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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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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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white knight Anxiety, how l eliminated it
  • replies: 22

Its a very common topic on this forum, anxiety and its long list of symptoms. I grew up in a highly strung household. Screams without notice and unreachable expectations...took their toll. So when a major workplace event came along at 27yo my anxiety... View more

Its a very common topic on this forum, anxiety and its long list of symptoms. I grew up in a highly strung household. Screams without notice and unreachable expectations...took their toll. So when a major workplace event came along at 27yo my anxiety came to roost. Its peak was reached. I visited my GP and therapy commenced and lasted 12 months. My therapist identified l needed the following- Awareness of the severity of my anxiety Reprogramming of my thoughts like thinking realistic thoughts Stop worrying Learning relaxation Rehabilitated into a diffetent profession. He was correct. Add to that, medication for 12 years to "help me on my way" My change of career went from local law enforcement (where it was full of controversy) to a supervisor of adults with mental illness difficulties in a sheltered workshop. Some years later a friend told me about Maharaji Prem Rawat and copied tapes of his speeches. My relaxation up till now was using muscle tensioning exercises at night, now l also listen to this fabulous man. Later I'd google his youtube videoes. Maharaji sunset Maharaji the perfect instrument. And many more. So what other measures?. Well l began to rid my life of toxic people, change my environment to the country, grow vitamin packed vegetables and fruit, revamp finances and utilise direct debit (less bills in the mail, less surprises) and increased my positive thinking by attending motivation lectures. By 2012 my anxiety was no longer measurable. Yes 25 years. Do readers think it would only take a short time? Likely yes, because l did. Like other ailments, a pill alone isnt enough, relaxation alone not enough and so on. Its the combination of many things that was most effective for me. Undertaking a review of all facets of your life is essential for recovery. And dont be alarmed if you try something and it doesnt work. Eg Cognitive therapy didnt work for me but l read here that some have had success. As it turned out in 2009 it was discovered l had bipolar2 depression and dysthymia. The same personal approach was made. Never give up, review my environment, review friendships, lower stress, lower debt, have a 5 and 10 year plan for goals etc Sometimes subtle changes are needed like introducing a sport or hobby, sometimes radical ideas like relocating or career change. Whatever is needed put all options on the table. Anxiety the mental illness deserves nothing less than your full attention. What works for you.? Tony WK

KirSa Nothing I do seems to work
  • replies: 4

I don't know what to do when I'm struggling. Nothing I do seems to work. It just postpones the inevitable... me seeking relief with alcohol and any other depraved hedonism I can find. I feel like a child when I ask for help. The world goes on without... View more

I don't know what to do when I'm struggling. Nothing I do seems to work. It just postpones the inevitable... me seeking relief with alcohol and any other depraved hedonism I can find. I feel like a child when I ask for help. The world goes on without me while I sit and wallow in the memory of the past 48 hours. The busy, hot mess that was my mind before is replaced with the dull, painful silence of regret. It's silence I need... but I don't want to face what's in there. I'm scared. I can't handle the anxiety and pressure of it all, then the 'cure' hurts more than the illness. Recently diagnosed bipolar 1 - does not seem to do anything to help. Nobody to talk to. Infrequent GP visits I have to chase. I can't face my counselor. I'm quite sure I'll break down this time. I hold it together to the world, I can't even talk to my partner... and she's wonderful and understanding. I feel like a fool. I have to be strong. I want to save the world (I know, crazy right?).I want to live forever. We could, you know? But nobody believes me. I know I will die one day. I think I just want to sit outside and wait. Maybe walk on the sand... feel the cool water between my toes. Breath the cool air.

