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

Looloo337 Eating disorders in isolation
  • replies: 6

My eating disorder returned around December. Since isolation it’s gotten a lot worse. It used to be mainly anorexic behaviours but now I’m experiencing Bulimia too. I’m really trying to get better but it’s so hard when I feel like there’s no support ... View more

My eating disorder returned around December. Since isolation it’s gotten a lot worse. It used to be mainly anorexic behaviours but now I’m experiencing Bulimia too. I’m really trying to get better but it’s so hard when I feel like there’s no support system for me. any advice? I’m in a lot of pain.

Lu_109 ASD, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
  • replies: 4

Hi there! Thanks for clicking on this thread. So, this is my first thread on here. I figured I'd start with why I joined. I have anxiety, and have been diagnosed with that and ASD for yonks (literally when I was 6). With this whole COVID thing happen... View more

Hi there! Thanks for clicking on this thread. So, this is my first thread on here. I figured I'd start with why I joined. I have anxiety, and have been diagnosed with that and ASD for yonks (literally when I was 6). With this whole COVID thing happening and Uni going online, I'm really struggling with how much there is to handle. I'm just feeling so overwhelmed and (I think partly because of the ASD) recognising triggers and boundaries (that I need to set) within myself is hard. There's so much that I need to be doing, and it feels like there isn't enough time in the day to do it all, and I stress when I don't get at least 7hrs sleep and do all this other stuff and, yeah. It's just so difficult relying on other people like my mum or psychologist, because I don't even trust myself to know what's best for me, so how in the world am I meant to let other people do it. I feel like I just want everything to pause, so I can regain my footing and get myself back on track. I'm a high achiever, so accepting anything less than my best is so difficult. I don't know how hard to push myself each day vs what's going to burn me out. Each day, it feels like there's no point doing any work, because there's still going to be more tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. I also really struggle with a) making new friends and b) connecting with them online, cause I'm so awkward (the ASD). For about the last week, there's been a point on most days where I feel like breaking down and crying, which usually happens more like monthly to every few months. Most days this week, I'd rate my anxiety a 9/10 and its usually about a 5, on average. I suppose I'm not really asking anyone to do anything, cause I don't know what you could do - heck, I don't even know if anyone's going to read this - but I'm maybe asking if anyone else's gone through this, how you coped? I just don't know what to do. Deferring doesn't feel like an option (I already took a whole year off last year) and I know I COULD push through this, I just really, really don't want to. It feels like I've been dealt a crappy hand and I'm so sick of it and life would be so much better if it was just a little bit easier. Anyways, if you made it this far, thanks! Means a lot. And I hope you're going okay through the rollercoaster of a ride that so many of us are on right now.

Patrickj Near Constant Chest Pain
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone, For the past few months - particularly so in the past week - I've been having near constant chest pain, tightness, painful stabs. Initially, due to palpitations, I thought it was my heart and went for various tests (bloods, ecg, echocard... View more

Hi everyone, For the past few months - particularly so in the past week - I've been having near constant chest pain, tightness, painful stabs. Initially, due to palpitations, I thought it was my heart and went for various tests (bloods, ecg, echocardiogram). They've essentially chalked it down to nothing. However, I'm really suffering with these continued feelings. I'm wondering if anyone else has experience with anxiety and chest pain? Any kind works would be appreciated. Thank you.

Craig_m Lost soul
  • replies: 13

I've had anxiety and depression for nearly as long as I can remember. Had many different treatments. Nothing really helped. When I have stomach and shortness of breath. I get sedated.basically I just deal with it day by day. I also have a lot of phys... View more

I've had anxiety and depression for nearly as long as I can remember. Had many different treatments. Nothing really helped. When I have stomach and shortness of breath. I get sedated.basically I just deal with it day by day. I also have a lot of physical health issues. Diabetes. Diabetic nurophathy vascular disease both legs arthritis pain back and hips. I'm having daily panic attacks nausea and other things. That's all good pretty use to it. But last few weeks have been different high and low blood sugar , insomnia, thinking of dying all the time. Because I'm high risk of the virus, feeling like I'm not going to make it. Not much support around I keep to myself because of mood disorders. Not sure what I want to get from hereTake it as it comes.

sar3658 Intrusive thoughts, what do I do?
  • replies: 66

Hello I am a 17 year old girl and have been suffering extreme anxiety for the past few months that has come out of nowhere. Always been anxious person growing up but it seems my mind has just taken over. I started to believe I was going insane with d... View more

Hello I am a 17 year old girl and have been suffering extreme anxiety for the past few months that has come out of nowhere. Always been anxious person growing up but it seems my mind has just taken over. I started to believe I was going insane with depersonalisation and my thoughts constantly told me that I was insane and the world was not real. I started to research on intrusive thoughts and OCD and found that it is common for people to have sexual thoughts about family members. I read this and was so shocked this was happening to some people but over the course of a couple of days I couldnt help but think if I start thinking about that stuff. So of course my mind started thinking those things to the closest person in my life, my mum. This is the hardest thing to write because I've never experienced anxiety so bad. This happened about 4 weeks ago and was put on medication by my GP although haven't told anyone about my intrusive thoughts. While my anxiety died down a lot for about 2 weeks I started getting very anxious again about week 3 of the tablets and of course the intrusive thoughts have come back bad. I can't even sleep at night and I feel like I can't come back from this and I'm so scared to seek help from a psychologist because I am 17 and what if they think I have a very bad home life and need to speak with my mum or anyone else about what I'm going through. Family is the most important thing in my life and I'm so close with everyone, have had such a good upbringing and love them so much especially my mum she is my best friend and it gives me such severe anxiety as to why I am thinking these things. Even when these thoughts cross my mind and my anxiety doesn't get too bad I start to question whether I'm getting used to this way of thinking and if I'll start to like the thoughts which gives me even more anxiety. Honestly I don't know what to do

Deppwilliam Hello, past 2 weeks im plagued with panic attacks
  • replies: 3

Ive had thr most severe panic attacks that last for half a days sometimes. Its really scsry as i dont know how to stop getting them... can someone tell me how they cured their anxiety attacks? Hello btw, 23 years old male.

