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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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Tkmh2000 Anxiety triggering other problems - Am I alone?
  • replies: 2

I don't experience anxiety every day, or even 'regularly', like I know others do. I have particular triggers. When they are set off however, my anxiety is debilitating and feels like a tsunami drowning every aspect of my life. One of my triggers is e... View more

I don't experience anxiety every day, or even 'regularly', like I know others do. I have particular triggers. When they are set off however, my anxiety is debilitating and feels like a tsunami drowning every aspect of my life. One of my triggers is entering into a test, project, new role etc, and feeling like I am not 100% equipped, whether that be with knowledge or specific skill sets or the right resources. During my HSC, my anxiety was terrible because I didn't study properly for the tests and thus didn't feel equipped with the right knowledge. I took medication then that virtually made me a zombie - I can scarcely recall anything from that period I was THAT out of it. Now, I am entering into a new role at work while taking on part time study. I have had a total of 5 months experience in this particular industry and the role feels beyond what I am capable of. My anxiety sparked since being offered the role and then taking it. It has magnified other issues in my life that I push aside, like trust and commitment issues, self esteem issues etc. I had bulimia about a year and a half ago, and then some years earlier in high school. I generally have a healthy mindset regarding body image and food now but what I have found is that my anxiety triggers bulimic tendencies in me. Rather than a self-image problem, vomiting seems to make me feel like I have some control in my life. Beyond that, it also serves as a distraction to what I am really stressing about. Of course, you can only vomit out what you've eaten which has sometimes led to me trying to vomit nothing, putting stress on my body. Deep down, I know that I can do this role and uni at the same time. I understand the job description and I am normally very extroverted, bubbly and conversational. I know I made it through all of these other times in my life when I felt entirely anxious and depressed. I just find that sometimes my anxiety is SO powerful and so hard to defeat. Does therapy really help? I continue to tell myself I will reach out to a professional but I never pull through. I've found a local psychologist that I think would be nice. I want the quick relief of medication but I don't want to be dependent on any drug or lose sight of who I am - that outgoing, happy girl. I think what would help is knowing someone has experienced something like this and they've gotten help or gotten through it. I feel I haven't told anyone what I am going through and so don't have anyone to relate to.

Pineapplepip Anxiety over job hunting
  • replies: 1

I’ve been lucky in the past that jobs have come to me, so i haven’t had to deal with anxiety over job hunting (just anxiety in the rest of my life).I’ve been with my current company for 5.5 years and I’ve lost all my career self esteem during that ti... View more

I’ve been lucky in the past that jobs have come to me, so i haven’t had to deal with anxiety over job hunting (just anxiety in the rest of my life).I’ve been with my current company for 5.5 years and I’ve lost all my career self esteem during that time. I want to find something new but don’t feel like any other company or industry would want me. it comes at a time where I’m quite vulnerable, I just got my depression somewhat under control but now my anxiety is skyrocketing. Dont know what I’m asking, I’m just a bit lost

44Max44 Anxious about health
  • replies: 16

Hi guys, this is my first post on here. I've been having some issues recently that are really getting me depressed. A few days ago I turned 20, but I couldn't enjoy my birthday at all because of how anxious and depressed I was feeling. I overthink an... View more

Hi guys, this is my first post on here. I've been having some issues recently that are really getting me depressed. A few days ago I turned 20, but I couldn't enjoy my birthday at all because of how anxious and depressed I was feeling. I overthink and overanalyse everything, to the point where I get myself worried over absolutely nothing. Recently, it's been my health I worry about, for example, I will get the slightest pain or an unusual ache or something and every single thought possible will run through my head and I just get super worried that something is wrong with me. It's gotten to the point where I'm not sure if I'm actually feeling these things, or if it's all in my head and I'm just tricking myself into thinking I'm feeling these things. I've spent the last few days unable to do anything I enjoy because I'm constantly thinking about whether or not I'm healthy or not. I've gone to a GP and had tests done to see if anything is wrong, but all I feel like doing until the results come in is sleep or do literally anything else that will keep my mind at ease. Now, I feel completely fine physically, I have energy, everything's working how it should, and I'm not getting any symptoms that could be a sign for concern, but I still worry 24/7 about my health. It's almost like I have this 'gut feeling' that something is wrong with me when there probably (hopefully) isn't. I feel like the only thing that could put my mind at ease is getting a full body CT scan and tests on me just to be 100% sure I'm fine, but I know none of that is necessary. It's like my brain has already made up its mind that I have some disease so I should start writing up a bucket list, even though I've had nothing to indicate that I'm even slightly unhealthy. I'm just wondering if anybody else has anxiety like this, and how they treat/cope with it? It's already ruined my birthday and a few days after it, and it's making me super depressed. Hopefully the tests I got done come back clean and that puts my mind at ease, but until then I don't know what to do. Any advice is appreciated. Cheers guys, thanks for reading my post.

