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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.

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Helpfulness How to deal with elevated heart rate and shaking during confrontations
  • replies: 13

Hello everyone! I'm desperately searching for ways to decrease my heart rate and shakiness during confrontations with people. I don't feel like the size of a person matters in these situations, as someone that is half my age and size will still cause... View more

Hello everyone! I'm desperately searching for ways to decrease my heart rate and shakiness during confrontations with people. I don't feel like the size of a person matters in these situations, as someone that is half my age and size will still cause me to get an elevated heart rate and shakiness, even in times where mentally I don't feel worried or scared at all. This even happens when getting into confrontations online. An example would be my ex partners new boyfriend, who randomly messaged me out of the blue purposely trying to get a reaction out of me. This being said, I haven't spoken to them in 4 months and the only thing I've ever done since they've been together was politely ask for a few of my things to be returned. Why does my heart rate and shakiness occur even in situations like that? I'm not worried about him and don't feel threatened or scared in any way shape or form. So why do I get it? Any information on why this occurs even when not threatened would be helpful. Also any tips on how they can be prevented or more controlled in these situations. Thanks everyone! -Helpfulness

worldcitizen1919 Struggling to cope but hope to overcome with your encouragement
  • replies: 4

We are an elderly couple with diabetes and other illnesses which make us very vulnerable to the virus. I’m trying to reconcile a problem in my mind that seems perplexing and is a cause of anxiety but with guidance from people here I think I might be ... View more

We are an elderly couple with diabetes and other illnesses which make us very vulnerable to the virus. I’m trying to reconcile a problem in my mind that seems perplexing and is a cause of anxiety but with guidance from people here I think I might be able to overcome this fixation I’m stuck on. We have a lot of friends. I mean lots. Or we thought we did. But since this virus began none of them have kept in touch despite calls from the pm and govt to look out for each other. Now that people are basically home bound I’m at a loss why nobody seems to care. I’ve contacted many people just to say hello and they reply but basically they don’t want to talk. Of course I feel like an outcast amidst an already difficult situation with this virus. Recently I had a couple of skin infections so was visiting emergency a few times and taxis cost me over $200 to get to the hospital and doctor. I just feel alone and abandoned and it’s not a good feeling. Why my fiends don’t seem interested to look in on us and say how are you doing beats me because I look in on them. I’ve had a couple of anxiety or panic attacks physical not emotional. I mean that my eyes just felt dilated and I felt unwell and anxious physically not mentally but I assume it’s from the situation I’m in, How do I deal with this rejection by my friends just not wanting to have anything to do with me especially at this time with the virus? It’s like being kicked in the teeth while down. How do I reconcile my thoughts and emotions to become peaceful now that I mean nothing to them at all which makes me feel worthless, a reject of society, unwanted and unloved.

Abi_555 Panic Attacks?
  • replies: 5

Hi, Every time I become extremely anxious I start shaking and trembling, sweating, crying and getting hot and cold flushes. I feel nauseous and get a headache. It's happened twice so far and I'm constantly worried about it happening again. It happene... View more

Hi, Every time I become extremely anxious I start shaking and trembling, sweating, crying and getting hot and cold flushes. I feel nauseous and get a headache. It's happened twice so far and I'm constantly worried about it happening again. It happened once when I was trying to sleep and got anxious it got to that point. And it also happened another time when I felt threatened by someone and I felt like I was going crazy and couldn't snap out of it until someone started shaking me and telling me to calm down (which didn't really help). Would you consider this a mild panic attack? I was just wondering if anyone has any tips on what to do? Also, I get a really weird feeling at the back of my head. It kinda feels like someone hit me across my head and it's numb then starts to throb and ache. I don't know if it's related though. Thank you

highhopes Fear/Extreme Anxiety of Cigerette Smoke / Cigerette Butts and the sight of someone smoking
  • replies: 8

Hi All, I am really hoping to get some assistance. I suffer from extreme Fear and Extreme Anxiety towards Cigerette Smoke / Cigerette Butts and the sight of someone smoking. To give an idea of the level of Anxiety. These are the things that trigger m... View more

