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

All discussions

99 Itchy pain in ribs and back
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm new here. The doctor says I have anxiety after testing me for everything else and nothing coming back positive. I have been on antidepressants for about 3 weeks, how long should these take to work? I feel a lot better mentally, but I have thi... View more

Hi, I'm new here. The doctor says I have anxiety after testing me for everything else and nothing coming back positive. I have been on antidepressants for about 3 weeks, how long should these take to work? I feel a lot better mentally, but I have this weird sore and itchy back and ribs, especially in my right side (I'm right handed). I'm guessing this is anxiety related, I'm kind of new to this so I'm not sure. I have a friend who does massage and it feels a bit better after that but then comes back next day. I imagine it must be muscle tension or nerve thing, I wish I knew how to get rid of it as it's driving me nuts.

Chloe90 MEDICATION
  • replies: 5

Hey Fam, Anxious Annie here AKA Chloe. I want to talk about peoples medication stories and mainly like if your medications have fully taken away the anxiety or if it’s ‘normal’ to still have attacks a couple times a year around life events?? I get mi... View more

Hey Fam, Anxious Annie here AKA Chloe. I want to talk about peoples medication stories and mainly like if your medications have fully taken away the anxiety or if it’s ‘normal’ to still have attacks a couple times a year around life events?? I get mixed opinions some people are saying your medication isn’t working if your still getting panic attacks and others says it’s normal to have attacks like this. Any stories or kind words would be so appreciated. Much love Chloe

Daisy13 Over the counter supplements/ medication.
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, I’m new here. For the last 4 days I have felt constant anxiety. This is causing difficulty sleeping, chest tightness and occasional stomach aches. I have never experienced or been diagnosed with anxiety before so this is all very new to ... View more

Hi everyone, I’m new here. For the last 4 days I have felt constant anxiety. This is causing difficulty sleeping, chest tightness and occasional stomach aches. I have never experienced or been diagnosed with anxiety before so this is all very new to me. I am considering medication or over the counter supplements to help ease the anxiety. As I’ve only been experiencing this for a few days it seems extreme to go straight to my doctor for anti anxiety medication. I should also add that this anxiety started absolutely out of nowhere. I have nothing to be anxious about. My only assumption is that the build up of 7 months lockdown (I’m in Melbourne) is starting to take it’s toll. I have been doing breathing exercises and going for walks which does help at the time, but as soon as I stop the anxiety and chest tightness quickly returns. Any advise would be very much appreciated. Thankyou!

jmp2121 Anxiety medication side effects, anyone have similar experience?
  • replies: 3

I’m currently prescribed a 10mg of an SSRI for my GAD. I started this medication in April this year and since then have stopped and started it. I know it’s bad to stop and start it. The reason I stopped and started was due to sexual side effects.. I ... View more

I’m currently prescribed a 10mg of an SSRI for my GAD. I started this medication in April this year and since then have stopped and started it. I know it’s bad to stop and start it. The reason I stopped and started was due to sexual side effects.. I have trouble reaching orgasm with my partner when we are sexually active and with myself. It makes me feel like I’m not “normal” and makes my partner feel like he isn’t doing a good enough job. When I stop taking the medication I have no issues. I just want to know how long side effects like this are supposed to last while on SSRI medication? Has anyone had similar experiences? I really don’t want any judgement as I already beat myself up for stopping and starting it and I feel selfish for wanting to stop it just because of a sexual side effect, because it does help with my GAD.

kidlaroifan1 what am I feeling?
  • replies: 2

hey, this is my first time using any type of site like this and firstly i wanna thank everyone who provides support on here, you deserve the best this world has to offer. I've struggled most of my life with things in regards to social activity. I hat... View more

hey, this is my first time using any type of site like this and firstly i wanna thank everyone who provides support on here, you deserve the best this world has to offer. I've struggled most of my life with things in regards to social activity. I hate ordering food on the phone and would rather not eat than have to order myself. I used to love playing basketball. I trained every day by myself before and after school, but would never trial for any teams because I was too scared of having to be judged by others, or have to speak to any of them. I've also always been a big gamer, I currently play an video game where I've been playing hours a day of self analysis, analysis of professionals and so on, i really want to play at a high level. But sometimes I feel like id rather stop playing than have to try out for a team. Id rather let the other candidate have the spot on the team rather than have to be judged by other players or coaches, or have to talk to people in there I dont know. The thought of it makes me feel sick, and my body tenses up when I think about it and I just want to yell. I'm really outgoing with my friends and girlfriend most of the time, i dont know what im feeling.