KirSa Bipolar 1 question - elevated mood and anxiety management/prevention
  • replies: 2

I've been struggling for many years with what I've recently learned is bipolar disorder. I really need to get a handle on what to do when I start feeling overwhelmed. For some reason, I go from feeling confident and capable (and I am these things), t... View more

I've been struggling for many years with what I've recently learned is bipolar disorder. I really need to get a handle on what to do when I start feeling overwhelmed. For some reason, I go from feeling confident and capable (and I am these things), to feeling stressed, anxious, and losing control. Like there's too much to take in. It builds up over a few days usually. But a disruption or setback... some kind of unexpected news or interruption can bring it on quicker too. I try to fight it off... sit and think it through... get my bearings... or distract myself with music, movies, or another project or hobby. Guitar, rubiks cubes, reading. But usually the result is adding more noise to the existing chaos that's building. I don't know how to stop it and I'm struggling to keep up. My partner knows and is very supportive. But I don't know what she can do to help. I have to get baseline blood tests before I can take the medication. But I'm scared that I'll be a stupid mess taking that stuff too. How do I deal with this feeling when it comes? I'm not doing very well handling it so far.

TDM24 Managing Anxiety at work
  • replies: 3

I've had anxiety since i was little. It has recently made a come back. I used to deny it. But now i cant. For a solid month now i have woken up in panic, panic attack to the point i needed to take a week off work & my better half had to stay home fro... View more

I've had anxiety since i was little. It has recently made a come back. I used to deny it. But now i cant. For a solid month now i have woken up in panic, panic attack to the point i needed to take a week off work & my better half had to stay home from work with me also. I know where my anxiety has stemmed from this time, however i do not know where it began from a young age. I am in the process of waiting for my first appointment with a physiologist - 2 1/2 month wait I guess my main frustration is being anywhere but home. I live on a farm, which i adore. I have the most loving and supportive partner, my furbabies are the best comfort blanket. I am not depressed. i love my life, my job etc But i have never struggled this much to get up in the morning and go to work where i know my comfort place is home. It is where i feel safe, and less anxiety. The moment i step into work or a place where i cant focus on myself and my breathing is where my anxiety heightens more. I need to work. No doubt. We all do in order to pay for day to day life. But in my head - I DONT WANT TO WORK I work 40 hour weeks- 8:30 - 5pm everyday and its the last thing i want to do right now. I struggle to get up out of bed at the thought i have to go to work and put on an act of how im really feeling, push my own thoughts aside and deal with other people's issues at work. When all i want to do is focus on myself, my farm animals and be productive at home as i know that is what helps me. My boss is supportive with what is happening, however i cant help but feel so much guilt at even the thought of taking another mental health day. Something has to give. I cannot hide at home forever. This is my first thread and im probably doing it all wrong. But there is only so many times i can talk to my family & partner as i feel like i bring them down and im draining to the point i feel im a burden as i know i am repetitive in my thoughts. i guess im just trying to find some ease while i wait to see a psychologist in 2 1/2 months time, but its just so hard. Ive never been one to struggle to get up out of bed when i know im needed to feed the animals, water the vegetable garden, let the chooks out etc before i head to work. But as of late - i cant do any of that because i know in the back of my head i have to go to work where i dont want to be. I dont know exactly what i want to get out of this thread, but it feels good to just say it. Even if its only a fraction of my thoughts. Thanks T

JacintaMarie Hi
  • replies: 20

HiHow are you? Back again, had a break through this morning, realised a part of my anxiety. Have had some rants (by myself at home) about work people being stupid. Realised why I did it.Felt better when it was out, but ashamed for calling them that! ... View more

HiHow are you? Back again, had a break through this morning, realised a part of my anxiety. Have had some rants (by myself at home) about work people being stupid. Realised why I did it.Felt better when it was out, but ashamed for calling them that! I ended up getting sweaty & hot. Then today, deep inside me I think I'm a bad person, I am aren't I for calling people that.That's what I feel deep down, that I'm bad. To call someone stupid, I may be being condescending & judgemental. I asked someone what is stupid & true stupid is maybe when your closed minded & don't listen to people. And with that, I have & been stupid, but everyone can learn to be more open minded, but it takes time.Thank you Beyond Blue & I hope I haven't offended anyone.

