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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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cookiesandcream Anxiety and studying right career path
  • replies: 2

Hi All, I just need some general advice. I have such anxiety about my chosen study career path. I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and am just about to go into 2nd year. However I really don't see myself in the long term being a... View more

Hi All, I just need some general advice. I have such anxiety about my chosen study career path. I'm currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and am just about to go into 2nd year. However I really don't see myself in the long term being a teacher. I guess it will suit school holiday's with my family and grandchild and any more future grandchildren. . However my heart is really in studying Law. I have also been accepted into a Bachelor of Laws, but I know that I can only study one degree. Law is really what I would like to study, but I know the hours etc will be ridiculous. And hubby probably would hate that. Plus I know the study for Law degree is very full on, lots of reading (don't know if my family would support me on this decision). It gives me such anxiety, that am I wasting my time with teaching, or should I just finish the teaching degree, then later on do a Juris prudence (law postgraduate). I just can't wait to study law, it really, really interest me. The only other alternative would be to change to Secondary teaching and add legal studies on as my major. help and advice anyone please? my head just can't shut off.

Guest_342 Strange reaction to something that happened?
  • replies: 7

Hi everyone. I hope you are having a nice Christmas / holiday season. I wondered if any of you might have some thoughts to offer about a reaction I felt when a few fairly minor things happened tonight. I was hosting a family dinner for 7 of us. Two (... View more

Hi everyone. I hope you are having a nice Christmas / holiday season. I wondered if any of you might have some thoughts to offer about a reaction I felt when a few fairly minor things happened tonight. I was hosting a family dinner for 7 of us. Two (my uncle and a family friend whom I do not know) were coming late - around 8:30 or 9 - and I had specifically asked my uncle the week before whether they would be having dinner before arriving so I knew how many people to cater for. They said they would eat here, so I bought supplies for 7. My uncle gratefully said to please prepare the food for them too and put it aside until they arrive. Then when they arrived, neither was hungry - they had eaten not long ago but did not acknowledge that I had catered for them. And when they arrived, My uncle advised the other to put their bags in my garage next to the front door, without asking me first. I actually get a little embarrassed about people going in there because it sometimes smells due to my cat having his litter tray in there. They pushed the door instead of sliding it and it broke of its rail and made an almighty crash. Then three of the guys - my dad and two uncles - spent the next half hour trying unsuccessfully to fix it. My first uncle cut his finger and got blood all over the place and didn’t clean it up - I had to. Then when I went up to the bathroom to see if he was alright, he and the other uncle were in there, and they had opened my cupboard and opened a bar of soap. I feel like my bathroom cupboard is my private domain and I feel like my privacy has been invaded. And I also did not give them permission to touch the soap - there was plenty on the basin. I didn’t say anything about these things but I felt unhappy for the rest of the night and told my dad I was done with the night. My dad said he’ll come over in two days to help me fix the door, which I am very grateful for - because I won’t need to pay for a tradesperson. But in the mean time I don’t know how to keep my cat out of the garage while I am driving in and out without having that door. I was in tears after everyone finally left. And now I feel like I have made Christmas unpleasant and that I didn’t show gratitude for the lovely gifts I received and company I had. I just wanted everyone to leave. I know I am over-reacting to these little things and don’t understand why it has upset me so much.

Mark1295 Anxiety and poor relationships/friendships
  • replies: 1

I have gone through many relationships that have not lasted at all. I do happen to suffer social anxiety too. First one failed because I was too needy. Second failed, because I was dumping problems onto the other person. Third one failed, because I w... View more

I have gone through many relationships that have not lasted at all. I do happen to suffer social anxiety too. First one failed because I was too needy. Second failed, because I was dumping problems onto the other person. Third one failed, because I was projecting too much of issues onto them. My friendships have not really lasted as I overburden them or often fail to make my needs communicated. .. A lot of the time, I feel bad for making my own needs met, often overapologise and feel insecure about the connections I make. Unfortunately, anxiety and insecurities are the black holes of relationship energy. The most frustrating bit is, I'm very self aware about anxiety, but I can't stop it. It is like a train that keeps running off the rails, even the operator knows that it's gone off tracks. .. What can I do about this? My last cousellor wasn't very particuarly helpful.

Bain1979 Anxiety attacks
  • replies: 4

Hi . I recently had a anxiety attack or panic attack i ended up in emergency coz i felt like i was a goner. I had a few of them in past nothing like i experienced that nite... cant seem to shake the chest pain the tightnesss .. do i see someone or ri... View more

Hi . I recently had a anxiety attack or panic attack i ended up in emergency coz i felt like i was a goner. I had a few of them in past nothing like i experienced that nite... cant seem to shake the chest pain the tightnesss .. do i see someone or ride it out

Island11 Physical symptoms of anxiety
  • replies: 4

I have had a sore dry throat since before Christmas and my gp thinks I have had a virus and have globus due to my anxiety. i have now started on medication and am seeing a psychologist but these physical symptoms of anxiety are getting the best of me... View more

I have had a sore dry throat since before Christmas and my gp thinks I have had a virus and have globus due to my anxiety. i have now started on medication and am seeing a psychologist but these physical symptoms of anxiety are getting the best of me. i have sore tight dry throat ear pain loss of appetite early satiety unintentional weight loss (3kg in 10 days) and some diarrhoea. All of my googling tells me i need to see a dr yet he seems unconcerned. I wonder how many of my symptoms are related to the virus/anxiety/. My dr told me to go back and see him in a month but it has only been 10 days and I think I need to go back. this anxiety is exhausting

