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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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annabay what physical feelings of anxiety do you get?
  • replies: 785

hey there, what physical symptoms of anxiety do you experience? I often feel very alone in my experience of having physical chest (what I think are heart) spasms and was wanting to create a space for everyone to list their physical feelings that come... View more

hey there, what physical symptoms of anxiety do you experience? I often feel very alone in my experience of having physical chest (what I think are heart) spasms and was wanting to create a space for everyone to list their physical feelings that come hand in hand with anxiety so we can all feel less alone. hope everyone is well.

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.

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PeggySue92 Noise anxiety
  • replies: 41

Hi all, this is my first time posting and I suffer from noise anxiety. My noise anxiety only exists in my own home, I work in a noisy office environment and this is not a trigger at all. In the past we have had noisy neighbours, air-con units, loud m... View more

Hi all, this is my first time posting and I suffer from noise anxiety. My noise anxiety only exists in my own home, I work in a noisy office environment and this is not a trigger at all. In the past we have had noisy neighbours, air-con units, loud music etc all causing me to think about when the noise will happen again and this causes me to worry about constantly. Even to the point of missing out on enjoying things because I need to try and control situations. At the moment we are in our own house and the neighbours have a dog that barks ALL THE TIME. It’s sensitive to everything and anything and is causing me anxiety because we cant go out to our backyard without being aggressively barked at. The issue has been brought up with the neighbours and they are aware that the barking is disturbing me and my family but not a lot has been done. I'm tired of worrying and thinking the worst of what ‘might’ happen. I'd like to hear from anyone that suffers the same type of anxiety and if they have tips on how to deal with it. Thank you.

bundychikk Noise Anxiety caused by neighbours
  • replies: 5

Hi everyone I need some advice. For 3 years I have been suffering with anxiety cause by my neighbours kids. Abit of a back story - They are living in a rental house. The kids yell and scream shrieking all day they are in the backyard unsupervised mos... View more

Hi everyone I need some advice. For 3 years I have been suffering with anxiety cause by my neighbours kids. Abit of a back story - They are living in a rental house. The kids yell and scream shrieking all day they are in the backyard unsupervised most of the time. They come onto our property they throw rocks at our house and our dog. They swear at us over the fence if we are in our backyard. They have recently come into our carport and smeared mud all over our glass doors when we weren't home. I have contacted the real estate multiple times about this issue and they have said they are doing what they can. We have never done anything to these kids apart from asking them to be quiet and stay off our property. For me everything is good when there is no noise but as soon as i hear one of them talking or playing now it makes me feel sick wondering if anything is going to happen . I find myself going to the windows and watching them to make sure they are not doing anything or on our property. It has gotten to the stage that even just hearing them makes me jump like a bang has gone off and i even think I can hear them when they aren't actually making any noise at all. I think i can hear them even when its the middle of the night. Every single day I am always on edge and anxious to the point where i feel physically ill, worried, heart racing, headaches. I have mentioned it to my husband who is away a lot for work and doesn't see/hear it a lot so he doesn't think it is that bad. I am at my wits end with this and don't know what to do any advice would be greatfully appreciated. This is the only issue that makes me feel this way i have no other problems with any other things like this in my life.

annabay what physical feelings of anxiety do you get?
  • replies: 785

hey there, what physical symptoms of anxiety do you experience? I often feel very alone in my experience of having physical chest (what I think are heart) spasms and was wanting to create a space for everyone to list their physical feelings that come... View more

hey there, what physical symptoms of anxiety do you experience? I often feel very alone in my experience of having physical chest (what I think are heart) spasms and was wanting to create a space for everyone to list their physical feelings that come hand in hand with anxiety so we can all feel less alone. hope everyone is well.