Rubear Moving out
  • replies: 1

Hi all. I am having some issues. I have had anxiety for almost my whole life but got officially diagnosed with it when I was 17. I am on medication for it, which has been great. It has really helped. Anyhoo, last year my partner of 8 years and I deci... View more

Hi all. I am having some issues. I have had anxiety for almost my whole life but got officially diagnosed with it when I was 17. I am on medication for it, which has been great. It has really helped. Anyhoo, last year my partner of 8 years and I decided to start looking at buying a house. We have never officially lived together, I am technically still living at mums but spend nearly every night at his (he lives with his dad). We found one that he absolutely loves and I like. The thing is that I have been freaking out the past few days. I haven't been eating enough, I'm crying all the time and feeling overwhelmed. My partner is very understanding and patient, however he made an offer on the house yesterday without me knowing (we had been discussing it) and it was accepted, however I told him that I didn't think I was ready to leave mums house, he is definitely ready to leave his dad's house. They aren't close like I am with my mum. His mum passed away nearly 4 years ago and since then he hasn't felt comfortable in the house. We had also discussed putting it in his name, but I didn't realise that he had thought we had decided. I don't want to be the reason he doesn't go for this house (he has saved the entire deposit) but I am seriously freaking out. I ended up having a full blown panic attack last night and throwing up. I haven't had one as bad as that in years and I know that I scared him. He also felt useless as he didn't think that he was any help to me (he did try). I really don't know what to do. I feel bad because I would like to stay with mum, but he hasn't got his mum (who was his biggest support) and at the moment I haven't been able to support him. He has worked extremely hard to save this money up and I am so proud of him, but when it comes down to it I don't think that I am ready. There is so much pressure to be excited about this step, and I know that being 26 I am staying in the nest longer than most, but all I feel is scared and upset. I am a very maternal person and have been bugging him for years about kids, but it's gotten to the point where I don't even feel like I want them anymore. This is my home and my safe space and even though we will be about a 2 minute drive from mum, everytime I think about it I end up in tears. I am seriously freaking out. I don't know what to do. I am also scared because it seems so final. That my life is changing and I am not ready yet. I really need some help and advice.

flowerpetals need help
  • replies: 4

lately ive fond that im having trouble controlling my anxiety and the smallest things send me in a spiral ive started taking my meds again to see if it helps and it does abit but not enough for me to function completly without my partner with me and ... View more

lately ive fond that im having trouble controlling my anxiety and the smallest things send me in a spiral ive started taking my meds again to see if it helps and it does abit but not enough for me to function completly without my partner with me and i still dont like taking them because of side effects but im worried that if i told my dr that they arent helpin greatly hell put me on stronger meds with stronger side effects and i dont want that especailly with a young child. i also find that unless my partner or sister is with me i cant leave the house without freaking out which is hard when ive got to walk my son to daycare and get back on my own on mondays im only just pulling it off without having major attacks. my partner is very supportive but we live with his parents who think im jus dramatising everything. my study is going okish but only cause i focus on what i can do at home but as im near the end of my course im running out of written assessments and will have to go in to do my pracs my partner can come with me but he isnt allowed past reception and ive tried to discuss it with the branch manager a few times but he continues to say that he has to stay in reception area im not sure what to do i want to finish but i need him or my siter to be with me

Tense_Sez Anxiety - Shortness Of Breath
  • replies: 12

Hi Guys, Fairly new here and can see a lot of threads on similar symptoms, but I'll share my story to let you all in on my situation and possibly find people out there who are in a similar place. Just about a year ago, I was at a concert and was tire... View more

Hi Guys, Fairly new here and can see a lot of threads on similar symptoms, but I'll share my story to let you all in on my situation and possibly find people out there who are in a similar place. Just about a year ago, I was at a concert and was tired and over worked - lots of alcohol and little sleep. I then felt a sensation of not being able to take a deep, satisfying and full breath. Being a healthy 22 year old male who regularly goes to the gym and had quite a good diet, I'd never experienced such a thing in my life and absolutely scared the hell out of me. I tried to calm down, checked my pulse, had some water but still became faint and lay down and started having tingling sensations in all my extremities. I was told that I just had a panic attack by some average looking 'medical officer' who thought he'd seen it all before (I study medicine and thought I knew more than him at the time). I was convinced it couldn't have been anxiety causing such insanely scary symptoms. I've been to a handful of doctors and had all the tests done and each one looks at me like I'm crazy, all my tests turn up normal (seems to be a common occurrence on this page), I've never actually been properly diagnosed or prescribed any drugs but have been to a psychologist. She's great but it just doesn't do anything for me. I never really catch myself thinking or worrying about things too much other than my health and have generally been relaxed most my life (or at least from my perspective), until this scare which has got me constantly thinking about my breathing. It's been a year since then and although my breathlessness has improved, I'm still plagued every day by it - and struggle to get a deep breath almost half of the day. When I breathe in, I get a super full breath and expand my chest to the point that it hurts my back, but still doesn't satisfy that feeling of a 'complete' breath. Just wondering if anyone currently/has felt like this and what people do to cope or how people have 'cured' it (might be a stretch). I know it's horrible to say but it almost eases my mind knowing there could be other people out there in the same boat as I am... Thanks Sez