Hi All, I am really hoping to get some assistance. I suffer from extreme Fear and Extreme Anxiety towards Cigerette Smoke / Cigerette Butts and the sight of someone smoking. To give an idea of the level of Anxiety. These are the things that trigger me to HAVE to wash completely before touching anything in my house (except for door handle). I have to put my clothes straight in the washing machine (or as you see below even consider throwing my clothes in the bin) - Walking past someone smoking - Seeing someone parked next to me at the lights that is smoking (just as much with my windows down) - Finding a cigarette Butt in the garden - Seeing a cigarette butt on the floor (if I step even near one I throw my shoes away and buy a new pair) - Finding one in my garden is extremely stressful. I use a piece of cardboard and scoop some of the dirt with it and throw it in the bin (including the cardboard) The following things will take me approximately 2 days to mentally recover from (where by I will be comfortable to touch things in my house such as xbox or tv controller (or even sitting in my bed). - If someone touches me that smokes - If I have to shake someones hand that smokes - Touching something that I have seen a smoker touch (such as if they were to use my keyboard at work or sit in my seat)- I brush past someone that smokes In the past, I didn't seem to have much concern for this (no where near). I wouldn't necessarily shower afterwards even by going past someone that smoked. I even owned a car that was a previous smokers car and didn't mind (didn't shower when I got home). The car still had a smoking smell to it after thoroughly cleaning it. In a previous friendship, I had to ask for their partner to not smoke in the car. In other situations when we were outside I really didn't enjoy being around them while the person was smoking and it felt little consideration was made to make me comfortable (pull me away from the situation) even though I was a guest in their house. This stressed me for many years and my attention to disliking cigarettes got worse and worse. I suffer from OCD and have for most of my life. My way around was to buy something and if bothered by it enough I would sell again (due to marks developing/noticed or scratches that bothered me too much).

Christine_D Alcoholic mum and rape by friend
  • replies: 1

Hi, I have suffered from anxiety and depression for a long time. It all started when I was young and had issues with constipation and also having a mum who was an alcoholic and verbally abused me leaving me with low self esteem. She would climb into ... View more

Hi, I have suffered from anxiety and depression for a long time. It all started when I was young and had issues with constipation and also having a mum who was an alcoholic and verbally abused me leaving me with low self esteem. She would climb into my bed at the middle of the night and say terrible things about me and my dad. My reaction was to freeze and my body would go completely stiff. This was how I also reacted when a guy I knew raped me. I couldn't move and this has led me to blaming myself, especially as I was a virgin even though I was in my mid 20's. Even though I am now in my 50's, both still haunt me. They have had massive impacts on my life as I never had a boyfriend and I have a lot of anger against my mother and don't see her much even though she is in a care facility. I feel guilty for this. I fear the unknown and am worried about offending people. In my last job I was bullied which caused me to have loads of panic attacks and stay home as this way my safe place. So much so, that I grew scared to leave the house. I feel anxious a lot of the time and have been on a disability pension due to my anxiety and depression. I feel like I have wasted my life and that I'm pathetic. That I am a burden to everyone and society.

Bef Anxiety with Job searching
  • replies: 8

I finished uni last year and I am currently looking for some work but when I read all the job ads I am just overcome with anxiety due to feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem as I can't picture myself being able to do any of these jobs or that a... View more

I finished uni last year and I am currently looking for some work but when I read all the job ads I am just overcome with anxiety due to feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem as I can't picture myself being able to do any of these jobs or that anyone would actually want to hire me or think that I am capable. I can't even bring myself to apply for one job. I feel so inexperienced and behind everyone else and I don't know how I can gain experience due to my lack of confidence. If anyone else has experienced this situation or feelings I would love to hear from you. Thanks guys!

Athena_ So I clicked a thing
  • replies: 3

And finally admitted I need support. I've been through my fair share of battles during my life. I'm now in my mid 30s. My story isn't important right now. What matters is that, while pretty drunk the other night, I completed an online assessment with... View more

And finally admitted I need support. I've been through my fair share of battles during my life. I'm now in my mid 30s. My story isn't important right now. What matters is that, while pretty drunk the other night, I completed an online assessment with another website. The scale has normal/healthy and mild in the non-clinica range, and moderate and sever in the clinical range. Here are my results: Moderate: depression symptoms generalised anxiety symptoms panic symptoms and panic attacks Mild social anxiety symptoms The funny part is, with this whole lock down looming in Australia, I'm looking forward to working from home. It's like the world is showing me my desired workplace. Odd silver lining, I suppose. I don't know exactly what I'm looking for by posting here. Maybe some like souls? Some sound strategies and advice? Regardless, if you made it this far, thanks for reading I look forward to trying to get involved in this community.

