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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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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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ruruibby Panic attacks while asleep???
  • replies: 1

Hey guys so last night something happened to me and it has left me feeling shaken up all day! I was having a dream, I was sitting in my backyard with some people I don’t know and I had a dog. This dog came and sat beside me on the bench and put its h... View more

Hey guys so last night something happened to me and it has left me feeling shaken up all day! I was having a dream, I was sitting in my backyard with some people I don’t know and I had a dog. This dog came and sat beside me on the bench and put its head on my lap, all of a sudden this horrible feeling came over me, like someone was sucking the breath out of me, or like I was being possessed as they say. It’s hard to explain, I didn’t feel like I was suffocating but the sensation was horrible... it woke me up and the feeling was there like it never happened in the dream it was actually happening! All of a sudden that wave of fear came over me and I really did think that I was dying, I was scared and that heavy horrible feeling I get in my chest came, I was shaken and I didn’t know what to do or where to go.... has anyone ever experienced night time panic attacks? Does this sound like what this could be?

Jarred28 GAD
  • replies: 4

Have been diagnosed with GAD since May of this year and it’s been horrible. Having a lot of trouble just getting to sleep and when I do I wake up about 2 hours later panicking and have the same trouble falling back asleep. This has been leading to me... View more

Have been diagnosed with GAD since May of this year and it’s been horrible. Having a lot of trouble just getting to sleep and when I do I wake up about 2 hours later panicking and have the same trouble falling back asleep. This has been leading to me being fatigued all the time and it’s been extremely difficult to go on with everyday activities. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Flowergirl99 Anxiety, depression and insomnia
  • replies: 2

Hello, I'm not really sure how to start this. I guess I've had anxiety and depression for years now. But lately the last couple months it's all been way worse. At work no matter how hard I try. Or how many extra hours I put in (I start early, stay la... View more

Hello, I'm not really sure how to start this. I guess I've had anxiety and depression for years now. But lately the last couple months it's all been way worse. At work no matter how hard I try. Or how many extra hours I put in (I start early, stay late and come in on my days off) I still seem to be getting told I'm not good enough. I haven't been able to go out with friends without having a mental break down and bursting into tears. My boyfriend is understanding and tries to help and listen but I just get frustrated ad he doesn't quite understand. My parents try to help but always seem to just say don't think about it. I was seeing a therapist but it all got too expensive. I find I'm only getting like 4 or 5 hours sleep and just seem to be really hard and negative on myself. I've gained weight as eating is like a comfort. I feel like I have no future as I'm not overly smart and don't have any real interest. I don't really have any friends either. I'm just not sure what to do at this point to get out of this slunpt. And how to be more positive and confident in myself. If anyone has any tips I would appriciate it.

calmseeker Physical illness or anxiety?
  • replies: 13

Hi, Got my knickers in a twist trying to work out if my symptoms are anxiety or something else, and google just scares me when I seek clarification! Tried speaking with GP about symptoms and instead of relief I have found myself even more frustrated.... View more

Hi, Got my knickers in a twist trying to work out if my symptoms are anxiety or something else, and google just scares me when I seek clarification! Tried speaking with GP about symptoms and instead of relief I have found myself even more frustrated. Ocular migraines, dizziness, nausea, forgetfulness, insomnia, headaches, numbness, panic. Anxiety? Something else? Trying to get some answers so I can get some relief but I am feeling a little let down by my doc (nice guy). At least after three years of suffering these symptoms he sent me for an MRI. Feeling a little overwhelmed today I guess....

Truetomyself I am just exhausted and lost
  • replies: 5

Hi I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to help and read. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression over a long period of my life and I am in my mid 30's. I have been thinking about a few things and I really don't know how to go abo... View more

Hi I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to help and read. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression over a long period of my life and I am in my mid 30's. I have been thinking about a few things and I really don't know how to go about it so I turn to here. My experiences have been positive. I have had 2 break downs and the one thing that really gets to me as I get older are feeling the tremors, especially in my hands. I can just have days where I am so shaky and have no idea what to do with my hands. Today I sat and just grasped them together. My whole body can get shaky at times. There is no p panic attack. It just trembled. It is frustrating and tiring. If you have any ideas please let me know and I would so appreciate any tips. Also there have been more bad then good days the last few weeks. I am just not myself. I know my job ended and I did fall down but I got back up considering how I usually am. But I am starting to wonder and get frustrated with the roller coaster of anxiety and depression. I am up and down. I am starting with a new psychiatrist in the new year and am seeing a counsellor as psychologists just didn't help . My family has a really bad genetic pre disposition for major depression and anxiety at an extreme level. I just don't know or want to have to deal with this forever, but I think I will. I know there are ways to help and I have tried so many. I know medications have to be changed as the body gets use to them and I just wonder when this will all be over with. I don't know why so many people suffer with this and it seems to not look like improving. The stigma is still there and it is frustrating. Even if I see a new GP as I have I feel like I am proving myself not to be another pill popping junkie. I hate proving and explaining myself. Having depression and anxiety is a job. I am hoping to start work in the new year and pick up my study again. Because you have to have that piece of paper to show you can do it. I have a degree but I want to move into a new field but it seems my mental illness gets in the way. I have tried mindfulness, exercise, using phone lines, attending group sessions and the list goes on. I am not trying to be negative but I just don't want to be stuck with this forever or stuck full stop. For Christmas I would just want my present to be my anxiety and depression to go away. Thank you for reading and helping. I truly appreciate it.

