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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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Autumn_drift There is no one.
  • replies: 6

Does anyone have advice for what to do when you really need someone to talk to in person on short notice but you have no friends and practically no family. I'm struggling with anxiety attacks and depression on my own and I feel utterly hopless and cl... View more

Does anyone have advice for what to do when you really need someone to talk to in person on short notice but you have no friends and practically no family. I'm struggling with anxiety attacks and depression on my own and I feel utterly hopless and close to completely letting go of life. Being In a really bad state (and I mean really bad. particularly anxiety) and knowing you have no one to turn to and that you are completely alone is one of the most gut wrenching, demoralising feelings I have ever known. I know I can talk to someone on the phone for 20 minutes but then I am just plunged straight back into being alone with myself. I wish I just had a hand on my shoulder for once or a hug. Just one hug. I want to break down in someone's arms, should I feel bad about that? I'm at the end of my rope. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this. Any comments are appreciated.

PeggySue92 Noise anxiety
  • replies: 44

Hi all, this is my first time posting and I suffer from noise anxiety. My noise anxiety only exists in my own home, I work in a noisy office environment and this is not a trigger at all. In the past we have had noisy neighbours, air-con units, loud m... View more

Hi all, this is my first time posting and I suffer from noise anxiety. My noise anxiety only exists in my own home, I work in a noisy office environment and this is not a trigger at all. In the past we have had noisy neighbours, air-con units, loud music etc all causing me to think about when the noise will happen again and this causes me to worry about constantly. Even to the point of missing out on enjoying things because I need to try and control situations. At the moment we are in our own house and the neighbours have a dog that barks ALL THE TIME. It’s sensitive to everything and anything and is causing me anxiety because we cant go out to our backyard without being aggressively barked at. The issue has been brought up with the neighbours and they are aware that the barking is disturbing me and my family but not a lot has been done. I'm tired of worrying and thinking the worst of what ‘might’ happen. I'd like to hear from anyone that suffers the same type of anxiety and if they have tips on how to deal with it. Thank you.

gam_gam Panic Disorder - Scared of sounds and parenting
  • replies: 2

Hi New here. I had a panic attack after Boxing Day - first one in 8 years (I have had many life stressors this year so obviously this is why.) my panic attacks sound different to what I read online. Mine include; sheer terror over trivial nonsense th... View more

Hi New here. I had a panic attack after Boxing Day - first one in 8 years (I have had many life stressors this year so obviously this is why.) my panic attacks sound different to what I read online. Mine include; sheer terror over trivial nonsense things like sound, fast cars, balloons, dogs wagging their tails etc my gosh that is so crazy when I write it down. I am so aware when I have these thoughts they are irrational but the body won’t respond straight away. They last about 1-4 minutes and then usually in the past I have shrugged it off and compartmentalised the whole thing . At age 35 I had a big panic attack and it left me in a depression for months after. I’ve counted 5 episodes of this in my adult life now. I did have them as a child (the trigger there is obvious was I was abused.) I recently became a parent at 40 and now this panic attack had thrown me. I’ve been scared to leave the house today and yesterday. I don’t feel like I can parent my 3yo. My husband is supportive but I have the biggest guilt over this. When people say their panic attacks feel ‘like they are going crazy’ is that what they mean? Over sensitivity to light, noise and irrational fear ?

Lin01 Fear and Anxiety caused by loss of mother
  • replies: 2

Dear Beyond Blue communityMy name is Lin and about 2 months ago, my mother passed away suddenly due to a heart attack. She was 70 years old and I am 37 years old. I have always had a very close relationship with my mother. We lived together, went eve... View more

Dear Beyond Blue communityMy name is Lin and about 2 months ago, my mother passed away suddenly due to a heart attack. She was 70 years old and I am 37 years old. I have always had a very close relationship with my mother. We lived together, went everywhere and did everything together. I am not married, and do not have many close family or friends. My mother's recent death has left me feeling very scared, anxious and sometimes lonely. I am now faced with situations where I am not quite sure what to do without my mother beside me. For example, household matters, taking the car for servicing and travelling. In particular, regarding travelling overseas alone, what should I do if my wallet, Passport, cash, keys or mobile phone gets stolen during overseas or even when going through airport security checks. I would not have anyone to support me or lend assistance. I would like to get some advice from others in this forum regarding tackling these situations alone?Thanks very much in advance!

lunajohnson Fight against anxiety
  • replies: 1

Anxiety is a common response of the body to stress and threats. Various reasons can cause anxiety. Exam fear, interview stress, giving speeches in front of people, etc., are some common examples of stress. Anxiety can be managed naturally by proper d... View more

Anxiety is a common response of the body to stress and threats. Various reasons can cause anxiety. Exam fear, interview stress, giving speeches in front of people, etc., are some common examples of stress. Anxiety can be managed naturally by proper diet, sleep, exercises, meditation, etc. For severe cases, it is advised to seek professional help.

