Support
Support

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Share your own story and learn about other member’s experiences with anxiety.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

Pinned discussions

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

All discussions

Start a conversation

Teenboymum Teen school refusal anxiety
  • replies: 6

My 15 yr old son has gradually become disinterested in his future. After having small bullying incidents, and trouble with inconsistent friends who, in my opinion, didn't behave like real friends, over the first couple of years in high school, he's n... View more

My 15 yr old son has gradually become disinterested in his future. After having small bullying incidents, and trouble with inconsistent friends who, in my opinion, didn't behave like real friends, over the first couple of years in high school, he's now giving up on school. I pulled him out of the school he was in for 2 and a half years as he was hit and it was videoed and he was tormented by this and refused to go back. So I managed to get him in another school and they were amazing and very flexible, but by this time he felt like the odd one out and didn't like the attention so had refused to go back to that one. I have now been able to get him into an amazing alternative school, however a so called friend who goes to that school, has gone behind his back with his, then girlfriend, so he was completely betrayed. So now I don't think he wants to go to the alternative school, which would have been perfect. I'm devastated by the constant never ending negative events in his life. He now rides off on his bike at all hours and his faith in the future and "friends" has diminished. He no longer sees the point of things he once cared, about only a year ago. I fear he is depressed and possibly doing things he shouldn't be, like vaping, something he was totally against not that long ago. I think the group of bike friends he has are not the greatest influence, but they are giving him the comradeship that he feels he belongs. He has always had a sense of justice and fairness, but I think it is being chipped away, and I'm losing the boy I once knew. He does still talk to me about some things, but I never know what mood I'm going to get, and am starting to tread on egg shells. I can still see the loving side of him, but fear where he may end up. He is reluctant to see anyone, like a psychologist, as we have tried a couple times before, only to be let down. I'm tired and have waves of dread. I do see a counsellor, but I'm running out of solutions. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Clover9312 Feeling behind and having trouble seeing a bright future
  • replies: 2

This year has felt very uneventful for me. It's almost over and I feel like I'm accomplished nothing. I won't deny that I'm extremely lucky. I enjoy my job and have hobbies that bring me immeasurable joy. I have beautiful friendships - long term and ... View more

This year has felt very uneventful for me. It's almost over and I feel like I'm accomplished nothing. I won't deny that I'm extremely lucky. I enjoy my job and have hobbies that bring me immeasurable joy. I have beautiful friendships - long term and new. While it hasn't been entirely gloomy, I also can't shake off a feeling of grief and extreme disappointment. I feel really behind for my age. I'm 32 and I'm not any closer to being in a fulfilling relationship. It's also not financially feasible for me to move out of my parents' home at the moment. I have a very solid bond with them and live close to the CBD, so the situation works for us. But I can't help but feel ashamed that I haven't gotten into the property market like many other people I know (many of whom who are in partnerships and living on a double income). I've had really violent anxiety dreams that have been on and off throughout the year. I keep dreaming that someone is going to attack me. I've discussed these in therapy, which has proved to be valuable and interesting for me. I think these dreams are symbolic of my own self-loathing. I wake up feeling heavy. Like I said, I can find pockets of joy, but it's hard not feel weighed down by these nightmares I'm having at night. I feel like the minute I get excited about something or someone, the other shoe drops. My love life is completely non-existent. I know everyone says that being in a relationship isn't the be all and end all. But I think we all crave connection and it's ok to be open about that need. I got out of a relationship that wasn't working for me last year, healed from that and I've felt ready after everything I've learnt from past relationships to meet someone new. I have balanced discernment with an open heart and have gone on many dates. But I've found myself in situations that ultimately made me feel uncomfortable when meeting in person. I even had to order Ubers in bar bathrooms just to be able to leave immediately. I could never have predicted this discomfort prior to meeting these people. I feel like I'm sensible when I decide to meet up with somebody. But you just never know and I feel like It's been genuine bad luck. I can't understand why I have beautiful long term friendships and a place in my local community, but can't find myself in a fulfilling relationship. At this point I don't even expect to meet anyone. I really had high hopes, but these are slipping away from me. I'm in the process of looking into freezing my eggs and it's just making me feel extremely emotional and touchy, so I thought I'd share this. Sending love to anyone reading this and going through something similar. I never wanted to buy into the idea that being single in your 30s is scary. But here I am. It's hard to see that things are going to improve.