Maq Can I hurt others during panic attack
  • replies: 7

So, I had a couple of panic attacks this year. These are triggered and isolated to my interactions with my husband. This close to Christmas, my GP is on leave and I don't want to see another GP. My counsellor can't see me until next week. Last night ... View more

So, I had a couple of panic attacks this year. These are triggered and isolated to my interactions with my husband. This close to Christmas, my GP is on leave and I don't want to see another GP. My counsellor can't see me until next week. Last night I had another panic attack. But was able to control my symptoms and look after my toddler for three hours as my husband went to play soccer. On his return, he expressed that he is worried about his and the toddler's safety and doesn't want to leave the child alone with me. For me this is the biggest insult. I wi follow-up with the medical professionals - can anyone here tell me if I can physically hurt my loved ones during or after a panic attack. Does it effect my ability to be a mother?

Bella_93 Dealing with anxiety triggers
  • replies: 3

Hey everyone, When I had a breakdown back in August 2018, my brain created a scenario up in my head to cover the fact that my anxiety was going through the roof about family members causing trouble. Now this trigger to my breakdown is what keeps my a... View more

Hey everyone, When I had a breakdown back in August 2018, my brain created a scenario up in my head to cover the fact that my anxiety was going through the roof about family members causing trouble. Now this trigger to my breakdown is what keeps my anxiety occuring even though I know its not real. Any tips on how to deal with this? Muchly appreciated!

NixonQueen Social Anxiety, low self esteem nightmare
  • replies: 3

Hi there, I’m new to these forums. I thought I’d have a read and see if what I’m feeling is real and why I’m feeling the way I am long story short, I’ve always had difficulty making new friends I’ve always clung onto a couple of really good friends, ... View more

Hi there, I’m new to these forums. I thought I’d have a read and see if what I’m feeling is real and why I’m feeling the way I am long story short, I’ve always had difficulty making new friends I’ve always clung onto a couple of really good friends, however I can never seem to make my own. I have many acquaintances, but always feel as if though I’m not good enough to be their friend or that I’m not interesting enough and it deflates my self esteem and I give up on it. I crave social interactions but at the same time it scares me and I don’t know why. I have recently started seeing a guy who is really nice, we get along really well. He is a social butterfly And has so many friends that when he invites me to his gatherings I get so much anxiety about it. I worry about what people would think of me, whether I’m going to say something awakened or whether people might think I’m weird and bland because I’m a shy quiet drawn back person and I hate it. I hate feeling that way. it makes me want to break up with him and avoid it all together. I’ve been to a few gatherings now and I made myself go and it wasn’t as bad as I thought but I still sit there and worry about what people think of me, I find myself scratching my fingers and I notice it and stop myself but I want it to end. what do I do? my whole life I’ve been like this, I’m almost 30 and I just want to enjoy my life and make friends and live life to the fullest but it’s really hard

Nyny94 OCD taking over my life!
  • replies: 5

Recently I developed a chemical contamination OCD , I feel huge amounts of guilt and fear that I'm going to posion people I love or be poisoned. I recently moved and after finding cockroach feces made the mistake of resorting to something I previousl... View more

Recently I developed a chemical contamination OCD , I feel huge amounts of guilt and fear that I'm going to posion people I love or be poisoned. I recently moved and after finding cockroach feces made the mistake of resorting to something I previously used at home Pineoclean wipes the tropical blossom ones, I've used them before. But this time after using them I developed a crippling intrusive thought and now I'm terrified to use anything t h ey touched including the stove , benches and sink. I've suddenly developed this crippling fear that because I sprayed the tap with vinegar that it might have had chemical residue that is now in the water so I'm afraid. Not to mention my partner doesn't like chemicals so I'm feeling hopeless and guilty, I'm having these terrifying thoughts of posioning my self or someone I love because of my action s and I'm blaming myself big time. The biggest fear is unknown, I went to call the number on the back of the wipes but nearly vommitted from panic. I know I'm probably worried for nothing, but I can't stop my intrusive thoughts, I've reconsidered replacing the whole tap and sink but I'm renting. It's frustrating the crap out of my boyfriend, but I'm so terrified I've contaminated things and I have myself to blame. This OCD is my worst enemy! I'm seeing a dr but I'm terrified to use my own things in my rental as I'm feeling unsafe and trying to tell my partner not to use them only frustrates him. I can't help but think I'm responsible for all this , and I shouldn't have cleaned with the wipes at all , the guilds eating me too !!! I'm afraid and stressed out to the point I feel miserable and hopeless and like an idiot

SilvaLady Anxiety of not getting a job
  • replies: 11

Hello, I know that there a couple of threads on anxiety and work. I have unemployed close to 5 weeks, but have been looking for jobs in the aged care sector. I have joined couple of agencies, being told that I would get shifts. So far I haven't been ... View more

Hello, I know that there a couple of threads on anxiety and work. I have unemployed close to 5 weeks, but have been looking for jobs in the aged care sector. I have joined couple of agencies, being told that I would get shifts. So far I haven't been getting shifts. I have applied for close to 10 aged care places, but only 2 have replied that I wasn't successful. A friend told me that they would put in a word in for me, but so far I haven't heard a thing. My anxiety levels go through the roof at times, and my mouth feels dry most of the day (although I drink plenty of water). I like to work, as it makes me feel like that contributing to the community. I don't know how much longer I can cope with this. I stay in regular touch with some friends, but sometimes I feel like a burden as they jobs and family. Thanks for reading, SilvaLady