Scutrona26 Anti-depressant withdrawal
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this - I was only taking a certain medication for one month, then upped the dose another month, before deciding I really didn't want to be on medication because of the numbness. I reduced it ... View more

Hi everyone, Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this - I was only taking a certain medication for one month, then upped the dose another month, before deciding I really didn't want to be on medication because of the numbness. I reduced it to again for 2 weeks, and then again every second day for 2 weeks. I then found I needed to take half every third day, then fourth day, and now, still, almost 3 months later, the withdrawal symptoms appear if I haven't had a dose in 5 days or more. I'm just so surprised to be experiencing this after only having been on them for 2 months! Anyone else experienced this? Thanks,

JulieS101 Morning Anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has any advice for severe morning anxiety. Every morning I wake up with extreme anxiety that often leaves me feeling super hopeless and not wanting to leave bed. I usually wake up in a gasp and I won’t eat anything as... View more

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has any advice for severe morning anxiety. Every morning I wake up with extreme anxiety that often leaves me feeling super hopeless and not wanting to leave bed. I usually wake up in a gasp and I won’t eat anything as I feel sick. It is at a point where I dread going to sleep as I know the morning will be horrible

asianaussie Is it bad to be conflicted about wanting kids because of my toxic parents?
  • replies: 9

Heads up, I'm not expecting a baby nor in a relationship. I'm at a stage where my friends/peers are having kids, and I've spent time babysitting them. Many of my friends enjoy parenthood and seem to treat their kids well. It gives me resentment becau... View more

Heads up, I'm not expecting a baby nor in a relationship. I'm at a stage where my friends/peers are having kids, and I've spent time babysitting them. Many of my friends enjoy parenthood and seem to treat their kids well. It gives me resentment because of my own relationship with my parents.On surface level, my parents were abusive and uncaring. As a child, I was beaten and chastised, from being 'naughty' to failing a subject (particularly Maths). I was banned from attending any friends' parties and was enrolled into tutoring schools for extra homework. Even when I got A's for something, they would not care. But when I got B's or even C's, I would be screamed at and told 'what's wrong with you? You're so stupid!'. As I grew older, I was chastised for 'talking to boys', to the point where they locked my social media accounts and I was sent to an all-girl's school. On top of school work, my weight and appearance became the butt of jokes/comments, being told I was 'too fat, too ugly.' My mother went into my room several times and confiscated things, confronting and accusing me of 'doing bad things about the family to gain popularity'. My father was very withdrawn and did not attend any school awards, my musical/drama performances. In fact I was also criticised for doing performing arts and they went to the Subject Heads, to force me to change subjects .Even as an adult, I am still dealing with the mental fallout of my parents and they still refuse to accept any wrongdoing. They say that I'm 'a snowflake', and that 'this is the Asian way, get used to it'. But who tells their kids they are worthless? Who refuses to attend any single showcase and not acknowledge any success, hard work or struggle? Who dismisses and jokes about their issues? Who walks into their room, takes things and confronts them with it? Now at 25, they are nagging about 'having grandchildren' and 'marrying'. I feel so conflicted about marrying and having kids right now, because I fear I will be a bad mother. I do not want them to go through the same thing as I did. I also have mental health issues and would fear they would be affected. Is this wrong?

Anicca My dog has cancer
  • replies: 10

I found out last week that my 13 year old Schnoodle dog has a cancerous tumour on his leg. I don’t have friends or family and live alone. My dog is my companion and I could not love him more. I have GAD and major depression and Bipolar type 2. I am f... View more

I found out last week that my 13 year old Schnoodle dog has a cancerous tumour on his leg. I don’t have friends or family and live alone. My dog is my companion and I could not love him more. I have GAD and major depression and Bipolar type 2. I am finding it very hard to cope with this news. The vet had tears in her eyes when she told me. She said she was not expecting this. S is a very active and puppy like dog. We go back to the vet in 4 weeks time to see if the cancer has progressed. He doesn’t know he’s sick. I cooked chicken, rice and carrots for his dinner last night which I only do if he’s been unwell. S looked at me and wagged his tale so big, he wanted more! I don't cook it all the time because I want him to have a fully balanced diet. I worried this year when he turned 13 but I was planning on having another 4 years with him. He looks like he is in such good health. He developed a cough at the same time and the vet said he has a collapsing trachea. If it gets worse it can be treated with medication. I had no idea this was coming. Nobody does. He will have the best life I can give him. He may need lump removed but I worry that more will develop . I feel calmer for having reached out to BB. Thank you.