Catty98_P My gut keeps telling me that I can’t do it and that I will fall :(
  • replies: 2

Hi, I’m currently a year 10 student and I am doing my second try on my OLNA numeracy exam. However I had and have been feeling really anxious, nervous and scared about it. I have already failed once and I feel like I let everyone down, moreover idk i... View more

Hi, I’m currently a year 10 student and I am doing my second try on my OLNA numeracy exam. However I had and have been feeling really anxious, nervous and scared about it. I have already failed once and I feel like I let everyone down, moreover idk if its my gut or inner voice in my head but it keeps telling me that I will not pass and I will fall like on the first try. I will be very disappointed in myself if I fall this time too.

Dollie Expectations
  • replies: 12

Hi angels. On the outside I look like this positive uplifting girl. Jokes and laughs with others, has money and encourages others. Yet I feel like I'm dying on the inside. Suffocated my expectations of beauty and grades and this perfect exterior. I c... View more

Hi angels. On the outside I look like this positive uplifting girl. Jokes and laughs with others, has money and encourages others. Yet I feel like I'm dying on the inside. Suffocated my expectations of beauty and grades and this perfect exterior. I constantly feel like everyone's life is more valuable and meaningful than mine. I feel alone even when I surrounded by friends and family. Their comments constantly feel hollow and fake, as if there is no meaning. I constantly feel these great expectations towards me. My mum expects a lot from me, I expect a lot from me. I constantly compare myself to others, and feel hopeless. I try my best, staying up until late nights studying, pushing my body past it's limits. I feel this pressure crushing me underneath, unable to do or say anything to make myself feel better. I'm only 12 but I've still never felt pure joy in anything, in happiness or my accomplishments. The weight of expectations feels like it's crushing me, nobody seems to understand me. And when they act like they do it sounds shallow, meaningless, like something to fill the empty space. As if it isn't meant to mean anything but just fill the awkward quietness. To act like they care when they don't. Recently the air has just felt different, louder, looser. Words are meaningless, life feels pointless. - Dollie

oceamilys Spiralling after job interview with dream organisation
  • replies: 3

I had a job interview today with an organisation that I really want to work for but I made two mistakes in. It was a 12-person group interview and we split up into two smaller groups of 6 with an assessor for each one. I thought each group would go t... View more

I had a job interview today with an organisation that I really want to work for but I made two mistakes in. It was a 12-person group interview and we split up into two smaller groups of 6 with an assessor for each one. I thought each group would go through the activity with their specific assessor and so focused began to focus on our group and assessor. I could see one group mate was reading the paper upside down so said “can you see it okay?”. I didn’t realise that the other assessor that was running the activity with the other group was essentially still talking to all 12 of us and it looked like I spoke over her. To top it off, when we had the chance to ask questions I popped my hand up but then would miss out due to people verbally just going ahead and asking their question (which is completely fine). They said one last question and I raised my hand and quietly but awkwardly said “could I have a go please?”. I feel like it came out so condescendingly and it’s making me feel so sick. I can feel myself about to spiral quite severely as this was such a big opportunity and I have now ruined it. Hoping someone can rationalise this a bit better for me. Sorry for the long post and thank you so much for taking the time to read this rambling.

Steve4458 Noisy Neighbours Triggers Anxiety
  • replies: 2

I'm a 32 year old man living with my wife, no kids. Been in a town house for the last 6 years - our first home. I have always suffered from depression and anxiety but have improved over the last few years.Around 5 years ago, the neighbour on one side... View more

I'm a 32 year old man living with my wife, no kids. Been in a town house for the last 6 years - our first home. I have always suffered from depression and anxiety but have improved over the last few years.Around 5 years ago, the neighbour on one side played music so loud it rocked the walls and my wife was in tears. We weren't on best terms with the neighbour but I smoothed it out and all was well.Before that time I had no anxiety with noisy neighbours. I think its some kind of effect from that time but now whenever I hear the neighbours it gives me such bad anxiety I feel sick, cant eat, have digestive issues. Mainly when they play music; the doors closing etc is fairly ok.That one man has since moved on, we have new neighbours, and we are on good terms. I have before asked them to please consider turning the volume of music down and it was a positive conversation.Today I heard them playing music through the wall and my chest got tight and I couldn't eat the dinner my wife made me. She didnt comment on the noise and I don't even know if she heard it. But I feel so sick, anxious, horrible over it. I also feel very sad and ashamed such a small thing gets to me when there are bigger problems in the world.I was too nervous to text the neighbour. Eventually I put the wife in bed with dessert and went to help my mother in law with something. But I still feel terrible over it.I dont know what to do - this is mainly my problem. The neighbour is good, this is the first time in around 6 months this has happened. I cant have him walking on egg Shells all the time either. I just struggle so much with it and dont know how to fix myself.Eventually we will move from a town house to a stand alone house, and i will see about acoustic windows and insulation, but I worry this is a lifelong problem I have developed.