Ohleaver Health Anxiety & Panic Symptoms
  • replies: 2

Hi all Ive been diagnosed With Health Anxiety & Panic Disorder, also mild depression due to these things. My health anxiety is related to my heart so im constantly monitoring and observing my heart. I had my first panic attack randomly probably due t... View more

Hi all Ive been diagnosed With Health Anxiety & Panic Disorder, also mild depression due to these things. My health anxiety is related to my heart so im constantly monitoring and observing my heart. I had my first panic attack randomly probably due to anxiety\stress of my break up with my recent ex-girl friend. I thought i was having a heart attack and something was wrong with me, got sent to hospital and dis-charged after i calmed down with no issues. Ive been getting stabbing chest pain mostly in my left side on and off sometimes very intense sometimes very mild for about 2 years now since i broke up with her but just lately it has started to get to me thinking its a heart attack. Does anyone else get stabbing chest pain? Ive been to a cardioligist and my heart has been completely checked out and is working fine. Lately ive realised i spike in anxiety symptoms ( Chest pain in left side (stabbing) , skipped heart beats maybe 5-10 times a day and excessive worry that there is something wrong with my heart. On the good side i have started doing alot of things i was scared of, such as physical activity and i have learnt to not fear my panic attacks anymore so they have declined. But the exsessive thoughts, skipped or extra heart beats and stabbing chest pain is still there. How am i supposed to stay calm and be happy when these symptoms occur and cause me more anxiety? Right now i believe im close to coping with my anxiety but the stabbing chest pain is probably the one that still gets me and makes me think oh no what if something actually is wrong with my heart cause it shouldnt be stabbing pain like that? I find it hard to believe that stabbing chest pain in the left side thats on and off is a symptom of anxiety. Even though my heart has been checked out i still worry. Ive had these stabbing chest pains on and off for the past 2 years so surely if it was heart related id be dead by now? Anyone experiencing the same or similar thing?

DuffyMum My Intro
  • replies: 1

Hi All. I've decided to join you all here because I've reached a point in my life where my thoughts seem to be taking over my life and stopping me from enjoying all that I have, that is, a loving husband, two great kids (albeit teenagers, lol), good ... View more

Hi All. I've decided to join you all here because I've reached a point in my life where my thoughts seem to be taking over my life and stopping me from enjoying all that I have, that is, a loving husband, two great kids (albeit teenagers, lol), good health and a roof over our heads. I should be very thankful for all this but I can't help but often descend into thoughts that we'll lose it all or that my husband and kids don't want me around anymore or other unrealistic thoughts like that. This happens every time something happens or is said to me that I think is a bit negative - I blow it out of proportion, shut down and cry. I know what's happening but I can't seem to stop myself. I was diagnosed with mild depression years ago, but in hindsight I don't think that it was depression but anxiety. Hubby has been so supportive over the years but I already know that if I mention anything to him, he will just tell me to just go see our GP. And yes, I probably should but I don't want her to just prescribe some pills (because that's what I know she'll do - that's what she did with my depression). I'd rather see if talking to others feeling the same, and Beyond Blue, might actually really help. Looking forward to feeling better, really better.

TwitchyOne Health Anxiety!
  • replies: 3

Hi ya'll what are the top 5 distraction techniques do you find useful when experiencing a flare up of anxiety? Currently having a MEGA flare up (yikes forever).

Hi ya'll what are the top 5 distraction techniques do you find useful when experiencing a flare up of anxiety? Currently having a MEGA flare up (yikes forever).

Parent 20 year old son has social anxiety and depression
  • replies: 5

Hi, My son has social anxiety and depression that he mentioned he can’t deal with anymore. He is staying in his room at Uni campus and on the odd occasion that he goes out, he quietly sits in a corner isolated and by himself and feels worse about him... View more

Hi, My son has social anxiety and depression that he mentioned he can’t deal with anymore. He is staying in his room at Uni campus and on the odd occasion that he goes out, he quietly sits in a corner isolated and by himself and feels worse about himself after the event. He mentioned that he is not getting any enjoyment out of life, and that he believes he is not capable of being as happy as other people; also that he is lacking socially compared to others. This has been going on for a while and he has previously seen psychologists and counsellors, so he is reluctant to go down this route again, as he is sceptical of the value. My question is, what is the best way/s to address social anxiety? Are there perhaps psychologists that specialise in this and can facilitate getting tangible results? We live in Brisbane. Thanks in advance!

Island11 Losing weight
  • replies: 1

I started taking medication for my anxiety 2 weeks ago and have significantly reduced appetite. I feel hunger every now and again but I don’t feel like food. I used to be a chocoholic and I no longer crave any sugar/sweets/chocolate it’s like a switc... View more

I started taking medication for my anxiety 2 weeks ago and have significantly reduced appetite. I feel hunger every now and again but I don’t feel like food. I used to be a chocoholic and I no longer crave any sugar/sweets/chocolate it’s like a switch has been flicked but I feel like this happened before I started the medication. I also have Diarrhea most days, again, a possible side effect of the medication but I feel like it started before I started the medication I have tmj pain in my temple, ear and jaw.. it feels like I am falling apart. I have gone from 60kg to 57kg in 2 weeks and the more weight I lose the more anxious I get. Sorry I’m rambling.. Is it anxiety causing it? Medication? Or something else that my dr has missed?