Guest_1185 Doubts about what I'm doing in life - Studying? Dropout? Work?
  • replies: 2

I started a course at uni (first semester). It's my 2nd degree. I can't figure out what I want to do in life. Census date is on 31st March. I started having doubts about whether I want to continue this course. It's Week 5. I'm still 'adjusting' to fu... View more

I started a course at uni (first semester). It's my 2nd degree. I can't figure out what I want to do in life. Census date is on 31st March. I started having doubts about whether I want to continue this course. It's Week 5. I'm still 'adjusting' to full time study, having come from full time work. At the moment, I'm just studying. I don't work, I applied for Youth Allowance (still being assessed). I've been struggling with the work load, it's non-stop, my life is consumed by study. I don't go out much, I feel guilty if I'm not studying. I'm barely keeping up with the work. I don't have close friends in this course, but have spoken to some peers - They seem to be on top of everything. It makes me feel incompetent. Why does it take me so long to do the readings, activities and assessments? I'm trying very hard, but still don't reach the same level of understanding as peers. I can't find meaning in what I'm studying. They're supposed to teach me and prepare me for the job, but I feel like I don't know anything practical. I'm also starting to question the career related to this degree - I need this degree for the career I want. People have told me that the actual job is nothing like the university course. People tell me the job itself is very tough, few friends felt like quitting. IDK if I want that job anymore. I'm in a negative state of mind. I feel so dumb compared to peers, I feel stupid because this time last year I was so keen on this course and related career, even though my parents advised against it by saying it's not a great job, you're incurring more student debt, they basically told me to stay in my full-time job. I'll feel so ashamed if I drop out. - Do I want to do this course? My mind is clouded with negative thoughts, so I can't make a clear rational decision. I can't decide if I enjoy the course or not. - If I withdraw by 31st March, no financial penalty, my Youth Allowance will be cut. No backup plan. I'll have to find work ASAP for $. With current events (virus, unemployment), it will be hard. - Or, I can finish this semester, and apply for jobs along the way (not sure if it's a good idea, IDK my passion). If I manage to get a job, take it, then withdraw (financial penalties of $4K will apply since census date will have passed). That will mean I'll have to continue to try keeping up to date with studies, since if I don't get a job, I'll continue the course. And, I'll have Youth Allowance as long as I'm enrolled full time. Other options?

Arielle Anxiety/Depression Relapse
  • replies: 6

I had my anxiety/depression 10yrs ago, I had m full recovery, after 4years i had my relapse and had full recovery again. It's been a long time i never experienced this unpleasant feeling but because of this Convid19 problem my anxiety cameback again.... View more

I had my anxiety/depression 10yrs ago, I had m full recovery, after 4years i had my relapse and had full recovery again. It's been a long time i never experienced this unpleasant feeling but because of this Convid19 problem my anxiety cameback again. Feeling of unsettled, nervousness, shortness of breath, numbness. I hate this feelings. From my experience, it help me if i talked to someone had been there before and they became ok and back to normal. I think this strategies boost my self that there still hope after all of this. We can still live a normal and happy life. Is anyone had multiple relapse then recover again and again?. Thanks.

Tickletess My Anxiety
  • replies: 1

Hi I'm new to this forum. My anxiety really kicked in, in the last couple of months. Landlord is selling the place I'm renting. I've been behind in rent. Both my partner and I have health issues. Partner is the only one working. My anxiety started in... View more

Hi I'm new to this forum. My anxiety really kicked in, in the last couple of months. Landlord is selling the place I'm renting. I've been behind in rent. Both my partner and I have health issues. Partner is the only one working. My anxiety started in 2013 when mum died, 2015 I had triple by-pass I cried for 2 weeks after my op. Some days I don't want to do anything, menopause doesn't help either. At the moment I am terrified of being locked out and lossing everything and 2 cats