Scott_B2002 I’m 23 soon to be 24 I have no friends no car no career no savings no nothing I’m struggling bad
  • replies: 10

I’m struggling I’m a 23 year old male aithmy plans no friends and I’m stuck at home all day I really would just like someone to see n have a coffee with and have good conversations I just wanna feel important and get out there I have no car no saving... View more

I’m struggling I’m a 23 year old male aithmy plans no friends and I’m stuck at home all day I really would just like someone to see n have a coffee with and have good conversations I just wanna feel important and get out there I have no car no savings no life plans n just wanna know I’m not alone

Guest_10277 I suffer with anxiety
  • replies: 3

Hi I suffer with anxiety and need someone to talk too

Hi I suffer with anxiety and need someone to talk too

mgb_panda Anxiously waiting
  • replies: 2

I recently had a mammogram that found an abnormality and I’ve been called into hospital for further tests to determine what it is. I panicked but the day after I got the email, I spoke with a really kind nurse at the hospital clinic who reassured me ... View more

I recently had a mammogram that found an abnormality and I’ve been called into hospital for further tests to determine what it is. I panicked but the day after I got the email, I spoke with a really kind nurse at the hospital clinic who reassured me that in my state it’s normal to recall women if it’s their first exam (no prior imaging to base off of) and that for most women it’s not cancer. After I spoke with her I felt so much better. But last week I came down with flu and have spent the last 3+ days in bed, and my mind has gone to thinking the worst. My mum died from secondary breast cancer age 61. I am 51, and since my mum died I’ve been very afraid of getting cancer (my brother died of malignant melanoma when he was 28; he passed 18mo before my mum). I am feeling scared and I keep having the thought that it’s cancer and I’m going to die. Worse, I keep having the thought that I deserve it because I haven’t always been a nice person or made the best decisions, and I’m being punished. I have depression and I have learned skills to manage it but generally speaking, when I am very low, I think I don’t deserve to live. Now that I’m facing this ambiguity — waiting for tests and results — I know absolutely I do not want to die. This is also why I have the thought I am being punished. I have a wonderful therapist and a supportive husband, but I don’t have any friends and have struggled with intense loneliness. I can talk to my husband, but I don’t have any girlfriends. I feel very alone. Logically, I know I do not have a diagnosis, that this additional testing is routine practice, that 9+/10 women recalled don't have cancer, that even if I have cancer it’s not a death sentence. Emotionally, I am so afraid. I am doing grounding exercises and journalling. I tell myself my mum’s story is not my story. But with my tests in a couple of days’ time, my anxiety and fear is growing. I have read other posts here similar to mine so in a way I know I’m not alone. I wish I was a really resilient woman who could face anything with strength and grace, but I’m just feeling scared and alone.

Katabi Grief after losing my brother has turned into severe anxiety
  • replies: 7

My brother passed away from cancer a little over three weeks ago. His illness progressed extremely quickly, and since his death I have been struggling with intense anxiety, particularly from the time I wake up until late afternoon.My mind keeps going... View more

My brother passed away from cancer a little over three weeks ago. His illness progressed extremely quickly, and since his death I have been struggling with intense anxiety, particularly from the time I wake up until late afternoon.My mind keeps going to worst-case scenarios about my own health and what would happen to my wife and children if something suddenly happened to me. I feel overwhelmed by everything I still need to finish and all the responsibilities I carry.At times I feel okay, but then the anxiety suddenly returns. I struggle to settle, focus, eat normally or decide whether I should rest or keep busy. I have spoken with a doctor and have another follow-up appointment booked. I am also waiting to see my regular GP about professional grief and mental-health support.I am not looking for medical advice. I would really like to hear from people who experienced severe anxiety after a bereavement. Did it come in waves like this? What helped you get through the difficult daytime hours while you were waiting for professional support?

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright � 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map