Darkmite88 Operation upcoming
  • replies: 4

Hey, I have an operation coming up 2weeks notice which is causing me stress already but I'm having anxiety about my wife she has had a complete meltdown about it and it's causing me to have panic attacks but I'm having to hide it to look after her co... View more

Hey, I have an operation coming up 2weeks notice which is causing me stress already but I'm having anxiety about my wife she has had a complete meltdown about it and it's causing me to have panic attacks but I'm having to hide it to look after her complete mental overload. I'm so lost and don't have anyone around me to talk to that won't cost me fist fulls of money to talk which is causing more issues cause I'm have to bottle it. I don't know how I can help myself when I'm needing to help her more.

MissLDM I just want to feel like me again
  • replies: 1

About 2 months ago I had gastro or food poisoning and I haven't been the same since. I've always had a bad relationship with food ie scared to eat certain things because it might make me sick. I have a massive phobia about vomiting. I've had no truma... View more

About 2 months ago I had gastro or food poisoning and I haven't been the same since. I've always had a bad relationship with food ie scared to eat certain things because it might make me sick. I have a massive phobia about vomiting. I've had no trumantic events around this but always have had a phobia of it since I was little. I've suffered anxiety and depression since I was 11years old. Been on the same meds till now. And they have always worked. But now I'm scared to eat. I've lost over 10kg in 2 months. I'm scared to go out. I'm scared of everything. I'm normally so socal and nothing bothers me. I'm seeing a phyc tomorrow and under docs care. But has anyone else ever had such a dear.. a fear of eating. ?

Monicas I feel really neglected by the health system.
  • replies: 5

Hi. I have been having severe breathing difficulties for 15 months. I have been to doctor to doctor to doctor. No help nothing though. They keep just brushing me off with anxiety. What I am experiencing is not anxiety. Is this mental health discrimin... View more

Hi. I have been having severe breathing difficulties for 15 months. I have been to doctor to doctor to doctor. No help nothing though. They keep just brushing me off with anxiety. What I am experiencing is not anxiety. Is this mental health discrimination? Why are they not helping me with this. Just keep sending me home telling me I'm fine and to breathe into a straw or brown paper bag. How is that going to fix me. They are using stigma right? Anyone with severe health anxiety get assumes it's just their anxiety causing their symptoms. Don't even check me over or nothing. Is this because of my history with mental Illness. Now they don't believe that something is actually wrong this time. A case of the boy who cried wolf. Thanks you. Any advice be appreciated.

MischeifManaged Bankrupt and feeling stressed
  • replies: 2

Hi all! Due to a break down of a toxic relationship, the loss of over 200k on the sale of a property that I couldn't afford in the first place along with many other horrible decisions, I decided to declare bankruptcy. My wife also decided to declare ... View more

Hi all! Due to a break down of a toxic relationship, the loss of over 200k on the sale of a property that I couldn't afford in the first place along with many other horrible decisions, I decided to declare bankruptcy. My wife also decided to declare bankruptcy as by this stage all of our finances were tied up together. I carry alot of guilt for her having to even consider this action due to me. I am also not disillusioned that this is all my fault either. Prior to the bankruptcy I was in a very dark place and was suffering from intense and debilitating daily panic attacks. I could breathe, I would breakout into a sweat, the room would spin, I would hyperventilate to the point that I would vomit and choke and on occasion passed out. I debt collectors calling everyday and I was trying to service the loans still which left us with very little money once rent and bills were paid. I felt horrible, the children couldn't participate in activities, some days we would miss work because we couldn't afford to get to work (petrol, bus fare, parking). Now that we have declared bankruptcy life is much more manageable, the panic attacks are gone and as a family we are more functional and able to support hobbies and activities. Although there are still hurdles to face and I've found very little support available for those who are actually bankrupt. However, the relationship between us and our landlords has broken down. They have been unwilling to make necessary repairs to the house, even though they are genuine safety issues and have suggested that we should just be thankful to have a roof over our heads due to our bankruptcy. I can feel the anxiety start to rise inside of me again and I am worried that we will not be approved for a rental property despite having a good income and good secure jobs. We have no one who can guarantor a lease and we do not have many savings as we've been playing catchup since we filed. We have never missed a rental payment and have always taken reasonable care of our properties. Does anyone have any experience witbankruptcy and renting? Thanks everyone

Von is lost Lonely
  • replies: 13

Recently I’ve been feeling really sad and lonely when I’m alone. I feel sad about how few friends I have, how that there must be something wrong with me because I can’t make more friends and can’t find a healthy, reciprocal relationship/boyfriend. I ... View more

Recently I’ve been feeling really sad and lonely when I’m alone. I feel sad about how few friends I have, how that there must be something wrong with me because I can’t make more friends and can’t find a healthy, reciprocal relationship/boyfriend. I compare myself to every other girl seeing them as really fun to be around and interesting, and that I have no personality and no fun traits. I can’t seem to stop anxious thoughts about the future that I’ll never find anyone and continue to be lonely for a long long time. Even when my housemates are out and I’m at home alone, I always find myself crying and feeling so lonely that I don’t have friends/boyfriend to see like they have.