Josh.T Work withanxiety/depression
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I am really struggling to go into work. I am a 38 male who has had depression and anxiety my whole life. I am currently working in the mining industry and am finding it really hard being away from my family. The situation I find myself in now... View more

Hi all, I am really struggling to go into work. I am a 38 male who has had depression and anxiety my whole life. I am currently working in the mining industry and am finding it really hard being away from my family. The situation I find myself in now is I have just flown into site and have been ill with gastro, I have taken three days off so far. I was fine by the first day off, but my anxiety to go back to work is crippling, I feel so guilty for not being at work, and the more I take off work the more anxious and depressed I get. For example this morning I woke up to go to work and I just sat on the edge of my bed trying to build up the courage to go, only to take another day off, it was like I couldn't move or think straight. I have lost other jobs because of this and I don't want to loose this one.

Pyrolee Marriage on the rocks, new job is bad
  • replies: 5

HiI feel like my marriage is slipping away. We've been married for 6 years and had a whole process issue with her visa and battled through this for years, we've finally got this sorted and able to live life without restrictions. However I've found as... View more

HiI feel like my marriage is slipping away. We've been married for 6 years and had a whole process issue with her visa and battled through this for years, we've finally got this sorted and able to live life without restrictions. However I've found as soon as this has happened my wifes priorities has changed and now she's trying to get her parents from overseas to come live with us and she even said she wants to buy a house mainly for her, her parents and our son and I feel like where does that leave me because I work my tail off to provide for her and our son who's 8 months and her priorities are parents. She also speaks to her cousin who's also in Australia and she's having issues with her family and in-laws and feel like its rubbing off onto my wife and now destroying our marriage as well. In terms of work I've found a new job but it's a very messy and a dysfunctional workplace and feel like I have to just do this job just to eventually get a house which won't even be mine freely. I feel like what's the point of living if all I'm living for is just to work and get a house that isn't really gonna be mine. Even if we separate I feel like I'm letting my newborn son down as he's the most important person in my life at the moment. My wife, myself and son still live at home with my parents as we can't afford to move out. What should I do because I can't change my wife's views and I'm getting mentally and physically exhausted with life.

Neverforget Not sure if its anxiety or grief
  • replies: 1

I lost my 94 year old father in March this year followed by my brother in September. Its been a stressful year to say the least and I have tried to give myself time. As Christmas approaches my stress levels and restlessness have increased. I find mys... View more

I lost my 94 year old father in March this year followed by my brother in September. Its been a stressful year to say the least and I have tried to give myself time. As Christmas approaches my stress levels and restlessness have increased. I find myself being emotional and teary more frequently. I guess I should see a counsellor but not game enough to take the first step. Just wanted to know has anyone else felt this ongoing grief. Thought it would have passed by now.

braxhorse_9 I feel sad
  • replies: 4

I feel sad , I can’t control my emotions I need external help 

I feel sad , I can’t control my emotions I need external help 

T-sauras-rex Work Anxiety and Stress
  • replies: 5

Hi! I am currently finding myself in a very contradictory situation. I feel as though I want to leave my current workplace and look for something new. There are pros and cons to staying and pros and cons of leaving. I have been so anxious and scared ... View more

Hi! I am currently finding myself in a very contradictory situation. I feel as though I want to leave my current workplace and look for something new. There are pros and cons to staying and pros and cons of leaving. I have been so anxious and scared that I won't make the right decision. My current job is very flexible and close to home, I have the option to work from home and overall sounds good on paper. Although I am told I am valued at my workplace I don't feel as though I am. I find that a lot of the jobs I am asked to do is because someone else doesn't want to, or can't be bothered - such as putting their own things and work away, or putting something back once they have used it. I am lucky to have learned some new skills however, that are worthwhile and good to have on a resume. I was only really taught these things whilst one of the employees was away for a handful of months due to personal reasons, and they haven't come back to working their normal hours. I feel as though if that wasn't the case I don't think I wound have been provided the opportunity to learn these things. I feel as though I dn't necessarily fit because I am the only person in a different role. Everyone says that my role is important and without it the workplace would be a mess, but it feels like one of those things you say just to be nice. A new job I feel will be refreshing and a challenge in a good way and bad. I find that due to my mental health I will be unreliable and won't always be able to cope at work / in the workplace. It may be far from home, which could be a challenge as I want to remain as close to home as possible as I am not confident in driving or taking public transport. I am worried I will fail and wish I never left my other workplace. I am anxious that I might hate it and it will be too stressful. I worked so hard to get my degree and am struggling to find work due to lack of experience and lack of confidence in myself being able to do the job. My psychologist and gp are saying i should leave and find something new. Failing is learning, and that if I hate a job I am better off trying and knowing it was not for me, than wondering what if. I don't know what to do. Realistically I am scared! Scared of the whole process, making the wrong decision, forcing myself to stay in a place I am no longer finding joy, scared of trying something new and it not working out. I would love some insight and your thoughts if you made it this far through my blabbering! Thank you