Maxi2701 Spiking high blood pressure
  • replies: 2

Hi Everyone For the past 3 weeks my anxiety has hit new highs. Literally. My blood pressure now has a mind of it's own and is causing me more anxiety on top of anxiety. I've had lots of tests and all clear. Doctors visits, ED visits and even a stay i... View more

Hi Everyone For the past 3 weeks my anxiety has hit new highs. Literally. My blood pressure now has a mind of it's own and is causing me more anxiety on top of anxiety. I've had lots of tests and all clear. Doctors visits, ED visits and even a stay in hospital. Has anyone else had this? I try deep breathing and counting backwards from 100 by 3's (that does work). I've tried meditation and acupuncture. Medication has too many side effects for me. Any suggestions would be good. I've just about had enough.

Clarissa26 Feeling broken at the moment
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I am not sure where to start but I feel like reaching out may be a start. I feel so much at the moment, lost broken, sad. I feel like I take on everyone else's worries. My husband has not been himself, worrying about money matters and th... View more

Hi everyone, I am not sure where to start but I feel like reaching out may be a start. I feel so much at the moment, lost broken, sad. I feel like I take on everyone else's worries. My husband has not been himself, worrying about money matters and that makes me worry. I hate it. I feel sick in the stomach, hot skin, want to just curl up in a ball and cry. I am also finding it hard to sleep so I am just tired. I often say to myself the storm will pass but I am hating being in the storm at the moment. My sister always tells me when I feel like this I need a plan to find my way out, I just feel so foggy at the moment I am not sure where to start. I am going to make an appointment with my GP to talk about stuff. I just hate this feeling.

ClaireBell I can't stop thinking about my last trigger and anxiety attack- how do I stop
  • replies: 2

I recently had a phone call with a family member (cousin), I had to tell her that due to an unavoidable university assessment that required me to travel, I couldn't come to her wedding. The conversation was horrible, I tried to apologise and tell her... View more

I recently had a phone call with a family member (cousin), I had to tell her that due to an unavoidable university assessment that required me to travel, I couldn't come to her wedding. The conversation was horrible, I tried to apologise and tell her why I couldn't come and she kept cutting me off, telling me my excuse was invalid, that I should just fly in and fly out (I had to travel via plane to get to her wedding) on the day. I tried to explain that emotionally and financially, I couldn't afford it. I think the trigger happened when she started to blame me for her stress, she said that I was ruining the wedding, that she had to rearrange the seating plans and that there would be consequences for my actions. An onslaught of verbal abuse occurred there after and I kept telling her she was hurting me emotionally, and that this argument wasn't worth our relationship as family members. I told her I was on the verge of an anxiety attack and she didn't stop. I had to hang up and I broke down. I don't actually remember half of the conversation, my boyfriend filled me in, I think I blacked out to some extent, I don't know. I cried for two hours, I couldn't stop shaking, I felt like I just couldn't think or breathe and I have never felt so out of control. My aunt rang me afterwards and yelled at me, asking me what I said, I told her and she accused me of lying saying I was causing my cousin all this stress. I think this opened the flood gates again for me. I actually felt fairly broken for a bit afterwards, I felt like the bad guy, the cause of all this pain and I can't stop thinking about it. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't regulate my body temperature (I was hot and sweaty despite it being a very cold night). It's now been four days since, and I'm still having nightmares, I don't know how to stop thinking about it. I feel like I'm overreacting, but I can't shake it, I keep trying to think about what I could have said or done to make it better. I don't know what to do-is this normal?