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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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Guest_18535676 Endless anxiety
  • replies: 5

How can anxiety be so powerful it changes who you were, it terrifies me because I never know when it will turn up. I don’t know why it chose me and it turned up when I already had a list of problems. I know it’s telling me something but I’m stuck I d... View more

How can anxiety be so powerful it changes who you were, it terrifies me because I never know when it will turn up. I don’t know why it chose me and it turned up when I already had a list of problems. I know it’s telling me something but I’m stuck I don’t know how to move forward with decisions, I’m scared. Any suggestions?

string_cheese Scared of change and growing and the future
  • replies: 10

Hi there, today I am just overwhelmed by thoughts about how uncertainty and risk is going to turn out in the future. At the moment, I am trying to let go of my control issues and accepting imperfection at work and in love. But while I'm doing that it... View more

Hi there, today I am just overwhelmed by thoughts about how uncertainty and risk is going to turn out in the future. At the moment, I am trying to let go of my control issues and accepting imperfection at work and in love. But while I'm doing that it brings up so many feelings of anger and disappointment and shame and confusion. Sometimes I find it hard to cope with those feelings. Am I going crazy? What can I do to make it easier? I really need to be able to deal with these feelings because I know in life they are guaranteed.

Beaniegirl Anxiety, doubt and homesickness after moving into new house
  • replies: 1

My family and I moved into a new house 5 weeks ago and for that whole time I have felt so homesick for our old house and so anxious I am having trouble eating. This house is one that we had loved (in theory) for a couple of years and when the opportu... View more

My family and I moved into a new house 5 weeks ago and for that whole time I have felt so homesick for our old house and so anxious I am having trouble eating. This house is one that we had loved (in theory) for a couple of years and when the opportunity came up to buy it we felt like it was too good to be true and we couldn't pass it up, even though it would mean moving with a two year old and a 9 week old baby. Since moving though I am finding that expectation doesn't match the reality; I am so uncomfortable in this house and wish that we had never moved. I'm so unhappy and just wish that I could get back the feeling of 'home' and feeling secure in my surroundings. I know that 5 weeks isn't very long and it can take time to settle in a new house (and I did experience these feelings as well when we moved into our old house that I'm now homesick for) but I am just so panicked and scared at the thought of feeling like this for however long it takes for this to feel like home. My husband is amazingly supportive and says that if we give it a go for a decent amount of time and my feelings haven't changed then we don't have to stay; having that as an option gives me some relief but again, I don't know how to cope with the thought that I could feel such heightened anxiety and discomfort for however long it takes for us to decide if this house is right or wrong for us. On top of all that I am feeling so much guilt that I feel like I can't be the best mum to my kids because I constantly feel in fight or flight and on the verge of tears. I hope there might be others who can empathise with this feeling, it feels like such an extreme reaction and so much more than just 'change is difficult'.

JacintaMarie Depressed
  • replies: 58

Hi How are you? Sorry, I'm back & I can't get my mind off of the thought that my management at work is not good. They're okay. I think I need to leave, but I'm terrible at getting jobs. Plus too, I'm the only one who thinks our management is not doin... View more

Hi How are you? Sorry, I'm back & I can't get my mind off of the thought that my management at work is not good. They're okay. I think I need to leave, but I'm terrible at getting jobs. Plus too, I'm the only one who thinks our management is not doing a good job! My brain has given up & I don't want to have ideas, as no one likes them & they don't like change. Most people there think management are the best (I don't say anything, as it wouldn't be professional) , which makes me more lonely as I'm the only one and I feel bad & guilty. Don't get me wrong, their not bad people, just not good managers, more into the money. I'm so bad, that I've been wishing for directors or judges or lawyers to tell them what to do. I can't seem to rid my brain of this thought, to just do my work. I can't go to HR, as they can't do anything - I'm an awful awful person, for even thinking how hopeless they are - plus too, they act like their doing a wonderful job - so I'm wrong Thanks for letting me rant - and I am trying to find another job, but it's hard & than I get more depressed, because there's probably more bad management out there & so there's no point in leaving... I've been doing really great, & now... On the bright side, it was a nice day today... I understand why people get depressed at work, but also sad as management are people, but can't see the wood for the trees, that people can't talk to them, to tell the truth. I can now understand how court cases happen because of it, but that's useless as unless people want to change, they won't. But also too, in the world, there's no hope as bad management stays in organisations- no one cares.

