  • replies: 2

Hi all, Back again! I’ve had health anxiety for the last 8 years. throughout the years, I have convinced myself of every known disease and get symptoms associated to it. With every new symptom it can go on for months with doing every test possible un... View more

Hi all, Back again! I’ve had health anxiety for the last 8 years. throughout the years, I have convinced myself of every known disease and get symptoms associated to it. With every new symptom it can go on for months with doing every test possible until I finally convince myself that it’s anxiety and it goes. So here is the new one - I just need some sense kicked in. 6 weeks ago was going camping with a few friends when I suddenly felt a very tickle like heat sensation on the right side of my belly button more closer to my hip. Thought nothing but was definitely aware of it. It would come and go, the funny thing is that when I touch it, it goes away? then started to think about it more and more and started googling. Until I came up with bowel cancers etc. the pain will radiate to my hip, my bum, etc. then the pain started swapping sides. Exact same sensations but on my left side. Weird right? i Then noticed a little light red blood on my bowel and that’s when all hell broke lose. When to my GP, did every test and stool test etc. all came back normal. I know logically it’s hemmorhoids because I suffer from it, but emotionally I’m doubting which is result in constant agonising deep thoughts and symptoms get stronger. two questions, anxiety yea or no? 1. I don’t wake up with any pains, it’s only when I start to look for it, then slowly makes an appearance. 2. Pain that switches sides? Even my GP said that’s physically impossible unless you a had massive bulging disc on both nerves etc. mri ruled that out. please talk some sense to me. I know the logical answer I just need my emotional rational to comprehend with the logical response.

TrudyJane Helping an anxious loved one
  • replies: 3

How can I help my anxious daughter seek help for her anxiety? She has all the excuses in the world not to seek help. She lives overseas so can’t visit. Should I discuss my concerns with her partner. Advice please.

How can I help my anxious daughter seek help for her anxiety? She has all the excuses in the world not to seek help. She lives overseas so can’t visit. Should I discuss my concerns with her partner. Advice please.

AverageAusGuy Anxiety/ depression caused from work
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I have had depression and anxiety on and off my whole life that has been largely manageable until recently. Over the past few years my anxiety and depression has gotten progressively worse mostly due to some negative work experiences tha... View more

Hi everyone, I have had depression and anxiety on and off my whole life that has been largely manageable until recently. Over the past few years my anxiety and depression has gotten progressively worse mostly due to some negative work experiences that I seem to just keep accumulating. I have had many jobs in my life (I am in my 30s) and I have had bad things happen in most (not all) of them that have slowly chipped away at my confidence and exasperated my anxiety and depression. I have been bullied in the workplace, I have had managers that have sworn at me and spoke as if I wasn't even in the room, I have been criticised for my quiet personality, I have been put down, and I have been lied to about opportunities for development, I have had coworkers undermine my work or throw me under the bus in order to look better to management. Most recently I was fired from a job for no apparent reason (I think I just didn't fit in with the work culture there because I was specifically told that I had a great work ethic and do everything that was asked and "something is just missing"). I have never been fired before and this one really hit me hard because I know from client feedback I was doing great work. I am trying really hard to put all of the negativity behind me and maybe realise that I have just had some bad luck with the jobs I have had in my life. I can't help but think that maybe I am the problem though or this is a normal part of working life? I have always had a great work ethic and pride myself on doing a good job. I am never late and always act professionally. I know I have some really good qualities and abilities to offer. I am starting a new job soon and I am very edgy and anxious about it all working out ok. I am on the lookout for anything negative and I am concerned about how I will perform in the new role because my anxiety is at a heightened state. I am trying not to carry any baggage over and come in on a fresh slate. If anyone has had similar experiences or tips for me to overcome this at work I would greatly appreciate. Thank you

Chicken_little Anxiety returns
  • replies: 3

I’m as used to anxiety as I guess you can get. When I diagnosed I realised that most of my life I’ve had anxiety, even as a child. My GAD wanes which is a lovely respite, but right now it’s back. Along with the general 2020 goings on, in August some ... View more

I’m as used to anxiety as I guess you can get. When I diagnosed I realised that most of my life I’ve had anxiety, even as a child. My GAD wanes which is a lovely respite, but right now it’s back. Along with the general 2020 goings on, in August some things in my own life set me off and I haven’t been able to pull myself out. last time I was unwell like this my anxiety manifested as health anxiety in addition to my “regular” anxiety. This time I was worried about my skin and was super proud that I went for a mole check (all clear). Now, my focus has turned to my eyes. Ive finally built up the courage to book a check up with my optometrist tomorrow. im far sighted and have astigmatism in one eye. now I’ve convinced myself that tomorrow I’m going to be diagnosed with some horrible eye disease. It’s probably just aging and a bit of eye strain, that’s what my logical brain says, but I can’t get past it. I feel so silly that I get so worked up, that I fixate on issues like this. Who on earth is scared of the optometrist! Ive read about others with health anxiety and they seem to have any test possible to find what’s going on, but I’m terrified to find something.