NoodleChicken123 How to make friends when you're anxious and shy
  • replies: 7

hi! im 15 years old and in year 11, i recently moved to this new school (which im regretting a bit) but im struggling a lot to make friends/get close to people. i have anxiety which makes it really hard for me to just approach someone or sit with any... View more

hi! im 15 years old and in year 11, i recently moved to this new school (which im regretting a bit) but im struggling a lot to make friends/get close to people. i have anxiety which makes it really hard for me to just approach someone or sit with anyone i don't know, but even when i'm not feeling 'anxious' i'm naturally really shy and quiet, however when i'm close and comfortable with people (like i was at my old school) im talkative and funny and everything. now i feel so lonely, i feel like i'm surrounded by strangers all the time and on top of that i don't talk to my old friends that often, i feel deprived of meaningful conversations and contact with people LMAO. I'm kind of friends with these 2 girls, i sit with them at lunch, however they are the only ones i really talk to at all. there are some people in the grade that i say hi and bye to sometimes, but thats all. i feel so anxious that the other girls in the group are judging me or annoyed by me because of how shy i am (even though they seem nice), but i can't help it. i would like to somehow talk more and also gain more friends in my grade, any advice is very welcome. I feel i should mention that 1) i also struggle with clinical depression, sometimes its worse, sometimes i can cope, more recently it's been really shitty and i dread leaving my house every morning. 2) i am currently not seeing any therapist, i also just don't feel comfortable enough to talk to my family members about school. 3) it's an all girls school, not that that's really important.

Msk No longer feel that I fit in at work
  • replies: 1

I work in a small office there is 5 of us which includes my boss. We have had a new addition to the office staff which is great and she is nice, however I feel now that I don't fit in as I find my colleagues always whispering and usually when I'm at ... View more

I work in a small office there is 5 of us which includes my boss. We have had a new addition to the office staff which is great and she is nice, however I feel now that I don't fit in as I find my colleagues always whispering and usually when I'm at my desk which is away from every one else so I am out if ear shot. We have an office which is used by another organization and running joke now as its known as the revolving door whoever sits in there doesn't stay long in the job. Someone commented that maybe somebody should move in there and see if it works on them "as in leave", another colleague said who do mean, and they replied no I don't want to say. Again I was at my desk out of sight. Maybe I'm being paranoid but I just feel awkward as things have not been the same since the new person came onn board.

July26 Newbie - I'm not coping starting this new job.
  • replies: 6

Hi all, anxiety got the best of me today and rang in sick to a job i only started 2 days ago. It's an office job. I worked in another job for 28 years with no challenge so resigned and went to a completely different job as a Disability Support Worker... View more

Hi all, anxiety got the best of me today and rang in sick to a job i only started 2 days ago. It's an office job. I worked in another job for 28 years with no challenge so resigned and went to a completely different job as a Disability Support Worker. I found that this wasn't for me, as I'm an introvert and wasn't the best at peopling. So sent out my resume to local businesses seeing if they had any office jobs available and got one within 2 weeks. I panicked this morning while having a shower and started crying and hyperventilating and felt dizzy. I rang work and said my daughter was sick. I like the job it isn't stressful but I have a lot to learn, and I don't want to stuff up or not understand anything. I am putting a lot of pressure on myself to be a great employee. It's a small business, where my previous job was in an office of 50 people. I've had to start taking antidepressants again, when I started work as a Disability Support Worker cause I found it a little stressful and I cut back a little but have gone to full amount again yesterday as I'm not coping starting this new job. Now I have the guilts for not going to work after only 2 days and them thinking badly of me. I spoke to a counsellor this morning who said that I'm putting to high expectations on myself and that it will take about 3 months to learn the new job. I need to be happy with where I am at and that I will make mistakes and will be nervous for a little while. I haven't had to learn a new job for a very long time, so I guess this is all new to me. At my old job I knew a lot and had people come to me for advice, I guess I'm feeling insecure now... I'm hoping I can talk myself into feeling better tomorrow and giving it another go.

tuxedo_cat new nurse starting new job
  • replies: 2

Hi, I'm 47 and I graduated nursing in november last year. I started my first job as a nurse in aged care 5 weeks ago. I also have generalised anxiety. My confidence in my ability to do my job has taken a beating the last 2 weeks due to 2 mistakes I m... View more

Hi, I'm 47 and I graduated nursing in november last year. I started my first job as a nurse in aged care 5 weeks ago. I also have generalised anxiety. My confidence in my ability to do my job has taken a beating the last 2 weeks due to 2 mistakes I made on the job. No one was hurt by my actions but my confidence has gone through the floor because of it. Plus I've overheard the residential manager say a few negative things about me, so its a given that she doesn't like me either. Can anyone give me some advice on how to handle this situation, I cant leave yet because its a grad position and unless you have experience its hard to get another job.