Aly Home life stressful bf works away and feels impossible to be okay without him, panic attack trigger
  • replies: 1

My mums been diagnosed with cancer works a toxic environment and stressful my bf has gone away for work for 2 1/2 weeks and I feel impossible to handle it without him and no one I’m around beilives in (mental health) so I feel alone and scared

My mums been diagnosed with cancer works a toxic environment and stressful my bf has gone away for work for 2 1/2 weeks and I feel impossible to handle it without him and no one I’m around beilives in (mental health) so I feel alone and scared

rab_34 Work burnout and anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi, it’s my first post here and would like to seek advices on my situation. A bit long I’m sorry. I’m a nurse working in hospital and just moved to Australia 2.5 years ago. During the first half year, everything seems fine and I did enjoyed it. Then ... View more

Hi, it’s my first post here and would like to seek advices on my situation. A bit long I’m sorry. I’m a nurse working in hospital and just moved to Australia 2.5 years ago. During the first half year, everything seems fine and I did enjoyed it. Then management changed and I started hating my job. I’ve been nurse for 10 years and haven’t feel this again after my grad year. Workload is triple increased and unreasonable rules made by the department make me feel very unpredictable. Work culture here encourages compulsory overtime while we already worked more than legal hours. We asked to prioritize work over family and health. 1 year plus is required to book for a week of holiday. Compliments are discouraged and will got told off. Day/night roster is unstable which mades financial also unstable. I developed anxiety-like symptoms around 1-2 years ago. It started as failed to wind down and clear my mind, tired and exhausted, to recently palpitation, rage, poor sleep, hard to focus and organize, unable to enjoy any hobby/holiday/moment. I now get irritated very easily and have zero patience. At the same time rushing to do many things but still feel like no time. I’m losing my self. I know mainly of the stress came from my job. But what else can I do when having bills to pay. Job vacancies of the department I worked at are limited as kinda specialized. Another public hospital got repeated workplace bullying while other hospitals are private which are even more hectic. Also it can be hard to transit as I share one car with my partner so it’s not guaranteed to fit the time. It seems there’s nowhere better unless I considered moving interstate. It’s also hard to move home due to political and economical factors there. I love the state I’m living in. Nature, weather, people. They are so good. But I feel like I’m 90% full of the bottle and getting harder and harder to control my anger and helplessness. Wondering shall I start Mental Health Care Plan and reach out professional support or I just wait and see?I’m also worried on the time that I spent on counselling and therapy. As I work 40 hrs per wk + compulsory overtime + compulsory oncall, I feel so stressful to get to therapy on my day off. Also the share one car problem for transport. Does anyone know are there any good telehealth therapy available under MHCP? And which professional shall I go to? Psychologist, therapist or counselling? Thank you so much for reading here. Sorry that it’s v long. Wish you all had a good one.

Neikatee022 Anxiety related issues
  • replies: 4

I’ve had anxiety now for about 7-8 years and it’s completely changed my life drastically! I’ve seen many counselors, therapists, psychologists and non of them feel like they don’t work for me so I’ve given up seeking help. I’ve tried some medications... View more

I’ve had anxiety now for about 7-8 years and it’s completely changed my life drastically! I’ve seen many counselors, therapists, psychologists and non of them feel like they don’t work for me so I’ve given up seeking help. I’ve tried some medications but I don’t stay on them long because I feel like I don’t have the time to sit around and wait to see what meds work for me and what don’t. I’m a single mother aswell and I feel so hopeless. I want to be diagnosed properly for my anxiety disorder so I know what I’m dealing with and can find the right solution to help me live “normal” again and be the best mum to my daughter.

Denis74 Anxiety
  • replies: 4

Hello everyone I'm a 52 yrs old italian male living in Australia, I've been suffering for anxiety for 29 yrs, been on medications for yrs that kept anxiety under control...however a week ago things changed, after 2 minor panic attacks my anxiety sky-... View more

Hello everyone I'm a 52 yrs old italian male living in Australia, I've been suffering for anxiety for 29 yrs, been on medications for yrs that kept anxiety under control...however a week ago things changed, after 2 minor panic attacks my anxiety sky-rocketed impacting my sleep like it never did before.... anyone experienced this as well? It never effected my sleep before. Thank you for all answers

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.

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