Egbert97 New Anxiety - Disassociating?
  • replies: 7

Hi folks! I’ve been experiencing intense anxiety for nearly 2 months now and visiting these forums has given me great relief. For the first month my anxiety was specifically for my physical health/well-being; I’d get frequent headaches, heart palpita... View more

Hi folks! I’ve been experiencing intense anxiety for nearly 2 months now and visiting these forums has given me great relief. For the first month my anxiety was specifically for my physical health/well-being; I’d get frequent headaches, heart palpitations, trembles, etc. and would find myself going down the Dr. Google rabbit hole. Going on these forums made me feel less alone & gave me the strength not to use Google whenever a new symptom appeared. However, there seems to have been a significant shift in my anxiety recently. About 2 weeks ago I had what i can only describe as a major existential crisis - without getting too into the details, I became hyper aware of the impermanence of life and time. This was such a shock for me that for the next few days I was completely worrying about the health of myself & the people around me & couldn’t focus on anything except the fact that they will pass on one day. These feelings of dread and anxiety piled up and up until I had a really big breakdown. Since then, whenever I feel anxious, my symptoms have completely changed. Rather than getting handle tremors, fast heart rate, difficulty breathing, etc. I seem to get really disassociated. This includes: - Not feeling like myself for days at a time - Lightheaded for days at a time - Thought spirals - Loss of appetite - Difficulty concentrating all the time - Difficulty recalling events/facts all the time - Consistent brain fog / inability to think clearly - Paranoia These symptoms persist for days at a time and I usually only get a few hours or a day of reprieve in between. They can also vary in intensity; sometimes I can go about my day like this, other times I feel like I’m completely disconnecting from reality and desperately trying to cling for my own sanity. My health anxiety makes me think this is early on-set psychosis or schizophrenia, despite my psychologist, GP and friends heavily disputing this. Deep down I know this is likely chronic stress and anxiety, but it feels so foreign and disturbing to me that I can’t help but go to the immediate worse case scenario. Sometimes I get these physical symptoms without feeling anxious and being in a good mood (lightheaded, brain fog, etc.)! I’m posting here today to try get some understanding. Has anyone else with anxiety felt this way? Is this anxiety? How do I cope with disassociating? I might be starting anxiety medication soon - will this bring me relief? I just want to feel like myself again. Thank-you

Rapunzel1 Anxious about switiching medication
  • replies: 2

Im transitioning from an SSRI to an SNRI. Feeling extra anxious about this. Has anyone had any success with this or tips about how to cope at the moment when nothing is working?

Im transitioning from an SSRI to an SNRI. Feeling extra anxious about this. Has anyone had any success with this or tips about how to cope at the moment when nothing is working?

Michael_Br Anxiety caused by Guilt
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone this is my first time posting on this forum. I've had on and off bouts of anxiety as a result of a poor decision I made regarding a friend and their ex-partner. They had been broken up for several months and it just happened and they both... View more

Hi everyone this is my first time posting on this forum. I've had on and off bouts of anxiety as a result of a poor decision I made regarding a friend and their ex-partner. They had been broken up for several months and it just happened and they both have new partners etc. I haven't seen my friend for about 6 months and am incredibly worried that they will never speak to me again after what happened. I'm not speaking to the ex and am also seeing someone myself but am just worried as I'll likely be seeing them over summer etc and don't know whether to tell them i'm terribly sorry for what I did and it was a stupid mistake at a party. My anxiety is nothing major but every time I see my friend in my social media feeds etc it comes back and I'm scared of going out to places where our social groups might mix. Has anyone been through this situation and should I just come out and tell the truth despite me and the girl swearing not to tell anyone? I'm scared she has told all her friends too. Thanks for any help

Andre_P Kinda over it
  • replies: 19

People may remember me. The guy that spent 3 agonising months trying to acquire a house. to be brief I’m doing slightly better but I still am fighting with myself everyday - with ocd and I am still not even close to be in a position to find work. I h... View more

People may remember me. The guy that spent 3 agonising months trying to acquire a house. to be brief I’m doing slightly better but I still am fighting with myself everyday - with ocd and I am still not even close to be in a position to find work. I have managed to suppress the fear I have to a point, but I am doing sh*t loads of avoidance, more time consuming rituals and in general just not happy with where I want to be. My sleeping patterns are very poor too, always going to be wired and waking up tired. This whole this is actually depressing me too. im waiting on an appointment with my specialist (urologist) so that I can tackle my fear head on and do exposure therapy with ritual rejections/resistance. Unfortunately this will take time and now Centrelink are not accepting any more of my certificates. I have also booked an app with a psychiatrist now to get a full diagnosis. Since Centrelink have left me no choice I am going to be applying did the disability support pension. As I also have a physical disability with my shorter leg and back pain too which I will add on it. I don’t plan to be on this forever but I need some help. Any tips on applying for dsp. this is not ultimately what I wanted but my condition definitely isn’t temporarily at this point of time. I hate the system and I’m feeling really down. I just want to be like I used to be 2 years ago - happy and normal

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright © 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map