Ferry Keene Chronic pain, anxiety and relationships
  • replies: 4

I'm on the Gold Coast and looking for professional help.My wife has chronic pain (fibro&cfs - mainly stomach, nervous system, fatigue) going on for almost 2 decades. She is a little better than house-bound, but not by much.Neither of us have a suppor... View more

I'm on the Gold Coast and looking for professional help.My wife has chronic pain (fibro&cfs - mainly stomach, nervous system, fatigue) going on for almost 2 decades. She is a little better than house-bound, but not by much.Neither of us have a support network. She needed to separate from her family. My family are not supportive people. She can become very anxious and often feels hopeless.She has undertaken ~8 of psychology sessions recently that has helped with reframing her pain and looking for hope (RAIN)Sometimes our dynamic causes breakdowns. I put in a lot of effort to get this right, but it's too complex and too big.I am looking for a psychology recommendation to work with chronic pain and couples. Gold Coast, if possible. She doesn't like CBT and says it does nothing for her. Thank you

Bellanana Summer and winter fear
  • replies: 1

I get anxiety during summer and depression during winter. Are there any tips or tricks I can do?

I get anxiety during summer and depression during winter. Are there any tips or tricks I can do?

SolZeus Health Anxiety - I can no longer function
  • replies: 1

Hi all, I've had a long history of anxiety. Received treatment in the past for other anxiety disorders. However, over the last two years I have been preoccupied with my health. To the point where my anxiety has led to panic attacks and SEVERE drop in... View more

Hi all, I've had a long history of anxiety. Received treatment in the past for other anxiety disorders. However, over the last two years I have been preoccupied with my health. To the point where my anxiety has led to panic attacks and SEVERE drop in work and parenting performance. I can't stop. I had some tests done last year which sparked it all off. I was worried about cancer, have done a whole battery of tests and each and everytime, the anxiety gets too much. I am currently freaking out about oral cancer and am seeing an ENT to get some mouth issues sorted. I keep Googling. I keep reading up on symptoms, I keep panicking and it just never ends. I am so overwhelmed. My work has SIGNIFICANTLY suffered, as has my parenting. People tell me not to stress, but as a father of a young child, I am petrified of having cancer and no longer being there for her. Everytime I think of it, get completely overwhelmed. I don't want to leave her, I don't want to be sick. That's all I keep thinking. My GP has put me on medications, but that's caused its own issues (insomnia, sexual dysfunction, apathy). I have tried some therapy, but it just gets too expensive (psychologists are now charging over $200!). I don't want to be like this anymore. Test after test, checking on medical symptoms...it's too much.

MK1991 Suffering from Health Anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi All, I am 39 years old healthy male, who never had any major health issues in my life. For the past few months, I have been suffering from health anxiety and fear if I will wake up the next morning or not. It all started from a light puffiness und... View more

Hi All, I am 39 years old healthy male, who never had any major health issues in my life. For the past few months, I have been suffering from health anxiety and fear if I will wake up the next morning or not. It all started from a light puffiness under my eye and I started fearing cancer, had my eyes and skin tested multiple times and even had a brain CT scan done (Yes I know I exposed myself unnecessarily to the radiation, and now I fear the side effects of those ). I have a young family (3 kids under 10) and I do get anxious about their future and if I am not there until they reach a mature age. I have had a few sessions with Psychologists (via my workplace Offer) but still cannot get over this anxiety. I have a hyperactive brain that is always looking for answers and I start googling as soon as I have some sensations or palpitations. I think I have tinnitus as well. I have tried recently to avoid googling symptoms and going out for walks regularly, but on the other hand, my mind keeps on telling me to have a brain MRI to rule out any issues. Looking forward to hearing from you people on how to effectively manage my anxiety. Read a lot about the CBT, which is the next step with my psychologist. Thanks