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BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

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Centaured Centering this centaur
  • replies: 8

Hi. I ain't quite sure where to start. I'll start by introducing myself. I'm a 26, non-binary nerd. I'm obsessed with mtg, gaming, and pretty much anything in fantasy genre (though due to my mh can't actually read a good book anymore) I have a long l... View more

Hi. I ain't quite sure where to start. I'll start by introducing myself. I'm a 26, non-binary nerd. I'm obsessed with mtg, gaming, and pretty much anything in fantasy genre (though due to my mh can't actually read a good book anymore) I have a long list of my issues, most of which I guess can be pointed down to anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Though rn I'm manic and don't know how to get support. I ended up in emergency on Tuesday following police intervention only to be kicked out the psych ward them telling me having a goal will fix all my problems. Ive been on the wait list for a psychiatrist for months, I have no idea what happened to a psychologist referral I had last month, and I can't get into a dietitian til next month. I don't know how to recenter and get my head screwed on straight enough to use my safety plan right now. How do I slow down enough so I can use a strategy. Though the main reason I'm turning here is for advice on eating disorders. Does anyone have experience in this topic. Where do I go for help. Is recovery possible. Can you find yourself aside from the ED. Is even centering oneself possible when the brain is shutting down from lack of nutrition and sleep.

Craig_m Pain / depression
  • replies: 6

I've always had some depression. About 7 years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my spine. That has since developed into what a pain specialist calls acute on chronic. I have also developed arthritis in my hips and knees. Another painful conditio... View more

I've always had some depression. About 7 years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my spine. That has since developed into what a pain specialist calls acute on chronic. I have also developed arthritis in my hips and knees. Another painful condition I have is diabetic nurophathy. Although I'm not suicidal I am self destructive. And take risks akin to stupidity. Some days the depression rules and I just stay in bed. Other days pain runs the days agenda. On days when both get going I just laugh it off. Another stressful part of life is the centrelink thing. I know it's not the workers fault, it's just a big machine that grinds people into the ground. Not enough being done with duty of care by c/ Link. I'd be interested to hear if anybody has had mental health issues over the big machine. Pain and depression a nasty combination

laneyp84 Social anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm hopping on here in the hope of at least finding some like minded people.. I am mum to three children (two of which are teens) and have been feeling depressed and anxious on and off for years. I don't have support as my family are in another c... View more

Hi, I'm hopping on here in the hope of at least finding some like minded people.. I am mum to three children (two of which are teens) and have been feeling depressed and anxious on and off for years. I don't have support as my family are in another country. I recently quit my job for various reasons but now I'm struggling to find another one.. I have had social anxiety for as long as I can remember and I know I just need to get out there and get a job or it gets worse but I live in a small isolated town where there are very few jobs going, especially if you are a newcomer like me. I have no friends here and my mum and dad who I haven't seen for two years were supposed to come and visit but now they can't, thank you coronavirus. I recently joined a bookclub which I was excited about but when I'm there it's obvious I haven't been socialising for months and I get too anxious to even talk without going very red. I feel inadequate too because the other women all have careers as well as kids which doesn't help. My partner has his own problems and struggles to help/ understand any of this. thanks for listening

G.P Overwhelmed - Turning 30 - Feel like I don't have my life together
  • replies: 14

Hello! This is my first post, so I am a little anxious about sharing and writing about what's going through my head, but I'll give it a go... It seems silly, but I'm anxious about turning this new age, especially with my birthday so soon. I recently ... View more

Hello! This is my first post, so I am a little anxious about sharing and writing about what's going through my head, but I'll give it a go... It seems silly, but I'm anxious about turning this new age, especially with my birthday so soon. I recently started seeing a psychologist because mentally things have been overwhelming for me - asides from turning 30. I think it's just this age that's perpetuated this feeling more so. I feel this way because I can't help but look at my friends and family who to me, have their sh*t together - married, living out of home, successful careers etc.), living proper adult lives. Currently I'm living at home (which makes me feel unaccomplished and incompetent, because I feel like I haven't even achieved that!), and I'm the last of the siblings (there's 3 of us, me being the eldest) still living at home, which then makes me feel incapable because I'm not as independent as I'd like to be. Then part of me gets either jealous or just beating myself up and thinking of myself as inadequate. I know some of it is the high expectations that I've set for myself, with the thinking that, "I should have completed this, or achieved that", and it continues to make me feel sick when I haven't hit these. I find myself having to avoid conversations of people's good news, and I know I should be happy for them - now I sound like the worst person Because of all of this, I've found myself living in a lot of fear for a very long time - I'm a very anxious driver and find myself reliant on others to take me places, which then also brings my self-confidence down when people ask why I don't drive... I find myself getting angry at little things, and then other times being quite ok with myself. I'm also not great with confrontation, and find my confidence lacking at work when it comes to being more direct and communicative. The moments when I do feel ok is after exercise which helps, but it's quite temporary. Or sometimes when I'm a quiet space. But sometimes these thoughts get the better of me. My psychologist mentioned that I've trapped myself, a part of me agrees, another part of me doesn't... I'm not sure how to get out of this negative spin cycle, sorry for the rant.. Thanks, G.P

megss is this anxiety?
  • replies: 7

Hey everyone, I hope everyone is well. I just was wondering if this is anxiety or just me doing I don't even know what. I am 17 and doing year 12 Sometimes when I get really nervous I feel sick and if I am super nervous I vomit. This happens for a wh... View more

Hey everyone, I hope everyone is well. I just was wondering if this is anxiety or just me doing I don't even know what. I am 17 and doing year 12 Sometimes when I get really nervous I feel sick and if I am super nervous I vomit. This happens for a whole range of situations such as races, tests, meetings with coaches and teachers, waiting for replies, you name it. I also get really paranoid about the outcomes of things that I can't control, like all of the above. Also sometimes I can't breathe. This can be gradual and mild or it can be really severe like I can't breathe at all. During one of these severe cases I was at a school camp and the teacher helped me to be able to breathe. she mentioned something like "because you can talk to me now it's probably just your anxiety" and I was a little bit confused because I don't have anxiety. this happened last year. I was just wondering if I should get it checked out, which I probably won't do, but also and tips? thank you xx

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.

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