Ive had thr most severe panic attacks that last for half a days sometimes. Its really scsry as i dont know how to stop getting them... can someone tell me how they cured their anxiety attacks? Hello btw, 23 years old male.

aussiestorm Anxiety and OCD
  • replies: 2

when I suffer an anxiety attack I start shaking or crying most times both as I feel that I'm not what I am supposed to be. Most times I go into a cleaning frenzy and you could nearly eat off my floor. what other stratergies can I use to just stop? View more

when I suffer an anxiety attack I start shaking or crying most times both as I feel that I'm not what I am supposed to be. Most times I go into a cleaning frenzy and you could nearly eat off my floor. what other stratergies can I use to just stop?

Fusion How to
  • replies: 6

Hi I suffered a heart attack last in June 2019. Its a rare form of heart attack and its called SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). There is lot of research still being done as to why this happens. I have done lot of test etc to find out wh... View more

Hi I suffered a heart attack last in June 2019. Its a rare form of heart attack and its called SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). There is lot of research still being done as to why this happens. I have done lot of test etc to find out what was wrong with me and i faced lot of anxiety and depression and its very common in SCAD patient. My income protection insurance was declined due to anxiety and depression. My specialist has given me a green light to go back to pre work injury. I explained to him that when i do heavy repetitive movements i get pain on my chest. He did said test are being done but we dont know why it happens. There are lot of cases like this. I saw my GP and he referred me to a cardiac rehab which is helping me a lot to recover and retun back to my work. As well as i am seeing a psychologist. My doctor has given a mixed report that i cant do heavy lifting as well as some restrictions on my movement. At the same time she has highlighted i have anxiety and depression. The insurance company is not looking at my medical side of things but is only looking at anxiety and depression as in there clause it says i am not covered for any. Also my company is no longer associated with that insurance comapny as they increased the premiums. I feel i am being discriminated. I am doing everything possible towards my recovery and i am feeling so well. I was supposed to be paid for next 2 and half months but i am being not. At the moment i have asked my company to pay me sick leave and annual leave to support myself. I have tried to raise this issue with dispute team but it has been declined also. I am trying to do right thing but i dont have support. I dont know how to deal with this. I have seen solicitors but all of them have declined to help as they saying they are busy. I think just beacuse my claim is very small one ones wants to help me. I want to create this awareness with people who are going through this heart disease. How insurance companies try to decline insurance.

Katniss91 Trying to conceive and Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Does anyone else have anxiety and is trying to conceive or have conceived/had a baby? i am only 2 months into trying for a baby and i would like to know what helped you not feel anxious about everything pregnancy. -the pain -body changing (i have bod... View more

Does anyone else have anxiety and is trying to conceive or have conceived/had a baby? i am only 2 months into trying for a baby and i would like to know what helped you not feel anxious about everything pregnancy. -the pain -body changing (i have body image issues, so putting on weight and looking fat is worrying me) -if my mental health will change (get worse) -the time its taking to get pregnant (i am very impatient) my partner and i aren't "religiously" tracking my cycle or only having sex when i am ovulating, we are just not using protection. so the whole stress of "having sex when you ovulate" makes me feel overwhelmed and forced. i dont want this feeling as it may hinder us getting pregnant. Tips and advice, thanks in advance.

lemonyb Anxiety during isolation
  • replies: 6

I've lived with general and social anxiety for a looong time, and can normally manage it just fine myself. But lately, being stuck inside 24/7, mostly alone in my room, has resulted in my anxiety becoming a lot worse not only at home, but going out a... View more

I've lived with general and social anxiety for a looong time, and can normally manage it just fine myself. But lately, being stuck inside 24/7, mostly alone in my room, has resulted in my anxiety becoming a lot worse not only at home, but going out at all is enough to almost- or to give me a panic/anxiety attack. Being in quarantine has made me realise how lonely I really am. Being in the midst of a confusing situation.. where I can't talk to the person I used to always speak to at all definitely isn't helping that. People who I considered close friends haven't tried to contact me at all, and those who I do try to contact often don't respond. I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong? Or saying the wrong things? Maybe those people don't wish to speak with me at all? I don't want to annoy them, yet somehow I think I manage to do so anyway. It's also made me realise how much I adore human interaction (with those close to me anyway). I hate not being able to spend time with people, not being able to hug my friends or act goofy with them at school or home. I miss hearing voices and stories. I know this all probably sounds really silly but... it's genuinely bothering me. Plus the mere idea of having to do online schooling freaks me out. I cannot stay at home all day- on my computer- on a video call with my teachers and students. I'd much, much, much rather endure in-school time than go through it all at home. School gives me a break from my home and family, it gives me structure and routine to work around, not having any of that really throws me off sometimes. Everything is just feeling a little overwhelming at the moment. And I need to sort this situation I'm going through out, but I can't due to quarantine/isolation I'm sure some, if not most of you feel a similar way about isolation and this whole COVID business, but I need to get a little bit off my chest so... here I am. Not quite sure how to end this post... I hope whoever's reading this is feeling better than I am right now.